MANHATTAN, KANSAS, U.S. – Grain elevator managers or those involved in grain storage who are interested in learning more efficient practices should consider attending the Grain Elevator Managers course at Kansas State University’s IGP Institute Conference Center Jan. 4-8, 2016.

“The purpose of this course is to supply grain-management information that is not available elsewhere to help grain managers properly understand how to avoid errors and become more efficient,” said Carl Reed, IGP Institute grain storage specialist. “Much of that information was developed through scientific investigation and we invite guest speakers to teach the non-science subjects such as personnel management and grain-handling equipment.”

Included in the course will be presentations from Reed and other professionals with classroom discussions and workshops. Topics to be covered include grain quality characteristics and grading, air properties relating to aeration, operations costs, equipment and fumigation plans. Reed said the course will be especially beneficial to new managers.

Manager of United farmers Co-op in Brownton, Minnesota, U.S. and former course participant, Tony Martens, found this course especially helpful regarding aeration practices.

“I now have a better understanding of how air moves moisture through the bin,” said Martens. “We will definitely be able to aerate grain more efficiently now and that is a big expense for us.”

The IGP Institute faculty and staff recognize the significance of interacting and building relationships with industry professionals and encourage the networking opportunities that are available through the IGP Institute courses.

“The greatest benefit is an appreciation of the importance of system and documentation in grain management,” Reed said. “I hope they learn this from the formal presentations and from interaction with grain managers from other companies with other cultures.”

To register for this course or to view other training opportunities with IGP, visit the IGP Institute web site at www.ksu.edu/igp.