MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, U.S. — Registration is now open for four grain operations courses from the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) and Kansas State University (KSU) Distance Education Program.  These online courses run from April 18 – May 20, and registration closes April 12. Courses are open to anyone, even if they are not a GEAPS member or a student enrolled at K-State. Online registration and more information on individual courses are available on the GEAPS/KSU Distance Education Program website.
 
GEAPS 510: Grain Facilities Planning and Design I: This course covers the key factors and information needed to build new facilities or modernize existing structures. Lectures cover facility types and capacities, storage structures, equipment, layouts and site selection. At the end of the course, participants will be asked to lay out a simple facility.

GEAPS 525: Management of Insect Pests in Stored Grain: Participants will learn the skills to prevent and manage insect infestations using practical chemical and nonchemical methods. Lessons chronicle the most common types of insects associated with stored grain; pest management concepts including preventive and responsive tactics; and proper use of protectants and fumigants.
 
GEAPS 541: Developing an Effective Safety Culture: Learn the concept of safety cultures, how to evaluate a company and how safety affects a company’s bottom line. Lectures teach participants to assess the return on investment for safety cultures, determine the components of strong safety cultures and provide tools for reshaping attitudes and promoting employee buy-in.

GEAPS 552: Materials Handling III: This course aims to introduce students to key information about powered-transmission design, system design and other affiliated systems used to move and store grain and related commodities. While not required, it is recommended that participants complete GEAPS 550: Materials Handling I and GEAPS 551: Materials Handling II before taking this course.

GEAPS 510 is one of six courses required to earn the Credential in Grain Operations Management (CGOM). The CGOM is the first formal credential in the grain industry, and can be augmented with Specialist Credentials in Grain Quality Management, Grain Handling Equipment Management and Property and Casualty Risk Management.  Learn more about the credential program on the GEAPS website.

Tuition for GEAPS/KSU continuing education courses is $670 for GEAPS members and $850 for non-members. For more information about the courses or to register, visit the GEAPS website, contact Katya Morrell or call (763) 999-4300.