Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. California is on the verge of legalizing E15 fuel for the first time after the legislature unanimously passed Assembly Bill 30. In this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, Jim Lenz, Director of Global Education and Training at GEAPS, talks with Geoff Cooper, President & CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), about how persistence, coalition-building, and strat...
Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. What does 50 years in the grain industry teach you about smarter equipment decisions? Today’s guest, Jeff Schwab, knows the answer firsthand. Jeff began his career at just 15 years old, working night shifts at a local mill while finishing high school. After completing a Vo-Tech program in drafting and design, he spent decades shaping the grain industry—first as a draftsm...
Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. Scott Brittingham doesn't just recruit members to GEAPS—he builds community by forging meaningful connections that last a lifetime. As the organization's top recruiter for six of the last seven years, his approach reveals profound insights about leadership, mentorship, and the future of the grain industry. Starting his journey at just 14 years old sweeping floors at his...
Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. Internships are more than just short-term work experiences—they’re the first step in building a future-ready workforce. In this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, host Jim Lenz and Betsy Polis, Sr. Director of Projects and Events, introduces GEAPS' NextGen Path—a free, flexible internship companion program designed to enrich intern experiences at grain facilities and su...
Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. Port Pressures: Navigating Grain Facility Challenges with Smart Equipment Solutions Sponsored by AGI – Ag Growth International In this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, host Jim Lenz, Director of Global Training and Education at GEAPS, is joined by Justin Paterson of AGI (Ag Growth International) to dive into the modern-day challenges faced by grain port facilities — ...
Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. In this episode of the Whole Grain podcast, we’re heading deep into bourbon country—to the rolling hills of Loretto, Kentucky — where time meets tradition, and grain quality isn’t just important... it’s everything. Today, we’re pouring a glass of something a little different. We bring in two outstanding guests inn to today’s show, both of Peterson Farms in Kentucky...
Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, joins Jim Lenz, Director of Education and Training at GEAPS, to share a powerful vision for expanding ethanol markets through permanent E15 access — and the tremendous impact it would have on the grain industry. The recent EPA summer waiver for E15 marks a significant victory, but Emily explains why congressional action is essential to m...
Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. Episode Summary: In this episode of The Whole Grain Podcast, host Jim Lenz welcomes Brent Hansen, Commercial Accounts Manager for Sukup Manufacturing Co., for a fascinating discussion on the evolution and future of grain storage. From the humble beginnings of smaller grain bins to today’s towering structures designed for massive operations, Brent shares expert insights o...
Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. How do cooperatives enhance stability, resilience, and profitability in the grain industry? In this insightful episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, host Jim Lenz sits down with Dr. Keri L. Jacobs, Associate Professor of Agricultural and Applied Economics at the University of Missouri and Executive Director of the Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership (GICL). Dr. Ja...
Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. In this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, host Jim Lenz welcomes John Caupert, Executive Director of GEAPS, to discuss the transformational shifts happening in agriculture and what they mean for GEAPS members. Fresh off the success of GEAPS Exchange 2025, John reflects on key takeaways from the event, including the launch of groundbreaking educational initiatives like ...
Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. What if the future of renewable energy could lie in the hands of agriculture? In this captivating conversation, host Jim Lenz, sits down with Eric McAfee, the visionary CEO of Aemetis. McAfee shares groundbreaking insights into sustainable and innovative renewable fuel solutions that benefit communities and restore our environment. You'll learn how Aemetis is pione...
Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. Discover the keys to mastering conveyor system maintenance in grain operations with our special guest, Jake Crockford from IBT Industrial Solutions. Jake shares with the Whole Grain podcast host and GEAPS’ Director of Education and Training, Jim Lenz, his profound expertise on overcoming obstacles in grain facilities, from aging equipment to workforce shortages, and offe...
Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. In this insightful episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, host Jim Lenz sits down with Robert White, Vice President of Industry Relations and Market Development at the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). With decades of experience in ethanol market development and a deep connection to the grain industry, Robert brings a wealth of knowledge about the transformative role of re...
Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. Unlock the secrets to staying ahead in the grain industry as we gear up for the GEAPS Exchange 2025, the ultimate event for grain professionals. With GEAPS Executive Director John Caupert joining us, learn how this year’s conference is set to break new ground with over 400 exhibitors and the debut of a cutting-edge grain processing track. Get insider knowledge on the eve...
Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. In her job at Cargill, GEAPS Member April-Hope Wareham serves as continuous improvement lead for more than 30 grain terminals along and east of the Mississippi River. In the latest episode of Whole Grain Podcast, GEAPS’s Director of Education and Training Jim Lenz talks to Wareham about her wealth of experience in barge, bluewater shipping, rail operations and food safet...
Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. Have you ever wondered how to transform your grain inventory management for peak efficiency and profitability? In this episode of Whole Grain, we're joined by Jim Voigt, a long-time veteran of the grain industry with extensive experience in inventory management. Voigt's career spans several decades, during which he has significantly contributed to the growth and e...
Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn soybeans into the versatile products we use daily? You might know Danny Lein as one of the newest additions to GEAPS International Board of Directors. He's also a skilled plant manager at Oxbow Crush in Greenwood, Mississippi. In this episode, Lein takes us step-by-step through the soy crush process. From the mome...
Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. What if the key to building a successful agricultural career lies in a well-structured internship? Join us as we discuss the transformative potential of internships in the agriculture industry. Our guest, Dustin Toberman, president and founder of OMNI Ag, shares his vast experience and insights on how internships have evolved from informal roles to structured, skill-enha...
Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. Learn about autonomous railcar loading solutions in this special promotional episode of Whole Grain podcast brought to us by RAYHAWK Technologies. The RAYHAWK autonomous railcar loading solutions bring the latest in technology and digitization to reality; seamlessly integrating computer vision, machine learning and autonomous operations to ensure safe and efficien...
Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. Dr. Kurt Rosentrater, an expert in grain handling and processing from Iowa State University, sits down with Jim Lenz for "Fueling Progress: The Evolution of the Ethanol Industry. " This episode of Whole Grain Podcast discusses the ever-changing landscape of the ethanol industry and its determined march toward sustainable practices. Learn how th...