GEAPS webinars provide educational and innovative content. Presented by industry experts and designed for grain industry professionals, these interactive webinars cover topics you care about.
We welcome you to join us for these webinars to learn, ask questions, and connect with the presenter and others.
Upcoming Webinars
The Operator’s Edge: AI That Amplifies, Not Replaces
August 26, 2025
12:00 p.m. CDT
In the world of industrial operations, the sharpest edge isn’t always coded, it’s cultivated. It lives in the intuition of seasoned operators who know when to slow the line, hold the truck, or adjust the flow before any system flags a problem. As complexity outpaces human tracking, the future of AI in this space hinges on one thing: collaboration, not control.
This fireside chat style webinar explores how AI by design listens before it acts augmenting frontline expertise instead of automating it away. We’ll unpack real-world examples of AI systems that adapt in real time, preserve institutional knowledge, and deliver measurable gains in margin, energy efficiency, and operational resilience.
We will explore:
- From Instinct to Intelligence – How can AI learn from tacit operator knowledge rather than overwrite it?
- Collaboration Over Control – What does human-AI teamwork look like on the factory floor?
- The Data You Already Have – Why are so many sites still stuck, despite having 70% of the needed data? Reskilling staff is critical.
- Proof Over Promises – Where is AI already delivering impact across operations, energy, and shrink?
- Dignity at the Center – How can we turn judgment into logic, and experience into lasting equity?
About the Speaker
Shail Khiyara
CEO
SWARM Engineering
Shail Khiyara is a global transformational executive and strategic operator. He has built, scaled, and guided some of the most influential AI and Intelligent Automation companies—from pioneering startups to public companies. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice in AI in 2003/2004, Shail has cemented his place as a global thought leader in automation and AI. His expertise includes Industrial AI, automation, digital transformation, and customer-centric and relationship-building leadership. Over two decades, Shail has scaled companies, driven operational transformations, and led growth in both public and private companies. Currently, he serves as CEO of SWARM Engineering, focusing on AI powered industrial automation.
Beyond the Grain: Maximizing Value of Storage and Handling for Co-Products
September 17, 2025
12:00 p.m. CDT
Coproducts such as dried distillers grains (DDGs), soybean meal, or corn gluten are critical feed ingredients, but they behave very differently from whole grains in storage and handling. Their variability in moisture, fat, and particle size creates challenges that can affect flowability, product quality, and worker safety. To mitigate risks and maximize value, there are practical approaches grounded in research to help you better manage these coproducts in your facility. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to reduce risk, improve efficiency, and maintain product integrity.
Key Takeaways:
- Identify the physical and flow properties of different coproducts that influence storage and handling behavior.
- Integrate co-product management into broader grain handling operations for safer, more efficient facilities.
- Understand equipment design and material handling systems best suited for these coproducts.
- Apply storage and handling practices that maintain product quality.
- Recognize the key risks—such as caking, spoilage, dust explosibility, and fire hazards—and practical mitigation strategies.
About the Speaker
Kurt Rosentrater, Ph.D., SEA
Professor
Iowa State University
Dr. Kurt Rosentrater is a professor at Iowa State University. He has built a career spanning industry, government, and academia, focused on advancing sustainability in the grain processing, food, feed, bioproduct, and bio-renewable industries. His work applies physics, chemistry, and engineering to biological systems, developing and optimizing supply chains through techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) to maximize value while minimizing environmental impact. With projects ranging from lab to ecosystem scale, he conducts research, outreach, and training across the Midwest and the globe.
Harvest Outlook & Market Update
October 22, 2025
12:00 p.m. CDT
Stay tuned for more details.
About the Speaker
Dr. Charlie Hurburgh
Professor Emeritus
Iowa State University
Dr. Hurburgh is a native Iowan and professor emeritus of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University and continues to operate the family farm. He has a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctoral degree from Iowa State, and specializes in quality management systems with related traceability, measurement, and sensor technologies. He is the author of more than 250 technical and general articles on grain quality, measurement science, and grain marketing.
Previous Webinars
Previous GEAPS webinars are available for free to GEAPS members in our Video Library. Filter by “Past Webinars” to see the full list.