Takeaways from GEAPS Kernel to Consumer Tour
GEAPS members are the connecting link between the farmer and the consumer. More specifically, we are those of the grain handling and grain processing industries. On May 20-22, five members of GEAPS Universe sojourned to the St. Louis, MO, area to follow a grain kernel. From the origin on the farm to its travels to feed, fuel, and clothe the world, GEAPS members play a role.
GEAPS CEO John Caupert arranged this three-day excursion packed with tours, facility visits, and all things agriculture. “The key elements I wanted everyone to see first-hand were bulk grain handling and grain processing,” said Caupert. “Following this grain trail not only helped our staff better understand the industry, but provided an opportunity to connect with primary personnel in those spaces—GEAPS members.”
And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, “I need a caretaker”
The tour began down to the roots—literally—with a visit to the farm. Spring planting was underway in Waterloo, IL, at NCGA President Kenny Hartman’s operation. Coming off one of the wettest and stormiest springs on record, seeds were overdue to get in the ground. Why does it matter? Well, seeing the infrastructure and equipment (minus the planters out in the fields), paints a clear picture of how the grain moves come harvest time. Whether it’s staying on-farm or destined for the elevator, the journey begins in the field.
The glimpse into daily operations illustrated how much intention and effort goes into every step before crop ever leaves the ground. It was a powerful reminder that the foundation of ag is built long before the supply chain begins. A thank you also goes out to Adam Stumpf for the visit to the farm in Columbia, IL. This visit set the stage perfectly for an introduction to the distillery.
Grain on the Move: Roads, Rails, and Riversat the Elevator
Nearly a century ago, the organization now known as GEAPS began when a couple of elevator superintendents began talking about how an organization like this could help them better address the challenges of running grain facilities. So, naturally, the Kernel to Consumer tour moved from farm to elevator. Adam Parker, Grain Superintendent at Gateway Farm Service served as guide for this expedition. First, the GEAPS team visited Gateway FS’s country grain elevator in Red Bud, IL.The truck in, truck out facility provided an up-close look at grain handling and storage basics. From sampling and grading to walking across the dump pit, this was a true boots-on-the ground experience.
The next stop was a short trip over to Gateway FS’s Evansville, IL, location along the Kaskaskia River. Drew Walter, Grain Facility Manager, led this tour.Though timing was in a slow season, it was clear to see that come harvest time, the facility serves as fast-moving, highly coordinated system connecting local harvests to global markets.
For the finale of bulk grain handling, GEAPS Universe visited ADM’S Mississippi River Grain Terminal in St. Louis, MO. Kyle Swerczek, Superintendent, and a stellar ADM team provided a guided tour. Seeing the 3 R’s: Road, Rail, and River, all together at one location was a firsthand exhibit of the various roles of GEAPS members as they feed, fuel, and clothe the world.
The “P” in GEAPS is for “Processing,” so how does that fit in?
There are tremendous GEAPS opportunities within the grain processing industry. From educational trainings to the networking events, GEAPS members are leading and championing the future.Ethanol and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production is just one area encompassing GEAPS members. That is why the grain trail next led to Crysalis Biosciences, Inc. in Sauget, IL.A huge thank you goes out to Brad Ross, Logistics and Procurement Manager and Interim Superintendent, for the detailed explanation of the corn ethanol and byproduct process. The experience came full circle seeing the facility onsite!The biggest takeaway: grain processing facilities begin as elevators. Whether from ethanol plants to soy crush facilities to mills—they all rely on elevator infrastructure as the foundation of their operations. The storage and conditioning of the grain is essential, also serving as the launch point to add value and create finished products.
Final Destination: The Big Rigs Filling the Gaps in the Grain Supply Chain
Last, but certainly not least, on the 2025 inagural Kernel to Consumer tour, the group spent the morning at TGC Transportation with Gary Gregson and Josh Busby.As our GEAPS members know, it’s clear that the trucking industry exists everywhere within the kernel to consumer process, an essential role.Once again, thank you to all the tour and meeting guides who made the first Kernel to Consumer tour possible. The valuable connections made between the GEAPS Universe staff and our dedicated GEAPS members fuels passion as we work to strengthen and advance the grain handling and grain processing industries —together.
About GEAPS
The Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) is an international association of grain handling and processing professionals. GEAPS provides its members opportunities for networking, training and education, and access to a global marketplace of industry suppliers. The collaborative effort between GEAPS and its multimedia company GEAPS Media Group (GMG) expands reach in the industry and adds resources for members. GEAPS’ global network includes over 4,000 individual members from approximately 1,000 companies. Join our network today!
Contact:
Kari Tusler
Communications Manager
kari@geaps.com
763-647-5372
