Beyond the Grain: Maximizing Value of Storage and Handling for Coproducts
Session Description
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 management of coproducts 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 coproduct quality.
- Recognize the key risks—such as caking, spoilage, dust explosibility, and fire hazards—and practical mitigation strategies.
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Meet The Speaker
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.