Whole Grain
Hosted by Jim Lenz, GEAPS’ Director of Global Education and Training, The Whole Grain Podcast shares expert insights, real-world stories, and innovative ideas shaping the future of grain handling and processing. Each episode features voices from across the industry, including GEAPS members, educators and special guests. With a growing audience spanning 94 countries, the podcasts fuels growth, innovation and connection in the grain and grain processing industries—one conversation at a time.
-Subscribe on your favorite podcast app or listen at www.geaps.com/wholegrain
-Learn how GEAPS can help you grow your career at www.GEAPS.com
-Explore exclusive GEAPS member benefits at www.geaps.com/membership
-Register for our online courses at https://www.geaps.com/training-education/online-learning/full-course-catalog/
-Connect with host Jim Lenz at james@geaps.com.
Episodes
56 episodes
Lower Costs, Cleaner Air, Bigger Demand: Geoff Cooper on California’s E15 Breakthrough
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...
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Episode 56
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49:04
Right-Sizing, Reliability, and ROI — Smarter Equipment Choices for Grain Facilities
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...
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Episode 55
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26:14
Connecting People, Building Leaders- How Scott Brittingham Champions Growth in the Grain Industry
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 abou...
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Episode 54
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30:36
Plug In and Grow: GEAPS’ No-Cost Internship Companion Program
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 Proj...
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Episode 53
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13:31
Port Pressures: Navigating Grain Facility Challenges with Smart Equipment Solutions
Port Pressures: Navigating Grain Facility Challenges with Smart Equipment Solutions Sponsored by AGI – Ag Growth InternationalIn this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, host Jim Lenz, Director of Global T...
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Episode 52
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39:39
Grain for the Glass: What Bourbon Distillers Expect from Grain Handlers
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 ...
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Episode 51
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36:36
E15, Ethanol, and the Future of Agriculture: What’s Next, Why It Matters, and How Congress Can Help
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 tremen...
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Episode 50
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28:04
Sukup Manufacturing and the Future of Grain Storage: A Conversation with Brent Hansen
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...
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Episode 49
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38:29
The Role of Cooperatives in Global Food and Fuel Systems
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 ...
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Episode 48
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35:59
GEAPS: Transformational Shifts in Agriculture, Brings New Opportunities for GEAPS Members
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 t...
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Episode 47
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25:55
Driving Change: The 45Z Tax Credit's Impact on Biofuels and Beyond with Eric McAfee
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 sust...
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Episode 46
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55:19
Keeping Grain Moving: Preventative Maintenance and Supplier Tips
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, Ji...
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Episode 45
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23:47
Fueling the Future: The Role of Renewable Fuels in the Grain Industry
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...
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Episode 44
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26:44
All About GEAPS Exchange 2025!
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 b...
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Episode 43
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34:48
Continuous Improvement with April-Hope Wareham
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 a...
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Episode 42
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40:15
Optimizing Grain Inventory Management
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 inv...
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Episode 41
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52:45
Unpacking the Boom: What’s Driving Growth in the Soy Crush Industry
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...
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Episode 40
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26:19
Why Internships Matter: Planting the Seeds
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 ...
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Episode 39
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48:46
Unveiling the Present: Autonomous Tech Transforms Agricultural Rail Loadouts with RAYHAWK Technologies
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 ...
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Episode 38
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1:04:00
Fueling Progress: The Evolution of the Ethanol Industry with Dr. Kurt Rosentrater
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 d...
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Episode 37
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39:22
Optimizing Spring Grain Drying and Storage: Insights from Ken Hellevang
In this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, Ken Hellevang, an expert in grain drying and storage from North Dakota State University Extension, sits down with Jim Lenz for "Optimizing Spring Grain Drying and Storage: Insights from Ken Hellevang....
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Episode 36
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33:22
Canola Chronicles: Unveiling the Remarkable Evolution with Dr. Michael Eskin
Join us on the Whole Grain Podcast episode as we explore the remarkable evolution of canola as a commodity with insights from Dr. Michael Eskin, a Distinguished Professor at the University of Manitoba, renowned for his expertise in edible oils....
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Episode 35
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27:48
GEAPS Exchange 2024: Setting Records, Shaping Futures with John Caupert
Listen in to hear about the monumental GEAPS Exchange event with John Caupert, the visionary executive director of GEAPS (Grain Elevator and Processing Society). Fresh from the excitement of Exchange 2024 in Kansas City, MO, Caupert shares his ...
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Episode 34
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18:10
Innovations in Grain Silo Maintenance: Drone Inspection Services
Join Jim Lenz, host of the Whole Grain Podcast and GEAPS’ director of training and education, as he delves into the world of grain silo maintenance innovations with Cheyenne Wohlford, CEO and president of Custom Concrete Specialists (CCS Group)...
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Episode 33
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32:13
Getting Ready for GEAPS Exchange 2024!
Welcome to the latest episode of Whole Grain. In the show, we focus on GEAPS Exchange. We will dive deep into what you can expect at the upcoming GEAPS Exchange event taking place in Kansas City, MO, from February 24-27, 2024. We’ll explore the...
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Episode 32
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35:42