AFIA, GEAPS expand training access for feed and grain professionals

USA – The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and the Grain Elevator & Processing Society (GEAPS) have signed an agreement to expand training and professional development opportunities for professionals working across the feed and grain industries.

The memorandum of understanding will give members of both organisations access to selected courses, industry events and other educational resources offered by the two associations. 

The partnership is intended to strengthen technical skills and workforce development across two closely connected parts of the agricultural supply chain.

Under the agreement, eligible GEAPS members will be able to access AFIA training modules and professional development programmes, including the biennial Feed Industry Institute. 

They will also receive discounted access to AFIA events such as the Liquid Feed Symposium and Equipment Manufacturers Conference.

AFIA members, meanwhile, will receive discounts for GEAPS Online Learning modules and events including the GEAPS Exchange and GEAPS Leadership Conference. 

The organisations will announce specific eligible programmes and registration details as they become available.

Bridging feed and grain expertise

The partnership reflects the close operational links between grain handling, grain processing and animal feed manufacturing. 

Grain is a major input into feed production, while feed mills depend on reliable systems for grain storage, handling, processing and quality management.

John Caupert, GEAPS chief executive officer, said, “This agreement will allow employees to access education, exchange knowledge and build relationships by combining our organisations’ resources.”

AFIA chief operating officer Megan Provost said the partnership would give industry professionals more opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills.

AFIA represents more than 650 companies across the animal food industry, including commercial and integrated feed and pet food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, equipment manufacturers and other industry businesses.

Its members manufacture more than 75% of feed produced in the US.

GEAPS has more than 4,500 individual members from about 1,200 companies involved in grain handling and processing.

The partnership has been in development for more than a year and will focus on practical education to help companies strengthen operations, develop their workforces, and respond to changing requirements across the feed and grain sectors.

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