In this episode of the Feed & Grain Podcast [https://www.feedandgrain.com/expert-insights/podcasts], host Steven Kilger [https://www.feedandgrain.com/home/contact/15391861/steven-kilger-fg] sits down with John Lee, Director of Safety, Health, and Environmental Services at the Grain and Feed Association of Illinois [https://www.gfai.org/], to discuss one of the most critical topics in agriculture: grain bin safety. With fall harvest just around the corner and the grain bins filling up, it’s the perfect time for a refresher on safety best practices.

John draws on over 25 years of experience in the industry to share practical safety tips and insights on preventing grain entrapment and engulfment incidents, which are unfortunately all too common. From proper grain conditioning and bin entry procedures to the essential personal protective equipment (PPE) every worker should wear, John covers it all. They also touch on the challenges of maintaining safe conditions in both commercial and on-farm storage bins, as well as the role of safety training in reducing risks.

Grain bin safety essentials

In this episode of the Feed & Grain Podcast [https://www.feedandgrain.com/expert-insights/podcasts], host Steven Kilger [https://www.feedandgrain.com/home/contact/15391861/steven-kilger-fg] speaks with Brett Burkhart, Certified Occupational Safety Specialist at MākuSafe [https://makusafe.com/]®, about how wearable technology is transforming safety in the workplace. MākuSafe’s innovative system, often referred to as “digital PPE,” uses wearable devices to monitor environmental conditions around employees—tracking factors like air quality, noise levels, heat stress, and motion patterns to identify risks in real-time and improve safety outcomes.

Brett explains how this technology, designed to be unobtrusive and easy to use, provides safety leaders with valuable insights to proactively address hazards before incidents occur. From monitoring sound exposure to preventing slips, trips, and falls, this comprehensive safety tool is already being adopted in various industries, including grain handling and feed manufacturing.

Advancing workplace safety with wearable technology

In this episode of the Feed & Grain Podcast [https://www.feedandgrain.com/expert-insights/podcasts], host Steven Kilger [https://www.feedandgrain.com/home/contact/15391861/steven-kilger-fg] speaks with Lauren Saidel-Baker [https://itreconomics.com/lauren-saidel-baker/], CFA, and economist at ITR Economics [https://itreconomics.com/], to break down the economic ramifications of the ongoing strike affecting ports along the East and Gulf Coasts. With critical supply chains at stake and uncertainty looming, Lauren offers a nonpartisan, data-driven look at the potential short- and long-term impacts of the strike on the U.S. economy, inflation, and the agricultural industry.

The conversation explores a range of topics, including the strike’s effects on durable and non-durable goods, the pressures it may place on already fragile supply chains, and how businesses might adapt by leveraging alternative shipping routes through Canada and Mexico. Lauren also shares insights into why certain sectors, such as agriculture, might be hit harder than others, and discusses the broader implications for inflation trends as companies face increased costs and potential disruptions.

Possible economic impacts of the port strike

In this episode of the Feed & Grain Podcast [https://www.feedandgrain.com/expert-insights/podcasts], host Steven Kilger [https://www.feedandgrain.com/home/contact/15391861/steven-kilger-fg] sits down with Leah Wilkinson, Vice President of Public Policy & Education at the American Feed Industry Association [https://www.afia.org/] (AFIA), to discuss the AFIA’s legislative priorities as we head into the election season. Leah shares insights on key industry issues, including the Innovative Feed Act, FDA ingredient regulation, sustainability initiatives, and the importance of securing the agricultural supply chain. They also delve into the Farm Bill, formaldehyde regulation, and how the 2024 elections might shape the legislative landscape for the feed and grain industry.

AFIA's key legislative priorities with Leah Wilkinson

In the latest episode of the Feed & Grain podcast, host Steven Kilger sits down with Tim Heneks, Director of Engineering Services at Dustcon Solutions, to explore the critical issue of dust control and maintaining workplace safety. Tune in as they discuss combustible dust hazards, dust hazard analysis, and cost-effective dust control upgrades.

Tackling Combustible Dust Safety with Tim Heneks

In this episode of the Feed & Grain Podcast [https://www.feedandgrain.com/expert-insights/podcasts], host Steven Kilger [https://www.feedandgrain.com/home/contact/15391861/steven-kilger-fg] sits down with Ed Lammer, a fifth-generation soybean farmer and Vice Chair of the United Soybean Board [https://www.unitedsoybean.org/]. Together, they explore the exciting initiatives and substantial budget of the United Soybean Board, which is dedicated to advancing the soybean industry. Ed discusses the board’s mission to provide soy solutions for everyday life, highlighting groundbreaking projects in artificial intelligence, sustainable agriculture, and infrastructure. He also delves into the impact of these innovations on the global soybean market and how farmers can get involved in shaping the future of their industry.

Exploring the value and opportunity of US soy

In this episode of the Feed & Grain Podcast [https://www.feedandgrain.com/expert-insights/podcasts], your host, Steven Kilger [https://www.feedandgrain.com/home/contact/15391861/steven-kilger-fg], is joined by Joe Lewis, Marketing Manager at Sterling Systems and Controls [https://sterlingcontrols.com/], to discuss critical maintenance strategies for feed mill operations. This episode dives deep into the importance of establishing a robust maintenance strategy to minimize downtime and extend equipment life. Tune in to learn about the technologies that drive maintenance strategies today and how to implement them without overwhelming your operations. Whether you're in the midst of upgrading your maintenance practices or just starting to consider your options, this episode provides the expertise and guidance needed to make informed decisions.

Essential maintenance strategies for feed mills

What to expect during Harvest Safety Week

In this episode of the Feed & Grain Podcast [https://www.feedandgrain.com/expert-insights/podcasts], host Steven Kilger [https://www.feedandgrain.com/home/contact/15391861/steven-kilger-fg] dives into the intricacies of feed mill automation with special guest Deon Considine, a sales engineer and the sales manager at Sterling Systems & Controls [https://sterlingcontrols.com/]. This episode explores the importance of customizing control solutions to enhance feed mill efficiency and productivity.  Considine shares his extensive 30-year experience in the industry, discussing the benefits of transitioning to automated systems, key considerations for upgrades, and emerging trends in feed mill technology. Learn how tailored automation can transform operations, maximize efficiency, and adapt to the unique needs of each feed mill. Whether you're an industry veteran or new to the field, this episode offers valuable insights into optimizing feed manufacturing processes. Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on enhancing your feed mill's performance. 

Exploring customized control solutions for feed mills

In the latest episode of the Feed & Grain Podcast [https://www.feedandgrain.com/expert-insights/podcasts], host Steven Kilger [https://www.feedandgrain.com/home/contact/15391861/steven-kilger-fg] talks with Lara Moody, executive director of the Institute of Feed Education and Research [https://www.ifeeder.org/] (IFEEDER), about the organization's current projects and initiatives. Topics include the sustainability roadmap, ingredient consumption datasets, and the importance of communication in the feed industry. Moody highlights IFEEDER's mission to advance understanding and trust in the sustainable animal feed supply chain through research and education. Don't miss this insightful discussion on the future of animal feed and pet food industries.

Transforming animal feed with sustainable practices and collaborations

Steven Kilger, managing editor for Feed & Grain, talks about the feed manufacturing and grain handling industries with those who know the industries best, those who work in it. Facility Managers and topic experts stop by to have a conversation about the issues affecting operations across the United States. The podcast explores short and long-term solutions, advice for the industry members, and where the industries are heading in the future.