GEAPS Foundation Announces Grant to Iowa State University to Advance Grain Quality and Safety
GEAPS Foundation’s first-ever grant provides funding for Iowa State University to update grain quality coursework.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN-- The GEAPS Foundation has awarded Iowa State University (ISU) a grant to enhance coursework on grain quality and safety. This funding supports the ongoing work of the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) to provide up-to-date training for grain handling and processing professionals. Dr. Gretchen Mosher and Dr. Charles Hurburgh will oversee the project, with the new coursework completed and delivered to the Foundation in March 2026.
This is the first grant awarded by the GEAPS Foundation since its founding in 2010. After years of fundraising and building a strong grant-management infrastructure, the Foundation has entered a new phase—one marked by a commitment to providing larger and more frequent awards to support GEAPS’ mission.
Said Dr. Hurburgh, “This course update reflects how grain handling has evolved over the last 15 years. We’re integrating new market drivers like carbon intensity scoring, updated ISO standards, and practical tools for risk management and traceability. Our goal is to provide learners with actionable systems they can apply immediately in diverse facility settings.”
Dr. Mosher added: “We are grateful for the opportunity to update GEAPS 530, a course that has been a core component of the GEAPS Grain Operations Management Credential. With the revision, we expect to prepare a new generation of grain professionals to meet new and future challenges in the grain industry.”
Added GEAPS Foundation Chairman Darren Zink, “This inaugural grant reflects the Foundation’s long-term vision—investing in practical, high-impact training that keeps our industry ahead of emerging challenges. Updating GEAPS 530 brings new focus to carbon intensity, risk management, and quality systems, and ensures our programs stay aligned with the real needs of grain facilities.”
About GEAPS 530
GEAPS 530: Quality Management Systems for Bulk Grain Handling is a cornerstone of the GEAPS Credential in Grain Operations Management. Developed by Iowa State University, the course introduces structured approaches to improving grain safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance through quality management systems (QMS). The updated course will reflect the latest advances in carbon intensity tracking, ISO 22000 standards, and practical risk management. Designed for online delivery and adaptable for in-person instruction, the course combines academic expertise with industry input to meet the evolving needs of grain handling professionals across the globe.
About the GEAPS Foundation
The GEAPS Foundation was established to ensure long-term, sustainable support for education and training in the grain and oilseed supply chain. Built on GEAPS’ legacy of innovation in workforce development, the Foundation manages an endowment grown of $4 million in donations to fund the creation of cutting-edge, industry-relevant training resources. Guided by its Governing Board, the Foundation partners with academic institutions, industry experts, and other grant-making organizations to expand professional development opportunities and strengthen public-private training efforts across the grain industry.
The GEAPS Foundation was made possible by generous founding contributions by CHS, the Grain Elevator & Processing Society (GEAPS), Ag Growth International (AGI), Seedburo Equipment Company, Grain Journal, Younglove Construction, 4B Components Limited, The Andersons, Brock, Cargill, Landus Cooperative, Parrish & Heimbecker, PMI Nebraska, T.E. Ibberson Company, Schlagel, Todd & Sargent, GEAPS Associates
About GEAPS
The Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) is an international professional association of grain handling and processing professionals. GEAPS provides its members opportunities for networking, educational programs and access to a global marketplace of industry suppliers. The collaborative effort between GEAPS and its publishing company GEAPS Media Group (GMG) expands reach in the industry and adds resources for members. GEAPS’ global network includes more than 3,000 individual members from about 1,000 companies.
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