Early Registration and Welcome Reception

Welcome & Student Introductions

Mike Leventini, Perdue Foods

Mike Leventini brings more than three decades of leadership experience in the industry to his role as Senior Vice President of Live Operations at Perdue Foods. Mike has led teams through significant organizational change with a focus on integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. In this session, he will share insights on how to lead with purpose, motivate teams through evolving challenges, and foster a culture of accountability and innovation. Drawing from his lifelong passion for agriculture and animal welfare, Mike offers a practical, people-centered approach to leadership that inspires excellence at every level of an organization.

Nicki Humphrey, DVM, CDFA Animal Health, and Matt Junkel, VP Operations, Perdue Foods (retired)

A strong biosecurity plan is essential to the grain and feed industry, particularly in mitigating the risks associated with avian influenza (AI). Feed mills and grain-handling facilities play a critical role in the poultry, dairy and cattle production chain, and lapses in biosecurity can allow the virus to spread through contaminated feed ingredients, equipment, vehicles, or personnel movement. Implementing strict biosecurity measures—such as controlled access, rigorous sanitation protocols, monitoring of raw material sources, and effective pest and wildlife management—helps prevent cross-contamination and protects both animal and human health. A proactive biosecurity plan not only safeguards animals and ensures business continuity but also reinforces confidence in the safety and integrity of the feed supply chain.

Refreshment & Networking Break

Jess McCluer, National Grain & Feed Association

Jess McCluer will provide an update on key Federal OSHA regulatory developments affecting the grain and feed industry. Topics include the Heat and Injury/Illness Prevention Standards, Rolling Stock Fall Protection, and NFPA standards for Dust Hazard Analysis. This session will offer timely insights to help facilities understand and prepare for upcoming compliance requirements.

KC Gutenberger, CDFA Safe Animal Feed Education Program

KC Gutenberger will present the latest updates from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Commercial Feed Regulatory Program. This presentation will cover new and upcoming regulations, highlight key program updates, and share common findings from California Feed Safety Inspections. Attendees will gain practical insights into current compliance trends, learn what inspectors frequently observe in the field, and discover simple steps to help maintain feed safety and regulatory compliance. This session will provide valuable information to help you stay informed and prepared.

Dennis Albiani, California Grain & Feed Association / California Advocates

Join us for an insightful session featuring an update on key legislative bills and the latest from CARB.

Group Luncheon & Networking

Track Inspection & Repairs

Industrial Railways will be discussing rail conditions, inspections and repairs.

Railroad/Industry Collaboration

BNSF will be discussing the handoff of trains from Railroad to Industry and the expectation details of responsibilities.

Technology Practices, Conditioning, Pelleting & Cooling; Geoff Holland, Halverson Co.
Grain Conveyance: Getting Part A to Part B and Optimizing Processes; James Ramey, Repete Corp.

This automation panel is designed to optimize and streamline the operations of a feed mill, providing centralized control over critical processes including technology practices, conditioning, pelleting, cooling, and grain conveyance. The panel integrates real-time monitoring, process automation, and data-driven optimization to enhance efficiency, product quality, and operational safety.

Bucket Elevator Maintenance & Troubleshooting:Dean Wedekind, DuraPlas/Maxi-Lift
Screw Conveyor/Drag Conveyor Maintenance; Jesse Moran, A Mechanical Systems
Separation and Pneumatic Conveying; Shane Pritchard, Kice Industries

Maintenance in a feed mill is critical for ensuring smooth, safe, and efficient operations. Regular maintenance minimizes equipment breakdowns, reducing unplanned downtime that can disrupt production schedules and lead to financial losses. A proactive maintenance program enhances reliability, productivity, and profitability in feed mill operations.

Refreshment & Networking Break

Rosa Greenhalgh, InterWest Insurance Services, LLC

Explore the practical side of workplace safety in this interactive session designed to turn real-world incidents into actionable strategies. Participants will collaborate in table groups to analyze scenarios involving hazards, injuries, and insurance claims. Each group will identify root causes and propose corrective actions. The session will then reveal case outcomes and invite discussion to deepen understanding, share insights, and highlight best practices for effective risk mitigation. Walk away with practical tools to strengthen safety programs and reduce risk in their organizations.

Interactive Discussion Session at the Tables with Attendees, Speakers & Students

Table Top Exhibits and Group Reception

Group Dinner with “Surf & Turf” Menu and a fun Trivia Game Night with Prizes

***New This Year – Break-Out Training Sessions*** (Concurrent: Select One Session)

Fall Protection – Kevin Clutter, WCF Insurance

This training teaches feed mill employees to identify fall hazards, use personal protection equipment like harnesses and lifelines, and follow safe work practices around grain bins, silos, and conveyors. Hands-on exercises reinforce climbing techniques, equipment use, and emergency response to ensure workplace safety and prevent injuries.

Confined Space Rescue – Arturo Trejo

This training teaches feed mill employees to recognize confined space hazards, understand entry procedures, and use proper personal protective equipment. Participants learn safe ventilation, monitoring, and communication practices, as well as emergency response protocols. Examples and exercises teaches the concepts of rescue techniques, ensuring employees can respond effectively and safely in confined space emergencies.

Golf at Pacific Grove Municipal Course

Sporting Clays Experience at Coyote Valley in Morgan Hill