Early Registration and Welcome Reception

Welcome & Student Introductions by Chair Luke Vieira, Associated Feed & Supply

Andi Ogles, CPM

At this presentation attendees will learn the importance of process audits and how to use data from the audits to improve operations and reduce unexpected downtime.

Gary R. McIver, Jr., CSP, Senior Safety Engineer, Cal/OSHA Consultant

Join Gary, a seasoned safety expert with over three decades of experience in health and safety, as he provides an essential update on Cal/OSHA regulations and initiatives. Drawing on his extensive background, including over 15 years with Cal/OSHA investigating serious accidents and fatalities. Gary will share insights on compliance strategies, recent policy changes, and practical approaches to navigating safety challenges in industries like agriculture and manufacturing. This session is a must attend for those looking to stay informed and proactive about workplace safety and health standards.

Refreshment & Networking Break

Scott Anderson, CPM, Lyndon Green and Geoff Holland, Andritz Inc.

Join us for an engaging and insightful session featuring three seasoned professionals from the grain and feed industry. Drawing from their decades of experience, these industry leaders will share personal stories and reflections on the most significant changes they’ve witnessed over time. They will look at trends that have shaped the industry’s past and continue to influence its future.

Speaker TBA

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries worldwide, and agriculture is no exception. This session will explore an innovative applications of AI in the grain and feed industry. Attendees will gain insight into how AI can address challenges and uncover opportunities. Join us to learn how AI can become a critical tool in shaping the future of grain and feed production and management.

Group Luncheon & Networking

Dr. Christopher Fischer, Fusion Consultants International

In today’s demanding agricultural landscape, strong leadership and mental resilience are essential for navigating industry challenges and fostering a productive work environment. This presentation focuses on practical strategies for building mental fitness, reducing stress, and enhancing decision-making abilities among leaders in California’s grain and feed sector. Participants will learn how to use tools to develop personal resilience, promote team well-being, and create a culture that supports mental health, empowering their organizations to thrive in the face of industry pressures.

Ryan Turner, StoneX

In this session Ryan Turner with StoneX will give us an update on the current commodity market environment, an update on margin structure across the Food and Ag industries, as well as insight into what tools and strategies are currently being used to manage commodity market volatility to stabilize pricing.

Dr. Max Hawkins, Alltech

Dr. Max Hawkins from Alltech works with the Alltech Mycotoxin Management team providing technical support directly to customers and sales staff to improve livestock health and performance. He provides the livestock industry with up-to-date information on mycotoxin risk on a worldwide basis. In addition, Hawkins provides support to the Alltech Feed Division as well as the beef and swine groups.

Gil Garcia, 4B Components Ltd.

This presentation highlights the critical role of hazard monitoring in ensuring safety in grain/feed facilities. Topics will include: key factors for dust explosions and relevant OSHA/NFPA regulations. Common sensors for conveyors and bucket elevators, with proper installation guidance. Advanced tools and methods for accurate sensor testing and hazard monitoring. A demonstration of an online tool for remote monitoring, maintenance testing, and session documentation. Presenter Gill will provide practical insights and actionable strategies to enhance safety and compliance.

To wrap up the first day, all available speakers will join together on stage for a collaborative Q&A session. This is an opportunity for attendees to engage directly with the day’s experts, ask lingering questions, and gain additional insights into the topics discussed throughout the program.

Table Top Exhibits and Group Reception

Group Dinner with NEW “Surf & Turf” Menu & Raffle Prizes along with the fun Cornhole Tournament as well as Casino Tables with Prizes For All Levels!

Moderator: Vice Chair, Scott Herron, Easy Automation

Don Harper, Consultant

This presentation will highlight collaborations advancing the feed industry through partnerships with academia, mentorship programs, and internship opportunities that prepare future employees, fostering talent and innovation in the grain and feed sectors.

KC Gutenberger, CDFA Safe Program, and a Representative from Animal Health

CDFA Feed Program & SAFE (20 minutes): This presentation provides updates including new regulations impacting the industry, labeling and use of feeds containing Bovaer-10 in California, federal ingredient approval processes updates, common issues in California feed safety inspections, and safe diversion of human food waste.

CDFA Animal Health (20 minutes): This presentation provides updates on H5N1 (avian influenza), biosecurity requirements, and suggestions for safely delivering feed to dairies and poultry operations.

Mike Snyder, Andritz, Inc.

Mike will present a comparison between two commonly used grinding technologies in the feed milling industry: the hammer mill and the roller grinder. The session will explore the operational differences, advantages, and limitations of each system, offering valuable insights into how they impact efficiency, particle size, energy consumption, and product quality.

Rachael Wagner, ESG Specialist, Eocene Environmental Group

Impact of Feed in Dairy’s Environmental Footprint : This session will explore how companies in the feed and grain industry are addressing sustainability, with a particular focus on the environmental impact of feed in dairy operations. The discussion will cover key sustainability topics, including Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Green House Gas (GHG) Accounting, highlighting how those upstream and downstream in the supply chain may benefit from each assessment. Participants will gain practical insights and actionable steps for beginning their own sustainability efforts.

Closing – Grand Prize and Golden Bucket Award Winner Announced

Golf at Pacific Grove Municipal Course

Sporting Clays Experience at Coyote Valley in Morgan Hill