Feed & Grain Podcast

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May 2026

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About the show

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.

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May 22, 202614 min

AAFCO invests in next generation regulators

In this episode of the Feed & Grain Podcast, host Steven Kilger chats with Austin Therrell, executive director of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), about the association’s first graduate student poster presentation contest. Working with Kansas State University, AAFCO invites graduate students to present research applicable to regulatory authorities, focusing on protecting animal or human health. Ten selected students receive up to $1,000 travel assistance to AAFCO’s San Diego annual meeting, presenting to 500-plus industry professionals, regulators, and potential employers. Learn how AAFCO is creating pathways for students to understand regulatory work’s impact on animal food safety and builds tomorrow’s workforce.

May 14, 202614 min

Balancing power and mobility in grain entrapment vacuums

When grain entrapment emergencies strike, every second matters. In this episode of the Feed & Grain Podcast, host Steven Kilger interviews Jonathan Medemblik marketing manager at Walinga, to discusses how the 3510G Portable Emergency Bin Rescue unit addresses critical gaps in traditional rescue methods. Medemblik highlights the need for better grain rescue equipment and how feedback from emergency responders shaped the 3510G’s design. Learn about the operational advantages that set this unit apart, including its mobility, integration with EMS equipment and unique blower and airlock components. Medemblik also covers practical considerations like handling different grain types and environmental factors that affect rescue operations.

March 27, 202617 min

IFEEDER expands research capabilities, launches project warehouse to address industry priorities

In this insightful episode of Feed & Grain Podcast, host Steven Kilger sits down with Lara Moody, executive director of the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER), and Dr. Yuan-Tai Hung, senior manager of Research at IFEEDER, to explore the organization’s recent growth and expanded research initiatives. They discuss key reports released over the past year, including feed ingredient consumption, pet food ingredients, and a strategic assessment of vitamin and amino acid supply chains, highlighting the critical impact of nutrient supplementation disruptions on animal productivity and industry sustainability. The conversation also covers IFEEDER’s new project submission guidelines designed to engage industry committees in shaping future research priorities, ongoing outreach and education efforts, and the important role IFEEDER plays in providing data-driven insights to support policy and industry decision-making. Listeners gain a comprehensive view of how IFEEDER is evolving to meet the needs of the feed industry while fostering collaboration and innovation.

February 6, 202618 min

AFIA chief policy officer discusses ingredient approvals and FDA inspections

In this episode of the Feed & Grain Podcast, host Steven Kilger interviews Leah Wilkinson, chief policy officer at the American Feed Industry Association. They discuss the evolving ingredient approval processes, including the four current pathways and their differences. Wilkinson also shares insights on FDA and state inspections, highlighting the increase in state-conducted inspections and the importance of being prepared and confident in food safety plans. The conversation covers industry challenges such as imposter inspectors and AFIA’s advocacy efforts on supply chain risks, regulatory modernization, and trade agreements.

December 17, 202519 min

Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals forge new partnership to modernize waterways

In this episode of the Feed & Grain Podcast, Steven Kilger sits down with Aimee Andres, executive director of Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals (IRPT), to discuss a groundbreaking memorandum of understanding signed with the European Federation of Inland Ports. Together, they explore how this partnership aims to modernize inland waterway freight, expand commercial opportunities, and accelerate knowledge-sharing between the U.S. and Europe. From infrastructure innovations and marketing strategies to sustainability and cybersecurity, Aimee shares what the U.S. can learn from Europe, and vice versa, to strengthen our inland waterways and support the grain industry. Tune in to hear how these efforts could improve transportation efficiency, reduce congestion, and boost economic value for farmers, shippers and communities nationwide.

October 16, 202533 min

Unlocking millions in grant funding for grain and feed facilities

In this episode of the Feed & Grain Podcast, host Steven Kilger interviews grant specialists who’ve secured over $500 million for industry clients. VAA's Brian Hinrichs and Miranda Braatz share insider knowledge on navigating the complex world of government funding, from PIDP grants to state-level opportunities. They reveal how to leverage public-private partnerships, avoid common application pitfalls, and strategically position projects for approval. Learn why proper timing, thorough preparation, and telling your project’s story effectively can make the difference between rejection and receiving millions in funding. Essential listening for any feed or grain operation considering facility upgrades, expansions or modernization projects.

October 13, 202523 min

Beyond the 'Big Four': The new reality of global grain trading

In this episode of the Feed & Grain Podcast, host Steven Kilger interviews Dr. William Wilson about his paper, “Dynamic changes in the structure and concentration of the international grain and oilseed trading industry,” and challenging the narrative of ABCD dominance in grain trading. Wilson explains how digitization and facility expansion have enabled new competitors to emerge, with Chinese firm COFCO and Russian traders gaining significant market share. The conversation explores how food security concerns are driving sovereign wealth funds to invest in trading companies, creating a “competitively fierce” landscape. Wilson predicts increased mergers, greater risk from climate change and logistical bottlenecks, and more government intervention in markets. 

September 3, 202513 min

GPS technology helps prevent feed delivery errors at farms

In this episode of the Feed & Grain Podcast, host Steven Kilger interviews Jonathan Medemblik marketing manager at Walinga, on GPS location matching systems for feed delivery trailers. The technology assigns unique GPS coordinates to each bin on a farm, then uses geofencing to ensure feed compartments in the trailer only unload at their assigned destinations. The system, which can be integrated into existing trailers and mill software, maintains delivery records while still allowing manual overrides when necessary, potentially preventing costly errors such as contaminating organic flocks or delivering medicated feed to the wrong animals.

July 9, 202516 min

Expert insights on risk and cost management in grain facility construction

In this episode of the Feed & Grain Podcast, host Steven Kilger interviews Greg Franzen and Mark Herbert from Faithful+Gould about best practices for construction projects in the feed and grain industry. The experts emphasize the importance of risk management, advising companies to maintain a simple yet comprehensive risk log involving the entire team. They also discuss strategies for maximizing value and protecting investments throughout the construction process. This informative conversation provides valuable insights for industry professionals planning new facilities or major renovations.

July 2, 202513 min

Effective project management in the feed and grain sector

In this episode of the Feed & Grain Podcast, host Steven Kilger interviews Greg Franzen and Mark Herbert from Faithful+Gould, a global consulting firm specializing in agribusiness construction projects. The experts emphasize the importance of creating a comprehensive project charter to establish clear objectives and responsibilities. They also stress the value of documenting and implementing lessons learned from previous projects to improve efficiency and mitigate risks. The discussion provides valuable insights for feed manufacturers and grain handlers embarking on construction projects, highlighting the benefits of seeking outside expertise and maintaining thorough documentation throughout the process.