Connect for Growth is the theme for the fourth Feed & Grain LIVE, scheduled for February 5, 6 and 7, at Prairie Meadows Casino Hotel near Des Moines, Iowa. The educational event is tailor-made for feed and grain professionals at all stages of their careers. Registrations made by November 30 at live.feedandgrain.com are $149. Registering December 1 or after costs $249.
The information-packed program kicks off at 3:00 p.m. February 5 with a new twist on the annual mycotoxin testing workshop. Sponsored by Charm Sciences Inc., it offers a 2020 mycotoxin outlook presented by Erin Bowers, associate scientist with Iowa State University. Participants will then take part in a hands-on session that helps them hone testing skills using ROSA lateral flow tests. The workshop is free, but seating is limited. Early registration is recommended.
A second workshop option is Grain Entrapment: A Live Safety Demonstration, led by Jeffrey D. Decker, president, Decker Consulting and Investigations, Inc. The Pneumat Systems, Inc.-sponsored workshop provides a hands-on experience with a grain rescue tube, demonstrates what the forces of grain feel like on the body in an entrapment, and covers the use of lifelines in grain bins. Certificates of completion will be awarded afterward and the cost is $50.
Day 2 starts with a panel discussion headlined by top industry professionals from Cooperative Farmers Elevator, Mountaire Farms and New Fashion Pork will share how their businesses have changed since being featured Feed & Grain magazine.
Educational sessions and their presenters include:
- Analyzing an Epidemic: African Swine Fever – Michael Nepveux, economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation
- Understanding NEC and Combustible Dust – Thaddeus Seydel, Knoblesdorff Enterprises
- How to Manage Different Generations of Employees – Lindsay Calvert, Iowa Corn Growers Association
- Delivering Quality Customer Service – Dr. John Foltz, The Ohio State University
- Constance Cullman, CEO and president-elect of the American Feed Industry Association, headlines the final day with an update on political happenings and how the 2020 presidential election will affect the feed industry.
“Feed & Grain LIVE features a unique presentation and trade show format that was developed with attendee and exhibitor input,” Elise Schafer, editor of Feed & Grain, says. “This helps us develop a program that delivers the latest about our industry, such as African swine fever, grain entrapment and electrical safety.”
Opportunities for exhibitors and sponsors abound, as well. Exhibit space is quickly being reserved.
“Exhibitors repeatedly tell us that LIVE supports opportunities for them to fully engage with their customers and prospects,” said Feed & Grain Publisher Arlette Sambs. “Compared to other trade shows, they have the space and time to truly determine what needs they can address.”
Peer-to-peer networking during two evening receptions in the trade show encourages attendees, exhibitors and speakers to get better acquainted. Cash prizes are also offered.
Same great location
Prairie Meadows Casino Hotel in the Des Moines metro is once again the site for LIVE. Its central location is an easy drive from surrounding states. Complimentary shuttle service from Des Moines International Airport is available for those arriving by air.
Sambs and Schafer encourage mill owners and managers to invite key personnel in their companies to attend, especially those ascending to management-level positions.
IDEAg Group LLC delivers an optimal experience to attendees, exhibitors and industry thought leaders in the agricultural market. Through its established farm show events and Feed & Grain magazine, the IDEAg Group is dedicated to bringing interactive, content-rich, high-value events to the marketplace, connecting top-level producers to providers across the country. The IDEAg Group offers interactive events, publications and media products that are produced “For Agriculture. By Agriculture.”
