Columbia Grain International (CGI), a leading supplier of conventional and organic bulk grain, pulses, edible beans, and oilseeds worldwide, has appointed industry veteran Stuart Beckman as Director of Safety. The announcement was made today by CGI President and CEO, Jeff Van Pevenage.
Mr. Beckman will be responsible for maintaining and enhancing CGI's safety protocols, introducing new programs, and ensuring a safe working environment for all employees. "Safety is a core value of Columbia Grain," said Mr. Van Pevenage. "From the wellbeing of our team and community to the quality of our crops, we are dedicated to ensuring their safety. We invest in state-of-the-art safety protocols and training which offer protection and security for all."
Stuart Beckman brings extensive experience to his new role. Raised on a family farm in Lakota, ND, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from North Dakota State University and has worked in the grain industry for 23 years, most recently as the Director of Safety for Gavilon/Viterra. Additionally, Mr. Beckman served in the North Dakota Army National Guard for 30 years, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel after deployments in the Persian Gulf War, Border Security Mission post-9/11, and NATO Peacekeeping Operations in Kosovo.
In his capacity as Director of Safety, Mr. Beckman will oversee protocols to mitigate hazards associated with grain handling. His initiatives will include:
- Performing a Gap Analysis to assess and improve CGI’s safety programs based on OSHA standards and industry best practices.
- Reviewing incidents to identify trends and hazards within the industry.
- Developing Safety Programs based on the Gap Analysis to reduce risks.
- Conducting safety assessments at CGI facilities to identify potential hazards and educate site leaders.
- Creating a 2025 Safety Improvement Plan with specific safety goals for location leadership.
Mr. Beckman will also implement monthly safety calls to inform and educate employees on the latest updates, trends, and best practices, along with learnings from safety incidents and preventive maintenance initiatives.
“I’m excited to join Columbia Grain and help cultivate growth in the safety and training of our employees,” said Mr. Beckman. “CGI has great people and a large and diverse network of facilities across the United States. My goal is to be a resource for our facility and operations managers and help them conduct operations safely, ensuring everyone goes home safely to their families every day.”
