Grain managers can gain key skills to improve operations at GEAPS Exchange innovation stations

In an industry defined by rapid change, technological innovation and evolving workforce dynamics, grain managers face a unique set of challenges. The 2026 GEAPS Exchange innovation stations are designed to equip leaders with practical management skills that address these realities head-on. This year’s sessions offer actionable insights from industry experts, focusing on the skills managers need to build resilient teams, foster collaboration and drive operational excellence.

Building leadership and communication skills

Strong leadership starts with self-awareness and clear communication. The session Build Leadership Skills at All Levels, led by Lesley Herald of Lesley Herald Consulting, emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s strengths and areas for growth. Herald’s approach centers on fostering trust through clarity, timely decision-making, and prioritizing the development of others. In today’s grain industry, where uncertainty and change are constants, these skills are essential for managers seeking to create a culture of accountability and adaptability.

David Bryson’s Grow the Leader, Grow the Team further reinforces the value of leadership development. Drawing from decades of experience, Bryson provides practical habits and mindset shifts that help managers lead with clarity and earn trust. Attendees will leave with tools to navigate their teams through change and pressure, a necessity as grain operations become more complex and technology-driven.

Enhancing team culture and collaboration

Culture consistently outperforms strategy, especially in high-pressure environments. Commanding Culture: A Fire Chief’s Playbook for Leading Teams that Last, presented by George Baker of Rail Safe Training, explores how leaders can intentionally shape culture to drive performance. Baker’s session offers practical communication skills to enhance collaboration, mitigate conflict, and promote retention across multigenerational teams. Managers will gain tools to manage their own emotions and lead with confidence, ensuring safer and more resilient operations.

Joshua Doumani of SM Counseling brings a fresh perspective with From Friction to Fuel: Turning Generational Differences into Organizational Strength. Doumani’s framework helps managers turn diversity into a strategic advantage, offering step-by-step strategies for building resilient, multi-generational teams. With talent retention and knowledge transfer becoming increasingly critical, this session provides a roadmap for leading through change while strengthening culture and collaboration.

Operational and strategic management

The intersection of operations and merchandising is a focal point for grain managers. The Intersection of Grain Operations and Grain Merchandising – Panel Discussion brings together experienced operators and merchandisers to discuss how operational decisions impact marketing strategies. Through real-world examples, panelists highlight ways to strengthen coordination, manage risk, and drive profitability. Understanding this dynamic is vital for managers aiming to reduce friction and improve the bottom line.

Grain Merchandising – Connecting Basis to Bins, led by Roger Gattis and Jason Wheeler of White Commercial Corporation, offers an interactive exploration of how merchandising decisions connect directly to bin operations. Managers will gain a clearer understanding of grain flows, timing, and storage choices, enabling them to make informed decisions that enhance efficiency and profitability.

Talent management and succession planning

Attracting and retaining top talent is a growing challenge. Mark Waschek of Ag1Sourced addresses this in The Future of Hiring: Unlocking the Future of Talent Management in the Grain Industry. Waschek shares strategies for employer branding, structured interviews, and bridging the skills gap driven by technological innovation. Managers will learn how to build a resilient, future-ready workforce—an urgent need as the industry faces an aging workforce and increased competition for talent.

Joleen Hueftle of Viserion International tackles turnover in Build it or Buy it? Proactively Tackle Turnover with a Strong Bench. With grain industry turnover nearly twice the national average, Hueftle emphasizes the importance of preparing ahead by developing leaders internally. This proactive approach ensures consistent leadership, safety, and operational performance, positioning managers to respond effectively when vacancies arise.