The 2026 GEAPS Exchange featured cutting-edge grain operations innovations that promise to reshape the industry. During the fast-paced Idea Exchange session, 12 presenters showcased breakthrough technologies addressing critical challenges in grain handling, from safety improvements to artificial intelligence integration.
The session moderators, guided attendees through what they called “a very high-paced, very fast energy lineup of innovations” focused specifically on grain operations. Each presenter had just five minutes to demonstrate solutions developed over the past year.
Safety and automation lead innovation wave
Several presenters emphasized how grain elevator automation can improve both safety and efficiency. Tyler Schultes, CEO of Burma Ag, introduced the Grain Viper, a tracked remote-operated vehicle designed to eliminate the need for workers to enter grain bins. “How on earth are we still losing people in grain bin accidents?” Schultes asked, noting two recent fatalities in Iowa. “We at Burma Ag feel that no bushel of corn, no bushel of soybeans is worth that type of incident.”
The safety theme continued with Chad Hastad from Auxillium Ag, who presented the Load Defender automated receiving pit cover. “Can you imagine if you didn’t have a front door on your business or in your house?” Hastad asked. “So why then do we not have protections for our receiving pits?” His solution addresses contamination risks, with studies showing 80% of samples testing positive for salmonella at receiver locations.
AI and data analytics transform operations
The latest agricultural technology solutions prominently featured artificial intelligence integration. John Melland, CEO of Levridge, emphasized how AI will fundamentally change software interaction. “Imagine being able to ask your system, hey, how many bushels of corn does this grower still have on contract? And rather than clicking through to try and find it, the software will be able to answer you,” Melland explained.
Johanna Ballasteros from Swarm Engineering presented their AVA Plus Engine, focusing on decision intelligence for grain operations. “We believe that you don’t have any more a data problem. We really believe that you have a speed decision problem,” Ballasteros stated, highlighting how their AI-powered platform helps facilities make thousands of daily decisions under pressure.
Advanced measurement and analysis systems
Grain sampling systems and analysis technology featured prominently in several presentations. Ruchi Ryley from AXON Americas Corp demonstrated smartphone-based grain analysis, claiming their technology can determine protein, moisture and falling numbers from a single photo in 30-60 seconds. “Every kernel of grain, it’s no longer a commodity. It was never a commodity. It was always a living being,” Ryley explained.
Steve Tippery from RealmFive unveiled the FlowGrade AutoProbe, an automated grain sampling and grading solution. The system scans trucks autonomously, determines cross braces and completely randomizes sample locations without requiring operators.
Product innovation lineup
• Dust Mapping Survey (Industrial Intelligence) - Continuous dust accumulation monitoring system providing measurable data for combustible dust risk management
• Leverage Enterprise Accounting (Leverage) - AI-powered accounting software built on Microsoft Dynamics 365 for commodity processing and grower contracts
• Gripline Tarp Sealers (Soles Enterprises) - Non-penetrating perimeter clamps securing flexible materials without nails or screws, offering 820 pounds holding force per foot
• Grain Viper (Burma Ag) - Tracked remote-operated vehicle for grain bin cleaning, eliminating worker entry with explosion-proof motors
• Contura Pulse Controller (Donaldson) - Advanced dust collection control system with automatic reporting and trend analytics for proactive maintenance
• FlowGrade AutoProbe (RealmFive) - Automated grain sampling system with randomized sample locations and integration with grading systems
• Secure Start (Interstates) - Cybersecurity service covering backups, patching, and antivirus for industrial operations
• InnerX Grain Analysis (AXON Americas Corp) - Smartphone-based AI grain analysis providing instant quality assessment from photos
• Veracity Diamond Series Flow Sensor (CADARO) - Compact flow measurement sensors fitting 12-inch spaces while measuring up to 20,000 pounds per minute
• Load Defender (Auxilium-Ag) - Automated receiving pit cover system preventing contamination and improving FISMA compliance
• AVA™ + ENGINE™ (SWARM Engineering) - AI decision intelligence platform optimizing grain operations planning and allocation
• GrainLab2 Constituent Analyzer (Dickey-john) - Next-generation analyzer providing protein, starch, oil, and gluten analysis in 5-10 seconds
