AFIA and GEAPS Partner on Education and Professional Development

Key facts

• AFIA and GEAPS have signed a memorandum of understanding to expand educational opportunities.
• GEAPS members will receive discounted access to AFIA's distance education courses, including the Fundamentals of Feed Manufacturing Online course.
• AFIA members will receive discounts on GEAPS online training courses.
• The partnership aims to provide member value by sharing resources and avoiding duplication of efforts.
• The collaboration is seen as a response to the growing demand for flexible learning solutions.

The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) have formalized a partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to enhance educational and professional development opportunities for their respective members. This collaboration will allow members of both organizations to access discounted training programs offered by the other.

GEAPS members will benefit from reduced pricing on AFIA's distance education courses, including its Fundamentals of Feed Manufacturing Online course, which is available live or on-demand through Kansas State University. Conversely, AFIA members will receive discounts on GEAPS' online training courses.

Steve Records, Executive Director of GEAPS, highlighted the operational overlap between the two associations, noting that many AFIA members handle grain as part of their feed mill operations. He stated that the principles of safety and efficiency are transferable between grain elevators and feed mills, making this partnership a valuable opportunity to expand access to information and deliver increased member value without redundant efforts.

Constance Cullman, President and CEO of AFIA, emphasized the growing importance of distance learning, particularly in light of COVID-19 precautions and travel restrictions. She noted that the 'new normal' necessitates flexible solutions to accommodate employers' schedules and budgets, and expressed enthusiasm for expanding AFIA's offerings through the partnership with GEAPS.

The schedule for AFIA-KSU 500 courses in 2021 includes sessions in March, April-May, August-September, and October-November. GEAPS' 2021 course schedule is available on its website. Members interested in participating at the discounted rates are advised to contact their respective association's event staff.