REGISTRATION is open for four grain operations courses from the Grain Elevator & Processing Society (GEAPS) and Kansas State University (KSU) Distance Education Program, including one course in Spanish.

These online courses run from Sept. 14 to Oct. 16. Registration closes Sept 1.

Two of the courses focus on important topics for new grain industry employees:

* GEAPS 500: Introduction to Grain Handling Operations offers an introduction to the key purposes, equipment and processes of grain handling facilities, with an emphasis on safety. This course is a way for new employees to gain valuable insight into the industry and for seasoned employees to enhance their skills, according to the announcement.

* GEAPS 540: Entry Level Safety is a brand new course that expands on the safety issues presented in GEAPS 500 and focuses entirely on safety. Lectures identify the main risks of working in the industry, discuss precautions and emphasize the need to learn and follow company and facility safety and health policies.

In addition to new grain industry workers, this course may serve as a safety refresher for more experienced employees. GEAPS 540 is also available in Spanish for the first time and covers the same content as the English version.

For veteran grain industry employees, GEAPS 524: Grain Drying covers basic principles of grain drying, with strategies for improving energy efficiency. This course is recommended for facility operators, dryer manufacturers, sales staff and more.

GEAPS 500 and GEAPS 540 are two of the six courses required to earn the Credential in Grain Operations Management (CGOM).

The CGOM is the first formal credential in the grain industry and can be augmented with specialist credentials in Grain Quality Management, Grain Handling Equipment Management and Property & Casualty Risk Management.

Tuition for the distance education courses is $640 for GEAPS members and $815 for non-members.

For more information about the courses or the GEAPS/KSU Distance Education Program, visit http://bit.ly/1EWiUv3.

Volume:87 Issue:28