Federal Grain Inspection Service Welcomes New Leadership in USDA Rotational Program

Left: Arthur Neal; Right: Jennifer Porter

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has announced a series of leadership rotations as part of its professional development initiative. Among the key changes, Jennifer Porter, currently the deputy administrator for the Livestock and Poultry Program, will take the helm at the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) for a one-year assignment starting in February.

Porter’s move follows AMS’s goal of fostering leadership growth and cross-agency collaboration. With a USDA tenure dating back to 2003, she brings extensive experience in market regulation and commodity oversight to her temporary role at FGIS, the agency responsible for maintaining the integrity and standardization of grain inspection and weighing services.

Meanwhile, Arthur Neal, the current deputy administrator for FGIS, will transition to serve as the chief innovation officer for AMS. Neal, a veteran in agricultural policy and grain quality assurance, has played a crucial role in shaping FGIS operations and ensuring U.S. grain exports meet global standards. His new position will focus on advancing innovative strategies within AMS programs.

AMS leadership highlighted that these temporary assignments will encourage knowledge-sharing and strengthen program management. Upon completing their rotations, both Porter and Neal will return to their respective programs, bringing fresh perspectives and enhanced expertise to their respective roles.

FGIS plays a critical role in U.S. agriculture, ensuring fair grain trade through impartial inspection and weighing services. With Porter’s leadership and Neal’s innovation-focused transition, the agency is poised to navigate evolving industry challenges and maintain its commitment to quality and efficiency.

Source: New Hope Network

Staffing Changes for AAGIWA

Photo by Jim Barcus Photo

Bob Petersen, the long-time staff executive for AAGIWA retired effective, September 1, 2024. Petersen’s firm, Petersen Consulting Services (PCS), provides staffing services to the Association. At PCS, he will be succeeded by Erica Venancio as the firm’s senior executive. New to the firm is Zachary Helder, who recently completed his MPA at Princeton University and brings a decade of experience in agriculture, public policy, and organizational management.

“I have been so fortunate to enjoy a 50-year career in agriculture working for and with some of the finest people, companies, and associations there are,” Petersen said. A Nebraska native, Petersen spent 20 years in Washington, DC at the helm of a national grain trade organization. In 2000, he and his family re-located to Kansas City where he held several prominent roles, including president of the Kansas City Board of Trade (2000-2004) and president of the American Royal (2010-2015). 

Along the way, he began his own consulting firm specializing in the management of agricultural non-profit trade associations.  “I am glad to leave our clients in such good hands,” Petersen said. Erica Venancio, the firm’s incoming principal, is no stranger to ag circles, either.  She joined the firm, founded by her father, in 2008 and has become a very knowledgeable and capable leader.  She is a summa cum laude graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University where she earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in social work.  Venancio will assume the position of senior staff executive for the firm’s clients upon Petersen’s retirement, September 1.

Her leadership marks a new chapter for the firm, as she builds upon the strong foundation laid by Petersen.  "I am excited to continue the excellent work of our firm and look forward to the future with optimism," said Venancio. "Working alongside Zach, I am confident in our ability to continue to meet our clients’ needs with an eye towards growth in the future. Bob has been an incredible mentor to me, personally and professionally, and I am deeply grateful for his guidance and support."

Zach Helder, who joins PCS effective September 1, 2024, will assume many of the outward-facing responsibilities Petersen previously held.  Helder is from the Kansas City area with family roots in Nebraska and California farm country.  He holds an undergraduate degree from UCLA and a graduate degree from Princeton University.  Recently, he served as senior ag advisor to Kansas Congresswoman Sharice Davids.  As part of Helder’s graduate work at Princeton he led a bipartisan working group of former USDA Secretaries and agribusiness leaders investigating the consequences of the Russia-Ukraine War on international trade and food security, and their findings were published in Foreign Affairs.

Recognizing Women in Grain Inspection - Kim Deal

AAGIWA would like to recognize and highlight women in the grain inspection industry who are leading the way for others. Click here to submit your nomination.

Kim Deal

We are pleased to introduce you to Kim Deal, Lead Administrative Professional, Marshall Service Point for the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection Services (MOGIS). Kim began her career with MOGIS 22 years ago as a part-time "grain-worker".

Erin Casey-Campbell, Program Manager, notes that "Kim is incredibly organized (with a binder for everything!)." Her organization and attention to detail was emphasized in MOGIS' latest designation audit where her team garnered an impressive 99+ percent certification accuracy rating.

David Niderjohn, MOGIS Assistant Manager and Supervisor added that "Kim is beyond generous with her time and goes above and beyond to prioritize customer service." Kim is a recipient of the Missouri Department of Agriculture's "Above and Beyond" Award, awarded to top performing employees.

Outside of work, Kim enjoys spending time with her husband, Lawrence (Pickle), her son, Kris (Big Deal), and her daughter-in-law Jess. Kim enjoys gardening and raising livestock (cattle), and is an active member of the National Wild Turkey Federation - Saline County Strutters, and Missouri State Cornhusking.

Congratulations, Kim, on all of your accomplishments! We are proud to have you as part of the grain inspection family.

Recognizing Women in Grain Inspection - Patti Hedges

AAGIWA would like to recognize and highlight women in the grain inspection industry who are leading the way for others. Click here to submit your nomination.

Patti Hedges

We are pleased to introduce you to Patti Hedges, Lab Supervisor in Plentywood, Montana, for Montana Department of Agriculture State Grain Laboratory. Patti has been with the Montana State Grain Lab for 14 years. She helped open the Plentywood lab location as a "Lab Tech/Sampler" and quickly rose through the ranks to earn her Lab Supervisor title.

Patti grew up on a farm and ranch operation and has been involved in agriculture her entire life. From a young age, Patti was always helping out on the family operation (which she says wasn't much of a choice). When she was just in high school, her father suffered an injury that caused him to become paralyzed, requiring Patti, as the elder of three sisters, to step up and fully manage the operation from a young age. While in college, she majored in Animal Science, with a minor in Economics and Education. Summers were spent back on the ranch, trying to fit "eight months of work into four months," said Patti.

Dan Reimer, Director of the Montana State Grain Lab said,“Patti Hedges is synonymous with the Plentywood State Grain Lab, and it has been that way since the location’s inception over 13 years ago. Leadership from the Department of Agriculture comes and goes but Patti has always been there serving the area’s agriculture industry. Situated in farthest corner of Northeastern Montana where the number of people measures 2.1 per square mile, it is a real blessing to have someone highly reliable like Patti whose dedication to the work is surpassed by none. Patti’s industry knowledge and reputable relationships throughout the area benefits all stake holders.”

Patti’s days start early. Along with her position at the State Grain Lab, she also runs a cattle and sheep operation with her husband. Since they both work full-time jobs for the State of Montana, the ranch work takes up their time in the early mornings, lunch, and evenings. When in Eastern Montana, you are standing in the dry pea, lentil, and chickpea capital of the country. Patti and the staff at the Plentywood Grain Lab have a huge responsibility to grade where over 72% of the nation’s lentils are grown. If you ask a farmer or grain elevator manager in Eastern Montana about Patti, they most likely have her on speed-dial.

The Montana Department of Agriculture is proud to have Patti as an integral part of the State Grain Lab and commends her dedication to agriculture, her peers, and Montana's farmers and ranchers.

Congratulations, Patti, on all of your accomplishments! We are proud to have you as part of the grain inspection family.

AAGIWA 2024 Election Results

AAGIWA members have voted to elect Ryan Kuhl, Northern Plains Grain Inspection, as Secretary/Treasurer of the Association to serve alongside President Kia Mikesh, North Dakota Grain Inspection and Vice President Brent Hibbets, Enid Grain Inspection, during the Annual Meeting on April 15 in San Antonio.

The group also elected Erin Casey-Campbell, Missouri Department of Agriculture to the Board of Directors, and re-elected Ann Foster, Hastings Grain Inspection, and Phil Garcia, Washington State Department of Agriculture to the Board. And during a caucus of the group’s associate members, Chuck Bird with Neogen was selected as the associate member representative on the Board.

President Mikesh thanked outgoing secretary/treasurer Danae Podraza, Lincoln Inspection Service, for her service on the Board.

The newly elected board members join the following incumbents on the Board.

• Brandon Byrd, Champaign Danville Grain Inspection

• Chad Huebner, Grain Inspection Inc. (Jamestown)

• Jon Newcomer, Kansas Grain Inspection

• David Ayers, Champaign Danville Grain Inspection, Past President - Ex-Officio

AAGIWA staff include Bob Petersen and Erica Venancio. The American Association of Grain Inspection & Weighing Agencies (AAGIWA) is the national association representing official grain inspection and weighing agencies. These agencies provide official inspection services to measure the quality and quantity of grain being bought and sold in the United States.

AAGIWA 2024 Photo Contest Winners

Congratulations to the winners of AAGIWA's 2024 Photo Contest!

1st place - Daniel Ayers, Sioux City Inspection - "Rails in the Rain"

2nd place - Morgan Akey, Missouri Department of Agriculture - "The Passion in Your Work"

3rd place - Photo by Sandra Fronabarger & submitted by Keith Fronabarger, Cairo Grain Inspection, "Morning Probe on the Cumberland River"

Recognizing Women in Grain Inspection: Erin (Hoesing) Stotz

AAGIWA would like to recognize and highlight women in the grain inspection industry who are leading the way for others. Click here to submit your nomination.

Erin (Hoesing) Stotz

We are pleased to introduce you to Erin (Hoesing) Stotz, Office Manager & CPA as well as Inspector for Aberdeen Grain Inspection, Inc. (AGI). Erin began her career as a 12 year old bagging sample files and completing other random tasks delegated to her by her father, Mike Hoesing (who was Official Agency Manager at the time, now Owner). She increased her contribution to part time data entry during high school and college before going full time in 2017. 

Erin graduated Magna Cum Laude from Northern State University in 2011 with a Bachelors’ Degree in Professional Accountancy and Minors in Banking/Finance & Economics. After graduation she began working at the accounting firm Eide Bailly LLP and passed the CPA Exam. Erin then returned to the family business in April of 2017 and in addition to office duties, obtained her mycotoxin and corn grading licenses. As the current Office Manager, Erin is responsible for accounting, certification, billing, and HR. 

Erin married Nicholas Stotz (current Operations Manager of AGI) on July 1, 2017. Erin is a busy mother of three (Kurtis 5, Zachary 3, and Eva 1) and often spends weekends entering pan tickets at home while trying to keep the kids relatively quiet and content. 

Fun fact – In high school, Erin did a science project on maturing yellow soybeans (YSB). For the project, Erin picked pods off the plant and removed some of the beans from the pods and left the others in the pods for an additional week. The beans that were removed right away had high amounts of green (immature) damage. However, the beans removed from the pod a week after picking had finished maturing in the pod and had 0% damage. Many farmers showed interest in her science project because at the time they had repeated early killing frosts in September. Her project was also picked to represent her high school at a college science fair. 

Erin’s hobbies include water skiing through which she has skied in regional and national tournaments with the Aberdeen Aqua Addicts Water Ski Team, reading, photographing her children and their goofy antics as well as hunting, fishing, and travelling with her family.

Recognizing Women in Grain Inspection - Chris Lunsford

AAGIWA would like to recognize and highlight women in the grain inspection industry who are leading the way for others. Click here to submit your nomination.

Chris Lunsford

We are pleased to introduce you to Chris Lunsford, Service Point Manager in Marshall, Missouri for the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection Services. Chris began her career as a grain inspector 25 years ago and was promoted to her current position with MDA in 2010. Her office serves a large geographic area across northeast and mid-Missouri, including many shuttle train facilities and barge customers with on-site grading labs.

Erin Casey-Campbell, Program Manager, notes that Chris has played an active role in designing and setting up all five of the Marshall territories onsite lab shuttle facilities as they were built - an effort initiated to move grain inspection employees outside/further away from the elevators to improve employee safety.

David Niederjohn, Marshall Assistant Manager, adds that Chris steps up to help the Department in various capacities outside of her normal role. One such example was when Chris served as the Parking Supervisor at the Missouri State Fair in 2022, coordinating several dozen employees and over 340,000 attendees!

Chris is an active member of the Marshall, MO Chamber of Commerce, a member of a local organization, Women Who Mean Business, and she is a recipient of the Missouri Department of Agriculture's "Above and Beyond" award as a top performing employee.

Erin and David add that Chris is an incredibly generous person in many ways -- personally and professionally. Chris enjoys the outdoors, including boating, horses, and riding side-by-sides with family. She spends Saturday nights supporting her husband Brian, and son Logun, at Micro Sprint Car races.

Congratulations, Chris, on all of your accomplishments! We are proud to have you as part of the grain inspection family.

Recognizing Women in Grain Inspection - Robyn Rogers

AAGIWA would like to recognize and highlight women in the grain inspection industry who are leading the way for others. Click here to submit your nomination.

Robyn Rogers, missouri dept. of agriculture

We are pleased to introduce you to Robyn Rogers, Lead Administrative Professional for the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection Services. Robyn began her career with MDA as an Office Support Assistant 10 years ago. She spent many years in the banking industry before that.

Erin Casey-Campbell, Program Manager, notes that Robyn is not only the Lead Administrative Professional at the St. Joseph, MO Grain Inspection Services office, but she is the glue that holds it all together. "She is the cheerful voice on the other end whenever you call the St. Joseph office. She is warm & friendly, and keeps the staff well fed with a variety of tasty treats for any special occasion."

Chuck Vaughn, St. Joseph Service Point Manager adds that Robyn keeps the St. Joseph service point organized – the office, staff, and even customers at times. Her organization and attention to detail was emphasized in MOGIS’s latest designation audit where the team that includes Robyn garnered an impressive 99+% certification accuracy rating. Robyn is the go-to person, even to some outside of Missouri GIS, for any container question – earning her the title “Queen of Containers”.

Outside of work, Robyn is an active member of her church and community and is a loving mother & grandmother. She is always organizing a garage sale, bake sale, or any other event needed by those she serves.

Robyn has been the recipient of several awards while at Missouri Grain Inspection, including being a recipient of the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s “Above and Beyond” award – awarded to the Top 10% of Missouri Department of Agriculture employees.

Both Erin and Chuck agree, Missouri Grain Inspection Services has been lucky to have Robyn for TEN YEARS!

Congratulations, Robyn, on all of your accomplishments! We are proud to have you as part of the grain inspection family.

Update from Eastern Iowa

Christina Pineda

On September 1, 2023, Daryl Forbes retired as Agency Manager for Eastern Iowa Grain Inspection and Weighing Service after 47 years of faithful service. On September 11, 2023, Christina Pineda was named as Daryl’s replacement.

Christina started with EIGIS in November 2011 as a sampler with no prior experience. Within six months she obtained a corn and soybean inspector’s license. Christina worked diligently along with EIGIS’ AQAS to help develop their internal Inspectorslink grading software, the barge stowage camera system, and several other internal programs that EIGIS uses daily.

On February 1, 2014, Christina was named the Office Manager for EIGIS’ Rochelle, IL location. She served in this position for a little over five years until she was promoted to Assistant Agency Manager. Christina worked alongside Mark Fulmer and Daryl Forbes to help develop a better understanding of the Agency Manager role within an Official Agency. On September 11th Christina graciously accepted her new role and looks forward to many great years with EIGIS just like her predecessors. Congratulations Christina!

Recognizing Women in Grain Inspection - Staci Sampson

AAGIWA would like to recognize and highlight women in the grain inspection industry who are leading the way for others. Click here to submit your nomination.

Staci Sampson, Tri-State Grain Inspection

Staci Sampson began her career in grain inspection as a sampler at TriState Grain Inspection over 14 years ago following a long-time position as a restaurant manager. In her role at Tri-State, Staci does most of the new employee training. She is also in charge of HR and billing.

Colleagues share that Staci is fun and talkative - always making new friends. She is also emotionally supportive to the needs of her coworkers. In that vein, Staci always advocates for employee Christmas bonuses and ensures staff are treated to a turkey at Thanksgiving and honey baked ham at Christmas.

Tri-State services portions of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky along the Ohio River. It is a family owned and operated agency. Staci and her husband Michael Sampson are the third generation at Tri-State. Michael is the son of Damon and Colleen Sampson, and grandson of agency founder, Patrick Corrigan.

Congratulations, Staci, on all of your accomplishments! We are proud to have you as part of the grain inspection family.

Recognizing Women in Grain Inspection - Erin Casey-Campbell

AAGIWA would like to recognize and highlight women in the grain inspection industry who are leading the way for others. Click here to submit your nomination.

Erin Casey-Campbell, Missouri Grain Inspection Services Program

We are pleased to introduce you to Erin Casey-Campbell, Program Manager for the Missouri Grain Inspection Services Program. Erin began her career with the Missouri Department of Agriculture in August of 2019 where she served as Industrial Hemp-Program Coordinator. She joined the Missouri Grain Inspection Services Program in September of 2021 as the programs Operations Coordinator and assumed the role of Program Manager in July 2022.

Erin graduated from the University of Missouri where she received a Bachelor of Science degree and later obtained a Master's in Plant Sciences. Ken Henderson, Missouri Grain Inspection and Warehousing Director noted, "Since joining the Department, Erin has demonstrated leadership skills and is a true asset to the Department and to the Missouri Grain Inspection Services Program."

Erin will be graduating from the Missouri Leadership Academy in September 2023. This is a state-limited leadership development program that encompasses all state agencies within Missouri government. Within the Department, Erin has served on various committees that include team member retention and Department excellence.

Ken Henderson, Erin's direct supervisor, added "Erin is energetic and detail-oriented, but not to the point of losing focus of the goals of the program. She has great communication skills and is not afraid of the work it takes to run a successful inspection agency."

Congratulations, Erin, on all of your accomplishments! You are a wonderful example of leadership and focus, and we are proud to have you as part of the grain inspection family.

Recognizing Women in Grain Inspection - Kari Schiller

AAGIWA would like to recognize and highlight women in the grain inspection industry who are leading the way for others. Click here to submit your nomination.

Kari Schiller, Montana State Grain Lab

We are pleased to introduce you to Kari Schiller, Lab Coordinator for the Montana State Grain Lab. Kari was hired by the Montana Department of Agriculture in 2012 during harvest as a part-time "Ag Inspector" and quickly rose through the ranks. Kari has not only worked herself into the position of Lab Coordinator, but has also obtained 10 different commodity grading licenses.

Before coming to the Montana State Grain Lab, Kari worked in the restaurant industry where she managed a restaurant in Great Falls, Montana. She mentioned before joining the State Grain Lab in 2012 that she "didn't even know the difference between wheat and barley" and is now grading 10 different commodities. Kari was born and raised in Great Falls, Montana, and attended the University of Providence, studying physical education while playing volleyball for the University. Fun fact - Kari also played volleyball at the Junior Olympics in Colorado Springs.

According to Dan Reimer, Director of the Montana State Grain Lab, "Kari would tell you that she is just one of the boys, but she plays a vital role here at the lab and serves as an extremely valuable resource to the entire Federal Grain Inspection System. Her 10 commodity grading licenses and 10 plus years of experience serve the industry and State of Montana extremely well. Along with daily duties, Kari also serves as a Public Relations Liaison for the Lab as they work to serve grain elevators all over the state to the highest standard.

Kari is known around the Lab as a hard worker, giving nothing but her best. Early mornings, late nights, long drives, and inclement weather are only a few of the challenges Kari faces head on. When Montana experienced catastrophic rainfall in 2014 the Lab as in harvest from July through February due to poor grain quality causing a backlog of samples. During this hectic time, Kari worked 10 hour days, 7 days a week to ensure Montana's farmers were provided the most accurate grading available.

The Montana Department of Agriculture is proud to have Kari as an integral part of the State Grain Lab and commends her dedication to agriculture, her peers, and Montana's farmers and ranchers. Congratulations Kari on all of your accomplishments! You are a wonderful example of hard work and commitment, and we are proud to have you as part of the grain inspection family.

Recognizing Women in Grain Inspection - Angie Nelson

AAGIWA would like to recognize and highlight women in the grain inspection industry who are leading the way for others. Click here to submit your nomination.

Angie Nelson, North Dakota Grain Inspection

We are pleased to introduce you to Angie Nelson, Quality Coordinator, North Dakota Grain Inspection and AdamsNet. Angie was originally hired as a data entry clerk for NDGI in 2014. She was promoted to data entry supervisor, and then began also helping with AdamsNet support. Her role now includes AdamsNet support and FGIS liaison for policies, internal audits and quality assurance.

According to Kia Mikesh, Vice President, NDGI, Angie has always excelled at everything she puts her mind to. "Her attention to detail in finding and understanding areas within FGIS policy is amazing," Kia says. Angie is a great asset to the NDGI team and truly cares about the official system. She shares that passion through her work within AdamsNet, and helping customers navigate through policies with various programs.

Congratulations Angie on all of your accomplishments! You are a wonderful example of focus and passion, and we are proud to have you as part of the grain inspection family.

Recognizing Women in Grain Inspection - Emily Dumbeck

If you have been around the grain inspection industry, you've undoubtedly noticed the workforce is predominately male. AAGIWA would like to recognize and highlight women in the industry who are leading the way for others.

Emily Dumbeck, Northern Plains Grain Inspection Service

We are pleased to introduce you to Emily Dumbeck, AMA Coordinator, Northern Plains Grain Inspection Service, Inc. Emily began her career at Northern Plains Grain Inspection Service (NPGIS) over five years ago as a technician. It was quickly realized that her knowledge outweighed that position and she transitioned to become an AMA inspector and learned AMA certification. In addition to serving as AMA Coordinator, Emily also shares the role of quality coordinator and has spent countless hours on the agency's quality manual, most recently updating their internal audit process.

Emily grew up in Baxter, Minnesota and attended the University of Minnesota in Morris, graduating with honors with dual degrees in Psychology and Biology. She was also the team captain in soccer and cross-country skiing, as well as competing in many triathlons. Emily was also part of the Spanish club, and spent time studying in Spain. Currently Emily is a Board Member of the local archery club and is working to get a youth program established in her community. She competes in many archery competitions.

According to Ryan Kuhl, Owner, NPGIS, Emily is very self-driven and only offers her best. She is always willing to work early or late, and is always up for a challenge. Her dedication to her role at NPGIS is endless and she is always willing to go the extra mile - striving to do it all from start to finish - a call to go out sampling, inspecting, to sending out the certificate while coordinating all her other activities.

Ryan adds, "Emily is a huge asset to NPGIS and doesn't let any male in the industry get in her way. If that challenge would ever confront her," he warns with a smile, "simply stay out of her way."

Congratulations Emily on all of your accomplishments! You are a wonderful example of commitment and determination and we are proud to have you as part of the grain inspection family.

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AAGIWA would like to recognize Women in Grain Inspection in upcoming newsletters and on social media. This is a great way to recognize employees and colleagues and provide increased visibility for women in our industry. To do this we need your help. Please send in your submission (self-submissions are welcome as well!) using this form along with a photo.

AAGIWA 2023 Annual Meeting

Register Today!

In just two months, AAGIWA's 2023 Annual Meeting will be held April 23-26, 2023 at the LINQ Hotel + Experience in Las Vegas, Nevada, and we can't wait to see you!

We are delighted to have USDA Federal Grain Inspection Service Deputy Administrator Arthur Neal and his team on our program, along with: 

• Jess McCluer, Vice President, Safety and Regulatory Affairs, National Grain & Feed Association

• Nick Friant, Food Safety, Quality, Regulatory Leader, Cargill

• Doug Chorney, Chief Commissioner, Canadian Grain Commission

• Lyndsey Erb, Director of Industry Relations, U.S. Soybean Export Council

• Kristina Dietrick, President, HR Partners

• Barbara Grove, Quality Systems Manager, Central Valley Ag

Important Information:

• Registration is open! Register by March 31 for early bird pricing. >> Register here

• Book your hotel room by March 31 to receive AAGIWA's discounted rate of $89/night (plus taxes & resort fee). >> Reservations

• Meeting sponsorship opportunities for associate and agency members are available. Help make this meeting a great success! >> Learn more

Located at the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, rooms include cutting-edge technology, modern furnishings and close access to the LINQ Promenade and The High Roller. A discounted group rate has been negotiated and rooms are available at a first come/first serve basis. AAGIWA is responsible for fulfilling the committed room block, and appreciates and encourages meeting attendees to stay at this fun and unique property, centrally located on the Las Vegas Strip.

Additional meeting information, including schedule, registration details, hotel reservations, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Click the button below.

Recognizing Women in Grain Inspection - Dayana Carrillo

If you have been around the grain inspection industry at all, you've undoubtedly noticed the workforce is predominately male. AAGIWA would like to recognize and highlight women in the industry who are leading the way for others.

Dayana Carrillo, Kansas Grain Inspection Service

We are pleased to introduce you to Dayana Carrillo, Assistant Manager, Kansas Grain Inspection Service. Dayana began her career at Kansas Grain Inspection six years ago as a sampler, but quickly started training as an inspector and then moved into her current role as assistant manager. Previously she worked for Scoular as the house grader for five years.

Originally from Southern California, Dayana moved to Salina, Kansas, in 2016. She is the oldest of five children, and Spanish is her first language. Dayana says that she learned from her grandparents and parents that being a woman and Hispanic, she would have to work twice as hard to get noticed at any job. She has a strong sense of justice and will advocate for herself and others when needed. 

When asked what led to her career in the grain inspection industry, Dayana said she first started as seasonal help during wheat harvest for Scoular. Although she intended for it to be a summer job, it soon turned to full-time. She says she loved having one on one time with farmers during harvest, and found truck drivers to be such nice people. While working at Scoular she also loaded shuttle trains headed for Mexico. Dayana started working for KGIS in 2016 when she moved to the Kansas City area.

Dayana's advice for women entering the industry is not to be intimidated. While is is a very male dominated industry, and women have to work harder to be heard, she says, it is worth it. "You'll always surprise someone when telling them what field you work in, because it's always seen as a male job," says Dayana.

Jon Newcomer, President, and Mike Wholey, Manager, say that Dayana has proven to be a valuable asset to Kansas Grain Inspection Service. "In six years with KGIS, her eagerness to take on new responsibilities and her work ethic has made her stand out. Her dedication to put in long hours and work weekends while balancing family life is very commendable."

Congratulations Dayana on all of your accomplishments! You are a wonderful example of perseverance and dedication and we are proud to have you as part of the grain inspection family.

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AAGIWA would like to recognize Women in Grain Inspection in upcoming newsletters and on social media. This is a great way to recognize employees and colleagues and provide increased visibility for women in our industry. To do this we need your help. Please send in your submission (self-submissions are welcome as well!) using this form along with a photo.

Key topics in Grain Inspection from 65 Years Ago

Taken from the minutes of the May 6-9, 1956, meeting of the National Association of Chief Grain Inspectors and Federal Supervisors in Minneapolis.

Changes in the Wheat Standards were in the offing.

Some of the grade changes for wheat suggested by a group of millers, processors, and Chief Inspectors were: lower moisture content for tough grade; special grade for Extra dry wheat; reduce limits of shrunken and broken kernels; show dockage in ½ and whole percents; have more sanitation factors in grades; elimination of sub-classes; elimination of smut dockage.

The uneven loading of rail cars was a major concern.

A very noticeable step-up in the number of unevenly loaded cars has appeared during the last year in Southern Minnesota, Dakotas, Iowa, and Nebraska. Parts of these states had bad crops and shippers have been loading poor grain on bottom of cars and good grain on top and loading cars too full to reach the poor grains by probing. Many trucks have been found to have poor grain on bottom or near tail gate, so the automotive samplers are being given serious consideration for truck inspection at elevators. There should be a legal penalty for plugging cars.

This was an era of large government-owned (Commodity Credit Corporation – CCC) grain stocks.

There is 30 million bushels storage in Omaha and 20 million bushels of it is full of CCC dead storage, which as made a large decrease in inspection revenue, which has made it possible for grain firms to hire away inspection personnel. Trained personnel is very hard to replace. Therefore, Inspection fees should be higher, so salaries can be large enough to hold trained inspectors. Five dollars ($5.00) per car for inspection is recommended.

Elected as officers for 1956-67 were:

President – Tom Brown (Grand Forks)
Vice President – George Butler (Chattanooga)
Secretary-Treasurer – Steve Morris

Conference attendance totaled 133 of which 64 were inspectors, 57 were supervisors, and 12 were guests. Conference cost was $750 and the balance in the association treasury was $1,232.62.

Grain Inspection Topics ... 60 Years Ago

Truck inspections, moisture meters, and lighting were among the topics at the biennial meeting of the National Association of Chief Grain Inspectors and representatives from USDA’s Grain Division on May 11 and 12, 1960 in Toledo, Ohio.

• Truck inspections have increased greatly the past two years. Most places sample the trucks at the elevators for official inspection, but at least one place has a truck inspection terminal where truck grain is sampled and graded and can go to several elevators. In Chattanooga, outbound cars and trucks are sampled with a mechanical woodside sampler.

• Improvements are being made in several moisture testers, which may someday replace the Tag Heppenstal. The most promising is the “motomco.”

• The discussion of lighting gave a comparison of the changing natural North Light daily and hourly to artificial north light. These light changes and the demand for night inspections make artificial lighting a necessity. The Toledo North Light is the best at present and is in the process of being standardized for grain inspection.

• During the fiscal year that ended June 1959, there were 3.5 million inspections by 650 inspectors at 156 inspection points in the United States which is about 5,500 inspections per inspector.

• Differences in the fees charged among agencies are largely due to local costs of operation, local living costs, type of sampling personnel, travel distance to get samples and number of sampling stops.

  • Car inspection fees vary from $1.50 to $3.25

  • Truck inspection fees vary from $1.00 to $2.50

  • Submitted sample fees vary from 50 cents to $2.50.

Elected as officers for 1960-62 were: William Hutchings, Denver, Colorado as president, Ray Roland of Lawrenceburg, Indiana as vice-president, and Virgil McNamee, Toledo, Ohio, as secretary-treasurer. The meeting was attended by 166 people: 71 inspectors, 52 Federal men, 5 visitors, and 38 women.

Grain Inspection Topics ... 50 Years Ago

ADM’s Norm Larson was the featured industry speaker at the NACGI meeting held May 7-9, 1971 in Phoenix. NACGI – the National Association of Chief Grain Inspectors – was the predecessor to AAGIWA. The annual conference was held jointly with the USDA/AMS Grain Division.

Mr. Larson was a leading grain industry figure of the era in his role as the general superintendent for ADM Grain Company. In his remarks, he spoke in favor of changes to address such areas as: better samples, reduction in cost of sampling and inspection, a rapid, accurate method of determining protein content, a combination electro-mechanical method of determining factor components in a grain lot, clean equipment – cars, barges, and vessels arriving on time and in the quantities ordered, one composite official grade and weight on a multiple car shipments, using a mechanical sampler for the entire shipment or unit, and allowing company personnel, licensed and bonded, to obtain samples for official grades.

Association President Harry Van Houten (Lincoln Grain Inspection) reminded members to pay their annual dues of $10. The Treasurer reported the association had a balance on hand of $621.62. It was voted to hold the 1972 conference in New Orleans and the 1973 conference in Las Vegas.