Elise Schafer

Fort Atkinson

Publisher and Editor at Feed and Grain Magazine

FEED & GRAIN serves the field of feed manufacturers and firms involved in handling and processing grain commodities.

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Articles

Rethinking pest control as a nutritional investment

3 weeks ago | feedandgrain.com | Elise Schafer

In the grain industry, pest control is widely considered a necessary expense to prevent stored commodity damage and shrink. Most managers quantify insect damage only in terms of the visible consequences, like weight loss and rejected loads. But what if integrated pest management (IPM) was reframed as an investment in ensuring grain’s nutritional value rather than just an operational cost?
AI skills critical for long-term success in agriculture

1 month ago | feedmillofthefuture.com | Elise Schafer

Jake Joraanstad, CEO of Bushel, shared compelling insights at the National Grain and Feed Associationâ€™s 2025 Annual Convention into how artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the agricultural landscape.
USTR freight fees spark fears for U.S. ag export costs

2 months ago | feedandgrain.com | Elise Schafer

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has issued a notice of action and proposed action as part of its Section 301 investigation into Chinaâ€™s dominance of the maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors, raising concerns that higher freight costs could price U.S. goods out of global markets. According to the April 17, 2025, notice in the Federal Register, beginning Oct.
USDA-DOE Tool Boosts Biofuel Carbon Credit Credibility

2 months ago | feedandgrain.com | Elise Schafer

Grain Supply ChainUSDA, DOE launch tool to boost biofuel carbon credibilityFarmers gain powerful tool to monetize eco-friendly agricultural practices.
Avoid pitfalls when upgrading bucket elevators [Video]

2 months ago | feedandgrain.com | Elise Schafer

In this video, Carl Swisher of 4B Components Ltd. explains how bucket elevator design has evolved over the decades and what to consider when upgrading capacity in grain and feed facilities. Simply increasing speed or adding buckets can disrupt system balance due to physical and mechanical constraints. Swisher highlighted other important factors when upgrading bucket elevator capacity, like grain characteristics, belt tension and bucket materials to an ensure efficient and safe equipment upgrade.
Clean Fuels Alliance says EPA delays threaten soy, biofuel gains [Video]

2 months ago | feedandgrain.com | Elise Schafer

Paul Winters of Clean Fuels Alliance America joined Feed & Grain Chat to discuss the impact of EPA’s delay in finalizing the 2026 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumes, creating uncertainty for farmers, biofuel producers and soybean processors. By law, EPA must set RFS volumes 14 months before the compliance year begins, however, the key rule proposal is now expected to be announced in May 2025.
Tackling feed mill bottlenecks with smart automation

2 months ago | feedmillofthefuture.com | Elise Schafer

At the 2025 Feed Mill of the Future Conference, Brady Gaalswyk, co-president of Easy Automation Inc., overviewed several challenges nearly every feed mill faces: bottlenecks that slow production and strain operations. Gaalswyck focused on four critical areas where bottlenecks are most common: ingredient weigh-up time, equipment optimization, rolling and grinding systems, and the load-out process.
Sweet by Behlen unveils QL 17 Series drag conveyor [Video]

Mar 24, 2025 | feedandgrain.com | Elise Schafer

At GEAPS Exchange 2025, Julio Contreras of Sweet by Behlen revealed the company’s newly redesigned QL 17 Series Flite-Veyor drag conveyor, engineered for gentle grain handling and improved efficiency. The updated design includes features like low-speed operation, dust seals, shaft guards and a new 15-degree curve section — all to minimize grain damage and enhance durability.
Leveraging rail to support feed and grain sustainability goals [Video]

Mar 12, 2025 | feedandgrain.com | Elise Schafer

In this interview, Danny Dever, senior product manager for TransmetriQ, highlights railâ€™s sustainability benefits, cutting fuel use and emissions by up to 75% compared to trucking. He pointed to data showing that shifting 25% of truck freight over 750 miles to rail could reduce emissions by 13.1 million tons annually and explained that railroads are investing in efficient solutions and carbon emission calculators to support grain and feed companiesâ€™ sustainability goals.
Digital tools transform grain industry efficiency and service

Mar 7, 2025 | feedandgrain.com | Elise Schafer

The grain industry is undergoing a seismic shift as digital tools replace outdated manual processes. By embracing technology, agribusinesses can address inefficiencies, improve decision-making and build stronger relationships with producers. These innovations aren’t just modern conveniences — they’re becoming essential tools for navigating the industry’s future. Digital scale tickets and e-signed contracts are among the most impactful changes.