American Association of Grain Inspection & Weighing Agencies

?? This week, the NGFA/NAEGA Grain Grades & Weights Committee convened to discuss key industry topics. AAGIWA was well represented by Kia Mikesh, North Dakota Grain Inspection and AAGIWA President, who brought valuable insights to the conversation. Grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders on these important issues! #GrainIndustry #AAGIWA #NGFA #NAEGA

That’s a wrap on GEAPS Exchange 2025! ?? What an incredible few days in Kansas City—connecting with industry leaders, learning from experts, and sharing insights on grain inspection and weighing. A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by AAGIWA Booth #737! A special shoutout to AAGIWA members Ann Foster and Wendy Buhrman from Hastings Grain Inspection, and Erin Casey-Campbell from the Missouri Department of Agriculture for working the booth alongside AAGIWA staff – Erica Venancio and Zach Helder. Your expertise, time, and dedication made this event a success! We’re grateful for the great conversations and look forward to building on this momentum. Until next time! ?? #GEAPSExchange #GrainIndustry #KansasCity #AAGIWA #GrainInspection #SeeYouNextYear

?? Join AAGIWA at GEAPS Exchange 2025! ?? We’re excited to see you in Kansas City for Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) Exchange 2025, happening February 22-25! Stop by Booth #737 to connect with AAGIWA and learn more about the latest in grain inspection and weighing. We’re also thrilled to have AAGIWA Board Members from Hastings Grain Inspection and the Missouri Department of Agriculture joining us to share their wisdom and expertise. Plus, we’ll be right next to FGIS, so be sure to stop by and visit both booths! ?? Mark your calendar: February 22-25 ?? Learn more and register: www.geaps.com/exchange See you there! ?? #GEAPSExchange #GrainIndustry #KansasCity #AAGIWA #OfficialGrainInspection

AAGIWA Congratulates Byron Reilly on His Upcoming Retirement! AAGIWA extends heartfelt congratulations to?Byron Reilly, who will retire at the end of this month after an incredible?49-year career?with the?Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS).?His dedication and expertise have been instrumental in upholding the integrity of?U.S. grain inspection and international trade. Starting as an?Agricultural Commodity Grader?in 1976, Byron’s career took him from?Indianapolis to New Orleans and across the world, where he worked to ensure grain quality and market access. His efforts with?USDA Cooperator Organizations?helped establish grain inspection labs, introduce?mechanical sampling devices, and train industry professionals globally. Beyond his impact on agriculture, Byron has also served his community as a?firefighter, EMT, and arson investigator. As he embarks on retirement, he’s set to pursue his passion for?gemology?and launch a jewelry appraisal business. AAGIWA thanks Byron for his decades of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the industry.?We wish him a fulfilling and exciting next chapter! ????

?? That’s a wrap on the?NGFA Country Elevator Conference?in Kansas City! ?? It was a fantastic experience representing?AAGIWA?and the?official grain inspection system. We had great conversations with industry professionals and technology leaders about enhancing grain inspection processes and driving innovation in the ag supply chain. #AAGIWA #GrainInspection #NGFA #CountryElevatorConference #GrainIndustry #KansasCity #InnovationInAg #AgIndustry

We look forward to participating in the?NGFA Country Elevator Conference?next week in Kansas City, proudly representing the?official grain inspection system! ??? ?? Stop by?Booth #422?to say hello and learn more about how we support the grain industry. We're especially excited to connect with?technology companies?to explore innovative solutions that can enhance grain inspection processes. Let’s collaborate to bring cutting-edge advancements to this critical part of the agricultural supply chain! #AAGIWA #GrainInspection #NGFA #CountryElevatorConference #GrainIndustry #KansasCity #AgIndustry #InnovationInAg

Happy Thanksgiving from AAGIWA! ???? This Thanksgiving, we celebrate the dedication that drives agriculture and the grain industry forward. Your hard work helps feed the world and build a stronger future. We are grateful to be part of such an inspiring community. Wishing you joy, gratitude, and time with loved ones. Happy Thanksgiving! ?? #Thanksgiving #GrainIndustry #Agriculture #Gratitude #AAGIWA #Community

Yesterday, the AAGIWA Board met in Kansas City, and today, several members are attending the USDA Federal Grain Inspection Service’s Grain Inspection Advisory Committee (GIAC) meeting. The GIAC, which convenes twice a year, advises AMS on the programs and services under the U.S. Grain Standards Act. Their recommendations are important in helping AMS adapt to the evolving needs of its customers in a dynamic marketplace. Representing official inspection agencies on the GIAC are three AAGIWA members: Kia Mikesh (NDGI) Phil Garcia (Washington State Department of Agriculture), and Erin Casey-Campbell (Missouri Department of Agriculture).

AAGIWA is recognizing and highlighting women in the grain inspection industry who are leading the way for others. We are pleased to introduce you to Kim Deal, Lead Administrative Professional, Marshall Service Point for the Missouri Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection Services.

Earlier this week, AAGIWA President Kia Mikesh, North Dakota Grain Inspection, and Don Wray, The Andersons, Inc., participated in the Grain Grading Technology Improvement panel at CONVEY ‘24, presented by National Grain and Feed Association, Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS), and Grain Journal. They spoke to the many changes in the grain industry, the need for updated technology in grain inspection, and the collaborative efforts being made to get there.