“Grain Guy Fifty”

Hello and welcome to “Grain Guy Fifty”! I’m Jim Voigt, and I’m thrilled to launch this blog dedicated to sharing insights, knowledge, and best practices from my 50 years in the feed and grain industry. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with some fantastic teams and witnessing the dynamic evolution of grain operations across North America and beyond. 

I graduated with honors in Agricultural Business Management from Cal Poly. My professional journey began at Allied Mills, a division of Continental Grain, followed by significant roles at Ralston Purina and ultimately serving as the Director of Manufacturing for ADM’s feed division I accumulated 13 years of expertise in feed manufacturing. I later transitioned to the grain division at ADM, dedicating 19 years to that sector, before spending the last 8 years at ADM focusing on continuous improvement initiatives. In 2012, I retired from ADM and founded JFV Solutions Inc., my consulting firm, where I still operate today. Additionally, I established AgriSphere Inc., a cloud-based safety and maintenance consulting and on-line training business focused on the grain industry and other related agricultural entities, which I successfully sold three years ago to concentrate on my primary consulting efforts.  

At “Grain Guy Fifty,” our mission is simple: to provide you with valuable information on the intricacies of grain operations. Whether you’re directly involved in the grain industry, part of a related industry, or just curious about how this vital sector works, you’ll find a wealth of knowledge here. 

What to Expect 

You can look forward to articles covering: 

– Operating processes and procedures 

– Management tools and techniques 

– Leadership and supervision strategies 

– Continuous improvement initiatives 

– Problem Solving 

– Risk and inventory management 

– Regulatory issues impacting the industry ( safety, food safety, environmental) 

– Maintenance management  

– Facility layout and equipment selection 

– Operational rationalization and acquisitions 

– General industry insights and practical tips 

– Critical relationships with food, feed, and grain processing  

– Other industry related topics 

I recruited and trained hundreds of grain operations employees when at ADM, assisted in growing the company from 60 to over 400 grain handling facilities globally, and participated in multiple significant acquisitions in my role as Vice President of Operations and Engineering for the global grain division. I have had the opportunity to work in twenty different countries working with facilities from country elevators to export houses. Having been the co-creator of ADM’s continuous improvement program and team, I have learned how to apply CI management techniques such as lean/six sigma to grain and grain processing industries. My CI work included flour and corn milling,  extractions and refined oils, soy proteins, bio-products, cocoa and chocolate manufacturing, as well as various working capital reduction projects. I’ve accumulated a wealth of experience and lessons learned that I’m excited to share. With a commitment to safety, performance, and efficiency, my approach has always been results-driven through a team effort. 

In addition, I will share insights and experiences that have shaped my career and delve into core values and philosophies that have guided my approach to work and life. Expect periodic posts that reflect on the traits and pivotal events that have contributed to my success, offering a transparent look into the mindset and strategies that have propelled my journey. Together, we’ll explore how understanding who you are, and one’s values can lead to more intentional decision-making and a fulfilling professional life. Join me on this journey of self-discovery and growth as we navigate the complexities of our careers together. 

Join the Conversation 

I aim for this blog to be an interactive space where we can foster discussion and share ideas. I encourage you to engage with the posts, share your thoughts, and ask questions. Together, we can explore the challenges and opportunities in the grain industry and embrace continuous improvement in the quest for excellence 

Thank you for stopping by, and here’s to navigating the world of grain operations together! 

Best,   

Jim Voigt   

“Grain Guy Fifty”