GEAPS Attends Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo 2026

GEAPS Attends Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo 2026

From Grain to Fuel: Insights from FEW

For the second year in a row, GEAPS attended the International Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo (FEW) on June 2-4, 2026. Once again, it reinforced just how closely connected the grain and grain processing industries have become.

As the acronym states, the "P" in GEAPS stands for "Processing," and the ethanol industry is a great example of grain processing. Approximately 40% of the domestic corn crop goes to ethanol production. For GEAPS members, that statistic reflects the important role grain processing plays in today's agricultural value chain.

One of the most valuable aspects of attending FEW is the opportunity to better understand the challenges, opportunities, and workforce needs facing ethanol producers. The connection between GEAPS and FEW ultimately comes down to people. Nearly 200 biorefineries operate across North America, and their success depends on skilled professionals who safely and efficiently move, store, process, and manage grain. Supporting those people through education, networking, and professional development is exactly what GEAPS is all about.

This year's event in St. Louis was phenomenal. Despite being only 25 minutes from his home, GEAPS CEO John Caupert stayed downtown throughout the week having many opportunities to connect with attendees, exhibitors, and the hundreds of GEAPS members in attendance. "Some of the most valuable conversations happen outside the meeting rooms," said Caupert. "Those interactions are a big part of why GEAPS continues to invest in attending FEW."

GEAPS' ongoing collaboration with BBI reflects a shared commitment to serving the grain and grain processing industries. Through this partnership and mutual support of each other's events, GEAPS help connect professionals with valuable educational opportunities and industry insights. That benefits not only both organizations, but the entire agriculture community as it continues to transform and grow.

Thank you to all who stopped by the GEAPS booth! The team onsite at FEW greatly enjoyed many conversations about GEAPS membership, conferences and events, online learning, chapter events, and other networking opportunities through GEAPS.

To learn more about Fuel Ethanol Workshop, visit the page online at https://www.fuelethanolworkshop.com. Connect with GEAPS at https://www.geaps.com/join.