Winter 2003

With an eye toward the future, AAGIWA held its annual meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada from January 12-14, 2003. At least sixty members, guests and suppliers gathered at the Monte Carlo Resort & Casino to take part in AAGIWA business and discussions regarding issues that are likely to impact the official inspection system now and in the future.

The following AAGIWA officers were elected for the 2003 calendar year:
President: Tom Meyer
Vice President: Tom Dahl
Director: Barry Hibbets
Director: Randy Deike
Director: Bill Davis
Director: Dave Reeder
Immediate Past President: Tim Adams
Ex-Officio Director: David Ayers

GIPSA Administrator Donna Reifschneider opened the AAGIWA General Session on Tuesday (January 14) with remarks about GIPSA's goals and activities relating to the official inspection system.

GIPSA Director of Field Management Division, Dave Orr presented "A Look To The Future" - An aggressive plan to offer web-based, integrated services within the official inspection system. Once implemented, the plan would provide real-time access to relevant data for each service location, allowing streamlined information and service along the official inspection pipeline. User fees were discussed, with the only change being increased fees for ships. The contracting of services currently performed by GIPSA is being studied and information will be provided upon completion of the study.

Albert Schatzke from the Canadian Grain Commission addressed the group regarding Canadian interests in the grain inspection business. The U.S. and Canada face many similar challenges when looking at the future of the grain business and what, where and how resources may best be used to build on current strengths.

Chuck Smith presented the implementation roadmap that will guide long-term planning and provide a solid way to measure progress toward GIPSA's goal.

Steve Tanner discussed the development of a Central Monitoring Lab, which is under consideration for 2005 and beyond. Tanner also discussed line prints and the validity of interpretations. The function of the line print is to educate.

Bert Farrish, Deputy Administrator for Commodity Operations, USDA Farm Services Agency explained his new role in this agency as well as what changes the Farm Bill has brought upon the agency. Farrish has addressed the AAGIWA membership on several occasions while President of Columbia Grain.

Tom Meyer of Kansas Grain Inspection Service, Inc. was elected to serve a two-year term as the president of the American Association of Grain Inspection and Weighing Agencies during the 2003 Annual Meeting in Las Vegas. Joining Meyer on the new officer team is Tom Dahl of Sioux City Inspection & Weighing Service Company. Meyer and Dahl will serve two-year terms as the association's elected officers.

Meyer began his career in 1975 with the Kansas State Grain Inspection Department in Belleville as a sampler. In 1997 when the State Department was privatized he served as Assistant Director. After the Kansas Grain Inspection Service, Inc. was formed he served as Vice President until 2000 when he was named President.

Dahl was hired in July of 1976 as a sampler. In 1978 he became an inspector and continued until 1991 when he became manager. In October of 1993 he became one of the owners of Sioux City Inspection. Tom has had the opportunity to work for General Bob Fronanbarger and Private David Ayers.

Newly elected Board Members are Barry Hibbets, Dave Reeder and Randy Deike

Tim Adams outgoing President of AAGIWA was presented a plaque in appreciation of his time and work that he devoted to AAGIWA the past two years. Presenting the award was David Ayers.

The past presidents of AAGIWA maintained an open dialogue with GIPSA and the grain industry. I promise to continue this effort by keeping communication open amongst all providers and users of the official system. The past two years brought a significant change to the association. The association felt the need to handle the administrative duties within the board. With this move, dues were decreased as well as registration for meetings. The officers and board need to know what the membership wants from AAGIWA. I encourage all members and non-members to contact a board member with any suggestions or questions they may have. I look forward to the opportunity to help lead this association in these changing times.

Sometimes a premonition is God's way of preparing us for things to come. That is certainly what Mark Beaupre must have been feeling on March 20, 2003. He told Rev. James Fanale he was just "nervous" and "on edge". At 3 a.m. a delegation from the Marine Corps arrived to notify the family of Ryan Beaupre's death. Ryan was piloting a helicopter in Kuwait that crashed, killing eight British Royal Marine Commandos and four U.S. Marines. Beaupre was assigned to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.

Ryan was the son of Mark Beaupre of the Schneider Inspection Service. Ryan was remembered by family and friends as the son everyone hoped for and as a friend he was generous, bright and devoted to the military. His mother is Nicky Beaupre, he leaves three siblings, Alyse Beaupre, Kari Leisure and Christopher Beaupre. We, in the grain industry are sorry for your loss and will keep you in our prayers through the days to come. Even though St. Anne is not close to some of our homes, we are all very close at heart.

www.aagiwa.org

Be sure to visit the AAGIWA web-site as the grain-gram is posted on the site along with other information. If you have news of interest and would like to share it with other AAGIWA members send it to one of the officers or board members and it will be sent to be posted on the site.