The NGFA’s “Safety Tips” series is published periodically as part of the Association’s continued commitment to safety in the workplace. These documents and videos are designed to provide more information on certain types of hazards and suggested ways to protect employees through safety best practices. View each “Safety Tips” sheet below:
Browse Safety Tip Sheets (PDFs) >>
NGFA’s short training videos cover high-risk operations and provide practical steps to reduce incidents. Topics include:
Watch Safety Videos >>
The most recent safety training video funded by the National Grain and Feed Foundation outlines important housekeeping procedures and identifies potential ignition sources for combustible dust.
Working in or around a grain bin exposes farmers and workers to serious and life-threatening hazards, including entrapment and suffocation from engulfment. This video, funded by the National Grain and Feed Foundation, illustrates the connection between grain quality and safety.
NGFA Director of Safety, Education, and Training Jim Seibert reviews the basic safety precautions and equipment needed to enter a grain bin. This short video, funded by the National Grain and Feed Foundation, breaks down each step of the process to ensure managers and employees don’t miss a step and stay safe every day.
The National Corn Growers Association and the National Grain and Feed Foundation (NGFF) – the NGFA’s research and education arm – completed a joint video project to promote grain bin safety on the farm. Preview the video for more information.
Developed in 1998 by Purdue University under a contract with the NGFF, this program reviews the hazards associated with flowing grain and the most common types of grain entrapments at commercial facilities. Preview the video for more information. (Order Form-404 on live site)
Order FormDeveloped jointly by the NGFA and Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS), this safety training video is geared specifically to employees of grain handling, feed manufacturing and grain processing operations.
The 30-minute video, which also is available in Spanish, addresses many safety-related issues, including confined space safety.
Interactive, self-paced online courses offer deeper training in key safety areas, including:
Each year at the end of August, NGFA dedicates a week to sharing safety resources relevant to the busy harvest season.
Check out last year’s theme and content.
This Firefighting Manual contains information for operators of grain handling facilities and firefighters on emergency and firefighting procedures. The contents of the manual are primarily intended to address planning for and fighting fires in grain elevators. However, the information has significant applications for feed mills, processing plants, flour mills and other facilities that store and handle bulk agricultural commodities. Chemical fires also are addressed briefly, which has applications for fertilizer and chemical plants.
Download DocumentThis guide provides a basic overview of the changes made to the general industry standards addressing slip, trip, and fall hazards found in Subpart D of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. The guide is meant to serve as a foundation upon which individual companies can build their own tailored plans specific to their facility, operations, personnel, and other conditions. Sample documents found in the appendices provide templates that may be used to update site-specific programs and procedures.
Download DocumentOn July 2023, OSHA issued a final amended E-Recordkeeping Rule that will take effect on January 1, 2024. OSHA intends for March 2, 2024, to be the first submission deadline for the latest information required to be submitted under this rule. Specifically, OSHA is amending its regulation to require establishments with 100 or more employees in certain designated industries to electronically submit information from their OSHA Forms 300 and 301 to OSHA once a year. Establishments with 20 to 249 employees in certain industries will continue to be required to electronically submit information from their OSHA Form 300A annual summary to OSHA once a year. All establishments with 250 or more employees that are required to keep records under OSHA’s injury and illness regulation will also continue to be required to electronically submit information from their Form 300A to OSHA on an annual basis. Grain, feed, processing and milling facilities that employ between 20-249 employees are required to submit the OSHA Form 300A annually and those with more than 100 employees are also required to submit OSHA forms 300 and 301 annually.
Download DocumentNGFA and the American Feed Industry Association released a hazard communication compliance guide for consideration and use by grain handling, feed, ingredient and processing facilities. With a June 1 implementation deadline approaching for compliance with major elements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s recently revised Hazard Communication Standard (HCS), the associations created the document to ensure the industry is prepared for updated compliance requirements. For more information, download the free, nearly 50-page document.
Please note – If you share the document, please include the following information: “This document is distributed with the permission of the National Grain and Feed Association, the American Feed Industry Association, the Corn Refiners Association and the North American Millers Association.” We also ask that the credit include the name of the publication and the publication date (e.g., “The document Guidance: Hazard Communication Program at Grain Handling, Feed, Ingredient & Processing Facilities was originally published in May 2015”).
For more information, see the recorded webinar where experts from the organizations highlighted recent changes and provided answers to members’ most frequently asked questions.
Download DocumentNGFA prepared a guidance document to assist grain handling facilities in evaluating their boot pits to determine whether they meet OSHA’s definition of permit-required confined spaces.
Download DocumentThis guide provides basic concepts to assist grain handling facilities in developing and implementing a sweep auger operations safety policy.
Download DocumentNGFA’s efforts in promoting safety started in the 1980’s and we’re proud to partner with many likeminded organizations.
These resources are part of NGFA’s broader commitment to workplace health and safety, reinforced through regulatory engagement and industry education.
The NGFA’s extensive efforts to enhance safety include unprecedented research and education efforts launched in the early 1980s that helped lead to a dramatic reduction in the number of fire and explosion incidents in commercial grain-handling facilities in the late 1970s. The industry has demonstrated its commitment, before and after the promulgation of the OSHA’s grain handling standard, 29 CFR 1910.272, in 1988.
OSHA and NGFA AllianceThe U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) formed an alliance, which will allow the grain, feed and processing industry to work more closely and collaboratively with the regulatory agency. Learn more on the Alliance page.
OSHA currently has emphasis programs that apply to grain, feed, and processing facilities within the jurisdiction of all Regions V, VI, VII, VIII and X Area OSHA Offices. Based on these programs, inspections will primarily focus on the six major hazard areas of engulfment, falls, auger entanglement, struck by, combustible dust explosions and electrocution.
A significant increase in costs and loss of overall storage capacity for both concrete and steel bins were the findings of recent study on the application of the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) explosion/deflagration venting requirements per latest editions of NFPA 68 – Standard on Explosion Protection by Deflagration Venting. The NFPA standards are commonly used in North America (Canada, United States and Mexico) as the basis for determining if explosion venting is required and if so, the total amount of vent area required.
This study was financed by the National Grain and Feed Foundation and was conducted by the engineering firm Van Sickle, Allen and Associates in Minneapolis, Minn. The NFPA briefly considered conducting a research study to determine appropriate venting ratio data for silos utilized for storing agricultural commodities, including grains and oilseeds. The NFPA research was intended to follow up on one conducted through the NGFA’s Fire and Explosion Research Program in 1983. However, the NFPA Foundation ultimately decided not to pursue new research.
For more information, see an Executive Summary on the report.
To order a full copy of the 90-page study, the cost is $250 for non-NGFA members and $100 for NGFA members, contact Jess McCluer, NGFA Senior Vice President, Safety and Regulatory.
More information to come.
Safety News
Recent articles, press releases and issue advisories on safety and health issues can be found here.
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Coordinator, Legal and Commercial Affairs
Courtney works on arbitration and commercial matters for NGFA. She has extensive experience in legal case management. Prior to joining NGFA in 2025, she was the Senior Paralegal at the Tenenbaum Law Group, where she helped incorporate more than 100 new nonprofit entities nationwide and facilitated their IRS tax-exemption applications.
Courtney holds a B.A. in politics from Converse University (formerly known as Converse College) in Spartanburg S.C.
Associate Director, Systems & Office Operations
Trent manages NGFA’s database systems, oversees member invoicing, and coordinates event registration and logistics. He also handles the association’s accounting functions and ensures the smooth operation of office processes. With a focus on efficiency and attention to detail, Trent plays a vital role in supporting NGFA’s organizational and member service goals.
Prior to joining NGFA in 2023, Trent gained extensive experience in member services, accounting, and operations with the Food Production Solutions Association. He also held accounting and operations roles in the nonprofit education sector. He served in various operational capacities within the banking industry, building a diverse skill set in organizational management and financial operations.
Director of Membership
Sam is responsible for the overall management and execution of NGFA’s membership activities, including dues collection, new member recruitment, and member retention. She is also the staff liaison to NGFA’s Business, Merchandising and Operations Committee.
Sam joined NGFA in 2025 with an extensive background in the agriculture industry and experience in farmer grain marketing and origination, CIF barge sector, and production agriculture. She is a proud alum of Iowa State University, with a degree in agriculture business. Sam resides in southern Iowa on a farm and cattle operation.
Vice President, Government and Legislative Affairs
Allison Rivera brings extensive experience in agricultural policy and advocacy, most recently serving for nine years as Executive Director of Government Affairs at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. In that role, she managed a robust portfolio of legislative priorities and built strong relationships on Capitol Hill, particularly with the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the Senate Commerce Committee, and the Appropriations Committees – all critical to NGFA’s policy priorities.
Before joining NCBA, Rivera spent nine years working on Capitol Hill in various legislative roles, including serving as Legislative Director for Congressman David Rouzer (R-N.C.), Senior Policy Director for Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Calif.), Legislative Assistant for Congresswoman Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.), and Legislative Correspondent for Congressman Walter B. Jones (R-N.C.).
Rivera is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and holds degrees in Political Science and International Studies. She is also a graduate of the U.S. Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College.
Vice President, Systems and Office Operations
Mary is responsible for overseeing all office operating systems, human resources, and benefits. Mary also works closely with Charlie Delacruz and Courtney Tucker in administering NGFA’s arbitration system.
Mary also serves as Secretary and Treasurer for National Grain and Feed Digital Solutions (NGFDS), NGFA’s affiliated organization that oversees the Barge Digital Transformation (BDT) platform.
Mary joined NGFA in 2013 as an Executive Administrative Assistant. In 2014, she was promoted to Manager, Arbitration and Mediation Services. Since then, she has continued to grow within NGFA, holding positions of Director, Commercial and Arbitration Services and Director, Commercial/Arbitration Services and Project Management.
Vice President, Marketing and Member Services
Rebecca oversees the NGFA’s membership operations and the strategic planning, financial management, marketing, and execution for all the association’s in-person and online events and member programs, including the Annual Convention, CEC, and the Committee Apprentice Program (CAP). Rebecca also manages the association’s business development initiatives, event sponsorships, exhibit sales, and corporate partnerships.
Rebecca is the staff liaison for the Communications, Membership, and Marketing Committee and the National Grain and Feed Foundation. Rebecca earned the distinguished Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation in 2023.
Rebecca joined the NGFA staff in 2010 as Manager, Meetings and Events. Prior to joining NGFA, Rebecca held event management positions at several catering companies and hotels in the Washington, D.C., area. Rebecca graduated from Bucknell University with a B.A. in English and political science.
Vice President, Feed and Sustainability
Berit leads NGFA’s efforts in feed policy, regulatory advocacy, industry best practices, and sustainability, furthering the association’s mission to advance a safe, sustainable, and innovative feed and grain industry. She is the principal staff contact with federal and state departments and agencies that affect animal food regulatory and industry sustainability issues. She leads the selected NGFA committees, including the Feed Committee and Sustainability Committee.
Prior to joining NGFA in 2024, Berit was the Director of Sustainability at POET, LLC, where she developed and implemented sustainability programming, regulatory compliance strategies, and industry collaboration initiatives. In addition to her sustainability work, she also worked in leadership roles focused on feed, regulatory affairs, and quality control.
Berit holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of South Dakota and a B.S. in Biochemistry from Baylor University. She has authored multiple research publications and has been recognized for her work in regulatory compliance and feed safety programs.
Senior Vice President, Safety and Regulatory
Jess is responsible for directing and managing the NGFA’s wide-ranging operations programs for grain elevators, feed mills, and grain processing plants.
This includes NGFA’s activities regarding employee safety and industrial health, environmental issues, grain-handling facility design and equipment, grain inspection and weighing issues, grain and feed quality, crop technology, trade, agroterrorism/facility security-related issues, and sanitary/phytosanitary issues.
Jess also serves as Chairman of the Department of Homeland Security, Food and Drug Administration, and the US Department of Agriculture’s Food and Agriculture Sector Coordinating Council and represents NGFA on the USDA’s Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee for Trade in Grains, Feed, Oilseeds, and Planting Seeds. The Journal of Agromedicine selected Jess as its 2021 “Leader in the Field.” The annual award is for those who have made significant contributions in agricultural safety and health practice, policy, and research.
Jess received his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University and his M.A. from George Washington University.
Chief Exonomist and Treasurer
Max serves as the NGFA’s principal interface with federal departments and agencies for rail and truck transportation, risk management, and grain warehousing. Max is NGFA’s lead staff policy liaison to its Rail Shipper/Receiver Subcommittee, Motor Carrier Subcommittee, Risk Management Committee, and Business, Merchandising and Operations Committee. He also serves as NGFA’s Treasurer and Economist.
Prior to joining NGFA in 2013, Max was the Chief Economist for the Senate Agriculture Committee. He also worked as an economist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He holds a B.S. in agricultural business from Kansas State University and a M.S. in agricultural economics from Texas A&M University.
Executive Vice President,
General Counsel
and Secretary
Charlie’s role includes management of legal affairs and the NGFA Arbitration and Trade Rules System. Charlie also serves as principal staff liaison to the Trade Rules Committee, Arbitration Appeals Panel, Rail Arbitration Rules Committee, and the NGFA Legal Council. He also serves as Executive Director for National Grain and Feed Digital Solutions, which administers the Barge Digital Transformation (BDT) trading platform.
Charlie had an extensive business and legal background before joining NGFA in 2002, including 10 years in private practice with a major international law firm and three years with a Washington-based consulting firm, advising and representing corporate clients on business, contractual, and litigation matters.
A Virginia native, Charlie received his law degree from the University of Virginia, where, among other things, he served on the Board of the Virginia Journal of International Law. He is also a magna cum laude graduate of James Madison University with degrees in history and political science.
President and CEO
Michael (Mike) Seyfert was selected as NGFA’s top executive staff officer effective March 1, 2021. As President and CEO Seyfert leads NGFA in representing more than 700 member companies and cooperatives including country elevators, export elevators, feed mills, merchandisers, brokers, biofuels, and allied industries including railroads, barge and trucking lines, grain exchanges, seed companies, construction and design firms, technology and insurance providers.
Seyfert has extensive corporate and government experience, previously serving as director of government and industry affairs North America for FMC Corp. Prior to joining FMC in February 2014, Seyfert worked from 1997-2013 on the staff of former Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., capped by serving two years as staff director of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee from 2011-13. He also was Roberts’ legislative director from 2005-11. Seyfert worked on numerous issues including agriculture, trade, taxes, appropriations, highways, aviation, health care and homeland security. During his Capitol Hill career, Seyfert also represented the U.S. Senate on official government missions to Australia, Canada, China, Cuba, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam.
Seyfert received his undergraduate degree summa cum laude in agricultural economics and was a member of the Agriculture Honors Program at Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan., and subsequently earned a master of public administration degree from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Among various honors, he was selected for the FMC Keys to Leadership Program for those considered to be among the company’s 25 emerging leaders globally, received the CropLife America Pillar Award, was a Stennis Bipartisan Congressional Staff Fellow, received the Friend of Wheat award from the National Association of Wheat Growers on several occasions, and was named the 2017 Outstanding Young Alumnus of the Kansas State University College of Agriculture.
Seyfert serves as Co-Chair of the Ag. CEO Council, which includes the leadership of twenty-five national producer, commodity and agribusiness associations. He also serves on the Management Council of the International Grain Trade Coalition and is a Farm Foundation Roundtable Fellow. He previously served as President of the Washington, DC area Kansas State University Alumni Club and as Treasurer of the Senate Employee Child Care Center’s Board of Directors.
Seyfert was the fourth generation raised on the family farm. He is married to Christy Cromley Seyfert, the sixth generation raised on her family farm in Georgia. She serves as the President and CEO of the Farm Credit Council based in Washington, DC. They maintain ownership and assist in management of a crop and rangeland farm in Kansas. The couple has two daughters – Sydney a sophomore at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville and Madison a high school senior – and reside in Alexandria, Va.
First Vice Chairman: Brian Schouvieller
Second Vice Chairman: Augusto Bassanini
Chairman: Chris BoermChris Boerm is a leader in the agricultural and transportation sectors, currently serving as the President of Transportation at Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), the world’s premier agricultural origination and processing company. With a career spanning over three decades at ADM, Chris joined the company in 1991 and has held various merchandising and management positions including Advisor to the Chairman and President, North American Grain.
In addition to his role at ADM, Chris serves as chair of the National Grain and Feed Association and is also an independent board member and chair of the compensation committee at Birkey’s Ag, a regional farm equipment dealer. He is on the board of ADM’s captive insurance company and has served on several Class I railroad customer advisory boards as well as serving as a director for Kalama Export Company and Pacificor, LLC. He is a member of ADM’s North American Executive Council, ADM’s Emergency Response Team, and is the executive sponsor of ADM’s Black Colleague Alliance.
Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and management from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, and an MBA from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He has also completed ADM’s CEO-led Executive Training program at Harvard Business School.
