September 16-17, 2026 | Hyatt Place DFW
Oils University
Join us for this exclusive, members-only, two-day intensive course tailored for NIOP members eager to elevate their expertise in the oilseed industry. Whether you’re new to the field or looking to deepen your understanding, Oils University offers a unique opportunity to:
- Master the Fundamentals: Immerse yourself in two full days of expert-led educational sessions designed to empower you with industry insights.
- Forge Valuable Connections: Strengthen your network during our exclusive networking dinner with fellow professionals and instructors.
- Enjoy Personalized Learning: Benefit from a small class size—limited to just 25 participants—ensuring a focused and engaging experience.
2026 Agenda
Day 1 – Wednesday, September 16
Check in 7:30-8:00 AM
- Welcome & Introductions
- Review of Oil Properties & Chemistry
- Common Oil Uses in Food
- Non-Food Uses
- Introduction to Biofuels
- Future Demand Trends & Impacts
- Networking Group Dinner
Day 2 – Thursday, September 17
- The Oil Matrix – The Complexity of Supply
- Farm to Plate – Understanding Production
- Logistics, Transportation, & Storage
- Introduction to Risk Management
- Understanding Markets
- Tying It All Together
End by 4:00 PM
The Oils University Difference
What sets Oils University apart is the presence of an “industry expert” at every table of attendees—an experienced NIOP member and seasoned professional who joins you throughout the two-day program. These experts act as mentors, helping to bridge the gap between theory and practice by sharing real-world insights and experiences. As you engage with the material, they’ll provide guidance, answer questions, and offer invaluable perspectives to enhance your understanding and application of the content.
Meet Our Presenters
Dr. Neil Doty
Doty Consulting
Dr. Neil Doty is an experienced agricultural and food industry leader whose career has focused on helping organizations build strong strategies, develop new markets, and successfully bring agricultural products from concept to commercialization. His expertise spans cereal grains, oilseeds, vegetables, and fruits, as well as the processing and distribution of food, feed, fuel, fiber, and other value-added products.
Throughout his career, Dr. Doty has held senior executive leadership roles with organizations including Global Electric Motorcars in Fargo, North Dakota, and Sonne Labs/Giant Seeds in Wahpeton, North Dakota. Earlier in his career, he served as Director of Product Development for General Nutrition Corporation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he helped guide the development of new consumer products.
Dr. Doty holds a doctorate in cereal chemistry and technology from North Dakota State University and a Master of Business Administration from Minnesota State University Moorhead. His combination of scientific expertise, business leadership, and practical industry experience gives him a broad perspective on product development, agricultural processing, market strategy, and the evolving opportunities across the food and agriculture sectors.
Mark Jirik
Ada Ag
Mark is the owner of Ada Ag, an agricultural feed and services business in Ada, Minnesota. He acquired the company—formerly known as Ada Feed & Seed—in 2025, bringing extensive experience in agricultural markets, commodity merchandising, commercial management, and industry education to the business.
Before joining Ada Ag, Mark served for six years as director of the Northern Crops Institute, where he helped lead educational programming, market development initiatives, and international outreach supporting northern-grown crops and agricultural commodities. Prior to NCI, he spent more than 17 years with Cargill in commodity merchandising and commercial management roles.
Mark holds a master’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Illinois and a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics from North Dakota State University. His broad experience across commodity markets, supply chains, risk management, and agricultural education gives him a practical, real-world perspective on the forces influencing today’s oils, grains, and agricultural industries.
Bill McBee
Consultant
Bill McBee most recently served as Commercial Manager for North Dakota Soybean Processors, where he worked at the intersection of soybean procurement, processing, logistics, and product marketing. In this role, he helped connect regional soybean producers with the company’s Casselton processing facility while supporting markets for soybean oil, soybean meal, and soyhull pellets.
Bill has played an active role in the development and launch of the Casselton facility, including helping prepare the plant to receive soybeans and begin commercial operations. He also represented North Dakota Soybean Processors through industry presentations and interviews focused on soybean processing, feed ingredients, transportation, market development, and the growing role of domestic crush capacity.
Before joining North Dakota Soybean Processors, Bill worked with CGB Enterprises in commodity trading and soybean processing. He is a graduate of Purdue University. His experience across merchandising, processing, logistics, and agricultural markets gives him a practical understanding of how soybeans move from the farm through the processing system and into food, feed, fuel, and industrial markets.
Casey Peterson (Facilitator)
Northern Crops Institute
Dr. Casey Peterson serves as Program Development Manager at the Northern Crops Institute, where he helps develop and deliver educational programs designed to meet the evolving needs of agricultural professionals and industry partners. He also contributes to the Institute’s long-term strategic planning and the continued growth of its educational offerings.
Before joining the Northern Crops Institute, Dr. Peterson spent 25 years working in higher education administration at North Dakota State University and Concordia College. That extensive background gives him a strong understanding of program development, organizational leadership, and creating effective learning experiences for professionals with a wide range of backgrounds and expertise.
Dr. Peterson holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Lawrence University, a master’s degree in educational leadership from North Dakota State University, and a doctorate in institutional effectiveness from North Dakota State University. His combination of educational leadership, strategic planning, and program-development experience helps ensure that Northern Crops Institute courses provide attendees with relevant information, meaningful discussion, and practical value.
Meet Our Industry Experts
Doug Adams
Johnsrud Transport - General Manager/COO
Doug Adams brings over 41 years of hands-on experience in the oilseed and transportation industries. He began his career as a driver in 1981, hauling loads to and from California during summers while attending Simpson College. Doug joined Johnsrud Transport full-time in 1984, where he transitioned from driving to managing their Des Moines-based food grade tank wash. Under his leadership, the company expanded its cleaning operations with facilities in Lincoln, NE (1991) and West Fargo, ND (2005). Over the years, Doug has worn many hats—working in dispatch, sales, and now serving as General Manager and COO. His deep industry knowledge and operational insight make him an invaluable mentor and resource at Oils University.
Brian Owens
Saint Bernard Renewables – Vice President
Brian Owens is a seasoned leader in the agricultural commodities sector with over 30 years of experience in domestic and international trading, procurement, and supply chain management. He currently serves as Vice President of Renewable Feedstocks at Saint Bernard Renewables, where he plays a key role in advancing the company’s renewable initiatives. Brian is also the Immediate President of the American Fats and Oils Association (AFOA) and the Immediate Past President of the NIOP, reflecting his long-standing leadership in the industry. His expertise and deep network make him a valuable resource for Oils University participants.
Andy Seagren
Ventura Foods – Vice President, Oil Trading and Sustainability
Andy brings nearly 40 years of industry experience and a deep-rooted understanding of commodity markets and oil trading. His career began on the floor of the historic Chicago Board of Trade, where he honed his skills as a trader in the fast-paced world of futures and commodities. In 2002, Andy joined Ventura Foods as Director of Commodity Operations and has since risen to the role of Vice President of Oil Trading and Sustainability. His extensive market knowledge and leadership in the industry make him a trusted expert and invaluable resource for Oils University participants.
Nate Smithson
Moving Parts – Vice President
Nate Smithson is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in the agriculture and oilseed industries. A graduate of the University of Minnesota, Nate spent 16 years at CHS, where he focused on vegetable oil sales, canola processing, and risk management. He now serves as Vice President at Moving Parts, bringing a strategic, solutions-oriented approach to the supply chain. Nate’s deep industry knowledge and practical experience make him a valuable mentor and contributor to Oils University.
David Tillman
Stratas Foods – Vice President
David Tillman is a highly respected Vice President at Stratas Foods, where he has been a key leader since 1988. With over 36 years of experience in foodservice and food ingredients, David brings deep expertise in commodity risk management, product development, and supply chain operations. His career reflects a strong focus on food safety, innovation, and cross-functional team leadership. David’s long-standing industry knowledge and strategic perspective make him an invaluable resource for Oils University participants. David also serves as the Chairman of the Oils University Committee.
Add up all those years of experience, and you get nearly 200 years of industry knowledge in one room—that’s the level of insight and expertise you’ll learn from at Oils University. Our Industry Experts don’t just teach the material—they’ve lived it.
Who’s Registered
The following individuals registered to attend Oils University 2026.
| Attendee | Company | Title |
| Ryan Jackson | Adams Group Inc. | Director of Sales |
| Scott Martin | Ag Processing Inc. | CoProduct and Supply Chain Manager |
| Matt Smith | Ag Processing Inc. | Director of Supply Chain |
| Sue Farhoud | Bunge | Team Leading Trading Support |
| Brittany Nott | Bunge | Pricing Manager |
| Emma Niapas | Daabon Organic USA, Inc. | Sales, North America |
| Ben Suber | MGM Marketing, Inc. | Procurement & Logistics |
| Jordyn Geddes | Riverina Natural Oils | Commodity Merchant |
| Kara Eddlemon | Saint Bernard Renewables | Renewable Diesel Scheduler |
| Garrett Rudiger | St. Bernard Renewables | Commodity Analyst/Trader |
| Ramsey Nielsen | VEOS | Client Service Manager |
What to Expect
At Oils Univeristy 2026, we will discuss topics such as oil properties/chemistry, common oil uses in food, non-food uses, biofuels, future demand impacts and trends, the oil matrix, production processes, logistics, transportation, storage, risk management, markets, and projecting what the future may look like. We’ll enjoy an attendee dinner and wrap up the course with a Q&A with our industry experts and facilitators.
Oils University Registration
Thank you, Oils University Committee!
A special thank you to NIOP’s Oils University Committee for their time, creativity, persistence, and dedication to the creation of this course.
Committee members include:
Chair
David Tillman
Stratas Foods
Committee Members:
Amanda Bainbridge
Cargill, Inc.
Tara Ryan
Cargill, Inc.
Andy Seagren
Ventura Foods
Valerie Simeral
MPB Commodities Brokerage, Inc.
Nate Smithson
Moving Parts LLC
Questions?
Reach out to NIOP Staff by clicking below or calling (803) 252-7128!