Heron Lake, May 19 - Seventeen students from Worthington High School toured Heron Lake BioEnergy on May 17 to get a closer look at the ethanol production process. 

“We were pleased to welcome students from Worthington High School and to give them a first-hand look at how clean renewable energy is produced here in Heron Lake. These tours provide us with an opportunity to show students the vital role that our industry plays in creating jobs, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting energy independence while providing savings at the pump,” said Jeff Oestmann, CEO of Heron Lake BioEnergy.

The tour comprised visits to the different stages of ethanol production such as incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distillers grain production and storage, ethanol storage and shipment. 

The students that participated in the tour were from grade 12. The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels).

“The tour at Heron Lake BioEnergy was the 11th school tour we’ve organized this spring,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director at MN Bio-Fuels.

Deb Martin, agriculture teacher at Worthington High School, accompanied her students for the tour. 

“By exposing students to the ethanol industry, they were able to gain a better understanding of the production process, the various uses for co-products and learn about career opportunities,” she said.