Marshall, April 25 – Twenty-one students from Minneota High School visited the ADM Corn Processing ethanol plant here on April 19 to learn more on how Minnesota-grown renewable energy is produced.

The students, from grades nine to 12, toured the various production process areas at ADM Corn Processing. Apart from ethanol production, the students also visited the facility’s fructose plant, mill and feedhouse and maintenance shop.

“We are excited to welcome the Minneota School students on site because it provides us the opportunity for these young, bright minds to gain a better understanding of the vital needs we serve in our community. From the harvest to the home, our organization provides the world with products to feed and serve the growing world population,” said Kayla Uphus, Human Resource Manager at ADM Corn Processing.

The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association. ADM Corn Processing is a member of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.

The ethanol plant at ADM Corn Processing is the only wet mill plant in Minnesota. Other plants in the state use a dry milling processes. In the wet mill process, corn is separated through soaking and then processed through grinders. In the dry mill process, the corn kernel is grinded and mixed with water and enzymes.

“These school tours provide students with the opportunity to gain a better understanding of how a homegrown ingredient is converted into a clean fuel that has been reducing and continues to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, saves consumers at the pump and makes America more energy independent,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.

During the tour, the students learned of the potential career opportunities at ADM Corn Processing.

“In southwestern Minnesota, our facility provides 250 careers and additional support in the surrounding communities. We want students to know that there are indeed opportunities for fulfilling careers here at home in southwestern Minnesota and that those opportunities are for individuals at every skill level,” Uphus said.

For example, she said specialized trade roles at the plant such as Maintenance Mechanics and Instrumental and Electrical Technicians would require candidates with a two-year degree or experience in mechanical or electrical-related positions.

In the case of Laboratory Technicians, candidates would be required to have a two or four-year science-related degree or two years of experience working in a quality assurance lab, she said.

Minneota High School Agriculture instructor, William Delaney, said it was important for his students to learn about ethanol production.

“It is important to know what goes on in their backyards as we are 12 miles from the plant. It also gives them an idea of the scope of the industry and the part a corn producer does play in the big picture,” he said.