Minneapolis, May 11 - The Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels) and Highwater Ethanol hosted a virtual plant visit for 11 students from Worthington High School on May 6.
During the virtual plant visit, the students were given a virtual presentation on the plant’s operations, facts on the ethanol industry, and shown videos on the ethanol production process and the ethanol industry’s economic impact in Minnesota.
“It was a pleasure explaining to the students from Worthington High School how we convert the corn grown right here into ethanol and the overall importance of the ethanol industry to Minnesota’s rural economy,” said Brian Kletscher, CEO of Highwater Ethanol
He told the students Highwater Ethanol uses 20 - 22 million bushels of corn annually to produce 65 - 67 million gallons of ethanol a year as well as 110,000 - 120,000 tons of dried distillers grains, 55,000 tons of modified distillers grains and 17-19 million pounds of corn oil.
“We are committed to the present while focusing on the future. Our employees take that to heart, as well as our investor owners. We utilize corn grown right outside our back door and turn that into ethanol,” Kletscher said.
Other participants from Highwater Ethanol for the virtual tour were Luke Schneider, CFO, and Dillon Imker, co-plant/operations manager.
“Last week’s virtual plant visit was our last virtual visit for the spring and we hope we will be able to resume in-person tours at ethanol plants in the fall,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of MN Bio-Fuels.
The students who participated in the virtual tour were all 12th graders from Worthington High School’s Agriculture Business class.
Deb Martin, agriculture instructor at Worthington High School, said the tour was beneficial in explaining to her students the various careers in the ethanol industry and the necessary qualifications.
“Exposure to the variety of career opportunities available in the ethanol field consisting of all levels of education, ranging from a two-year technical degree to a master’s degree,” she added.