Benson, Oct 13 - Thirteen students from Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa High School toured Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company (CVEC) yesterday to learn more about ethanol production. 

During the tour, the students toured the various stages of the ethanol production process such as incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distillers grain production and storage, ethanol storage and shipment. 

“We take pride in showcasing our production process and various co-products. These tours also give us an opportunity to highlight the vital role our industry plays in strengthening Minnesota’s economy, reducing greenhouse gases, reducing prices at the pump and promoting energy independence,” said Chad Friese, CEO of CVEC.

The students that participated in the tour were 10th -12th graders from the school’s small engines class. 

The tour was sponsored by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels). CVEC is a member of MN Bio-Fuels.

Gary Rodgers, agriculture teacher at Belgrade-Brooten-Elrose High School, accompanied his students during the tour. 

“Ethanol is a growing industry primarily because it reduces carbon emissions and the environmental impacts of producing ethanol have been greatly reduced,” he said.