Benson, April 20 - Seven students from Morris Area Secondary School toured Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company (CVEC) yesterday to learn about ethanol production. 

“We were delighted to host students from Morris Area Secondary. Ethanol production plays a vital role in Minnesota’s rural economy. Tours like this provide students the opportunity to learn about the aptitudes and skills required to work in the ethanol industry,” said Chad Friese, CEO of CVEC.

During the tour, the students - from grades 10 to 12 - learned about the different stages of the ethanol production process such as income grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distillers grain production and storage, ethanol storage and shipment.

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

“Ethanol reduces prices at the pump, cuts greenhouse gas emissions and makes America more energy independent,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director at MN Bio-Fuels.

Jennah Trefz, agriculture teacher at Morris Area Secondary, accompanied her students during the tour. 

“I believe my students gained useful insight towards the production and use of ethanol in fuel and other products to aid in consumer knowledge of product production. Along with this, students received information of potential job opportunities that would keep them in our rural communities with viable options for a successful career,” she said.