Lamberton, April 21 - Twenty-two students from Sleepy Eye High School toured Highwater Ethanol on April 20 to get a closer look at the ethanol production process.

During the tour, the students 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.

“It’s important for students to learn about the clean, locally grown, renewable energy being produced in Lamberton and in other parts of Minnesota. By sharing our knowledge, we hope students walk away with a better understanding of career opportunities, in addition to our industry’s contributions to rural economies, the environment and energy independence,” said Brian Kletscher, CEO of Highwater Ethanol.

The students - from grades 9 to 12 - were from the school’s Natural Resources class.

The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels) and sponsored by Novozymes, a global microbe and enzyme provider, and supporter of Minnesota’s ethanol industry. Both Highwater Ethanol and Novozymes are members of MN Bio-Fuels.

“These tours are important in highlighting to students the role ethanol plays in reducing prices at the pump,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of MN Bio-Fuels. 

Mary Hoffmann, agriculture teacher at Sleepy Eye High School, said the tour provided her students with a better understanding of ethanol production as well as the benefits of using ethanol.

“I believe any time students can see something in person or “hands-on,” they learn so much more,” she said.