Benson, April 5 - Eleven students from Ridgewater College toured Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company (CVEC) on April 1 to get a better understanding of the ethanol production process. 

“We were pleased to welcome students from Ridgewater College and provide them with a first-hand look at the ethanol production process, as well as an opportunity to learn about the benefits ethanol brings to our community, consumers and the environment,” said Chad Friese, CEO of CVEC.

The students that participated in the tour were from the college’s Animal Nutrition class.

During the tour, they learned about the different stages of the ethanol production process including incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distillers grain production / 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 boosts the economy in Minnesota, reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions, provides relief at the pump and makes us more energy independent,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director at MN Bio-Fuels. 

Kari Slinden, agriculture instructor at Ridgewater College, accompanied her students during the tour.

“My Animal Nutrition students learned more about the ethanol process and production of by-products they can use to feed their livestock. Many of my students feed distillers products and raise corn, so it is great to see the process from whole corn off a semi to products that can fuel their vehicles and feed their animals,” he said.