Heron Lake, April 18 - Twelve students from Worthington High School toured Heron Lake Bioenergy today to learn more about ethanol production.

“We are always happy to offer tours of our plant. In addition to providing an inside view of our production process and highlighting career possibilities, these tours give us an opportunity to speak more with students about the many ways in which our industry benefits Minnesota - by bolstering rural economies, reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions, lowering consumer prices at the pump and advancing energy independence,” said Brodie McKeown, plant manager at Heron Lake Bioenergy.

The students, all 12 graders, were from Worthington High School’s agri-business class. 

During the tour, they learned about incoming grain grading and handling, fermentation, grain storage, ethanol storage and shipment and dried distillers grains with solubles production and storage. 

Kathryn Christopher, agriculture teacher at Worthington High School, accompanied her students during the tour. 

“Our students gained valuable insight into the ethanol industry. Students in agri-business 12 were able to see the career and educational opportunities that ethanol provides as well as the opportunity it provides our farmers.” she said.

The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.