Winthrop, May 11 – Twenty-six students from Central High School in Norwood Young America visited Heartland Corn Products today to learn more about renewable energy production.

The students, from grades 10 to 12, toured the various processes of ethanol production at the 108 million gallon-a-year facility.

This is the second time students from Central High School have toured Heartland Corn Products. The first tour was in March 2016.

“We’re pleased to welcome a new group of students from Central High School to our plant. It’s important for students to get a first-hand look at how clean Minnesota-grown renewable energy is produced,” said Scott Blumhoeffer, Vice-President at Heartland Corn Products.

During the tour, the students learned about incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distiller grain production and storage, liquefaction and ethanol storage and shipment.

The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association. Heartland Corn Products is a member of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.

“These tours show students how a homegrown renewable ingredient is converted into a clean fuel that continues to reduce harmful greenhouse gases,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.

In 2016, 19 students from Central High School toured Heartland Corn Products and this year, 26 students participated in the visit.

The school’s agriculture teacher, Jim Mesik, who accompanied his students on both tours, said it was important for students to learn how the ethanol industry affects them.

“(Heartland Corn Products) put on a very informative presentation and what I consider to be a very complete tour. I learned a lot and I know the students did too,” he said.