Benson, Nov 1- Twenty students from Benson High School toured the Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company (CVEC) plant today to get a better understanding of how clean homegrown renewable energy is produced.

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

“We were delighted to host Benson High School at our facility and provide them with a first-hand look at the benefits ethanol brings to our community, consumers, local producers and environment. We appreciate the students taking time out of their schedule to learn more about biofuels and the advantages they provide as a source of fuel,” said Chad Friese, CEO of CVEC. 

The students, all eighth graders, were from Benson High School’s Ag Exploration Class.

The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Biofuels). CVEC, which has an annual production of 50 million gallons of ethanol, is a member of MN Biofuels.

CVEC commenced operations in 1996 and currently has 50 employees. It has hosted many tours over the years for high school students, 4-H’ers, and local agriculture and science programs.

“We organize these tours to show students how a homegrown renewable ingredient is converted into a clean fuel that continues to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions,” said Tim Rudnicki, MN Biofuels’ executive director.

Nancy Loen, an agricultural science teacher at Benson High School, accompanied her students during today’s tour.

"This tour was so important for my students to further learn about the various aspects of agriculture and how it affects them both directly and indirectly, as well as a great exposure to career opportunities," Loen said.