Winthrop, March 14 - Nineteen students from New Ulm High School toured Heartland Corn Products today to learn about ethanol production.

“It was a pleasure to welcome students from New Ulm High School to our facility. We have a great story to share and these tours give us an opportunity to do so by showcasing clean, renewable energy being made in their backyard which also contributes to the local economy, reduces harmful emissions, lower prices at the pumps and moves us in the direction of energy independence,” said Gary Anderson, CEO at Heartland Corn Products. 

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

During the tour, the students were learned about the various stages of ethanol production such as incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distillers grain production and storage, ethanol storage and shipment. 

The students that participated in the tour were from grades 10 to 12 and were from the school’s advanced natural resources class. 

Jeff Nelson, agriculture teacher at New Ulm High School, accompanied his students during today’s tour at Heartland Corn Products.

“I believe students learn best when being immersed in real world experiences where hands-on learning comes alive. Students get to understand why leadership and career skills are so vital in today’s industries. When students saw how ethanol was created from field to tank it resonated to how agriculture and energy production impact local communities and economies,” he said.