Students from Sleepy Eye High School recently learned about ethanol when they toured the nearby Highwater Ethanol located in Lamberton, Minn. During the tour, the 23 students learned about ethanol production – specifically how Highwater Ethanol produced nearly 60 million gallons of ethanol in 2015.
Students from Sleepy Eye High School during their tour of HIghwater Ethanol in Lamberton, Minn. The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
“The opportunity to host Sleepy High School for this tour was a great opportunity for the students as well as Highwater Ethanol employees. By sharing our knowledge of the ethanol and agriculture industry, we hope to have an impact on these students as they plan on furthering their education and identifying a career path,” said Brian Kletscher, CEO of Highwater Ethanol. “We informed the students of the different job opportunities available in the ethanol industry and related agricultural industry as well as the importance of maintaining a positive attitude as you work with individuals throughout your life.”
Some highlighted areas the students learned about included the water treatment process, incoming grain handling, ethanol loadout, ethanol process facility, energy center, and dried distillers grains production and storage. In addition, the students got a view of the administrative offices.
Highwater Ethanol is a member of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association, who has been supporting its members in many ways including giving students a taste of science and technology through ethanol production.
“It’s important for students to learn about clean, Minnesota-produced, renewable energy and how it reduces harmful emissions and supports the local economy,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association.
The 10-12 grade students were accompanies by their agriculture education teacher, Mary Hoffman, who said that an element of their syllabus included a Natural Resource Class that delved in to renewable energy including biofuels. She noted, “I think it is important to see what businesses are thriving in our nearby communities as well as see a renewable energy operation in place.“