Nicholas Defenbaugh, a senior at Orion Technical College and a maintenance technician at Big River Resources, was one of eight students and young professionals who attended the recent 2024 National Ethanol Conference under the Robert Sather Memorial Scholarship program.

Nicholas is carrying on a family tradition working at the plant in Burlington, Iowa which was started by his grandfather Ray Defenbaugh who passed away in 2020. “I got into the industry when I was 17 and I’ve loved it ever since,” Nicholas said.

Ray Defenbaugh, who is considered a pioneer in the ethanol industry, served on the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) board from 2005 until his death, and also served on the boards of other national and state corn, ethanol and grain organizations.