Nov 3, Lamberton - Eighteen students from Westbrook Walnut Grove High School toured Highwater Ethanol yesterday to gain a better understanding of ethanol production.

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

In addition, the students were briefed on the various career opportunities in the ethanol industry as well as the required qualifications. The students that participated in the tour were from the 8th grade.

“We were pleased to welcome students from Westbrook-Walnut Grove High School and to give them a first-hand look at how clean, renewable energy is produced here in Lamberton,” said Brian Kletscher, CEO of Highwater Ethanol.

The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels), a non-profit trade organization that represents Minnesota’s ethanol industry. Highwater Ethanol is a member of MN Bio-Fuels.

“We regularly bring students to ethanol plants so that they can get a first-hand look at how a homegrown product reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions, strengthens Minnesota’s economy and makes us more energy independent,” said Tim Rudnicki, executive director of MN Bio-Fuels.

Nancy Zollner, agriculture instructor at Westbrook Walnut Grove High School, said her students learned about different uses for corn and the various careers in the agriculture industry while touring Highwater Ethanol.