Janesville, Apr 18 - Students from Mankato Area Public Schools toured Guardian Energy on Apr 13 to learn about ethanol production. 

“We’re always happy to welcome students interested in learning more about ethanol production. As producers of clean, renewable energy from locally grown corn, these tours give us an opportunity to talk more about the positive impact our industry has on strengthening rural economies, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing prices at the pump and promoting energy independence,” said Jeanne McCaherty, CEO of Guardian Energy.

During the tour, the students learned about the various processes of ethanol production. This included incoming grain grading, grain handling, fermentation, grain storage, dried distillers grain production and storage, liquefaction and ethanol storage and shipment.

The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels). Guardian Energy is a member of MN Bio-Fuels.

A total of nine students from Mankato Area Public Schools participated in the tour. The students were from grades nine to 12. 

Robin Tidd, agriculture, food and natural resources teacher at Mankato Area Public Schools, accompanied her students during the tour.

“After learning in class about products that are created with plants, students were able to attend a tour of Guardian Energy and see the process in person. Field trips like this expose students to careers in agriculture they did not know existed and help make those connections to what they learned in class,” she said.