West Central Area High School Students Tour CVEC

Benson, May 6 - Fifteen students from West Central Area Secondary's Plant Science & Ag Processing class toured Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company (CVEC) yesterday to learn about ethanol production.

"We were delighted to host and share with students from West Central Area Secondary our nearly three decades-long story of commitment to producing clean, renewable energy, corn oil and animal feed from local corn. CVEC also supports rural economies via job creation and economic growth, while playing a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering fuel costs and advancing energy independence - benefits that extend well beyond our local community," said Chad Friese, CEO of CVEC.

During the tour, the students learned about incoming grain grading and handling, fermentation, ethanol shipment, dried distillers grains with solubles production and shipment as well as facts about Minnesota's ethanol industry.

The students that participated in the tour were in grades 10 to 12. The tour was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels). CVEC is a member of MN Bio-Fuels.

Erick Sawatke, agriculture instructor at West Central Area Secondary, accompanied his students for the tour.

"Today, my students received an overview of the processing of ethanol with a focus on the jobs that are available in the industry locally," he said.