Ridgewater College Students Tour CVEC

Burnsville, March 30 - Thirty students from Ridgewater College's Animal Nutrition class toured the Chippewa Valley Ethanol Company (CVEC) plant in Benson on Mar 27.

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

"We were glad to welcome students from Ridgewater College's Animal Nutrition class for an educational tour of our ethanol production facility. After nearly 30 years of continuous operation, we take pride in sharing our ongoing story of innovation and sustainability. During the visit, students also learned how Minnesota's ethanol industry benefits our state by reducing fuel costs for consumers, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening rural economies and lessening our reliance on foreign oil," said Chad Friese, CEO of CVEC.

In addition to learning about ethanol production, the students were also briefed on dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) production, storage and shipment. DDGS is a high-protein animal feed that is a co-product of ethanol production.

Kari Slinden, agriculture instructor at Ridgewater College, said DDGS was a particular focus for her students during their tour.

"My students learned more about distillers grains, how DDGS are made, what livestock species consume DDGS and the nutritional value added to their diets," she said.

Ridgewater College's tour of CVEC was organized by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association (MN Bio-Fuels). CVEC is a member of MN Bio-Fuels.