I am looking to create a couple trout rods but unsure of what a decent rod blank would be for a newbie? I see that MHX has a couple that appear to be decent. I would like to keep them less than $30 per blank if possible.

Batson REVS54UL hands down the best small stream trout rod I've ever had my hands on without having to tweak the blank. I use mine with #2-4 Panther Martin's and small crankbaits for browns here in southern Mi. Its a fast action which I prefer because I feel like I can control the fish better and I don't lose as many when they start their acrobatics. I get into some pretty nice fish every year (5lbs isn't uncommon and I've been close to 10lbs a few times) and the blank has enough backbone to keep them out of the brush that chokes the banks and the logjams they hide in. I've used MHX and American Tackle as well. They are both good blanks. My oldest son has an AMTAK that I like for Panfish but for stream trout they are both a little to soft for my liking.

It looks like a pretty decent blank. Thanks for the suggestion.

Some things to think about.
The longer the rod, the further it will cast, the longer the rod the more fight the trout or panfish is felt ( the fish has more leverage on you), the longer the rod the deeper a bait can fish with a given weight ( less lne in the water because the rod tip angle to the water is greater, means less drag, with means things can fish deeper in the current).
I fish the longest rod I can. The Forecast SP840 works well.