FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 22, 2006

CONTACT: Becky Grisham, Missouri Corn Growers Association, (573) 893-4181

HOMEGROWN ETHANOL "FITS THE BILL"
Corn Grower President Travels with Governor to Raise Awareness of Statewide Ethanol Standard

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.)—Reducing dependence on foreign oil, utilizing a cleaner burning fuel and invigorating the state's economy were key messages given today in a statewide media tour featuring Gov. Matt Blunt and representatives from Missouri Farm Bureau and Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA).

Starting in Jefferson City and stopping in St. Joseph, Joplin, Cape Girardeau and Hannibal, today's events highlighted the statewide ethanol standard currently pending in the Missouri General Assembly. Terry Hilgedick, a corn farmer from Hartsburg and president of MCGA, accompanied Gov. Matt Blunt on the multi-city media event.

"Whether it is helping cities comply with air quality concerns, replacing MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) to improve water safety concerns, extending the current stock of gasoline to reduce supply concerns, or providing a market to address agricultural needs - ethanol fits the bill," Hilgedick said.

Missouri is currently home to three farmer-owned operating ethanol plants in Macon, Craig and Malta Bend. The state's fourth plant under construction in Laddonia and a fifth plant in St. Joseph will grow ethanol production to over 200 million gallons by the end of 2006. Once passed, the Missouri Renewable Fuel Standard (MoRFS) will help solidify continued expansion throughout Missouri by establishing a minimum content of ethanol that refiners must introduce into their formulas over an extended period of time.

Increasing ethanol output would result in big business for the state. According to a recent University of Missouri economic impact study, ethanol production in Missouri is expected to reach 350 million gallons annually by the end of 2008. This growth would create 5,613 jobs, generate $63 million in tax revenues and inject an estimated $726 million into the state's economy.

Last week, the Senate Agriculture, Conservation, Parks and Natural Resources Committee and the House Agriculture Policy Committee both voted unanimously do pass on bills to set a statewide standard for 10 percent ethanol in all fuel sold in Missouri by 2008. Yet while legislation is moving forward, Hilgedick encouraged farmers to be vigilant in voicing their support to elected officials.

"There is one more bill to fill," said Hilgedick, "that is a 10 percent statewide ethanol standard for right here in Missouri. Corn growers share a common vision for the future of Missouri with Gov. Matt Blunt and that future includes ethanol."

To track this legislation as it moves through the House and Senate, click on http://www.house.mo.gov/jointsearch/. For more information regarding MCGA and Missouri ethanol, please call 1-800-827-4181 or visit Missouri Corn Online at www.mocorn.org.