FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 21, 2006

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

PUMP TOUR KICKS OFF SUMMER TRAVEL SEASON
Motorists Enjoy Fuel Discount, Promotional Offers and Ethanol Education

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.)—The summer solstice marks the start of summer travel season, but some drivers in St. Joseph, Mo., received a break at the pump today. While many people are talking about the high price of gas, owners of flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) were able to fill up for $1.85 a gallon at the Break Time station located at 402 North Woodbine. The special promotion was part of a nationwide AgriTalk Pump Tour designed to educate consumers about the economical, environmental and energy benefits of ethanol, a renewable fuel made from corn.

"This is a great way for farmers and folks in the ethanol industry to see how our product is viewed by the general public and answer a few questions along the way," said B.J. Bailey, a producer from Oregon, Mo., and board member of the Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA). "It is amazing to think that what started out years ago as a group of farmers just talking has evolved into a thriving industry that today connects corn growers, farmer-owned ethanol plants, car manufacturers, retailers and consumers. Now is the right time for ethanol here in Missouri and across the nation. Events like this one help get that message out."

The promotion ran from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and was sponsored by MCGA, AgriTalk Radio Program, Break Time and MFA Oil Company. Mike Adams, host of the national daily radio talk show AgriTalk, was broadcasting live as drivers pulled up to the pump to fill up with E85 (a blend of 85 percent and 15 percent gasoline). Local affiliate KFEQ, members of MCGA, Golden Triangle Energy Cooperative and LifeLine Foods also assisted in manning the station and handing out information.

A press conference kicked off the event and featured several local and state dignitaries. In addition to the fuel discount, motorists enjoyed free popcorn, special promotions on soda and ice as well as a chance to sign up to win a 2006 Ford F-150 flex-fuel vehicle to be given away by MFA Oil Company at the Fourth of July Fire in the Sky celebration in Columbia, Mo. The largest retailer of E85 in the state, MFA Oil recently committed to making the alternative fuel more readily available and affordable to Missourians by offering it at 20 percent less than regular unleaded gasoline. The farmer-owned cooperative currently has 28 E85 locations with 12 additional installations scheduled to take place in the coming months. The Break Time store in St. Joseph is the company's biggest seller of E85.

"MFA Oil has been a longstanding partner that recognizes the value of homegrown fuels," says Bailey. "Drivers enjoy a great fuel at a great price while at the same time help cut down on pollution and lessen our addiction to foreign oil. Farmers have a market for their corn and the dollars stay right here in our own communities," Bailey explains. "It is the perfect partnership where everybody wins."

There are approximately six million flex-fuel vehicles on the road today that can utilize E85. General Motors, DaimlerChrysler and Ford manufacture these FFVs and drivers can check compatibility by looking inside the vehicle's fuel door, consulting the owner's manual or visiting www.E85Fuel.com.

Missouri currently has three ethanol plants in production, two under construction and several others in the planning stages. To learn more about MCGA or ethanol in Missouri, visit Missouri Corn Online at http://www.mocorn.org.