FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Septemper 19, 2006

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

MISSOURI CORN GROWERS CHAMPION CONGRESSMAN SAM GRAVES

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) -- The Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA) today announced their endorsement of Congressman Sam Graves (MO-06) for the 2006 general election.

"Congressman Sam Graves is a leading voice for agriculture in the U.S. House of Representatives. Whether the issue is sound energy policy which includes biofuels, promoting free and fair trade, or ensuring that a safety net is in place for our farmers, we know that Sam will be on our side," says BJ Bailey, MCGA board member and corn farmer from Oregon, Mo. "As a fellow farmer, we can appreciate his genuine understanding and support for agriculture and the myriad of issues it takes to make our operations successful."

In order to receive this endorsement, Congressman Graves had to meet the strict criteria established by MCGA's board of directors, a governing body comprised of 13 corn farmers from across the state. In addition to a strong pro-farmer voting record, only candidates for U.S. Congress who have served a minimum of 12 years in elected state and federal public service are eligible for this support.

"The Missouri Corn Growers Association is in the forefront in helping develop corn-based ethanol and new ideas and concepts for a value-added agriculture enterprise, helping producers become profit takers, and not just price takers," said Congressman Graves. "I am honored to have the endorsement of the Missouri Corn Growers Association."

Graves, a sixth-generation family farmer and third-term congressman, represents northwest and north-central Missouri. In Congress, he serves on the Agriculture, Small Business and Transportation Committees, chairs the Small Business Sub-Committee on Rural Enterprises, Agriculture and Technology and is a member of the House leadership serving as a Deputy Whip.