FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 27, 2006

CONTACT: Becky Grisham, Missouri Corn Growers Association, (573) 893-4181 or (800) 827-4181

LOCAL LEADER HONORED BY NATIONAL FFA ORGANIZATION

(INDIANAPOLIS) -- Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA) and Missouri Corn Merchandising Council (MCMC) CEO Gary Marshall was presented with the Honorary American FFA Degree today at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. This award recognizes those who advance agricultural education and FFA through outstanding personal commitment.

"It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by such a worthwhile and respected organization," said Marshall. "The Missouri Corn programs take great pride in helping grow future farmers through our partnership with the FFA. This organization deserves our thanks for their work in continuing to build confidence and character in our young people."

Marshall, a native of Jamestown, Mo., was nominated by the Missouri FFA Association. The state association works in tandem with the National FFA Organization to enhance the lives of youth through agricultural education.

"Without the efforts of highly dedicated individuals such as Gary, thousands of young people would not be able to achieve success," says Steve Brown, executive secretary for the Missouri FFA Association. "The Honorary American FFA Degree is an opportunity to recognize those who have gone beyond valuable daily contributions to make an extraordinary long-term difference in the lives of tomorrow's agricultural leaders. We were proud to nominate Gary for this esteemed award and greatly appreciate the help and support of Missouri Corn."

Members of the National FFA Board of Directors approved the nomination. Marshall received this honor during an onstage presentation in front of 50,000 FFA members, teachers, administrators and guests attending the 79th National FFA Convention being held Oct. 25-28. The FFA convention is the largest annual student gathering in the nation. Marshall's name will now be added to the organization's permanent record.

FFA is a national youth organization of 490,017 student members with 7,210 local chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. FFA strives to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ffa.org for more information.

The Missouri Corn Growers Association was formed in 1978 to protect the rights of its members, build new markets for corn and increase opportunities for Missouri farmers. The Missouri Corn Merchandising Council was established in 1984 through a half-cent per bushel corn checkoff referendum. MCMC is dedicated to enhancing the profitability of corn production by investing checkoff dollars in development and expansion of corn markets, utilizing the latest industry research, increasing youth education, facilitating communication with farmers and customers and partnering with major agricultural trade organizations on state, national and international market development efforts. Visit www.mocorn.org to learn more about Missouri Corn programs.