FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 15, 2007

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

Editor’s Note: Digital photos of award presentations available upon request.

MISSOURI CORN GROWERS CONVENE FOR ANNUAL MEETING

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.) --Snow and cold temperatures did not hamper the spirits of the nearly 120 members and guests who joined grower leaders and staff of the Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA) for the organization’s annual meeting held yesterday in Jefferson City, Mo. The luncheon took place at the Capitol Plaza Hotel and featured a review of MCGA’s accomplishments in 2006, a report on the organization’s financial status, election of board members and an awards ceremony.

"Last year was a banner year for MCGA," reflects Mike Geske, MCGA’s incoming president and farmer from Matthews, Mo. "We achieved several major milestones due in part to our strong partnerships and the tireless efforts of many people. This meeting was our best opportunity to recognize those dedicated individuals for their contributions to a very successful year."

MCGA’s accomplishments included the re-registration of the popular herbicide atrazine, continued expansion of the state’s ethanol industry and the passage of the Missouri Renewable Fuel Standard. The 10 percent ethanol standard was the highlight of the event and considered MCGA’s top success story in 2006.

"The Missouri Renewable Fuel Standard that we helped pass last year is the single most innovative legislation in recent history," said Terry Hilgedick, MCGA retiring president and grower from Hartsburg, Mo. "We are already seeing other commodity organizations model this landmark legislation. I expect that trend to continue as other groups and states realize the value of biofuels in helping build a stronger economy, cleaner environment and reduced dependence on foreign oil."

Gov. Matt Blunt provided the keynote address and emphasized the importance of Missouri’s farmer-owned ethanol industry. He also highlighted agriculture’s role as the state’s primary economic driver and pushed for passage of Senate Bill 364, also known as the Missouri Farm and Food Preservation Act. Afterwards, Hilgedick presented Gov. Blunt with President’s Award, the organization’s highest honor.

Additional MCGA award winners included:

Public Servant of the Year
Senator Dan Clemens
Senator Frank Barnitz
Representative John Quinn
Representative Brian Munzlinger

Outstanding Member
Terry Hilgedick

Friend of Corn Growers
Billy Gwaltney, general manager, Mid-Missouri Energy, Malta Bend
Jerry Taylor, president, MFA Oil Company, Columbia
Bill Becker, chief executive officer, LifeLine Foods, St. Joseph

Communicator of the Year
Becky Grisham

20 Years of Service
Gary D. Marshall

Appreciation Award
Brent Rockhold

In the business portion of the meeting, members approved minutes from the 2006 annual meeting and the MCGA Treasurer’s Report. Members also nominated four growers to MCGA’s board of directors. Charles Krueger from Kahoka, Mo., was elected to represent District 3 and succeeds Brent Rockhold of Arbela, Mo.; Kerry Rose from Liberal, Mo., was elected to a new board position in District 4; Terry Hilgedick from Hartsburg, Mo., was re-elected to represent District 5; and Jim Stuever from Dexter, Mo., was re-elected to represent District 7. A map of the districts is posted online at http://www.mocorn.org/board.htm.

The annual meeting also marked the end of Rockhold’s nine years of service on MCGA’s board of directors. In his comments, Rockhold reflected on the opportunity to serve Missouri corn growers.

"It was an honor and a privilege to represent the growers of northeast Missouri." said Rockhold. "With the industry booming like it is, I feel like I am leaving at a time when corn is at an all-time high. I am confident that Charles and the rest of the grower-leader team will continue to work for the betterment of our industry."

Members of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, along with leaders from many of the state’s commodity groups, were also in attendance and participated in a feed, food and fuel forum that followed the luncheon. Focusing on corn’s number one client, the livestock industry, experts addressed growers’ ability to meet today’s growing corn demand and the importance of developing sound risk management strategies. Speakers included Gary Marshall, Missouri Corn Growers Association; Rick Tolman, National Corn Growers Association; Dr. Gerald Shurson, University of Minnesota; Mike Allen, American Coalition for Ethanol; Dr. Ron Plain, University of Missouri-Columbia; and members of the University of Missouri-Columbia Commercial Agriculture Program.

The Missouri Corn Growers Association was formed to protect the rights of its members, build new markets for corn and increase opportunities for Missouri farmers. To learn more, call 1-800-827-4181 or visit Missouri Corn Online at www.mocorn.org.