FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 12, 2008

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

editor's note: Photos available upon request.

MISSOURI CORN CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF SUCCESS

(JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.)--Corn growers and special guests convened in Jefferson City, Mo., yesterday to celebrate 30 years of success with the Missouri Corn Growers Association (MCGA). The organization's annual meeting kicked off at noon at the Capitol Plaza Hotel with a luncheon featuring a recap of MCGA's accomplishments over the last three decades, election of board members and an awards ceremony.

"Having served this organization for the last six years, and as president for a year and a half, I can only say that I am in awe of what we are all a part of," said MCGA president Mike Geske. "What we are actually celebrating is 30 years of volunteerism, leadership, partnerships and associations, vision making and vision building; all processes that are still going strong today."

The many successes celebrated by MCGA include the implementation of the Missouri Renewable Fuel Standard, the passage of the national Water Resources Development Act and the signing of a 36 billion gallon federal renewable fuel standard included in the 2007 Energy Bill.

"It is amazing to see how far this industry has advanced in the last 30 years," Geske says. "Missouri's five farmer-owned ethanol plants are just one example of what happens when we all work together."

Governor Matt Blunt provided the keynote address at the celebration. Afterwards, Blunt was presented with the President's Award, the highest honor the organization can bestow. Gov. Blunt is the first individual to receive this award in back-to-back years.

Additional MCGA award winners included:

Lifetime Member Award
Sam Creed

Public Servant of the Year
Senator Kit Bond
Congressman Ike Skelton
Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson
Congressman Kenny Hulshof
Congressman Sam Graves
Congressman Russ Carnahan

Outstanding Partner Award
Steve Taylor

Appreciation Award
Matt Boatright

During the business portion of the meeting, members approved minutes from the 2007 annual meeting and MCGA treasurer's report. Members also elected Kevin Hurst of Tarkio, Mo., to MCGA's board of directors. Hurst takes the place of retiring board member Sam Creed from Fairfax, Mo., and will represent District 1. A map of the districts is posted online at www.mocorn.org/board.htm.

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.