Aug. 31, 2006

Contacts:

Christensen Farms, Cargill Offer New Approach to Grain Marketing

IOWA FALLS, Iowa — Christensen Farms and Cargill have announced that they are joining forces to help area producers improve the effectiveness of marketing their grain.

Christensen Farms, a pork industry leader with feed mill operations in Iowa Falls, and Cargill’s North American grain and oilseeds business, which has a soybean processing plant in Iowa Falls, are now jointly offering area grain producers personalized assistance in developing grain marketing plans. The new offering includes access to a set of proprietary marketing tools designed to help enhance producers’ marketing efforts. Representatives from the two companies held the first of a series of regional information sessions on the new offering at Iowa Falls’ Highland Country Club on Monday evening.

In addition to the on-farm marketing expertise that grain producers will receive through this new partnership, they will have access to end-user delivery markets in Iowa Falls for both their corn and soybeans - Christensen Farms for corn, Cargill for soybeans.

“We’re pleased to announce this new, unique and innovative method to add value to area grain producers,” said Dale Green, director of Christensen Farms’ feed division. “Both Christensen Farms and Cargill have a large presence in north central Iowa, and we wish to continue to grow and invest in ways that can allow grain and livestock producers to remain competitive.”

"We are excited to be working with Christensen Farms to provide Iowa farmers with innovative grain marketing tools,” said Mark Tracy, assistant vice president with Cargill Risk Management. “Combining the strengths of Christensen's leadership in the pork industry with Cargill's expertise in helping producers manage risk, we have a dynamic combination that will help area grain producers grow and prosper."

The marketing tools target grain producers within close proximity to both end markets in Iowa Falls, including Hardin, Franklin, Butler, Hamilton, Wright and Grundy counties.

“As we continue to strengthen our relationships with area grain producers, a common concern among producers is that there is a lack of personalized help with grain marketing,” said Green. “To better serve our grain producer customers, we’re introducing specialized grain marketers to help lay out a plan and develop a disciplined approach.”

Grain marketers Lori Nelsen and Ralph Friesen have begun working one-on-one with grain producers to provide on-farm marketing expertise and explain each of nine different customizable marketing tools available to include in a complete grain marketing plan.

The series of informational meetings continues in coming weeks in Iowa Falls, Hampton, Dumont, Grundy Center and Webster City to present detailed information on each of the marketing tools available. More information on these meetings can be found on www.christensenfarms.com, or by contacting Lori Nelsen or Ralph Friesen at 641-648-5020.