ExSeed Genetics L.L.C. has solidified the ExSeed Genetics Network with the addition of Thurston Genetics, Inc., an inbred licensing agency.

Thurston Genetics, founded by Robert Thurston in 1993, serves as a genetics clearinghouse acquiring marketing rights of elite corn inbred lines from seed companies that have an active breeding program. Because elite germplasm varieties may be available from several different breeding organizations, Thurston Genetics identifies these elite performers and determines which
genetic family the line will cross with to make a new hybrid.

Through its partnership with ExSeed Genetics, Thurston Genetics selects and solicits elite germplasm from all over the world; ExSeed Genetics adds value-added traits to the germplasm.

Currently, there are 39 release "TR" inbreds and an additional 145 inbreds that have been or are in the system for evaluation. Thurston Genetics has germplasm agreements for 54 different hybrids and maintains several trial programs to review new and innovative products.

"Our partnership is an alternative for any seed company that believes there is only a limited number of technology and germplasm companies available to them," explains Mark Scholl, president and chief executive officer of ExSeed Genetics.

"Our two companies will unite the best of both worlds", explains Robert Thurston, founder and president of Thurston Genetics. "Using our germplasm or genetic engines, ExSeed Genetics will combine genetic traits with new induction technology in order to enhance the value and performance of our engines."

Unique proprietary breeding processes developed by ExSeed Genetics speed crops with specific traits to the marketplace faster than ever before. Using exclusive FasTrack technology, value-added hybrids developed with specific characteristics can be delivered to the market in half the time of the conventional breeding process.

Thurston Genetics' sister company, Thurston, Inc., is recognized as one of the leading seed brokerage firms in the United States. Thurston has more than 300 customers and maintains an excellent reputation for seed corn knowledge, quality and service.

Thurston Genetics is a member of the American Seed Trade Association and the Federation of International Seedsmen, and is a commissioned agent that represents two or more parties in a transaction involving seed in the wholesale, production or research arenas.

Thurston, Inc. offers a wide range of services for the seed industry, including seed production, wholesale inventory management, quality assurance, licensing, inventory analysis and consulting. In addition to corn, Thurston has access and can provide services for sorghum, alfalfa, soybean and sunflower
crops.

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