Corn growers interested in growing corn preferred by ethanol processors can now earn even more from their Processor Preferred^(r) High Fermentable Corn (HFC). Thanks to a new partnership announced between Beef producers, Pork producers and Monsanto, the first 3,000 growers who enroll online in the Fuel Your Profits^SM initiative will receive $25 Beef or Pork E-Buck$ gift certificates.

The Fuel Your Profits initiative is a Processor Preferred^(r) HFC solutions package available to dry-mill ethanol plants and growers. The initiative is designed to deliver improved corn for the dry-mill ethanol industry, drive increased ethanol demand and expand ethanol fuel infrastructure to support that demand.

High Fermentable Corn is designed to deliver higher levels of fermentable starch. This characteristic allows dry-mill ethanol plants to obtain higher ethanol yields and makes ethanol production more efficient and more profitable. Distillers grain is a co-product of the dry-mill ethanol production process and one of the fastest-growing feed ingredients in the United States

"Distillers grain is high in protein, fiber, fat and other nutrients that producers want for their livestock," says Brian Waddingham, Director of Industry Relations at the Iowa Beef Council. "We are pleased to join an initiative that allows us to support the important distillers grain market and ensure our producers have access to feed that is important to the continued growth of our industry."

Because of the nutrients in distillers grain, beef and pork producers are finding tremendous value in the dry-mill co-product. "Research has shown that distillers grain is a viable protein alternative in swine diets which helps maintain a high level of production efficiency and muscle quality," according to Eugene VerSteegh, Vice President of Producer Services for the Iowa Pork Producers Association. "We support value-added agriculture programs and the Fuel Your Profits initiative."

The first 3,000 growers who visit www.monsanto.com/fuelyourprofits and register online in the Fuel Your Profits initiative will be eligible to receive a $25 E-Buck$ gift certificate toward the purchase of beef or pork. Growers must confirm their local ethanol plant is participating in the Fuel Your Profits initiative and verify that they have purchased a minimum of 25 units of Processor Preferred High Fermentable Corn from any of the over 90 independent seed brands offering the product. Gift certificates will be mailed courtesy of the Iowa Beef Industry Council or the Iowa Pork Producers Association.

"Participating in the Fuel Your Profits initiative allows growers to maximize their seed investment by growing hybrids that are preferred by processors," says Amy Rutherford, Monsanto's Processor Preferred Business Manager. "To date, there are 33 dry-mill ethanol plants enrolled in Fuel Your Profits, with over 120 grain elevators listed as supporting delivery points. Adding the Beef and Pork industries to the list broadens our goal of creating value throughout the ethanol industry."

Growers interested in learning more about Processor Preferred High Fermentable Corn should visit www.monsanto.com/monsanto/us_ag or see their local seed sales representative.

Producer-directed and consumer-focused, the Iowa Beef Industry Council directs the program efforts of the beef checkoff retained in Iowa. The beef checkoff program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The beef checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products.

The Iowa Pork Producers Association is a grassroots organization representing Iowa's pork producers. It consists of over 80 structured county associations across the state, and over 5000 affiliated and associate members.

Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality.

*Only online enrollments are eligible for Beef and Pork E-Buck$. E-Buck$ certificates will be available as long as supplies last.

Fuel Your Profits and Processor Preferred are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC.