The shareholders of Illini FS, Inc., Urbana, Illinois, today approved a merger with GROWMARK, Inc., Bloomington, Illinois.

Illini FS Board President John Reifsteck states, “Our merger with GROWMARK represents a new, progressive cooperative partnering model which will provide opportunities for additional efficiencies and benefits to our farmer-owners. Our partnership with GROWMARK will strengthen and preserve the cooperative presence that has successfully served farmers in the Illini FS territory throughout our history.”

The merger becomes effective on Sept. 1, 2006. The Illini FS Retail Division will operate under a local board of directors consisting of nine producers selected by the current Illini FS Board of Directors. Jerry Coffey will be the division general manager at Illini FS and will report to Dennis Farmer, GROWMARK vice president, Member Services.

GROWMARK, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Bill Davisson says, “GROWMARK is committed to the opportunities that will come as a result of working more closely with members. We look forward to a new relationship with Illini FS shareholders.”

Illini FS provides farm supply products and related services to farmers in the five East Central Illinois counties of Champaign, Clark, Douglas, Edgar, and Vermilion. More information about Illini FS is available at www.illinifs.com.