Garst Seed Company is calling all growers to choose from its three seed payment options
 
Growers need look no further than Garst® brand seed in 2006, and save some money while doing so. With cash discounts and low to no interest on qualifying purchases, Garst continues to provide growers with some of the most competitive financing options available on seed. Garst’s financing program complements its broad line of high yielding hybrids and varieties.

Garst, once again, is offering three financing options to growers. They include the 0 percent interest Garst Gold Plan, the low-interest Garst Platinum Financing Program and four attractive cash discount options based on purchase timing. Growers also may earn an additional discount under these payment options through Garst’s True Blue Customer Reward program by committing to one of these options by Nov. 23, 2005. Growers who purchase early save even more on their seed purchases under Garst’s various financing options.

“Growers, like everyone else, appreciate options when making purchases, especially on their most important crop input,” says Merlyn Wiese, controller for Garst. “By offering three different financing options on our quality seed products, we’re able to deliver choices that will meet a variety of financing and cash flow needs.”

Garst Gold Plan

The Garst Gold Plan is a deferred payment option for purchasing Garst brand products. The program allows customers to purchase seed at 0 percent interest and delay payment until fall 2006. To qualify, a grower must purchase a minimum of $4,000 of seed and submit an application for approval.

Growers who qualify for Garst’s True Blue Customer Reward program will receive an additional 1 percent savings under the Gold Plan if they make qualifying purchases by Nov. 23, 2005.

Garst Platinum Financing Program

The Garst Platinum Financing Program is a unique program that is available as a result of a partnership between Garst and Farm Plan™, a service of FPC Financial, fsb. A minimum seed purchase of $2,500 is required.

The following are applicable deadlines for purchases and the corresponding discounts available through the program.
Deadline Date             Cash Discount                             Interest Rate

Nov. 23, 2005             5 percent                                    Prime – 1 percent  

(Growers can earn an additional 1 percent discount with qualifying purchases by Nov. 23, 2005, through the True Blue Customer Reward program.)

Jan. 15, 2006                        4 percent                          Prime

March 15, 2006                      2 percent                          Prime + 1 percent

June 15, 2006                        0 percent                          Prime + 1 percent

Cash Payment Discounts

For growers wishing to pay with cash, Garst offers competitive early-pay discounts. Growers can receive these discounts by purchasing Garst seed products by the specified date and submitting a paid invoice. The following are purchase deadlines and the corresponding discounts:

* Dec. 15, 2005 – 8 percent
* Jan. 15, 2006 – 7 percent
* Feb. 15, 2006 – 4 percent
* March 15, 2006 – 2 percent

With a qualifying purchase, growers can earn an extra 2 percent discount in addition to the 8 percent cash discount for paying for their Garst seed by Nov. 23, 2005, through the True Blue Customer Reward program.

“Growers value choice and Garst is pleased to offer several financing options to customers. Garst’s convenient program offers attractive rates that ultimately add value to a grower’s bottom line,” says Steve Klein, head of marketing for Garst.  

Growers should contact their local Garst sales representative or district sales manager to discuss the various payment options. Growers can also call the Garst credit department toll-free at 800-831-1850.

Garst Seed Company, with headquarters in Slater, Iowa, provides seed solutions for growers across North America with high yielding corn, soybean, sorghum, alfalfa and sunflower products.

Garst Seed Company is affiliated with Syngenta, a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology.  Syngenta is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2004 were approximately $7.3 billion.  Syngenta employs some 19,000 people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT).

® Garst is a trademark of Garst Seed Company.