Demand for corn for ethanol production continues to grow rapidly, with industry experts expecting 25 percent of total corn use going toward ethanol production in 2007 and increasing to 35 percent in 2008. Growers interested in planting corn that consistently yields high levels of ethanol in dry grind production should consider one of 18 Garst® brand hybrids earning the company’s ExtraEdge™ designation.

Garst’s ExtraEdge corn hybrids have been characterized for specific end-use markets, including ethanol. The 18 hybrids exhibit grain characteristics especially suitable for dry grind ethanol production. The hybrids represent a wide variety of general relative maturities (GRM) and are available for the 2007 growing season.

“The growth in ethanol production has been phenomenal, and it truly is an opportunity for ethanol producers and corn growers to show how agriculture can help the United States reduce its dependence on foreign oil,” says Steve Klein, head of marketing for Garst. “We are committed to delivering hybrids that provide increased value to growers through higher yields and agronomic performance in addition to providing value to processors involved in ethanol production.”

Specific to ethanol production, ExtraEdge DGE hybrids have been tested and characterized using methodology established by the University of Illinois, which many in the industry consider the most accurate test since it mimics the dry grind ethanol process and measures actual ethanol creation.

According to Klein, three-fourths of U.S. ethanol is produced through dry mill processing compared to wet milling.

Before earning the ExtraEdge qualification, Garst hybrids are evaluated in multiple locations and under various environmental conditions. The hybrids must consistently deliver high yields and strong agronomic characteristics, in addition to the highest levels of ethanol production compared to other Garst hybrids, adds Klein.

Garst Hybrids that meet ExtraEdge ethanol requirements

The 18 Garst ExtraEdge hybrids available for the 2007 growing season, include:

75 to 98 GRM — 8980YG1, 8920RR, 8922YG1, 8880YG1, 8815CB/LL

99 to 105 GRM — 8748YG1, 8689IT, 8623YG1

106 to 110 GRM — 8545, 8534YG1/GT, 8523IT

111 to114 GRM — 8488IT, 8450IT, 8445, 8378YG1

115 to 125 GRM — 8380IT, 8247YG1, 8246

Garst’s parent company, Syngenta, continues to research ways to increase the production efficiency of the dry grind ethanol process. This includes the development of a unique proprietary corn amylase output trait that expresses higher levels of the enzyme amylase, which can increase the efficiency of ethanol production.

Garst Seed Company, with headquarters in Slater, Iowa, provides innovative seed solutions for growers across North America with high yielding corn, soybean, sorghum, alfalfa and sunflower products. For more information about Garst products, contact your local Garst ProSeller or visit Garst’s Website at www.garstseed.com.

Garst Seed Company is affiliated with Syngenta, a world-leading agribusiness committed to sustainable agriculture through innovative research and technology. The company is a leader in crop protection, and ranks third in the high-value commercial seeds market. Sales in 2005 were approximately $8.1 billion. Syngenta employs more than 19,000 people in over 90 countries. Syngenta is listed on the Swiss stock exchange (SYNN) and in New York (SYT). Further information is available at www.syngenta.com.

ExtraEdgeTM is a trademark of a Syngenta Group Company.