At the beginning of each growing season, we write up grain contracts with our producing farmers. These contracts state the crop and acres to be grown. They also detail the specifications that are acceptable for each commodity. In 2005, we will contract over 300 farmers growing over 60,000 acres of food grade soybeans and 20,000 acres of food grade corn. Our farmers grow what our customers want. Not only do we have the ability to store and process large volumes for the largest processor, but we often grow as few as 50 acres to handle specials needs. Our farmers not only grow the varieties you want, but grow them the way you want - organically or conventionally. During the summer months, while the crops are growing, we routinely scout field to insure variety purity and quality in the field while growing.

At harvest, the crops are delivered and identity preserved, based on crop variety and growing method. Upon receiving the grain, it is tested for quality, purity, and genetic modification (GMO). The food grade corns are dried at low heat in bin dryers to preserve their quality. They are then placed in storage bins, where they are aerated to maintain a uniform temperature and moisture. The soybeans are stored in seperate Non-GMO storage sites to help insure their IP status. These storage sites have an IP storage capacity of more than 120,000 metric tons. We are able to identity preserve as few as 20 metric tons, or as many as 14,000 metric tons in a single storage bin. All of these sites are under our control during harvest, insuring identity preservation. Records are kept, detailing the producer, quality, and quantity in each bin.

What began nearly 30 years ago with a simple Clipper cleaner has evolved into one of the most technologically advanced cleaning plants today. In Clinton alone, during the past 5 years, over $1.2 million has been spent to upgrade our cleaning and processing system. Final construction was completed prior to the 2000 crop harvest. For the last four years, we have been one of a handful of plants in the U.S. to offer a "roll belt sorter" for soybeans. These improvements not only increase our capacity but most importantly our quality.

Whether bulk in barges or bagged in containers, we pride ourselves in on time shipments. As orders are received, we bring the grain out of IP storage to Clinton or Kirby. We then aspirate it -- run it over a series of screens to size and clean it. Next, depending upon the customer's specifications, run it over a gravity table -- destoner and spirals or roller belt (soybeans). The product is then palletized or loaded in containers and shipped via barge or truck, depending on that particular customer.