St. Louis, Missouri
January 7, 2003

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has entered into an agreement with AgriStar Global Networks to offer high-speed Internet connectivity to the more than 32,000 NCGA members through AgriStar's satellite-based communications service for agriculture.

Receiving information at the speed of today's business is crucial to farmers.

"To stay on top of the farming industry, growers need instant access to information and high-speed connectivity enables quick access to e-mail and the web and shorter download times," said NCGA Grower Services Chairman Mark Garber. "Yet most rural areas do not have high-speed Internet access readily available through cable or phone lines. This agreement will encourage those members not taking advantage of the Internet to do so."

The AgriStar Network provides two-way, high-speed Internet connectivity using a satellite based communications service for agriculture. Under the customized AgriStar program, current and new NCGA members who sign up for at least a one-year association membership will qualify for significant discounts on the AgriStar Powered by DIRECWAY™ equipment and monthly service.

In addition to high-speed connectivity to the NCGA web site, corn growers will have access to agricultural information programs and business service offered by AgriStar. These offerings include premium market and weather information.

"We're very pleased to team up with NCGA and all of the state organizations" said Kip Pendleton, president of AgriStar. "NCGA is one of the largest and most successful commodity organizations in the industry and their participation in the AgriStar Network will definitely improve grower communication."

Pendleton said some of the AgriStar features include download speeds of up to 20 times faster than rural telephone connections, and the ability to access the Internet without tying up a phone line.

NCGA members can find more information on the AgriStar discount program under the Membership page at www.ncga.com.

AgriStar Global Networks, Ltd. is a satellite-based communications company established to bridge the large connectivity gap between the world's commercial farm and ranch operators and their primary trade partners throughout the global food and fiber chain. AgriStar joined forces with Hughes Network Systems to develop AgriStar Powered by DirecWay to integrate leading commercial farms and ranches, agribusinesses and food companies into a single two-way, high-speed independent satellite network system. AgriStar has a 50-year history through its forerunner entities of developing pioneering communications and business advisory programs for the agricultural industry.

The National Corn Growers Association mission is to create and increase opportunities for corn growers in a changing world and to enhance corn's profitability and usage. NCGA represents more than 32,000 members, 25 affiliated state corn grower organizations and hundreds of thousands of growers who contribute to state checkoff programs.