Soybean Variety Provides a Trans Fat Solution to the Food Industry

Monsanto announced today that CHS will be a participating processor of Monsanto’s VISTIVE™ low-linolenic soybeans in 2006 and will market VISTIVE oil for use by the food industry. VISTIVE low-linolenic soybeans will reduce or eliminate the need for partial hydrogenation of soybean oil, helping food companies reduce the presence of trans fatty acids (trans fats) in their products.

VISTIVE soybeans, developed through conventional breeding, contain less than 3 percent linolenic acid as compared to the typical 8 percent level found in traditional soybeans. The result is a more stable soybean oil, with less need for hydrogenation. Because soybeans with a lower linolenic acid level reduce the need for partial hydrogenation, their application in processed soybean oils will reduce the presence of trans fats in processed soybean oil.

The development of VISTIVE is significant because, beginning Jan. 1, 2006, all food products and dietary supplements bearing a nutritional facts panel that are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and sold in the United States will be required to list trans fat content.

"This is an innovative business solution for our food-grade oils customers," said Jay Debertin, Executive Vice President, CHS Processing. "But it is also an excellent example of creating a new market value for soybeans, which is what today’s producers are looking for. CHS is excited to participate in a program that helps move soybeans higher up the value chain in today’s market."

"We contracted all available VISTIVE soybeans in 2005, so we know that this product is in demand. We are very pleased to partner with an industry leader like CHS to ensure a successful expansion of VISTIVE soybeans in 2006," said Kerry Preete, Vice President of U.S. Crop Production for Monsanto. "VISTIVE not only supports growing consumer demand for healthier foods, but also represents an important investment in the future success of the U.S. soybean industry."

Monsanto expects that VISTIVE soybeans will be grown on nearly 500,000 acres in 2006. VISTIVE soybeans have the Roundup Ready® trait and maintain performance parity with leading soybean varieties. For 2006, VISTIVE will be available in Monsanto’s Asgrow® brand, as well as Stine®, Prairie™ Brand Seed. Latham® Seed, Kruger™ Seed Company, Croplan Genetics®, FS HiSOY®, LG® Seeds, Producers Hybrids®, Midwest Seed Genetics®, Crow's® and NC+® seed brands.

CHS will process contracted VISTIVE soybeans at its plant in Fairmont, Minnesota.

CHS is a diversified energy, grains and foods company committed to providing the essential resources that enrich lives. A Fortune 200 company, CHS is owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives from the Great Lakes to the Pacific Northwest and from the Canadian border to Texas, along with thousands of preferred stockholders. CHS is listed on the NASDAQ at CHSCP.

Monsanto Company (NYSE: MON) is a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality. For more information on Monsanto, see: www.monsanto.com.

Asgrow®, Roundup Ready® and VISTIVE™, Crow’s®, NC+® and Midwest Seed Genetic® are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC or of a Monsanto affiliated company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ©2005 Monsanto Company.