Garst launches its new Garst Platinum Financing Program

From the company that offers you the industry’s leading 0% interest Garst Gold Plan, Garst Seed Company is proud to announce its latest addition to its payment portfolio, the Garst Platinum Financing Program. This special financing program administered by Garst and John Deere Credit through Farm Plan offers growers a competitive interest rate in addition to a 5 percent cash discount plus a 1 percent True Blue Customer Reward for a 6 percent cash discount on qualified purchases made before November 15, 2003. In addition, this program offers growers who buy before January 15, 2004 a 5 percent discount, and those who purchase by March 15, 2004 will receive a 2 percent cash discount.

This new program is just one of the great financing options that Garst offers to growers.  Garst also offers the industry leading 0 percent interest Garst Gold Plan. The Garst Gold Plan offers growers a smart cash flow management tool with no interest charges.

“Garst recognizes that in the agriculture industry today, growers need options,” said Larry Lenz, logistics manager with Garst. “We are able to offer growers great savings through the Garst Gold

Plan and the introduction of the Garst Platinum Financing Program gives growers another option to manage their business. We are happy to partner with John Deere Credit to offer this opportunity to our growers.”

"The partnering of Garst and John Deere Credit provides the grower a unique and attractive source of farm financing at competitive rates," said John Deere Credit's National Accounts Sales Manager, Clark Huffman.

The following are applicable deadlines for purchase and corresponding discounts available through the new Garst Platinum Financing Program.

Sign Up Date                         Cash Discount                                                                                             Interest Rate
November 15, 2003               5 percent (plus 1 percent with qualifying purchase)                Prime – 1 percent
January 15, 2004                   5 percent                                                                         Prime
March 15, 2004                      2 percent                                                                         Prime + 1 percent

Showing the company’s continued commitment to providing growers real savings opportunities, Garst offers a complete portfolio of cash and financing options to meet growers’ individual needs.

For growers not interested in financing options, Garst offers very competitive early pay discounts.  By simply purchasing Garst Seed products by the appropriate dates and submitting a paid invoice, growers can benefit from the following discounts:

o December 15, 2003 – 8 percent
o January 15, 2004 – 7 percent
o February 15, 2004 – 5 percent
o March 15, 2004 – 2 percent

Garst is offering its True Blue Customer Reward Program through November 15, 2003.  With a qualifying purchase, growers can earn an extra 2 percent in addition to the 8 percent cash discount for paying for their seed by November 15, 2003, or for utilizing Garst Gold Plan or the new Garst Platinum Financing Program, there is a savings opportunity of 1 percent with a qualifying purchase by November 15, 2003.

Garst encourages growers to make their seed decisions early and see the benefits of Garst’s finance plans. For more information call your local Garst Guy or visit the Garst Web site for more details at www.garstseed.com or call toll-free at 1-888-GO-GARST.

With corporate and research headquarters in Slater, Iowa, Garst, along with PSA Genetics, AgriPro Wheat and Interstate Seeds are key components in Advanta’s worldwide seed technology network that includes research, development and breeding facilities in 14 U.S. states and in 26 countries around the globe. Together, Advanta is one of the top five seed companies in the world.