18June2008

First HBPSM™ Feed Operation…

Posted under: Updates.

Benchmark Ag is pleased to announce it is moving ahead with plans to produce High By-pass Protein Soybean Meal (HBPSM^TM) in Minnesota.

“Benchmark Ag will be the first HBPSM^TM operation to be entirely produced in the state.”

We received approval from Cannon Falls for 14 acres of land plus other economic benefits and incentives. The total package or direct financial benefits to Benchmark Ag from these sources will probably exceed $1.7 million (see “Why Pick Cannon Falls, Minnesota?”).

Benchmark Ag’s business model has evolved from emphasis on biodiesel/soybean oil to an agriculturally based company, producing HBPSM^TM feed for dairy cattle. Our meal will produce as much as three to four additional pounds of milk per day with higher butterfat content, per cow. HBPSM^TM feed will produce strong margins in an open market. 25-30% of dairy farmers use HBPSM^TM feed today leaving a sizable market to be developed.

We have strengthened our team with agricultural industry and soybean experts. (see Our Team)

6June2008

Why Pick Cannon Falls, Minnesota?

Posted under: FAQ.

Early in our search for the best locations for our initial operation, Cannon Falls, MN was suggested. Cannon Falls had property which had high potential, including an industrial park that is covered by the state sponsored JobZ Program (see also Terms).

A solid plan of action came from our preliminary meetings. The Cannon Falls Economic Development Agency became involved, as did the Community Development Council, a private organization that can financially support a local business. The Cannon Falls City Council approved the entire package being offered to Benchmark Ag on June 5, 2008.

Benchmark Ag is the beneficiary of a favorable land purchase in the industrial park. It is also receiving favorable financing for utility connections to the site.

The JobZ Program has a substantial benefit to Benchmark Ag including a sales tax savings, state and local property tax reduction, and job creation credits. Total savings will be over $1.3 million over the lifecycle of the program until 2015.

The total package of direct financial benefits to the Company from all these sources will most likely exceed $1.7 million. At this time we have not factored any of these benefits into our capital expenditures budget or projected financial statement.

1June2008

Moving Forward…

Posted under: Updates.

1. We are moving forward as evidenced by approval from Cannon Falls for 14 acres of land, plus other economic benefits and incentives. The total package or direct financial benefit to Benchmark Ag from these sources will more than likely exceed $1,700,000 (see “Why Pick Cannon Falls, Minnesota?”).
2. Benchmark Ag’s business model has evolved from emphasis on biodiesel to an agriculturally based company, producing soybean oil and High By-pass Protein Soybean Meal (HBPSM^TM) for dairy cattle. Our feed will produce as much as three to four additional pounds of milk per day per cow. Production will be higher grade of butterfat content in the milk produced. Only 25-30% of dairy farmers use HBPSM^TM feed leaving a large market to be developed.
3. We continue to strengthen our team with agricultual industy and soybean oil experts (see Our Team).
4. With our small and local model, the transportation savings for buying local area soybeans and selling HBPSM^TM feed to local dairy operations produces a substantial transportation saving to Benchmark Ag and our customers.

Please review information on this web site and contact us should you have any questions.

For additional information, contact Joe or Dewayne.