The GROWMARK System

Sustainability Initiative

Endure is the GROWMARK Systems sustainability

initiative and represents our collective activities,
practices and processes that will endure over time.
These enduring practices include:

Land protection

Environmental vitality

Wise use of resources

Robust and responsible food production

Farmer profitability
Endure initiatives are taking place throughout the
GROWMARK System of members and subsidiaries, and
our employees are working with customers to develop
programs to help the environment and contribute to
the greater good of the communities where we do
business.
Endure practices focused on the well-being of people
and our planet are supported by GROWMARKs
Agronomy, Energy, Facility Planning, Grain, and
Logistics divisions.
The GROWMARK System is committed to making a real
difference through the actions of our people, the
delivery of products, and the development of programs
and practices that will sustain people and the
environment.

"In the GROWMARK System, we go to great

lengths to apply business ethics, invest in
communities, and engage our employees in
practices that enhance the profitability and
sustainability of agriculture."
Jim Spradlin
GROWMARK Chief Executive Officer

The GROWMARK System

GROWMARK is a regional agricultural cooperative
based in Bloomington, Ill. GROWMARK is owned by
local member cooperatives and provides those
cooperatives and other customers with fuels,
lubricants, plant nutrients, crop protection products,
seed, structures, equipment, and grain marketing
assistance. In addition, GROWMARK provides a host of
services from warehousing and logistics to training and
marketing support. The GROWMARK System includes
FS companies, SEEDWAY, STAR Energy, and affiliated
grain members. GROWMARK, its members and
subsidiaries serve customers in more than 40 states
and Ontario, Canada.
GROWMARK Vision
To be the best agricultural cooperative system in north
America

GROWMARK Mission
To improve the long-term profitability of our memberowners.

GROWMARK Sustainability Programs

GROWMARK's Endure sustainability initiative is a

System-wide effort designed to highlight the products
and practices that endure over time, ensuring ongoing
viability for the company, its owners and customers,
while developing programs that help the environment
and greater good.

The GROWMARK System

Sustainability Initiative

For Immediate Release

GROWMARK Agronomy Introduces Sustainability Programs
Bloomington, IL
March 1, 2016

GROWMARK is launching new programs out of its Agronomy division as

part of its System-wide Sustainability Initiative called Endure. The
programs include a Pollinator Seed Program, Endure Advocate Program,
and entry-level and advanced nutrient management training programs.
Pollinator Seed Program
As part of its pollinator program, GROWMARK is donating seed to many of
its supply and grain members to plant a wildflower mix that supports
pollinator populations, including honeybees. The Green Yard TM Honey Bee
Wildflower Mix will help promote honey bee health by providing an
environment to thrive during a time when populations are in decline. FS
and grain members will plant the flowers this spring, providing over 70
habitats across more than 25 acres.
In addition, 24 GROWMARK employees are also planting pollinator habitats
as part of the program. Each employee is receiving one pound of seed.
Various4-H clubsare taking part too. Clubs will secure a public location,
plant, and tend to a mix of wildflowers selected to attract pollinator
species.
Lance Ruppert, GROWMARK Director, Agronomy Marketing, said the
pollinator program is just one example of activities throughout the
GROWMARK System that showcase sustainable practices. "The number of
companies and employees participating in this program are a testament to
our commitment to sustainable practices. The addition of more than 100
total habitats across a wide geography will provide additional
opportunities for pollinator species to assist in our robust food production
system."
Endure Advocate Program
In the new Endure Advocate Program, GROWMARK will recognize up to five
FS crop specialists who engage growers in sustainable best management
farming practices. FS member companies nominate employees who
demonstrate ability in: Utilizing the 4R (right source, right rate, right time,
right place) approach of nutrient stewardship, assisting growers with
fertilizer management, implementing nitrogen monitoring programs like NWATCH, and more. "Environmental stewardship is extremely important to
all of us," said Ruppert."We continue to put a major focus on nutrient
management under our Endure Sustainability Initiative. The Endure
Advocate Program is recognizing those employees who help us maintain a
high standard of excellence in application and best management
practices." he added. Recognition will be made at the GROWMARK annual
meeting in August.

Nutrient Management Specialist Training Program

GROWMARK is providing advanced training with its Nutrient Management
Specialist Program. Designed to help develop nitrogen management
experts and nutrient management trainers within the System, the
advanced specialists will help identify nutrient management issues,
assist with local nutrient management outreach, train other crop
specialists on nutrient management planning, and write reviews for NWATCH. "This advanced and specialized training will help our members
work with farmersand other crop specialiststo maximize nitrogen
utilization," said Dr. Howard Brown, GROWMARK's Director of Nutrient
Management and Environmental Stewardship. "It is our goal to improve
nutrient stewardship through maximizinginput utilization and optimizing
harvest yields"Brown added.
GROWMARK's Endure sustainability initiative is a System-wide effort
designed to highlight the products and practices that endure over time,
ensuring ongoing viability for the company, its owners and customers,
while developing programs that help the environment and greater good.

###

Pollinator Seed Program

As part of its pollinator program, GROWMARK is
donating seed to many of its supply and grain
members to plant a wildflower mix that supports
pollinator populations, including honeybees.
Endure Advocate Program
In the new Endure Advocate Program, GROWMARK will
recognize up to five FS crop specialists who engage
growers in sustainable best management farming
practices.
Nutrient Management Specialist Training
Program
Designed to help develop nitrogen management
experts and nutrient management trainers within the
System, the advanced specialists will help identify
nutrient management issues, assist with local nutrient
management outreach, train other crop specialists on
nutrient management planning, and write reviews for
N-WATCH.

For information on GROWMARK System agronomic

sustainability initiatives:
Bob Wettersten
Public and Media Relations Specialist
bwettersten@gmk.com
309-557-0000

Fact Sheet

2016
AGRONOMY
INITIATIVES

Propane Autogas
Businesses and organizations are recognizing the
benefits of switching from gasoline or diesel fuel
topropane autogas:
Propane burns cleaner with fewer toxic emissions
It's easier on engines, saves on maintenance costs
and prolongs engine life
Propane qualifies for tax credits, rebates and
incentives as an alternative fuel
Domestic propane production reduces our
dependence on foreign oil
Propane-fueled engines provide similar power,
acceleration and driving range
Visitwww.fspropane.comto learn more about the FS
System and Propane Autogas.

For information on GROWMARK System energy

sustainability initiatives:
Bob Wettersten
Public and Media Relations Specialist
bwettersten@gmk.com
309-557-0000

Fact Sheet

2016 ENERGY
INITIATIVES

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For information on
GROWMARK System news
including Endure
sustainability initiatives:
Bob Wettersten
Public and Media Relations
Specialist
bwettersten@gmk.com
309-557-0000

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