The Aurora Cooperative announces acquisition of four aerial application businesses

(March 2, 2010) – The Aurora Cooperative, a leading grain marketer and agricultural supplier in Nebraska and surrounding states, today announced the acquisition of four aerial application businesses to service its agronomy owner-patrons throughout its multi-state trade area. The acquired aerial businesses include: • Boardman Aerial Spraying – Henderson, NE • Pioneer Aerial Applicators – Minden, NE • Buffalo Air Services – Kearney, NE • Traudt Aerial Service – Aurora, NE The acquisition, along with the company’s owned aerial businesses in Grant, NE, (Cornhusker Ag Aviation) and Bertrand, NE, (FFC) will create one of the largest agricultural aerial application businesses in the United States. Owners of the acquired companies, Rick and Mary Boardman, Brent and Mary Stewart and James Jensen, will continue in management roles within the newly-created Ag Aviation Division of the Aurora Cooperative. “The Aurora Cooperative has emerged as one of the nation’s class-leading agronomy businesses. Our customers are demanding contemporary solutions to deliver crop protection products in a timely manner. The formation of the Ag Aviation Division, with its assets and management team, will be a significant enhancement to our existing agronomy business and create a unique business model in the industry,” said George Hohwieler, President and CEO of the Aurora Cooperative. “Within our strategic plan is the on-going mission to provide our owner-patrons with world-class agronomy products and services to support their crop production efforts. Next-generation crop protection products are emerging as vital inputs in the American farmer’s drive for increase yields of high quality grains. Our company’s financial performance over the past several years places us in a solid position to invest in this expanded agronomy platform,” Hohwieler said. “The American farmer wants solutions to today’s challenges. The Aurora Cooperative stands ready to deliver these solutions, both today and for the next generation of U.S. farmers.” Based in Aurora, NE since 1908, the Aurora Cooperative is a premiere, multi-purpose agricultural cooperative providing service and expertise in grain, agronomy, feed and energy. For more information, visit www.auroracoop.com.