Governor Doyle Discusses Biodiesel Production

MADISON – August 3, 2006 – Governor Doyle met at the state capitol recently with
representatives from North Prairie Productions, LLC, (NPP) and the Wisconsin Soybean
Marketing Board (WSMB) to discuss expansion of biodiesel production in the state.

Biodiesel is a clean burning, sulfur-free, biodegradable fuel that can be used in diesel engines
without modification. The expansion of the state’s biofuels industry into the production of
biodiesel represents a leap forward in support of the Governor’s “Declaration of Energy
Independence.” The WSMB is committed to statewide education and outreach programs that
inform consumers about the benefits of soybean-based products such as biodiesel.

NPP is a Wisconsin company that is expected to make an announcement soon regarding their choice of a site in southern Wisconsin for a biodiesel production facility that would make 45 million gallon of biodiesel annually. The NPP plant will produce commercial, fuel-grade
biodiesel, primarily from soybean oil, that will meet strict industry specifications. Industry
guidelines for such a plant necessitate at least 10 acres of industrial-use land that includes truck and train loading and unloading facilities.

In introducing this project, NPP Vice President Jeff Pieterick stated “We are pleased to join with Governor Doyle and the Wisconsin soybean producers in this effort to establish Wisconsin at the forefront of the biofuels industry. At North Prairie Productions, our objective will be to provide the marketplace with biodiesel that meets or exceeds all quality standards established in this industry. In this way, we will do our part to help stamp this home grown Wisconsin product as a quality alternative fuel upon which the nation can rely in its search for energy independence.”

The WSMB administers the soybean grower checkoff statewide. Established in 1983, WSMB is dedicated to maximizing profitability of Wisconsin soybean producers via research, education and outreach initiatives. Working together with the national United Soybean Board, WSMB directs state soybean funds to statewide, national and international projects as part of the Soybean Promotion and Research Checkoff program.

Additional information on Wisconsin’s Soybean Checkoff is available online at
http://www.wisoybean.org or by calling the Soybean Program office in Madison at 608-274-
7522.

Keith Ripp, WSMB president; Jeff Pieterick, NPP vice president,
Governor Doyle; Mike Robinson, NPP President; Bob Karls,
executive director, Wisconsin Soybean Program.