Strategic Alliance Brings Together Innovation and Expertise

August 31, 2004

LETHBRIDGE, Alberta – Effective September 1, 2004, Cargill Animal Nutrition and West Central Pelleting Ltd. (WCP) will formtheir efforts under a strategic alliance that both companies believe will create significant synergies, benefits, and opportunities within the Western Canadian animal nutritionlivestock industry.

The alliance will bring together Cargill ’s animal Animal nutrition Nutrition, division which is a multi-species orientated livestock nutrition supplier, processing possessing proprietary nutrition and feed milling technology out of Lethbridge, Alberta, with West Central Pelleting’s existing well-located feed manufacturing facilities that are well located in Wilkie and Wolseley, Saskatchewan. As part of the agreement, Cargill Animal Nutrition will continue to operate its 5 western Canadian feed mills independently.to distribute feeds across Western Canada.

“WCP’s well-respected management team, experienced workforce and strong relationships with customers and producers will be critical to the success of the combined effort to provide enhanced customer solutions across the prairies,” said Chad Nicholas, Cargill Animal Nutrition’s Business Development Manager. “Both companies are committed to very high ethical standards and as such, we anticipate a healthy partnership for the long-term.”

“Cargill is committed to seeking out those opportunities that will bring added value to our clients’ bottom line,” said Chad Nicholas, Cargill Animal Nutrition’s Business Development Manager. “Our partnership alliance with WCP will immediately enhance our ability to service their specific needs, deliver more creative and focused solutions, and allow us to evolve in meeting the ongoing challenges and opportunities facing the animal nutrition livestock industry.”

Officials from both companies said the alliance will combine Cargill’s resources and expertise in the ruminant feed business with WCP’s manufacturing expertise and state of the art production facilities to manufacture, produce and market ruminant feed products. Customers will benefit from increased access to consistently high quality animal nutrition products and services.

“Demand for our products has increased in each of the six years WCP has been in production,” said WCP president, Margaret Skinner. “Considering the rapid growth we have experienced, our Board recognizes the benefits of accessing additional nutritional, milling, and marketing expertise. Cargill Animal Nutrition is the industry leader in those fields. With this Alliance, WCP is well positioned for future growth.”
Company oOfficials from both Companies said that the alliance will combine Cargill’s resources and expertise in the ruminant feed business with WCP’s manufacturing expertise and state of the art production facilities to manufacture, produce and market screenings-based ruminant feed products across Western Canada.

Cargill Animal Nutrition is a division of Cargill, Limited. isHeadquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Cargill Limited employs 5,600 people across the country and has business interests in meat, egg and oilseed processing, animal nutrition and services, salt, fertilizer manufacturing, chocolate, natural gas, as well as grain handling and merchandising.

West Central Pelleting Ltd. is a Saskatchewan based company that processes grain screenings and feed grains into livestock feeds. The Company opened for business at Wilkie in 1998 and at Wolseley in 2002.

Robert Meijer
Director, Public Affairs
Cargill Limited
Telephone: (204) 947-6370
robert_meijer@cargill.com