Post Harvest 2015 Advantage Newsletter

LEGEND SEEDS

ADVANTAGE

2015 POST HARVEST

GEARING UP FOR 2016

Upcoming Events

By Glen Davis, President, Legend Seeds

NDAA Northern Ag Expo December 1-2 • Fargo, ND

WITH LEGEND SEEDS It seems that we no more than wrap up 2015 harvest and it’s time to begin planning ahead for 2016.

In order to look forward, we first need to take a look backward to see how the input and management decisions we made in 2015 paid off for us. How did this year’s seed varieties work within your fields and management system?

When it comes to deciding where to get your seed inputs for 2016, take the time, and work with the right partners to find the best seed for your growing conditions and yield goals. The Legend Seeds team truly believes seed is unique to other inputs – it’s the only input where genetics make a difference.

The decision of which brand you want to do business with will affect the success of 2016.

Where you source your fertilizer and chemical inputs may make little difference to 2016 yields - whether you buy brand A or brand B, you’re still adding nutrients to the soil and protecting crops from pests and disease. The difference may not be the product but who do you want to work with? Who cares more about you? What other value does the supplier bring? With seed, who you do business with determines the genetics, the hybrid makes a difference. When you do business with Legend Seeds you have access to all the best genetic traits and technologies for your fields.

When discussing genetics, there are three things that set Legend Seeds apart from our competition.

1. We are ONLY in the seed business. We don’t have an agenda to sell you other inputs because we are 100% focused on seed.

2. A s an independent regional seed company, we have access to all genetic providers. We focus a tremendous amount of research on determining which genetics will do best locally - in your fields. This investment in research has shown the Legend Advantage shining through in product performance. When compared to many, many companies, our products have a yield advantage.

3. When you consider what kind of company you want to work with, do you want to work with a mega-national/international company where your business is nice but not necessary? At Legend Seeds every bag and customer are important to us. Every relationship is important (continued on pg 5) to us.

Ag Horizons Conference December 1-2 • Pierre, SD SD Soybean Ag Outlook December 10 • Sioux Falls, SD Dakota Farm Show January 5-7 • Vermillion, SD Lake Region Extension Roundup January 5-6 • Devils Lake, ND NE Nebraska Farm & Equipment Show January 13-14 • Norfolk, NE Midwest Farm Show January 13-14 • La Crosse, WI KMOT Ag Expo January 27-29 • Minot, ND Sioux Falls Farm Show

January 27-28 • Sioux Falls, SD

What’s Inside: PG 2 : A Look At What The Future Holds PG 3: Inside Scoop On Legend Seeds 2016 Product Lineup

LEGEND SEEDS ADVANTAGE A LOOK AT WHAT

“When compared to untreated corn, the treated corn yielded as much as 16 to 18 more bushels per acre.”

THE FUTURE HOLDS

By Mike Knight, Director of Research

Harvest 2015 answers many questions and provides Legend Seeds’ research team with insights into products you may soon be planting in your fields.

As we combine the Legend Elite Advancement Project or (L.E.A.P.) plots throughout our region, we gather more than yield data on the more than 30,000 replicated plots which make up L.E.A.P. We also review each genetic line’s ability to withstand pest and disease pressure as well as agronomic traits such as stalk lodging, root scores and ear size and their response to numerous management techniques.

• Experimental seed treatments utilizing enzyme and bacteria to increase early plant development are showing exciting results. Early plant development increases the plant’s ability to tolerate early diseases, promotes root stimulation and bolsters yields. As we move forward, I feel very confident this type of seed treatment will provide the increased “Legend Advantage” and competitive edge growers are looking for. When compared to untreated corn, the treated corn yielded as much as 16 to 18 more bushels per acre.

To learn more about the L.E.A.P. results and which genetics will yield best in your fields, contact your Legend Seeds Representative. ADVANTAGE

Based on a genetic line’s response, we will either cut them from our program, recommend one more year of testing or nominate them to become part of the Legend Seeds product lineup.

The Legend Advantage I firmly believe Legend Seeds is a leader in the level of research and testing we invest in our seed lineup. Without it, we’d just be a “me too” and we are far from it.

This level of sophisticated testing and understanding of our products – long before the grower ever loads it into his planter – paves the way for higher yields and success.

2015 Harvest Results Let me outline a few of the most exciting findings from 2015 harvest.

• Early maturing experimental lines look very promising with ability to withstand primary and secondary diseases like Northern Leaf Blight and Goss’s Wilt.

•B efore an experimental enters the Legend Seeds’ product lineup, it must first demonstrate that it surpasses earlier generations in its ability to handle disease and indicate higher yields.

What is L.E.A.P? L.E.A.P. is a multi-year product evaluation tool designed to work through the life-cycles of our products so we can evaluate new products and determine optimal, localized placement. Of the more than 30,000 replicated plots entered into this program each year, only 50 to 60 genetic lines have the potential to make it into the Legend Seeds Product Guide.

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LEGEND SEEDS ADVANTAGE INSIDE SCOOP ON LEGEND SEEDS

”Legend Seeds is always focused on providing the best product to our growers to maximize yield potential.”

2016 PRODUCT LINEUP As you review Legend Seeds’ 2016 Product Guide, here’s some things Matt Raml, Legend Seeds Director of Product Development would like you to know and consider.

Q: When it comes to 2016 Lineup what are you most excited about?

As far as corn goes, Legend Seeds had opportunity to add new numbers into the 2016 lineup. These hybrids are widely adaptable and based on data coming in from harvest 2015; they carry yield advantages compared to competing brands.

the best products to our portfolio - we are not limited by bureaucracy.

Q: What role do dealers play in product decisions?

Legend Seeds listens to our dealers and we rely on our local Legend Sales Agronomists and sales staff to tell us what growers need. We take their direction, and then look to multiple providers to find the right products which we then place in our L.E.A.P. to thoroughly test and research.

Q: How important is it that growers place their 2016 seed orders early?

The earlier growers meet with their Legend Seeds’ representative and place their orders the better. Remember, with the Legend Edge system, which is part of our Farmacology™ total cropping system; we’re able to provide prescribed seed placement recommendations as well as multihybrid planting prescriptions.

In soybeans, our team is excited about the anticipated release of the RoundupReady® 2 Xtend soybean and Enlist soybean technologies. Legend Seeds will make these available to our growers once they have been approved.

Q: When it comes to developing the product lineup each year, what is Legend Seeds’ philosophy?

Legend Seeds is always focused on providing the best product to our growers as well as the necessary management recommendations to maximize yield potential.

We keep our portfolio in check – allowing us to quickly introduce new products when an exceptional product is discovered.

Q: What’s new for beef and dairy producers?

Legend Seeds is expanding our product offerings in the beef and dairy feed sector. We continue to expand our dairy and livestock portfolio and have a dedicated team to assist with product decisions. Visit with your local Legend Seeds Representative to learn more. ADVANTAGE

As a company we feel another competitive advantage we provide to our growers is being the first mover in the market. If there are new genetics or germplasm out there, we will adopt it into our line-up as soon as possible.

When there is a new seed technology, like Roundup Ready 2 Xtend™ soybeans or Enlist™ soybeans, we will try to move in and adopt it into our lineup as fast as possible. Moving quickly, yet responsibly, we are able to add value to our growers by getting the best product into their planters.

This is the power that comes with being an independent regional seed company.

When Legend Seeds decides to make a move, we can make it quickly. We have flexibility and agility within our company and product portfolio.

Stay connected with Legend Seeds throughout the year by liking and following us on Facebook and Twitter!

Because we work with multiple providers, whether its corn, soybeans or alfalfa, Legend Seeds moves quickly to introduce

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LEGEND SEEDS ADVANTAGE LEGEND SEEDS PLANS TO PROVIDE

ROUNDUP READY® 2 XTEND SOYBEANS

By Tim Bratland, General Manager

Beginning in September, Legend Seeds has taken a lead position in weed control options by prelaunching a full line up of Roundup Ready 2 Xtend™ soybeans. Eleven varieties ranging in maturity from Group 0.4 to 2.8 are now available for pre-booking and pre-orders are coming in steady.

With the approval of Roundup Ready 2 Xtend™ soybeans for import to China expected this winter, pre-ordering now can put you in a position to be first to benefit from the new cropping system.

Supplies are limited.

These varieties have been selected by the Legend product development team to have the yield and disease characteristics our customers demand. The seed production was managed by the Legend Seeds’ team so growers can have the highest level of confidence in the quality of seed they plant. ADVANTAGE

These soybeans have a fit on every acre, and will deliver incredible value where weed resistance is a challenge.

The dicamba and glyphosate tolerant trait will allow a new mode of action for weed control in soybeans which offers up to 14 days of residual control. Kochia, waterhemp, giant and common ragweed as well as marestail are all examples of problem weeds showing resistance to glyphosate in the Legend trade area.

What’s next in weed control technology?

An advanced soybean product that will: • Provide tolerance to dicamba* and glyphosate • Be built on the high-yielding Genuity® Roundup Ready 2 Yield® trait

*Pending Regulatory Approvals for in-crop dicamba herbicide application.

Roundup Ready 2 Xtend™ soybeans are not currently available for commercial sale or commercial planting. Dicamba herbicide is not currently approved for commercial in-crop use with Roundup Ready 2 Xtend soybeans and nothing herein is a promotion or an offer to sell dicamba herbicide for this use. It is a violation of federal law to promote or offer to sell an unregistered pesticide or a registered pesticide for an unregistered use. Commercialization is dependent on multiple factors, including successful conclusion of the regulatory process. Final label directions for in-crop use of dicamba are pending EPA approval and are subject to change.

See Roundup Ready 2 Xtend™ Soybeans in action in Ground Breakers® Field Trials Under Use Permit:

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW PESTICIDE LABEL DIRECTIONS. Genuity®, Ground Breakers®, Roundup Ready 2 Yield®, Roundup Ready 2 Xtend™ are trademarks of Monsanto Technology LLC.

xtendfollowafield.com

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LEGEND SEEDS ADVANTAGE GET TO KNOW A GROWER:

MIKE KLECKER, BLOOMING PRAIRIE, MN decision to make this his fulltime career too much thought.

When his dad encouraged him to keep farming with him after high school he took him up on the offer – expanding the farm by leasing acres. Today, although Mike and his brother own some land, they also lease from nearly 20 landlords.

Although the brothers farm together, they also specialize.

Mike focuses on purchasing inputs and marketing, while David is responsible for machinery maintenance.

Mike Klecker is a Legend Seeds grower from Owatonna, MN

When dinner time rolls around and Owatonna, Minnesota farmer, Mike Klecker sits down with his family to eat, he sometimes reflects on the fact that as a farmer he is able to feed not only his family, but several other families as well.

“I enjoy the idea that what I’m growing is feeding someone else,” says the third generation farmer who raises corn, soybeans and feeds hogs with his brother, David and parents.

He also likes the lifestyle farming provides his family. “I like that they can see what we are doing out here and they are always asking questions about what we are doing,” he says.

“It’s important to me that my kids know where stuff comes from. To me, the most important people in society are those who can make, fix or build. I’m able to show my kids how we make food.”

In an attempt to save on inputs and receive a premium, Mike began looking into raising non-GMO corn and soybeans. This search introduced him to Legend Seeds.

“Their conventional products are competitive. This year the Legend soybean was my highest yielding bean. In fact, I’d say Legend Seeds’ conventional soybean was comparable to another brand’s non-GMO soybeans I planted last year.”

In addition to receiving a premium, Mike’s second reason to plant conventional seed, is to try and out-wit the weeds. “I want the weeds to become naive again so I can go back to using glyphosate,” he explains.

Along with high-yielding products, Mike likes the fact that Legend Seeds is an independent regional seed company.

“Seems like everything is becoming corporate these days; I like doing business with a company that is local.”

ADVANTAGE

Farming with his dad his entire life, Mike didn’t give the

GEARING UP FOR 2016 (CONTINUED FROM PG 1)

By Glen Davis, President, Legend Seeds

Your Partners for Success

Your success determines our success.

Our experienced team has the knowledge and tools necessary to help you select the best seed for 2016. When making recommendations, our Legend Seeds representatives utilize the best data based on local research and testing. They also utilize Farmacology™, Legend’s total cropping system, which includes Legend Edge, a database that uses your confidential field information to give seed placement recommendations along with variable rate and multi-hybrid planting prescriptions.

We have to answer to you - our growers and dealers - not to investors on Wall Street. We thank you for your business. We look forward to continuing to provide you with more profit opportunity in 2016.

Talk to your Legend Seeds dealer or a Legend representative today. Together let’s make plans for a successful 2016.

ADVANTAGE

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LEGEND SEEDS ADVANTAGE DEALER SPOTLIGHT:

LARRY ASSMANN, PANAMA, IOWA A good portion of the corn Larry Assmann harvests each fall is fed to his cattle. “Cattle have always been my number one thing. I love cattle and raising them from start to finish,” says Larry, who has been raising crops and cattle near Panama, Iowa since his childhood.

Due to his father’s poor health, Larry basically took over farming fulltime at the young age of 16. With two years of high school left, he worked his school schedule so he could be done by noon each day and graduated December of his senior year.

Today, his own sons, Josh, 25 and Taylor, 23, farm by his side whenever they have the opportunity. “They both work off the farm as agronomists, but are here every night helping me.

They have the same passion for raising cattle which is why we are getting more involved in livestock.” Both boys, as well as his daughter Chelsea, 19 who is majoring in Ag Education hope to return to the farm someday.

Larry is also a Legend Seeds Dealer. He and his wife Chris, were introduced to Legend Seeds 11 years ago when Mike Knight, Legend’s Director of Research, joined the company.

“I like the fact that Legend Seeds is an independent regional seed company- which means they are working hard to make a living like I am. I like the fact that my business matters to them more than it would to a large national brand,” Larry says. “We gained a lot of faith in Legend Seeds when Glen, the President, actually showed up here in Panama, Iowa to visit one day.”

Along with the service and philosophy of Legend Seeds, Larry says the products yield for him and the growers he sells to. “The seed quality is always where the grower needs it,” he says. ADVANTAGE