LOUISVILLE, KY — July 18, 2007 — The United Soybean Board (USB) announced it will retain Osborn & Barr (O&B) as its communications contractor. The decision was made at the USB Board Meeting this week after a review of the communications contract and open request for proposal.

“With more than a decade of experience, Osborn & Barr understands the communications needs of USB and knows how to speak to our specific audiences,” said Eric Niemann, USB chairman and Kansas soybean farmer. “The company has successfully developed and implemented communications and marketing strategies for more than a decade. During this review period, O&B proved it has the knowledge, drive and innovative thought to continue garnering results for our organization.”

As a primary communications contractor, O&B helps communicate USB’s messages about biodiesel usage, seed selection, meeting customer demands and more. O&B will continue to manage external communications, internal communications and media relations in support of all USB checkoff-funded programs, provide communications support to state soybean checkoff organizations, counsel USB leaders and staff on relevant soybean industry issues and supply internal and external digital communications and technology support.

USB is responsible for implementing the federally authorized soybean checkoff program. This program invests funds in soybean demand-building programs, production research and new uses development to maximize profit opportunities for U.S. soybean farmers.

According to Niemann, USB’s decision to reassess its communications programs was based on the Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act’s annual evaluation mandate.

“As a checkoff program, USB has a responsibility to soybean farmers to periodically review the services provided by our contractors and ensure we are receiving the greatest return on our investment,” said USB CEO John Becherer. “Reviewing the communications and marketing program is a normal function for any organization. We are happy to say that our review has only confirmed our confidence in O&B.

USB announced the review and request for proposal in February 2007. The open request garnered many proposals, which the USB Executive Committee narrowed to four agencies that presented at the Board Meeting. USB had not issued a request for proposal involving its primary contractors for more than 11 years.

O&B has served as a communications contractor for USB since 1995. The communications company supported USB’s decision to review the communications program from the start and continued its role as a primary USB communications contractor, fulfilling all current assignments, during the proposal process.

“Osborn & Barr is pleased that USB has chosen to continue our partnership,” stated Steve Barr, CEO of Osborn & Barr. “As members of the agriculture industry, many of the O&B employees share the goals of USB and the soybean checkoff, and we support the organization’s efforts to ensure U.S. soybean farmers’ money is being spent in the most effective manner.”

Osborn & Barr is the largest agricultural and rural focused marketing communications agency in North America, deeply rooted in production agriculture, food, feed and rural lifestyle markets. Its staff of more than 140 professionals provides brand management, strategic planning, event planning, creative services, public relations, media services, digital marketing and channel marketing. The 19-year-old agency has $125 million in capitalized annual billings divided among six United States and Canada offices located in St. Louis, Kansas City, Des Moines, Washington, D.C.; Guelph, Ontario; and Winnipeg, Manitoba. Osborn & Barr can be contacted via phone at 1-888-235-4332 or 314-726-5511, or at www.osborn-barr.com.