Ethanol producers in the Upper Great Plains are forecast to produce 4,400,000 metric tons of DDGS in 2007, of which 12% to 15% is expected to be exported. Soybean growers process 330,000 metric tons of food grade soybeans per year in the target market. Less than 60% of the market is effectively served by container transportation.

The Company has targeted large wheat processors whose aggregate value-added production is over 340,000 metric tons annually. The 2007 forecast for soybean feed is 6.2 million metric tons in the target market. The aggregate 2007 export transportation market value is approximately $550,000,000 in the territory described and will rise to $650,000,000 by 2011. North Star’s offers enhanced services to identified segments in 10% to 15% of these markets.