AUSTIN MUTUTAL/CROP USA NAMED NEW FEDERAL CROP INSURANCE COMPANY

WASHINGTON, Dec 8, 2004 - The Risk Management Agency (RMA) today announced Austin Mutual Insurance Company, with its Managing General Agent (MGA), Crop USA Insurance Agency, Inc., as the newest approved participant in the Federal crop insurance program.

Austin Mutual has a rating of "A- (Excellent)" from A.M. Best company which reports, "this rating reflects the company's strong capitalization, improved underwriting performance and long-standing agency relationships."

"The combined assets and talent of Austin Mutual and Crop USA represent a welcome addition to the Federal crop insurance program," said RMA Administrator Ross J. Davidson, Jr. "Austin Mutual and Crop USA join the other existing insurance providers and RMA in our effort to increase coverage and capacity in the Federal crop insurance program allowing us to better provide risk management tools to the American farmer."

Austin Mutual is approved to write an authorized level of crop insurance premium for the 2005 crop year. Austin Mutual is based in Minneapolis, MN, and its Managing General Agent, Crop USA Insurance Agency, Inc. is headquartered in Lewiston, ID.

The Austin Mutual and Crop USA approval is one of three recent additions to the Federal crop insurance program. In addition to Austin Mutual and its MGA, Crop USA, 2004 has seen the Westfield Insurance Company with its MGA, John Deere Risk Protection, Inc., and Stonington Insurance Company with its MGA, Agro National LLC added to the list of approved insurance providers.

Providing affordable and effective risk management tools to farmers is a unique public-private partnership. RMA is committed to extensive private sector involvement in the Federal crop insurance program and is pleased with the prospect of Austin Mutual Insurance Company's and Crop USA's participation.

A listing of all insurance providers participating in the Federal crop insurance program is located at http://www3.rma.usda.gov/tools/agents/.