Newly Acquired Ethanol Plant Up-And-Running After Eight Days

July 14 2009

NTR’s ethanol business, Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: GPRE), began operations at its new ethanol plant in Ord, Nebraska on 12th July 2009, just eight days after the acquisition of the plant was completed. The company anticipates production of ethanol by as early as 17th July.

Although the plant has been idle since November 2008, GPRE was able to ensure a rapid start-up due to its operational experience and considerable understanding of the plant technology.

GPRE also recently acquired a plant at Central City, Nebraska and it plans to have it up and running later this month, particularly in light of improving industry margins. The addition of these plants will increase the Company’s ethanol production capacity by 45%, from 330 million gallons per year to 480 million gallons, making it the fourth largest ethanol producer in North America.