On February 1, 2001, Wilbur-Ellis Company completed the purchase of John Pryor Company, a
long established full service retailer of fertilizer located in Salinas and Soledad, California.

"Opportunities to create synergy and to affiliate with organizations with a long history of successful
operations such as John Pryor Company are very unique," commented Wilbur-Ellis President and
Chief Executive Officer Herbert B. Tully. "Uniting our two operations will provide comprehensive
crop production service to the Salinas Valley and greatly enhances the Wilbur-Ellis Company
presence in California."

John Pryor Company began operations in 1946 under the leadership of founder John Pryor. Les
Breschini, President of John Pryor Company, said "combining resources with Wilbur-Ellis Company
will provide benefits to both our employees and customers." He added that "operating our full
service fertilizer business with Wilbur-Ellis Company's Soilserv agricultural chemical business will
give our customers access to a complete line of products and professional advice and allow us to
serve their every need."

John Pryor Company will continue to be managed by Les Breschini and Larry Ellis and will be
operated jointly with the Company's existing Soilserv business managed by Howard Wilson.
Breschini, Ellis and Wilson will report to Dennis Sites, Chief Operating Officer for Wilbur-Ellis
Company's Salinas Valley operations. The combined retail business will operate as a business unit
reporting to Dan Vradenburg, Vice President in charge of retail chemical and fertilizer operations in
California, Arizona and Texas.

Founded in 1921 and with total sales exceeding $1.0 billion, Wilbur-Ellis Company specializes in the
marketing, distribution and formulation of crop protection products, fertilizers and animal feed
stuffs. Through its Connell Bros. Company and Animal Feed division, Wilbur-Ellis exports
industrial chemicals, minerals and fibers and certain animal feed stuffs throughout the Pacific Rim
for numerous major U.S. companies.

Herbert B. Tully
President and CEO
Wilbur-Ellis Company
(415) 772-4000