Thurston Manufacturing Company Introduces BLU-JET SealPro II Disc Sealer Thurston, Nebraska, January 15, 2008 – Thurston Manufacturing Company announced today that it will begin the immediate shipment of its new SealPro II Disc Sealer to all North American retail outlets. The SealPro II combines many of the features customers enjoyed in the original model with increased adjustability, and the capacity to add a spring loaded down pressure kit. The down pressure kit is optional and is anticipated to enhance performance in heavy residue and Strip-Till applications. A second set of blade positioning holes gives the Sealer a greater range of adjustment to match field conditions and operating preferences. “As we anticipate a higher amount of residue in the field, and more corn on corn acres being planted, we saw a growing need within the marketplace for a sealer that will handle the tougher conditions” said Curt Weyh, Territory Manager for Thurston Manufacturing Company.

Summary Date: Jan. 15, 2008 Product: BLU-JET SealPro II Event: SealPro II Product Introduction Place: Thurston, NE Summary: BLU-JET Introduces SealPro II Disc Sealer

Weyh also commented that many of his customers, although satisfied with the current model, are eagerly awaiting the new release. “The original SealPro was one of the best sealers on the market” he said “they can’t wait to see what we’ve added to SealPro II to make it better.”

The original BLU-JET SealPro uses a unique free floating blade concept with independently working arms and flat disc blades to seal the furrow in Anhydrous Ammonia applications, and to build a berm in StripTill applications. It is designed to fit both 1”x2” flat shanks and the BLU-JET 1.25”x2” Edgebent Shank. Unlike traditional disc sealers, the blades were placed further forward in relation to the shank; allowing them to contain the dirt around the shank instead of having it “blow out” prior to being gathered back up, as one would see on a traditional disc sealer.

This design simplified the processes, minimized the trenching effect on each side of the sealed furrow, and maximized the life expectancy of blades by significantly reducing the amount of blade edge wear. The free floating independent arms reduced the potential for plugging in heavy residue; and both blades could be set at various angles to adjust the height of the berm. Like the original SealPro, the BLU-JET SealPro II will come standard with these same features.

The new SealPro II design adds functionality in heavy residues by allowing for three varying blade settings in relationship to the shank. “We’ve extended the independent arms and given the customer a choice of where to mount the blade hangers” said Layton Jensen, Director of Engineering and President of Thurston Manufacturing Company. The new style allows operators to run the blades next to the shank (like the original model), further back on the shank, or in an offset configuration.

Other alterations include the pivot shaft, which is now removable and plated, instead of painted. The plated design will eliminate rust buildup within the pivot shaft. A new fiber, pre-lubricated, greaseless bushing on the pivot tube replaces the former polymer bushing. “The new bushing makes the SealPro II even more user-friendly…an operator still won’t have to grease it and it will last longer without replacement.” Jensen said.

The final alteration on the SealPro II is the addition of an optional down pressure kit, giving Strip-Tillers in difficult soils the opportunity to create a taller berm. “The original SealPro would create a berm around 4.5 inches tall in optimum conditions” said Senior Sales Manager Larry Abrahams. “The down pressure kit will allow those in tough soil conditions to achieve similar results.” The independently working arms are not compromised once the down pressure kit is added, as each arm has its own spring; and careful consideration was given to the amount of down pressure the spring provided in relation to the sealer arms ability to float over residue. The down pressure kit can be ordered with the new sealer, or added at a later date.

As of January 15th, 2008 customers with existing whole good orders at the factory that include BLU-JET SealPro will receive an upgrade to the new SealPro II free of charge. The original SealPro Disc Sealer, which is used on all BLU-JET StripTill Systems Applicators, and many of its pre-plant and side dress Anhydrous Ammonia applicators, will continue to be shipped with whole good orders leaving the factory prior to the January 15th changeover.

The new BLU-JET SealPro II will be shown to the public for the first time at the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville, KY. Thurston Manufacturing Company currently retails its BLU-JET product line through a world-wide network of marketing groups and dealers. For more information contact Larry Abrahams at 800.658.3127, visit www.blu-jet.com, or contact your local BLU-JET retailer.

Located in Thurston, Nebraska, Thurston Manufacturing Company has produced Fertilizer Application and Conservation Tillage Equipment for over 33 years. During this time, BLU-JET has been proud to be an industry leader in design innovation for both product categories. Other products produced at Thurston Manufacturing Company include Circle R Side Dump Trailers for the Construction Industry and OEM components for Agricultural, Construction, and Military applications. BLU-JET and Circle R are registered trademarks of Thurston Manufacturing Company, 1708 H Avenue, Thurston, Nebraska 68062. - END -