ARCHER DANIELS MIDLAND CO
S-4, 1997-10-17
FATS & OILS
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<PAGE>
    AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON OCTOBER 17, 1997
                                                    REGISTRATION NO. 333-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                         ------------------------------
 
                                    FORM S-4
 
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
 
                                     UNDER
 
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                         ------------------------------
 
                         ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
 
           (Exact name of the Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>                            <C>
           DELAWARE                          2075                  41-0129150
 (State or other jurisdiction    (Primary Standard Industrial   (I.R.S. Employer
              of                 Classification Code Number)     Identification
incorporation or organization)                                        No.)
</TABLE>
 
                              4666 FARIES PARKWAY
                            DECATUR, ILLINOIS 62526
                                 (217) 424-5200
 
                         (Address and telephone number
                of the Registrant's principal executive offices)
 
                                  D. J. SMITH
                 VICE PRESIDENT, SECRETARY, AND GENERAL COUNSEL
                         ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
                              4666 FARIES PARKWAY
                            DECATUR, ILLINOIS 62526
                                 (217) 424-6183
 
           (Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
                         ------------------------------
 
                                   COPIES TO:
 
          JAMES E. NICHOLSON                          DELMER R. MITCHELL
          Steven C. Kennedy                    Schmiedeskamp, Robertson, Neu &
                                                           Mitchell
         Faegre & Benson LLP                              525 Jersey
         2200 Norwest Center                        Quincy, Illinois 62301
     Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402                       (217) 223-3030
            (612) 336-3000
 
                         ------------------------------
 
    APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE OF THE SECURITIES TO THE
PUBLIC: UPON THE EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE MERGER DESCRIBED HEREIN.
                         ------------------------------
 
    If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box. / /
 
    If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and
list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. / /
 
    If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. / /
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Proposed Maximum
   Title of Each Class of       Amount to be        Proposed Maximum         Aggregate Offering      Amount of Registration
 Securities to be Registered    Registered(1)   Offering Price Per Unit           Price(2)                    Fee
 
<S>                            <C>              <C>                       <C>                       <C>
Common Stock, without par        14,787,900
  value......................      Shares            Not Applicable             $268,756,390                $81,442
</TABLE>
 
(1) Based upon the assumed maximum number of shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland
    Company Common Stock, without par value, that may be issued in the Merger
    described herein, which is based upon the number of shares of Moorman
    Manufacturing Company Common Stock, $1.00 par value per share, outstanding
    immediately prior to the Merger (54,770 shares) and assumes an Exchange
    Ratio (as defined herein) of 270.
 
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee under
    Rule 457(f)(2), based upon the book value per share of Moorman Manufacturing
    Company common stock of $4,907 on August 30, 1997.
                         ------------------------------
 
    THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
                                [MMC Letterhead]
 
                                November 6, 1997
 
Dear Shareholder:
 
    You are cordially invited to attend a Special Meeting of Shareholders of
Moorman Manufacturing Company ("MMC") to be held at the Blessing Conference
Center, 28th and Chestnut Streets, Quincy, Illinois, on Monday, December 8,
1997, at 10:00 a.m., local time.
 
    At the Special Meeting you will be asked to vote on a proposal to approve
and adopt an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of September 12, 1997 (the
"Merger Agreement"), providing for the merger of ADM Acquisition Corp.
("ADMAC"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company ("ADM"),
with and into MMC (the "Merger"). Upon consummation of the Merger, MMC will
become a wholly owned subsidiary of ADM, and MMC shareholders will be entitled
to receive a number of shares of ADM Common Stock (rounded to the nearest whole
share) for each share of MMC common stock held by them determined pursuant to
the exchange ratio set forth in the Merger Agreement.
 
    The exchange ratio is calculated by dividing $5,400 (the "Base Value") by
the average of the per share closing sale prices of ADM Common Stock on the New
York Stock Exchange, Inc. Composite Tape for the twenty trading days immediately
prior to the third trading day before the closing date. The closing date will be
the later of the date of the Special Meeting or the date when all conditions
precedent to the Merger have been satisfied or waived. The Merger Agreement
provides for an adjustment to the exchange ratio if the shareholders' equity of
MMC 15 days before the closing date is less than $265 million. In that case, the
exchange ratio will be recalculated by reducing the Base Value by an amount
equal to the quotient of (1) the difference between $265 million and the actual
MMC shareholders' equity as of that date divided by (2) the total number of
outstanding shares of MMC common stock issued and outstanding; provided,
however, that the Base Value will not be lower than $5,126.13.
 
    You will be asked also to vote on a proposal to approve certain existing
compensatory arrangements with members of MMC's senior management, under which
such persons would receive certain payments upon a change of control of MMC,
provided certain other conditions are fulfilled (collectively, the
"Change-of-Control Arrangements"). If consummated, the Merger would constitute a
change of control of MMC. The purposes of shareholder approval are (i) to permit
MMC to report the full amount of payments under the Change-of-Control
Arrangements as deductions for income tax purposes and (ii) to make it so that
members of MMC's senior management receiving such payments should not be
required to pay excise taxes on any portion of the payments. Shareholder
approval for the payments under the Change-of-Control Arrangements is not a
condition to either the consummation of the Merger or the payment by MMC of all
amounts due under the Change-of-Control Arrangements, since MMC is contractually
obligated to make such payments.
 
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE MERGER, THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE
CHANGE-OF-CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS IS SET FORTH IN THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND THE EXHIBITS THERETO, WHICH YOU ARE URGED TO READ
CAREFULLY IN ITS ENTIRETY.
 
    The Board of Directors of MMC has carefully considered the terms and
conditions of the proposed Merger and the approval of the Change-of-Control
Arrangements for the tax purposes described above. In addition, in connection
with its approval of the proposed Merger with ADM, the Board of Directors of MMC
has received a written opinion from its financial advisor, Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, to the effect that the exchange ratio under
the Merger Agreement is fair to MMC shareholders from a financial point of view.
 
    YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS DETERMINED THAT THE TERMS OF THE MERGER
AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY AND THAT THE APPROVAL OF THE
CHANGE-OF-CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS ARE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF MMC AND
<PAGE>
THE MMC SHAREHOLDERS. ACCORDINGLY, THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT MMC SHAREHOLDERS
VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE MERGER AND
FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE CHANGE-OF-CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS.
 
    Approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the Merger requires the
affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of MMC
common stock. Approval, for tax purposes, of certain payments under the
Change-of-Control Arrangements requires the affirmative vote of the holders of
more than three-fourths of the outstanding shares of MMC common stock. Certain
principal MMC stockholders, who as of November 3, 1997, beneficially owned in
the aggregate approximately 52.4% of the outstanding MMC common stock, have each
agreed to vote or direct the vote of all MMC common stock over which they have
voting control in favor of the Merger Agreement and the Merger.
 
    In view of the importance of the actions to be taken at the Special Meeting,
we urge you to review carefully the accompanying Notice of Special Meeting of
Shareholders and the Proxy Statement/ Prospectus, including the exhibits
thereto, which also includes information on ADM, ADMAC and MMC. Whether or not
you expect to attend the Special Meeting, please complete, sign and date the
enclosed proxy and return it as promptly as possible.
 
                                          Sincerely,
 
                                          Thomas M. McKenna
                                          PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
<PAGE>
                         MOORMAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY
                             1000 NORTH 30TH STREET
                             QUINCY, ILLINOIS 62301
 
                            ------------------------
 
                   NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
                          TO BE HELD DECEMBER 8, 1997
 
                            ------------------------
 
To the Shareholders of
MOORMAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY:
 
    NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of Shareholders of Moorman
Manufacturing Company, an Illinois corporation ("MMC"), will be held on Monday,
December 8, 1997, at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the Blessing Conference Center,
28th and Chestnut Streets, Quincy, Illinois, for the following purposes:
 
    1.  To consider and vote on a proposal to approve and adopt the Agreement
       and Plan of Merger dated as of September 12, 1997 (the "Merger
       Agreement"), among MMC, Archer-Daniels-Midland Company ("ADM") and ADM
       Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of ADM ("ADMAC"), pursuant
       to which, among other things, (i) ADMAC will be merged with and into MMC
       with the result that MMC becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of ADM (the
       "Merger"), and (ii) each outstanding share of common stock, $1.00 par
       value per share, of MMC ("MMC Common Stock") will be converted into a
       number of shares of ADM Common Stock, without par value, as determined
       pursuant to the exchange ratio set forth in the Merger Agreement. A copy
       of the Merger Agreement is attached as EXHIBIT A to the accompanying
       Proxy Statement/ Prospectus.
 
    2.  To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve, for tax purposes,
       payments to members of MMC's senior management under certain existing
       compensatory arrangements upon a change of control of MMC, provided
       certain other conditions are fulfilled (collectively, the
       "Change-of-Control Arrangements"). The purposes of the shareholder
       approval are (i) to permit MMC to report the full amount of the payments
       under the Change-of-Control Arrangements as deductions for income tax
       purposes and (ii) to make it so that the members of MMC's senior
       management receiving such payments should not be required to pay excise
       taxes on any portion of the payments. Shareholder approval for the
       payments under the Change-of-Control Arrangements is not a condition to
       either the consummation of the Merger or the payment by MMC of all
       amounts due under the Change-of-Control Arrangements, since MMC is
       contractually obligated to make such payments. If consummated, the Merger
       would constitute a change of control of MMC. The Change-of-Control
       Arrangements include change-of-control agreements, termination
       agreements, agreements entered into pursuant to the MMC Restricted Stock
       Unit Plan, the MMC Restricted Stock Unit Plan for Outside Directors and
       certain retirement benefits.
 
    3.  To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting
       or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
 
    The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on November 3, 1997
as the record date for the determination of the holders of MMC Common Stock
entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting and adjournments or
postponements thereof. The affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the
outstanding shares of MMC Common Stock entitled to vote at the meeting is
required to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement and the Merger. Approval of
the Change-of-Control Arrangements requires the affirmative vote of the holders
of more than three-fourths of the outstanding shares of MMC Common Stock
entitled to vote at the meeting.
<PAGE>
    Certain principal shareholders of MMC, who as of November 3, 1997
beneficially owned in the aggregate approximately 52.4% of the outstanding MMC
Common Stock, have agreed to vote in favor of the Merger and the Merger
Agreement. If certain statutory conditions are met, MMC shareholders will be
entitled to demand dissenters' appraisal rights under Illinois law.
 
    Information regarding the Merger and Merger Agreement, the Change-of-Control
Arrangements and related matters is contained in the accompanying Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and the exhibits thereto, which is incorporated by
reference herein and forms a part of this Notice.
 
    WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE SIGN AND DATE THE
ENCLOSED PROXY AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. IT IS IMPORTANT
THAT YOUR INTERESTS BE REPRESENTED AT THE MEETING.
 
    THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF MMC HAS DETERMINED THAT THE TERMS OF THE MERGER
AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED THEREBY AND THAT THE APPROVAL OF THE
CHANGE-OF-CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS ARE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF MMC AND THE MMC
SHAREHOLDERS. ACCORDINGLY, THE MMC BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE
FOR THE APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE MERGER AND THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND
APPROVAL OF THE CHANGE-OF-CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS.
 
                                          By Order of the Board of Directors
 
                                          Betty R. Schappaugh
                                          SECRETARY
 
November 6, 1997
 
             PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY SHARE CERTIFICATES AT THIS TIME
<PAGE>
                           PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
                             ---------------------
 
                PROXY STATEMENT OF MOORMAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY
                        SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
                         TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 8, 1997
                            ------------------------
 
                  PROSPECTUS OF ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
 
                             SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
                            ------------------------
 
    This Proxy Statement/Prospectus is being furnished to the shareholders of
Moorman Manufacturing Company, an Illinois corporation ("MMC"), in connection
with the solicitation of proxies by MMC's Board of Directors for use at the
Special Meeting of Shareholders (the "Special Meeting") to be held at 10:00
a.m., local time, on Monday, December 8, 1997, at the Blessing Conference
Center, 28th and Chestnut Streets, Quincy, Illinois and at any adjournments or
postponements thereof.
 
    At the Special Meeting, MMC's shareholders will be asked to consider and
vote upon a proposal to approve and adopt the Agreement and Plan of Merger,
dated as of September 12, 1997 (the "Merger Agreement"), among MMC,
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, a Delaware corporation ("ADM"), and ADM
Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of ADM
("ADMAC"), under which ADMAC will be merged with and into MMC (the "Merger") and
the separate corporate existence of ADMAC will cease. Thereafter, MMC will
continue its operations as a wholly-owned subsidiary of ADM. A copy of the
Merger Agreement is attached to this Proxy Statement/Prospectus as EXHIBIT A and
is incorporated herein by reference.
 
    Upon consummation of the Merger, each outstanding share of Common Stock,
$1.00 par value per share, of MMC ("MMC Common Stock") at the Effective Time (as
defined below) will be converted, without any action on the part of the holders
thereof, into the right to receive a number of shares (rounded to the nearest
whole share) of common stock, without par value, of ADM ("ADM Common Stock")
determined by an exchange ratio (the "Exchange Ratio"), which is calculated by
dividing $5,400 (the "Base Value") by the average of the per share closing sale
prices of ADM Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. ("NYSE")
Composite Tape for the 20 trading days immediately prior to the third trading
day before the Closing Date (the "Average Price"). The "Closing Date" is the
third business day after the date when all conditions precedent to the Merger
have been satisfied or waived. The final condition precedent to the Merger is
expected to be the vote of MMC's shareholders at the Special Meeting.
 
    The Merger Agreement provides for an adjustment to the Exchange Ratio if the
shareholders' equity of MMC, determined under generally accepted accounting
principles as of the date 15 days before the Closing Date is less than $265
million. In that case, the Exchange Ratio will be recalculated by reducing the
Base Value by an amount equal to the quotient of (1) the difference between $265
million and the actual MMC shareholders' equity as of that date divided by (2)
54,770 (the number of shares of MMC Common Stock issued and outstanding);
provided, however, that the Base Value will not be lower than $5,126.13. See
"The Merger--General."
 
    The consummation of the Merger is subject to obtaining the requisite
approval from MMC's shareholders, necessary regulatory approvals, and certain
other conditions, all as more fully described in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. See "General Information" and "The Merger--Conditions to
Consummation of the Merger."
 
    MMC's shareholders will also be asked to consider and vote upon a proposal
to approve, for tax purposes, payments to members of MMC's senior management
under certain existing compensatory arrangements effective upon a change of
control of MMC, provided certain other conditions are fulfilled (collectively,
the "Change-of-Control Arrangements"). The purposes of the shareholder approval
are (i) to permit MMC to report the full amount of the payments under the
Change-of-Control Arrangements as deductions for income tax purposes and (ii) to
make it so that the members of MMC's senior
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
management receiving such payments should not be required to pay excise taxes on
any portion of the payments. Shareholder approval for the payments under the
Change-of-Control Arrangements is not a condition to either the consummation of
the Merger or the payment by MMC of all amounts due under the Change-of-Control
Arrangements, since MMC is contractually obligated to make such payments. If
consummated, the Merger would constitute a change of control of MMC. The
compensatory arrangements include change-of-control agreements, termination
agreements, agreements entered into pursuant to the MMC Restricted Stock Unit
Plan, the MMC Restricted Stock Unit Plan for Outside Directors and certain
retirement benefits.
 
    THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF MMC HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MERGER AGREEMENT
AND THE MERGER AND RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE
AND ADOPT THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE MERGER AND FOR THE PROPOSAL TO APPROVE
THE CHANGE-OF-CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS.
 
    This Proxy Statement/Prospectus is being mailed or delivered to MMC's
shareholders on or about November 6, 1997. This Proxy Statement/Prospectus also
constitutes the prospectus of ADM with respect to shares of ADM Common Stock to
be issued to the MMC shareholders in the Merger.
 
    On September 11, 1997, the last trading day before the public announcement
of the Merger, the closing sale price per share of ADM Common Stock on the NYSE
Composite Tape was $22.625. On          , 1997, the last trading day for which
closing sale prices were available at the time of the printing of this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, the closing sale price per share of ADM Common Stock on
the NYSE Composite Tape was $      . See "Market Price and Dividend
Information." If the Average Price were equal to the closing sale price per
share of ADM Common Stock on          , 1997, MMC shareholders who are to
receive shares of ADM Common Stock would be entitled to receive    shares of ADM
Common Stock, having a market value of $      , in exchange for each share of
MMC Common Stock held by them (assuming MMC shareholders' equity, as of the date
15 days prior to the closing, is at least $265 million). The actual value of the
consideration and number of shares of ADM Common Stock to be issued in the
Merger may differ from the foregoing example, however, because the actual value
and number of shares will not be determined until the day of the Special Meeting
or such other date as is the third trading day before the Closing Date.
 
    Certain capitalized terms used in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus are
defined under the caption "Glossary of Terms." THE SHARES OF ADM COMMON STOCK TO
BE ISSUED IN THE MERGER HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
ADEQUACY OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                            ------------------------
 
        THE DATE OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS NOVEMBER 6, 1997.
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
    ADM is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and, in accordance therewith,
files reports, proxy statements, and other information with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). These reports, proxy statements, and other
information may be inspected and copied at the SEC's public reference facility
at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549,
and at its Regional Offices located at Seven World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New
York, New York 10048, and 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois
60661. Copies of these materials can be obtained by mail from the SEC's public
reference section at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Certain of these materials may also
be obtained via the SEC's Web site (http://www.sec.gov). In addition, reports,
proxy statements, and other information filed by ADM may be inspected and copied
at the offices of the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
    This Proxy Statement/Prospectus constitutes a part of a registration
statement on Form S-4 (the "Registration Statement") filed by ADM with the SEC
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). This Proxy
Statement/Prospectus omits certain of the information contained in the
Registration Statement, and reference is hereby made to the Registration
Statement for further information with respect to ADM and the ADM Common Stock
offered hereby. Any statements contained herein concerning the provisions of any
document are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance, reference is made
to the copy of the document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or
otherwise filed with the SEC. Each such statement is qualified in its entirety
by this reference.
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
    THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES DOCUMENTS OF ADM BY REFERENCE
THAT ARE NOT PRESENTED HEREIN OR DELIVERED HEREWITH. ADM WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT
CHARGE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM A COPY OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS IS
DELIVERED, UPON THE WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST OF ANY SUCH PERSON, A COPY OF ANY OR
ALL OF SUCH DOCUMENTS RELATING TO ADM (OTHER THAN EXHIBITS TO THE DOCUMENTS,
UNLESS THE EXHIBITS ARE SPECIFICALLY INCORPORATED THEREIN BY REFERENCE).
REQUESTS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY, 4666 FARIES
PARKWAY, DECATUR, ILLINOIS 62526, ATTN: SECRETARY, TELEPHONE (217) 424-5200. IN
ORDER TO ENSURE TIMELY DELIVERY OF THE DOCUMENTS PRIOR TO THE SPECIAL MEETING,
REQUESTS SHOULD BE MADE BY DECEMBER 1, 1997.
 
    The following documents filed with the SEC by ADM (File No. 1-44) under the
Exchange Act are incorporated herein by reference:
 
        (i)  ADM's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended by Form 10-K/A, for
    the year ended June 30, 1997 (which incorporates by reference certain
    portions of ADM's 1997 Annual Report to Shareholders, including financial
    statements and accompanying information, and certain portions of ADM's
    definitive proxy statement for its 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders); and
 
        (ii) Exchange Act registration statements and reports that contain a
    description of ADM's capital stock.
 
    All documents filed by ADM under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act after the date of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus and before the
Special Meeting are deemed to be incorporated by reference into this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and to be made a part hereof from the date of the filing of
those documents. Any statement contained in a document incorporated herein by
reference will be deemed to be modified or superseded for the purposes hereof to
the extent that a statement contained herein (or in any subsequently filed
document that also is incorporated herein by reference) modifies or supersedes
that statement. Any statement so modified or superseded is not deemed to
constitute a part hereof except as so modified or superseded.
                            ------------------------
 
    NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION
MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY ADM, MMC, OR ANY OTHER
PERSON. THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR
A SOLICITATION OF ANY OFFER TO BUY ANY OF THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY IN ANY
JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH AN OFFER IN THE
JURISDICTION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS NOR ANY
SALE MADE HEREUNDER, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATES ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE
HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF ADM OR MMC AFTER THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE IS CORRECT AS OF
ANY TIME AFTER ITS DATE.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION.....................................................     2
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE...........................     3
GLOSSARY OF TERMS.........................................................     6
SUMMARY...................................................................     8
  General.................................................................     8
  The Parties to the Merger...............................................     8
  The Special Meeting.....................................................     8
  Required Vote...........................................................     9
  Recommendation of the MMC Board and Reasons for the Merger..............     9
  Fairness Opinion with Respect to the Merger.............................    10
  The Merger..............................................................    10
  Dissenters' Rights......................................................    12
  Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences.................................    12
  Comparative Rights of MMC Shareholders Before and After the Merger......    12
  Share Price and Dividend Data...........................................    12
  Selected Historical Financial Data......................................    13
GENERAL INFORMATION.......................................................    16
  The Special Meeting.....................................................    16
  Vote Required at Special Meeting........................................    16
  Solicitation of Proxies.................................................    17
  Other Matters...........................................................    17
ITEM 1.  THE MERGER.......................................................    18
BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER..................................................    18
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND REASONS FOR THE MERGER.......    19
OPINION OF MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED.............    21
  General.................................................................    21
  Materials and Information Considered with Respect to the Merger.........    22
  Analysis of Selected Comparable Publicly Traded Companies...............    23
  Comparable Transaction Analysis.........................................    23
  Discounted Cash Flow Analysis...........................................    23
  Breakup Analysis........................................................    24
  ADM Common Stock Trading History........................................    24
  Comparison of ADM to Selected Comparable Publicly Traded Companies......    24
  Limitations on Opinion..................................................    24
  Fees Payable to Merrill Lynch...........................................    24
THE MERGER................................................................    24
  General.................................................................    25
  Effective Time and Effect of the Merger.................................    25
  Exchange of Shares......................................................    25
  Employee Benefit Plans..................................................    26
  Conditions to Consummation of the Merger................................    26
  Representations, Warranties and Covenants...............................    27
  Amendment, Termination and Waiver.......................................    27
  Expenses................................................................    28
  Stock Exchange Listing..................................................    28
  Certain Legal Matters...................................................    28
  Conduct of Business Prior to the Merger.................................    28
  No Solicitation of Acquisition Transactions.............................    29
</TABLE>
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
<S>                                                                         <C>
  Indemnification and Insurance...........................................    32
  Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger..............................    32
  Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences.................................    36
  Business and Management After the Merger................................    37
  Accounting Treatment....................................................    37
  Resale of Shares by MMC Affiliates......................................    37
  Dissenters' Rights......................................................    37
CERTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION.......................................    38
BUSINESS OF MMC...........................................................    38
  General.................................................................    38
  MMC Common Stock Ownership..............................................    38
  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
   of Operations..........................................................    41
SHARE PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION FOR ADM COMMON STOCK AND MMC COMMON
  STOCK...................................................................    42
COMPARATIVE RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS OF MMC AND ADM.........................    44
  General.................................................................    44
  Dissenters' or Appraisal Rights.........................................    44
  Vote on Certain Fundamental Issues......................................    44
  Cumulative Voting.......................................................    45
  Special Meetings of the Shareholders....................................    45
  Shareholder Action by Written Consent...................................    45
  Amendment of Certificate or Articles of Incorporation...................    45
  Anti-Takeover Provisions................................................    45
  Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Directors...............    46
ITEM 2.  CHANGE-OF-CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS...................................    46
LEGAL MATTERS.............................................................    47
EXPERTS...................................................................    47
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS...................................................    47
MMC FINANCIAL INFORMATION.................................................   F-1
EXHIBIT A--Agreement and Plan of Merger...................................   A-1
EXHIBIT B--Opinion of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
  Incorporated............................................................   B-1
EXHIBIT C--Sections 11.65 and 11.70 of the Illinois Business Corporation
  Act.....................................................................   C-1
</TABLE>
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
                               GLOSSARY OF TERMS
 
    THE FOLLOWING TERMS HAVE THE ASSOCIATED MEANINGS WHEN USED IN THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS (INCLUDING THE SUMMARY).
 
    "ACQUISITION PROPOSAL" means an offer, from a party other than ADM or ADMAC,
to acquire MMC in a merger, acquisition, consolidation, or other similar
transaction involving any purchase of assets or capital stock of MMC or its
subsidiaries.
 
    "ADM" means Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, a Delaware corporation.
 
    "ADMAC" means ADM Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned
subsidiary of ADM.
 
    "ADM BOARD" means the Board of Directors of ADM.
 
    "ADM BYLAWS" means the Bylaws of ADM.
 
    "ADM CERTIFICATE" means the Certificate of Incorporation of ADM.
 
    "ADM COMMON STOCK" means the common stock of ADM, without par value.
 
    "ADM 10-K" means ADM's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended by Form
10-K/A, for the year ended June 30, 1997 (which incorporates by reference
certain portions of ADM's 1997 Annual Report to Shareholders, including
financial statements and accompanying information, and certain portions of ADM's
definitive proxy statement for its 1997 Annual Meeting of Shareholders).
 
    "ANTITRUST DIVISION" means Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice.
 
    "ASI" means Agri Sales, Inc., one of the three business units of MMC.
 
    "AVERAGE PRICE" means the average of the per share closing sale prices of
ADM Common Stock on the NYSE for the 20 trading days immediately preceding the
third trading day prior to the Closing Date.
 
    "BASE VALUE" means $5,400, unless adjusted under the Merger Agreement to an
amount not less than $5,126.13.
 
    "CHANGE-OF-CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS" means certain compensatory arrangements
including change-of-control agreements, termination agreements, agreements
entered into pursuant to the MMC Restricted Stock Unit Plan, the MMC Restricted
Stock Unit Plan for Outside Directors and certain retirement benefits, under
which members of MMC's senior management would receive certain benefits upon a
change of control of MMC, provided certain other conditions are fulfilled.
 
    "CLOSING DATE" means the third business day after the date on which all
conditions precedent to the Merger have been satisfied or waived.
 
    "CODE" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 
    "DELAWARE LAW" means the Delaware General Corporation Law.
 
    "EFFECTIVE TIME" means the later to occur of the filing of a properly
executed Certificate of Merger with the Delaware Secretary of State and the
issuance of a Certificate of Merger by the Illinois Secretary of State.
 
    "EXCHANGE ACT" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
    "EXCHANGE AGENT" means Harris Trust and Savings Bank, ADM's stock transfer
agent.
 
    "EXCHANGE RATIO" means the number of shares of ADM Common Stock into which
each share of MMC Common Stock will be converted in the Merger, calculated under
the formula set forth on the cover page of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
 
    "FTC" means the Federal Trade Commission.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
    "HSR ACT" means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as
amended.
 
    "IRS" means the Internal Revenue Service.
 
    "ILLINOIS LAW" means the Illinois Business Corporation Act.
 
    "MERGER" means the merger of ADMAC with and into MMC, whereby MMC, as the
surviving corporation, will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of ADM, as
contemplated by the Merger Agreement.
 
    "MERGER AGREEMENT" means the Agreement and Plan of Merger among ADM, ADMAC,
and MMC, dated as of September 12, 1997, a copy of which is attached hereto as
Exhibit A.
 
    "MERRILL LYNCH" means Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated,
MMC's financial adviser with respect to a business combination with a third
party, such as the Merger.
 
    "MMC" means Moorman Manufacturing Company, an Illinois corporation.
 
    "MMC ARTICLES" means the Articles of Incorporation of MMC.
 
    "MMC BOARD" means the Board of Directors of MMC.
 
    "MMC BYLAWS" means the Bylaws of MMC.
 
    "MMC COMMON STOCK" means the common stock, $1.00 par value per share, of
MMC.
 
    "MMI" means MoorMan's, Inc., one of the three business units of MMC.
 
    "NYSE" means the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
 
    "QUINCY SOYBEAN" means Quincy Soybean Co., one of the three business units
of MMC.
 
    "REGISTRATION STATEMENT" means the registration statement on Form S-4,
together with all amendments and exhibits, of which this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus is a part.
 
    "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
    "SECURITIES ACT" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
    "SPECIAL MEETING" means the special meeting of MMC shareholders to be held
on December 8, 1997.
 
    "TAX COUNSEL" means Winston & Strawn, special tax counsel to MMC.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
                                    SUMMARY
 
    THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF CERTAIN INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. CAPITALIZED TERMS USED IN THIS SUMMARY ARE DEFINED UNDER
THE CAPTION "GLOSSARY OF TERMS" AND ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. REFERENCE IS MADE TO THE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION
CONTAINED ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, THE EXHIBITS HERETO, AND
THE DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE. A COPY OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT
IS ATTACHED AS EXHIBIT A TO THIS PROXY STATEMENT/ PROSPECTUS AND REFERENCE IS
MADE THERETO FOR A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF THE TERMS OF THE MERGER. ALL
INFORMATION CONCERNING ADM INCLUDED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS HAS BEEN FURNISHED BY ADM, AND ALL INFORMATION CONCERNING
MMC INCLUDED OR INCORPORATED HEREIN BY REFERENCE HAS BEEN FURNISHED BY MMC. EACH
SHAREHOLDER SHOULD READ CAREFULLY THIS PROXY STATEMENT/ PROSPECTUS AND THE
EXHIBITS HERETO IN ITS ENTIRETY.
 
GENERAL
 
    This Proxy Statement/Prospectus relates to the proposed Merger of ADMAC with
and into MMC under the Merger Agreement. Following the Merger, MMC, as the
surviving corporation will continue its operations as a wholly-owned subsidiary
of ADM. See "The Merger." This Proxy Statement/Prospectus also relates to the
approval, for tax purposes, of certain payments pursuant to the
Change-of-Control Arrangements. See "Approval of Change-of-Control
Arrangements."
 
THE PARTIES TO THE MERGER
 
    ADM.  ADM is a major processor of agricultural products for the food and
feed industries. It is one of the largest oil seed and vegetable oil processors,
corn refiners, fuel alcohol producers, and wheat millers in the United States.
ADM was incorporated in Delaware in 1923 as the successor to a business formed
in 1902. ADM's executive offices are located at 4666 Faries Parkway, Decatur,
Illinois 62526, and its telephone number is (217) 424-5200. References herein to
ADM relate to Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, its subsidiaries and their
predecessors unless otherwise noted or indicated by the context. For more
information relating to the business and operations of ADM, reference is made to
the ADM 10-K, incorporated herein by reference. See "Incorporation of Certain
Documents by Reference."
 
    MMC.  MMC is an agricultural processing company with three business units:
MoorMan's, Inc., its livestock feed business; Quincy Soybean Co., its integrated
soybean processing and vegetable oil refining business; and Agri Sales, Inc.,
its dry edible bean business. MMC has its origins in 1885 when Thomas Robinson
Moorman began mixing, packaging and delivering a hog tonic from his Kentucky
farm. In 1900 two of T.R. Moorman's sons, E.V. and C.A. Moorman, expanded the
business and later moved to Quincy, Illinois. MMC was incorporated in 1912. As
used herein, the term MMC refers to MMC and its subsidiaries, unless the context
requires otherwise. The principal executive offices of MMC are located at 1000
North 30th Street, Quincy, Illinois, and its telephone number is (217) 222-7100.
See "Business of MMC."
 
THE SPECIAL MEETING
 
    TIME, DATE AND PLACE.  The Special Meeting will be held on December 8, 1997,
at the Blessing Conference Center, 28th and Chestnut Streets, Quincy, Illinois,
at 10:00 a.m., local time.
 
    RECORD DATE, QUORUM, AND SHARES ENTITLED TO VOTE.  Only shareholders of
record of MMC Common Stock at the close of business on November 3, 1997 are
entitled to notice of and to vote at the Special Meeting. At the close of
business on that date, there were 54,770 outstanding shares of MMC Common Stock
that are entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. Each share of MMC Common Stock
is entitled to one vote.
 
    The presence, either in person or by properly executed proxy, of the holders
of a majority of the outstanding shares of MMC Common Stock entitled to vote at
the Special Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Special Meeting.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
    If a quorum is not present at the Special Meeting, the shareholders present,
by vote of a majority of the votes cast by shareholders entitled to vote
thereon, may adjourn the Special Meeting, and at any such adjourned meeting at
which a quorum is present any business may be transacted that might have been
transacted at the Special Meeting as originally held and proxies will be voted
thereat as directed.
 
    PROXIES AND REVOCATION OF PROXIES.  The enclosed proxy card permits each
shareholder to specify that shares be voted "FOR" or "AGAINST" (or "ABSTAIN"
from) the approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the Merger and the
approval, for tax purposes, of certain payments made under the Change-of-Control
 
    ARRANGEMENTS.  If properly signed and returned, and not revoked, a proxy
will be voted in accordance with its instructions. Where a signed proxy card is
returned, but no instructions are specified, the shares will be voted FOR
approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the Merger and FOR the
approval of payments under the Change-of-Control Arrangements.
 
    Each shareholder may revoke a previously granted proxy at any time before it
is exercised by filing with MMC's Secretary a revoking instrument or a duly
executed proxy bearing a later date. The powers of the proxy holders will be
suspended if the person executing the proxy attends the Special Meeting in
person and so requests. Attendance at the Special Meeting will not, in itself,
constitute revocation of a previously granted proxy.
 
    PURPOSES OF SPECIAL MEETING.  At the Special Meeting, shareholders of MMC
will be asked to consider and vote on proposals (i) to approve and adopt the
Merger Agreement and the Merger, (ii) to approve, for tax purposes, certain
payments under the Change-of-Control Arrangements, and (iii) for such other
matters as may be properly brought before the meeting.
 
    CERTAIN VOTING INFORMATION.  As of November 3, 1997, MMC's directors and
executive officers, as a group, beneficially owned 179 shares (or approximately
0.3%) of the outstanding MMC Common Stock entitled to vote at the Special
Meeting. Certain significant shareholders, who as of November 3, 1997,
beneficially owned in the aggregate 28,711 outstanding shares (or approximately
52.4%) of MMC Common Stock entitled to vote at the Special Meeting, have
executed voting agreements with ADM by which they have agreed to vote their
shares of MMC Common Stock "FOR" approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement
and the Merger. All directors and executive officers of MMC have indicated
orally that they will vote all outstanding shares of MMC Common Stock
beneficially owned by them "FOR" approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement
and the Merger.
 
    OTHER MATTERS.  Representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP, MMC's independent
auditors, are expected to be present at the Special Meeting. See "Independent
Accountants."
 
REQUIRED VOTE
 
    The affirmative vote of the holders of two-thirds of the outstanding shares
of MMC Common Stock is required to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement and
the Merger. The affirmative vote of the holders of more than three-fourths of
the outstanding shares of MMC Common Stock is required to approve, for tax
purposes, certain payments under the Change-of-Control Arrangements. Each share
of MMC Common Stock is entitled to one vote at the Special Meeting. See "General
Information--Vote Required at Special Meeting."
 
RECOMMENDATION OF THE MMC BOARD AND REASONS FOR THE MERGER
 
    The Board of Directors of MMC has unanimously approved the Merger Agreement
and the transactions contemplated thereby and recommends that MMC shareholders
vote "FOR" approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the Merger. The
recommendation of the MMC Board is based upon its belief that the terms of the
Merger Agreement are fair to, and in the best interests of, MMC and its
shareholders and that the Merger will result in benefits to MMC's shareholders.
The MMC Board believes that the Merger offers the shareholders of MMC the
opportunity to receive the securities of a publicly held
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
company that have liquidity in contrast to MMC Common Stock; an increase in the
value of their investment over the book value of MMC Common Stock; to
participate in the combined company, which is expected to have a greater
potential for profits and growth and future increases in shareholder value than
MMC could have alone; to take advantage of opportunities for growth and
diversification that are more readily available to ADM than to MMC on a
stand-alone basis; and to maximize the compatible operating philosophies of the
two companies and the synergies and potential operating efficiencies that could
result from the Merger. See "Background of the Merger" and "Recommendation of
the Board of Directors and Reasons for the Merger." In considering the
recommendation of the MMC Board with respect to the Merger, shareholders should
be aware that certain directors and officers of MMC have interests in the Merger
that are different from the interests of other MMC shareholders. See "The
Merger--Interests of Certain Persons in the Merger."
 
FAIRNESS OPINION WITH RESPECT TO THE MERGER
 
    In its role as financial adviser to MMC, Merrill Lynch was asked by MMC to
render an opinion to the MMC Board as to whether the Exchange Ratio was fair to
the holders of MMC Common Stock, from a financial point of view, under the
Merger Agreement. On September 3, 1997 representatives of Merrill Lynch verbally
advised the MMC Board that, as of such date, the Exchange Ratio was fair to the
shareholders of MMC from a financial point of view. A written opinion, dated as
of September 3, 1997, was delivered to the MMC Board. See "Opinion of Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated." A COPY OF THE MERRILL LYNCH
OPINION, DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 3, 1997, IS ATTACHED AS EXHIBIT B TO THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. THE SHAREHOLDERS OF MMC ARE URGED TO READ THE OPINION IN
ITS ENTIRETY FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCEDURES FOLLOWED, THE ASSUMPTIONS MADE,
MATTERS CONSIDERED, AND QUALIFICATIONS AND LIMITATIONS ON THE REVIEW UNDERTAKEN
BY MERRILL LYNCH IN CONNECTION THEREWITH. See "The Merger--Opinion of Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated."
 
THE MERGER
 
    CONVERSION OF SHARES.  At the Effective Time, each outstanding share of MMC
Common Stock will be converted into the right to receive a number of shares of
ADM Common Stock, determined in accordance with the Exchange Ratio. See "The
Merger--General." The stockholders of ADM will continue to hold their shares of
capital stock of ADM without any change in the number, designation, terms, or
rights. For a summary of various differences between the rights of holders of
MMC Common Stock and the rights of holders of ADM Common Stock, see "Comparative
Rights of Shareholders of MMC and ADM."
 
    The actual number of shares of ADM Common Stock that will be issued to the
shareholders of MMC in the Merger will be determined based upon the Base Value
and the Average Price of ADM Common Stock. The Base Value may be lower than
$5,400 if the shareholders' equity of MMC, determined under generally accepted
accounting principles, as of the date 15 days prior to the Closing Date, is less
than $265 million; provided, however, the Base Value will not be less than
$5,126.13. See "The Merger-- General."
 
    EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE MERGER.  Subject to the terms and conditions of the
Merger Agreement, the Merger is expected to become effective on December 11,
1997. See "The Merger--Effective Time and Effect of the Merger." If the Merger
has not become effective on or before February 28, 1998, the Merger Agreement
provides that either party may terminate the Merger Agreement. See "The
Merger--Amendment, Termination, and Waiver."
 
    CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER.  The obligations of ADM and MMC to effect the
Merger are subject to certain conditions, including, among other things, that
certain regulatory approvals have been obtained and that the Merger Agreement
and the Merger has been approved and adopted by the MMC shareholders with no
more than ten percent of MMC's shareholders demanding statutory dissenters'
rights. See "The Merger--Conditions to Consummation of the Merger" for a
discussion of conditions to the Merger. Any of the conditions to the obligation
of ADM or MMC to consummate the Merger may be waived or
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
modified by the party that is entitled to the benefits thereof. Neither ADM nor
MMC has any present intention to waive or modify any condition that it deems
material. Obtaining the affirmative vote of more than three-fourths of the
outstanding shares of MMC Common Stock for approval, for tax purposes, of
payments under the Change-of-Control Arrangements is not a condition to the
Merger.
 
    MMC EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.  Under the Merger Agreement, ADM has agreed to
assume, in accordance with their respective terms, certain of MMC's benefit
plans, programs, and arrangements. See "The Merger--Employee Benefit Plans."
 
    AMENDMENT, TERMINATION, AND WAIVER.  The Merger Agreement may be amended at
any time, provided that, after the Merger Agreement has been approved and
adopted by MMC's shareholders, it may not be amended to alter the number of
shares of ADM Common Stock to be exchanged for each share of MMC Common Stock or
in any other way that would have a material adverse effect on the rights of
MMC's shareholders, without their further approval. Under certain conditions,
the Merger Agreement may be terminated prior to the Effective Time, whether
before or after approval by the MMC shareholders. The conditions under which the
Merger Agreement may be terminated include termination by mutual consent of the
Boards of Directors of ADM and MMC; termination by either party if the Merger
has not been consummated on or before February 28, 1998; termination by either
party upon the failure of MMC to receive the requisite shareholder approval at
the Special Meeting, or adjournments thereof; termination by either party upon
the failure to meet any condition to the terminating party's obligation to
consummate the Merger that has not been waived or cured within the prescribed
cure period; and termination by either party if a final unappealable order to
prevent the Merger or an award of substantial damages is entered. The Merger
Agreement may also be terminated by either ADM or MMC if the recommendation of
the MMC Board in support of the Merger is withdrawn or modified in a manner
detrimental to ADM. See "The Merger--Conditions to Consummation of the Merger"
and "The Merger-- Amendment, Termination, and Waiver."
 
    SOLICITATION OF THIRD-PARTY OFFERS.  In the Merger Agreement, MMC has agreed
not to initiate, solicit, negotiate or encourage proposals or offers, or provide
any confidential information relating to any acquisition of all or any
substantial portion of the business or properties of MMC. MMC is permitted to
supply information to third parties and engage in discussions or negotiations
with third parties relating to such an acquisition transaction, or modify or
withdraw its recommendation of the Merger, after reasonable notice to ADM, if
the MMC Board, after consultation with Merrill Lynch, determines in good faith
that the third party's Acquisition Proposal is bona fide and superior to that
offered in the Merger; if the MMC Board determines in good faith, upon the
advice of counsel, that such action is necessary for the MMC Board to comply
with its fiduciary duties to its shareholders under Illinois Law; and if the MMC
Board receives an executed confidentiality agreement from the third party. If
these conditions are met with respect to a third-party offer, the Merger
Agreement provides that ADM has the right to match the offer and that if the MMC
Board determines that this matching proposal is at least equal to the
third-party offer, then the MMC Board must accept ADM's offer. See "The
Merger--No Solicitation of Acquisition Transactions."
 
    REGULATORY APPROVALS.  Consummation of the Merger is conditioned upon, among
other things, the expiration or early termination of the relevant waiting period
under the HSR Act. On        , 1997, the parties were informed by the FTC that
they had received early termination of the relevant waiting period under the HSR
Act with respect to the Merger. See "The Merger-- Certain Legal Matters."
 
    SURRENDER OF SHARE CERTIFICATES.  After the Effective Time, each MMC
shareholder will be entitled to receive, upon surrender of certificates
previously representing shares of MMC Common Stock, certificates representing
the number of full shares of ADM Common Stock to which the shareholder is
entitled under the Merger Agreement. See "The Merger--General" and "The
Merger--Exchange of Shares." SHAREHOLDERS OF MMC SHOULD NOT SURRENDER THEIR
STOCK CERTIFICATES UNTIL THEY RECEIVE TRANSMITTAL MATERIALS, WHICH WILL BE
MAILED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE EFFECTIVE TIME.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
    ACCOUNTING TREATMENT.  The Merger will be accounted for under the purchase
method of accounting.
 
    BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT AFTER THE MERGER.  After the Effective Time, the
directors of MMC as the surviving corporation will be Charles T. Bayless, John
D. McNamara, and Douglas J. Schmalz, and its officers will be John D. McNamara,
President; David J. Smith, Vice President and Secretary; Scott A. Roberts,
Assistant Secretary; and Charles P. Archer, Treasurer. All such new officers and
directors are currently officers of ADM. ADM intends to operate MMC in a manner
substantially consistent with its current operations. ADM will carefully review
the operations of MMC in an attempt to identify opportunities for expense
reduction through the use of shared resources with ADM. See "Recommendation of
the Board of Directors and Reasons for the Merger" and "The Merger--Business and
Management After the Merger." After the Effective Time, the principal executive
offices of MMC will continue to be at 1000 North 30th Street, Quincy, Illinois
62301.
 
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
 
    If certain statutory conditions are met, an MMC shareholder will be entitled
to demand appraisal of his or her shares of MMC Common Stock in accordance with
Illinois Law. A shareholder who wishes to exercise such rights must deliver to
MMC before the Special Meeting a written demand for payment for his or her
shares of MMC Common Stock and must not vote in favor of the Merger at the
Special Meeting. Consummation of the Merger is conditioned, however, on no more
than ten percent of MMC's shareholders demanding such rights. See "Dissenters'
Rights."
 
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
    The Merger is intended to be a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a)
of the Code such that no gain or loss would be recognized by the holders of MMC
Common Stock to the extent they receive ADM Common Stock in exchange for their
MMC Common Stock in the Merger. It is a condition to MMC's obligation to
consummate the Merger that it receive a tax opinion from Winston & Strawn,
special tax counsel to MMC, dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that the
Merger qualifies as a reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code. If the
Merger does not qualify as a reorganization, the exchange of shares in the
Merger would be taxable. See "The Merger--Certain Federal Income Tax
Consequences."
 
COMPARATIVE RIGHTS OF MMC SHAREHOLDERS BEFORE AND AFTER THE MERGER
 
    The rights of the shareholders of MMC are currently governed by Illinois Law
and MMC's Articles and Bylaws. At the Effective Time, MMC shareholders will
become stockholders of ADM and their rights as ADM stockholders will then be
governed by Delaware Law and ADM's Certificate and Bylaws. There are various
differences between the rights of MMC shareholders and the rights of holders of
ADM Common Stock. See "Comparative Rights of Shareholders of MMC and ADM."
 
SHARE PRICE AND DIVIDEND DATA
 
    Shares of ADM Common Stock are listed and principally traded on the NYSE.
There has been no public trading market for MMC Common Stock. However, certain
appraisals have been made periodically by an independent appraisal firm for the
purpose of valuing shares of MMC Common Stock held by
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
the MMC Employees' Profit Sharing Plan as discussed below. The following table
sets forth for the calendar periods indicated the high and low sale prices of
ADM Common Stock and the cash dividends paid per share:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        ADM COMMON STOCK
                                                                ---------------------------------
                                                                  HIGH        LOW      DIVIDEND
                                                                ---------  ---------  -----------
<S>                                                             <C>        <C>        <C>
1995..........................................................  $   18.13  $   13.00   $    .112
1996..........................................................      22.00      14.88        .184
1997
  First Quarter...............................................      21.88      16.50        .048
  Second Quarter..............................................      22.88      16.25        .048
  Third Quarter...............................................      24.63      20.31        .048
</TABLE>
 
    With respect to MMC Common Stock, MMC paid dividends totaling $250 in each
of fiscal 1996 and fiscal 1997. No dividends were paid for the first quarter of
fiscal 1998. The value of the MMC Common Stock, appraised quarterly by an
independent appraisal firm for the purpose of valuing shares of MMC Common Stock
held by the MMC Employees' Profit Sharing Plan, ranged from $5,500 to $5,000 in
fiscal 1996 and $5,000 to $4,000 in fiscal 1997. For the first quarter of fiscal
1998 the appraised value was $4,000. After the conclusion of that quarter, the
appraised value of $4,300 was issued. These valuations were not prepared with
the intent that they serve as an estimate of the price that would be realized
through a sale of MMC to a third party and do not represent necessarily the
price paid for or received in the purchase or sale of shares of MMC Common Stock
during the corresponding periods. The appraisals were prepared solely to assist
the Administrative Committee of the MMC Employees' Profit Sharing Plan in
fulfilling its responsibilities to value the shares of MMC Common Stock held by
the plan.
 
    On September 11, 1997, the last trading day before the public announcement
of the Merger, the closing sale price per share of ADM Common Stock as reported
on the NYSE Composite Tape was $22.625. On     , 1997, the last trading day for
which closing sale prices were available at the time of the printing of this
Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the closing sale price per share of ADM Common Stock
as reported on the NYSE Composite Tape was $    . If the Average Price were
equal to the closing sale price per share of ADM Common Stock on         , 1997,
shareholders of MMC who are to receive shares of ADM Common Stock would be
entitled to receive         shares of ADM Common Stock, having a market value of
$        , in exchange for each share of MMC Common Stock held by them (assuming
MMC shareholders' equity as of 15 days prior to the Closing Date is at least
$265 million). The aggregate number of shares of ADM Common Stock to be received
by each shareholder of MMC will be rounded to the nearest whole number of
shares. See "The Merger--General" for a discussion of the determination of the
actual Average Price and Exchange Ratio.
 
    Listing on the NYSE of the shares of ADM Common Stock issuable in connection
with the Merger is a condition to its consummation.
 
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA
 
    The following tables set forth selected historical financial data of ADM and
MMC for the periods presented. The selected historical financial data of ADM as
of and for each of the five years in the period ended June 30, 1997 shown below
have been derived from the consolidated financial statements of ADM. The
selected historical financial data of MMC as of and for each of the five years
ended March 29, 1997, and for the first fiscal quarter ended June 28, 1997,
compared with the same period in fiscal 1997, shown below have been derived from
the consolidated financial statements of MMC provided by management. These
historical data are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected after
the Merger is consummated and should be read in conjunction with the information
set forth under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" in the ADM 10-K and the separate
consolidated financial statements of ADM and the notes thereto incorporated
herein by reference and the information with respect to MMC set forth in this
Proxy
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
Statement/Prospectus under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the separate consolidated
financial statements of MMC and the notes thereto attached to this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       ADM
                                                               YEAR ENDED JUNE 30,
                                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       1997            1996            1995            1994           1993
                                  --------------  --------------  --------------  --------------  -------------
                                                      (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                               <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Net sales and other operating
 income.........................  $   13,853,262  $   13,239,839  $   12,555,403  $   11,158,479  $   9,578,370
Net earnings....................         377,309         695,912         795,915         484,069        567,527
Net earnings per common share...             .66            1.20            1.34             .80            .91
Total assets....................      11,354,367      10,449,869       9,756,887       8,746,853      8,404,111
Long-term debt..................       2,344,949       2,002,979       2,070,095       2,021,417      2,039,143
Cash dividends per common
 share..........................             .19             .16             .08             .05            .05
</TABLE>
 
    Net earnings for 1997 includes a charge of $.31 per share for fines and
litigation settlements arising out of the United States Department of Justice
investigation of the Company's lysine and citric acid products as well as
resolution of a securities suit brought by shareholders.
 
    Net earnings for 1993 includes a credit of $68 million or $.11 per share and
a charge of $35 million or $.06 per share for the cumulative effects of changes
in accounting for income taxes and postretirement benefits, respectively.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             MMC
                                                                         YEAR ENDED
                                     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     MARCH 29, 1997   MARCH 30, 1996   MARCH 25, 1995   MARCH 26, 1994   MARCH 27, 1993
                                     ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------  ---------------
                                                            (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                  <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
Net Sales..........................   $   1,157,859     $   973,465      $   904,321      $   810,319      $   820,047
Net Income from Continuing
 Operations (1)....................           6,780          20,930           13,088           14,824           32,772
Net Income (Loss) from Discontinued
 Operations........................              93          (1,550)             (55)               0                0
Cumulative Effect of Accounting
 Change In Retiree Health and Life
 Insurance, net of tax.............               0               0                0          (31,853)               0
Net Income (Loss) (1)..............           6,873          19,380           13,033          (17,029)          32,772
Net Income from Continuing
 Operations Per Share..............             122             360              211              238              526
Net Income (Loss) Per Share........             124             334              210             (273)             526
Total Assets.......................         573,465         544,962          486,513          494,805          440,144
Long-Term Liabilities..............          91,148          85,810           72,237           57,076           17,539
Cash Dividends Per Share...........             250             250              250              250              250
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------
 
(1) The following nonrecurring items are included in Net Income from Continuing
    Operations: Gains from Benefit Plans Curtailment and Plan Changes
    (pre-tax)--1997, $13,626; 1996, $17,080; Facility Closures and Restructuring
    (pre-tax)--1996, ($1,873); 1995, ($4,942); 1994, ($6,607); 1993 Flood Loss
    and Subsequent Insurance Recovery--1995, $1,103; 1994, ($2,035).
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
                         MOORMAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY
                      SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                                  (UNAUDITED)
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      FY 1998                                 FY 1997                                 FY 1996
                                    -----------  -----------------------------------------------------------------  -----------
                                     1ST QTR.     1ST QTR.     2ND QTR.     3RD QTR.     4TH QTR.        TOTAL       1ST QTR.
                                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -------------  -----------
<S>                                 <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>
Net Sales.........................  $   252,215  $   245,968  $   281,661  $   324,441  $   305,789  $   1,157,859  $   205,857
Gross Profit......................       25,687       25,787       24,456       37,965       35,006        123,214       34,279
Net Income (Loss) From Continuing
 Operations.......................       (2,292)      (1,152)      (1,440)       6,812        2,560          6,780        2,523
Net Income (Loss).................       (2,292)      (1,154)      (1,440)       6,812        2,655          6,873        2,242
Net Income (Loss) From Continuing
 Operations Per Share.............       (41.85)      (20.40)      (25.97)      122.25        46.50         122.37        41.56
Net Income (Loss) Per Share.......       (41.85)      (20.44)      (25.98)      122.25        48.21         124.05        36.93
Cash Dividends Per
 Share............................            0           25           25           80          120            250           25
Book Value Per Share..............  $     4,976                                                      $       5,018
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                     2ND QTR.     3RD QTR.      4TH QTR       TOTAL
                                    -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                 <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Net Sales.........................  $   216,806  $   264,237  $   286,565  $   973,465
Gross Profit......................       27,935       39,196       33,853      135,263
Net Income (Loss) From Continuing
 Operations.......................          155        4,202       14,050       20,930
Net Income (Loss).................         (904)       3,940       14,102       19,380
Net Income (Loss) From Continuing
 Operations Per Share.............         3.72        72.26       242.78       360.32
Net Income (Loss) Per Share.......       (14.31)       67.55       243.46       333.64
Cash Dividends Per
 Share............................           25           80          120          250
Book Value Per Share..............                                         $     5,134
</TABLE>
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
                              GENERAL INFORMATION
 
THE SPECIAL MEETING
 
    This Proxy Statement/Prospectus is furnished in connection with the
solicitation of proxies by the MMC Board for use at the Special Meeting to be
held on December 8, 1997, and at any adjournments or postponements of that
meeting. This Proxy Statement/Prospectus also constitutes the Prospectus of ADM
with respect to the shares of ADM Common Stock to be issued in connection with
the Merger.
 
    The Special Meeting has been called for the purpose of considering and
voting upon a proposal to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement and the Merger,
whereby ADMAC will be merged with and into MMC, with MMC continuing its
operations as a wholly-owned subsidiary of ADM. The Merger will be accomplished
under the Merger Agreement by a statutory merger of ADMAC with and into MMC in
which all the outstanding shares of MMC Common Stock will be converted into the
right to receive shares of ADM Common Stock. The stockholders of ADM will
continue to hold their shares of ADM Common Stock without any change in number,
designation, terms, or rights. Under the Merger Agreement, holders of MMC Common
Stock will become stockholders of ADM and will receive a number of shares of ADM
Common Stock (rounded to the nearest whole share) for each outstanding share of
MMC Common Stock determined pursuant to the Average Price and the Exchange
Ratio. See "The Merger-- General" and "The Merger--Exchange of Shares."
 
    MMC's shareholders are also being asked to consider and vote upon a proposal
to approve, for tax purposes, payments to members of MMC's senior management
under the Change-of-Control Arrangements. The purposes of the shareholder
approval are (i) to permit MMC to report the full amount of the payments under
the Change-of-Control Arrangements as deductions for income tax purposes and
(ii) to make it so that members of MMC's senior management receiving such
payments should not be required to pay excise taxes on any portion of the
payments. Shareholder approval for the payments under the Change-of-Control
Arrangements is not a condition to either the consummation of the Merger or the
payment by MMC of all such amounts due under the Change-of-Control Arrangements,
since MMC is contractually obligated to make such payments. If consummated, the
Merger would constitute a change of control of MMC. The Change-of-Control
Arrangements include employment agreements, change-of-control agreements,
termination agreements, agreements entered into pursuant to the MMC Restricted
Stock Unit Plan, the MMC Restricted Stock Unit Plan for Outside Directors and
certain retirement benefits.
 
    In addition to the foregoing proposals, MMC's shareholders may consider such
other matters as may be properly brought before the Special Meeting.
 
VOTE REQUIRED AT SPECIAL MEETING
 
    Approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the Merger requires the
affirmative vote of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of MMC Common Stock
entitled to vote thereon. Holders of MMC Common Stock who dissent from the
approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement and the Merger may demand
appraisal rights under Illinois Law if certain procedural criteria are met. See
"Dissenters' Rights." Approval of the Change-of-Control Arrangements requires
the affirmative vote of the holders of three-fourths of the outstanding shares
of MMC Common Stock entitled to vote thereon.
 
    The MMC Board has fixed the close of business on November 3, 1997 as the
record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to
vote at the Special Meeting or any and all adjournments or postponements
thereof. At that date, there were 54,770 outstanding shares of MMC Common Stock
entitled to vote at the Special Meeting and the record holders on that date will
be entitled to one vote for each share held by them.
 
    On November 3, 1997 MMC's directors and executive officers, as a group,
beneficially owned 179 shares (or approximately 0.3%) of the outstanding shares
of MMC Common Stock on that date. The MMC Employee's Profit Sharing Plan and CMF
Foundation beneficially own in the aggregate 28,711 shares (or approximately
52.4%) of the outstanding MMC Common Stock entitled to vote at the Special
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
Meeting. The MMC Employee's Profit Sharing Plan and CMF Foundation have executed
voting agreements with ADM by which such MMC shareholders have agreed to vote
their shares of MMC Common Stock "FOR" approval and adoption of the Merger
Agreement and the Merger. All directors and executive officers of MMC have
indicated orally that they will vote all outstanding shares of MMC Common Stock
beneficially owned by them "FOR" approval and adoption of the Merger Agreement
and the Merger.
 
    The presence at the Special Meeting in person or by proxy of the holders of
a majority of the shares of MMC Common Stock outstanding on November 3, 1997 is
required to constitute a quorum. At that date, there were 54,770 outstanding
shares of MMC Common Stock. For these purposes, shares of MMC Common Stock that
are present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Special Meeting
will be counted for quorum purposes regardless of whether the holder of the
shares or proxy fails to vote on a matter or votes "ABSTAIN" ("abstentions"). A
broker with discretionary authority failing to exercise its discretionary
authority to vote shares with respect to a matter, but exercising its
discretionary authority to vote on at least one other matter ("broker
non-votes"), will be counted as present for quorum purposes but will not be
counted as present and entitled to vote on a matter, for voting purposes. Only
shares of MMC Common Stock voted for the approval of a matter, excluding
abstentions and broker non-votes, will be counted as voting for approval in
determining whether a matter is approved by the shareholders of MMC. As a
consequence, abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as votes
against approval of the Merger.
 
    If a quorum is not present at the Special Meeting, the shareholders present,
by vote of a majority of the votes cast by shareholders entitled to vote
thereon, may adjourn the Special Meeting, and at any such adjourned meeting at
which a quorum is present any business may be transacted that might have been
transacted at the Special Meeting as originally called and proxies will be voted
thereat as directed.
 
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
 
    Directors, officers and employees of MMC may solicit proxies from
shareholders by personal contact, special letter, telephone, or facsimile
transmission. MMC will bear the expenses of solicitation on its behalf.
Directors, officers, and other employees of MMC will not be specially
compensated for the solicitation of proxies. Brokerage houses and other
custodians, nominees, and fiduciaries will be requested to forward soliciting
materials to the beneficial owners of MMC Common Stock owned of record by such
organizations, and MMC may pay the reasonable expenses incurred in forwarding
these materials.
 
    A proxy relating to the Special Meeting may be revoked by the shareholder at
any time before it is exercised; however, mere attendance at the Special Meeting
will not itself have the effect of revoking the proxy. An MMC shareholder may
revoke a proxy before it is voted by executing and filing a subsequently dated
proxy with MMC, by sending written notice of revocation received by MMC not
later than the close of business on December 1, 1997, or by the holder of record
voting in person at the Special Meeting.
 
    A proxy in the form accompanying this Proxy Statement/Prospectus, when
properly executed and returned, will be voted in accordance with the
instructions contained therein. A properly executed proxy on which no
instruction has been indicated will be voted for approval and adoption of the
Merger Agreement and the Merger and for the approval of certain payments under
the Change-of-Control Arrangements.
 
OTHER MATTERS
 
    At the date of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the MMC Board does not know
of any business to be presented at the Special Meeting other than as set forth
in the notice accompanying this Proxy Statement/Prospectus. If any other matters
properly come before the Special Meeting, it is intended that the shares
represented by proxies will be voted with respect to those matters in accordance
with the judgment of the persons authorized to vote those proxies.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
ITEM 1. THE MERGER
 
                            BACKGROUND OF THE MERGER
 
    The terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement were determined through
arm's-length negotiations between the senior managements and Boards of Directors
of MMC and ADM. In determining the form of the transaction and calculation of
the consideration, numerous factors were reviewed by the senior managements and
Boards of Directors of MMC and ADM. See "Recommendations of the Boards of
Directors and Reasons for the Merger." The following is a brief discussion of
those negotiations and certain related events.
 
    Historically, the MMC Board has not sought or invited proposals from third
parties to acquire MMC although business combinations have been discussed among
the MMC Board and with third parties from time to time. The MMC Board has
followed a long-term strategic objective of internal and external growth and
diversification of MMC as a private, independent company. Since fiscal 1996, the
MMC Board has appointed annually a Strategic Initiative Review Committee, which
has reviewed from time to time and reported to the entire MMC Board on issues
related to long-term strategic planning. The current members of the committee
are Thomas L. Shade (Chairman), William D. George, Jr., J. Douglas Gray and
Robert J. Ireland. As part of its strategy, MMC continuously evaluates and
maintains a variety of contacts with members of its industry for potential
business combinations, joint ventures and acquisitions and dispositions of
businesses and business units.
 
    In early July 1997, an agent of ADM contacted Thomas M. McKenna, President,
Chief Executive Officer and a director of MMC, to indicate that ADM may be
interested in a business combination with MMC. Mr. McKenna advised the ADM agent
of MMC's long-term strategy. As a result of this unsolicited contact and at the
request of ADM, representatives of ADM's top management met with Mr. McKenna and
Alfred L. Williams, Jr., Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer, and
Treasurer of MMC, in mid-July to discuss ADM's interest in a business
combination with MMC.
 
    On July 18, 1997, Mr. McKenna consulted with the members of the Strategic
Initiative Review Committee regarding his discussions with ADM concerning a
possible business combination. Representatives of ADM and MMC met on July 21,
1997, to discuss the general business terms of such a business combination.
 
    During the MMC Board's Strategic Planning Retreat and meeting on July 23
through July 25, 1997, MMC's senior management reported first to the Strategic
Initiative Review Committee and later to the entire MMC Board concerning its
discussions with ADM and the proposed terms of a possible business combination.
Three investment banking firms, including Merrill Lynch, made presentations to
the MMC Board concerning the business of MMC and the strategic alternatives
available to it. After the investment bankers' presentations and an extensive
review of the proposed terms, the MMC Board affirmed management's authority to
proceed with the negotiations. Following the decision to proceed, the MMC Board
selected Merrill Lynch to act as MMC's financial adviser in connection with a
business combination with a third party, such as the Merger, subject to the
negotiation and execution of a satisfactory letter agreement concerning the
engagement.
 
    MMC's management along with its legal advisers then negotiated the detailed
terms, provisions and conditions of the Merger Agreement and related agreements.
 
    MMC's management reported again to the MMC Board during a special meeting on
August 22, 1997. Management and its legal and financial advisers reviewed the
proposed terms of the Merger Agreement, and the Board engaged in lengthy
discussions about the merits and terms of the Merger and authorized management
to continue to negotiate the Merger Agreement.
 
    On August 28, 1997, MMC formally engaged Merrill Lynch to act as its
financial adviser in connection with a business combination with a third party,
such as the Merger, pursuant to a letter agreement of the same date. On
September 3, 1997, the MMC Board held a special meeting and received a detailed
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
report of the terms and provisions of the Merger Agreement and related
agreements as negotiated by MMC's management and legal advisers and Merrill
Lynch's oral presentation and written opinion, based upon and subject to the
matters referred to therein, that the Exchange Ratio was fair from a financial
point of view to MMC's shareholders. The MMC Board then determined that the
terms of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby were
fair to, and in the best interests of, MMC and its shareholders, and
accordingly, each of the directors approved the Merger Agreement and the Merger
and resolved to recommend that MMC's shareholders vote for the approval and
adoption of the Merger Agreement and the Merger at a special meeting of MMC's
shareholders to be held for that purpose. See "Recommendation of the Board of
Directors and Reasons for the Merger."
 
    On Friday, September 12, 1997, the Merger Agreement was executed, and later
that day the parties issued a joint press release announcing the proposed
Merger.
 
    Certain directors and officers of MMC have interests in the Merger different
from the interests of other MMC shareholders. See "The Merger--Interests of
Certain Persons in the Merger."
 
                    RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
                           AND REASONS FOR THE MERGER
 
    The MMC Board believes that the terms of the Merger are fair to, and in the
best interests of, MMC and its shareholders. ACCORDINGLY, THE MMC BOARD HAS
UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE MERGER AND UNANIMOUSLY
RECOMMENDS THAT HOLDERS OF MMC COMMON STOCK VOTE "FOR" APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF
THE MERGER AGREEMENT AND THE MERGER. The MMC Board has retained the right, under
certain circumstances, to withdraw, modify, or amend the foregoing
recommendation of the MMC Board. See "The Merger--No Solicitation of Acquisition
Transactions."
 
    The MMC Board believes that the Merger will permit the shareholders of MMC
to participate in a financially stronger, better diversified, cost efficient,
and more competitive combined company through a tax-free reorganization, with
taxes incurred only upon the ultimate sale of the shares of ADM Common Stock to
be received in the Merger. See "The Merger--Federal Income Tax Consequences."
 
    In deciding to pursue a strategic business combination transaction with ADM
instead of remaining independent, the MMC Board evaluated with MMC senior
management their plans for the conduct of MMC's businesses on a stand-alone
basis. The analysis included a review of the historical financial condition and
results of operations of MMC and its subsidiaries, the profitability of various
lines of business, the current competitive environment in the agricultural
products industry, the changes required to be implemented to achieve
satisfactory profitability, and the achievability of strategic goals.
 
    At its meeting on August 22, 1997, the MMC Board reviewed in detail the
proposed terms of the Merger Agreement with senior management and its financial
and legal advisers. Merrill Lynch answered questions from the MMC Board
concerning Merrill Lynch's analysis of the financial terms of the Merger.
 
    On September 3, 1997, the MMC Board again discussed the proposed terms of
the Merger Agreement with senior management and its financial and legal
advisers. Merrill Lynch then delivered its opinion to the effect that the
Exchange Ratio in the Merger is fair to the shareholders of MMC from a financial
point of view (see "Opinion of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated"). After deliberating with respect to the Merger and the other
transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, considering, among other
things, the matters discussed herein and the opinion and presentation of Merrill
Lynch, the MMC Board unanimously determined the Merger to be advisable and in
the best interests of MMC and its shareholders and approved the Merger Agreement
and the transactions contemplated thereby.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
    In reaching its decision to approve and adopt the Merger Agreement on
September 3, 1997, the MMC Board consulted with MMC senior management and its
financial and legal advisers and considered many factors, including, but not
limited to, those listed above and the following:
 
        (i)  historical information on both a line of business and company-wide
    basis regarding the financial condition, capital levels, asset quality, cash
    flow, operations, earnings, businesses and prospects of MMC;
 
        (ii) the fact that the MMC shareholders will exchange their shares of
    MMC Common Stock for a security that is publicly traded and thus more
    liquid;
 
        (iii) the financial analyses and other information with respect to MMC
    presented by MMC management, the Strategic Initiative Review Committee,
    Merrill Lynch and others, as well as the MMC Board's own knowledge of MMC
    and its businesses;
 
        (iv) the current economic and competitive operating environment and the
    opportunities for growth and diversification that are more readily available
    to ADM than to MMC on a stand-alone basis;
 
        (v) the potential effect on shareholder value of MMC continuing as an
    independent entity compared to the effect of its combining with ADM in light
    of the factors summarized herein with respect to the financial condition and
    prospects of MMC in the current economic environment (including risks
    arising in connection with general industry conditions, general economic
    conditions and general financial market conditions);
 
        (vi) the opportunity for MMC shareholders to participate in the combined
    company in the Merger, which was expected to have a greater potential for
    profits and growth and future increase in shareholder value than MMC could
    have alone;
 
        (vii) the presentations made by Merrill Lynch and the opinion of Merrill
    Lynch, dated September 3, 1997, that the Exchange Ratio in the Merger is
    fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of MMC Common Stock
    (see "Opinion of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated");
 
        (viii) the strategic fit of the MMC and ADM businesses, the compatible
    operating philosophies of the two companies and the synergies and potential
    operating efficiencies discussed above that could result from ADM acquiring
    MMC;
 
        (ix) the MMC Board's review with its legal and financial advisers of the
    provisions of the Merger Agreement, including the provisions in the Merger
    Agreement that would permit the MMC Board, in the exercise of its fiduciary
    duties, to supply information to, and to cooperate and negotiate a superior
    Acquisition Proposal with, third parties following the execution of the
    Merger Agreement, and to withdraw or modify its recommendation in favor of
    the Merger (see "The Merger--No Solicitation of Acquisition Proposals");
 
        (x) the expectation that the Merger would be tax free for federal income
    tax purposes to MMC and its shareholders;
 
        (xi) the various differences between the rights and preferences of the
    holders of shares of MMC Common Stock and the holders of ADM Common Stock,
    as discussed below under "Comparative Rights of Shareholders of MMC and
    ADM";
 
        (xii) the fact that the Merger is conditioned upon approval by the
    holders of two-thirds of the outstanding shares of MMC Common Stock;
 
        (xiii) the interests of certain officers and directors of MMC in the
    Merger, including the matters described below under "The Merger--Interests
    of Certain Persons in the Merger," and the fact that such officers and
    directors have interests in the Merger that are different from the interests
    of other MMC shareholders; and
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
        (xiv) the fact that the Merger offers an attractive opportunity for the
    MMC shareholders to receive a premium over the book value of MMC Common
    Stock.
 
    The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the
MMC Board is not intended to be exhaustive, but is believed to include all of
the material factors considered by the MMC Board in connection with its
evaluation of the Merger. In view of the wide variety of factors considered and
the complexity of such matters, the MMC Board did not attempt to quantify, rank
or otherwise assign relative weights to the specific factors it considered in
reaching its decision. In addition, the MMC Board did not undertake to make any
specific determination as to whether any particular factor (or any aspect of any
particular factor) was favorable or unfavorable to its ultimate determination
but, rather, conducted a wide ranging discussion of the factors described above,
including asking questions of MMC's management and its legal and financial
advisers, following which the MMC Board reached a general consensus that the
Merger was in the best interests of MMC and its shareholders. Individual members
of the MMC Board may have felt differently about, and may have given different
weight to, different factors.
 
    On balance, however, the discussions among the members of the MMC Board
evidenced the general view that the factors enumerated above were regarded as
supporting the MMC Board's determination to approve the Merger and the Merger
Agreement.
 
    THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF MMC HAS UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED THE MERGER AGREEMENT
AND THE MERGER AS BEING IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF SHAREHOLDERS AND UNANIMOUSLY
RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE MERGER
AGREEMENT AND THE MERGER.
 
    OPINION OF MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED
 
GENERAL
 
    Merrill Lynch has rendered a written opinion dated September 3, 1997 to the
MMC Board that the Exchange Ratio in the Merger is fair, from a financial point
of view, to the holders of the MMC Common Stock. THE FULL TEXT OF MERRILL
LYNCH'S OPINION IS ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT B. THE SHAREHOLDERS OF MMC ARE
URGED TO READ THE OPINION IN ITS ENTIRETY FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCEDURES
FOLLOWED, ASSUMPTIONS MADE, MATTERS CONSIDERED, AND QUALIFICATIONS AND
LIMITATIONS ON THE REVIEW UNDERTAKEN, BY MERRILL LYNCH IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
THE OPINION OF MERRILL LYNCH IS ADDRESSED TO THE MMC BOARD AND DOES NOT ADDRESS
THE MERITS OF THE UNDERLYING DECISION BY MMC TO ENGAGE IN THE MERGER AND DOES
NOT CONSTITUTE A RECOMMENDATION TO ANY MMC SHAREHOLDER AS TO HOW SUCH
SHAREHOLDER SHOULD VOTE ON THE PROPOSED MERGER OR AS TO ANY OTHER ACTION SUCH
SHAREHOLDER SHOULD TAKE IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED MERGER.
 
    Merrill Lynch is a globally recognized investment banking firm and, as part
of its investment banking business, is continually engaged in the valuation of
businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions,
underwritings, distributions of securities and similar activities. Merrill Lynch
was selected by the MMC Board on the basis of its qualifications, reputation and
experience.
 
    Merrill Lynch was engaged by the MMC Board as an independent contractor to
provide general financial advisory services with respect to the Merger. Merrill
Lynch was not authorized by MMC or the MMC Board to solicit, nor did it solicit,
third-party indications of interest for the acquisition of all or any part of
MMC. Except for the foregoing, no limitations were placed on Merrill Lynch by
MMC with respect to the investigation made or the procedures followed by Merrill
Lynch in preparing and rendering its opinion.
 
    Merrill Lynch did not express any opinion as to what value the ADM Common
Stock will have when it is issued in the Merger or as to the price the ADM
Common Stock will trade at after the announcement of the proposed Merger or
after consummation of the Merger.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
    The opinion of Merrill Lynch is necessarily based on information available,
and financial, stock market, economic and other conditions and circumstances as
they existed and could be evaluated, as of the date of the opinion. Although
subsequent developments may affect the opinion, Merrill Lynch does not have any
obligation to update, revise or reaffirm the opinion.
 
    Merrill Lynch will receive a fee from MMC for its services. See "--Fees
Payable to Merrill Lynch" below. In addition, MMC has agreed to indemnify
Merrill Lynch for certain liabilities arising out of its engagement. Merrill
Lynch has advised MMC that, in the ordinary course of its securities business,
it may actively trade debt or equity securities of ADM for its own account and
the accounts of its customers. Accordingly, Merrill Lynch from time-to-time may
hold a long or short position in ADM securities.
 
MATERIALS AND INFORMATION CONSIDERED WITH RESPECT TO THE MERGER
 
    In connection with its opinion, Merrill Lynch, among other things: (i)
reviewed MMC's audited financial information for the five fiscal years ended
March 29, 1997 and MMC's unaudited financial information for the four-month
periods ending August 2, 1997 and 1996; (ii) reviewed ADM's Annual Reports to
Shareholders, Forms 10-K and related financial information for the five fiscal
years ended June 30, 1996 and ADM's Forms 10-Q and the related unaudited
financial information for the quarterly periods ending September 30, 1996;
December 31, 1996; and March 31, 1997; (iii) reviewed certain information,
including financial forecasts, relating to the business, earnings, cash flow,
assets, and prospects of MMC, furnished to Merrill Lynch by MMC; (iv) conducted
discussions with members of senior management of MMC concerning its respective
businesses and prospects; (v) reviewed the market prices and valuation multiples
for ADM Common Stock and compared them with those of certain publicly traded
companies that Merrill Lynch deemed relevant; (vi) reviewed the results of
operations of MMC and ADM and compared them with those of certain companies
which Merrill Lynch deemed to be relevant; (vii) compared the proposed financial
terms of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement with the
financial terms of certain other mergers and acquisitions which Merrill Lynch
deemed to be relevant; (viii) reviewed a draft dated August 27, 1997 of the
Merger Agreement; and (ix) reviewed such other financial studies and analyses
and performed such other investigations and took into account such other matters
as Merrill Lynch deemed necessary.
 
    In preparing its opinion, Merrill Lynch assumed and relied on the accuracy
and completeness of all information supplied or otherwise made available to it,
discussed with or reviewed by or for it, or publicly available and did not
assume any responsibility for independently verifying such information or
undertake an independent evaluation or appraisal of any of the assets or
liabilities of ADM. In addition, Merrill Lynch did not assume any responsibility
to conduct any physical inspection of the properties or facilities of ADM. With
respect to the financial forecast information furnished to or discussed with
Merrill Lynch by MMC, Merrill Lynch assumed that it had been reasonably prepared
and reflected the best currently available estimates and judgment of the
managements of MMC as to the expected future financial performance of MMC. While
Merrill Lynch did not receive any financial forecasts from, or relating to ADM,
Merrill Lynch has conducted discussions with management of ADM limited to the
possible existence of undisclosed conditions that may affect the market prices
at which ADM Common Stock has traded recently and such management's views as to
the accuracy and reasonableness of estimates and reports with respect to the
future financial and operating performance of ADM published by analysts. Merrill
Lynch's opinion is predicated on the Merger qualifying as a tax-free
reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes and assumes that the final
form of the Merger Agreement is substantially similar to the last draft reviewed
by it.
 
    Set forth below is a brief summary setting forth the material analyses
presented by Merrill Lynch to the MMC Board in connection with its written
opinion as to the fairness, from a financial point of view, of the Exchange
Ratio on the date the MMC Board approved the Merger Agreement. Unless otherwise
specified, all ratios and other financial information described below are based
on financial data as of or for the 12 months ended August 2, 1997.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
ANALYSIS OF SELECTED COMPARABLE PUBLICLY TRADED COMPANIES
 
    Merrill Lynch compared certain financial and operating information and
ratios for MMC with the corresponding financial and operating information for
the following eleven publicly traded companies (the "Public Comparables") that
Merrill Lynch deemed to be reasonably comparable to MMC for purposes of this
analysis. The Public Comparables were American Rice, Inc.;
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company; ConAgra, Inc.; CPC International Inc.; DEKALB
Genetics Corporation; ERLY Industries Inc.; High Plains Corporation; Imperial
Holly Corporation; Midwest Grain Products, Inc.; Pioneer Hi-Bred International,
Inc.; and Riviana Foods Inc.
 
    Merrill Lynch analyzed, among other things, the market price per share of
common stock of each Public Comparable as of August 26, 1997 and market
capitalization (defined to be the market value of the common stock plus
preferred equity at liquidation value, total debt and minority interests less
cash and marketable securities) as a multiple of average earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") for the last three
fiscal years. Applying a range of multiples (which were derived from the Public
Comparable information analyzed by Merrill Lynch) of 9.0x to 11.0x to MMC's
three-year average EBITDA, Merrill Lynch calculated the implied equity value of
a share of MMC Common Stock to range between $2,940 and $3,796.
 
COMPARABLE TRANSACTION ANALYSIS
 
    Merrill Lynch reviewed certain publicly available information relating to
the following six transactions involving the acquisition of companies involved
in the agriculture business: Eridania Beghin-Say S.A.'s acquisition of American
Maize Products Co.; ADM's acquisition of Acatos & Hutcheson PLC; American Maize
Products Co.'s acquisition of American Fructose Corp.; Zapata Corp.'s sale to an
investor group; Tate & Lyle PLC's acquisition of Staley Continental; and
Imperial Sugar Co.'s acquisition of Holly Sugar Corporation (collectively, the
"Comparable Transactions"). For each such transaction, Merrill Lynch reviewed
the transaction value as a multiple of latest twelve months ("LTM") EBITDA of
the target company. Applying a range of multiples (which were derived from the
Comparable Transactions information analyzed by Merrill Lynch) of 4.2x to 9.6x
to MMC's three-year average EBITDA, Merrill Lynch calculated the implied equity
value per share of MMC Common Stock to range between $886 and $3,197.
 
    No company or transaction used in the above analyses as a comparison is
identical to MMC, ADM or the contemplated transaction. Accordingly, an analysis
of the results of the foregoing necessarily involves complex considerations and
judgments concerning differences in financial and operating characteristics of
the companies and other factors which could affect the value of the companies to
which they are being compared. Mathematical analysis is not, in itself, a
meaningful method of using comparable company data.
 
DISCOUNTED CASH FLOW ANALYSIS
 
    Merrill Lynch performed a discounted cash flow analysis of MMC based upon
estimates of projected financial performance prepared by MMC's management for
the years 1998 to 2001, and estimated by Merrill Lynch for 2002. Utilizing these
projections, Merrill Lynch calculated a range of present values for MMC based
upon the discounted net present value of the sum of (i) the projected stream of
after-tax unlevered free cash flows of MMC (defined as operating cash flow
available after working capital, capital spending and tax requirements) to the
year 2002 and (ii) the projected terminal value of MMC at that year based upon a
range of multiples of MMC's projected EBITDA in such year. Applying a discount
rate of 13.0% and multiples of terminal EBITDA ranging from 4.5x to 6.5x,
Merrill Lynch calculated the implied equity value per share of MMC Common Stock
to range between $3,036 and $4,053 per share.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
BREAKUP ANALYSIS
 
    Merrill Lynch also analyzed the implied equity value of MMC on a breakup
analysis basis, as if the three businesses, Agri Sales, Inc., Quincy Soybean
Co., and MoorMan's, Inc., were each sold separately. Each of the three companies
was separately valued using the three valuation techniques discussed above:
analysis of selected publicly traded comparable companies, comparable
transactions analysis, and discounted cash flow analysis. An important
consideration to be noted in this analysis is that MMC has approximately $12
million of corporate overhead expenses for the year ending March 1997. MMC's
management estimated that each of the three businesses could possibly be
operated with only $1 million of corporate overhead expenses if owned by certain
strategic buyers. Therefore, for the purpose of this analysis only $1 million of
corporate overhead expenses were allocated to each of the three businesses, for
a total of $3 million. Using this analysis Merrill Lynch calculated the implied
equity value per share of MMC Common Stock to range between $1,740 and $6,034.
It is important to note, however, that the sale of any of the three businesses
could produce a taxable event for MMC, thus leaving less consideration to be
distributed to the MMC shareholders.
 
ADM COMMON STOCK TRADING HISTORY
 
    Merrill Lynch also reviewed the performance of the closing per share market
price and trading volume of ADM Common Stock for the period August 26, 1994 to
August 26, 1997. The analysis indicated that, for the latest year, the market
price per share of ADM Common Stock ranged from $16.42 to $22.67 and that for
the latest three years, the market price per share of ADM ranged from $13.61 to
$22.67.
 
COMPARISON OF ADM TO SELECTED COMPARABLE PUBLICLY TRADED COMPANIES
 
    Merrill Lynch compared certain financial and operating information and
ratios for ADM with the corresponding financial and operating information for
the following ten Public Comparables that Merrill Lynch deemed to be reasonably
comparable to ADM for purpose of this analysis. The Public Comparables were
American Rice, Inc.; ConAgra, Inc.; CPC International Inc.; DEKALB Genetics
Corporation; ERLY Industries Inc.; High Plains Corporation; Imperial Holly
Corporation; Midwest Grain Products, Inc.; Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.;
and Riviana Foods Inc. Earnings estimates for the Public Comparables were based
on IBES and First Call data. IBES and First Call are on-line data services that
monitor and publish a compilation of earnings estimates produced by selected
research analysts on certain public companies.
 
    Merrill Lynch analyzed, among other things, the market price per share of
common stock of each Public Comparable and ADM as of August 26, 1997 as a
multiple of LTM earnings per share ("EPS"), and 1997 and 1998 projected EPS, and
market capitalization (defined to be the market value of the common stock plus
preferred equity at liquidation value, total debt and minority interests less
cash and marketable securities) as a multiple of EBITDA and earnings before
interest and taxes ("EBIT"). Merrill Lynch compared ADM's multiples to the
multiples of the Public Comparables and determined that ADM's multiples were
reasonable in comparison to the multiples of the Public Comparables.
 
LIMITATIONS ON OPINION
 
    The information above summarizes the material analyses prepared by Merrill
Lynch in connection with its opinion. This summary does not purport to be a
complete description of the analyses performed by Merrill Lynch in connection
with the rendering of its fairness opinion. The preparation of a fairness
opinion is not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary
description. Merrill Lynch believes that its analyses and the summary set forth
above must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses,
without considering all analyses, or selecting part or all of the above summary,
without considering all factors and analyses, would create an incomplete view of
the process underlying the analyses set forth in the Merrill Lynch presentation
and opinion. The range in calculations resulting from any particular analysis
described above should not be taken to be Merrill Lynch's view of the actual
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
value of MMC, which may be significantly more or less favorable than as set
forth therein. The fact that any specific analysis has been referred to in the
summary above is not meant to indicate that such analysis was given more weight
than any other analyses.
 
    In performing its analyses, Merrill Lynch made numerous assumptions with
respect to industry performance, general business and economic conditions, and
other matters, many of which are beyond the control of MMC or ADM. These
analyses were prepared solely as part of Merrill Lynch's analysis of the
fairness of the Exchange Ratio in the Merger, from a financial point of view, to
the shareholders of MMC and were provided to the MMC Board in connection with
the delivery of Merrill Lynch's opinion. Because any estimates contained in the
analyses performed by Merrill Lynch are inherently subject to uncertainty, the
opinion of Merrill Lynch clearly sets forth the assumptions Merrill Lynch relied
upon in making the estimates. The analyses do not purport to be appraisals or to
reflect the prices at which a company might actually be sold or the prices at
which any securities may be traded in the future.
 
    As described above, Merrill Lynch's opinion and presentation to the MMC
Board is just one of the many factors taken into consideration by the MMC Board.
 
FEES PAYABLE TO MERRILL LYNCH
 
    MMC's engagement of Merrill Lynch provides for a fee of $50,000 payable upon
execution of the Merrill Lynch engagement letter and an additional fee of
$250,000 payable upon delivery of its opinion to the MMC Board. An additional
fee of $50,000 is payable if Merrill Lynch is called upon to perform additional
analyses with respect to the Merger. Merrill Lynch has delivered an invoice to
MMC for $300,000 in connection with its delivery of the fairness opinion. If
Merrill Lynch is requested to perform and completes additional analysis relative
to an offer from ADM, but does not advise or participate in the negotiation of
the offer, Merrill Lynch will be entitled to an additional fee of $50,000. If
the Merger is not consummated with ADM pursuant to the Merger Agreement and
Merrill Lynch is asked to assist MMC in identifying purchasers or in analyzing,
structuring, negotiating and effecting proposed business combinations, and if
within the period of Merrill Lynch's engagement under the agreement or within
one year thereafter (a) a business combination is consummated with the purchaser
(i) that Merrill Lynch identified, (ii) as to which Merrill Lynch advised MMC or
(iii) with which MMC or Merrill Lynch had discussions regarding a business
combination, or (b) MMC enters into an agreement with any such purchaser that
subsequently results in a business combination, Merrill Lynch will be entitled
to an additional fee of an amount equal to one percent of the aggregate purchase
price in such business combination in cash upon consummation of such business
combination. However, if the purchaser is ADM, which already had discussions
with MMC prior to the date of the letter agreement, the additional fee would be
in an amount equal to 0.65 percent of the aggregate price paid in such business
combination. Any fees previously paid to Merrill Lynch for the preparation of
the fairness opinion and any subsequent work would be deducted from any fee to
which Merrill Lynch becomes entitled pursuant to its involvement. MMC has also
agreed to reimburse Merrill Lynch for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses,
including reasonable attorneys' fees and disbursements, and to indemnify Merrill
Lynch against certain liabilities, including certain liabilities under the
federal securities laws.
 
    Merrill Lynch has been engaged from time-to-time to underwrite debt and
equity securities of ADM and to provide other financial services to ADM. All
such relationships with ADM have been in the ordinary course of business of
Merrill Lynch, and fees paid in connection therewith were negotiated on an
arm's-length basis.
 
                                   THE MERGER
 
    SET FORTH BELOW IS A SUMMARY OF THE MATERIAL TERMS OF THE MERGER AGREEMENT,
A COMPLETE COPY OF WHICH IS ATTACHED AS EXHIBIT A TO THIS PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. ALL SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE MERGER AGREEMENT IN
ITS ENTIRETY.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
GENERAL
 
    Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, upon consummation of the Merger,
each share of MMC Common Stock outstanding at the Effective Time will be
converted, without any action on the part of the holder thereof, into the right
to receive a number (equal to the Exchange Ratio) of shares of ADM Common Stock,
rounded to the nearest whole share. The Exchange Ratio is calculated by dividing
the Base Value ($5,400) by the Average Price. The Closing is expected to occur
three days after the vote of MMC's shareholders at the Special Meeting.
 
    The Merger Agreement provides for adjustments to the Exchange Ratio if the
shareholders' equity of MMC, calculated under generally accepted accounting
principles, on the date 15 days before the Closing Date is less than $265
million. In that case, the Exchange Ratio will be recalculated by reducing the
Base Value by an amount equal to the quotient of (1) the difference between $265
million and the actual MMC shareholders' equity on that date divided by (2)
54,770 (the number of outstanding shares of MMC Common Stock); provided,
however, that the Base Value will not be lower than $5,126.13.
 
EFFECTIVE TIME AND EFFECT OF THE MERGER
 
    If the Merger Agreement and the Merger are approved and adopted by the
requisite vote of the MMC shareholders and all other conditions to the
obligations of the parties to consummate the Merger are satisfied or waived, the
Merger will become effective upon the appropriate filing of a Certificate of
Merger with the Delaware Secretary of State and the issuance of a Certificate of
Merger by the Illinois Secretary of State. The Effective Time is expected to
occur on December 11, 1997.
 
    At the Effective Time, ADMAC will be merged with and into MMC, with no
change in MMC's powers and obligations. The separate corporate existence of
ADMAC will terminate upon consummation of the Merger, and MMC, as the surviving
corporation, will continue as a wholly-owned subsidiary of ADM. Under the Merger
Agreement each then-outstanding share of MMC Common Stock will be converted
automatically into a number of shares of ADM Common Stock equal to the Exchange
Ratio. Thereafter, holders of certificates formerly representing outstanding
shares of MMC Common Stock at the Effective Time will be entitled to surrender
these certificates to Harris Trust and Savings Bank, ADM's stock transfer agent,
which will act as the exchange agent for purposes of exchanging these
certificates for certificates representing shares of ADM Common Stock. The
Exchange Ratio is subject to appropriate adjustment to reflect the effect of any
stock split, reverse split, stock dividend (including any dividend or
distribution of securities convertible into ADM Common Stock or MMC Common
Stock), exchange of shares, reclassification, reorganization, recapitalization,
or other similar change with respect to the ADM Common Stock or the MMC Common
Stock prior to the Effective Time.
 
EXCHANGE OF SHARES
 
    Each record holder at the Effective Time of a certificate or certificates
previously representing shares of outstanding MMC Common Stock will be entitled,
upon the surrender of the certificate or certificates to the Exchange Agent,
promptly to receive in exchange therefor a certificate or certificates
representing the number of whole shares of ADM Common Stock into which the
shares of MMC Common Stock previously represented by the certificate or
certificates so surrendered have been converted pursuant to the Merger
Agreement. After the Effective Time, until surrendered, each certificate
previously representing shares of MMC Common Stock will be deemed for all
corporate purposes, other than payment of dividends, to evidence the ownership
of the number of whole shares of ADM Common Stock into which the shares of MMC
Common Stock have been converted. Until any such certificate has been
surrendered, the holder of that certificate will not be entitled to receive
payment of any dividends on those shares of ADM Common Stock payable to the
holder thereof after the Effective Time. Upon the surrender of a certificate
previously representing shares of MMC Common Stock, the holder thereof will
receive a certificate representing the number of whole shares of ADM Common
Stock to which the holder is entitled and the amount of any dividends or other
distributions that were payable to holders of record of ADM Common Stock on or
after the Effective Time with respect to those shares of ADM Common Stock,
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
without interest. Any dividends payable to holders of record of ADM Common Stock
as of any record date prior to the Effective Time will not be payable to holders
of certificates previously representing MMC Common Stock.
 
    Detailed instructions and transmittal materials will be mailed to MMC
shareholders immediately after the Effective Time as to the method of exchanging
certificates formerly representing shares of MMC Common Stock for certificates
representing shares of ADM Common Stock. HOLDERS OF CERTIFICATES REPRESENTING
SHARES OF MMC COMMON STOCK SHOULD NOT SURRENDER THEIR CERTIFICATES FOR EXCHANGE
UNTIL THEY RECEIVE THE APPROPRIATE TRANSMITTAL MATERIALS.
 
    The shareholders of ADM will continue to hold their shares of capital stock
of ADM without any change in number, designation, terms or rights.
 
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
    Under the Merger Agreement, ADM has agreed to honor all benefits accrued
under any employee benefit plan, policy or agreement of MMC in accordance with
respective terms of such plans and to the extent required by law and,
specifically, to continue to provide benefits in accordance with the terms of
the MMC Retired Employees' Medical Plan or a plan with benefits substantially
similar to those provided to similarly situated persons under ADM's relevant
plan for retired employees. ADM has agreed to provide all employees of MMC who
remain employees after the Merger, credit for all service with MMC for
eligibility and for vesting purposes for all employee benefits of ADM and shall
offer such employees participation in all employee benefits of ADM offered to
similarly situated employees of ADM. To the extent any such ADM benefit plans
provide medical or dental welfare benefits, such benefit plans shall waive any
pre-existing condition exclusions and waiting periods for plan participation
unless the MMC employee was subject to one or more pre-existing condition
exclusions in the comparable MMC plan and shall provide that any expenses
incurred on or before the Merger shall be taken into account under the benefit
plans of ADM for purpose of satisfying applicable deductible, co-insurance and
maximum out-of-pocket provisions. Furthermore, for a period of nine months after
the Merger, ADM shall make a severance payment (in accordance with the policy
maintained by MMC prior to the Merger) to any MMC employee who is terminated
without cause by ADM within such nine-month period. In connection with the
Merger, ADM has made no commitments with respect to the continued employment of
any employee of ADM or MMC.
 
CONDITIONS TO CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER
 
    The obligations of each of ADM and MMC to consummate the Merger are subject
to (i) the requisite approval of the shareholders of MMC with respect to the
Merger Agreement and the Merger, (ii) the expiration or termination of the
waiting period applicable to the consummation of the Merger under the HSR Act
(the HSR Act waiting period terminated on             , 1997), (iii) the absence
of any judicial order preventing or making illegal the consummation of the
Merger, (iv) the effectiveness of the Registration Statement (of which this
Proxy Statement/Prospectus constitutes a part) and all requisite post-effective
amendments thereto and the absence of any stop-orders suspending the
effectiveness thereof or proceedings initiated or, to the knowledge of the
parties, threatened by the SEC for such purpose, (v) the listing (subject to
official notice of issuance) on the NYSE of the shares of ADM Common Stock
issuable in the Merger, (vi) the receipt of all consents, authorizations, orders
and approvals of any governmental authority or other regulatory body (without
material conditions) that are required in connection with the consummation of
the Merger and related transactions, the failure of which to obtain would
prevent the consummation of the Merger or would reasonably be expected to result
in a material adverse change in the financial condition, results of operations
or businesses of MMC on a consolidated basis after the Effective Time, and (vii)
ADM shall have received all state securities or blue sky permits and other
authorizations necessary to issue the shares of ADM Common Stock in exchange for
the shares of MMC Common Stock and to consummate the Merger.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
    Additional conditions to ADM's obligation to consummate the Merger include
(i) the accuracy in all material respects, as of the date of the Merger
Agreement and the Closing Date, of the representations and warranties of MMC and
the compliance with and performance of, in all material respects, all of the
terms, covenants and conditions of the Merger Agreement to be complied with and
performed by MMC prior to the consummation of the Merger, (ii) the receipt of an
opinion of Schmiedeskamp, Robertson, Neu & Mitchell, counsel to MMC, (iii) the
receipt of all material authorizations, consents, waivers, and approvals from
parties to contracts or other arrangements to which MMC is a party that are
necessary in connection with the consummation of the Merger and related
transactions, (iv) the demand of statutory dissenters' rights by holders of no
more than ten percent of the outstanding MMC Common Stock, and (v) the receipt
from MMC's Chief Financial Officer of a certificate stating that MMC's
shareholders' equity as of the date 15 days prior to the Closing Date is in
excess of $250 million.
 
    Additional conditions to MMC's obligations to consummate the Merger include
(i) the accuracy in all material respects, as of the date of the Merger
Agreement and the Closing Date, of the representations and warranties of ADM and
the compliance with and performance of, in all material respects, all of the
terms, covenants and conditions of the Merger Agreement to be complied with and
performed by ADM prior to the consummation of the Merger, (ii) on the Closing
Date, the fairness opinion from Merrill Lynch shall not have been withdrawn,
modified or amended, (iii) the receipt of an opinion of David J. Smith, General
Counsel of ADM, (iv) the receipt of a tax opinion of Winston & Strawn, special
counsel to MMC, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the MMC Board,
to the effect that the Merger will be treated for federal income tax purposes as
a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Code, and (v) the receipt
of all material authorizations, consents, waivers, and approvals from parties to
contracts or other arrangements to which MMC is a party that are necessary in
connection with the consummation of the Merger and related transactions.
 
    Under the Merger Agreement, ADM has no obligation to consummate the Merger
if any condition to its obligation to consummate the Merger is not satisfied on
or prior to the Closing Date and MMC has no obligation to consummate the Merger
if any condition to its obligation to consummate the Merger is not satisfied on
or prior to the Closing Date. Any of the conditions to the obligation of ADM or
MMC to consummate the Merger may be waived or modified by the party that is, or
whose shareholders are, entitled to the benefits thereof. See "The
Merger--Amendment, Terms and Waiver." Neither ADM nor MMC has any present
intention to waive or modify any condition that it deems material. Obtaining the
affirmative vote of more than three-fourths of the outstanding shares of MMC
Common Stock to approve, for tax purposes, certain payments under the
Change-of-Control Arrangements is not a condition to consummation of the Merger.
 
    Reference is made to Article VII of the Merger Agreement for a complete
statement of the conditions precedent to the obligations of the respective
parties to consummate the Merger.
 
REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS
 
    In the Merger Agreement, ADM and MMC have made various representations,
warranties, covenants and agreements, relating to, among other things, their
respective businesses and financial condition, the accuracy of various filings
with the SEC, the satisfaction of certain legal requirements for the Merger and
the absence of certain material litigation. The representations and warranties
of each of the parties to the Merger Agreement expire upon consummation of the
Merger.
 
AMENDMENT, TERMINATION AND WAIVER
 
    The terms of the Merger Agreement may be amended or supplemented at any time
by written agreement of ADM, ADMAC and MMC, but after the Merger Agreement has
been approved and adopted by the shareholders of MMC, it may not be amended to
alter the number of shares of ADM Common Stock to be exchanged for each share of
MMC Common Stock or in any other way that would have a
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
material adverse affect on the rights of MMC's shareholders, without the further
approval of such shareholders. Any provision of the Merger Agreement may be
waived at any time by the party that is, or whose shareholders are, entitled to
the benefits thereof.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
    Notwithstanding prior approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger by the
shareholders of MMC, the Merger Agreement may be terminated and the Merger and
other transactions contemplated by it may be abandoned at any time prior to the
Effective Time (i) by the mutual written consent of ADM and MMC, (ii) by either
ADM or MMC, if the Merger has not been consummated on or before February 28,
1998, (iii) by either ADM or MMC, if the Merger Agreement and the Merger has
been submitted to a vote of the shareholders of MMC at the Special Meeting, or
any adjournments thereof, and was not approved by the requisite vote, (iv) by
either ADM or MMC, if a condition to the terminating party's obligation to
consummate the Merger cannot be met on the Closing Date and is not waived or
cured within the prescribed time period, (v) by either ADM or MMC, if a final
unappealable order to restrain, enjoin or otherwise prevent, the consummation of
the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated in connection therewith,
has been entered by a court of competent jurisdiction; (vi) by either ADM or MMC
upon a material breach by the other party of any of its representations or
warranties or covenants or agreements set forth in the Merger Agreement, which
breach is not cured within the prescribed time period, (vii) by ADM, if ADM
determines prior to the Closing Date that it is reasonably possible that the
manufacture, sale and shipment by MMC of products, including soybean meal,
containing dioxin has had or will have a material adverse effect on MMC, or
(viii) by either ADM or MMC, if the MMC Board withdraws or modifies its
recommendation that shareholders approve the Merger.
 
EXPENSES
 
    All costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Merger Agreement and
the transactions contemplated thereby will be paid by the party incurring the
costs and expenses.
 
STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING
 
    ADM Common Stock is listed on the NYSE, and it is a condition to
consummation of the Merger that the additional shares of ADM Common Stock
issuable in the Merger have been approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to
official notice of issuance.
 
CERTAIN LEGAL MATTERS
 
    Certain acquisition transactions such as the Merger are reviewed by the
Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice or the Federal Trade Commission
to determine whether they comply with applicable antitrust laws. Under the
provisions of the HSR Act, the Merger may not be consummated until certain
information has been furnished to the Antitrust Division and the FTC and certain
waiting period requirements of the HSR Act have been satisfied. ADM and MMC
filed information with the Antitrust Division and the FTC under the HSR Act on
September 19, 1997, and the waiting period under the HSR Act terminated on
            , 1997.
 
    Consummation of the Merger is conditioned upon, among other things, the
absence of any judicial, governmental, regulatory or administrative order
preventing or making illegal the consummation of the Merger. In addition,
consummation of the Merger is conditioned upon receipt of all consents,
authorizations, orders and approvals of any governmental authority or other
regulatory body (without material conditions) that are required in connection
with the consummation of the Merger and related transactions, the failure of
which to obtain would prevent the consummation of the Merger or would reasonably
be expected to result in a material adverse change in the financial condition,
results of operations or businesses of either MMC on a consolidated basis or ADM
on a consolidated basis. The parties believe that the remaining required
regulatory approvals are likely to be secured without the imposition of any
conditions that would be materially burdensome. See "The Merger--Conditions to
Consummation of the Merger."
 
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PRIOR TO THE MERGER
 
    The Merger Agreement provides that, prior to the Effective Time, MMC will
conduct its business only in the ordinary course of business and consistent with
prior practice, and generally provides for certain
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
restrictions with respect to MMC on, among other things, the issuance or other
disposition, encumbrance or repurchase of capital stock of MMC or its
subsidiaries, certain sales of assets of MMC or its subsidiaries, the
declaration or payment of dividends on MMC Common Stock, the amendment of the
corporate charters or bylaws of MMC or its subsidiaries, the acquisition of
substantial assets, the incurrence of certain indebtedness and the issuance of
debt securities, the making of certain capital expenditures, the granting of
certain employee benefits or the adoption or amendment of employee benefit
plans, or certain actions relating to the entering into, amendment in any
material respect of, or termination or waiver of any material right under,
certain contracts or arrangements material to MMC.
 
    The Merger Agreement further provides that, during the period in which the
Average Price is calculated until the Effective Time, ADM will conduct its
business only in, and will not take any material action except in, the ordinary
course of business and consistent with past practices, and generally provides
for certain restrictions with respect to ADM on, among other things, the
issuance or other disposition, encumbrance or repurchase of capital stock,
certain sales of assets of ADM or its subsidiaries, certain acquisitions of
substantial assets, the incurrence of indebtedness and the issuance of debt
securities, the making of certain capital expenditures, the amendment of the ADM
Certificate or Bylaws or those of any of its subsidiaries, the declaration or
payment of dividends (except for ADM's regular quarterly cash dividend on its
outstanding Common Stock), or certain actions relating to the entering into,
amendment in any material respect of, or termination or waiver of any material
right under, certain contracts and arrangements material to ADM.
 
NO SOLICITATION OF ACQUISITION TRANSACTIONS
 
    Under the Merger Agreement, MMC has agreed that it will not, directly or
indirectly, through any director, officer, employee, agent or representative,
solicit, initiate or intentionally encourage submission of any inquiries,
proposals or offers from any person or entity (other than ADM) relating to any
merger, consolidation, share exchange, purchase or other acquisition of all or
(other than in the ordinary course of business) any substantial portion of the
assets of or any substantial equity interest in MMC or its subsidiaries or any
business combination with MMC or its subsidiaries or participate in any
discussions or negotiations regarding, or furnish to any other person any
information with respect to, MMC or its subsidiaries or afford access to the
properties, books or records of MMC for the purposes of, or cooperate with, or
assist or participate in, facilitate or encourage, any effort or attempt by any
other person to seek or effect an Acquisition Proposal. MMC may furnish
information relating to MMC or its subsidiaries or afford access to the
properties, books or records of MMC to, or enter into discussions or
negotiations with, a third party interested in an Acquisition Proposal if (i)
the MMC Board, after consultation with its financial adviser, determines in good
faith such party's proposal is bona fide and superior to the Merger, (ii) upon
advice of counsel, the MMC Board determines in good faith that such action is
necessary for the MMC Board to comply with its fiduciary duties to MMC's
shareholders under Illinois Law, and (iii) the third party has signed and
delivered to MMC a confidentiality agreement. Following receipt of such a bona
fide offer, MMC has agreed to promptly notify ADM of any inquiry or proposal
made with respect to an Acquisition Proposal. Upon this notice, ADM will have
the right to submit a counter offer to the MMC Board. If the MMC Board
determines that ADM's counter offer is at least equal to the third-party offer,
then MMC will be required to accept ADM's counter offer.
 
    If the MMC Board determines that the ADM counter-proposal does not equal or
exceed the third party offer, then the MMC Board shall provide ADM notice of any
deficiencies in the ADM counter-proposal and ADM shall have an opportunity to
submit a modified proposal. The MMC Board shall then be obligated to accept the
modified ADM proposal or provide written notice to ADM of any continuing
deficiencies. ADM shall then have the opportunity to modify further its
proposal. If ADM elects not to modify its proposal to match the third party
offer within such time periods, then MMC will be free to accept and proceed with
the third party offer. If ADM elects not to match the terms of the third party
offer and the third party offer is modified in any material respect, then ADM's
rights to submit counter-proposals under the Merger Agreement shall apply anew.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
INDEMNIFICATION AND INSURANCE
 
    ADM has agreed that from and after the Effective Time the indemnification
obligations of MMC set forth in the MMC Articles and Bylaws and the
organizational documents of any of its subsidiaries, as in effect on the date of
the Merger Agreement, as to any matter arising out of any action or omission of
any person described in those indemnification provisions before the Effective
Time (including any claim based upon or arising out of the Merger, this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus or any of the transactions contemplated by the Merger
Agreement) will continue, and those persons will be entitled to the full
benefits of such provisions as if the provisions continued in full force and
effect after the Effective Time. ADM further agrees to become directly liable
for such obligations and liabilities with respect to indemnification and
reimbursement of such persons to the extent of the difference between MMC's
shareholders' equity as of the date any such claim arises after the Closing Date
and the shareholders' equity of MMC on the Closing Date. In addition, ADM has
agreed to provide directors' and officers' liability insurance coverage for the
benefit of MMC's present or former directors and officers on substantially the
same terms as that provided MMC's directors and officers currently for a period
of six years after the Closing Date. See "The Merger--Interests of Certain
Persons in the Merger."
 
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE MERGER
 
    In considering the MMC Board's recommendation of the Merger, MMC
shareholders should be aware that certain directors and officers of MMC have
interests in the Merger different from the interests of other MMC shareholders.
The MMC Board was informed of the interests described herein prior to approving
the Merger Agreement and the Merger.
 
    MMC has maintained in recent years various compensatory arrangements with
members of MMC's senior management, under which such persons would receive
payments and other benefits upon a change of control of MMC, provided certain
other conditions are fulfilled. These Change-of-Control Arrangements include
change-of-control agreements, termination agreements, agreements entered into
pursuant to the MMC Restricted Stock Unit Plan (the "Unit Plan"), the MMC
Restricted Stock Unit Plan for Outside Directors (the "Directors Plan") and
certain retirement benefits. If consummated, the Merger would constitute a
change of control of MMC under some of these arrangements. The following
discussion describes the Change-of-Control Arrangements between MMC and its
executive officers and directors and includes reasonable estimates of the
amounts that may become payable to such executive officers and directors. MMC
has also maintained similar arrangements with certain officers who are not
executive officers. The terms and conditions of those other arrangements are
substantially similar to those described below. ADM has made no commitment with
respect to the continued employment of any executive officer or other employee.
 
    CHANGE-OF-CONTROL AGREEMENTS; TERMINATION AGREEMENTS. In the best interests
of MMC and its shareholders, to attract and retain highly qualified individuals
for MMC's management team and to assure that MMC would have the continued
dedication of its management team notwithstanding the possibility, threat or
occurrence of a change of control, MMC has maintained change-of-control
agreements (the "Change-of-Control Agreements") and/or termination agreements
(the "Termination Agreements") with certain officers. These officers are
entitled to receive the same type of benefit under one but not both such
agreements, as described below.
 
    Presently, Change-of-Control Agreements are in effect for the following
executive officers: Thomas M. McKenna, Alfred L. Williams, Michael L. Foster,
Larry H. Horn, Terry W. Lunt, Alvin L. Melliere and Wendell R. Schwarz. Each
Change-of-Control Agreement is substantially in the same form and provides that
in the event of a change of control of MMC, if either the executive's employment
is terminated other than for "cause" or the executive terminates his or her
employment for "good reason," certain benefits will be paid.
 
    Specifically, MMC will provide (i) payment of a sum equal to the executive's
base salary for a certain month period (set forth below), (ii) payment of an
amount of cash equal to a certain multiple (set forth below) of the average
incentive earned over the prior three-year period, (iii) immediate vesting of
all
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
previously unvested cash awards and stock incentives, subject to the Unit Plan
and the MMC Long-Term Incentive Plan, (iv) provision to the executive and his
eligible dependents of medical, disability, dental and life insurance coverage
(to the extent such coverage is in effect immediately prior to the change of
control), for a certain month period (set forth below), (v) immediate granting
to the executive of a certain number of months (set forth below) of service and
age credit for determining benefit amounts and benefit entitlement and any early
retirement reductions with respect to all applicable MMC retirement plan
benefits, and in addition, no early retirement reductions will be imposed on the
retirement benefits if the executive's age at termination equals or exceeds 55,
and (vi) reimbursement to the executive of reasonable costs incurred by the
executive for out-placement services in the 24-month period following
termination of the executive's employment in connection with a change of
control.
 
    The periods for which benefits would be payable pursuant to clauses (i),
(iv) and (v) above are as follows: Mr. McKenna, 36 months; Messrs. Foster, Horn
and Schwarz, 24 months; and Messrs. Lunt, Melliere and Williams, 12 months. The
multiples of the annual incentive of the executives pursuant to clause (ii)
above are as follows: Mr. McKenna, three; Messrs. Foster and Horn, two; Messrs.
Lunt, Melliere and Williams, one. Mr. Schwarz's Change-of-Control Agreement
provides that he would receive a fixed cash award in lieu of a multiple of his
annual incentive bonus. (The Termination Agreements for Mr. McKenna and Mr.
Williams provide the same types of benefits as those described in clauses (i)
and (ii) of the Change-of-Control Agreements. The effect of this overlap is
discussed below).
 
    The cash payments set forth above shall be made in a lump sum unless the
executive elects to have all payments made in accordance with MMC's regular
salary and benefit payment practices. If an executive becomes entitled to
receive the foregoing benefits upon a change of control and termination, the
executive has agreed for a period of 12 months following termination of the
executive's employment not to compete with MMC.
 
    Each Change-of-Control Agreement defines "good reason" and "cause" with
respect to termination of an executive's employment. Among other circumstances,
"good reason" is defined as the removal of the executive from the position he
held immediately prior to the change of control, the assignment to the executive
without his express consent of duties that the executive reasonably considers to
be inconsistent with those performed by the executive immediately prior to the
change of control or a substantial alteration in the nature or status of the
executive's responsibilities, a failure by MMC to pay the executive his annual
base salary, a reduction by MMC in the executive's annual base salary as in
effect on the date of the Change-of-Control Agreement or as the same may be
increased from time to time, MMC requiring the executive to be based at other
than MMC's principal place of business immediately prior to the change of
control, or any material reduction by MMC of the benefits enjoyed by the
executive under any of MMC's executive benefit plans.
 
    "Cause" is defined in the Change-of-Control Agreements (and the Termination
Agreements) to include, among other circumstances, the willful and continued
failure of the executive to substantially perform his duties with MMC, the
willful and continued engaging by the executive in conduct that is demonstrably
and materially injurious to MMC, the willful breach of his fiduciary duty to
MMC, or commission by the executive of a felony, fraud, misappropriation or
embezzlement or a significant act of dishonesty or deceit in the performance of
his duties.
 
    Each Change-of-Control Agreement was amended as of August 1, 1997, to
clarify the original intent that, to the extent a benefit provided under the
Change-of-Control Agreement is the same kind of benefit provided by any other
plan or agreement, such as a Termination Agreement, the executive will receive
the greater of the two benefits, but not both benefits.
 
    MMC entered into Termination Agreements with Mr. McKenna and Mr. Williams
that provide that the executive should be entitled to receive certain benefits
if the executive is terminated under certain circumstances. The Termination
Agreements are substantially similar and provide that in the event that the
employment of the executive is terminated without just cause, the executive
shall be entitled to receive benefits under the following terms and conditions:
(i) the executive shall continue to receive his base salary for a period of 24
months plus his incentive bonus based on the immediate past two years
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
average; (ii) if the executive is terminated prior to fulfilling two years of
service with MMC, the incentive bonus will be based on the past year, or
annualized, if the executive has not completed a full year of employment; and
(iii) all such benefits shall be subject to statutory deductions.
 
    Under the Change-of-Control Agreements or the Termination Agreements, if a
change of control and a termination of employment occur, Mr. McKenna and Mr.
Williams would be entitled to receive the greater of each type of benefit
specified under both agreements. Specifically, Mr. McKenna would receive, among
other benefits, 36 months of his base salary and three times his average
incentive earned over the prior three-year period. Mr. Williams would receive,
among other benefits, 24 months of his base salary and two times his annualized
incentive earned to date.
 
    Under the Change-of-Control Agreements or Termination Agreements (under
whichever the individual benefits would be greater), if a change of control and
a termination of employment had taken place on October 1, 1997, Messrs. McKenna,
Williams, Foster, Horn, Lunt, Melliere and Schwarz would have been entitled to
receive benefits estimated, before taxes, at approximately $1,756,000, $880,000,
$484,000, $514,000, $146,000, $204,000, and $1,049,000, respectively. The
foregoing amounts do not reflect the benefits payable under the Unit Plan and
certain retirement benefits, which, while addressed in the Change-of-Control
Agreements, are discussed below. Furthermore, the actual payments made under the
Change-of-Control Agreements and Termination Agreements will be determined at
the time of the change of control and termination using the actual dates
thereof.
 
    Due to a provision in the Change-of-Control Agreements that, for calculation
purposes, takes into account the tax consequences to the executives of Sections
280G and 4999 of the Code (as discussed below), the payment set forth above for
Mr. Foster has been reduced by approximately $35,000. If MMC's shareholders
approve the proposal described under Item 2 of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus
with respect to the tax consequences of Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code on
payments under the Change-of-Control Arrangements, such approval will have the
effect, among others, of restoring the foregoing amount to Mr. Foster's payment
under his Change-of-Control Agreement.
 
    UNIT PLAN. MMC maintains the Unit Plan by which MMC has granted to certain
officers of MMC and its subsidiaries units equal to an amount of the fair market
value of the MMC Common Stock based on the annual share valuation prepared for
the MMC Employees' Profit Sharing Plan or the sale price in the event of a
change of control. During the course of their employment, MMC has granted such
units to, and entered into Restricted Stock Unit Agreements with, certain
officers including the following executive officers: Messrs. McKenna, Williams,
Foster, Horn, Lunt and Melliere (the "Unit Agreements") .
 
    The executive is entitled to receive an amount equal to the fair market
value of one unit multiplied by the number of units granted to such executive
reduced by the amount of any federal, state or local tax withholding after
either the earlier of a change of control with respect to MMC or February 16,
1999, if the executive is still employed by MMC on such date. For purposes of
the plan, fair market value of a unit means the value of MMC Common Stock based
on the share valuation prepared for the MMC Employees' Profit Sharing Plan for
such year. Amounts paid with respect to such units shall be determined based on
the sale price of the MMC Common Stock in connection with the change of control.
 
    If an executive's employment is terminated by resignation, by MMC for cause
or by MMC without cause prior to February 16, 1999, no award shall be paid with
respect to outstanding units, except in the case of a change of control as set
forth above. The Merger constitutes a change of control under the Unit Plan and
the Base Value determined in accordance with the Merger Agreement would be the
value used to determine the executive officers' benefits under the Unit Plan. In
the case of death, disability, or retirement, the units become redeemable by the
executive or his beneficiary, as the case may be, on a pro rata basis for the
period prior to February 16, 1999, that the executive was employed.
 
    Pursuant to the Unit Agreements, the executive officers have the following
number of units which become a right to receive certain cash amounts as
explained above: Mr. McKenna, 460 units; Mr. Williams, 200 units; Mr. Foster,
115 units; Mr. Horn, 115 units; Mr. Lunt, 47 units; and Mr. Melliere, 47 units.
If the Merger had occurred on October 1, 1997, and assuming the Base Value is
$5,400,
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
Messrs. McKenna, Williams, Foster, Horn, Lunt and Melliere would have been
entitled to receive under these agreements, before taxes, approximately
$2,484,000, $1,080,000, $621,000, $621,000, $254,000 and $254,000, respectively.
 
    DIRECTORS PLAN. MMC maintains the Directors Plan by which MMC grants
annually to each non-employee director units equal to an amount of the fair
market value of the MMC Common Stock based on the annual share valuation
prepared for the MMC Employees' Profit Sharing Plan or the sale price in the
event of a change of control. The Directors Plan incorporates the definition of
"change of control" that is contained in the Change-of-Control Agreements
(described above). At the time each non-employee director ceases to be a
non-employee director of MMC, he or she will be entitled to receive an amount
equal to such value of one unit multiplied by the aggregate number of units
granted to each such non-employee director. Presently, the non-employee
directors are William D. George, J. Douglas Gray, Robert J. Ireland and Thomas
L. Shade. Three units have been granted to each of the foregoing directors in
each of 1996 and 1997. If as of October 1, 1997, the Merger had occurred and the
non-employee directors ceased serving as directors, and assuming the Base Value
is $5,400, Messrs. George, Gray, Ireland and Shade each would have been entitled
to receive under the Directors Plan, before taxes, approximately $32,400.
 
    RETIREMENT BENEFITS. MMC maintains the MMC Supplementary Retirement Benefit
Plan and the MMC Select Employee Retirement Benefit Plan. The plans are unfunded
and maintained to provide retirement benefits to certain members of MMC's
management.
 
    With respect to participants who are currently employed by MMC, the plan
provides that, in the event a participant's employment is involuntarily
terminated prior to age 65 following a change of control, such participant is
entitled to a lump-sum payment equal to the actuarial equivalent of such
participant's monthly benefit, calculated in accordance with the plan, after
granting the participant three years of additional age and service credits under
the Select Employee Retirement Plan. As of October 1, 1997, if the employment of
each executive officer participating under the plan had been involuntarily
terminated prior to such executive officer reaching age 65 and following a
change of control, such executive officers would be entitled under the plans to
receive, before taxes, approximately the following: Mr. McKenna, $1,463,000; Mr.
Foster, $84,000; Mr. Horn, $9,800; and Mr. Melliere, $186,000.
 
    SECTIONS 280G AND 4999 OF THE CODE. Some portion of the amounts payable
under the Change-of-Control Arrangements (to the extent such payments are
payable as a result of the Merger) will be subject to Sections 280G and 4999 of
the Code, which impose a 20 percent excise tax on the recipient of "excess
parachute payments," as defined in the Code, and deny a tax deduction for such
excess parachute payments, to the company making them. In some cases, the
Change-of-Control Arrangements are subject to adjustment by MMC to reflect the
impact of Sections 280G and 4999. See "Item 2. Change-of-Control Arrangements."
 
    In addition to seeking approval for the Merger Agreement and the Merger, MMC
is also asking its shareholders to approve, for tax purposes, certain payments
under the Change-of-Control Arrangements to support the position that, under the
Code, such amounts will be fully tax deductible to MMC and such executives will
not pay excise taxes on such amounts. See "Item 2. Change-of-Control
Arrangements."
 
    As of the Effective Time, MMC as the surviving corporation will continue to
be obligated under the Change-of-Control Arrangements.
 
    INDEMNIFICATION; INSURANCE. ADM has agreed that from and after the Effective
Time the indemnification obligations of MMC set forth in MMC's articles of
incorporation and bylaws and the organizational documents of all of its
subsidiaries as in effect on the date of the Merger Agreement will continue as
to any matter arising out of any action or omission of any person described in
those indemnification provisions before the Effective Time. Furthermore, ADM has
agreed to provide directors' and officers' liability insurance coverage for the
benefit of MMC's present and former directors and officers. See "The
Merger--Indemnification and Insurance."
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
    In addition to the foregoing benefits, each director or officer of MMC who
is a participant in MMC's employee benefit plans will be entitled to the
benefits described under the caption "The Merger-- Employee Benefit Plans."
 
    Except for the arrangements specifically set forth in this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and the Merger Agreement, ADM has made no commitments with
respect to the retention of ADM or MMC employees or entities after the Merger.
 
CERTAIN FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
 
    The following discussion summarizes the material federal income tax
consequences that are expected to result to the shareholders of MMC from the
Merger. This discussion is based upon current provisions of the Code, Treasury
Regulations promulgated thereunder ("Regulations"), current administrative
rulings, judicial decisions and other applicable authorities in effect as of the
date hereof, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive
effect. No ruling from the Internal Revenue Services ("IRS") has been sought
with respect to the Merger or the other transactions contemplated by this Proxy
Statement/Prospectus, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will
not challenge the conclusions reached below. Furthermore, legislative, judicial
or administrative changes may occur, perhaps with retroactive effect, which
could affect the accuracy of the statements and conclusions set forth herein as
well as the tax consequences to the MMC shareholders.
 
    The discussion contained herein does not address all aspects of federal
income taxation that may be relevant to particular MMC shareholders in light of
their personal investment or tax circumstances, or to certain types of holders
who may be subject to special treatment under the federal income tax laws
(including, without limitation, financial institutions, broker-dealers,
insurance companies, foreign persons, tax-exempt organizations, holders of stock
or options who received such property for compensatory purposes, and holders who
hold the MMC Common Stock as part of a straddle, hedge or conversion
transaction). In addition, this discussion is limited to persons who hold the
MMC Common Stock and who will hold the ADM Common Stock as "capital assets"
(generally, property held for investment) within the meaning of Code section
1221. Furthermore, this discussion does not address state, local and foreign tax
consequences nor does it consider any federal taxes other than income taxes.
 
    ALL HOLDERS OF MMC COMMON STOCK SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISERS
AS TO THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN AND ANY OTHER TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM
OF THE MERGER, INCLUDING THE EFFECT OF ANY CHANGE IN LAW THAT MAY OCCUR.
 
    The Merger is intended to be a tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a)
of the Code so that no gain or loss would be recognized by the holders of MMC
Common Stock to the extent they receive ADM Common Stock in exchange for their
MMC Common Stock in the Merger. It is a condition to MMC's obligation to
consummate the Merger that it receive a tax opinion from Winston & Strawn,
special tax counsel to MMC ("Tax Counsel"), dated as of the Closing Date to the
effect that the Merger qualifies as a reorganization under Section 368(a) of the
Code. If the Merger does not qualify as a reorganization, the exchange of shares
in the Merger would be taxable.
 
    If the Merger does qualify as a reorganization, then, subject to the
conditions and limitations described in the tax opinion, (i) the Merger will
qualify as a reorganization within the meaning of Code sections 368(a)(1)(A) and
368(a)(2)(E); (ii) the MMC shareholders will not recognize gain or loss for
federal income tax purposes to the extent they receive only the ADM Common Stock
in exchange for their MMC Common Stock; and (iii) such exchanging MMC
shareholders' basis in the ADM Common Stock will equal their basis in the MMC
Common Stock exchanged therefor and the shareholders' holding period in the ADM
Common Stock to be received in the Merger will include the period for which the
shareholders held their MMC Common Stock exchanged therefor if the MMC Common
Stock was held as a capital asset. The tax opinion will be made subject to
certain assumptions, conditions, and limitations, including but not limited to
certain representations to be made by MMC, ADM, ADMAC, and their respective
affiliated groups (within the meaning of Code section 1504) and certain
shareholders.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
    Tax Counsel's opinion is based on the Code and Regulations in effect at the
time the opinion is rendered, current administrative interpretations and
positions of the IRS, and existing court decisions. No assurance can be given
that future legislation, Regulations, and administrative and judicial
interpretations will not affect the conclusions reached in Tax Counsel's
opinion. Furthermore, an opinion of counsel is not binding on the IRS or a
court; thus, no assurance may be made that a court or the IRS will agree with
Tax Counsel's opinion.
 
    All holders of the MMC Common Stock who receive ADM Common Stock in the
Merger will be required to attach a statement to their federal income tax
returns for the year of the Merger which describes the facts of the Merger,
including the holder's basis in the MMC Common Stock exchanged, and the number
of shares of ADM Common Stock received in exchange for that Common Stock. The
holders should also keep as part of their permanent records information
necessary to establish their basis in and holding period for the ADM Common
Stock received in the Merger.
 
    THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES SET FORTH ABOVE ARE INCLUDED HEREIN FOR
GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. EACH MMC SHAREHOLDER SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER AS
TO THE PARTICULAR CONSEQUENCES OF THE MERGER THAT MAY APPLY TO SUCH SHAREHOLDER,
INCLUDING THE APPLICATION OF STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN TAX LAWS, AND POSSIBLE
CHANGES IN FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAW.
 
BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT AFTER THE MERGER
 
    ADM intends to operate MMC in a manner substantially consistent with its
current operations. ADM will carefully review the operations of MMC in an
attempt to identify opportunities for expense reduction through the use of
shared resources with ADM.
 
    The current directors and executive officers of ADM will continue in their
present capacities after consummation of the Merger. It is anticipated that
after the consummation of the Merger, Charles T. Bayless, John D. McNamara, and
Douglas J. Schmalz, will serve as MMC's directors, and John D. McNamara,
President; David J. Smith, Vice President and Secretary; Scott A. Roberts,
Assistant Secretary; and Charles P. Archer, Treasurer will serve as its
officers.All of the new officers and directors of MMC after consummation of the
Merger arecurrently officers of ADM.
 
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
 
    The Merger will be accounted for under the purchase method of accounting.
 
RESALE OF SHARES BY MMC AFFILIATES
 
    The shares of ADM Common Stock to be received in the Merger will be freely
transferable, except for shares of ADM Common Stock received by persons who are
deemed to be "affiliates," as defined in the rules under the Securities Act, of
MMC immediately prior to the Effective Time (or of ADM after the Effective
Time). Shares of ADM Common Stock received in the Merger by persons who are such
affiliates may be sold by them only in accordance with the provisions of Rules
144 and 145 under the Securities Act (which impose certain limitations on the
volume and manner of sales by such affiliates), or pursuant to an effective
registration statement under the Securities Act, or in transactions exempt from
registration thereunder.
 
DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
 
    The rights of MMC shareholders who choose to dissent from the Merger are
governed by the provisions of Illinois Law. An excerpt of Illinois Law (Sections
11.65 and 11.70) governing dissenters' rights is attached hereto as Exhibit C.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
    Under Section 11.70 of Illinois Law, a shareholder may assert dissenters'
rights only if the shareholder delivers to MMC prior to the vote taken with
respect to the Merger at the Special Meeting a written demand for payment for
his or her shares of MMC Common Stock if the Merger is consummated and the
shareholder does not vote in favor of the Merger.
 
    Within ten days after the Effective Time, or 30 days after the shareholder
delivers to MMC the written demand for payment, whichever is later, MMC will
send each shareholder who has delivered a written demand for payment a statement
setting forth the opinion of MMC as to the estimated value of the shares of MMC
Common Stock, MMC's balance sheet as of the most recently completed fiscal year
ending not earlier than 16 months prior to delivery of the statement, together
with the statement of income for that year and the latest available interim
financial statements, and a commitment to pay the estimated value for the shares
of MMC Common Stock of the dissenting shareholder upon transmittal to MMC of the
certificate(s), or other evidence of ownership, with respect to such shares of
MMC Common Stock.
 
    If the dissenting shareholder does not agree with the opinion of MMC as to
the estimated value of the shares, the shareholder, within 30 days after the
delivery of the statement of value, must notify MMC in writing of his or her
estimate of value and demand payment for the difference between the
shareholder's estimate of value and the amount of the payment by MMC. If, within
60 days from delivery to MMC of the shareholder notification of estimate of
value of the shares, MMC and the dissenting shareholder have not agreed in
writing upon the value of the shares of MMC Common Stock, MMC must either pay
the difference in value demanded or file a petition in the circuit court of
Adams County, Illinois, requesting the court to determine the fair value of the
shares. MMC must make all dissenters, whether or not residents of Illinois,
whose demands remain unsettled parties to such proceeding and all parties will
be served with a copy of the petition. Failure of MMC to commence an action will
not limit or affect the right of dissenting shareholders to otherwise commence
an action as permitted by law. In an appraisal proceeding, the court may appoint
one or more persons as appraisers to receive evidence and recommend decision on
the question of fair value.
 
    Each dissenter made a party to an appraisal proceeding is entitled to
judgment for the amount, if any, by which the court finds that the fair value of
the shares exceeds the amount paid by MMC. The judgment will include an
allowance for interest at such rate as the court may find to be fair and
equitable from the Effective Time to the date of payment.
 
    The court, in an appraisal proceeding, will determine all costs of the
proceeding, including the reasonable compensation and expenses of the
appraisers, if any, but will exclude the fees and expenses of counsel and
experts for any party. If the fair value of the shares as determined by the
court materially exceeds the amount offered by MMC, or if no offer was made,
then all or any part of such expenses may be assessed against MMC. If the amount
by which any dissenter estimated the value of the shares materially exceeds the
value as determined by the court, then all or any part of the costs may be
assessed against the dissenter.
 
    THE FOREGOING SUMMARY IS NOT A COMPLETE STATEMENT OF THE PROVISIONS OF
ILLINOIS LAW RELATING TO THE RIGHTS OF DISSENTING SHAREHOLDERS OF MMC, AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO THE EXCERPTS FROM THE ILLINOIS LAW
INCLUDED HEREIN AS EXHIBIT C.
 
                      CERTAIN FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
 
    This Proxy Statement/Prospectus contains certain forward-looking
information. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a
"safe harbor" for forward-looking information to encourage companies to provide
prospective information about their companies without fear of litigation so long
as such information is identified as forward-looking and is accompanied by
meaningful cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those projected in the information. ADM
and MMC identify the following important factors which could cause ADM's and
MMC's actual results to differ materially from any results that might be
projected, forecast, estimated or budgeted by ADM or MMC in forward-looking
information. All of such factors are difficult to predict and many are beyond
the control of ADM and MMC. Accordingly, while ADM and MMC believe
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking information are reasonable,
there can be no assurances that such assumptions will approximate actual
experience. These important factors include: (i) general economic conditions,
changes in interest rates and the performance of stock markets, each of which
may impact the profitability of the combined company; (ii) regulatory
developments affecting agricultural institutions generally; (iii) industry
consolidation and increased competition; (iv) the combined company's ability to
control costs and realize estimated cost savings; and (v) the integration of ADM
and MMC's products, sales and operations in a timely and cost effective manner.
Shareholders are also directed to consider other risks and uncertainties
discussed in the ADM 10-K and other documents filed by ADM with the SEC. ADM and
MMC each disclaim any obligation to update forward-looking information.
 
                                BUSINESS OF MMC
 
GENERAL
 
    MMC is an agribusiness company with three wholly owned operating business
units: MoorMan's, Inc. ("MMI"), a livestock feed manufacturer headquartered in
Quincy, Illinois; Quincy Soybean Co. ("Quincy Soybean"), an integrated soybean
processing and vegetable oil refining business with headquarters in Quincy; and
Agri Sales, Inc. ("ASI"), an originator and processor of dry edible beans and
bean seed with headquarters in Saginaw, Michigan. MMC employs approximately
2,700 people in 35 states.
 
    MMC began in 1885 as a manufacturer and marketer of livestock feed products
and was incorporated in 1912. MMC acquired Quincy Soybean in 1961 and ASI in
1994. Several additional dry edible bean business acquisitions followed the
initial ASI purchase.
 
    MMI manufactures and markets livestock feed products and provides on-site
services to livestock producers in the U.S., primarily swine, beef and dairy
producers. Nine manufacturing plants are located in Strategic Market Areas, and
MMI's direct sales force, the largest in the U.S., is located in 35 states. In
addition to its research-proven products, MMI's direct sales force provides
advisory services for improving livestock production and producer profitability.
Research and development laboratories and research farms develop new products
and processes for livestock producers.
 
    Quincy Soybean operates plants in Quincy, Illinois, and Helena, Arkansas.
These facilities extract vegetable oil from soybeans, refine soybean oil,
manufacture lecithin from soybean gum and produce soybean meal, over 70 percent
of which is exported through the Gulf of Mexico to destinations around the
world.
 
    The vegetable oil refinery at the Quincy location is a joint venture
partnership with the C.F. Sauer Company of Richmond, Virginia. The Quincy
facility also refines other vegetable oils and packages finished vegetable oil
products. Quincy Soybean's processing facilities are supported by a wholly owned
country elevator system located in Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri.
 
    ASI is one of the largest originators, processors and marketers of pinto,
navy and black beans in the world. ASI operates over 50 dry edible bean and
grain elevators, which are located in all the major dry edible bean growing
areas in the U.S. In addition, ASI is the largest originator and marketer of dry
edible bean seed in the U.S. with locations in Wyoming, Idaho and California.
Its seed facilities are dispersed over these western states to help manage
disease and climatic conditions.
 
MMC COMMON STOCK OWNERSHIP
 
    As of November 3, 1997, there were 100,000 authorized shares of MMC Common
Stock, of which 54,770 shares were issued and outstanding. There were
approximately 295 holders of MMC Common
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
Stock as of such date. The following table sets forth, as of such date, the
number of shares and percentage held by each director, executive officer,
directors and executive officers as a group, and each beneficial owner of more
than 5 percent of the total outstanding shares of MMC Common Stock.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         PERCENT OF
            SHAREHOLDER                                                                    NUMBER OF     OUTSTANDING
                NAME                                       POSITION                         SHARES         SHARES
- ------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------------  -----------  ---------------
<S>                                   <C>                                                 <C>          <C>
Michael J. Foster                     Director, President--MMI                                    40          *
 
William D. George                     Director                                                    10          *
 
J. Douglas Gray                       Director                                                    10          *
 
Larry H. Horn                         Director, President-Quincy Soybean                          10          *
 
Robert J. Ireland                     Director                                                     0          *
 
Terry W. Lunt                         Vice President, Human Resources--MMC                        15          *
 
Thomas M. McKenna                     Director, President and Chief                               24          *
                                      Executive Officer--MMC
 
Alvin L. Melliere                     Director, Vice President Research                           10          *
                                      And Development--MMI
 
Wendell R. Schwarz                    President--ASI                                               0          *
 
Thomas L. Shade                       Director                                                    60          *
 
Alfred L. Williams, Jr.               Director, Chief Financial Officer,                           0          *
                                      Vice President and Treasurer--MMC
 
All executive officers and directors
  as a group                                                                                     179          *
 
Merctavish & Co.                                                                               9,995           18.3%
 
The CFM Foundation                                                                            10,523           19.2%
 
MMC Employees' Profit Sharing Plan                                                            18,188           33.2%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------------
 
* Indicates ownership of less than one percent of the outstanding shares of MMC
Common Stock.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
OVERVIEW
 
    MMC is an agricultural processing company that produces and sells livestock
feed, soy protein and vegetable oil products, and dry edible beans.
 
QUARTER ENDED JUNE 28, 1997 COMPARED TO QUARTER ENDED JUNE 29, 1996
 
    MMC's sales increased 2.5% to $252.2 million from $246.0 million in the same
quarter of the previous year, driven by an increase in dry edible bean sales of
approximately $9.0 million. Volumes and sales declined slightly for livestock
feed, primarily swine feed, and volumes declined while sales were flat in
soybean products, reflecting higher prices due to the current industry shortage
of soybeans. Gross profit and gross profit margins declined slightly. These
results reflected the lower sales and volumes in livestock feed, and lower
margins in dry edible beans caused by good harvests in navy and pinto beans and
higher operating costs from businesses acquired during the year ended March 29,
1997. Partially offsetting these declines were improved soybean crush margins.
Selling, general and administrative expense ("SG & A") also declined, and
declined as a percent of sales slightly, as MMC focused on cost controls in
light of the business environment. The sale of fixed assets resulted in a loss
of $(.8) million in fiscal 1998 compared to a slight gain in the prior year,
primarily due to a loss on the sale of a corporate airplane during the quarter
ended June 28, 1997. Net income declined to a loss of $(2.3) million in the
fiscal 1998 First Quarter, from a loss of $(1.2) million, reflecting the
above-noted factors. See "Summary--Selected Historical Financial Data" and "MMC
Financial Information."
 
YEAR ENDED MARCH 29, 1997 (52 WEEKS) COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED MARCH 30, 1996 (53
  WEEKS)
 
    MMC's sales increased 18.9% to $1.2 billion for the full year ended March
29, 1997, from $973.5 million in fiscal 1996, mainly due to higher prices for
soy protein products and increased soybean crush volume of approximately 10%.
These soy product sales increases of approximately $161 million account for
approximately 88% of the total sales increase. Dry edible bean sales increased
by 11% or $19 million due to acquisitions. During 1997, MMC acquired three dry
edible bean processors. Livestock feed sales were slightly higher in fiscal
1997, despite lower tonnage, due to higher prices.
 
    Gross profit declined by approximately $12 million in 1997, and gross profit
margins decreased from 12.5% to 9.4%, due to continuing cyclical trends in the
livestock feed and soybean crushing businesses. The decline was principally
driven by industry-wide declines in soybean product margins, and by the impact
of lower volumes of livestock feed. Soy product margins decreased by 1% of sales
for the Company or approximately $5.6 million. Gross profit for livestock feed
declined by approximately $10 million and approximately 5% of sales due to the
lower tonnage, specifically in higher margin swine products. Dry edible bean
profits increased due to acquisitions, and margins increased from 3.6% of sales
to 5.5%. SG & A declined by approximately $2 million in 1997, and declined as a
percent of sales, as MMC focused on cost controls. Operating income declined
55.3 percent to $9.5 million in 1997, compared to $21.2 million in 1996, due to
the above-mentioned pressures on gross profit margins, but also due to a smaller
gain from benefit plan curtailments and plan changes in 1997, than in 1996.
Other income, declined by approximately $3 million, primarily resulting from
lower interest income, higher interest expense, offset partially by increased
earnings from joint ventures. The combination of factors discussed above caused
income from continuing operations before income taxes to decrease 59 percent. A
return to a more normal effective tax rate in 1997, mainly due to a reduction in
research tax credits from those recognized in 1996, caused net income to decline
64.5%.
 
YEAR ENDED MARCH 30, 1996 (53 WEEKS) COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED MARCH 25, 1995 (52
  WEEKS)
 
    MMC's sales increased 7.6% for the year ended March 30, 1996 to $973.5
million, compared to $904.3 million in 1995, mainly due to business acquisitions
in dry edible beans, which accounted for an increase in sales of approximately
$124 million. Volumes declined for both the livestock feed and
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
soybean businesses, resulting in decreases of approximately $30 million in
livestock sales and $25 million in sales of soy products. Gross profit and gross
profit margins declined in 1996 by approximately $17 million from 15.4% to
12.5%. This was due to erosion in livestock feed volumes, particularly in swine
feed; adverse product mix in livestock feed; and depressed soybean product
margins caused by selling prices that did not fully reflect higher soybean costs
resulting from an industry-wide shortage of soybeans. SG & A decreased 2.6
percent in dollars and slightly as a percent of sales due primarily to decreased
administrative expenses in the dry edible bean business as acquired businesses
were merged into Agri Sales, Inc. with duplicative costs eliminated. Operating
income increased 35.3 percent totally due to the $17 million gain from benefit
plan curtailments and plan changes implemented during the year. Although
interest expense was significantly higher in 1996, due to increased borrowing,
higher interest income and other income caused total "Other income" to increase
by $1.2 million. Income from continuing operations before income taxes increased
37.1% in 1996 to $24.9 million, from $18.1 million in 1995. A lower effective
tax rate in 1996, reflecting a research and development tax credits, contributed
to and increase of 48.7% in net income.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
    MMC's principal sources of working capital ($158 million at June 28, 1997,
including $16.5 million of cash and short-term investments) have historically
been funds generated by operations and retained within the Company after payment
of dividends, supplemented by borrowings under various bank revolving credit
agreements. Current assets consist principally of commodity and feed inventories
and accounts receivables. As a result, balances of these current assets
fluctuate significantly during the course of the year with large cash outlays
required during harvest seasons. Short-term debt is generally utilized to
support these seasonal increases in current assets. Short-term borrowings are
available under bank revolving credit totaling $265 million. At June 28, 1997,
$72 million was outstanding under these agreements, with $27 million of this
amount borrowed on a long-term basis under the terms of certain of the credit
facilities. Management believes that its current levels of cash and available
short-term credit will adequately provide liquidity for its operating needs.
 
                      SHARE PRICE AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION
                   FOR ADM COMMON STOCK AND MMC COMMON STOCK
 
    ADM Common Stock is listed and principally traded on the NYSE under the
symbol "ADM."
 
    There is no public trading market for MMC Common Stock. However, certain
appraisals have been made by an independent appraisal firm for the purpose of
valuing shares of MMC Common Stock held by the MMC Employees' Profit Sharing
Plan, as discussed below.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
    The following table shows, for the calendar periods indicated, the reported
high and low sale prices on the NYSE Composite Tape for, and the cash dividends
paid per share of, ADM Common Stock:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              ADM
                                                                         COMMON STOCK
                                                               ---------------------------------
                                                                 HIGH        LOW      DIVIDENDS
                                                               ---------  ---------  -----------
<S>                                                            <C>        <C>        <C>
1995:
  First Quarter..............................................  $   18.13  $   15.75   $    .022
  Second Quarter.............................................      17.13      15.63        .022
  Third Quarter..............................................      16.38      13.00        .022
  Fourth Quarter.............................................      16.63      13.50        .046
 
1996:
  First Quarter..............................................      17.75      15.25        .046
  Second Quarter.............................................      18.38      16.25        .046
  Third Quarter..............................................      18.38      14.88        .046
  Fourth Quarter.............................................      22.00      18.13        .048
 
1997:
  First Quarter..............................................      21.88      16.50        .048
  Second Quarter.............................................      22.88      16.25        .048
  Third Quarter..............................................      24.63      20.31        .048
</TABLE>
 
    With respect to MMC Common Stock, MMC paid dividends totaling $250 in each
of fiscal 1996 and fiscal 1997. No dividends were paid for the first quarter of
fiscal 1998. The value of the MMC Common Stock, appraised quarterly by an
independent appraisal firm for the purpose of valuing shares of MMC Common Stock
held by the MMC Employees' Profit Sharing Plan, ranged from $5,500 to $5,000 in
fiscal 1996 and $5,000 to $4,000 in fiscal 1997. For the first quarter of fiscal
1998 the appraised value was $4,000. After the conclusion of that quarter, the
appraised value of $4,300 was issued. These valuations were not prepared with
the intent that they serve as an estimate of the price that would be realized
through a sale of MMC to a third party and do not represent necessarily the
price paid for or received in the purchases or sales of shares of MMC Common
Stock during the corresponding periods. The appraisals were prepared solely to
assist the Administrative Committee of the MMC Employees' Profit Sharing Plan in
fulfilling its responsibilities to value the shares of MMC Common Stock held by
the plan.
 
    On September 12, 1997, public announcement of the Merger was made. The
closing sale price per share of ADM Common Stock on the NYSE Composite Tape on
September 11, 1997 (the last trading day prior to the public announcement of the
Merger) was $22.625. On                       , 1997, the closing sale price per
share on the NYSE Composite Tape of ADM Common Stock was $        . If the
Exchange Ratio is not adjusted, shareholders of MMC who are to receive shares of
ADM Common Stock would be entitled to receive       shares of ADM Common Stock,
having a market value of $        , in exchange for each share of MMC Common
Stock held by them (assuming MMC shareholders' equity as of 15 days prior to the
Closing Date is at least $265 million). The aggregate number of shares of ADM
Common Stock to be received by each shareholder of MMC will be rounded to the
nearest whole number of shares. See the discussion of the determination of the
actual Exchange Ratio on the cover page of this Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
               COMPARATIVE RIGHTS OF SHAREHOLDERS OF MMC AND ADM
 
    AS A RESULT OF THE MERGER, SHAREHOLDERS OF MMC WILL BECOME STOCKHOLDERS OF
ADM, AND THEIR RIGHTS WILL BE GOVERNED BY THE ADM CERTIFICATE AND ADM BYLAWS,
WHICH DIFFER IN CERTAIN MATERIAL RESPECTS FROM MMC'S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
AND BYLAWS. THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF CERTAIN MATERIAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN
THE RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF MMC COMMON STOCK AND HOLDERS OF ADM COMMON STOCK. THIS
SUMMARY DOES NOT PURPORT TO IDENTIFY ALL DIFFERENCES THAT MAY, UNDER GIVEN
SITUATIONS, BE MATERIAL TO MMC SHAREHOLDERS. REFERENCE IS MADE TO MMC'S ARTICLES
OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS, THE ADM CERTIFICATE, BYLAWS, AND DELAWARE LAW.
 
GENERAL
 
    MMC is incorporated under Illinois Law and ADM is incorporated under
Delaware Law. Holders of MMC Common Stock, whose rights as shareholders are
currently governed by the MMC Articles and the MMC Bylaws, will, at the
Effective Time of the Merger, become holders of ADM Common Stock and their
rights as such will be governed by the ADM Certificate and the ADM Bylaws.
Certain differences between the rights of holders of MMC Common Stock and ADM
Common Stock are summarized below.
 
    Certain provisions contained in Delaware Law, the ADM Certificate and the
ADM Bylaws discourage transactions involving an actual or threatened change in
control of ADM. To the extent any of these provisions has such an effect,
stockholders might thereby be deprived of an opportunity to sell their shares at
a premium above the market price. These provisions could thus be considered to
be anti-takeover measures. See the discussion below for a description of
existing provisions in the ADM Certificate and the ADM Bylaws that may be viewed
as having anti-takeover effects.
 
DISSENTERS' OR APPRAISAL RIGHTS
 
    Illinois Law grants shareholders the right to dissent and receive the fair
value of their shares in the event of certain amendments to or changes in the
articles of incorporation that adversely affect their shares, or certain
business transactions, including certain mergers. The MMC Articles do not
address dissenters' rights.
 
    Under Delaware Law, stockholders of corporations being acquired pursuant to
a merger have the right to serve upon the corporation a written demand for
appraisal of their shares when the stockholders receive any form of
consideration for their shares other than (i) shares of the surviving
corporation, (ii) shares of any other corporation listed on a national
securities exchange or held of record by more than 2,000 stockholders, (iii)
cash in lieu of fractional shares, or (iv) any combination thereof. Stockholders
who perfect their appraisal rights are entitled to receive cash from the
corporation equal to the value of their shares as established by judicial
appraisal. Corporations may enlarge these statutory rights by including in their
certificate of incorporation a provision allowing the appraisal rights in any
merger in which the corporation is a constituent corporation. The ADM
Certificate does not contain any provision enlarging such appraisal rights.
 
VOTE ON CERTAIN FUNDAMENTAL ISSUES
 
    Illinois Law requires that a plan of merger, consolidation, exchange, sale
of all or substantially all of a corporation's assets other than in the ordinary
course, or dissolution be approved by at least two-thirds of the outstanding
shares entitled to vote thereon. Except with respect to certain unsolicited
business combinations and business combinations with interested shareholders,
the MMC Articles and Bylaws do not alter this general rule.
 
    Delaware Law and the ADM Certificate require that any merger, consolidation,
sale of all or substantially all of the assets, or dissolution of a corporation
be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of the corporation entitled to vote thereon.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
CUMULATIVE VOTING
 
    Illinois Law and the MMC Bylaws provide that in all elections for directors,
every shareholder shall have the right to vote the number of shares owned by him
or her for as many persons as there are directors to be elected, or to cumulate
said shares, and give one candidate as many votes as the number of directors
multiplied by the number of his or her shares shall equal, or to distribute such
votes in any proportion among any number of candidates.
 
    Delaware Law provides that the certificate of incorporation of any
corporation may grant stockholders the right to cumulate their votes. The ADM
Certificate does not provide stockholders the right to cumulate votes in the
election of directors. Therefore, stockholders holding a majority of ADM voting
stock will be able to elect all of ADM's directors.
 
SPECIAL MEETINGS OF THE SHAREHOLDERS
 
    Illinois Law provides that special meetings of the shareholders may be
called by the president, the board of directors or the holders of not less than
one-fifth of all the outstanding shares entitled to vote on the matter for which
the meeting is called. Under the ADM Bylaws, special meetings of the
stockholders of ADM may be held upon the call of the Board of Directors, or the
Executive Committee, if one is selected, or of the President, and shall be
called by the President or the Secretary at the request in writing of
stockholders owning a majority of the capital stock of ADM entitled to vote at
the meeting.
 
SHAREHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT
 
    The MMC Articles do not permit actions to be taken by the shareholders
without a meeting. Written consents by the shareholders are not allowed.
 
    Under Delaware Law, ADM may take any action that may be taken or is required
to be taken at any annual or special meeting of stockholders, without a meeting,
prior notice and a vote, if a consent in writing, setting forth the action so
taken, is signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the
minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action
at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and
voted.
 
AMENDMENT OF CERTIFICATE OR ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
 
    Illinois Law and the MMC Articles generally allow the corporation to amend
its articles of incorporation if the board of directors of the corporation
adopts a resolution approving such amendment, and the holders of at least
two-thirds of the outstanding shares entitled to vote in respect thereof vote in
favor of the amendment. In addition, the MMC Articles require the approval of 80
percent of the outstanding shares of the corporation to amend, alter or repeal,
or adopt any provision inconsistent with certain provisions of the MMC Articles.
 
    Under Delaware Law amendments to the ADM Certificate must be approved,
unless a greater affirmative vote is required under the ADM Certificate, by the
holders of a majority of all outstanding shares entitled to vote on an
amendment, including a majority of all outstanding shares of each class or
series if the rights of the holders of such securities would be adversely
affected by the amendment.
 
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS
 
    The MMC Articles contain certain provisions designed to prevent unsolicited
takeovers of the corporation. Specifically, such provisions require the approval
of outstanding shares representing at least 80 percent of the voting power of
the corporation to approve certain business combinations that have not been
recommended by the board of directors.
 
    In addition, pursuant to Illinois Law and the MMC Articles, the corporation
is prohibited from engaging in certain business combinations with any interested
shareholder for a period of three years following the date on which such
shareholder became an interested shareholder, unless (i) the board of
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
directors of the corporation approved the business combination or the
transaction in which such shareholder became an interested shareholder, (ii)
upon the consummation of the transaction in which the shareholder became an
interested shareholder, such shareholder owned at least 85 percent of the
outstanding voting shares of the corporation (excluding shares held by certain
persons), or (iii) the business combination is approved by the board of
directors and authorized at a meeting of the shareholders by the affirmative
vote of at least 66-2/3 percent of the outstanding voting shares which are not
owned by the interested shareholder.
 
    Delaware has also enacted statutory provisions that limit certain business
combinations of Delaware corporations with interested stockholders. Under
Delaware Law, an interested stockholder (a stockholder whose beneficial
ownership in the corporation is at least 15 percent of the outstanding voting
securities) is precluded from entering into certain business combinations with
the corporation for a period of three years following the date on which the
stockholder became an interested stockholder unless, among other exceptions,
prior to that date the board of directors approves either the business
combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an
interested stockholder. Delaware Law provides that the business combination
provisions have no effect if (i) the tender offer or other transaction by which
the stockholder became an interested stockholder results in the stockholder
beneficially owning at least 85 percent of the voting securities of the
corporation (exclusive of shares owned by directors who are also officers and
shares owned by certain employee stock option plans) or (ii) the business
combination is approved by the board of directors and two-thirds of the shares
held by stockholders other than the interested stockholder. ADM has not
opted-out of this Delaware anti-takeover law.
 
LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS
 
    The ADM Certificate provides that no director will be liable to ADM or its
stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty by the director
as a director, except that this provision does not eliminate or limit the
liability of the director to the extent provided by applicable law (i) for any
breach of the duty of loyalty of the director to ADM or its stockholders, (ii)
for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct
or a knowing violation of law, (iii) for any unlawful action under Section 174
of Delaware Law, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an
improper personal benefit.
 
    In general, under Delaware Law the indemnification provided for therein is
not deemed to be exclusive of any nonstatutory indemnification rights provided
to directors, officers and employees under any by-law, agreement or vote of
stockholders or disinterested directors. The ADM Bylaws and the MMC Certificate
provide for the indemnification of directors, officers, agents and employees, to
the fullest extent permitted by Delaware Law against liability arising by reason
of the fact that such individual was a director, officer, agent or employee of
ADM or MMC, as the case may be.
 
    Generally, Illinois Law provides that a corporation may indemnify any person
who is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any proceeding by reason
of the fact that such person is a director, officer, employee or agent of the
corporation, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she
reasonably believed to be in, or not oppose to the best interests of the
corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action, had no reasonable cause
to believe his or her actions were unlawful. The MMC Bylaws provide that the
corporation will indemnify those persons set forth in Illinois Law to the
fullest extent it is permitted to indemnify such persons.
 
ITEM 2.  CHANGE-OF-CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS
 
    Under certain circumstances, Sections 280G and 4999 of the Code impose
certain penalties with respect to compensation that is paid contingent upon a
change in control. The penalties are assessed if the payments are deemed
"Parachute Payments." A payment is considered a Parachute Payment if it is equal
to or greater than three times the employee's "base amount." The "base amount"
is an average of
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
the employee's annual W-2 compensation for the prior five years (or such shorter
period if the employee has been employed with the company less than five years).
If a payment is deemed a Parachute Payment, two penalties may be imposed:
 
        (i)  the recipient employee pays an excise tax of 20 percent of the
    amount of the Parachute Payment in excess of the base amount (the "Excess
    Parachute Payment"); and
 
        (ii) the company cannot deduct for income tax purposes the amount of the
    Excess Parachute Payment.
 
    If consummated, the Merger would constitute a change of control of MMC as
defined under the Change-of-Control Arrangements, entitling the applicable
employee to certain benefits, provided certain conditions are fulfilled. See
"The Merger--Interest of Certain Persons in the Merger." Certain of the benefits
due or that may become due under the Change-of-Control Arrangements as a result
of the Merger would constitute Parachute Payments as defined in Code Section
280G(b). Therefore, an estimated $2,759,000 of the amounts payable to Mr.
McKenna and an estimated $571,000 of the amounts payable to Mr. Schwarz would
constitute Excess Parachute Payments under Code Section 280G. Due to the
classification of such amounts as Excess Parachute Payments, no deduction would
be allowed to MMC for such amounts, and each applicable employee would be
subject to a 20 percent excise tax upon receipt of such amounts under Code
Section 4999(a). The 20 percent excise tax on such amounts under Code Section
4999(a) would result in a tax of $552,000 for Mr. McKenna and $114,000 for Mr.
Schwarz. In addition, MMC would be denied a deduction in the amount of
approximately $3,330,000 as a result of the classification of such payments as
Excess Parachute Payments. Final calculations of the foregoing amounts will be
determined by independent auditors using the actual dates of the change of
control and termination of employment.
 
    The Change-of-Control Agreements take into account, for calculation
purposes, the tax consequences to the executives of Sections 280G and 4999 of
the Code. As a result, the payment for Mr. Foster under such agreement has been
reduced by approximately $35,000. The application of this provision to the other
executives has not resulted in any reductions.
 
    Under Code Section 280(G)(b), the payments under the Change-of-Control
Arrangements should not be deemed Parachute Payments if they are approved by a
separate vote of more than 75 percent (or three-fourths) of the MMC Common Stock
entitled to vote thereon. If MMC's shareholders approve the proposal described
under this Item 2, MMC (as a wholly owned subsidiary of ADM) should be permitted
to report the full amount of payments under the Change-of-Control Arrangements
as deductions for income tax purposes and the executives receiving such payments
should not be required to pay excise taxes on any portion of the payments. In
addition, such approval would have the effect of restoring approximately $35,000
to Mr. Foster, under his Change-of-Control Agreement. However, since the payment
of the Parachute Payments is not contingent on such shareholder approval, the
IRS could assert the position that the Excess Parachute Payments are
non-deductible by MMC and impose the 20 percent excise tax on the recipients of
such amounts. MMC and the recipients believe the Code supports their position
and would vigorously contest such an assertion by the IRS.
 
    Shareholder approval of the payments under the Change-of-Control is not a
condition to either the consummation of the Merger or the payment of the amounts
due under Change-of-Control Arrangements, including, the amounts which
constitute Parachute Payments, since MMC is contractually obligated to make such
payments.
 
    THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF MMC RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL, FOR
TAX PURPOSES, OF CERTAIN PAYMENTS UNDER THE CHANGE-OF-CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
    The validity of the shares of ADM Common Stock to be issued in the Merger
will be passed upon for ADM by Faegre & Benson LLP, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Certain tax consequences of the Merger will be passed upon for MMC by Winston &
Strawn, Chicago, Illinois.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
    The consolidated financial statements of ADM as of June 30, 1997 and 1996
and for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 1997, incorporated
in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus by reference from the ADM 10-K for the year
ended June 30, 1997, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent
auditors, as stated in their reports, which are incorporated herein by reference
and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the reports of such firm given
upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
    The consolidated financial statements of MMC and its subsidiaries as of
March 29, 1997, and March 30, 1996, and for the years then ended included in
this Proxy Statement/Prospectus have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP as
stated in its report appearing herein. The consolidated statements of income,
stockholders' equity and of cash flows of MMC and its subsidiaries as of March
25, 1995, included in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus have been audited by Price
Waterhouse LLP as stated in its report appearing herein. The financial
statements of C&T Quincy, L.L.C. (a joint venture of MMC accounted for on the
equity method) as of March 31, 1997, and 1996 and for each of the three years in
the period ended March 31, 1997, have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP,
independent auditors, as set forth in their reports thereon appearing elsewhere
herein. The balance sheet and statements of income, partners' capital and of
cash flows of ContiQuincy Export Company (a joint venture of MMC accounted for
on the equity method) for the year ended March 31, 1995, have been audited by
Arthur Andersen LLP, as stated in its report included herein. The statements of
income, members' equity, and cash flows of Associated Feed Blenders, L.L.C. (a
joint venture of MMC accounted for on the equity method) for the year ended
March 25, 1995, have been audited by McGladrey & Pullen LLP, as stated in its
report included herein. The statements of income, stockholders' equity and of
cash flows of Agri Sales, Inc. (consolidated with those of MMC) for the year
ended March 31, 1995, have also been audited by McGladrey & Pullen LLP as stated
in its report included herein. Such financial statements of MMC and its
consolidated subsidiaries (with joint ventures accounted for by the equity
method) are included herein in reliance upon the respective reports of such
firms given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing. All of
the foregoing firms are independent auditors.
 
                            INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
    Representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP are expected to be present at the
Special Meeting and will have the opportunity to make a statement, if they
desire to do so, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                         MOORMAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                    <C>
Reports of Independent Auditors......................................................        F-2
 
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended March 29, 1997, March 30, 1996
 and March 25, 1995..................................................................        F-9
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 29, 1997 and March 30, 1996.....................       F-10
 
Consolidated Statement of Stockholder's Equity for the Years Ended March 29, 1997,
 March 30, 1996 and March 25, 1995...................................................       F-12
 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Years Ended March 29, 1997, March 30,
 1996 and March 25, 1995.............................................................       F-13
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...........................................       F-14
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three-Month Periods Ended
 June 28, 1997 and June 29, 1996 (unaudited).........................................       F-24
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 28, 1997 and June 29, 1996
 (unaudited).........................................................................       F-25
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three-Month Periods Ended
 June 28, 1997 and June 29, 1996 (unaudited).........................................       F-26
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).....................       F-27
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-1
<PAGE>
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
 
Moorman Manufacturing Company and Subsidiaries:
 
    We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Moorman
Manufacturing Company and Subsidiaries (the "Company") as of March 29, 1997 and
March 30, 1996, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders'
equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We did not audit
the financial statements of C&T Quincy, L.L.C. The Company's investment in this
joint venture is accounted for by the equity method. The Company's equity of
$16.4 million and $17.1 million in the net assets at March 29, 1997 and March
30, 1996, respectively, and of $.7 million and $3 million in the net losses for
the years then ended of this joint venture is included in the accompanying
consolidated financial statements. The financial statements of this joint
venture were audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us,
and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for this joint
venture, is based solely on the report of such other auditors.
 
    We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits and the report of other auditors provide a reasonable
basis for our opinion.
 
    In our opinion, based upon our audits and the report of other auditors, such
consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of the Company at March 29, 1997 and March 30, 1996, and the
results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
 
                                          DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
St. Louis, Missouri
 
May 12, 1997
 
(September 12, 1997 as to Note 14)
 
                                      F-2
<PAGE>
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
May 16, 1995
 
To the Board of Directors
 
Moorman Manufacturing Company
  and Subsidiaries
 
    In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated statements of income, retained
earnings and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the results
of operations and cash flows of Moorman Manufacturing Company and Subsidiaries
for the year ended March 25, 1995 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audit. We did not audit the financial
statements of C. & T./Quincy Foods Inc., Conti-Quincy Export Company and
Associated Feed Blenders, L.L.C., joint ventures in which the Company had
aggregate investment interests of $22,497,314 at March 25, 1995, including
related aggregate losses of $3,943,057 for the year then ended. In addition, we
did not audit the financial statements of Agri Sales, Inc., a wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company, with assets of $61,765,996 at March 25, 1995 and
related revenues of $31,059,436 for the year then ended. Those statements were
audited by other auditors whose reports thereon have been furnished to us, and
our opinion expressed herein, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for
C. & T./Quincy Foods, Inc., Conti-Quincy Export Company, Associated Feed
Blenders, L.L.C. and Agri Sales, Inc., is based solely on the reports of the
other auditors. We conducted our audit of these statements in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and perform the
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements,
assessing the accounting principals used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed
above. We have not audited the consolidated financial statements of Moorman
Manufacturing Company and Subsidiaries as of or for any period subsequent to
March 25, 1995.
 
                                          /s/ Price Waterhouse LLP
 
Price Waterhouse LLP
Chicago, Illinois
 
                                      F-3
<PAGE>
                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Members
 
C. & T. Quincy, L.L.C.
 
    We have audited the balance sheets of C. & T. Quincy, L.L.C. as of March 31,
1996 and 1995, and the related statements of operations, changes in members'
capital, and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
    We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted accounting
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of C. & T. Quincy, L.L.C. at
March 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of its operations and its cash flows
for the years then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
 
                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
St. Louis, Missouri
April 26, 1996
 
                                      F-4
<PAGE>
                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
Members
 
C. & T. Quincy, L.L.C.
 
    We have audited the balance sheets of C. & T. Quincy, L.L.C. as of March 31,
1997 and 1996, and the related statements of operations, changes in members'
capital, and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
    We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted accounting
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of C. & T. Quincy, L.L.C. at
March 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of its operations and its cash flows
for the years then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
 
                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
St. Louis, Missouri
April 29, 1997
 
                                      F-5
<PAGE>
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Partners of
 
ContiQuincy Export Company:
 
    We have audited the balance sheet of ContiQuincy Export Company (a New York
general partnership) as of March 31, 1995, and the related statements of income,
partners' capital and cash flows for the year then ended (not included herein).
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audit.
 
    We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted accounting
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of ContiQuincy Export Company
as of March 31, 1995, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for
the year then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
 
New York, New York
May 9, 1995
 
                                      F-6
<PAGE>
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
 
To the Board of Directors
Agri Sales, Inc.
Saginaw, Michigan
 
    We have audited the statements of income, retained earnings (deficit), and
cash flows of Agri Sales, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Moorman
Manufacturing Company for the period from November 14, 1994, to March 31, 1995.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements based on
our audit.
 
    We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Agri
Sales, Inc. for the period from November 15, 1994, to March 31, 1995, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          /s/ McGladrey & Pullen LLP
 
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
April 28, 1995
 
                                      F-7
<PAGE>
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
 
To the Board of Directors
Associated Feed Blenders, L.L.C.
Quincy, Illinois
 
    We have audited the statements of income, members' equity, and cash flows of
Associated Feed Blenders, L.L.C., 70% owned by Moorman Manufacturing Company,
for the period from August 8, 1994, date of inception, to March 25, 1995. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audit.
 
    We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
    In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Associated
Feed Blenders, L.L.C. for the period from August 8, 1994, date of inception, to
March 25, 1995, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          /s/ McGladrey & Pullen LLP
 
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
April 18, 1995
 
                                      F-8
<PAGE>
                 MOORMAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
         YEARS ENDED MARCH 29, 1997, MARCH 30, 1996 AND MARCH 25, 1995
                             (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               1997          1996         1995
                                                                           -------------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                        <C>            <C>          <C>
NET SALES................................................................  $   1,157,859  $   973,465  $   904,321
 
COST OF SALES............................................................      1,048,707      851,954      765,063
 
GROSS PROFIT ON SALES....................................................        109,152      121,511      139,258
 
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE......................................        113,286      115,486      118,622
 
OPERATING (LOSS) MARGIN..................................................         (4,134)       6,025       20,636
 
GAIN FROM BENEFIT PLAN CURTAILMENTS AND PLAN CHANGES.....................         13,626       17,080      --
 
RESTRUCTURING AND CLOSURE CHARGES........................................       --             (1,873)      (4,942)
 
OPERATING INCOME.........................................................          9,492       21,232       15,694
 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
  Interest income........................................................          5,484        8,528        7,629
  Interest expense.......................................................         (7,296)      (5,327)      (1,867)
  Equity in earning (losses) of joint ventures - net.....................            272       (2,139)      (3,061)
  Other - net............................................................          2,214        2,571         (253)
                                                                           -------------  -----------  -----------
 
    Total................................................................            674        3,633        2,448
                                                                           -------------  -----------  -----------
 
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE INCOME TAXES....................         10,166       24,865       18,142
 
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES...............................................          3,386        3,935        5,054
                                                                           -------------  -----------  -----------
 
NET INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS....................................          6,780       20,930       13,088
 
GAIN (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS -
  Net of income tax (expense) benefit of $(61), $931 and $35,
   respectively..........................................................             93       (1,550)         (55)
                                                                           -------------  -----------  -----------
 
NET INCOME...............................................................  $       6,873  $    19,380  $    13,033
                                                                           -------------  -----------  -----------
                                                                           -------------  -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
                 See notes to consolidated financial statements
 
                                      F-9
<PAGE>
                 MOORMAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                         MARCH 29, 1997, MARCH 30, 1996
                             (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
 
                                     ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             1997         1996
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                       <C>          <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash and cash equivalents.............................................................  $    20,240  $     4,151
  Short-term investments................................................................        2,895       38,238
  Margin deposits.......................................................................       15,043       11,655
  Accounts and notes receivable--less allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,624 and
   $1,596, respectively.................................................................       71,523       74,676
  Inventories...........................................................................      236,626      214,093
  Prepaid income taxes..................................................................        7,197       10,540
  Prepaid expenses......................................................................        1,560        1,030
  Deferred income tax benefits..........................................................       11,620        9,852
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
 
      Total current assets..............................................................      366,704      364,235
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
 
NONCURRENT ASSETS:
  Notes receivable......................................................................        5,524        3,541
  Property, plant and equipment--net....................................................      135,023      104,914
  Investments in joint ventures.........................................................       21,226       20,530
  Long-term investments.................................................................       10,128       35,055
  Deferred income tax benefits..........................................................                       567
  Goodwill and other intangible assets--less accumulated amortization of $1,544 and
   $567, respectively...................................................................       31,579       13,812
  Other assets..........................................................................        3,281        2,308
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
 
      Total noncurrent assets...........................................................      206,761      180,727
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
 
TOTAL...................................................................................  $   573,465  $   544,962
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
                                                                     (continued)
 
                 See notes to consolidated financial statements
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>
                 MOORMAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                         MARCH 29, 1997, MARCH 30, 1996
                             (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
 
                      LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             1997         1996
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                                       <C>          <C>
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Accounts payable......................................................................  $    60,264  $    42,850
  Borrowings under short-term line of credit agreements.................................      106,971       87,461
  Current portion of long-term debt.....................................................        4,354        3,535
  Dividends payable.....................................................................        6,572        6,820
  Customer deposits.....................................................................        4,843        5,323
  Accrued compensation..................................................................        9,245        7,815
  Other accrued expenses................................................................       13,021       11,176
  Income taxes payable..................................................................          884        1,200
  Taxes other than income...............................................................        1,336        1,237
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
    Total current liabilities...........................................................      207,490      167,417
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
 
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
  Long-term debt........................................................................       53,695       41,141
  Accrued pension and other postretirement benefits.....................................       29,038       44,312
  Deferred income taxes.................................................................        6,550
  Other liabilities.....................................................................        1,865          357
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
    Total noncurrent liabilities........................................................       91,148       85,810
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
    Total liabilities...................................................................      298,638      253,227
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
 
CONTINGENCIES (Notes 12 and 14)
 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Common stock, $1 par value, authorized, 100,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 70,000
   shares...............................................................................           70           70
  Retained earnings.....................................................................      315,934      322,802
  Less: treasury stock (15,230 and 13,177 shares, respectively) at cost.................      (41,177)     (31,137)
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
    Total stockholders' equity..........................................................      274,827      291,735
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
TOTAL...................................................................................  $   573,465  $   544,962
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
                                                                                          -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>
                 MOORMAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
          YEAR ENDED MARCH 29, 1997, MARCH 30, 1996 AND MARCH 25, 1995
                   (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)
 
                      LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1997                    1996                    1995
                                             ----------------------  ----------------------  ----------------------
                                              SHARES      AMOUNT      SHARES      AMOUNT      SHARES      AMOUNT
                                             ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------
<S>                                          <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
 
COMMON STOCK - Par value $1.00 per share
  (100,000 shares authorized)..............     70,000  $        70     70,000  $        70     70,000  $        70
                                             ---------               ---------               ---------
                                             ---------               ---------               ---------
 
RETAINED EARNINGS:
  Balance, beginning of year...............                 322,802                 317,675                 320,135
  Net income...............................                   6,873                  19,380                  13,033
  Dividends declared.......................                 (13,741)                (14,253)                (15,493)
                                                        -----------             -----------             -----------
    Balance, end of year...................                 315,934                 322,802                 317,675
 
TREASURY STOCK:
  Balance, beginning of year...............     13,177      (31,137)     8,171       (4,024)     7,653       (1,435)
  Purchase of shares.......................      2,053      (10,040)     5,006      (27,113)       518       (2,589)
                                             ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------  ---------  -----------
    Balance, end of year...................     15,230      (41,177)    13,177      (31,137)     8,171       (4,024)
                                             ---------               ---------               ---------
                                             ---------               ---------               ---------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY.................             $   274,827             $   291,735             $   313,721
                                                        -----------             -----------             -----------
                                                        -----------             -----------             -----------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>
                 MOORMAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
         YEARS ENDED MARCH 29, 1997, MARCH 30, 1996 AND MARCH 25, 1995
                             (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     1997       1996       1995
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                                <C>        <C>        <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  Net income.....................................................................  $   6,873  $  19,380  $  13,033
  Adjustments needed to reconcile to cash flows from operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization................................................     16,780     16,553     14,485
    Provision for losses on accounts and notes receivable - net..................      1,028      1,102      2,223
    Provision for deferred income taxes..........................................      4,849      7,776     (1,700)
    Gains on sales of property, plant and equipment..............................       (859)    (1,108)     3,623
    Equity in (earnings) losses of joint ventures................................       (272)     2,139      3,061
    Gains from benefit plan curtailment and plan changes.........................    (13,626)   (17,080)
    Other noncash charges........................................................                   158
    Loss on sale of assets of discontinued operations, net of tax benefit........                 1,205
    Changes in assets and liabilities (net of effects of acquired businesses):
      Accounts and notes receivable..............................................     13,187     (8,923)     9,439
      Inventories................................................................     (1,533)   (55,157)    55,454
      Margin deposits............................................................     (3,388)    (9,361)       215
      Other assets...............................................................      4,745     (6,069)     2,924
      Accounts payable...........................................................      5,315      1,495     (8,924)
      Customer deposits..........................................................     (6,666)     2,304        795
      Other liabilities..........................................................     (3,563)    (8,837)    (1,207)
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
        Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities......................     22,870    (54,423)    93,421
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  Proceeds from sales of assets of discontinued operations.......................     --          2,705      1,138
  Purchases of investments.......................................................   (100,213)  (173,967)  (166,866)
  Sales of investments...........................................................    159,847    199,965    189,176
  Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment...........................      3,706      4,152
  Capital expenditures...........................................................    (30,940)   (21,980)   (16,635)
  Loans made.....................................................................    (25,755)    (9,549)    (4,649)
  Loan repayments received.......................................................     21,512      6,912      4,714
  Investments in joint ventures..................................................     (1,100)      (401)    (4,864)
  Distributions from joint ventures..............................................        676      1,536
  Business acquisitions - net of cash acquired...................................    (16,755)   (19,293)   (24,437)
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
    Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities..........................     10,978     (9,920)   (22,423)
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from long-term borrowings.............................................     20,000     30,522     11,957
  Reductions of long-term debt...................................................    (13,238)    (6,907)      (136)
  Net (payments) borrowings under line-of-credit agreements......................       (491)    53,699    (41,233)
  Purchases of treasury stock....................................................    (10,040)   (27,113)    (2,589)
  Dividends paid.................................................................    (13,990)   (14,852)   (15,558)
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities..........................    (17,759)    35,349    (47,559)
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
 
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS.............................     16,089    (28,994)    23,439
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR.....................................      4,151     33,145      9,706
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR...........................................  $  20,240  $   4,151  $  33,145
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                                   ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>
                 MOORMAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
         YEARS ENDED MARCH 29, 1997, MARCH 30, 1996 AND MARCH 25, 1995
 
                          (DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN MILLIONS)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
1.  SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
    ORGANIZATION - Moorman Manufacturing Company and its subsidiaries (the
"Company") process     and blend agricultural commodities. The Company owns and
operates facilities that:
 
    - Manufacture livestock feed
 
    - Crush and market soybeans and related meal and oil; and
 
    - Store, process and grade edible beans. The Company sells a broad range of
      products to a diverse base of international and domestic customers.
 
   PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION - The consolidated financial statements include
   the accounts of Moorman Manufacturing Company and its subsidiaries, all of
   which are wholly-owned. All significant intercompany transactions and
   balances have been eliminated. Investments in joint ventures are accounted
   for under the equity method. During 1997, 1996, 1995, the Company entered
   into various transactions to purchase stock or certain assets of other
   businesses (see Note 9). These transactions were accounted for as purchases.
   Accordingly, the costs of the acquisitions were allocated to the assets
   acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values at the
   dates of the acquisitions. The results of operations of the acquired
   businesses since their dates of acquisition are included in the accompanying
   consolidated financial statements.
 
   FISCAL YEAR-END - The Company's fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in
   March. There were fifty-two weeks in fiscal years 1997 and 1995 and
   fifty-three weeks in fiscal year 1996.
 
   RECLASSIFICATIONS - Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to
   conform with the current year presentation.
 
   USE OF ESTIMATES - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
   generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
   estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
   liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date
   of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
   during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
   estimates.
 
   FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT - The carrying amounts of investment
   securities, accounts and notes receivable and payable and long-term debt
   approximate their fair values, as determined based upon quoted market prices
   where available or current market rates for instruments with similar terms
   and maturities.
 
   CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK - The Company sells on credit to a diverse
   customer base. Credit limits, ongoing credit evaluation and account
   monitoring procedures are utilized to minimize the risk of loss. The Company
   does not anticipate any losses from concentration of credit in excess of
   provisions currently recorded.
 
   REVENUE RECOGNITION - Revenue is recognized at the date of shipment or
   delivery based upon the terms of individual sales agreements.
 
   CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - Cash and cash equivalents include cash, time
   deposits, money market investments and all short-term investments with
   original maturities of three months or less.
 
   INVESTMENTS - The Company has the intent and ability to hold its investment
   securities to maturity and, accordingly, accounts for these securities using
   the amortized cost method.
 
   MARGIN DEPOSITS - Margin deposits represent cash held at commodity brokers as
   collateral on certain transactions.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>
   INVENTORIES - Agricultural commodities are generally stated at market. Open
   commodity forward and futures contracts are also stated at market, reduced by
   applicable provisions for commitment and performance risk. The Company
   generally hedges its commodities transactions to minimize risk due to market
   fluctuations. Inventories related to livestock feed operations are stated at
   the lower of average cost or market and inventories of edible beans are
   stated at the lower of cost, determined by the first-in, first-out method, or
   market.
 
   PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - Property, plant and equipment are stated at
   cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using primarily
   the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives (3 years to 39
   years) of the related assets. The Company capitalizes internal use computer
   software costs including external purchases of software, consulting and other
   professional fees incurred for services provided by third parties, and
   payroll-related costs for employee time spent directly on software projects.
 
   GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS - The excess of the purchase price over
   the fair value of net assets of businesses acquired is amortized on a
   straight-line basis principally over forty years. The Company periodically
   reviews goodwill and other intangible assets to assess recoverability.
   Impairments are recognized in operations if the expected future operating
   cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) derived from such
   intangible assets are less than carrying values.
 
   INCOME TAXES - Deferred income taxes are determined using an asset and
   liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and
   liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been
   recognized in the Company's financial statements or tax returns.
 
2.  INVESTMENTS
 
    Short-term and long term investments consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                1997       1996
                                                                              ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                           <C>        <C>
  Short-term investments:
    State and local government securities...................................  $     2.6  $    25.8
    Treasury bills..........................................................        0.3       10.4
    Commercial paper........................................................                   2.0
                                                                              ---------  ---------
      Total short-term investments..........................................  $     2.9  $    38.2
                                                                              ---------  ---------
                                                                              ---------  ---------
  Long-term investments (maturing through 2001):
    State and local government securities...................................  $     6.3  $    31.2
    Other...................................................................        3.8        3.9
                                                                              ---------  ---------
      Total long-term investments...........................................  $    10.1  $    35.1
                                                                              ---------  ---------
                                                                              ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
   The market value of the investment portfolio approximates carrying value at
   March 29, 1997 and March 20, 1996.
 
   During 1997 and 1996, securities with carrying values totaling $35.1 and
   $65.9, respectively, were sold prior to maturity for a new (loss) gain of
   $(.2) and $.3, respectively. These securities were liquidated to finance
   unanticipated cash needs primarily related to business acquisitions and
   treasury stock purchases. Cost of securities for calculating realized gains
   and losses is determined using the specific identification basis.
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>
3.  INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             1997       1996
                                                                           ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                        <C>        <C>
    Finished products....................................................  $   144.0  $    86.9
    Raw materials........................................................       68.6      104.0
    Livestock............................................................       19.3       14.3
    Other................................................................        4.7        8.9
                                                                           ---------  ---------
      Total..............................................................  $   236.6  $   214.1
                                                                           ---------  ---------
                                                                           ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
4.  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
    Major classifications of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            1997       1996
                                                                          ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                       <C>        <C>
    Land................................................................  $     8.3  $     8.1
    Buildings and improvements..........................................       71.3       64.8
    Machinery and equipment.............................................      192.8      170.0
    Vehicles............................................................       16.9       17.3
    Purchased software and system development costs.....................        9.9
    Other...............................................................       10.4       10.1
    Held for disposal...................................................                   0.8
                                                                          ---------  ---------
      Total.............................................................      309.6      271.1
 
    Accumulated depreciation............................................     (178.5)    (170.2)
    Construction in progress............................................        3.9        4.0
 
      Net property, plant and equipment.................................  $   135.0  $   104.9
                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                          ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
5.  INCOME TAXES
 
    The components of the provision (benefit) for taxes on income from
continuing operations are:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1997       1996       1995
                                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                    <C>        <C>        <C>
  Current:
    Federal..........................................................  $    (1.6) $    (3.5) $     5.3
    State............................................................       (0.3)      (0.4)       1.4
                                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                            (1.9)      (3.9)       6.7
                                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
 
  Deferred:
    Federal..........................................................        5.0        7.0       (1.8)
    State............................................................        0.3        0.8        0.1
                                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                             5.3        7.8       (1.7)
                                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
      Total..........................................................  $     3.4  $     3.9  $     5.0
                                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>
   Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities
   are:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                1997       1996
                                                                              ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                           <C>        <C>
Deferred tax assets:
  Postretirement benefits...................................................  $    12.7  $    18.3
  Non-deductible reserves...................................................        6.9        4.2
  Other.....................................................................        5.8        5.4
                                                                              ---------  ---------
                                                                                   25.4       27.9
                                                                              ---------  ---------
Deferred tax liabilities:
  Depreciation..............................................................       19.6       16.1
  Other.....................................................................        0.7        1.4
                                                                              ---------  ---------
                                                                                   20.3       17.5
                                                                              ---------  ---------
  Net deferred tax assets...................................................  $     5.1  $    10.4
                                                                              ---------  ---------
                                                                              ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
   The Company believes it is more likely than not to realize the deferred tax
   assets and, accordingly, no valuation allowance has been provided.
 
   The difference between the U.S. Federal statutory rate and the Company's
   effective tax rate is reconciled below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    1997       1996       1995
                                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                               <C>        <C>        <C>
U.S. Federal tax rate...........................................       35.0%      35.0%      35.0%
State income tax, net of federal income tax benefit.............        1.9        1.2        5.1
Foreign sales corporation benefit...............................       (2.8)      (3.8)      (6.8)
Tax exempt interest.............................................       (4.8)      (4.1)      (8.1)
Research and experimentation credits............................                 (11.0)
Other...........................................................        4.0       (1.5)       2.6
                                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------
Effective tax rate..............................................       33.3%      15.8%      27.8%
                                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                  ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
6.  EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT BENEFITS
 
   RETIREMENT PLANS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS - The Company has various
   defined benefit and contribution plans covering virtually all of its
   employees. The Company's policy is to annually fund at least the minimum
   amount required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
   (ERISA). The estimated cost of retiree health care and life insurance benefit
   payments is accrued during the employee's active service life.
 
   PENSION BENEFITS - Effective December 31, 1995, a defined benefit pension
   plan sponsored by the Company covering substantially all employees was
   amended to freeze existing benefits, cease
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>
   further benefit accruals and fully vest each participant. After December 31,
   1995, no new participants will enter the plan. This curtailment resulted in a
   pre-tax gain of $6.8 in 1996. The actuarial present value of accumulated plan
   benefits and net assets available for benefits for all plans is:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                1997       1996
                                                                              ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                           <C>        <C>
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
  Vested....................................................................  $    87.4  $    90.4
  Nonvested.................................................................     --         --
Accumulated benefit obligation                                                     87.4       90.4
Effect of increases in future compensation levels...........................        2.3        2.1
Projected benefit obligation................................................       89.7       92.5
Plan assets at fair value, principally invested in an unallocated group
  annuity contract..........................................................       85.6       88.6
    Deficit of plan assets under the projected benefit obligation...........       (4.1)      (3.9)
Unrecognized net transition asset                                                  (1.7)      (1.9)
Unrecognized loss from experience...........................................        5.3        5.1
Unrecognized prior service cost.............................................        0.9        1.0
Minimum pension liability adjustment........................................       (0.7)      (1.5)
Accrued pension liability...................................................  $    (0.3) $    (1.2)
</TABLE>
 
       Net periodic pension expense is comprised of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1997       1996       1995
                                                                     ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                  <C>        <C>        <C>
        Service cost for benefits earned...........................  $     0.3  $     2.2  $     2.8
        Interest costs on the projected benefit obligation.........        6.7        6.7        6.4
        Actual return on plan assets...............................       (5.3)     (11.6)      (6.9)
        Net amortizations and deferral.............................       (1.6)       4.9        0.5
                                                                     ---------  ---------  ---------
        Net pension expense (excluding curtailment gain in 1996)...  $     0.1  $     2.2  $     2.8
                                                                     ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                     ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
          Actuarial assumptions used to calculate the net pension expense are as
          follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  1997           1996       1995
                                                            -----------------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                         <C>                <C>        <C>
Discount rate.............................................        7.5%              8.0%       8.0%
Expected return on assets.................................        8.0%              8.0%       8.0%
Expected increase in compensation levels..................   Not applicable         5.5%       5.5%
</TABLE>
 
   For certain plans, the Company recorded a minimum pension liability in 1997
   and 1996 of $.7 and $1.5, respectively, representing the excess of the
   accumulated benefit obligations over plan assets and accrued pension costs
   for those plans. Corresponding amounts are included in intangible assets.
 
   PROFIT SHARING - Substantially all employees are eligible to participate in
   the Company's profit sharing plan after approximately one year of service.
   The Company makes contributions to the profit sharing plan in accordance with
   the provisions of the plan. The profit sharing plan expense totaled $1.4,
   $1.2 and $3.9 for the years ended 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
   The profit sharing plan was amended effective January 1, 1995 to permit
   employees to elect income deferrals prescribed in Internal Revenue Code
   401(k). The Company provides matching contributions at a rate of $.25 per
   dollar on the participant's elective deferrals up to 6% of the participant's
   earnings. Company matching contributions to this plan were $.6 and $.1 in
   1997 and 1996, respectively. No elective deferrals or employer matches were
   made in 1995.
 
   OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS - The Company also provides certain health
   care and life insurance benefits for retired employees. Effective January 1,
   1996, the Company initiated a change to be phased-in over a three-year period
   after which retirees will pay the full cost of the health care and life
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>
   insurance benefits. This plan change significantly reduced the Company's
   obligations under the plan and resulted in a negative prior service cost
   being established as of December 31, 1995. This negative prior service cost
   is being amortized over the three-year period during which the plan change is
   phased in. Additionally, the plan was amended to allow only employees
   eligible for retirement prior to January 1, 1996 to participate. This
   curtailment resulted in a pre-tax gain of $10.3 in 1996. The Company retains
   the right to make further changes or terminate these benefits.
 
      Other postretirement benefit cost is comprised of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1997       1996       1995
                                                                     ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                  <C>        <C>        <C>
Interest cost......................................................  $     0.3  $     3.1  $     3.8
Service cost.......................................................                   0.6        0.9
Amortization of negative prior service cost........................      (13.4)      (3.6)
Net amortization and deferrals.....................................       (0.2)                 (0.3)
                                                                     ---------  ---------  ---------
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (excluding curtailment
  gain in 1996)....................................................  $   (13.3) $     0.1  $     4.4
                                                                     ---------  ---------  ---------
                                                                     ---------  ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
   The accrued postretirement benefit liability includes the following
components:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                1997       1996
                                                                              ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                           <C>        <C>
Actuarial present value of postretirement benefit obligations:
Retirees....................................................................  $     3.0  $     5.2
Fully eligible active plan participants.....................................        0.3        0.4
Other active plan participants..............................................        0.3        0.4
                                                                              ---------  ---------
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation...............................        3.6        6.0
Unrecognized prior service cost.............................................       23.6       37.1
Unrecognized net gain.......................................................        0.7     --
                                                                              ---------  ---------
Accrued postretirement liability............................................       27.9       43.1
Less current portion........................................................        1.8        3.8
                                                                              ---------  ---------
Noncurrent liability........................................................  $    26.1  $    39.3
                                                                              ---------  ---------
                                                                              ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
   The accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was based on discount rates
   for 1997 and 1996 of 7.5%. The health care cost trend rate used was 9.5% and
   11.6% for 1997 and 1996, respectively, decreasing each year through 2003 to
   an ultimate rate of 6 percent. A one-percent increase in the assumed health
   care cost trend rate would not have had a material effect on the accumulated
   benefit obligation or postretirement benefit expense for 1997 for 1996.
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>
7. LONG-TERM DEBT AND CREDIT ARRANGEMENTS
 
       Long-term consists of:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                1997       1996
                                                                              ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                           <C>        <C>
7.5% installment notes to former shareholders of Agri Sales, Inc. Interest
 payable quarterly. Principal repayment in five annual installments through
 2001.......................................................................  $     9.6  $    12.0
8.0% installment notes to former shareholders of Wm. Mueller & Sons, Inc.
 Interest payable quarterly. Principal repayment in five annual installments
 through 2001...............................................................        3.6        4.8
7.0% installment notes to former shareholders of Gormley & Company.Interest
 payable quarterly. Principal repayment in six annual installments through
 2002.......................................................................       15.6
7.125% installment notes to former shareholders of Wruble Elevator, Inc.
 Interest payable quarterly. Principal repayment in six annual installments
 through 2002...............................................................        2.2
Long-term debt supported by revolving credit agreements with banks..........       27.0       27.0
Other long-term debt........................................................        0.1        0.8
                                                                              ---------  ---------
  Total.....................................................................       58.1       44.6
Less current portion........................................................       (4.4)      (3.5)
                                                                              ---------  ---------
Long-term debt..............................................................  $    53.7  $    41.1
                                                                              ---------  ---------
                                                                              ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
   At March 31, 1997 and 1996, Quincy Soybean Co. a wholly-owned consolidated
   subsidiary, and its wholly-owned subsidiary Quincy Soybean Co. of Arkansas
   had agreements with various banks for unsecured lines of credit totaling
   approximately $175.0 and $140.0, respectively. Except for $85.0 which is
   committed through February 18, 2002, these bank lines are generally
   uncommitted. At March 31, 1997 and 1996, $63.4 and $59.8, respectively, was
   outstanding under these agreements, including $20.0 of long-term debt.
 
   In January 1996, Quincy Soybean Company entered into a five-year interest
   rate exchange agreement, commonly called an interest rate swap, to fix the
   LIBOR rate at 5.43% on the $20.0 of long-term debt borrowed under the
   five-year bank revolving credit agreement. The Company may borrow under the
   credit agreement at LIBOR plus .22% to .30%. The Company terminated this
   agreement during April 1997 and received a cash payment of $.9. This amount
   will be recognized as a reduction of interest expense over the remaining term
   of the related debt instrument.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>
    At March 31, 1997 and 1996, Agri Sales, Inc., a wholly-owned consolidated
    subsidiary, had agreements with a bank for lines of credit totaling $90.0
    and $65.0, respectively, which are guaranteed by Moorman Manufacturing
    Company. A total of $65.0 under these lines of credit is committed through
    December 22, 2000. The additional $25.0 in 1997 is uncommitted and expires
    in June 1997. At March 31, 1997 and 1996 long-term debt of $7.0 is borrowed
    under these agreements at a rate of 5.95%. In addition, short-term
    borrowings outstanding under the line of credit agreements total $63.5 and
    $47.7 at March 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
    The Company and its subsidiaries generally may borrow short-term under its
    lines of credit at a rate approximating LIBOR plus .25%. Certain of the
    credit agreements require satisfaction of certain financial covenants by the
    Company and its subsidiaries, the most restrictive of which are minimum net
    worth requirements.
 
8.  JOINT VENTURES
 
    The Company is a participant in several joint venture arrangements.
    ContiQuincyBunge, LLC operates as an exporter of soybean meal and related
    products. C&T Quincy, L.L.C. refines and packages vegetable oils. Associated
    Feed Blenders, L.L.C. grinds and blends livestock feeds and related
    products. P.G. Lecithin markets lecithin and related products. C&T Quincy
    Foods of Portland holds property and storage facilities. The Company sells
    materials and products to certain of these joint ventures, at prevailing
    market prices, and has also provided unconditional guarantees for its
    pro-rata share of working capital financing arrangements of certain of the
    joint ventures. The following table summarizes information related to those
    joint venture arrangements with significant related party transactions or
    balances.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  CONTIQUINCYBUNGE, LLC   C&T QUINCY, L.L.C.
                                                 -----------------------  -------------------
<S>                                              <C>                      <C>
TYPE AND PERCENT OWNERSHIP                          33% MEMBER SHARE       50% MEMBER SHARE
Investments in joint ventures:
  1997.........................................         $     1.4              $    16.4
  1996.........................................         $     0.8              $    17.1
Equity in earnings (losses) of joint ventures:
  1997.........................................         $     0.6              $    (0.7)
  1996.........................................         $     0.3              $    (3.0)
  1995.........................................         $     0.8              $    (4.5)
Receivables from joint ventures:
  1997.........................................         $  --                  $     1.0
  1996.........................................         $     0.4              $     6.8
Payables to joint ventures:
  1997.........................................         $     0.2              $  --
  1996.........................................         $     0.4              $  --
Sales to joint ventures:
  1997.........................................         $   336.0              $   107.2
  1996.........................................         $   223.1              $   106.0
  1995.........................................         $   253.8              $   111.0
Pro-Rata share of outstanding debt of Joint
 Ventures guaranteed at March 31, 1997.........         $    21.0              $    23.3
Maximum authorized guarantee of joint venture
 obligations at March 31, 1997.................         $    25.0              $    25.0
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>
    The following table presents summarized financial information of
    ContiQuincyBunge, LLC and C&T Quincy, L.L.C. as of and for the year ended
    March 31, 1997:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      CONTIQUINCYBUNGE,
                                                             LLC           C&T QUINCY, L.L.C.
                                                     --------------------  -------------------
<S>                                                  <C>                   <C>
  Current assets...................................       $     75.8            $    43.9
  Total assets.....................................       $     75.8            $    83.7
  Current liabilities..............................       $     71.3            $    51.0
  Total liabilities................................       $     71.3            $    51.0
  Sales............................................       $    815.9            $   202.5
  Net income (loss)................................       $      1.8            $    (1.5)
</TABLE>
 
9.  BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
 
    During 1997 and 1996, the Company acquired the outstanding common stock or
    certain net assets of several processors of edible beans through its Agri
    Sales, Inc. subsidiary which was acquired during 1995. The consolidated
    operations of the Company include the operations of the acquirees from their
    acquisition dates. Prior year financial statements have not been restated
    because of the insignificance of the related amounts. Information concerning
    these acquisitions is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  TOTAL ACQUISITION
ACQUIRED                                     DATE OF ACQUISITION        COSTS         GOODWILL
- -------------------------------------------  -------------------  -----------------  -----------
<S>                                          <C>                  <C>                <C>
Agri Sales, Inc.                             November 1994            $    24.4       $     9.1
Wm. Mueller & Son, Inc.                      April 1995                     7.5             4.6
Sacramento Valley Milling                    February 1996                 11.7          --
Auburn Bean & Grain                          September 1996                 4.0          --
Gormley & Company, Inc., Snake River Bean    September 1996                20.9            16.1
 and Red River Bean
Wruble Elevator, Inc.                        January 1997                   3.6             1.1
</TABLE>
 
    As described in Note 7, the Company issued installment notes to former
    shareholders of certain of these acquired businesses in connection with
    these acquisitions.
 
10. RESTRUCTURING AND CLOSURE CHARGES
 
    Restructuring and closure charges in 1996 of $1.9 relate primarily to a
    management decision to reduce headcount within the Corporate office,
    outsource the Company's dairy research operations, and write down current
    software being utilized by the business that will be replaced by new
    technology. All charges were paid by the end of March 31, 1997.
    Restructuring and closure charges in 1995 of $4.9 relate primarily to a
    management decision to outsource its information processing systems. The
    initial charge to outsource the Company's information systems was $2.3.
    Additionally, the Company incurred $1.1 in costs to design new order
    fulfillment processes. The remainder of the $4.9 charge related to severance
    payments to a select group of manufacturing employees and costs to dispose
    of facilities no longer used.
 
11. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
 
    The Company completed a transaction on November 20, 1995 in which it sold
    substantially all the assets of the wholly-owned subsidiary, Quincy Design &
    Manufacturing, Inc. ("QDM"). The selling price of $2.7 was received in cash.
    The consolidated financial statements for 1995 have been restated to reflect
    the operation of QDM as discontinued operations.
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>
    QDM operated as a manufacturer of livestock equipment including feeders,
    gates and penning facilities used for livestock in confinement. The Company
    also performed other custom metal fabrication. Assets sold include land,
    building, equipment and inventory. The earnings (losses) recorded consist of
    the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1997       1996       1995
                                                                       ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                    <C>        <C>        <C>
(Loss) from sale of assets...........................................  $  --      $    (1.9) $  --
Earnings (losses) from operations....................................        0.2       (0.6)       0.1
                                                                       ---------  ---------        ---
Earnings (losses) before income tax benefit..........................        0.2       (2.5)       0.1
                                                                            (0.1)       0.9
                                                                       ---------  ---------        ---
Income (loss) from discontinued operations...........................  $     0.1  $    (1.6) $     0.1
                                                                       ---------  ---------        ---
</TABLE>
 
12. LITIGATION AND OTHER MATTERS
 
    The Company is involved in various legal and environmental matters,
    incidental to the conduct of its business. While the ultimate results of
    these matters presently cannot be determined, management, based on
    consultation with counsel, does not expect that the resolution of such
    matters will have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of
    operations or financial position.
 
13. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 
    Supplemental cash flow information is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          1997       1996       1995
                                                                        ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                     <C>        <C>        <C>
CASH PAID FOR:
  Interest............................................................  $     7.3  $     3.2  $     1.9
  Income taxes........................................................  $     6.4  $     9.3  $     2.7
CASH RECEIVED FOR:
  Interest............................................................  $     5.4  $     8.5  $     6.7
  Income taxes........................................................  $    11.3  $  --      $  --
</TABLE>
 
14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
    Subsequent to year-end, management became aware of thefts by employees and
    third parties at its Helena, Arkansas soybean processing facility. Although
    the investigation is still continuing, management believes these thefts
    occurred over approximately a 2 1/2 year period and involve approximately
    $2.3. The impact of these thefts on the Company's financial statements
    reduced gross margins from those that would have otherwise been reflected
    during the periods of the theft. Management has notified the Company's
    fidelity insurance carrier of the occurrence and the related claim is
    pending. On September 12, 1997, the Company entered into an agreement and
    plan of merger with Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM) whereby each share
    of MMC common stock issued and outstanding as of the effective date of the
    merger shall be converted into the right to receive ADM shares at a number
    based upon a specified conversion ratio. In connection with this
    transaction, the Company will recognize expenses of approximately $4 related
    to the immediate vesting of grants under a restricted stock unit plan with
    officers and directors as specified by the change of control provisions of
    that plan. In addition, the Company has change-of-control agreements with
    certain officers which provide that in the event of a change-of-control of
    MMC, if either MMC terminates the executive's employment other than for
    cause or if the executive terminates his or her employment for "good
    reason," certain benefits will be paid.
 
                                    * * * * * *
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>
                         MOORMAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                             --------------------
                                                                                             JUNE 28,   JUNE 29,
                                                                                               1997       1996
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
                                                                                                (IN THOUSANDS,
                                                                                             EXCEPT SHARE AND PER
                                                                                                SHARE AMOUNTS)
<S>                                                                                          <C>        <C>
Net Sales..................................................................................    252,215    245,968
Cost of Sales..............................................................................    229,480    223,009
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
Gross Profit...............................................................................     22,735     22,959
Selling, General & Administrative Expenses.................................................     24,326     24,991
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
Loss from Operations.......................................................................     (1,591)    (2,032)
Other Income (Expense).....................................................................     (2,040)      (647)
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
Loss Before Income Taxes...................................................................     (3,631)     2,679)
Income Taxes...............................................................................     (1,339)    (1,527)
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
Net Loss from Continuing Operations........................................................     (2,292)    (1,152)
Discontinued Operations....................................................................          0         (2)
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
Net Loss...................................................................................     (2,292)    (1,154)
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
                                                                                             ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
           See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>
                         MOORMAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY
                     CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                             ------------------------
                                                                                              JUNE 28,     JUNE 29,
                                                                                                1997         1996
                                                                                             -----------  -----------
                                                                                                  (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                          <C>          <C>
                                                       ASSETS
Current Assets
  Cash & cash equivalents..................................................................      14,323        8,761
  Short-term investments...................................................................       2,110       22,926
  Margin deposits..........................................................................        (272)       7,194
  Receivables..............................................................................      66,909       65,038
  Inventories..............................................................................     172,095      162,574
  Prepaid Income taxes.....................................................................       9,768        9,623
  Prepaid expenses.........................................................................       1,795        1,602
  Deferred income tax benefits.............................................................       9,308        8,600
                                                                                             -----------  -----------
  Total Current Assets.....................................................................     276,036      286,318
Noncurrent assets
  Notes receivable.........................................................................       7,727        3,638
  Investment in joint ventures.............................................................      20,307       20,426
  Long-term investments....................................................................       8,171       39,208
  Deferred income tax benefits.............................................................           0          498
  Goodwill and other intangible assets.....................................................      31,274       13,686
  Other assets.............................................................................       3,205        2,282
                                                                                             -----------  -----------
                                                                                                 70,684       79,636
Property, Plant & Equipment
  Land.....................................................................................       6,339        8,140
  Buildings................................................................................      71,042       65,342
  Machinery & equipment....................................................................     205,575      188,192
  Construction in progress.................................................................      19,369       10,115
  Other....................................................................................      10,302       10,887
  Less allowance for depreciation..........................................................    (180,634)    (173,647)
                                                                                             -----------  -----------
  Net Property, Plant & Equipment..........................................................     133,993      109,009
TOTAL ASSETS...............................................................................     480,713      474,963
                                                                                             -----------  -----------
                                                                                             -----------  -----------
 
                                         LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
  Accounts payable.........................................................................      39,784       33,160
  Short-term debt..........................................................................      44,807       39,158
  Current maturities of long-term debt.....................................................       3,984        3,625
  Dividends payable........................................................................           0        1,408
  Customer deposits........................................................................       7,543       13,863
  Accrued compensation.....................................................................       7,039        8,388
  Other accrued expenses...................................................................      13,244       10,587
  Taxes other than income..................................................................       1,371        1,349
                                                                                             -----------  -----------
  Total Current Liabilities................................................................     117,772      109,538
Noncurrent Liabilities
  Long-term debt...........................................................................      53,200       37,415
  Accrued pension & postretirement benefits................................................      25,338       41,144
  Deferred income taxes....................................................................       6,540            0
  Other liabilities........................................................................       5,328          366
                                                                                             -----------  -----------
  Total noncurrent liabilities.............................................................      90,404       78,925
  Total Liabilities........................................................................     208,176      188,483
Stockholders' Equity
  Common stock.............................................................................          70           70
  Retained earnings........................................................................     313,644      320,242
  Less:treasury stock......................................................................     (41,177)     (33,812)
                                                                                             -----------  -----------
  Total Stockholders' Equity...............................................................     272,537      286,500
TOTAL LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY...................................................     480,713      474,963
                                                                                             -----------  -----------
                                                                                             -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
           See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>
                         MOORMAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY
 
                CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                         ------------------------
                                                                                          JUNE 28,     JUNE 29,
                                                                                            1997         1996
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
                                                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                                      <C>          <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income/(loss)....................................................................      (2,292)      (1,154)
  Adjustments needed to reconcile to cash flows from operating activities:
    Depreciation & amortization........................................................       4,220        3,723
    Provision for losses on accounts and notes receivable - net........................         463          278
    Provision for deferred income taxes................................................       2,304        1,324
    (Gain)/Loss on sales of property, plant and equipment..............................         836          (29)
    Equity in losses of joint ventures.................................................         244          104
    Gains from benefit plan changes....................................................      (3,339)      (3,335)
    Changes in assets and liabilities:
      Accounts and notes receivable....................................................       4,452        8,749
      Inventories......................................................................      64,530       51,519
      Margin deposits..................................................................      15,316        4,460
      Other assets.....................................................................      (2,729)      (4,702)
      Accounts payable.................................................................     (20,478)      (9,738)
      Customer Deposits................................................................       2,701        8,539
      Other liabilities................................................................         264        2,186
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
  Net cash provided by operating activities............................................      66,492       61,924
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Purchases of investments.............................................................      (8,000)     (12,137)
  Sales of investments.................................................................      10,680       23,366
  Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment..................................       2,510           36
  Capital expenditures.................................................................      (6,168)      (7,760)
  Loans made...........................................................................     (10,801)      (1,631)
  Loan repayments received.............................................................       8,295        2,245
  Investments in joint ventures........................................................         (75)           0
  Distributions from joint ventures....................................................         750            0
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
  Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities..................................      (2,809)       4,121
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Net (payments) under line-of-credit agreements.......................................     (62,164)     (48,304)
  Reduction of long-term debt..........................................................        (864)      (3,636)
  Purchase of treasury stock...........................................................           0       (2,675)
  Dividends paid.......................................................................      (6,572)      (6,820)
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
  Net cash used in financing activities................................................     (69,600)     (61,435)
 
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH & CASH EQUIVALENTS:....................................      (5,917)       4,610
 
CASH & CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD...........................................      20,240        4,151
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
CASH & CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD.................................................      14,323        8,761
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
                                                                                         -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
                See notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>
                         MOORMAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY
        NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
     QUARTERS ENDED JUNE 28, 1997 AND JUNE 29, 1996 (AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
 
1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
    The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have
    been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
    for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form S-4 and
    Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the
    information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting
    principles for complete financial statements.
 
    In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal
    recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been
    included. Operating results for the quarters ended June 28, 1997 are not
    necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal
    year ending March 28, 1998. For further information, refer to the
    consolidated financial statements of the Company and footnotes thereto for
    the year ended March 29, 1997 included in this Registration Statement.
 
2.  INVENTORIES
 
    Inventories consist of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         1997         1996
                                                                      -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                   <C>          <C>
Finished products...................................................  $    97,479  $    64,741
Raw materials.......................................................       54,357       78,945
Livestock...........................................................       15,228       13,462
Other...............................................................        5,031        5,426
                                                                      -----------  -----------
  Total.............................................................  $   172,095  $   162,574
                                                                      -----------  -----------
                                                                      -----------  -----------
</TABLE>
 
3.  OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
 
    Other income (expense) consists of the following:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            1997       1996
                                                                          ---------  ---------
<S>                                                                       <C>        <C>
Interest income.........................................................  $     929  $   1,334
Interest expense........................................................     (2,123)    (1,998)
Gain (loss) on sale of assets...........................................       (839)        28
Other...................................................................         (7)       (11)
                                                                          ---------  ---------
  Total.................................................................  $  (2,040) $    (647)
                                                                          ---------  ---------
                                                                          ---------  ---------
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT A
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
                                     AMONG
                         MOORMAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY,
                             ADM ACQUISITION CORP.
                                      AND
                         ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
                         DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 12, 1997
 
                 ---------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  TABLE OF CONTENTS
<S>                                                                                    <C>
ARTICLE I  THE MERGER................................................................        A-1
  1.1 The Merger.....................................................................        A-1
  1.2 Effective Time of the Merger...................................................        A-1
  1.3 Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws...........................................        A-2
  1.4 Directors and Officers.........................................................        A-2
  1.5 Tax Treatment..................................................................        A-2
 
ARTICLE II  CONVERSION OF SHARES.....................................................        A-2
  2.1 Exchange Ratio.................................................................        A-2
  2.2 Exchange of Shares.............................................................        A-2
  2.3 Dividends; Transfer Taxes......................................................        A-3
  2.4 No Fractional Securities.......................................................        A-3
  2.5 Closing of Transfer Books......................................................        A-3
  2.6 Closing........................................................................        A-4
  2.7 Supplementary Action...........................................................        A-4
 
ARTICLE III  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ADM AND ADMAC.........................        A-5
  3.1 Organization...................................................................        A-5
  3.2 Capitalization.................................................................        A-5
  3.3 Authority Relative to this Agreement...........................................        A-6
  3.4 Consents and Approvals; No Violations..........................................        A-6
  3.5 Reports and Financial Statements...............................................        A-7
  3.6 Absence of Certain Changes or Events...........................................        A-7
  3.7 Information in Registration Statement..........................................        A-7
  3.8 Litigation.....................................................................        A-7
  3.9 Employee Benefit Plans.........................................................        A-7
  3.10 Taxes.........................................................................        A-8
  3.11 Compliance With Applicable Law................................................        A-8
  3.12 Section 203 of the DGCL Not Applicable........................................        A-8
  3.13 Ownership of MMC Shares.......................................................        A-8
 
ARTICLE IV  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF MMC....................................        A-9
  4.1 Organization...................................................................        A-9
  4.2 Capitalization.................................................................        A-9
  4.3 Authority Relative to this Agreement...........................................        A-9
  4.4 Consents and Approvals; No Violations..........................................       A-10
  4.5 Financial Statements...........................................................       A-10
  4.6 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities.............................................       A-10
  4.7 Absence of Certain Changes or Events...........................................       A-11
  4.8 Information in Registration Statement..........................................       A-11
  4.9 Litigation.....................................................................       A-11
  4.10 Employee Benefit Plans........................................................       A-11
  4.11 Taxes.........................................................................       A-12
  4.12 Compliance With Applicable Law................................................       A-12
  4.13 Labor Matters.................................................................       A-12
  4.14 Title to Assets...............................................................       A-12
  4.15 Intellectual Property.........................................................       A-13
  4.16 Contract, Leases and Agreements...............................................       A-13
  4.17 Environmental Matters.........................................................       A-15
  4.18 Insurance.....................................................................       A-16
  4.19 Books and Records.............................................................       A-16
  4.20 Employees.....................................................................       A-16
  4.21 Section 5/11.75 of the IBCA Not Applicable....................................       A-16
</TABLE>
 
                                       i
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  TABLE OF CONTENTS
<S>                                                                                    <C>
  4.22 Ownership of ADM Shares.......................................................       A-16
  4.23 Corporate Records.............................................................       A-16
  4.24 Opinion of Financial Advisor..................................................       A-17
  4.25 No Existing Discussions.......................................................       A-17
 
ARTICLE V  CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER....................................       A-18
  5.1 Conduct of Business by MMC and ADM Pending the Merger..........................       A-18
  5.2 Compensation Plans.............................................................       A-19
  5.3 Current Information............................................................       A-19
  5.4 Legal Conditions to Merger.....................................................       A-19
  5.5 Voting Agreements..............................................................       A-19
  5.6 Affiliates.....................................................................       A-20
  5.7 Advice of Changes; Government Filings..........................................       A-20
 
ARTICLE VI  ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS....................................................       A-20
  6.1 Access and Information.........................................................       A-20
  6.2 Registration Statement.........................................................       A-20
  6.3 Proxy Statement; Shareholder Approval..........................................       A-20
  6.4 NYSE...........................................................................       A-21
  6.5 Antitrust Laws.................................................................       A-21
  6.6 Public Announcements...........................................................       A-21
  6.7 Expenses.......................................................................       A-21
  6.8 Certain Benefits...............................................................       A-21
  6.9 Standstill Agreement...........................................................       A-22
  6.10 Acquisition of MMC Common Stock...............................................       A-23
 
ARTICLE VII  CONDITIONS TO CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER................................       A-23
  7.1 Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the Merger.....................       A-23
  7.2 Conditions to Obligations of MMC to Effect the Merger..........................       A-24
  7.3 Conditions to Obligations of ADM and ADMAC to Effect the Merger................       A-24
 
ARTICLE VIII  TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER......................................       A-26
  8.1 Termination....................................................................       A-26
  8.2 Effect of Termination..........................................................       A-27
  8.3 Amendment......................................................................       A-27
  8.4 Indemnification................................................................       A-27
  8.5 Waiver.........................................................................       A-28
 
ARTICLE IX  GENERAL PROVISIONS.......................................................       A-28
  9.1 Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements.....................       A-28
  9.2 Brokers........................................................................       A-28
  9.3 Notices........................................................................       A-28
  9.4 Descriptive Headings...........................................................       A-29
  9.5 Entire Agreement...............................................................       A-29
  9.6 Specific Performance...........................................................       A-29
  9.7 Assignment.....................................................................       A-29
  9.8 Governing Law..................................................................       A-29
  9.9 Parties in Interest............................................................       A-29
  9.10 Counterparts..................................................................       A-29
  9.11 Validity......................................................................       A-29
  9.12 Jurisdiction and Venue........................................................       A-29
  9.13 Investigation.................................................................       A-29
  9.14 Consents......................................................................       A-30
  9.15 Knowledge.....................................................................       A-30
</TABLE>
 
                                       ii
<PAGE>
                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
 
    AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (this "Agreement"), dated as of September 12,
1997, by and among Moorman Manufacturing Company, an Illinois corporation
("MMC"), Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, a Delaware corporation ("ADM"), and ADM
Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of ADM
("ADMAC");
 
                                    RECITALS
 
    WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of ADM, ADMAC and MMC each have determined
that it is in the best interests of their respective companies and shareholders
to combine their respective businesses in a merger transaction to be effected as
set forth in this Agreement; and
 
    WHEREAS, ADM, ADMAC and MMC desire to effect the merger and the other
transactions contemplated hereby;
 
    NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the respective
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein, the
parties hereto agree as follows:
 
                                   ARTICLE I
                                   THE MERGER
 
    1.1  THE MERGER.  Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, at
the "Effective Time" (as defined in Section 1.2 hereof), MMC and ADMAC shall
consummate a merger (the "Merger") in which (i) ADMAC shall be merged with and
into MMC and the separate corporate existence of ADMAC shall thereupon cease,
(ii) MMC shall be the surviving corporation in the Merger and shall continue to
be governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, and (iii) the separate
corporate existence of MMC with all its rights, privileges, immunities, powers,
and franchises shall continue unaffected by the Merger. MMC is sometimes
referred to in this Agreement as the "Surviving Corporation". The Merger shall
have the effects set forth in this Agreement and the General Corporation Law of
the State of Delaware ("DGCL") and the Business Corporation Act of the State of
Illinois ("IBCA").
 
    1.2  EFFECTIVE TIME OF THE MERGER.  The Merger shall become effective upon
the later to occur of (a) the filing of a properly executed Certificate of
Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with
the DGCL, and (b) the filing of properly executed Articles of Merger filed with,
and the issuance of a Certificate of Merger by, the Secretary of State of the
State of Illinois in accordance with the IBCA, each of which filings shall be
made substantially simultaneously with the other and as soon as practicable
after the closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in
accordance with Section 2.6 hereof. When used in this Agreement, the term
"Effective Time" shall mean the later of the date and time at which the
Certificate of Merger is filed with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware and the Certificate of Merger is issued by the Secretary of State of
the State of Illinois.
 
    1.3  ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS.  The Articles of Incorporation
and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation shall be amended and restated as of the
Effective Time to conform substantially to the Certificate of Incorporation and
Bylaws of ADMAC, except that the name of the Surviving Corporation shall remain
"Moorman Manufacturing Company."
 
    1.4  DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.  The directors of the Surviving Corporation at
the Effective Time shall be the directors of ADMAC immediately prior to the
Effective Time, until their successors have been duly elected or appointed and
qualified or until their earlier death, resignation or removal in accordance
with the Surviving Corporation's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. The
officers of the Surviving Corporation at the Effective Time shall be the
officers of ADMAC immediately prior to the Effective Time, until their
successors have been duly elected or appointed and qualified or until their
earlier death, resignation, or removal in accordance with the Surviving
Corporation's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
    1.5  TAX TREATMENT.  For federal income tax purposes, it is intended that
the Merger shall constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and that this
Agreement and Plan of Merger shall constitute a "plan of reorganization" for
purposes of Section 368 of the Code.
 
                                   ARTICLE II
                              CONVERSION OF SHARES
 
    2.1  EXCHANGE RATIO.  At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and
without any action on the part of the holder thereof:
 
        (a) Each share (each an "MMC Share") of common stock, par value $1.00
    per share, of MMC ("MMC Common Stock"), issued and outstanding immediately
    prior to the Effective Time (other than (i) shares of MMC Common Stock held
    by shareholders who properly demand dissenters' rights in accordance with
    Section 11.70 of the IBCA and (ii) shares of MMC Common Stock held of record
    by ADM or ADMAC or any other direct or indirect subsidiary of ADM or by MMC)
    shall, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the
    holder thereof, be canceled, extinguished and converted into the right to
    receive a number of shares (each an "ADM Share") of common stock, without
    par value, of ADM ("ADM Common Stock") (rounded to the nearest share) in an
    amount equal to the quotient (the "Exchange Ratio") obtained by dividing (x)
    $5,400 (the "Base Value") by (y) an amount equal to the average (the
    "Average Price") of the closing prices of ADM Common Stock as reported on
    the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape on each of the 20 trading days
    immediately preceding the third trading day prior to the Closing Date (the
    "Pricing Period"); provided, however, that the Exchange Ratio shall be
    adjusted in the event that the shareholders' equity of MMC on the Closing
    Date is less than $265 million by reducing the Base Value by an amount equal
    to the (A) difference between $265 million and the actual "Shareholders'
    Equity" (as hereinafter defined) of MMC as of the date 15 days prior to the
    Closing Date (as set forth in the certificate provided for in Section
    7.3(d)) divided (B) by 54,770. In no event will the Base Value be less than
    $5,126.13. All such shares of MMC Common Stock shall no longer be deemed
    outstanding, shall be canceled and retired and shall cease to exist. Each
    holder of a certificate representing any such MMC Common Stock shall
    thereafter cease to have any rights with respect to such MMC Common Stock,
    other than the right to receive a number of ADM Shares according to the
    Exchange Ratio based on the number of shares of MMC Shares previously
    evidenced by such certificate upon the surrender of such certificate as
    provided herein. Each share of MMC Common Stock then held in treasury of MMC
    shall be canceled and retired, and no payment shall be made with respect
    thereto. For purposes of this Agreement, "Shareholders' Equity" shall mean
    the shareholders' equity of MMC or the Surviving Corporation, as the case
    may be, determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting
    principles, consistently applied.
 
        (b) Each share of common stock, without par value, of ADMAC issued and
    outstanding or held in the treasury immediately prior to the Effective Time
    shall be canceled and extinguished and converted into one share of common
    stock of the Surviving Corporation.
 
    2.2  EXCHANGE OF SHARES.
 
        (a) Prior to the Effective Time, ADM, ADMAC and MMC shall select and
    enter into an agreement (in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
    MMC, ADM and ADMAC) with a bank or trust company to act as exchange agent
    hereunder (the "Exchange Agent"). Immediately after the Effective Time, ADM
    and the Surviving Corporation shall make available, and each holder of MMC
    Shares will be entitled to receive, upon surrender to the Exchange Agent of
    one or more certificates representing such MMC Shares for cancellation,
    certificates representing the number of ADM Shares into which such MMC
    Shares are converted in the Merger. The ADM Shares into which the MMC Shares
    shall be converted in the Merger shall be deemed to have been issued at the
    Effective Time.
 
                                      A-2
<PAGE>
        (b) All of the certificates representing ADM Common Stock shall, upon
    delivery at Closing, be duly authorized, validly issued and outstanding,
    fully-paid, non-assessable, listed for trading on the New York Stock
    Exchange ("NYSE") and registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as
    amended (the "Securities Act").
 
        (c) As soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective Time, the
    Exchange Agent shall mail to each holder of record of a certificate or
    certificates which immediately prior to the Effective Time represented
    outstanding MMC Shares (the "MMC Certificates") whose MMC Shares were
    converted into ADM Shares pursuant to Section 2.1, (i) a letter of
    transmittal (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected, and risk
    of loss and title to the MMC Certificates shall pass, only upon delivery of
    the MMC Certificates to the Exchange Agent, and which shall be in negotiable
    form with signatures guaranteed by a national banking institution and have
    such other provisions as ADM and the Surviving Corporation may reasonably
    specify) and (ii) instructions for use in effecting the surrender of the MMC
    Certificates in exchange for certificates representing ADM Shares. Upon
    surrender of a duly executed MMC Certificate for cancellation to the
    Exchange Agent together with such letter of transmittal, the holder of such
    MMC Certificate shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor a
    certificate representing that number of whole ADM Shares which such holder
    has the right to receive in respect of the MMC Certificates surrendered
    pursuant to the provisions of this Article II.
 
        (d) In the event that any MMC Certificate shall have been lost, stolen
    or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person
    claiming such certificate to be lost, stolen or destroyed, ADM and the
    Surviving Corporation will issue or cause to be issued in exchange for such
    lost, stolen or destroyed certificate the number of ADM Shares into which
    such MMC Shares are converted in the Merger in accordance with this Article
    II. When authorizing such issuance in exchange therefor, ADM and the
    Surviving Corporation may, in their discretion and as a condition precedent
    to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed
    certificate to give ADM and the Surviving Corporation a bond in such sum as
    they may direct as indemnity, or such other form of indemnity as they shall
    direct, against any claim that may be made against ADM and the Surviving
    Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost,
    stolen or destroyed.
 
    2.3  DIVIDENDS; TRANSFER TAXES.  No dividends that are declared on ADM
Shares will be paid to persons entitled to receive certificates representing ADM
Shares until such persons surrender their MMC Certificates. Upon such surrender,
there shall be paid to the person in whose name the certificates representing
such ADM Shares shall be issued, any dividends which shall have become payable
with respect to such ADM Shares between the Effective Time and the time of such
surrender. In no event shall the person entitled to receive such dividends be
entitled to receive interest on such dividends. If any certificates for any ADM
Shares are to be issued in a name other than that in which the MMC Certificates
surrendered in exchange therefor are registered, it shall be a condition of such
exchange that the person requesting such exchange shall pay to the Exchange
Agent any transfer or other taxes required by reason of the issuance of
certificates for such ADM Shares in a name other than that of the registered
holder of the certificate surrendered, or shall establish to the satisfaction of
the Exchange Agent that such tax has been paid or is not applicable.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Exchange Agent nor any party hereto
shall be liable to a holder of MMC Shares for any ADM Shares or dividends
thereon delivered to a public official pursuant to applicable escheat laws.
 
    2.4  NO FRACTIONAL SECURITIES.  No certificates or scrip representing
fractional ADM Shares shall be issued upon the surrender for exchange of MMC
Certificates pursuant to this Article II and no dividend, stock split-up or
other change in the capital structure of ADM shall relate to any fractional
security, and such fractional interests shall not entitle the owner thereof to
vote or to any rights of a security holder. No cash or other consideration shall
be paid to any holder of MMC shares in lieu of any fractional securities.
 
    2.5  CLOSING OF TRANSFER BOOKS.  At the Effective Time, the stock transfer
books of MMC shall be closed and no transfer of MMC Shares shall thereafter be
made. If, after the Effective Time, MMC Certificates are presented to the
Surviving Corporation, they shall be canceled and exchanged for
 
                                      A-3
<PAGE>
certificates representing ADM Shares in accordance with the terms hereof. At and
after the Effective Time, the holders of MMC Shares to be exchanged for ADM
Shares pursuant to this Agreement shall cease to have any rights as shareholders
of MMC, except for the right to surrender such stock certificates in exchange
for ADM Shares as provided hereunder.
 
    2.6  CLOSING.  Subject to Section 8.1 hereof, the closing of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the "Closing") shall take place at
the offices of Schmiedeskamp, Robertson, Neu & Mitchell, 525 Jersey Street,
Quincy, Illinois, at 9:00 a.m., local time, on the third business day after the
later of (a) the date on which MMC's shareholders' meeting, referred to in
Section 6.3 hereof, shall have occurred, or (b) the day on which all of the
conditions set forth in Article VII hereof are satisfied or waived, or at such
other date, time and place as ADM and MMC shall agree (the "Closing Date").
 
    2.7  SUPPLEMENTARY ACTION.  If at any time after the Effective Time, any
further assignments or assurances in law or any other documents or actions are
necessary or desirable to vest or to perfect or confirm of record in the
Surviving Corporation the title to any property or rights of MMC or ADMAC or
otherwise to carry out the provisions of this Agreement, the officers and
directors of the Surviving Corporation are hereby authorized and empowered on
behalf of MMC and ADMAC, in the name of and on behalf of MMC and ADMAC, to
execute and deliver any and all documents and to take all actions necessary or
proper to vest or to perfect or confirm title to such property or rights in the
Surviving Corporation, and otherwise to carry out the purposes and provisions of
this Agreement.
 
                                      A-4
<PAGE>
                                  ARTICLE III
                REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ADM AND ADMAC
 
    As used in this Agreement, (i) the word "subsidiary" when used with respect
to any party means any corporation or other organization, whether incorporated
or unincorporated, of which such party or any other subsidiary of such party is
a general partner or of which at least a majority of the securities or other
interests having by their terms ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the
Board of Directors or others performing similar functions with respect to such
corporations or other organizations is directly or indirectly owned or
controlled by such party and/or by any one or more of its subsidiaries, and (ii)
the term "Material Adverse Effect" means, with respect to MMC and ADM, as the
case may be, any change or effect that individually or when taken together with
all such changes or effects that have occurred prior to the date of
determination of the occurrence of the Material Adverse Effect, has or is
reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the business, assets,
liabilities (contingent or otherwise), revenues, expenses, capital or financial
condition of such party and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or in the
ability of such party to perform its obligations hereunder.
 
    Except as otherwise set forth on the ADM Schedule of Exceptions dated the
date hereof (the "ADM Schedules") which shall be organized by reference to
specific sections hereof as indicated below and which shall be deemed to include
any information specifically incorporated into any of the ADM Schedules, ADM
and, where indicated, ADMAC represent and warrant to MMC as follows:
 
    3.1  ORGANIZATION.  ADM is a corporation duly organized, validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and has the
requisite corporate power to carry on its business as it is now being conducted
or presently proposed to be conducted. ADM is duly qualified as a foreign
corporation to do business and is in good standing (to the extent the concept of
good standing exists) in each jurisdiction where the character of its properties
owned or held under lease or the nature of its activities makes such
qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so qualified will not
have a Material Adverse Effect. Each subsidiary of ADM which is incorporated is
a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the
extent the concept of good standing exists) under the laws of its jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization, has the corporate power to carry on its
business as it is now being conducted and is duly qualified to do business and
is in good standing (to the extent the concept of good standing exists) in each
jurisdiction where the character of its properties owned or held under lease or
the nature of its activities makes such qualification necessary, except where
the failure to be so duly organized, validly existing and in good standing, to
have such corporate power or to be so qualified will not have a Material Adverse
Effect. ADM and ADMAC have delivered to MMC or its counsel complete and correct
copies of their respective Certificates of Incorporation and Bylaws which are in
full force and effect on the date hereof.
 
    3.2  CAPITALIZATION.  The authorized capital stock of ADM consists of
800,000,000 shares of ADM Common Stock, without par value, and 500,000 shares of
preferred stock, without par value ("ADM Preferred Stock"). As of the date
hereof (and without giving effect to the five percent stock dividend having a
record date of August 18, 1997 and payable on September 15, 1997), 530,825,801
shares of ADM Common Stock were issued and outstanding, options to acquire
3,878,755 shares of ADM Common Stock ("ADM Stock Options") were outstanding
under all stock option plans of ADM ("ADM Stock Option Plans"), and no shares of
ADM Preferred Stock or warrants to acquire ADM Common Stock were issued and
outstanding. All of the issued and outstanding shares of ADM Common Stock are
validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and free of preemptive rights or
similar rights created by statute, the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of
ADM or any agreement to which ADM or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by
which it is bound. Except as set forth above and pursuant to ADM's employee
benefit plans and as otherwise provided in this Agreement, there are not as of
the date of this Agreement any shares of capital stock of ADM issued or
outstanding or any options, warrants, subscriptions, calls, rights, convertible
securities or other agreements or commitments obligating ADM to issue, transfer
or sell any shares of its capital stock. As of the date hereof, no bonds,
debentures, notes or other indebtedness having the right to vote (or convertible
into or exercisable for securities having the right to
 
                                      A-5
<PAGE>
vote) on any matters on which shareholders may vote ("Voting Debt") of ADM are
issued and outstanding. All outstanding shares of the capital stock of ADM's
subsidiaries have been duly authorized, validly issued and fully paid, and are
non-assessable and such shares owned by ADM or one of its subsidiaries are free
and clear of any liens, security interest, pledges, agreements, claims, charges,
or encumbrances of any nature whatsoever. There are no voting trusts or other
agreements or understandings to which ADM is a party with respect to the voting
of the capital stock of ADM or any of its subsidiaries. None of ADM or its
subsidiaries is required to redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire shares of
capital stock of ADM, or any of its subsidiaries, respectively, as a result of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. None of the shares of ADM
Common Stock has been issued in violation of any preemptive or other rights of
ADM's shareholders.
 
    3.3  AUTHORITY RELATIVE TO THIS AGREEMENT.  ADM and ADMAC have all requisite
corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out
their respective obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery of this
Agreement by ADM and ADMAC and the consummation by ADM and ADMAC of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by the Boards of
Directors of ADM and ADMAC and by ADM as sole shareholder of ADMAC and no other
corporate proceedings on the part of ADM and ADMAC are necessary to approve this
Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly
and validly executed and delivered by ADM and ADMAC and constitutes the valid
and binding agreement of ADM and ADMAC, enforceable against ADM and ADMAC in
accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws of
general applicability relating to or affecting creditor's rights and to general
equity principles.
 
    3.4  CONSENTS AND APPROVALS; NO VIOLATIONS.
 
        (a) Except for (i) the filing of the pre-merger notification report
    under applicable requirements of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust
    Improvements Act of 1976, as amended (the "HSR Act"), (ii) the filing of a
    Form S-4 Registration Statement (the "Registration Statement") with the
    Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") in accordance with the
    Securities Act, including the MMC proxy statement (the "MMC Proxy
    Statement"), (iii) such consents, approvals, orders, authorization,
    registrations, declarations and filings as may be required under applicable
    federal and state securities laws and the laws of any foreign country, and
    (iv) the filing and recordation of a Certificate of Merger as required by
    the DGCL and Articles of Merger as required by the IBCA, no filing with, and
    no permit, authorization, consent or approval of, any public or governmental
    body or authority is necessary for the consummation by ADM or ADMAC of the
    transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
        (b) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by ADM or
    ADMAC, nor the consummation by ADM or ADMAC of the transactions contemplated
    hereby, nor compliance by ADM or ADMAC with any of the provisions hereof,
    will (i) conflict with or result in any breach of the Certificate of
    Incorporation or Bylaws of ADM or any of its subsidiaries, (ii) result in a
    violation or breach of, or constitute (with or without due notice or lapse
    of time or both) a default (or give rise to any right of termination,
    cancellation or acceleration) under, or give rise to the creation of any
    lien, charge, security interest or encumbrance upon the respective
    properties or assets of ADM or any of its subsidiaries under, any of the
    terms, conditions or provisions of any material note, bond, mortgage,
    indenture, license, contract, agreement or other instrument or obligation to
    which ADM or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them or
    any of their properties or assets may be bound or affected or (iii) violate
    any permit, concession, franchise, license, judgment, order, writ,
    injunction, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or regulation applicable
    to ADM, any of its subsidiaries or any of their properties or assets and
    which is material to the business or operations of ADM.
 
        (c) Except as set forth in the ADM Schedules, no consent or approval is
    required by or with respect to ADM or any of its subsidiaries in connection
    with the execution and delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the
    transactions contemplated by this Agreement under any
 
                                      A-6
<PAGE>
    terms, conditions, or provisions of any material note, bond, mortgage,
    indenture, license, contract, agreement or other instrument or obligation to
    which ADM or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which any of them or
    any of their properties or assets may be bound or affected.
 
    3.5  REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.  ADM has filed all reports required
to be filed with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act since July 1, 1996,
including, without limitation, an Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended June 30, 1996 (collectively, the "ADM SEC Reports"), and has furnished to
MMC true and complete copies of all such ADM SEC Reports (including any
amendments thereto), and will promptly deliver to MMC any ADM SEC Reports
(including any amendments thereto) filed between the date hereof and the
Effective Time. None of such ADM SEC Reports, as of their respective filing
dates (as amended through the date hereof), contained or with respect to ADM SEC
Reports filed after the date hereof, will contain any untrue statement of a
material fact or omitted or will omit to state a material fact required to be
stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The consolidated
financial statements included in the ADM SEC Reports, presented fairly the
consolidated financial position of ADM and its subsidiaries as of the respective
dates thereof, and the results of operations and cash flow of ADM and its
subsidiaries for the respective periods or as of the respective dates set forth
therein, all in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied during the periods involved, except as otherwise noted
therein.
 
    3.6  ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS.  Since March 31, 1997, neither
ADM nor any of its subsidiaries has: (a) taken any of the actions set forth in
Sections 5.1(b), 5.1(c) or 5.1(e) hereof; (b) incurred any material liability,
except in the ordinary course of its business, consistent with past practices;
(c) suffered any material adverse change, or any event involving a prospective
material adverse change, in the business, assets, financial condition or results
of operations of ADM or any of its subsidiaries; or (d) except as permitted by
Section 5.1 hereof, conducted its business and operations other than in the
ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices.
 
    3.7  INFORMATION IN REGISTRATION STATEMENT.  None of the information to be
supplied by ADM and ADMAC to be included in the Registration Statement, or
amendments thereto, will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit
to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order
to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they
are made, not misleading.
 
    3.8  LITIGATION.  Except to the extent that individually and in the
aggregate they would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect on ADM or as disclosed in the ADM SEC Reports or Schedule 3.8: (i) there
is no action, suit, judicial or administrative proceeding, arbitration or
investigation pending or, to the knowledge of ADM, threatened against or
involving ADM or any of its subsidiaries, or any of their respective properties
or rights, before any court, arbitrator, or administrative or governmental body;
(ii) there is no judgment, decree, injunction, rule or order of any court,
governmental department, commission, agency, instrumentality or arbitrator
outstanding against ADM or any of its subsidiaries; and (iii) ADM and its
subsidiaries are not in violation of any term of any judgments, decrees,
injunctions or orders outstanding against them.
 
    3.9  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.
 
        (a) Schedule 3.9 contains a complete and accurate list of each employee
    benefit plan (including, without limitation, any "employee benefit plan" as
    defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
    1974, as amended ("ERISA")), that is maintained by ADM or any of its ERISA
    Affiliates or with respect to which ADM or any of its ERISA Affiliates has
    any liability for payments, benefits or claims (all of the foregoing, the
    "ADM Plans").
 
        (b) Each of the ADM Plans that is subject to ERISA is in substantial
    compliance with ERISA; each of the ADM Plans intended to be "qualified"
    within the meaning of Section 401(a) of the Code is so qualified; and no
    event has occurred, and to the knowledge of ADM, there exists no condition
    or set of circumstances, in connection with which ADM or any ERISA Affiliate
    of ADM is subject to liability (except liability for claims and funding
    obligations payable in the ordinary course) under ERISA, the Code or any
    other applicable law.
 
                                      A-7
<PAGE>
        (c) All required contributions or other amounts payable by ADM or its
    ERISA Affiliates as of the Effective Time with respect to each ADM Plan in
    respect of current or prior plan years have been or will be (prior to the
    Effective Time) either paid or accrued on the financial statements of ADM.
    There are no pending, or, to the knowledge of ADM, threatened or anticipated
    claims (other than routine claims for benefits) by or on behalf of or
    against any of the ADM Plans or any trusts related thereto.
 
        (d) For purposes of this Agreement, "ERISA Affiliate" means, with
    respect to any person, any trade or business, whether or not incorporated,
    which, together with such person, would constitute a "controlled group of
    corporations", a group of trades or businesses under "common control", or an
    "affiliated service group" within the meaning of Section 414(b), (c), (m),
    or (o) of the Code.
 
    3.10  TAXES.  For the purposes of this section and Section 4.11, the term
"tax" shall include all taxes, charges, withholdings, fees, levies, penalties,
additions, interest or other assessments imposed by any United States federal,
state or local authority or any other taxing authority on ADM or MMC or any of
their respective "Tax Affiliates" (as hereinafter defined) as to their
respective income, profit, franchise, gross receipts, payroll, sales,
employment, worker's compensation, use, property, withholding, excise,
occupancy, environmental and other taxes, duties or assessments of any nature,
whatsoever. ADM has filed or caused to be filed timely all material federal,
state, local and foreign tax returns required to be filed by each of it, any
partnership or joint venture in which it holds a majority interest or for which
it is responsible for filing tax returns, and any member of its consolidated,
combined, unitary or similar group (each such member a "Tax Affiliate"). Such
returns, reports and other information are accurate and complete in all material
respects. ADM has paid or caused to be paid or has made adequate provision or
set up an adequate accrual or reserve for the payment of, all taxes shown to be
due in respect of the periods for which returns are due, and has established (or
will establish at least quarterly) an adequate accrual or reserve for the
payment of all taxes payable in respect of the period subsequent to the last of
said periods required to be so accrued or reserved. Neither ADM nor any of its
Tax Affiliates has any material liability for taxes in excess of the amount so
paid or accruals or reserves so established. Neither ADM nor any of its Tax
Affiliates is delinquent in the payment of any material amount of tax in excess
of the amount reserved or provided therefor, and no deficiencies for any tax,
assessment or governmental charge in excess of the amount reserved or provided
therefor have been claimed or assessed. ADM's federal and state income tax
returns for all years ending on or prior to December 31, 1987 have been audited
(and such audits have been completed) or are no longer subject to audit by
reason of the applicable statute of limitations.
 
    3.11  COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW.  ADM and each of its subsidiaries
holds all licenses, franchises, permits, variances, exemptions, orders,
approvals and authorizations necessary for the lawful conduct of its business
under and pursuant to, and the business of each of ADM and its subsidiaries is
not being conducted in violation of, any provision of any federal, state, local
or foreign statute, law, ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment, decree, order,
concession, grant, franchise, permit or license or other governmental
authorization or approval applicable to ADM or any of its subsidiaries except to
the extent that the failure to hold any such licenses, franchises, permits or
authorizations, or any such violation, would not, individually or in the
aggregate, be material to the business of ADM.
 
    3.12  SECTION 203 OF THE DGCL NOT APPLICABLE.  The provisions of Section 203
of the DGCL will not, prior to the termination of this Agreement, assuming the
accuracy of the representations contained in Section 4.22 (without giving effect
to the knowledge qualification thereof), apply to this Agreement, the Merger or
the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
    3.13  OWNERSHIP OF MMC SHARES.  As of the date hereof, neither ADM nor, to
its knowledge, any of its affiliates or associates (as such terms are defined
under the Exchange Act), (i) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, or (ii)
is a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of
acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of, in each case, MMC Shares, which in
the aggregate, represent ten percent or more of the outstanding MMC Shares.
 
                                      A-8
<PAGE>
                                   ARTICLE IV
                     REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF MMC
 
    Except as otherwise set forth on the MMC Schedule of Exceptions dated the
date hereof (the "MMC Schedules") which shall be organized by reference to
specific sections hereof as indicated below and which shall be deemed to include
any information specifically incorporated into any of the MMC Schedules, MMC
represents and warrants to ADM and ADMAC as follows:
 
    4.1  ORGANIZATION.  MMC is a corporation duly organized, validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of the State of Illinois and has the
requisite corporate power to carry on its business as it is now being conducted
or presently proposed to be conducted. MMC is duly qualified as a foreign
corporation to do business and is in good standing (to the extent the concept of
good standing exists) in each jurisdiction where the character of its properties
owned or held under lease or the nature of its activities makes such
qualification necessary except where the failure to be so qualified will not
have a Material Adverse Effect. Each subsidiary of MMC is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent the concept of
good standing exists) under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or
organization, has the corporate power to carry on its business as it is now
being conducted and is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing (to
the extent the concept of good standing exists) in each jurisdiction where the
character of its properties owned or held under lease or the nature of its
activities makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure to be so
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing, to have such corporate
power or to be so qualified will not have a Material Adverse Effect. MMC has
delivered to ADM, ADMAC or their counsel complete and correct copies of its, and
each of its subsidiary's, Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws or other
organizational documents. Each of the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and
other organizational documents so delivered are in full force and effect on the
date hereof.
 
    4.2  CAPITALIZATION.  The authorized capital stock of MMC consists of
100,000 shares of MMC Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share. As of the date
hereof, 54,770 shares of MMC Common Stock were issued and outstanding. All of
the issued and outstanding shares of MMC Common Stock have been duly authorized
and are validly issued, fully-paid, non-assessable and free of preemptive rights
or similar rights created by statute, the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of
MMC or any agreement to which MMC or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by
which it is bound. Except as set forth above, there are not now, and at the
Effective Time there will not be, any shares of capital stock of MMC issued or
outstanding or any options, warrants, subscriptions, calls, rights, convertible
securities or other agreements or commitments obligating MMC to issue, transfer
or sell any shares of its capital stock. As of the date hereof, no Voting Debt
of MMC was issued or outstanding, nor will there be any issued or outstanding at
the Effective Time. Except as provided in this Agreement, after the Effective
Time, MMC will have no obligation to issue, transfer or sell any shares of its
capital stock pursuant to any employee benefit plan or otherwise. All
outstanding shares of the capital stock of MMC's subsidiaries have been duly
authorized, validly issued and fully paid, and are non-assessable and are owned
by MMC or one of its subsidiaries free and clear of any liens, security
interests, pledges, agreements, claims, charges, or encumbrances of any nature
whatsoever. There are no voting trusts or other agreements or understandings to
which MMC is a party with respect to the voting of the capital stock of MMC or
any of its subsidiaries. None of MMC or its subsidiaries is required to redeem,
repurchase or otherwise acquire shares of capital stock of MMC, or any of its
subsidiaries, respectively, as a result of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement. None of the shares of MMC Common Stock have been issued in violation
of any preemptive or other rights of MMC's shareholders.
 
    4.3  AUTHORITY RELATIVE TO THIS AGREEMENT.  MMC has all requisite corporate
power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to carry out its
obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by MMC and
the consummation by MMC of the transactions contemplated hereby have been duly
authorized by MMC's Board of Directors and, except for the approval of the
holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of MMC Common Stock, no
other corporate proceedings on the part of MMC are necessary to approve this
Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby. This
 
                                      A-9
<PAGE>
Agreement has been duly and validly executed and delivered by MMC and
constitutes a valid and binding agreement of MMC, enforceable against MMC in
accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency,
fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and other similar laws of
general applicability relating to or affecting creditor's rights and to general
equity principles.
 
    4.4  CONSENTS AND APPROVALS; NO VIOLATIONS.
 
        (a) Except for (i) the filing of the pre-merger notification report
    under applicable requirements of the HSR Act, (ii) the filing of the
    Registration Statement with the SEC in accordance with the Securities Act,
    including the MMC Proxy Statement, (iii) such consents, approvals, orders,
    authorization, registrations, declarations and filings as may be required
    under applicable federal and state securities laws and the laws of any
    foreign country, and (iv) the filing and recordation of a Certificate of
    Merger as required by the DGCL and Articles of Merger as required by the
    IBCA, no filing with, and no permit, authorization, consent or approval of,
    any public or governmental body or authority is necessary for the
    consummation by MMC of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
 
        (b) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement by MMC, nor the
    consummation by MMC of the transactions contemplated hereby, nor compliance
    by MMC with any of the provisions hereof, will (i) conflict with or result
    in any breach of any provisions of the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws
    of MMC or any of its subsidiaries, (ii) result in a violation or breach of,
    or constitute (with or without due notice or lapse of time or both) a
    default under (or give rise to a material change in the terms of or any
    right of termination, cancellation or acceleration) under, or give rise to
    creation of any lien, charge, security interest or encumbrance upon, any of
    the respective properties or assets of MMC or any of its subsidiaries under,
    any of the terms, conditions or provisions of any material note, bond,
    mortgage, indenture, deed of trust, license, contract, agreement or other
    instrument or obligation to which MMC or any of its subsidiaries is a party
    or by which any of them or any of their properties or assets may be bound or
    affected or (iii) violate any permit, concession, franchise, license,
    judgment, order, writ, injunction, decree, statute, law, ordinance, rule or
    regulation of any court or government authority applicable to MMC, any of
    its subsidiaries or any of their properties or assets and which is material
    to the business or operations of MMC.
 
        (c) No consent or approval is required by or with respect to MMC or any
    of its subsidiaries in connection with the execution and delivery of this
    Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this
    Agreement under any terms, conditions, or provisions of any material note,
    bond, mortgage, indenture, license, contract, agreement or other instrument
    or obligation to which MMC or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by which
    any of them or any of their properties or assets may be bound or affected.
 
    4.5  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.  The consolidated audited financial statements of
MMC for the period ended March 29, 1997 and the unaudited financial statements
for MMC for the period ended June 28, 1997 (collectively, the "Financial
Statements") have been provided to ADM and in all material respects, present
fairly the consolidated financial position of MMC and its subsidiaries as of the
respective dates thereof, and the results of operations and the cash flow of MMC
and its subsidiaries for the respective periods or as of the respective dates
set forth therein, all in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles consistently applied during the periods involved, except as otherwise
noted therein and subject, in the case of the unaudited interim financial
statements, to normal year-end adjustments and any other adjustments described
therein and the absence of footnotes thereto.
 
    4.6  ABSENCE OF UNDISCLOSED LIABILITIES.  Except as disclosed in the
Financial Statements, neither MMC nor any of its subsidiaries have any material
liabilities or obligations of any nature (whether accrued, absolute, fixed,
contingent, liquidated or unliquidated or otherwise and whether due or to become
due and whether or not required by generally accepted accounting principles to
set forth in financial statements) except for current liabilities which were
incurred since the date of the Financial Statements in the ordinary course of
business and consistent with past practice.
 
                                      A-10
<PAGE>
    4.7  ABSENCE OF CERTAIN CHANGES OR EVENTS.  Since June 28, 1997, neither MMC
nor any of its subsidiaries has: (a) taken any of the actions set forth in
Sections 5.1(b), 5.1(c) or 5.1(e) hereof; (b) incurred any material liability,
except in the ordinary course of its business, consistent with past practices;
(c) suffered any material adverse change, or any event involving a prospective
material adverse change, in the business, assets, financial condition or results
of operations of MMC or any of its subsidiaries; (d) changed its accounting
principles, practices or methods; (e) suffered any material damage, destruction
or loss (whether or not covered by insurance) with respect to any material
property of MMC or any of its subsidiaries; or (f) except as permitted by
Section 5.1 hereof, conducted its business and operations other than in the
ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices.
 
    4.8  INFORMATION IN REGISTRATION STATEMENT.  None of the information to be
supplied by MMC to be included in the Registration Statement, or amendments
thereto, will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state
any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make
the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they are made,
not misleading.
 
    4.9  LITIGATION.  There is no material action, suit, judicial or
administrative proceeding, arbitration or investigation pending or, to the best
knowledge of MMC, threatened against or involving MMC and any of its
subsidiaries, or any of their respective properties or rights, before any court,
arbitrator, or administrative or governmental body; (ii) there is no material
judgment, decree, injunction, rule or order of any court, governmental
department, commission, agency, instrumentality or arbitrator outstanding
against MMC and any of its subsidiaries; and (iii) MMC and its subsidiaries are
not in violation of any term of any judgments, decrees, injunctions or orders
outstanding against them. Schedule 4.9 contains a description of all actions,
suits, proceedings, arbitrations, investigations, judgments, decrees,
injunctions or orders pending, or to the knowledge of MMC, threatened against
MMC or any of its subsidiaries, or any of their respective properties or rights
except where, based upon MMC's reasonable belief after consultation with
counsel, the potential exposure relating to any such matter does not exceed
$50,000.
 
    4.10  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.
 
        (a) Schedule 4.10 contains a complete and accurate list of each employee
    benefit plan (including, without limitation, any "employee benefit plan" as
    defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA), policy or agreement that is maintained,
    or is or was, within the past five years, contributed to by MMC or any of
    its ERISA Affiliates or pursuant to which MMC or its ERISA Affiliates have
    any liability for payments, benefits or claims (all of the foregoing, the
    "MMC Plans"). A copy of each MMC Plan as currently in effect and, if
    applicable, the most recent Annual Report, Actuarial Report, Valuation,
    Summary Plan Description, Trust Agreement and any Determination Letter
    issued by the IRS with respect thereto shall be delivered to ADM or its
    counsel. Except as set forth in Schedule 4.10, neither MMC nor any ERISA
    Affiliate of MMC has maintained or contributed to any plan subject to Title
    IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code (including any "multi-employer plan,"
    as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA) during the six calendar years
    preceding the date of this Agreement.
 
        (b) Each of the MMC Plans that is subject to ERISA is in substantial
    compliance with ERISA; each of the MMC Plans intended to be "qualified"
    within the meaning of Section 401(a) of the Code has received a favorable
    determination letter from the I.R.S.; and no event has occurred, and to the
    knowledge of MMC , there exists no condition or set of circumstances, in
    connection with which MMC or any ERISA Affiliate of MMC is subject to
    material liability (except liability for claims and funding obligations
    payable in the ordinary course) under ERISA, the Code or any other
    applicable law.
 
        (c) All required contributions or other amounts payable by MMC or its
    ERISA Affiliates as of the Effective Time with respect to each MMC Plan in
    respect of current or prior plan years have been or will be (prior to the
    Effective Time) either paid or accrued on the financial statements of MMC.
    There are no pending, or, to the best knowledge of MMC, threatened or
    anticipated claims (other than routine claims for benefits) by or on behalf
    of or against any of the MMC Plans or any trusts related thereto.
 
                                      A-11
<PAGE>
    4.11  TAXES.  MMC has filed or caused to be filed timely all material
federal, state, local and foreign tax returns required to be filed by each of it
and its Tax Affiliates. Such returns, reports and other information are accurate
and complete in all material respects. MMC has paid or caused to be paid or has
made adequate provision or set up an adequate accrual or reserve for the payment
of, all taxes shown to be due in respect of the periods for which returns are
due, and has established (or will establish at least quarterly) an adequate
accrual or reserve for the payment of all taxes payable in respect of the period
subsequent to the last of said periods required to be so accrued or reserved.
Neither MMC nor any of its Tax Affiliates has any material liability for taxes
in excess of the amount so paid or accruals or reserves so established. Neither
MMC nor any of its Tax Affiliates is delinquent in the payment of any material
amount of tax in excess of the amount reserved or provided therefor, and no
deficiencies for any tax, assessment or governmental charge in excess of the
amount reserved or provided therefor have been claimed or assessed. No waiver or
extension of time to assess any taxes has been given or requested and remains in
effect on the date hereof. There are no tax sharing agreements or similar
contracts or arrangements to which MMC or any of its subsidiaries is a party.
MMC's federal and state income tax returns for all years ending on or prior to
March 30, 1991, have been audited (and such audits have been completed) or are
no longer subject to audit by reason of the applicable statute of limitations.
All years ended subsequent to such date have never been audited by the Internal
Revenue Service or comparable state agencies.
 
    4.12  COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW.  MMC and each of its subsidiaries
holds all licenses, franchises, permits, variances, exemptions, orders,
approvals and authorizations necessary for the lawful conduct of its business
under and pursuant to, and the business of each of MMC and its subsidiaries is
not being conducted in violation of, any provision of any federal, state, local
or foreign statute, law, ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment, decree, order,
concession, grant, franchise, permit or license or other governmental
authorization or approval applicable to MMC or any of its subsidiaries, except
to the extent that the failure to hold any such licenses, franchises, permits or
authorizations, or any such violation, would not, individually or in the
aggregate, be material to the business of MMC.
 
    4.13  LABOR MATTERS.  Except for that certain collective bargaining
agreement between Agri Sales, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of MMC, and the
United Steelworkers of America, Local 15298, neither MMC nor any of its
subsidiaries is a party to, or bound by, any collective bargaining agreement,
contract or other agreement or understanding with a labor union or labor
organization, nor is MMC or any of its subsidiaries the subject of any material
proceeding asserting that MMC or any of its subsidiaries has committed an unfair
labor practice or is seeking to compel MMC or any of its subsidiaries to bargain
with any labor union or labor organization, nor is there any strike or other
general labor dispute involving MMC pending or, to the knowledge of MMC or any
of its subsidiaries, threatened.
 
    4.14  TITLE TO ASSETS.
 
        (a) MMC and its subsidiaries have good, valid and marketable title to
    all of their respective material assets, and a valid leasehold interest in
    all material leased real and personal property leased by them, including,
    without limitation, the property and assets reflected in the Financial
    Statements or acquired after the date thereof, in each case free and clear
    of all liens, encumbrances or restrictions except (i) as set forth in the
    Financial Statements, (ii) statutory liens, and (iii) for such defects in
    title and liens, encumbrances or restrictions which individually or in the
    aggregate are not material in amount and would not materially impair the use
    or marketability of such assets.
 
        (b) Schedule 4.14(b) contains a complete and accurate list of all
    leases, copies of which have been previously provided to ADM pursuant to
    which MMC or any of its subsidiaries lease real or personal property and
    which require rental payments during any year of the existing lease term in
    excess of $50,000 or with a remaining term of more than five years or which
    are otherwise material to the business of MMC or any of its subsidiaries. To
    the knowledge of MMC, each of the leases listed on Schedule 4.14(b) is in
    full force and effect, is valid and enforceable in accordance with its
    terms,
 
                                      A-12
<PAGE>
    and none of the parties thereto is in breach of or default under any such
    lease in any material respect. To the knowledge of MMC, the lessee under
    each such lease enjoys peaceful and undisturbed possession thereunder.
 
        (c) The assets owned by MMC or its subsidiaries and the property
    referred to in Section 4.14(b) above constitute, including the Intellectual
    Property (as defined in Section 4.15 of this Agreement) all the property and
    assets (real, personal, mixed, tangible and intangible) used by MMC and its
    subsidiaries in their respective businesses. Such property and assets will
    enable ADM and the Surviving Corporation to carry on after the Effective
    Time the business operations of MMC and its subsidiaries as presently
    conducted.
 
    4.15  INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.
 
        (a) MMC owns or has valid binding, enforceable and adequate rights to
    use all patents, trademarks, trade names, service marks, service names,
    copyrights or other proprietary intellectual property rights, applications
    therefor, registrations thereof and licenses or other rights in respect
    thereof ("Intellectual Property") that are necessary to conduct the business
    of MMC and its subsidiaries as presently conducted. Schedule 4.15 lists (i)
    all trademarks, registered copyrights, trade names, and service marks, which
    MMC considers to be material to its business and included in the
    Intellectual Property, including the jurisdictions in which each such
    Intellectual Property has been issued or registered or in which any such
    application for such issuance and registration has been filed, (ii) all
    material licenses, sublicenses, and other agreements to which MMC is a party
    and pursuant to which any person is authorized to use any Intellectual
    Property, and (iii) all material licenses, sublicenses, and other agreements
    to which MMC is a party and pursuant to which MMC is authorized to use any
    third party patents, trademarks, or copyrights, including software ("Third
    Party Intellectual Property") that is material to its business.
 
        (b) MMC is not, nor will it be as a result of the execution and delivery
    of this Agreement, or the performance of its obligations under this
    Agreement, in breach in any material respect of any license, sublicense, or
    other agreements relating to the Intellectual Property or Third Party
    Intellectual Property.
 
        (c) To MMC's knowledge, all material patents, registered trademarks,
    service marks, and copyrights held by MMC are valid and subsisting. Except
    as set forth on Schedule 4.15, MMC (i) has not been sued in any suit,
    action, or proceeding which involves a claim of infringement of any patents,
    trademarks, service marks, or copyrights, or violation of any trade secret
    or other proprietary right of any third party, and (ii) has no knowledge
    that the conduct of its business as presently conducted infringes any
    patent, trademark, service mark, copyright, trade secret, or other
    proprietary right of any third party. Neither MMC nor its subsidiaries has
    received any written notice or, to the knowledge of MMC, any other notice,
    from any other person or any other source pertaining to or challenging the
    right of MMC or its subsidiaries to use any Intellectual Property or any
    trade secrets, proprietary information, inventions, know-how, processes and
    procedures owned or used by or licensed to MMC or its subsidiaries. To the
    knowledge of MMC, none of MMC's or its subsidiaries' employees is in
    violation of any term of any employment contract, patent disclosure
    agreement, confidentiality agreement or any other contract or agreement
    relating to the relationship of any such employee with it or any other
    party.
 
    4.16  CONTRACT, LEASES AND AGREEMENTS.
 
        (a) Schedule 4.16(a) contains a complete and accurate list of all
    written contracts, and an accurate and complete written summary of all oral
    contracts, to which MMC or any of its subsidiaries are a party or by which
    any of their respective assets are bound as of the date of this Agreement
    other than contracts with a term of less than one year or involving a
    payment to or by MMC or its subsidiaries of less than $100,000. True and
    complete copies of all written contracts listed on Schedule 4.16(a) have
    been or will be delivered to ADM prior to the Closing for examination. To
    the
 
                                      A-13
<PAGE>
    knowledge of MMC, each of the listed contracts is in full force and effect,
    is valid and enforceable in accordance with its terms and none of the
    parties thereto is in breach of or default in any material respect under any
    such contracts.
 
        (b) Except as set forth on Schedule 4.16(b), which Schedule sets forth
    by subsection the disclosures called for by this Section 4.16(b), neither
    MMC nor any of its subsidiaries are a party to or bound by any contract:
 
           (i)  evidencing indebtedness for borrowed money in excess of $100,000
       or pursuant to which MMC or any of its subsidiaries have guaranteed
       (including guarantees by way of acting as surety, co-signer, endorser,
       co-maker, indemnitor or otherwise) for any obligation in excess of
       $100,000 of any other person;
 
           (ii) prohibiting or limiting the ability of MMC or any of its
       subsidiaries (A) to engage in any line of business, (B) to compete with
       any person or (C) to disclose any confidential information in the
       possession of MMC or any of its subsidiaries (and not otherwise generally
       available to the public) that could reasonably be expected to have
       commercial value to MMC or any of its subsidiaries;
 
           (iii) with any director, officer, employee, agent, consultant,
       advisor or representative for employment or for consulting, independent
       contracting or similar services or containing any severance or
       termination pay obligations other than such contracts which may be
       terminated upon no more than 30 days notice by, and in any case without
       penalty or cost to, MMC or any of its subsidiaries, or which involve a
       payment by MMC or any of its subsidiaries in excess of $75,000 per annum
       or $250,000 over the remaining term thereof;
 
           (iv) with any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled
       by or under common control with MMC other than transactions between or
       among MMC and its subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;
 
           (v) pursuant to which it is obligated to indemnify any person,
       including, without limitation, any contract to indemnify any other entity
       or any director,officer or employee thereof;
 
           (vi) granting a lien upon any property or asset;
 
           (vii) pursuant to which it purchases materials, supplies or equipment
       and which calls for future payments in excess of $100,000 in any year and
       is not terminable by MMC or any of its subsidiaries upon no less than 60
       days' notice to the other party and in any case without penalty or cost
       to MMC or any of its subsidiaries;
 
           (viii) which is (A) a joint venture or marketing contract or (B)
       pursuant to which MMC or any of its subsidiaries acts or is obligated to
       act as the representative of any other person;
 
           (ix) obligating MMC or any of its subsidiaries to pay to any person
       any money as a result of the execution and delivery of this Agreement or
       the consummation of the transaction contemplated hereby;
 
           (x) granting to any person a right to purchase any material assets or
       obligating MMC or any of its subsidiaries to obtain the consent of any
       person to the Merger or to the transfer or assignment by MMC or any of
       its subsidiaries of any material assets or contracts;
 
           (xi) providing for the acquisition or disposition after the date of
       this Agreement of any business or any assets or granting any person a
       right of first refusal or first offer with respect to the disposition of
       any assets;
 
           (xii) providing for a power of attorney on behalf of MMC or any of
       its subsidiaries;
 
           (xiii) not entered into in the ordinary course of business; or
 
           (xiv) which is otherwise material to the business of MMC or any of
       its subsidiaries.
 
                                      A-14
<PAGE>
    To the knowledge of MMC, each contract set forth on Schedule 4.16(b) is in
full force and effect in accordance with its terms as of the date hereof.
 
        (c) Neither MMC nor any of its subsidiaries are, and to the knowledge of
    MMC, no other party thereto is, in material breach or material violation of
    or in material default under any contract listed on Schedule 4.16, and to
    the knowledge of MMC, there is no basis for any claim of any such breach,
    violation or default in the performance of any term of, and no event has
    occurred which, with the passage of time or action by a third party, could
    reasonably be likely to result in a default under any such contract.
 
    4.17  ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.
 
        (a) To the knowledge of MMC (i) no real property owned or operated by
    MMC or any of its subsidiaries is contaminated with any Hazardous Substances
    in such form or quantities so as to create any liability on the part of MMC
    or ADM under any Environmental Law; (ii) no real property formerly owned or
    operated by MMC or any of its subsidiaries was contaminated with any
    Hazardous Substances in such form or quantities so as to create any
    liability on the part of MMC or ADM under any Environmental Law; (iii)
    neither MMC nor any of its subsidiaries are subject to liability for any
    off-site disposal or contamination; (iv) neither MMC nor any of its
    subsidiaries have received any claims or notices alleging liability under
    any Environmental Law; and (v) MMC and its subsidiaries have provided ADM
    with copies of all correspondence with regulatory agencies for any current
    or pending environmental regulatory noncompliance and/or enforcement action
    or dealing with the release of a Hazardous Substance or constituting notice
    under any Environmental Law along with copies of all environmental reports
    obtained by MMC and its subsidiaries since January 1, 1994.
 
        (b) "ENVIRONMENTAL LAW" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
    Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Resource Conservation and
    Recovery Act (RCRA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Clean Air Act (CAA), the
    Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), the Oil Pollution Prevention Act
    (OPPA), and any other federal, state or local statute, regulation or order
    relating to Hazardous Substances or the protection of the environment.
    "HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE" means any pollutant, contaminant, hazardous waste or
    mixture thereof, that is regulated under CERCLA, RCRA, CWA, CAA, TSCA, and
    OPPA including petroleum products, as regulated under RCRA and OPPA, friable
    asbestos containing material, as regulated under OSHA, and polychlorinated
    biphenyls as regulated under TSCA. "RCRA HAZARDOUS WASTE" means a hazardous
    waste, as that term is defined in and pursuant to the Resource Conservation
    and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901 et seq.
 
        (c) To the knowledge of MMC, no property that MMC or any of its
    subsidiaries has ever owned or operated has ever been used in connection
    with the business of manufacturing, storing or transporting Hazardous
    Substances, with the exception of prepackaged agricultural chemicals present
    solely for sale to the public. MMC does not and did not manage RCRA
    Hazardous Waste subject to the requirements set forth in 40 CFR Parts 264
    and 265.
 
        (d) To the knowledge of MMC, there are not any underground or
    aboveground storage tanks on any property that MMC or its subsidiaries
    currently own or operate that are not in accordance with the applicable
    requirements set forth under any Environmental Law. To the knowledge of MMC,
    there have been no underground storage tanks on property owned or operated
    by MMC and its subsidiaries that were not removed, retired, abandoned or
    replaced in accordance with the applicable requirements set forth under
    Environmental Law.
 
        (e) To the knowledge of MMC, no property that MMC or any of its
    subsidiaries has ever owned or operated has ever been listed on the National
    Priorities List, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
    Liability Information System or any equivalent state or local information
    system.
 
        (f)  To the knowledge of MMC, there are not any current or past
    environmental requests, notices, demands or regulatory noncompliance and/or
    enforcement actions at any property owned
 
                                      A-15
<PAGE>
    or operated by MMC or its subsidiaries, nor is there litigation pending that
    alleges violations or noncompliance with any Environmental Law. To the
    knowledge of MMC, no such matter is anticipated, impending or threatened.
 
        (g) MMC and each of its subsidiaries operates, and at all times has
    operated, its business in all material respects in accordance with all
    applicable Environmental Laws, and all material licenses, permits and other
    authorizations required pursuant to any Environmental Law and necessary for
    the lawful operation of the business of MMC and its subsidiaries are in
    MMC's or the appropriate subsidiary's possession and are in full force and
    effect. To MMC's knowledge, there is no threat that any such permit, license
    or other authorization will be withdrawn, terminated, limited or materially
    changed.
 
        (h) For purposes of this Section 4.17, "knowledge" of MMC shall mean the
    knowledge of (i) the officers and directors of MMC and its subsidiaries and
    (ii) the persons identified in Schedule 4.17 hereto.
 
    4.18  INSURANCE.  Schedule 4.18 contains a complete and accurate list of all
policies of fire, liability, workers' compensation, directors' and officers'
liability and other forms of insurance owned or held by, or the premiums for
which are paid by, MMC or any of its subsidiaries. All such policies are and
will at all times up to the Effective Time be, in full force and effect and no
notice of cancellation or termination has been received with respect to any such
policy. Neither MMC nor any of its subsidiaries have been refused any insurance
or had its coverage limited within the past four years. Neither MMC nor any of
its subsidiaries have any life insurance policies in respect of any shareholder,
director, officer, or employee of MMC or any of its subsidiaries, owned by, or
the premiums for which are paid by, MMC or any of its subsidiaries.
 
    4.19  BOOKS AND RECORDS.  The books and records of MMC and its subsidiaries
(a) are kept in all material aspects complete and correct and (b) reflect all
material financial transactions of MMC and its subsidiaries, in each case as
complete entries in such books and records.
 
    4.20  EMPLOYEES.  Schedule 4.20 contains a complete and accurate list of all
employees of MMC and its subsidiaries, together with their titles and rates of
total annual aggregate compensation as of the date of this Agreement.
 
    4.21  SECTION 5/11.75 OF THE IBCA NOT APPLICABLE.  The provisions of Section
5/11.75 of the IBCA will not, prior to the termination of this Agreement,
assuming the accuracy of the representations contained in Section 3.13 (without
giving effect to the knowledge qualification thereof), apply to this Agreement,
the Merger or the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
    4.22  OWNERSHIP OF ADM SHARES.  As of the date hereof, neither MMC nor, to
its knowledge, any of its affiliates or associates (as such terms are defined
under the Exchange Act), (a) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, or (b)
is a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of
acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of, in each case, ADM Shares, which in
the aggregate, represent ten percent or more of the outstanding ADM Shares.
 
    4.23  CORPORATE RECORDS.  The minute books of MMC, which have been made
available to ADM or its representatives, fully and accurately show in all
material respects all corporate action taken by MMC's Board of Directors, all
committees of MMC's Board of Directors and MMC's shareholders (including,
without limitation, actions taken by written consent without a meeting) and
contain true and complete copies or originals of the Articles of Incorporation
(and all amendments thereto) of MMC, the Bylaws (as amended) of MMC and the
minutes of all meetings or consent actions of MMC's Board of Directors,
committees of MMC's Board of Directors and MMC's shareholders. As of the date of
this Agreement, no resolutions material to MMC or bylaws of MMC have been
passed, enacted, consented to or adopted by MMC's Board of Directors, committees
of MMC's Board of Directors or MMC's shareholders except as set forth in such
minute books.
 
                                      A-16
<PAGE>
    4.24  OPINION OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR.  Prior to the date hereof, MMC has
received the opinion of Merrill Lynch to the effect that the Exchange Ratio, as
subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 2.1(a), is fair to the holders
of MMC Shares.
 
    4.25  NO EXISTING DISCUSSIONS.  On the date hereof, MMC is not engaged,
directly or indirectly, in any discussions or negotiations with any other party
with respect to an Acquisition Proposal (as defined below).
 
                                      A-17
<PAGE>
                                   ARTICLE V
                     CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PENDING THE MERGER
 
    5.1  CONDUCT OF BUSINESS BY MMC AND ADM PENDING THE MERGER.  Except as set
forth on Schedule 5.1 and except as consented to in writing by the other party
after the date hereof, during the period from the date of this Agreement and
continuing until the Effective Time relative to MMC and from the first day of
the Pricing Period until the Effective Time relative to ADM:
 
        (a) The respective businesses of MMC and its subsidiaries and ADM and
    its subsidiaries shall be conducted only in the ordinary course of business
    and consistent with past practices, including, without limitation, methods
    of accounting.
 
        (b) Neither MMC or any of its subsidiaries nor ADM or any of its
    subsidiaries shall (i) sell or pledge or agree to sell or pledge any stock
    owned by it in any of its subsidiaries; (ii) amend its Certificate or
    Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; or (iii) split, combine or reclassify
    any shares of its outstanding capital stock or declare, set aside or pay any
    dividend or other distribution payable in cash, stock or property in respect
    of its capital stock (except for ADM's regular quarterly cash dividend on
    its outstanding Common Stock), or directly or indirectly redeem, purchase or
    otherwise acquire any shares of its capital stock or other securities or
    shares of the capital stock or other securities of any of its subsidiaries.
 
        (c) Neither MMC or any of its subsidiaries nor ADM or any of its
    subsidiaries shall (i) authorize for issuance, issue, sell, pledge, dispose
    of, encumber, deliver or agree or commit to issue, sell, pledge, dispose of,
    encumber or deliver any additional shares of, or rights of any kind to
    acquire any shares of, its capital stock of any class or securities
    exchangeable into shares of stock of any class or any Voting Debt (whether
    through the issuance or granting of options, warrants, commitments,
    subscriptions, rights to purchase or otherwise), except for unissued shares
    of ADM Common Stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of the stock
    options, stock purchase plans, employee benefit plans, or warrants described
    in Sections 3.2 or 4.2; (ii) acquire, dispose of, transfer, lease, license,
    mortgage, pledge or encumber any fixed or other substantial assets other
    than in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practices;
    (iii) incur, assume or prepay any material indebtedness, liability or
    obligation or any other material liabilities or issue any debt securities
    other than in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past
    practices; (iv) assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise, become liable or
    responsible (whether directly, contingently or otherwise) for the
    obligations of any other person (other than a wholly owned subsidiary) in a
    material amount other than in the ordinary course of business and consistent
    with past practices; (v) make any material loans, advances or capital
    contributions to, or investments in, any other person, other than to
    wholly-owned subsidiaries, other than in the ordinary course of business and
    consistent with past practices; or (vi) fail to maintain adequate insurance
    consistent with past practices for their businesses and properties.
 
        (d) Each of MMC and ADM shall use its best efforts to preserve intact
    the business organization of MMC and its subsidiaries on the one hand and
    ADM and its subsidiaries on the other hand, to keep available the services
    of their present officers and key employees, and to preserve the goodwill of
    those having business relationships with their respective subsidiaries;
    provided, however, that no breach of this representation shall be deemed to
    have occurred if a failure to comply with this Section 5.1(d) occurs as a
    result of any matter arising out of the transactions contemplated by this
    Agreement, or any Acquisition Proposals (as defined below) made to MMC by
    any third party or the public announcement thereof.
 
        (e) Neither MMC, ADM nor any of their respective subsidiaries shall
    knowingly take or allow to be taken or fail to take any action which act or
    omission would jeopardize qualification of the Merger as a reorganization
    within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code.
 
                                      A-18
<PAGE>
        (f)  MMC, ADM and each of their respective subsidiaries shall use all
    reasonable efforts to take or omit to take any action or agree, in writing
    or otherwise, to take or omit to take any action which would make any
    representation or warranty of MMC, ADM or ADMAC, as applicable, herein true
    and correct in all material respects.
 
    5.2  COMPENSATION PLANS.  Except as set forth in Schedule 5.2, during the
period from the date of this Agreement and continuing until the Effective Time,
MMC agrees as to itself and its subsidiaries that it will not, without the prior
written consent of ADM and ADMAC (except as otherwise required by applicable law
or pursuant to existing contractual arrangements) (a) enter into, adopt or amend
any bonus, profit sharing, compensation, stock option, pension, retirement,
deferred compensation, employment, severance or other employee benefit plan,
agreement, trust, plan, fund or other arrangement between MMC and one or more of
its officers, directors or employees, in each case so as to materially increase
benefits thereunder (collectively, "Compensation Plans"), (b) grant or become
obligated to grant any material increase in the compensation or fringe benefits
of directors, officers or employees (including any such increase pursuant to any
Compensation Plan) or any increase in the compensation payable or to become
payable to any director or officer, except, with respect to employees other than
officers, for increases in compensation in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practice, or enter into any contract, commitment or
arrangement to do any of the foregoing, except for normal increases and
non-stock benefit changes in the ordinary course of business consistent with
past practice, or (c) enter into or renew any contract, agreement, commitment or
arrangement providing for the payment to any director, officer or employee of
compensation or benefits contingent, or the terms of which are materially
altered in favor of such individual, upon the occurrence of any of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except for contracts renewed in the
ordinary course of business.
 
    5.3  CURRENT INFORMATION.  From the date of this Agreement to the Effective
Time, MMC will cause one or more of its designated representatives to confer on
a regular and frequent basis (not less frequently than semimonthly) with
representatives of ADM and to report the general status of MMC's and its
subsidiaries ongoing operations and to deliver to ADM (not less frequently than
monthly) unaudited consolidated balance sheets and related consolidated
statements of income, changes in shareholders equity and cash flow for the
period since the last such report. MMC will promptly notify ADM of any material
change in the normal course of business or in its subsidiaries' properties.
 
    5.4  LEGAL CONDITIONS TO MERGER.  Each of MMC (subject to Section 6.9), ADM
and ADMAC shall, and shall cause its subsidiaries to, use all reasonable efforts
(a) to take, or cause to be taken, all actions necessary to comply promptly with
all legal requirements which may be imposed on such party or its subsidiaries
with respect to the Merger and to consummate the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement, subject to the appropriate vote or consent of shareholders and
(b) to obtain (and to cooperate with the other party to obtain) any consent,
authorization, order or approval of, or any exemption by, any governmental
entity and or any other public or private third party which is required to be
obtained or made by such party or any of its subsidiaries in connection with the
Merger and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided, however,
that a party shall not be obligated to take any action pursuant to the foregoing
if the taking of such action or such compliance or the obtaining of such
consent, authorization, order, approval or exemption would, in such party's
reasonable opinion, be materially burdensome to such party and its subsidiaries
taken as a whole. Each of MMC, ADM and ADMAC will promptly cooperate with and
furnish information to the other in connection with any such burden suffered by,
or requirement imposed upon, any of them or any of their subsidiaries in
connection with the foregoing.
 
    5.5   VOTING AGREEMENTS.  MMC shall use its best efforts to obtain from the
MMC Employees' Profit Sharing Trust and the CFM Foundation an agreement
substantially in the form of Exhibit 5.5 hereto (collectively, the "Voting
Agreements"), whereby each such person agrees to vote all shares of MMC Common
Stock for which they have voting power in favor of the Merger in any shareholder
vote to obtain approval to proceed with the Merger.
 
                                      A-19
<PAGE>
    5.6  AFFILIATES.  At least 30 days prior to the meeting of the shareholders
of MMC, MMC shall deliver to ADM and ADMAC a letter identifying all persons who
are, at the time this Agreement is submitted for approval to the shareholders of
MMC, "affiliates" of MMC for purposes of Rule 145 under the Securities Act. MMC
shall use all reasonable efforts to cause each person named as "affiliates" to
deliver to ADM and ADMAC no later than 15 days prior to the meeting of the
shareholders of MMC a written "affiliates" agreement, in customary form,
restricting the disposition by such person of the ADM Shares to be received by
such person in the Merger to dispositions permitted by Rule 145. MMC
Certificates surrendered for exchange by any person constituting an "affiliate"
of MMC within the meaning of Rule 145 under the Securities Act shall not be
exchanged by the Exchange Agent for ADM Shares pursuant to Section 2.2 until ADM
and ADMAC have received such agreement described in the preceding sentence.
 
    5.7  ADVICE OF CHANGES; GOVERNMENT FILINGS.  Each party shall confer on a
regular and frequent basis with the other, report on operational matters and
promptly advise the other orally and in writing of any change or event having,
or which, insofar as can reasonably be foreseen, could have, a Material Adverse
Effect on such party or which would cause or constitute a material breach of any
of the representations, warranties or covenants of such party contained herein.
ADM shall use all reasonable efforts to file all reports required to be filed
with the SEC between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time and shall
deliver to MMC copies of all such reports promptly after the same are filed.
Except where prohibited by applicable statutes and regulations, each party shall
promptly provide the other (or its counsel) with copies of all other filings
made by such party with any state or federal government entity in connection
with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
                                   ARTICLE VI
                             ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
 
    6.1  ACCESS AND INFORMATION.
 
        (a) MMC and its subsidiaries shall afford to ADM and its financial
    advisors, legal counsel, accountants, consultants and other representatives
    access during normal business hours throughout the period from the date
    hereof to the Effective Time to all of its books, records, properties,
    facilities, personnel commitments and records (including but not limited to
    tax returns) and, during such period, each MMC and ADM and their respective
    subsidiaries shall furnish promptly to the other all information concerning
    its business, properties and personnel as such other party may reasonably
    request for purposes of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. No
    investigation pursuant to this Section 6.1 shall affect any representations
    or warranties made herein or the conditions to the obligations of the
    respective parties to consummate the Merger.
 
        (b) All information furnished by MMC to ADM and ADMAC or furnished by
    ADM or ADMAC to MMC pursuant hereto shall be treated as the sole property of
    the party furnishing the information until consummation of the Merger
    contemplated hereby. The parties will hold any such information which is
    nonpublic in confidence to the extent required by, and in accordance with
    the Confidentiality Agreement dated as of July 21, 1997, between MMC and ADM
    (the "Confidentiality Agreement") and the confidentiality provisions
    contained in such Confidentiality Agreement shall survive the termination of
    this Agreement.
 
    6.2  REGISTRATION STATEMENT.  As promptly as practicable, ADM shall prepare
and file with the SEC the Registration Statement and use its best efforts to
have the Registration Statement declared effective. ADM shall also use its best
efforts to take any action required to be taken under state securities or blue
sky laws in connection with the issuance of the ADM Shares pursuant hereto. MMC
shall furnish ADM with all information concerning MMC and its shareholders and
shall take such other action as ADM may reasonably request in connection with
such Registration Statement and issuance of ADM Shares.
 
    6.3  PROXY STATEMENT; SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL.  MMC, acting through its Board
of Directors, shall, in accordance with applicable law and its Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws:
 
                                      A-20
<PAGE>
        (a) promptly and duly call, give notice of, convene and hold as soon as
    practicable following the date upon which the Registration Statement becomes
    effective a meeting of its shareholders for the purpose of voting to approve
    and adopt this Agreement and shall, subject to Section 6.9 hereof, use its
    best efforts to obtain such shareholders' approval; and
 
        (b) subject to Section 6.9 hereof, recommend approval and adoption of
    this Agreement by the shareholders of MMC and include such recommendations
    in communications delivered by MMC to MMC's shareholders for the purpose of
    soliciting proxies or as otherwise required by law, and take all lawful
    action to solicit such approvals.
 
    6.4  NYSE.  ADM shall take such action to apply for listing of the ADM
Shares to be issued pursuant to the Merger on the NYSE, if necessary, and shall
use its best efforts to obtain prior to the Effective Time approval for the
listing of the ADM Shares subject to official notice of issuance.
 
    6.5  ANTITRUST LAWS.  As promptly as practicable, MMC, ADM and ADMAC shall
make all filings and submissions under the HSR Act as may be required to be made
in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
Subject to Section 6.1 hereof, MMC will furnish to ADM and ADMAC, and ADM and
ADMAC will furnish to MMC, such information and assistance as the other may
reasonably request in connection with the preparation of any such filings or
submissions. Subject to Section 6.1 hereof, MMC will provide to ADM's and
ADMAC's counsel, as reasonably requested, and ADM and ADMAC will provide to
MMC's designated outside counsel, as reasonably requested, copies of all
correspondence, filings or communications (or memoranda setting forth the
substance thereof) between such party or any of its representatives and any
governmental agency or authority or members of their respective staffs with
respect to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
    6.6  PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS.  So long as this Agreement is in effect, ADM,
ADMAC and MMC agree that they will each obtain the approval of the other parties
prior to issuing any press release and that they will use their best efforts to
consult with the other parties before otherwise making any public statement or
responding to any press inquiry with respect to this Agreement or the
transactions contemplated hereby, except as may be required by law, any
governmental agency or the rules of the NYSE.
 
    6.7  EXPENSES.  In the event the Merger is not consummated, all costs and
expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby shall be paid by the party incurring such expenses.
 
    6.8  CERTAIN BENEFITS.
 
        (a) From and after the Effective Time, ADM and the Surviving Corporation
    shall (i) honor, in accordance with the respective terms of the MMC Plans
    and to the extent required by ERISA, all benefits accrued at the Effective
    Time under the MMC Plans and (ii) continue to provide benefits in accordance
    with the terms of the MMC Retired Employees Medical Plan or a plan with
    benefits substantially similar to those provided to similarly situated
    persons under ADM's relevant plan for retired employees. ADM and the
    Surviving Corporation shall grant to all employees of MMC or its
    subsidiaries who remain employees of the Surviving Corporation or its
    subsidiaries at the Effective Time ("MMC Employees"), from and after the
    Effective Time, credit for all service with MMC and its subsidiaries,
    affiliates and predecessors prior to the Effective Time for eligibility and
    vesting purposes for all employee benefits of ADM and the Surviving
    Corporation, and shall offer the MMC Employees participation in all employee
    benefits of ADM and the Surviving Corporation offered to similarly situated
    employees of ADM and the Surviving Corporation. To the extent any such
    benefit plans provide medical or dental welfare benefits after the Effective
    Time, such benefit plans shall waive any preexisting condition exclusions
    and waiting periods for plan participation unless the MMC Employee was
    subject to one or more preexisting condition exclusions in the comparable
    MMC Plan (but credit shall be given to such employee for his preexisting
    condition exclusion and waiting period time credited under the comparable
    MMC plan), and shall provide that any expenses incurred on or before the
    Effective Time shall be taken into account under the benefit plans of ADM
    and the Surviving Corporation for purposes of satisfying applicable
    deductible, coinsurance and
 
                                      A-21
<PAGE>
    maximum out-of-pocket provisions. Further, for a period of nine months from
    and after the Effective Time, ADM and the Surviving Corporation shall make a
    severance payment in accordance with the policy detailed in Schedule 6.8 to
    any MMC Employee who is terminated without cause by ADM or the Surviving
    Corporation within such nine-month period.
 
        (b) Except as provided in the next sentence, ADM, ADMAC and MMC intend
    that the obligations and rights created hereunder (including, without
    limitation, any rights or obligations created by Section 6.8(a)) are only
    for the benefit of ADM, ADMAC and MMC. This Agreement shall not be construed
    to create any rights or benefits for any third party beneficiaries except as
    referenced in Section 9.9, and except that the parties to the agreements and
    arrangements listed on Schedule 6.8 shall be entitled to enforce such
    agreements against ADM and the Surviving Corporation.
 
    6.9  STANDSTILL AGREEMENT.
 
        (a) Neither MMC, its subsidiaries or any of their respective officers
    and directors shall, and they shall each direct and use its best efforts to
    cause their employees, agents and representatives (including, without
    limitation, any investment banker, attorney or accountant) not to (i)
    initiate, solicit or encourage, directly or indirectly, any inquiries or the
    making or implementation of, or which reasonably could be expected to lead
    to, any proposal or offer (including, without limitation, any proposal or
    offer to its shareholders or stockholders, as the case may be) with respect
    to a merger, acquisition, consolidation or similar transaction involving, or
    any purchase of any assets or capital stock of MMC or any of its
    subsidiaries (any such proposal or offering being hereinafter referred to as
    an "Acquisition Proposal") or (ii) engage in any negotiations or discussions
    concerning, or provide any confidential information or data to, or have any
    discussions with, any person relating to an Acquisition Proposal, or
    otherwise facilitate any effort or attempt to make or implement an
    Acquisition Proposal. MMC will immediately cease and cause to be terminated
    any existing activities, discussions or negotiations with any parties
    conducted heretofore with respect to any of the foregoing and will take the
    necessary steps to inform the individuals or entities referred to in the
    first sentence hereof of the obligations undertaken in this Section 6.9.
 
        (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 6.9(a), nothing contained
    in this Section 6.9 shall prohibit the Board of Directors of MMC from (i)
    furnishing information to, or entering into discussions or negotiations
    with, any person or entity that makes an unsolicited written, bona fide
    proposal, to acquire MMC and/or its subsidiaries pursuant to a merger,
    consolidation, share exchange, business combination, tender or exchange
    offer or other similar transaction and in respect of which such person or
    entity has the necessary funds or commitments therefor if, and only to the
    extent that (A) the Board of Directors of MMC, after consultation with and
    based upon the advice of independent legal counsel (who may be MMC's
    regularly engaged independent legal counsel), determines in good faith that
    such action is necessary for the Board of Directors of MMC to comply with
    its fiduciary duties to stockholders under applicable law, (B) the Board of
    Directors of MMC, after consultation with MMC's financial advisor,
    determines in good faith that such Acquisition Proposal is bona fide and is
    superior to the shareholders of MMC than the Merger, and (C) prior to taking
    such action, MMC (x) provides reasonable notice to ADM to the effect that it
    is taking such action and (y) receives from such person or entity an
    executed confidentiality agreement in reasonably customary form (an
    Acquisition Proposal meeting each of the foregoing requirements is herein
    referred to as a "Superior Proposal"); or (ii) failing to make or
    withdrawing or modifying its recommendation referred to in Section 6.3(b)
    hereof if there exists an Acquisition Proposal and the Board of Directors of
    MMC determines that it is a Superior Proposal in accordance with Section
    6.9(b)(i) hereof.
 
        (c) If the Board of Directors of MMC determines to take any action
    pursuant to Section 6.9(b)(ii) hereof, then prior to taking such action, MMC
    shall give written notice to ADM specifying the pricing, terms, conditions
    and all material provisions of the Superior Proposal, providing to ADM a
    copy of the third-party's offer with such notice. ADM shall then have five
    business days after receipt of such notice to submit to the Board of
    Directors of MMC its counter proposal (the "ADM
 
                                      A-22
<PAGE>
    Proposal"). The Board of Directors of MMC shall then have five business days
    to evaluate the ADM Proposal and to notify ADM as to whether it equals or
    exceeds the Superior Proposal. If the Superior Proposal includes securities
    or other non-cash consideration, the ADM Proposal shall be deemed to be
    equivalent if ADM provides its own securities or other non-cash
    consideration of reasonably equivalent economic value. If the Board of
    Directors of MMC determines in its reasonable judgment that the ADM Proposal
    is at least equal to the Superior Proposal, then the Board of Directors of
    MMC will immediately accept the ADM Proposal, foregoing the Superior
    Proposal, and proceed with the terms of this Agreement, as modified by the
    ADM Proposal. If the Board of Directors of MMC determines in its reasonable
    judgment that the ADM Proposal does not equal or exceed the Superior
    Proposal, then the Board of Directors of MMC shall provide to ADM notice of
    any deficiencies in the ADM Proposal and ADM shall have three business days
    to submit to the Board of Directors of MMC a modified proposal. The Board of
    Directors of MMC shall then be obligated to accept the ADM Proposal, as
    modified, or provide written notice to ADM of any continuing deficiencies.
    ADM shall then have another three business days to further modify its
    proposal. If ADM elects not to modify its proposal to match the Superior
    Proposal within such time periods, then MMC will be free to take any action
    contemplated by Section 6.9(b)(ii) hereof. If ADM elects not to match the
    terms of the Superior Proposal and the Superior Proposal is modified in any
    material respect from the proposal detailed in the initial notice to ADM
    prior to the closing of the transactions contemplated thereby, then ADM's
    rights under this Section 6.9 shall apply anew.
 
    6.10  ACQUISITION OF MMC COMMON STOCK.  From the date hereof until the
earlier to occur of (i) the Effective Time and (ii) termination of this
Agreement pursuant to Article VII hereof, ADM and ADMAC agree not to acquire, or
attempt to acquire, directly or indirectly any beneficial interest (including,
without limitation, any voting rights) in any shares of MMC Common Stock except
as contemplated by this Agreement.
 
                                  ARTICLE VII
                    CONDITIONS TO CONSUMMATION OF THE MERGER
 
    7.1  CONDITIONS TO EACH PARTY'S OBLIGATION TO EFFECT THE MERGER.  The
respective obligations of each party to effect the Merger shall be subject to
the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions,
any one of which may be waived by MMC, ADM and ADMAC:
 
        (a) The waiting period (and any extension thereof) applicable to the
    consummation of the Merger under the HSR Act shall have expired or been
    terminated.
 
        (b) The Registration Statement shall have become effective in accordance
    with the provisions of the Securities Act and shall not be the subject of
    any stop order or proceedings seeking a stop order.
 
        (c) The NYSE shall have approved the listing of the ADM Shares to be
    issued in the Merger.
 
        (d) This Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall have
    been approved and adopted by the requisite vote of the shareholders of MMC
    in accordance with applicable law and any applicable provisions of its
    Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.
 
        (e) No preliminary or permanent injunction or other order by any
    federal, state or foreign court of competent jurisdiction which prohibits
    the consummation of the Merger shall have been issued and remain in effect;
    provided, however, that prior to invoking this condition, each party shall
    use all commercially reasonable efforts to have any such decree, ruling or
    order lifted or vacated Other than the filing of the Certificate of Merger
    with the Secretary of State of Delaware and the filing of the Articles of
    Merger with and the issuance of a Certificate of Merger by the Secretary of
    State of Illinois, all authorizations, consents, orders or approvals of, or
    declarations or filings with, and all expirations of waiting periods imposed
    by, any governmental entity (all of the foregoing, "Consents") that may
    reasonably be deemed necessary so that the consummation of the Merger and
    the transactions
 
                                      A-23
<PAGE>
    contemplated hereby will be in compliance with applicable laws, other than
    Consents the failure to obtain which would not have a Material Adverse
    Effect on the Surviving Corporation and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole,
    shall have been filed, occurred or been obtained (all such permits,
    approvals, filings and consents and the lapse of all such waiting periods
    being referred to as the "Requisite Regulatory Approvals") and all such
    Requisite Regulatory Approvals shall be in full force and effect.
 
        (f)  ADM shall have received all state securities or blue sky permits
    and other authorizations necessary to issue the ADM Shares in exchange for
    shares of MMC Common Stock and to consummate the Merger.
 
    7.2  CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF MMC TO EFFECT THE MERGER.  The obligation
of MMC to effect the Merger shall be further subject to the satisfaction at or
prior to the Closing Date of the following additional conditions, which may be
waived by MMC:
 
        (a) ADM and ADMAC shall have performed and complied in all material
    respects with the agreements and obligations under this Agreement required
    to be performed and complied with by them at or prior to the Closing Date
    and the representations and warranties of ADM and ADMAC contained in this
    Agreement shall be true and correct as of the date hereof and shall be true
    and correct in all material respects at and as of the Closing Date as if
    made at and as of such time, and MMC shall have received a certificate of
    the President and Chief Financial Officer of ADM as to the satisfaction of
    this condition. The parties acknowledge and agree that certain of the
    representations and warranties of ADM and ADMAC contained in this Agreement
    are by their terms limited by a materiality standard contained therein and
    that, in those cases, the condition contained in this Section 7.2(a) is not
    intended to be further limited by the standard "in all material respects"
    referred to herein.
 
        (b) MMC shall have received an opinion of Winston & Strawn, special
    counsel to MMC, dated as of the Closing Date, substantially to the effect
    that, on the basis of facts, representations, and assumptions set forth in
    such opinion which are consistent with the state of facts existing at the
    Effective Time, the merger will be treated for federal income tax purposes
    as a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and
    that ADMAC and MMC will each be a party to the reorganization within the
    meaning of Section 368(b) of the Code.
 
        (c) MMC shall have received an opinion of counsel to ADM and ADMAC dated
    as of the Closing Date substantially in the form of Exhibit 7.2(c) hereto.
 
        (d) On the Closing Date, the fairness opinion from Merrill Lynch
    delivered at the execution of this Agreement pursuant to Section 4.24 shall
    not have been withdrawn, modified or amended.
 
        (e) ADM and ADMAC shall have obtained the consent or approval of each
    person whose consent or approval shall be required in connection with the
    transactions contemplated hereby under any loan or credit agreement, note,
    mortgage, indenture, lease, license or other agreement or instrument, except
    those for which failure to obtain such consents and approvals would not,
    individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on MMC or
    ADM or a material adverse effect upon the consummation of the transactions
    contemplated hereby.
 
    7.3  CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF ADM AND ADMAC TO EFFECT THE MERGER.  The
obligations of ADM and ADMAC to the Merger shall be further subject to the
satisfaction at or prior to the Closing Date of the following additional
conditions, which may be waived by ADM and ADMAC:
 
        (a) MMC shall have performed and complied in all material respects with
    the agreements and obligations under this Agreement required to be performed
    and complied with by it at or prior to the Closing Date and the
    representations and warranties of MMC contained in this Agreement shall be
    true and correct as of the date hereof and shall be true and correct in all
    material respects at and as of the Closing Date as if made at and as of such
    time, and ADM shall have received a certificate of the President and Chief
    Financial Officer of MMC as to the satisfaction of this condition. The
    parties
 
                                      A-24
<PAGE>
    acknowledge and agree that certain of the representations and warranties of
    MMC contained in this Agreement are by their terms limited by a materiality
    standard contained therein and that, in those cases, the condition contained
    in this Section 7.3(a) is not intended to be further limited by the standard
    "in all material respects" referred to herein.
 
        (b) MMC shall have obtained the consent or approval of each person whose
    consent or approval shall be required in order to permit the succession by
    the Surviving Corporation pursuant to the Merger to any obligation, right or
    interest of MMC or any subsidiary under any loan or credit agreement, note,
    mortgage, indenture, lease, license or other agreement or instrument, except
    those for which failure to obtain such consents and approvals would not,
    individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on the
    Surviving Corporation and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or upon the
    consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.
 
        (c) ADM and ADMAC shall have received an opinion of counsel to MMC dated
    the Closing Date substantially in the form of Exhibit 7.3(c) hereto.
 
        (d) ADM shall have received a certificate of the Chief Financial Officer
    of MMC, dated the Closing Date, showing that the Shareholders' Equity of MMC
    as of the date 15 days prior to the Closing Date is in excess of $250
    million, along with reasonable supporting documentation for such
    calculation.
 
        (e) The holders of not more than 10% of the total of the issued and
    outstanding shares of MMC Common Stock, shall have taken such action prior
    to or at the time of the MMC shareholders' vote as is necessary as of that
    time to entitle them to the statutory dissenters' rights referred to in
    Section 2.1(a) hereof.
 
                                      A-25
<PAGE>
                                  ARTICLE VIII
                       TERMINATION, AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
 
    8.1  TERMINATION.  This Agreement may be terminated and the Merger
contemplated hereby abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time:
 
        (a) By the mutual written consent of ADM and MMC;
 
        (b) By either ADM or MMC if (i) any of the conditions to their
    respective obligations specified in Article VII hereof has not been
    satisfied or waived onor before February 28, 1998, or (ii) the Merger shall
    not have been consummated on or before February 28, 1998; provided, however,
    that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 8.1(b) shall
    not be available to a party whose failure to fulfill any obligations under
    this Agreement has been the cause of, or resulted in, the failure of any of
    the conditions specified in Article VII that are required to have been
    satisfied prior to the Merger;
 
        (c) By MMC, upon a material breach by ADM or ADMAC of any representation
    or warranty or any covenant or agreement set forth in this Agreement, which
    breach is not curable or, if curable, is not cured within the earlier to
    occur of 20 days after written notice of such breach is given by MMC to ADM
    or the Closing;
 
        (d) By ADM, upon a material breach by MMC of any representation or
    warranty or any covenant or agreement set forth in this Agreement, which
    breach is not curable or, if curable, is not cured within the earlier to
    occur of 20 days after written notice of such breach is given by ADM and
    ADMAC to MMC or the Closing;
 
        (e) By either ADM or MMC, if any court of competent jurisdiction in the
    United States or other federal or state governmental body shall have issued
    an order, decree or ruling or take any other action restraining, enjoining
    or otherwise prohibiting the Merger and such order, decree, ruling or any
    other action shall have become final and non-appealable; provided, however,
    that the right to terminate this Agreement under this Section 8.1(e) shall
    not be available to a party who has not complied with its obligations under
    Section 5.4 hereof;
 
        (f)  By ADM or MMC, upon written notice to the other party, if (i) MMC
    fails to make or withdraws or modifies its recommendation referred to in
    Section 6.3(b) hereof in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.9(b)
    and 6.9(c) hereof or (ii) any approval of the shareholders of MMC required
    for the consummation of the Merger shall not have been obtained by reason of
    the failure to obtain the required vote at a duly held meeting of
    shareholders or at any adjournment thereof;
 
        (g) By ADM, upon written notice to MMC, if within 45 days after the date
    of this Agreement, ADM shall not have received the executed Voting
    Agreements;
 
        (h) By ADM, upon written notice to MMC, if prior to the Closing Date,
    ADM shall have determined, in its sole discretion acting in a commercial
    reasonable manner, that it is "reasonably possible" that the possible
    manufacture, sale and shipment by MMC or any of its subsidiaries of
    products, including soybean meal, containing dioxin has had or will have a
    Material Adverse Effect on MMC and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole. For
    purposes of this Section 8(h), "reasonably possible" shall mean that the
    chance of the specified future event or events occurring is more than
    remote;
 
        (i)  By ADM, upon written notice to MMC, if, prior to the 14th day after
    receipt by ADM of such additional due diligence documents, materials and
    information relative to MMC, if any, as shall be reasonably requested in
    writing by ADM after performance of its initial due diligence review (to be
    completed no later than 30 days after the date of this Agreement), ADM shall
    have discovered during the course of its due diligence investigation of MMC
    and its subsidiaries any conditions, facts or circumstances relative to MMC
    or any of its subsidiaries which had not been disclosed in this Agreement or
    in the MMC Schedules and which, in the aggregate, has had or is reasonably
    likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on MMC and its subsidiaries, taken
    as a whole; provided; however, that failure to (i) provide such notice or
    request such additional due diligence documents, materials
 
                                      A-26
<PAGE>
    or information during the initial 30-day review period or (ii) provide such
    notice within such additional 14-day period shall be deemed a waiver of
    ADM's right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 8.1(i).
    Notwithstanding the foregoing, if MMC does not provide to ADM in a
    commercially reasonable manner all due diligence documents, materials and
    information relating to MMC as ADM shall reasonably request in writing
    during the initial 30-day review period, then such period shall be extended
    until such time as ADM has received all such documents, materials and
    information; or
 
        (j)  By MMC, upon written notice to ADM, if, prior to the 14th day after
    receipt by MMC of such additional due diligence documents, materials and
    information relating to ADM, if any, as shall be reasonably requested in
    writing by MMC after performance of its initial due diligence review (to be
    completed no later than 30 days after the date of this Agreement), MMC shall
    have discovered during the course of its due diligence investigation of ADM
    and its subsidiaries any conditions, facts or circumstances relative to ADM
    or any of its subsidiaries which had not been disclosed in this Agreement,
    in the ADM SEC Reports or in the ADM Schedules and which, in the aggregate,
    has had or is reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect on ADM and
    its subsidiaries, taken as a whole; provided, however, that failure to (i)
    provide such notice or request such additional due diligence documents,
    materials or information during the initial 30-day review period or (ii)
    provide such notice within such additional 14-day period shall be deemed a
    waiver of MMC's right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section
    8.1(j). Notwithstanding the foregoing, if ADM does not provide to MMC in a
    commercially reasonable manner all due diligence documents, materials and
    information relating to ADM as MMC shall reasonably request in writing
    during the initial 30-day review period, then such period shall be extended
    until such time as MMC has received all such documents, materials and
    information.
 
    8.2  EFFECT OF TERMINATION.  In the event of termination of this Agreement
as provided above, this Agreement shall forthwith become of no further effect
and there shall be no liability or obligation on the part of ADM, ADMAC or MMC
or their respective officers or directors (except as set forth in Sections 6.1
and 6.9 hereof which shall survive the termination). Nothing contained in this
Section 8.2 shall relieve any party from liability for breach of this Agreement
that results in termination of this Agreement. Upon request therefor, each party
will redeliver all documents, work papers and other material of any other party
relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, whether obtained before or
after the execution hereof, to the party furnishing same.
 
    8.3  AMENDMENT.  This Agreement may be amended by action taken by ADM, ADMAC
and MMC at any time before or after approval hereof by the shareholders of MMC,
but, after any such approval, no amendment shall be made which alters the number
of ADM Shares to be exchanged for each MMC Share or which in any way has a
material adverse effect on the rights of such shareholders, without the further
approval of such shareholders. This Agreement may not be amended except by an
instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto.
 
    8.4  INDEMNIFICATION.  All rights to indemnification and/or reimbursement
existing in favor of any present or former director, officer or employee of MMC
or any of its subsidiaries (an "Indemnified Party") as provided in (a) MMC's
Articles of Incorporation Bylaws, or (b) the articles of incorporation, bylaws
or similar organizational documents of any of its subsidiaries or (c) such
related contracts as are listed on Schedule 8.4, each as in effect on the date
hereof, shall survive the Merger with respect to matters occurring at or prior
to the Effective Time. ADM agrees that pursuant to the terms of the Merger such
obligations and liabilities with respect to indemnification and reimbursement of
the Indemnified Parties shall become obligations and liabilities of the
Surviving Corporation and its successors. ADM further agrees to maintain
coverage under MMC's director and officer insurance policies currently in force
or under substantially similar policies for a period of six years after the
Closing Date. ADM further agrees to become directly liable for such obligations
and liabilities with respect to indemnification and reimbursement of the
Indemnified Parties to the extent of the difference between the Surviving
Corporation's Shareholders' Equity as of the date of any such related claim and
the Shareholders' Equity of MMC on the Closing Date.
 
                                      A-27
<PAGE>
    8.5  WAIVER.  Except as set forth in Sections 8.1(i) and 8.1(j) hereof, at
any time prior to the Effective Time, the parties hereto may (a) extend the time
for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other parties
hereto, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties
contained herein or in any document delivered pursuant hereto, and (c) waive
compliance with any of the agreements or conditions contained herein. Any
agreement on the part of a party hereto to any such extension or waiver shall be
valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed on behalf of such
party. Such waiver shall not operate as a waiver of, or estoppel with respect
to, any subsequent or other failure.
 
                                   ARTICLE IX
                               GENERAL PROVISIONS
 
    9.1  NON-SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND AGREEMENTS.  The
representations and warranties made herein by the parties hereto shall not
survive the Effective Time. This Section 9.1 shall not limit any covenant or
agreement of the parties hereto which by its terms contemplates performance
after the Effective Time or the termination of the Agreement.
 
    9.2  BROKERS.  Except as set forth on Schedule 9.2, each party hereto
represents and warrants to the other parties that no broker, finder or financial
advisor is entitled to any brokerage, finder's or other fee or commission in
connection with the Merger or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of such party.
 
    9.3  NOTICES.  All notices, claims, demands and other communications
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally
or by telex or telecopy or mailed by registered or certified mail (postage
prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective parties at the following
addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by like
notice):
 
    (a) If to ADM, to:
 
             Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
            4666 Faries Parkway
            Decatur, Illinois 62526
            Attention: Chief Executive Officer
            Facsimile: (217) 424-4266
 
        with a copy to:
 
             Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
            4666 Faries Parkway
            Decatur, Illinois 62526
            Attention: General Counsel
            Facsimile: (217) 424-6196
 
    (b) If to ADMAC, to:
 
             ADM Acquisition Corp.
            4666 Faries Parkway
            Decatur, Illinois 62526
            Attention: Chief Executive Officer
            Facsimile: (217) 424-4266
 
        with a copy to:
 
             ADM Acquisition Corp.
            4666 Faries Parkway
            Decatur, Illinois 62526
            Attention: General Counsel
            Facsimile: (217) 424-6196
 
                                      A-28
<PAGE>
    (c) If to MMC, to:
 
             Moorman Manufacturing Company
            1000 North 30th Street
            P.O. Box C1
            Quincy, Illinois 62305
            Attention: Chief Executive Officer
            Facsimile: (217) 223-8653
 
        with a copy to:
 
             Schmiedeskamp, Robertson, Neu & Mitchell
            525 Jersey, P.O. Box 1069
            Quincy, Illinois 62306
            Attention: Delmer R. Mitchell, Esq.
            Facsimile: (217) 223-1005
 
    9.4  DESCRIPTIVE HEADINGS.  The headings contained in this Agreement are for
reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.
 
    9.5  ENTIRE AGREEMENT.  This Agreement (including the Schedules and other
documents and instruments referred to herein) and the Confidentiality Agreement
constitute the entire agreement and supersedes all other prior agreements and
understandings, both written and oral, among the parties or any of them, with
respect to the subject matter hereof. Section 6.9 hereof shall supersede Section
18 of the Confidentiality Agreement.
 
    9.6  SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE.  The transactions contemplated by this Agreement
are unique. Accordingly, each of the parties acknowledges and agrees that, in
addition to all other remedies to which it may be entitled, each of the parties
hereto is entitled to a decree of specific performance, provided such party is
not in material default hereunder.
 
    9.7  ASSIGNMENT.  Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or
obligations hereunder shall be assigned by any of the parties hereto (whether by
operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other
parties. Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement shall be binding
upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties and their
respective successors and assigns.
 
    9.8  GOVERNING LAW.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois without giving effect to the
provisions thereof relating to conflicts of law.
 
    9.9  PARTIES IN INTEREST.  Except for Sections 6.6 and 6.9 hereof, nothing
in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any
other person any rights, benefit or remedies of any nature whatsoever.
 
    9.10  COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which
shall constitute one and the same agreement.
 
    9.11  VALIDITY.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this
Agreement shall not effect the validity or enforceability of any other
provisions of this Agreement, which shall remain in full force and effect.
 
    9.12  JURISDICTION AND VENUE.  Each party hereto hereby agrees that any
proceeding relating to this Agreement and the Merger shall be brought in a state
court of Illinois. Each party hereto hereby consents to personal jurisdiction in
any such action brought in any such Illinois court, consents to service of
process by registered mail made upon such party and such party's agent and
waives any objection to venue in any such Illinois court or any claim that such
Illinois court is an inconvenient form.
 
    9.13  INVESTIGATION.  The respective representations and warranties of ADM,
ADMAC and MMC contained herein or in the certificates or other documents
delivered prior to the Closing shall not be deemed waived or otherwise affected
by any investigation made by any party hereto.
 
                                      A-29
<PAGE>
    9.14  CONSENTS.  For purposes of any provision of this Agreement requiring,
permitting or providing for the consent of ADM, ADMAC or MMC, the written
consent of the Chief Executive Officer of ADM, ADMAC or MMC, as the case may be,
shall be sufficient to constitute such consent.
 
    9.15  KNOWLEDGE.  Wherever the representations and warranties of the parties
contained herein are qualified by the "knowledge" of such party or the "best
knowledge" of such party, such knowledge shall be limited to that of the
officers and directors of such party and its subsidiaries.
 
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of ADM, ADMAC and MMC has caused this Agreement to
be executed on its behalf by its officers thereunto duly authorized, all as of
the date first above written.
 
                                ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
 
                                By   /s/ DAVID J. SMITH
                                     ------------------------------------------
                                Its  VICE PRESIDENT
                                     ------------------------------------------
 
                                ADM ACQUISITION CORP.
 
                                By   /s/ DAVID J. SMITH
                                     ------------------------------------------
                                Its  VICE PRESIDENT
                                     ------------------------------------------
 
                                MOORMAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY
 
                                By   /s/ THOMAS M. MCKENNA
                                     ------------------------------------------
                                Its  PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                                     ------------------------------------------
 
                                      A-30
<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT B
 
                                 SEPTEMBER 3, 1997
 
Board of Directors
Moorman Manufacturing Company
1000 North 30th Street
Quincy, Illinois 62305-7100
 
Gentlemen:
 
    Moorman Manufacturing Company (the "Company"), Archer-Daniels-Midland
Company (the "Acquiror") and ADM Acquisition Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of
the Acquiror (the "Acquisition Sub"), propose to enter into an agreement (the
"Agreement") pursuant to which the Company will be merged with the Acquisition
Sub in a transaction (the "Merger") in which each outstanding share of the
Company's common stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Shares"), will be
converted into the right to receive a number of shares of the common stock, no
par value, of the Acquiror (the "Acquiror Shares") in an amount equal to the
quotient (the "Exchange Ratio") obtained by dividing (x) $5,400.00 (the "Base
Value") by (y) an amount equal to the average of the closing prices of the
Acquiror Shares as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape on
each of the 20 trading days immediately preceding the third trading day prior to
the Closing Date (as defined in the Agreement). In the event that the
Shareholders' Equity (as defined in the Agreement) of the Company on the Closing
Date is less than $265 million, the Base Value shall be reduced by an amount
equal to (A) the difference between $265 million and the actual Shareholders'
Equity of the Company on the Closing Date divided by (B) 54,770; provided,
however, that in no event will the Base Value be less than $5,126.13. The Merger
is expected to be considered by the shareholders of the Company at a special
shareholders' meeting and consummated on or shortly after the receipt of
shareholder and all regulatory approvals.
 
    You have asked us whether, in our opinion, the Exchange Ratio is fair to the
holders of Shares from a financial point of view.
 
    In arriving at the opinion set forth below, we have, among other things:
 
(1) Reviewed the Company's audited financial information for the five fiscal
    years ended March 29, 1997 and the Company's unaudited financial information
    for the four month periods ending August 2, 1997 and 1996;
 
(2) Reviewed the Acquiror's Annual Reports, Forms 10-K and related financial
    information for the five fiscal years ended June 30, 1996 and the Acquiror's
    Forms 10-Q and the related unaudited financial information for the quarterly
    periods ending September 30, 1996, December 31, 1996 and March 31, 1997;
 
(3) Reviewed certain information, including financial forecasts, relating to the
    business, earnings, cash flow, assets and prospects of the Company,
    furnished to us by the Company;
 
(4) Conducted discussions with members of senior management of the Company
    concerning its respective businesses and prospects;
 
(5) Reviewed the market prices and valuation multiples for the Acquiror Shares
    and compared them with those of certain publicly traded companies that we
    deemed relevant;
 
(6) Reviewed the results of operations of the Company and the Acquiror and
    compared them with those of certain companies which we deemed to be
    relevant;
 
(7) Compared the proposed financial terms of the transactions contemplated by
    the Agreement with the financial terms of certain other mergers and
    acquisitions which we deemed to be relevant;
 
(8) Reviewed a draft dated August 27, 1997 of the Agreement; and
 
(9) Reviewed such other financial studies and analyses and performed such other
    investigations and took into account such other matters as we deemed
    necessary.
 
    In preparing our opinion, we have assumed and relied on the accuracy and
completeness of all information supplied or otherwise made available to us,
discussed with or reviewed by or for us, and we
<PAGE>
have not assumed any responsibility for independently verifying such information
or undertaken an independent evaluation or appraisal of any of the assets or
liabilities of the Company or the Acquiror. In addition, we have not assumed any
obligation to conduct any physical inspection of the properties or facilities of
the Company or the Acquiror. With respect to the financial forecast information
furnished to or discussed with us by the Company, we have assumed that they have
been reasonably prepared and reflect the best currently available estimates and
judgment of the Company's management as to the expected future financial
performance of the Company. While we have not received any financial forecasts
from or relating to the Acquiror, we have conducted discussions with management
of the Acquiror limited to the possible existence of undisclosed conditions that
may affect the market prices at which the Acquiror Shares have recently traded
and such management's views as to the accuracy and reasonableness of estimates
and reports with respect to the future financial and operating performance of
the Acquiror published by analysts. Our opinion is predicated on the Merger
qualifying as a tax-free reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
 
    Our opinion is necessarily based on economic, market and other conditions as
in effect on, and the information made available to us as of, the date hereof.
We have assumed that in the course of obtaining the necessary regulatory or
other consents or approvals (contractual or otherwise) for the Merger, no
restrictions, including any divestiture requirements or amendments or
modifications, will be imposed that will have a material adverse effect on the
contemplated benefits of the Merger.
 
    In connection with the preparation of this opinion, we have not been
authorized by the Company or the Board of Directors to solicit, nor have we
solicited, third-party indications of interest for the acquisition of all or any
part of the Company.
 
    We have been retained by the Board of Directors of the Company as an
independent contractor to act as financial advisor to the Company with respect
to the Merger and will receive a fee for our services. In addition, the Company
has agreed to indemnify us for certain liabilities arising out of our
engagement. We have in the past provided investment banking and other services
to the Acquiror and may continue to do so and have received, and may receive,
fees for the rendering of such services. In addition, in the ordinary course of
our securities business, we may actively trade debt and/or equity securities of
the Acquiror for our own account and the accounts of our customers, and we
therefore may, from time to time, hold a long or short position in such
securities.
 
    This opinion is for the use and benefit of the Board of Directors of the
Company. Our opinion does not address the merits of the underlying decision by
the Company to engage in the Merger and does not constitute a recommendation to
any shareholder as to how such shareholder should vote or as to any other action
such shareholder should take in connection with the proposed Merger.
 
    We are not expressing any opinion herein as to the prices at which the
Acquiror Shares will trade following the announcement or consummation of the
Merger.
 
    On the basis of, and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that
the Exchange Ratio is fair to the holders of Shares from a financial point of
view.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
                                          MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH
                                          INCORPORATED
 
                                      B-2
<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT C
 
                      ILLINOIS COMPILED STATUTES ANNOTATED
                      CHAPTER 805. BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS
                                  CORPORATIONS
                    ACT 5. BUSINESS CORPORATION ACT OF 1983
            ARTICLE 11. MERGER AND CONSOLIDATION--DISSENTERS' RIGHTS
 
5/11.65. RIGHT TO DISSENT
 
    Section  11.65. Right to dissent.
 
    (a)  A shareholder of a corporation is entitled to dissent from, and obtain
payment for his or her shares in the event of any of the following corporate
actions:
 
        (1) consummation of a plan of merger or consolidation or a plan of share
    exchange to which the corporation is a party if (i) shareholder
    authorization is required for the merger or consolidation or the share
    exchange by Section 11.20 or the articles of incorporation or (ii) the
    corporation is a subsidiary that is merged with its parent or another
    subsidiary under Section 11.30;
 
        (2) consummation of a sale, lease or exchange of all, or substantially
    all, of the property and assets of the corporation other than in the usual
    and regular course of business;
 
        (3) an amendment of the articles of incorporation that materially and
    adversely affects rights in respect of a dissenter's shares because it:
 
             (i) alters or abolishes a preferential right of such shares;
 
            (ii) alters or abolishes a right in respect of redemption, including
       a provision respecting a sinking fund for the redemption or repurchase,
       of such shares;
 
            (iii) in the case of a corporation incorporated prior to January 1,
       1982, limits or eliminates cumulative voting rights with respect to such
       shares; or
 
        (4) any other corporate action taken pursuant to a shareholder vote if
    the articles of incorporation, by-laws, or a resolution of the board of
    directors provide that shareholders are entitled to dissent and obtain
    payment for their shares in accordance with the procedures set forth in
    Section 11.70 or as may be otherwise provided in the articles, by-laws or
    resolution.
 
    (b)  A shareholder entitled to dissent and obtain payment for his or her
shares under this Section may not challenge the corporate action creating his or
her entitlement unless the action is fraudulent with respect to the shareholder
or the corporation or constitutes a breach of a fiduciary duty owned to the
shareholder.
 
    (c)  A record owner of shares may assert dissenters' rights as to fewer than
all the shares recorded in such person's name only if such person dissents with
respect to all shares beneficially owned by any one person and notifies the
corporation in writing of the name and address of each person on whose behalf
the record owner asserts dissenters' rights. The rights of a partial dissenter
are determined as if the shares as to which dissent is made and the other shares
were recorded in the names of different shareholders. A beneficial owner of
shares who is not the record owner may assert dissenters' rights as to shares
held on such person's behalf only if the beneficial owner submits to the
corporation the record owner's written consent to the dissent before or at the
same time the beneficial owner asserts dissenters' rights.
 
5/11.70. PROCEDURE TO DISSENT
 
    Section  11.70. Procedure to Dissent.
 
    (a)  If the corporate action giving rise to the right to dissent is to be
approved at a meeting of shareholders, the notice of meeting shall inform the
shareholders of their right to dissent and the procedure to dissent. If, prior
to the meeting, the corporation furnishes to the shareholders material
information with respect to the transaction that will objectively enable a
shareholder to vote on the transaction and to determine whether or not to
exercise dissenters' rights, a shareholder may assert
<PAGE>
dissenters' rights only if the shareholder delivers to the corporation before
the vote is taken a written demand for payment for his or her shares if the
proposed action is consummated, and the shareholder does not vote in favor of
the proposed action.
 
    (b)  If the corporate action giving rise to the right to dissent is not to
be approved at a meeting of shareholders, the notice to shareholders describing
the action taken under Section 11.30 or Section 7.10 shall inform the
shareholders of their right to dissent and the procedure to dissent. If, prior
to or concurrently with the notice, the corporation furnishes to the
shareholders material information with respect to the transaction that will
objectively enable a shareholder to determine whether or not to exercise
dissenters' rights, a shareholder may assert dissenter's rights only if he or
she delivers to the corporation within 30 days from the date of mailing the
notice a written demand for payment for his or her shares.
 
    (c)  Within 10 days after the date on which the corporate action giving rise
to the right to dissent is effective or 30 days after the shareholder delivers
to the corporation the written demand for payment, whichever is later, the
corporation shall send each shareholder who has delivered a written demand for
payment a statement setting forth the opinion of the corporation as to the
estimated fair value of the shares, the corporation's latest balance sheet as of
the end of a fiscal year ending not earlier than 16 months before the delivery
of the statement, together with the statement of income for that year and the
latest available interim financial statements, and either a commitment to pay
for the shares of the dissenting shareholder at the estimated fair value thereof
upon transmittal to the corporation of the certificate or certificates, or other
evidence of ownership, with respect to the shares, or instructions to the
dissenting shareholder to sell his or her shares within 10 days after delivery
of the corporation's statement to the shareholder. The corporation may instruct
the shareholder to sell only if there is a public market for the shares at which
the shares may be readily sold. If the shareholder does not sell within that 10
day period after being so instructed by the corporation, for purposes of this
Section the shareholder shall be deemed to have sold his or her shares at the
average closing price of the shares, if listed on a national exchange, or the
average of the bid and asked price with respect to the shares quoted by a
principal market maker, if not listed on a national exchange, during that 10 day
period.
 
    (d)  A shareholder who makes written demand for payment under this Section
retains all other rights of a shareholder until those rights are canceled or
modified by the consummation of the proposed corporate action. Upon consummation
of that action, the corporation shall pay to each dissenter who transmits to the
corporation the certificate or other evidence of ownership of the shares the
amount the corporation estimates to be the fair value of the shares, plus
accrued interest accompanied by a written explanation of how the interest was
calculated.
 
    (e)  If the shareholder does not agree with the opinion of the corporation
as to the estimated fair value of the shares or the amount of interest due, the
shareholder, within 30 days from the delivery of the corporation's statement of
value, shall notify the corporation in writing of the shareholder's estimated
fair value and amount of interest due and demand payment for the difference
between the shareholder's estimate of fair value and interest due and the amount
of the payment by the corporation or the proceeds of sale by the shareholder,
whichever is applicable because of the procedure for which the corporation opted
pursuant to subsection (c).
 
    (f)  If, within 60 days from delivery to the corporation of the shareholder
notification of estimate of fair value of the shares and interest due, the
corporation and the dissenting shareholder have not agreed in writing upon the
fair value of the shares and interest due, the corporation shall either pay the
difference in value demanded by the shareholder, with interest, or file a
petition in the circuit court of the county in which either the registered
office or the principal office of the corporation is located, requesting the
court to determine the fair value of the shares and interest due. The
corporation shall make all dissenters, whether or not residents of this State,
whose demands remain unsettled parties to the proceeding as an action against
their shares and all parties shall be served with a copy of the petition.
Nonresidents may
 
                                      C-2
<PAGE>
be served by registered or certified mail or by publication as provided by law.
Failure of the corporation to commence an action pursuant to this Section shall
not limit or affect the right of the dissenting shareholders to otherwise
commence an action as permitted by law.
 
    (g)  The jurisdiction of the court in which the proceeding is commenced
under subsection (f) by a corporation is plenary and exclusive. The court may
appoint one or more persons as appraisers to receive evidence and recommend
decision on the question of fair value. The appraisers have the power described
in the order appointing them, or in any amendment to it.
 
    (h)  Each dissenter made a party to the proceeding is entitled to judgment
for the amount, if any, by which the court finds that the fair value of his or
her shares, plus interest, exceeds the amount paid by the corporation or the
proceeds of sale by the shareholder, whichever amount is applicable.
 
    (i)  The court, in a proceeding commenced under subsection (f), shall
determine all costs of the proceeding, including the reasonable compensation and
expenses of the appraisers, if any, appointed by the court under subsection (g),
but shall exclude the fees and expenses of counsel and experts for the
respective parties. If the fair value of the shares as determined by the court
materially exceeds the amount which the corporation estimated to be the fair
value of the shares or if no estimate was made in accordance with subsection
(c), then all or any part of the costs may be assessed against the corporation.
If the amount which any dissenter estimated to be the fair value of the shares
materially exceeds the fair value of the shares as determined by the court, then
all or any part of the costs may be assessed against that dissenter. The court
may also assess the fees and expenses of counsel and experts for the respective
parties, in amounts the court finds equitable, as follows:
 
        (1) Against the corporation and in favor of any or all dissenters if the
    court finds that the corporation did not substantially comply with the
    requirements of subsections (a), (b), (c), (d), or (f).
 
        (2) Against either the corporation or a dissenter and in favor of any
    other party if the court finds that the party against whom the fees and
    expenses are assessed acted arbitrarily, vexatiously, or not in good faith
    with respect to the rights provided by this Section.
 
    If the court finds that the services of counsel for any dissenter were of
substantial benefit to other dissenters similarly situated and that the fees for
those services should not be assessed against the corporation, the court may
award to that counsel reasonable fees to be paid out of the amounts awarded to
the dissenters who are benefitted. Except as otherwise provided in this Section,
the practice, procedure, judgment and costs shall be governed by the Code of
Civil Procedure.
 
    (j)  As used in this Section:
 
        (1) "Fair value", with respect to dissenter's shares, means the value of
    the shares immediately before the consummation of the corporate action to
    which the dissenter objects excluding any appreciation or depreciation in
    anticipation of the corporate action, unless exclusion would be inequitable.
 
        (2) "Interest" means interest from the effective date of the corporate
    action until the date of payment, at the average rate currently paid by the
    corporation on its principal bank loans or, if none, at a rate that is fair
    and equitable under all the circumstances.
 
                                      C-3
<PAGE>
                                    PART II
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 20.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
    Reference is made to Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State
of Delaware, which provides for indemnification of directors and officers in
certain circumstances.
 
    Article Fourteenth of the Registrant's Certificate of Incorporation and
Article X of its Bylaws provide for the broad indemnification of the
Registrant's officers and directors and limit the personal monetary liability of
the Registrant's directors to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware Law. The
Registrant has also entered into indemnification contracts with certain of its
directors and officers and maintains insurance coverage relating to certain
liabilities of its directors and officers.
 
ITEM 21.  EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
    (A) EXHIBITS
 
    The following Exhibits are filed as part of this Registration Statement:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   EXHIBIT
   NUMBER                 EXHIBIT
- -------------             ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>            <C>        <S>
         2        --      Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 12, 1997, among Moorman Manufacturing
                           Company, ADM Acquisition Corp., and Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (included in the Proxy
                           Statement/Prospectus as EXHIBIT A).
 
         5        --      Opinion of Faegre & Benson LLP.
 
        23(a)     --      Consent of Ernst & Young LLP (relating to financial statements of the Registrant).
 
        23(b)     --      Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP (relating to financial statements of MMC).
 
        23(c)     --      Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP (relating to financial statements of MMC).
 
        23(d)     --      Consent of Ernst & Young LLP (relating to financial statements of C&T Quincy L.L.C., a joint
                           venture of MMC).
 
        23(e)     --      Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP (relating to financial statements of Conti-Quincy Export
                           Company, a joint venture of MMC).
 
        23(f)     --      Consent of McGladrey & Pullen LLP (relating to financial statements of ASI).
 
        23(g)     --      Consent of McGladrey & Pullen LLP (relating to financial statements of Associated Feed
                           Blenders, L.L.C., a joint venture of MMC).
 
        23(h)     --      Consent of Faegre & Benson LLP (included in Exhibit 5).
 
        23(i)     --      Consent of Winston & Strawn (included in Exhibit 8).
 
        24        --      Powers of Attorney of directors and officers of the Registrant.
 
        99(a)     --      Form of Proxy of MMC.
 
        99(b)     --      Opinion of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (included in the Proxy
                           Statement/Prospectus as EXHIBIT B).
</TABLE>
 
    (B) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
        None required.
 
    (C) REPORTS, OPINIONS OR APPRAISALS
 
        Information requested hereunder is furnished as Exhibit 99(b) hereto and
as EXHIBIT B to the Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
<PAGE>
ITEM 22.  UNDERTAKINGS
 
    The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
 
        (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made,
    a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement (i) to include any
    prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933, (ii)
    to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective
    date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective
    amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a
    fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration
    Statement, and (iii) to include any material information with respect to the
    plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement
    or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement
    PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that clauses (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not apply if the
    information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
    paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the Company pursuant to
    Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are
    incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement.
 
        (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
    Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
    to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
    therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to
    be the initial BONA FIDE offering thereof.
 
        (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
    any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
    termination of the offering.
 
    The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit
plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934) that is incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
herein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be
the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
    The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes as follows: that prior to any
public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of a
prospectus which is a part of this Registration Statement, by any person or
party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c), the
issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the information
called for by the applicable registration form with respect to reofferings by
persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the information called
for by the other Items of the applicable form.
 
    The undersigned Registrant undertakes that every prospectus: (i) that is
filed pursuant to the immediately preceding paragraph, or (ii) that purports to
meet the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933 and is
used in connection with an offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be
filed as a part of an amendment to this Registration Statement and will not be
used until such amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining
any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective
amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the
securities offered herein, and the offering of such securities at that time
shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
    Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.
 
    The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the Prospectus pursuant to
Items 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this Form, within one business day of receipt of
such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or
other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents
filed subsequent to the effective date of this Registration Statement through
the date of responding to the request.
 
    The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and
included in this Registration Statement when it became effective.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>
                                   SIGNATURES
 
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Decatur, State of
Illinois, on the 15th day of October, 1997.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                             <C>  <C>
                                ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
 
                                By:               /s/ D. J. SMITH
                                     -----------------------------------------
                                                    D. J. Smith,
                                             VICE PRESIDENT, SECRETARY,
                                                AND GENERAL COUNSEL
</TABLE>
 
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed on the 15th day of October, 1997, by the
following persons in the capacities indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<C>                                            <S>
             /s/ G. A. ANDREAS*
- --------------------------------------------   President and Chief Executive Officer
                G. A. Andreas                    (Principal Executive Officer)
 
             /s/ D. J. SCHMALZ*
- --------------------------------------------   Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
                D. J. Schmalz                    (Principal Financial Officer)
 
              /s/ S. R. MILLS*
- --------------------------------------------   Controller
                 S. R. Mills                     (Principal Accounting Officer)
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                      <C>        <C>
D. O. Andreas, Chairman of the Board*    )
Shreve M. Archer, Jr., Director*         )
J. R. Block, Director*                   )
Richard Burt, Director*                  )
M. H. Carter, Director*                  )
Gaylord O. Coan, Director*               )
F. Ross Johnson, Director*               )          A MAJORITY OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
M. B. Mulroney, Director*                )
Robert S. Strauss, Director*             )
John K. Vanier, Director*                )
O. Glenn Webb, Director*                 )
Andrew Young, Director*                  )
</TABLE>
 
    *D. J. Smith, by signing his name hereto, hereby signs this document on
behalf of each of the other above-named officers or directors of the Registrant
pursuant to powers of attorney duly executed by those persons.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                             <C>  <C>
                                By:               /s/ D. J. SMITH
                                     -----------------------------------------
                                                    D. J. Smith,
                                                  ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   EXHIBIT
   NUMBER      EXHIBIT
- -------------  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>            <S>                                                                               <C>
 
          2    -Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 12, 1997, among Moorman
                 Manufacturing Company, ADM Acquisition Corp., and Archer-Daniels-Midland
                 Company (included in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus as EXHIBIT A).
 
          5    -Opinion of Faegre & Benson LLP.................................................    Filed Electronically
 
     23    (a) -Consent of Ernst & Young LLP (relating to financial statements of the
                 Registrant)...................................................................    Filed Electronically
 
     23    (b) -Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP (relating to financial statements of MMC).....    Filed Electronically
 
     23    (c) -Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP (relating to financial statements of MMC)......    Filed Electronically
 
     23    (d) -Consent of Ernst & Young LLP (relating to financial statements of C&T Quincy
                 L.L.C., a joint venture of MMC)...............................................    Filed Electronically
 
     23    (e) -Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP (relating to financial statements of
                 Conti-Quincy Export Company, a joint venture of MMC)..........................    Filed Electronically
 
     23    (f) -Consent of McGladrey & Pullen LLP (relating to financial statements of ASI)....    Filed Electronically
 
     23    (g) -Consent of McGladrey & Pullen LLP (relating to financial statements of
                 Associated Feed Blenders, L.L.C., a joint venture of MMC).....................    Filed Electronically
 
     23    (h) -Consent of Faegre & Benson LLP (included in Exhibit 5)
 
     23    (i) - Consent of Winston & Strawn (included in Exhibit 8)
 
     24        -Powers of Attorney of directors and officers of the Registrant.................    Filed Electronically
 
     99    (a) -Form of Proxy of MMC...........................................................    Filed Electronically
 
     99    (b) -Opinion of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (included in the
                 Proxy Statement/Prospectus as EXHIBIT B).
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                                                                       Exhibit 5





                         [Letterhead of Faegre & Benson LLP]



                                   October 15, 1997



Archer-Daniels-Midland Company
4666 Faries Parkway
Decatur, Illinois 62526

Ladies and Gentlemen:

    In connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-4 under the 
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Registration Statement"), relating 
to the offering of up to 14,787,900 shares of Common Stock, without par value 
(the "Shares"), of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, a Delaware corporation 
(the "Company"), the assumed maximum number of shares that may be issued by 
the Company in connection with a proposed merger of Moorman Manufacturing 
Company into a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the "Merger"), we have 
examined such corporate records and other documents, including the 
Registration Statement, and have reviewed such matters of law as we have 
deemed relevant hereto, and, based upon this examination and review, it is 
our opinion that all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company 
has been taken to authorize the issuance and sale of the Shares and that, 
when issued and sold as contemplated in the Registration Statement, the 
Shares will be legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable under the current 
laws of the State of Delaware.

    We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the 
Registration Statement.

                               Very truly yours,


                               /s/ Faegre & Benson LLP

                               FAEGRE & BENSON LLP


<PAGE>


                                                                   Exhibit 23(a)

                            INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the 
Proxy Statement of Moorman Manufacturing Company that is made part of the 
Registration Statement (Form S-4) and related Prospectus of 
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company for the registration of 14,787,900 shares of 
its common stock, and to the incorporation by reference therein or our report 
dated July 31, 1997 with respect to the consolidated financial statements of 
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company incorporated by reference in its Annual Report 
(Form 10-K) for the year ended June 30, 1997, filed with the Securities and 
Exchange Commission.



/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

ERNST & YOUNG LLP



Minneapolis, Minnesota
October 10, 1997


<PAGE>


                                                                   Exhibit 23(b)


                            INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the use in the Proxy Statement of Moorman Manufacturing Company 
and Subsidiaries which is included in this Registration Statement on Form S-4 
and related Prospectus of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company of our report dated 
May 12, 1997 (September 12, 1997 as to Note 14), appearing in the Prospectus.

We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such 
Prospectus.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP



St. Louis, Missouri
October 16, 1997

<PAGE>

                                                                   Exhibit 23(c)


                           CONSENT OF PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP


We hereby consent to the use in the Prospectus constituting part of this 
Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Moorman Manufacturing Company of our 
report dated May 16, 1995 relating to the financial statements as of and for 
the year ended March 25, 1995 which appears in such Prospectus. We also 
consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such Prospectus.

/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP

October 16, 1997
Chicago, Illinois



<PAGE>

                                                                   Exhibit 23(d)


                           CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to 
the use of our reports (a) dated April 29, 1997, with respect to the 
financial statements of C&T Quincy, L.L.C. as of March 31, 1997 and 1996 and 
for the years then ended, and (b) dated April 26, 1996, with respect to the 
financial statements of C&T Quincy, L.L.C. as of March 31, 1996 and 1995 and 
for the years then ended, included in the Proxy Statement of Moorman 
Manufacturing Company that is made part of the Registration Statement (Form 
S-4 No. 333-__________) and related Prospectus of Archer-Daniels-Midland 
Company for the registration of shares of its common stock.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

St. Louis, Missouri
October 10, 1997


<PAGE>

                                                                   Exhibit 23(e)


                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report 
(and to all references to our Firm) included in or made a part of this 
Archer-Daniels-Midland Company S-4 Registration Statement, No. 333-__________.

/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

New York, New York
October 16, 1997


<PAGE>

                                                                   Exhibit 23(f)


                          CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


To the Board of Directors
Moorman Manufacturing Company
Quincy, Illinois

    We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form S-4 
(No.           ) of our report, dated April 28, 1995, relating to the 
financial statements of Agri Sales, Inc. which are included in the 
consolidated financial statements of Moorman Manufacturing Company and 
subsidiaries for the year ended March 25, 1995, and to the reference to our 
Firm under the caption "Experts" in the Prospectus.

                                  /s/ McGladrey & Pullen, LLP

                                  McGLADREY & PULLEN, LLP


Cedar Rapids, Iowa
October 16, 1997


<PAGE>

                                                                   Exhibit 23(g)


                          CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


To the Board of Directors
Moorman Manufacturing Company
Quincy, Illinois

    We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form S-4 
(No.          ) of our report, dated April 18, 1995, relating to the 
financial statements of Associated Feed Blenders, L.L.C. which are included 
in the consolidated financial statements of Moorman Manufacturing Company and 
subsidiaries for the year ended March 25, 1995, and to the reference to our 
Firm under the caption "Experts" in the Prospectus.

                                  /s/ McGladrey & Pullen, LLP

                                  McGLADREY & PULLEN, LLP


Cedar Rapids, Iowa
October 16, 1997


<PAGE>


                                                                      Exhibit 24



                        ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
                                       
                               Power of Attorney
                            of Director or Officer


     The undersigned director or officer of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, a 
Delaware corporation, hereby appoints D. O. Andreas, G. A. Andreas, D. J. 
Schmalz, D. J. Smith, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and 
lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and 
in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the 
undersigned's name as a director or officer of the Company to a Registration 
Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-4 or other applicable form, 
and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed 
by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., 
in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended, of shares of Common Stock or other securities proposed to be issued 
by the Company in connection with the acquisition of Moorman Manufacturing 
Company, and to file the same with the Commission, granting unto the 
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and 
perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and 
execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's 
hand this 15th day of October, 1997.




                                                  /s/ D. O. Andreas
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                                      D. O. Andreas


<PAGE>


                        ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
                                           
                               Power of Attorney
                           of Director or Officer
                                           

     The undersigned director or officer of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, a 
Delaware corporation, hereby appoints D. O. Andreas, G. A. Andreas, D. J. 
Schmalz, D. J. Smith, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and 
lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and 
in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the 
undersigned's name as a director or officer of the Company to a Registration 
Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-4 or other applicable form, 
and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed 
by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., 
in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended, of shares of Common Stock or other securities proposed to be issued 
by the Company in connection with the acquisition of Moorman Manufacturing 
Company, and to file the same with the Commission, granting unto the 
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and 
perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and 
execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's 
hand this 15th day of October, 1997.




                                                  /s/ G. A. Andreas
                                       ----------------------------------------
                                                      G. A. Andreas


<PAGE>


                        ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
                                           
                              Power of Attorney
                           of Director or Officer
                                           

     The undersigned director or officer of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, a 
Delaware corporation, hereby appoints D. O. Andreas, G. A. Andreas, D. J. 
Schmalz, D. J. Smith, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and 
lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and 
in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the 
undersigned's name as a director or officer of the Company to a Registration 
Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-4 or other applicable form, 
and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed 
by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., 
in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended, of shares of Common Stock or other securities proposed to be issued 
by the Company in connection with the acquisition of Moorman Manufacturing 
Company, and to file the same with the Commission, granting unto the 
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and 
perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and 
execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's 
hand this 15th day of October, 1997.




                                              /s/ Shreve M. Archer, Jr.
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                                  Shreve M. Archer, Jr.


<PAGE>


                        ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
                                        
                               Power of Attorney
                            of Director or Officer
                                        

     The undersigned director or officer of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, a 
Delaware corporation, hereby appoints D. O. Andreas, G. A. Andreas, D. J. 
Schmalz, D. J. Smith, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and 
lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and 
in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the 
undersigned's name as a director or officer of the Company to a Registration 
Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-4 or other applicable form, 
and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed 
by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., 
in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended, of shares of Common Stock or other securities proposed to be issued 
by the Company in connection with the acquisition of Moorman Manufacturing 
Company, and to file the same with the Commission, granting unto the 
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and 
perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and 
execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's 
hand this 15th day of October, 1997.




                                                  /s/ D.J. Schmalz
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                                      D.J. Schmalz


<PAGE>


                        ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
                                           
                               Power of Attorney
                            of Director or Officer
                                           

     The undersigned director or officer of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, a 
Delaware corporation, hereby appoints D. O. Andreas, G. A. Andreas, D. J. 
Schmalz, D. J. Smith, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and 
lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and 
in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the 
undersigned's name as a director or officer of the Company to a Registration 
Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-4 or other applicable form, 
and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed 
by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., 
in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended, of shares of Common Stock or other securities proposed to be issued 
by the Company in connection with the acquisition of Moorman Manufacturing 
Company, and to file the same with the Commission, granting unto the 
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and 
perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and 
execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's 
hand this 15th day of October, 1997.




                                                    /s/ S.R. Mills 
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                                        S.R. Mills


<PAGE>


                        ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
                                           
                               Power of Attorney
                            of Director or Officer
                                           

     The undersigned director or officer of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, a 
Delaware corporation, hereby appoints D. O. Andreas, G. A. Andreas, D. J. 
Schmalz, D. J. Smith, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and 
lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and 
in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the 
undersigned's name as a director or officer of the Company to a Registration 
Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-4 or other applicable form, 
and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed 
by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., 
in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended, of shares of Common Stock or other securities proposed to be issued 
by the Company in connection with the acquisition of Moorman Manufacturing 
Company, and to file the same with the Commission, granting unto the 
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and 
perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and 
execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's 
hand this 15th day of October, 1997.




                                                   /s/ J. R. Block
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                                       J. R. Block


<PAGE>


                        ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
                                           
                               Power of Attorney
                            of Director or Officer
                                           

     The undersigned director or officer of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, a 
Delaware corporation, hereby appoints D. O. Andreas, G. A. Andreas, D. J. 
Schmalz, D. J. Smith, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and 
lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and 
in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the 
undersigned's name as a director or officer of the Company to a Registration 
Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-4 or other applicable form, 
and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed 
by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., 
in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended, of shares of Common Stock or other securities proposed to be issued 
by the Company in connection with the acquisition of Moorman Manufacturing 
Company, and to file the same with the Commission, granting unto the 
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and 
perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and 
execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's 
hand this 15th day of October, 1997.





                                                   /s/ Richard Burt
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                                       Richard Burt


<PAGE>


                        ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
                                           
                               Power of Attorney
                            of Director or Officer
                                           

     The undersigned director or officer of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, a 
Delaware corporation, hereby appoints D. O. Andreas, G. A. Andreas, D. J. 
Schmalz, D. J. Smith, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and 
lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and 
in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the 
undersigned's name as a director or officer of the Company to a Registration 
Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-4 or other applicable form, 
and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed 
by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., 
in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended, of shares of Common Stock or other securities proposed to be issued 
by the Company in connection with the acquisition of Moorman Manufacturing 
Company, and to file the same with the Commission, granting unto the 
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and 
perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and 
execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's 
hand this 15th day of October, 1997.





                                                  /s/ M. H. Carter    
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                                      M. H. Carter


<PAGE>


                        ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
                                           
                               Power of Attorney
                            of Director or Officer
                                           

     The undersigned director or officer of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, a 
Delaware corporation, hereby appoints D. O. Andreas, G. A. Andreas, D. J. 
Schmalz, D. J. Smith, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and 
lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and 
in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the 
undersigned's name as a director or officer of the Company to a Registration 
Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-4 or other applicable form, 
and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed 
by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., 
in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended, of shares of Common Stock or other securities proposed to be issued 
by the Company in connection with the acquisition of Moorman Manufacturing 
Company, and to file the same with the Commission, granting unto the 
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and 
perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and 
execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's 
hand this 15th day of October, 1997.





                                                 /s/ Gaylord O. Coan 
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                                     Gaylord O. Coan


<PAGE>


                        ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
                                           
                               Power of Attorney
                            of Director or Officer
                                           

     The undersigned director or officer of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, a 
Delaware corporation, hereby appoints D. O. Andreas, G. A. Andreas, D. J. 
Schmalz, D. J. Smith, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and 
lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and 
in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the 
undersigned's name as a director or officer of the Company to a Registration 
Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-4 or other applicable form, 
and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed 
by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., 
in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended, of shares of Common Stock or other securities proposed to be issued 
by the Company in connection with the acquisition of Moorman Manufacturing 
Company, and to file the same with the Commission, granting unto the 
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and 
perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and 
execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's 
hand this 15th day of October, 1997.





                                                 /s/ F. Ross Johnson 
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                                     F. Ross Johnson


<PAGE>


                        ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
                                           
                               Power of Attorney
                            of Director or Officer
                                           

     The undersigned director or officer of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, a 
Delaware corporation, hereby appoints D. O. Andreas, G. A. Andreas, D. J. 
Schmalz, D. J. Smith, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and 
lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and 
in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the 
undersigned's name as a director or officer of the Company to a Registration 
Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-4 or other applicable form, 
and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed 
by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., 
in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended, of shares of Common Stock or other securities proposed to be issued 
by the Company in connection with the acquisition of Moorman Manufacturing 
Company, and to file the same with the Commission, granting unto the 
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and 
perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and 
execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's 
hand this 15th day of October, 1997.





                                                  /s/ M. B. Mulroney  
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                                      M. B. Mulroney


<PAGE>


                        ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
                                           
                               Power of Attorney
                            of Director or Officer
                                           

     The undersigned director or officer of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, a 
Delaware corporation, hereby appoints D. O. Andreas, G. A. Andreas, D. J. 
Schmalz, D. J. Smith, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and 
lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and 
in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the 
undersigned's name as a director or officer of the Company to a Registration 
Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-4 or other applicable form, 
and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed 
by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., 
in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended, of shares of Common Stock or other securities proposed to be issued 
by the Company in connection with the acquisition of Moorman Manufacturing 
Company, and to file the same with the Commission, granting unto the 
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and 
perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and 
execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's 
hand this 15th day of October, 1997.





                                               /s/ Robert S. Strauss    
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                                   Robert S. Strauss


<PAGE>


                        ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
                                           
                               Power of Attorney
                            of Director or Officer            


     The undersigned director or officer of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, a 
Delaware corporation, hereby appoints D. O. Andreas, G. A. Andreas, D. J. 
Schmalz, D. J. Smith, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and 
lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and 
in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the 
undersigned's name as a director or officer of the Company to a Registration 
Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-4 or other applicable form, 
and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed 
by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., 
in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended, of shares of Common Stock or other securities proposed to be issued 
by the Company in connection with the acquisition of Moorman Manufacturing 
Company, and to file the same with the Commission, granting unto the 
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and 
perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and 
execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's 
hand this 15th day of October, 1997.





                                                /s/ John K. Vanier  
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                                    John K. Vanier


<PAGE>


                        ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
                                           
                               Power of Attorney
                            of Director or Officer
                                           

     The undersigned director or officer of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, a 
Delaware corporation, hereby appoints D. O. Andreas, G. A. Andreas, D. J. 
Schmalz, D. J. Smith, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and 
lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and 
in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the 
undersigned's name as a director or officer of the Company to a Registration 
Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-4 or other applicable form, 
and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed 
by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., 
in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended, of shares of Common Stock or other securities proposed to be issued 
by the Company in connection with the acquisition of Moorman Manufacturing 
Company, and to file the same with the Commission, granting unto the 
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and 
perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and 
execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's 
hand this 15th day of October, 1997.





                                                 /s/ O. Glenn Webb   
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                                     O. Glenn Webb


<PAGE>


                        ARCHER-DANIELS-MIDLAND COMPANY
                                           
                               Power of Attorney
                            of Director or Officer
                                           

     The undersigned director or officer of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company, a 
Delaware corporation, hereby appoints D. O. Andreas, G. A. Andreas, D. J. 
Schmalz, D. J. Smith, and each or any one of them, the undersigned's true and 
lawful attorneys-in-fact, with power of substitution, for the undersigned and 
in the undersigned's name, place and stead, to sign and affix the 
undersigned's name as a director or officer of the Company to a Registration 
Statement or Registration Statements, on Form S-4 or other applicable form, 
and all amendments, including post-effective amendments, thereto, to be filed 
by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C., 
in connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as 
amended, of shares of Common Stock or other securities proposed to be issued 
by the Company in connection with the acquisition of Moorman Manufacturing 
Company, and to file the same with the Commission, granting unto the 
attorneys-in-fact, and each of them, full power and authority to do and 
perform any and all acts necessary or incidental to the performance and 
execution of the powers herein expressly granted.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set the undersigned's 
hand this 15th day of October, 1997.





                                                  /s/ Andrew Young
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                                      Andrew Young

<PAGE>

                    MOORMAN MANUFACTURING COMPANY
               PROXY FOR SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

         THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

                            NOVEMBER 6, 1997

   The undersigned shareholder(s) of Moorman Manufacturing Company, an 
Illinois corporation ("the Company"), hereby appoint(s) Thomas M. McKenna and 
Alfred L. Williams, and each of them with full power to act alone, the true 
and lawful attorneys-in-fact and proxies of the undersigned, with full power 
of substitution, and hereby authorize(s) them and each of them, to represent 
the undersigned and to vote all shares of common stock of the Company which 
the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Special Meeting of Shareholders 
of the Company to be held at the Blessing Conference Center, 28th and 
Chestnut Streets, Quincy, Illinois, at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 8, 
1997, and at any adjournments or postponements thereof, with all powers the 
undersigned would possess if personally present, on the following proposals 
and any other matters coming before said meeting.

1.   Approval of the Agreement and Plan of Merger.

2.   Approval, for tax purposes, of certain payments under the Change-of-
     Control Arrangements.

   THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED.  
IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR PROPOSALS 1 AND 2 AND 
IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXIES ON SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME 
BEFORE THE SPECIAL MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENTS OR POSTPONEMENTS THEREOF.
PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTES AS IN THIS EXAMPLE:   /X/

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSALS 1 AND 2.

1.   Approval of the Agreement and Plan of Merger:    FOR    AGAINST   ABSTAIN
                                                      / /      / /       / /  

2.   Approval, for tax purposes, of certain payments   FOR    AGAINST   ABSTAIN
     under the Change-of-Control Arrangements:         / /      / /       / /  


PLEASE INDICATE BELOW WHETHER YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING THE SPECIAL MEETING.

                      I PLAN TO ATTEND   I DO NOT PLAN TO ATTEND
                            / /                    / /

Shareholder Name(s) and Address(es):                 Number of Shares:_________
[insert]


Signature(s):   ______________________________      ___________________________

Date:            ______________________________      __________________________

Receipt of the Notice of the Special Meeting of Shareholders and 
accompanying Proxy Statement/Prospectus is hereby acknowledged.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS ON REVERSE SIDE:   / /

NOTE:   Please sign exactly as your name appears on this proxy.  Joint owners
        should each sign personally.  If signing as attorney, executor,
        administrator, trustee or guardian, please include your full title.
        Corporate proxies should be signed by an authorized officer.




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