<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001193125-16-785104.txt : 20161205
<SEC-HEADER>0001193125-16-785104.hdr.sgml : 20161205
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20161205160702
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001193125-16-785104
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	DEFA14A
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		2
FILED AS OF DATE:		20161205
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20161205
EFFECTIVENESS DATE:		20161205

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			FARMER BROTHERS CO
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000034563
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	MISCELLANEOUS FOOD PREPARATIONS & KINDRED PRODUCTS [2090]
		IRS NUMBER:				950725980
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			0630

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		DEFA14A
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-34249
		FILM NUMBER:		162033843

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		13601 NORTH FREEWAY, SUITE 200
		CITY:			FORT WORTH
		STATE:			TX
		ZIP:			76177
		BUSINESS PHONE:		682 549 6600

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		P O BOX 77057
		CITY:			FORT WORTH
		STATE:			TX
		ZIP:			76177
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>DEFA14A
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>d307412ddefa14a.htm
<DESCRIPTION>DEFA14A
<TEXT>
<HTML><HEAD>
<TITLE>DEFA14A</TITLE>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:14pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>UNITED STATES </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:14pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:10pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:18pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>SCHEDULE 14A </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Rule&nbsp;14a-101) </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section&nbsp;14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment
No.<U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</U>) </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Filed by the Registrant&nbsp;&nbsp;&#9746; </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Filed by a Party other than the Registrant&nbsp;&nbsp;&#9744; </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Check the appropriate box: </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#9744;&nbsp;&nbsp;Preliminary Proxy Statement </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#9744;&nbsp;&nbsp;<B>Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))</B> </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#9744;&nbsp;&nbsp;Definitive Proxy Statement </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#9746;&nbsp;&nbsp;Definitive Additional Materials </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#9744;&nbsp;&nbsp;Soliciting Material Pursuant to &#167;240.14a-12 </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:18pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>FARMER BROS.&nbsp;CO. </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant) </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:10pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#9746;&nbsp;&nbsp;No fee required. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#9744;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and&nbsp;0-11. </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(1)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(2)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(3)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 </TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:13%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(4)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(5)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Total fee paid: </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#9744;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#9744;&nbsp;&nbsp; Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule&nbsp;0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for
which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(1)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Amount Previously Paid: </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(2)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(3)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Filing Party: </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="8%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">(4)</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Date Filed: </TD></TR></TABLE>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:9pt; font-family:ARIAL">On December&nbsp;5, 2016, Farmer Bros. Co. issued the following statement. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL" ALIGN="center"><B>Farmer Bros. Co. Issues Open Letter to Stockholders Urging a Vote &#147;FOR&#148; the Company&#146;s Director </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL" ALIGN="center"><B>Nominees on the <U>GOLD</U> Proxy Card Today </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL" ALIGN="center"><I>A Vote <U>FOR</U> Farmer Bros.&#146; Director Nominees is a Vote for Stockholder Value Creation </I></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL" ALIGN="center"><I>and Strong Operational and Financial Performance </I></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL"><B>FT.
WORTH, Texas &#150; December&nbsp;5, 2016</B> &#150; Farmer Bros. Co. (NASDAQ: FARM, the &#147;Company&#148; or &#147;Farmer Bros.&#148;) today issued an open letter to Farmer Bros. stockholders and recommended that stockholders vote
<B>&#147;FOR&#148;</B> each of the Company&#146;s highly qualified director nominees &#150; Michael H. Keown, Charles F. Marcy and Christopher P. Mottern &#150; on the <B><U>GOLD</U></B> proxy card in connection with the Company&#146;s 2016 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders being held on Thursday, December&nbsp;8, 2016. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">The full text of the letter follows: </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:6%; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">Dear Farmer Bros. Co. Stockholder: </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:6%; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">Over the past
few weeks, your Board of Directors and management team have been meeting with many Farmer Bros. stockholders to gain a better understanding of your views on the Company and our strategy. We are gratified by the positive feedback and support we have
received for the Company&#146;s proven turnaround plan. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:6%; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">I am writing to ask you to support the Company&#146;s three nominees for reelection as
directors at this year&#146;s Annual Meeting of Stockholders. <B><U>I believe &#150; as your Board does &#150; that we have the right team and that we are executing on the right plan to drive long-term, sustainable growth for Farmer Bros. and
maximize value for all stockholders.</U></B> </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:6%; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">Each of the three leading, independent proxy advisory firms agree. Institutional Shareholder Services,
Glass Lewis&nbsp;&amp; Co. and Egan-Jones Proxy Services have all recommended that stockholders vote &#147;<B>FOR</B>&#148; the Company&#146;s three highly qualified and experienced director nominees. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:6%; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">A vote <B>&#147;FOR&#148;</B>the Farmer Bros. Board and its three nominees is a vote in support of: </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:ARIAL; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="6%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman">&#9679;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">An appreciation in the Company&#146;s stock price of over 225% and value creation for all stockholders of over $400 million<SUP STYLE="font-size:85%; vertical-align:top">i</SUP>; </TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:ARIAL; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="6%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman">&#9679;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">The successful execution of a proven turnaround plan that has returned Farmer Bros. to profitability; </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:ARIAL; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="6%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman">&#9679;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">A thoroughly planned and well executed corporate relocation that is expected to produce annualized cost savings of approximately $18 million to $20 million; and </TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:ARIAL; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="6%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman">&#9679;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Enhanced governance and fresh perspectives under a new independent Chairman appointed in 2015 and five new directors who were added in the past five years. </TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:6%; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL"><B><U>In sharp contrast, the Waite Group has offered no plan for the future of Farmer Bros. and would put the value of your investment at risk</U></B>
by returning Farmer Bros. to the days when it was operated like a private company, rather than as a public company focused on the best interests of all stockholders. Electing the Waite Group nominees would: </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:ARIAL; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="6%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman">&#9679;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Remove the Company&#146;s successful management team and derail the Company&#146;s proven turnaround plan; </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:ARIAL; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="6%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman">&#9679;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Rely on the oversight of the Waite Group&#146;s three unqualified, hand-picked nominees who have personal ties to members of the Waite Group that would compromise the independence of the Board, add no value and who lack
the necessary experience to enhance stockholder value; and </TD></TR></TABLE>

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<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:ARIAL; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="6%">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman">&#9679;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Effectively place control of the Board in the hands of the Waite Group, whose interests are not aligned with all stockholders. </TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL" ALIGN="center"><B>TIME IS SHORT &#150; VOTE THE <U>GOLD</U> PROXY CARD <U>TODAY</U> </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL" ALIGN="center"><B>&#147;FOR&#148; THE COMPANY&#146;S HIGHLY QUALIFIED NOMINEES </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:6%; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL"><B>It is important that stockholders vote as soon as possible</B>, no matter how many shares you own. The future of Farmer Bros. and your investment
depend on the management team continuing to successfully execute its proven turnaround plan, under the directions of a Board that is highly engaged and focused on the interests of all stockholders, and that has the right mix of independence, C-level
executive experience, industry expertise and knowledge of the Company. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:6%; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">We are confident that the current Farmer Bros. Board, including our three
nominees &#150; Michael H. Keown, Charles F. Marcy and Christopher P. Mottern &#150; is well positioned to guide the Company into the future and maximize value for all stockholders. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:6%; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">We strongly urge stockholders to vote today by signing and dating the previously delivered <B><U>GOLD</U></B> proxy card and returning it in the
postage-paid envelope provided, or by voting over the Internet or by telephone in accordance with the instruction provided on the <B><U>GOLD</U></B> proxy card. Even if you already voted using the WHITE proxy card, you have the right to change your
vote to the <B><U>GOLD</U></B> proxy card in support of Farmer Bros.&#146; director nominees. Only the last-dated proxy card will count. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:6%; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">On behalf
of your Board of Directors, we thank you for your continued support. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:6%; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">Sincerely, </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:6%; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">/s/ Randy E. Clark </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:6%; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">Randy E. Clark </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; margin-left:6%; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">Chairman of the Board </P> <P STYLE="font-size:18pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000; BORDER-RIGHT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000; padding-right:8pt"> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:ARIAL" ALIGN="center"><B>Your Vote Is Important, No Matter How Many Shares You Own</B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:24pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" align="left">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL" ALIGN="center"><B>If you have any questions or require any assistance with respect to voting your shares, please</B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL" ALIGN="center"><B>contact the Company&#146;s proxy solicitor at the contact listed below:</B></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:18pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" align="left">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" ALIGN="center">


<IMG SRC="g307412snap0003.jpg" ALT="LOGO">
</P> <P STYLE="font-size:18pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt" align="left">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL" ALIGN="center"><B>470 West Avenue</B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL" ALIGN="center"><B>Stamford, Connecticut 06902</B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL" ALIGN="center"><B>Stockholders Call
Toll Free: (800)&nbsp;662-5200</B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL" ALIGN="center"><B>Banks and Brokers Call Collect: (203)&nbsp;658-9400</B></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12pt; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt" align="left">&nbsp;</P></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL"><B>About Farmer Bros. Co. </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">Founded in 1912, Farmer Bros. Co. is a national coffee roaster, wholesaler and distributor of coffee, tea and culinary products. The Company&#146;s product lines
include organic, Direct Trade and sustainably-produced coffee. </P>

<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">
With a robust line of coffee, hot and iced teas, cappuccino mixes, spices, and baking/biscuit mixes, the Company delivers extensive beverage planning services and culinary products to its U.S.
based customers. The Company is a direct distributor of coffee to restaurants, hotels, casinos, offices, quick service restaurants, convenience stores, healthcare facilities and other foodservice providers, as well as private brand retailers. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, Farmer Bros. Co. generated net sales of over $500 million in fiscal 2016 and has approximately 1,600 employees nationwide. The
Company&#146;s portfolio features a wide range of coffees including Farmer Brothers<SUP STYLE="font-size:85%; vertical-align:top">&reg;</SUP>, Artisan Collection by Farmer Brothers&#153;, Metropolitan&#153;, Superior<SUP
STYLE="font-size:85%; vertical-align:top">&reg;</SUP>, Cain&#146;s&#153; and McGarvey<SUP STYLE="font-size:85%; vertical-align:top">&reg;</SUP>. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL"><B>Forward-looking
Statements </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">Certain statements in this communication constitute &#147;forward-looking statements.&#148; When used in this communication, the words
&#147;will,&#148; &#147;expects,&#148; &#147;anticipates,&#148; &#147;estimates&#148; and &#147;believes,&#148; and similar expressions and statements that are made in the future tense or refer to future events or developments, are intended to
identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results,
performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the expected cost savings relating to the Company&#146;s corporate relocation.
These statements are based on management&#146;s current expectations, assumptions, estimates and observations of future events and include any statements that do not directly relate to any historical or current fact; actual results may differ
materially due in part to the risk factors set forth in our most recent annual, periodic and current reports filed with the SEC. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">Undue reliance should not be
placed on the forward-looking statements in this communication, which are based on information available to the Company on the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update such statements. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL"><B>Important Additional Information and Where to Find It </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">Farmer Bros. Co. has
filed a definitive proxy statement and accompanying <B><U>GOLD</U></B> proxy card with the SEC in connection with the solicitation of proxies from the Company&#146;s stockholders in connection with the matters to be considered at the Company&#146;s
2016 Annual Meeting. Additional information regarding the identity of participants, and their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth in the Company&#146;s definitive proxy statement, including the schedules and
appendices thereto. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">THE COMPANY URGES ITS INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS TO READ CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY
SUPPLEMENTS OR AMENDMENTS), THE ACCOMPANYING <B><U>GOLD</U></B> PROXY CARD AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT THE COMPANY MAY FILE WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">Farmer Bros. Co., certain of its directors and certain of its executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the Company&#146;s
stockholders in connection with the matters to be considered at the Company&#146;s 2016 Annual Meeting. Information regarding the names of the Company&#146;s directors and executive officers and their respective interests in the Company by security
holdings or otherwise is set forth in the Company&#146;s definitive proxy statement for its 2016 Annual Meeting. To the extent holdings of the Company&#146;s securities have changed since the amounts set forth in the Company&#146;s definitive proxy
statement for the 2016 Annual Meeting, such changes have been reflected on Initial Statements of Beneficial Ownership on Form 3, Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 or Annual Statements of Changes in Beneficial Ownership of Securities on
Form 5 filed with the SEC. These documents are available free of charge at the SEC&#146;s website at www.sec.gov. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">Copies of the definitive proxy statement
(including any supplements or amendments), the accompanying <B><U>GOLD</U></B> proxy card, and any other documents filed by the Company with the SEC are available free of charge at the SEC&#146;s website at www.sec.gov. Copies are available free of
charge at the Investor Relations section of the Company&#146;s website at www.farmerbros.com. </P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL"><B>Additional Information </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL"><B>INVESTOR CONTACT: </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">Isaac N. Johnston, Jr. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">(682) 549-6663 </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">Tom Ball / Mike Verrechia </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">Morrow Sodali </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">(203) 658-9400 </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL"><B>MEDIA CONTACT: </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">Kelly Sullivan / Ed Trissel / Leigh Parrish </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL">(212) 355-4449 </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:36pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="line-height:8.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000;width:26%">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:ARIAL"><SUP STYLE="font-size:85%; vertical-align:top">i</SUP> Stock price appreciation and stockholder value from 03/13/2012 through 09/28/2016. </P>
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