Prepared by MERRILL CORPORATION www.edgaradvantage.com


QuickLinks
 -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document
 


Exhibit 10.1


38031300                                     
                                   Date Approved: 11/9/99


CONFIDENTIAL
TREATMENT REQUESTED. CERTAIN PORTIONS HAVE BEEN OMITTED

AND HAVE BEEN FILED SEPARATELY WITH THE COMMISSION.


CoBANK, ACB


Loan Agreement


Borrower:


DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY

CARRINGTON, NORTH DAKOTA



	New Loan
	 	Present Loans

	$15,000,000.00—Seasonal Loan	 	$	10,800,000.00	—Term Loan
	 	 	 	[10,800,000,00]	—Letter of Credit Commitment
	 	 	 	9,500,000.00	—Term Loan
	 	 	 	13,000,000.00	—Construction Term Loan
	 	 	
	 
	 	 	$	33,300,000.00	 





	Total Loans

	$	15,000,000.00	—Seasonal Loan, Note No. A637S01
	 	10,800,000.00	—Term Loan, Note No. 39181NP*
	 	[10,800,000.00]	—Letter of Credit Commitment, Note No. 39182NP*/**
	 	9,500,000.00	—Term Loan, Note No. 33061
	 	13,000,000.00	—Construction Term Loan, Note No. 35062
	
	 
	$	48,300,000.00	—Total
	 	

	 	*   NP indicates a non-patronage note.
	 	**  Note No. 39182NP will only be used to repay Note No. 39181NP.



    The
maximum total indebtedness hereunder will not exceed $48,300,00.00.


    CoBank,
ACB (the "Bank") and Borrower agree to the above loans (the "Loans") to the Borrower. The Borrower's present indebtedness to the Bank and/or commitments outstanding (entitled
Present Loans in the above heading) are consolidated and are made subject to all the terms and conditions of this loan agreement.




  PURPOSE  


    The proceeds of the Loans shall be used as follows:



	A.
	The
Seasonal Loan shall be used for general operating purposes, and to refinance Seasonal Loan, Note No. 24340.



	B.
	Term
Loan, Note No. 39181NP, was used to refinance Term Loan, Note No. 39180.



	C.
	Letter
of Credit Commitment, Note No. 39182NP shall be used in the event that the Bank of North Dakota draws on the letter of credit in its favor in accordance with the terms
and conditions thereof.



	D.
	Term
Loan, Note No. 33061, was used to finance the construction of the pasta plant.












	E.
	Construction
Term Loan, Note No. 35062, was used to finance the mill and pasta line expansion (the "Project").





  NOTES AND SECURITY  


    Advances under this loan agreement, together with any existing indebtedness of the Borrower to the Bank, shall be evidenced by a promissory note or notes
acceptable to the Bank, and shall be secured to the extent of all collateral presently held by the Bank; including but not limited to, all real estate mortgages and security agreements, as well as a
perfected first security interest in all of the Borrower's personal property in Kentucky.


    All
property under lien to the Bank as security for the Loans shall be collateral for all indebtedness of the Borrower to the Bank.




  LIMITATION ON ADVANCES  


	A.
	The
total Seasonal Loan outstanding under this or any loan agreement between the Bank and the Borrower shall not exceed the amount shown in the above heading.



	B.
	Advances
on the Seasonal Loan shall not exceed the sum of the following collateral values based on collateral reports to be submitted monthly (or more often at Borrower's
discretion) in such form as required by the Bank:



	1.
	Eighty
percent (80%) of accounts receivable acceptable to the Bank and not older than forty-five (45) days from the date of invoice.



	2.
	Sixty-five
percent (65%) of the value under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) of owned inventories of grain, semolina, flours, millfeeds, ingredients, and finished
pasta.









	C.
	Advances
on Letter of Credit Commitment, Note No. 39182NP shall support a letter of credit issued by the Bank in favor of Bank of North Dakota. The letter of credit is in a
current amount not to exceed $10,800,000.




  INTEREST  


	A.
	All
Seasonal Loan balances hereunder shall bear interest at a variable rate of interest per annum as determined by the Bank (the "Applicable Rate")(which was 7.01% as of
November 1, 1999), which rate may vary from time to time in relationship to the Bank's cost of funds; provided, however, the fixed amounts (as defined in the "FIXED RATE SEASONAL ADVANCES AND
MATURITIES" section of this loan agreement) shall bear such rates of interest as described in the statements. Variable rate balances (i.e., balances other than fixed amounts) under this
Paragraph A shall be subject to Paragraph C of this Section IV.



	B.
	All
outstanding Term Loan balances, excluding Note Nos. 39181NP and 39182NP, shall bear interest at a variable rate of interest per annum as determined by the Bank (the "Applicable
Rate")(which was 7.36% as of November 1, 1999); which rate may vary from time to time in relationship to the Bank's cost of funds; provided, however, the fixed amounts (as defined in the
"CUSTOMER MANAGED FIXED RATE TERM ADVANCES AND MATURITIES" section of this loan agreement) shall bear such rates of interest as described in the statements. Variable rate balances (i.e., balances
other than fixed amounts) under this Paragraph B shall be subject to Paragraph C of this Section IV.



	C.
	This
paragraph applies to (and only to) variable rate Seasonal and Term Loan balances (excluding balances under Note Nos. 39181NP and 39182NP). During any time that the Borrower is
not in compliance with the current ratio and debt service coverage ratio conditions (as defined in Section IX., paragraphs D and F, respectively, and measured at the times specified
therein), all such variable rate balances shall bear interest at a rate *** basis points (***%) above the respective


2








Applicable
Rate. During any time that the Borrower is in compliance with such current ratio and debt service coverage ratio conditions, the interest rate shall be increased or decreased (or, as
applicable, not changed) in accordance with the following Incentive Interest Rate Matrix based on the Leverage Ratio (as defined in Section IX, Paragraph D and measured at the times
specified therein):





	Incentive Interest Rate Matrix


	Leverage Ratio

	 	Increase/Decrease

to Interest Rate
	 	Change to Interest

Rate in Basis Points

	Greater than ***%	 	*****	 	***
	Greater than ***% and less than or equal to ***%	 	*****	 	***
	Greater than ***% and less than or equal to ***%	 	*****	 	***
	Greater than ***% and less than or equal to ***%	 	*****	 	***
	Less than or equal to ***%	 	*****	 	***






(*—Confidential
treatment requested.)



The
interest rate change shall occur within one month after the Bank's receipt of the monthly compliance report.



	D.
	The
interest rate on Term Loan, Note No. 39181NP shall be fixed to maturity at 5.71% per annum. The interest rate on Term Loan, Note No. 39181NP, shall not be subject
to Paragraph C of this Section IV.



	E.
	Any
outstanding draws under the Letter of Credit Commitment, Note No. 39182NP, shall bear interest at the variable rate per annum equal to the highest prime rate, as
published in The Wall Street Journal Money Rate section, plus 200 basis points (2.0%). Interest rate changes will take place within seven business days
from the time of publication in The Wall Street Journal. The interest rate on Letter of Credit Commitment, Note No. 39182NP shall not be subject
to Paragraph C of this Section IV.



	F.
	Interest
on the Loans shall be payable on the 20th day of each month and shall be calculated on the actual number of days each Loan is outstanding on the basis of a year consisting
of 360 days, provided, however, that interest on fixed-rate balances outstanding as of the date of this loan agreement shall be paid on the 20th day of the first month of each calendar quarter
and shall be calculated on the actual number of days outstanding on the basis of a year consisting of 365 days.




  FEES  


	A.
	The
Term Loans, except for Letter of Credit Commitment, Note No. 39182NP, shall be subject to an agency fee of 10 basis points (0.10%) on an annualized basis, on the daily
outstanding balances and commitments payable on the last day of each calendar quarter, in arrears.



	B.
	The
Letter of Credit Commitment, Note No. 39182NP shall be subject to a commitment fee of 62.5 basis points (0.625%) on an annualized basis (based on a year consisting of
360 days), on the daily outstanding commitments payable on the last day of each calendar quarter, in arrears. This commitment fee shall be on a non-patronage basis.




  FIXED RATE SEASONAL ADVANCES AND MATURITIES  


    In accordance with and subject to the Bank's Fixed Rate Seasonal Loan Program, and subject to the Bank's overall program funding limitations, it is agreed the
interest rate may be fixed on any seasonal loan indebtedness (the "fixed amount") made under this loan agreement as follows:



	A.
	The
minimum fixed amount shall be $100,000.



3










	B.
	Each
fixed amount and each selected pricing maturity date will be treated as a separate indebtedness for interest rate designation and interest billing purposes.



	C.
	Fixed
amount pricing maturities shall not be less than 30 days nor greater than 180 days from the day of advance to be based on the maturity selection of the Borrower;
however, all fixed amounts shall have pricing maturities no later than June 30, 2001.



	D.
	The
Borrower may receive same day interest rate quotes if a firm request is placed and accepted by the Bank before 12:01 p.m. (Central Time) on any business day. A firm
request is one placed by telephone or in writing by an authorized representative of the Borrower.



	E.
	Fixed
amounts shall be automatically converted to the variable rate seasonal loan at maturity.



	F.
	Fixed
amounts cannot be repaid or repriced by the Borrower prior to their respective pricing maturity dates without being subject to prepayment penalties. Such penalties shall be
determined according to a methodology specified by the Bank which preserves the Bank's yield on the fixed amount prepaid or repriced and which is based upon the difference between the Bank's cost of
like funds to pricing maturity at the time of prepayment and the existing fixed rate on the fixed amount.



	G.
	Each
fixed amount shall be summarized in the Daily Activity Statement (the "statement") to the Borrower. Each statement shall reference and confirm at least the following:



	1.
	Note
No. A637S01.



	2.
	The
fixed amount and its Contract No.



	3.
	The
rate of interest.



	4.
	The
effective date.



	5.
	The
pricing maturity date.









	H.
	The
Borrower agrees that the statement shall verify the understanding reached by the parties, and that the Borrower shall be bound by the statement without its signature; provided,
however, if there is an error reflected in the statement, the Borrower shall notify the Bank of the error within five days after receipt of the statement and an appropriate correction will be made.



	I.
	If
there is a question on the interest rate applicable to the fixed amount, the rate as established by the Bank for such amounts shall be controlling.



	J.
	Section IV.,
paragraph C. shall not apply to this Section VI., "FIXED RATE SEASONAL ADVANCES AND MATURITIES."





  CUSTOMER MANAGED FIXED RATE TERM ADVANCES AND MATURITIES  


    In accordance with and subject to the Bank's Customer Managed Fixed Rate Term Program and subject to the Bank's overall program funding limitations, it is
agreed the interest rate may be fixed on any term loan indebtedness (the "fixed amount") under this loan agreement as follows:



	A.
	The
minimum fixed amount shall be $1,000,000.



	B.
	Each
fixed amount and each selected pricing maturity date shall be treated as a separate indebtedness for interest rate designation and interest billing purposes.



	C.
	Fixed
amount pricing maturities shall be for a minimum maturity of 60 days and a maximum of maturity.



4











	D.
	The
Borrower shall have indebtedness under the variable rate term interest rate program or priced maturing fixed amounts against which to apply scheduled term loan payments as set
forth in the "REPAYMENT" section of this loan agreement.



	E.
	The
Borrower's selection of loan interest rate quotes and pricing maturities must be communicated to the Bank by 2:00 p.m. (Central Time) on the day prior to the fixed amount
advance. If this selection deadline is not met, maturing fixed amounts shall automatically convert to the variable rate term loan.



	F.
	Fixed
amounts cannot be repaid or repriced by the Borrower prior to their respective pricing maturity dates without being subject to prepayment penalties. Such penalties shall be
determined according to a methodology specified by the Bank which preserves the Bank's yield on the fixed amount prepaid or repriced and which is based upon the difference between the Bank's cost of
like funds to pricing maturity at the time of prepayment and the existing fixed rate on the fixed amount.



	G.
	Each
fixed amount shall be summarized in the Daily Activity Statement (the "statement") to the Borrower. Each statement shall reference and confirm the following:



	1.
	Note
Nos. 33061 or 35062.



	2.
	The
fixed amount and its Contract No.



	3.
	The
rate of interest.



	4.
	The
effective date.



	5.
	The
pricing maturity date.









	H.
	The
Borrower agrees that the statement shall verify the understanding reached by the parties, and that the Borrower shall be bound by the statement without its signature; provided,
however, if there is an error reflected in the statement, the Borrower shall notify the Bank of the error within five days after receipt of the statement and an appropriate correction will be made.



	I.
	If
there is a question on the interest rate applicable to the fixed amount, the rate as established by the Bank for such amounts shall be controlling.



	J.
	Section IV.,
paragraph C. shall not apply to this Section VII., "CUSTOMER MANAGED FIXED RATE TERM ADVANCES AND MATURITIES."





  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES  


    The Borrower represents and warrants that:



	A.
	The
Borrower and its subsidiary Primo Piatto, Inc. (PPI) are duly organized, existing and in good standing under the laws of North Dakota and Minnesota, respectively. They
have the power to own their properties and to carry on their business as now being conducted. They are duly qualified to do business and are in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the
transaction of their business makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure to so qualify would not have a material adverse effect on their business, operations, or properties, taken as
a whole.



	B.
	The
Borrower has full power and authority to execute, deliver, and perform under the terms of this loan agreement and the Borrower and PPI each has full power and authority to
execute, deliver and perform under the terms of the notes, the security agreements, mortgages, and guaranty (collectively referred to as the "Loan and Security Documents") and all other documents and
agreements contemplated by this loan agreement, all of which have been duly authorized by each respective party.



5











	C.
	All
consents or approvals of any person which are necessary for, or are required as a condition of, the execution, delivery, and performance under the terms of the Loan and Security
Documents have been obtained.



	D.
	The
Loan and Security Documents each constitutes the legal, valid, and binding obligation of the Borrower and PPI, enforceable against the Borrower and PPI, in accordance with its
respective terms.



	E.
	To
the best of the Borrower's knowledge, there are no pending legal or governmental actions, proceedings, or investigations to which the Borrower or PPI is a party, or to which any
property of the Borrower or PPI is subject, which might result in any material adverse change in the business or financial condition of the Borrower or PPI, and to the best of the Borrower's
knowledge, no such actions or proceedings are threatened or contemplated by governmental authorities or any other person.



	F.
	There
is no provision of the Borrower's articles of incorporation or bylaws and, to the best of the Borrower's knowledge after due inquiry, no provision of any existing real estate
mortgage, indenture, lease, security agreement, contract, note, instrument, or any other agreement or document binding on the Borrower or PPI, or affecting their properties, which would conflict with
or in any way prevent the execution, delivery, or performance of the Loan and Security Documents by the Borrower or PPI.



	G.
	To
the best of the Borrower's knowledge, the Borrower and PPI each has duly and lawfully obtained, and is duly and lawfully maintaining in effect, all material, licenses,
certificates, permits, qualifications, authorizations, and approvals which are required or necessary for the operation of its business, whether federal, state, or local.



	H.
	To
the best of the Borrower's knowledge, neither the Borrower nor PPI has (1) any direct or contingent liability for any obligation of any other person and (2) any
obligation to make a loan or advance to any person or to own, purchase, or acquire any stock, obligations, or securities of, or any other interests in, or to make any capital contribution to, any
person.





  FINANCIAL CONDITIONS  


    While this loan agreement is in effect, the Borrower agrees to comply with the following financial conditions:



	A.
	Cash Patronage:  The Borrower will pay cash patronage in amounts necessary to qualify its patronage refunds as a qualified patronage
dividend as defined in the Internal Revenue Code.



	B.
	Dividends and Revolvement of Equities:  The Borrower may not revolve, or otherwise pay out, any dividends or owner equity if such
action would cause one or more of "FINANCIAL CONDITIONS" C., D., or E. under this loan agreement to be in a noncompliance position, without the prior written consent of the Bank, which consent will
not be unreasonably withheld.



	C.
	Current Ratio:  The Borrower will maintain a current ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) of not less than 1.35:1,
measured at each month end.



	D.
	Leverage Ratio:  The Borrower will maintain a leverage ratio (The sum of Long Term Liabilities minus Deferred Taxes Payable plus the
Present Value of Operating Leases divided by Net Worth) of not greater than 1.10:1.0, measured at each month end. Long Term Liabilities may be adjusted to reflect a current ratio of 1.35:1.



6











	E.
	Debt Service Coverage Ratio:  The Borrower will maintain a debt service coverage ratio of not less than 1.50:1, measured for the
previous twelve month period ending July 31 of each year. The debt service coverage ratio shall be calculated as follows: 


	 

After-tax net income
	Add:	 	Depreciation and Amortization Expense

Capital Retains
	Subtract:	 	Non Cash Patronage Income

Cash Patronage or Dividend Payable in Subsequent Fiscal Year based on the Current Fiscal Year's Net Income

Extraordinary Gains or Losses, after taxes income or expense

Gain or (Loss) on Asset Sales

Retains Revolved
	Equal to:	 	Adjusted Cashflows from Operations
	Divided by:	 	Prior period current portion of Long Term Liabilities plus

Prior period current portion of Capitalized Leases
	Equals:	 	Debt Service Coverage Ratio













  GENERAL CONDITIONS  


    While this loan agreement is in effect, the Borrower agrees to comply with the following conditions:



	A.
	Eligibility Status:  The Borrower will maintain its status as an eligible borrower as defined in the Farm Credit Act of 1971, as
amended (12 U.S.C. 2129).



	B.
	Stock Investment:  The Borrower will purchase equities of the Bank in such amounts as prescribed by the Bank's capital plan and any
amendments to the plan.



	C.
	Non-Patronage Loans:  Term Loan, Note No. 39181NP and Letter of Credit Commitment, Note No. 39182NP shall be
non-patronage loans. The Borrower foregoes any opportunity to purchase Bank equities or receive allocations of patronage earnings on Term Loan, Note No. 39181NP and Letter of Credit Commitment,
Note No. 39182NP.



	D.
	Insurance:  The Borrower and PPI will maintain:



	1.
	Business
and property insurance with financially sound insurers, in amounts sufficient to protect the Loans.



	2.
	Flood
insurance as may be required by the Bank in accordance with applicable law including, but not limited to, regulations of the Farm Credit Administration.



	3.
	All
appropriate grain licenses and all required grain buyers' and warehouse bonds.









	E.
	Financial Information:  The Borrower will furnish the Bank audited annual financial statements prepared in accordance with Generally
Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"), and acceptable auditors' reports, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, annual operating budgets within 60 days after the end of
each fiscal year; monthly financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP within 45 days after the end of each month, and such other information as the Bank may request relative to the
Borrower's business, and permit such examination of its books and records as the Bank may specify. The Borrower also agrees that parties preparing such financial information are authorized
to release to the Bank such financial information as the Bank may request.



7













	F.
	Collateral Reports:  The Borrower will furnish the Bank collateral reports to be submitted in such form and frequency as required by
the Bank.



	G.
	Negative Pledge, Merger, etc.:  The Borrower will not mortgage, pledge, assign, or grant security interests in any assets to any
other party without the prior written consent of the Bank, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, or allow to exist any non-consensual or statutory lien or judgment against it or its assets.
The Borrower will not sell, lease or dispose of its assets except in the ordinary course of business. The Borrower will not merge or consolidate with any other entity, or form or create any new
subsidiary, or purchase all or a material part of the assets of any person or entity, or commence operations under any other name or organization.



	H.
	Corporate Documents:  The Borrower will not amend its articles of incorporation, by-laws, growers agreement, nor its grain delivery
payment policies without the prior written consent of the Bank, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.



	I.
	Environmental Representations, Conditions, and Indemnity Clause:  Except as disclosed in writing to the Bank, the Borrower and PPI
represents and agrees to the following:



	1.
	Hazardous Material Notice:  The Borrower represents that it has not received a notice from any governmental agency or other persons
nor is there any present or threatened suit, investigation, or other proceeding, with regard to Hazardous Materials (defined in paragraph 7 below) on, in, or affecting its owned or leased
property. It shall immediately give the Bank oral and written notice if it receives such a notice.



	2.
	No Violation of Environmental Laws:  The Borrower has not and will not violate any federal, state, or local environmental laws
relating to or affecting its owned or leased property, which violation would have a material affect on the Borrower's business or materially affects the value of the collateral.



	3.
	No Releases of Hazardous Material:  There has been no release, nor shall the Borrower permit any release, of such nature requiring
notification to proper authorities of any Hazardous Material onto the Borrower's owned or leased property.



	4.
	Storage Tank Registered; No Leaks:  All above ground and underground storage tanks have been duly registered with all applicable
federal, state and local government authorities. The Borrower has no knowledge of any leaks from any of its above ground or underground storage tanks.



	5.
	Investigation of Released Hazardous Materials:  If there is a suspected release of Hazardous Materials, the Borrower shall, at its
own expense conduct all investigations, testing, and other actions, including an environmental audit made at the Bank's request, necessary to determine the extent (if any) of the release of Hazardous
Materials and to clean up and remove all Hazardous Material in accordance with environmental laws.



	6.
	Indemnity:  The Borrower agrees to indemnify, hold harmless, and defend the Bank against all claims of whatever kind (including
attorneys', consultants', and experts' fees) paid or asserted against the Bank as a direct result of the Borrower's violation of any environmental law. This indemnity shall continue for the benefit of
the Bank after the termination of this loan agreement or other loan or security documents.



	7.
	Definition:  Hazardous Material is defined as any toxic, radioactive, or hazardous substance, material, waste, pollutant, emission,
or contaminant, including but not limited to: (a) asbestos, (b) urea formaldehyde, (c) the group of organic compounds known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), (d) any
petroleum product and byproduct including but not limited to gasoline, fuel oil, crude oil, and the various constituents of such products, and (e) pesticides, fertilizers, and other
agricultural chemicals.






8















  REPAYMENT  


    The indebtedness arising from the Loans shall be repaid as follows:



	A.
	The
Seasonal Loan, Note No. A637S01, of not to exceed $15,000,000 shall mature on December 31, 2000; provided, however, the Borrower shall make such payments from time to
time as may be required to maintain the loan within the limits set forth in the "LIMITATION ON ADVANCES" section of this loan agreement; provided further, any balances outstanding under the fixed rate
seasonal loan provisions shall mature as specified in the statement. Any outstanding fixed amounts as of December 31, 2000 shall be repaid no later than June 30, 2001.



	B.
	The
present Term Loan, Note No. 39181NP, of $10,800,000, shall be repaid by annual principal payments of One Million Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,200,000) each, to be
remitted to the Bank on or before September 30 of each year. All outstanding balances shall be repaid by September 30, 2008.



	C.
	Advances
made in support of Letter of Credit Commitment, Note No. 39182NP, of not to exceed $10,800,000, shall be payable on demand.



	D.
	The
present Term Loan, Note No. 33061, of $9,500,000 shall be repaid by quarterly principal payments of Six Hundred Eighty-Five Thousand Dollars ($685,000) each, to be
remitted to the Bank on or before March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of each year, commencing on September 30, 2001; provided, however, that if the
Borrower is not in default, it shall not be required to make payments that would accelerate the repayment of fixed interest rate balances. All outstanding balances shall be repaid by
December 31, 2004.



	E.
	The
present Construction Term Loan, Note No. 35062, of $13,000,000 shall be repaid by quarterly principal payments of Six Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($625,000)
each, to be remitted to the Bank on or before March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 of each year; provided, however, that if the Borrower is not in default, it
shall not be required to make payments that would accelerate the repayment of fixed interest rate balances. All outstanding balances shall be repaid by December 31, 2004.






    In
the absence of instructions from the Borrower, or if the Borrower is in default, the Bank, at its discretion, may apply repayments to the reduction of any of the indebtedness
outstanding between the Bank and the Borrower.




  LATE FEE PENALTY  


    Payments received twenty (20) calendar days after the scheduled repayment date are subject to a late payment penalty equal to 1% of the past due amount
but not less than $25.00 per transaction.


  EXPIRATION  


    The unadvanced portion of the Loans shall be cancelled as indicated below; provided, however, the Bank may, at its option, extend the expiration date of the
Loans and the maturity date of the Seasonal Loan without notice to or consent of the Borrower.




Seasonal
Loan, Note No. A637S01—December 31, 2000


Letter
of Credit Commitment, Note No. 39182NP—December 31, 2008, subject to decreased amounts provided for in the letter of credit.




9














  REINSTATEMENT  


    In order to facilitate repayments and reborrowings under this loan agreement, the Bank is authorized to reinstate all sums repaid on the Seasonal Loan through
the expiration date specified in this loan agreement; provided, however, that the total amount outstanding under this loan agreement shall not exceed the face amount of the Seasonal Loan; and
provided, further, that the right of the Borrower to such reinstatement may be denied and cancelled at any time at the option of the Bank.




  DEFAULT PROVISION  


    If the Borrower shall fail to pay when due any amount on any of the Loans under this loan agreement, or on any other indebtedness of the Borrower to the Bank,
or fail to observe or perform any of the provisions or representations of this loan agreement, or of any security agreement, mortgage, or other security document, or shall be subject to the
jurisdiction of a bankruptcy court whether by a voluntary filing or involuntary action, or shall be in default of the Note Purchase Agreement executed by Borrower dated as of July 15, 1998, or
any of the documents evidencing such Note Purchase Agreement or securing the obligation thereunder, the Borrower shall be in default. When the Borrower is in default, the Bank may declare by written
notice to the Borrower that the Loans and other indebtedness are immediately due and payable. The Bank may then terminate its commitment to lend and cancel any reinstatement rights provided to the
Borrower under this loan agreement, and proceed to enforce payment and exercise any or all of the rights afforded to the Bank by law or agreement. Upon demand, and as permitted by law, the Borrower
shall reimburse the Bank for all attorneys' fees and costs incurred by the Bank in protecting or enforcing its rights or collateral, including reasonable attorneys' fees incurred by the Bank in a
bankruptcy or receivership proceeding or in enforcing any judgment against the Borrower.




  ACCEPTANCE  


    This loan agreement is the full agreement under the terms and conditions of the Loans. It shall not be modified except in writing, and shall not become
effective unless the Borrower shall, within 90 days from date, signify its acceptance of these terms and conditions by signing and returning a copy of this loan agreement to the Bank.



    BY
DIRECTION of the loan committee this 9th day of November, 1999.



	CoBank, ACB	 	 
	 

 	 
 	 

 
	By 
	 	 
	 

 	 
 	 

 
	Its 
	 	 
	 

 	 
 	 

 
	ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO:	 	 
	 

 	 
 	 

 
	DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY

CARRINGTON, NORTH DAKOTA	 	 
	 

 	 
 	 

 
	By 
	 	 
	 

 	 
 	 

 
	Its 
	 	 
	 

 	 
 	 

 
	Date 
	 	 



10








	 

 	 
 	 

 
	ACKNOWLEDGED BY AND AGREED TO

AS TO SECTION VIII; AND SECTION X.,

PARAGRAPHS D. AND I.:	 	 
	 

 	 
 	 

 
	PRIMO PIATTO, INC.

NEW HOPE, MINNESOTA	 	 
	 

 	 
 	 

 
	By 
	 	 
	 

 	 
 	 

 
	Its 
	 	 
	 

 	 
 	 

 
	Date 
	 	 



11










  NONNEGOTIABLE NOTE OF
 DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY
 CARRINGTON, NORTH DAKOTA  


Note No. A637S01


$15,000,000.00                                    
                                    November 9,
1999


    For
value received, the undersigned ("Maker") promises to pay to CoBank, ACB, (the "Bank"), at its office in the City of Denver, Colorado, the sum of Fifteen Million and no/100
Dollars ($15,000,000.00) with interest on the unpaid balance at a variable rate of interest which may increase or decrease as the Bank may, from time to time, determine as provided in the Loan
Agreement of even date between the Maker and the Bank. The unpaid balance of this note, with accrued interest, and required equity purchases, may be paid at any time subject to a prepayment penalty,
if any, in accordance with the terms of the Loan Agreement between the Bank and Maker.


    This
note shall at all times evidence and constitute prima facie proof of the indebtedness of the Maker to the Bank or its successors or assigns, of such amount of money (not in
excess of the amount of the principal indebtedness stated above plus accrued interest and required equity purchases) as shown to be owing by the records of the Bank, or its successors or assigns.


    In
the event that suit is brought on this note, the Maker agrees to pay such reasonable attorneys' fees and costs of collection as permitted by law to be charged.


    The
Maker hereby waives presentment for payment, demand, protest, notice of protest, and notice of dishonor and nonpayment of this note.


    If
requested by the Bank, its successors or assigns, the Maker agrees to deliver in substitution for this note, a negotiable note for the amount of the unpaid balance of Maker's
indebtedness, plus accrued interest and required equity purchases.



	 	 	DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY
	 

 	 
 	 

 	 

 
	 	 	By	
 Its President
	 

 	 
 	 

 	 

 
	 	 	By	
 Its Secretary



12











QuickLinks


PURPOSE

NOTES AND SECURITY

LIMITATION ON ADVANCES

INTEREST

FEES

FIXED RATE SEASONAL ADVANCES AND MATURITIES

CUSTOMER MANAGED FIXED RATE TERM ADVANCES AND MATURITIES

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

FINANCIAL CONDITIONS

GENERAL CONDITIONS

REPAYMENT

LATE FEE PENALTY

EXPIRATION

REINSTATEMENT

DEFAULT PROVISION

ACCEPTANCE

NONNEGOTIABLE NOTE OF DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY CARRINGTON, NORTH DAKOTA