Document:

<PAGE>
                                                                     Exhibit 4.4

                       ESCROW AND SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT

     This Agreement, dated as of February 22, 2002, is entered into by and
between NORTHWEST ETHANOL, LLC (the "Company"), NATIONAL CITY BANK, a national
banking association, as escrow agent (the "Escrow Agent"), and Messrs. Eugene
Schubert, Fred Schubert, Virgil Hoene, Gary Mavis and Ted Penner, and Ney Oil
Company, 5C's Farms, Inc., Spatial Ag Management, LLC and Nester Ag-Management
(collectively, the "Unitholders").

     The Company has filed a registration application (File No. 31363) with the
Ohio Division of Securities (the "Division), pursuant to section 1707.091 of the
Revised Code. As a condition for the approval of the registration application by
the Division, Unitholders have agreed to escrow certain units subject to the
terms of this Agreement.

     Therefore, Unitholders have deposited with the Escrow Agent certificates
evidencing four hundred and eighty-three (483) limited liability company units
of the Company (the "Escrowed Units"), and the Escrow Agent acknowledges receipt
thereof. See Exhibit A, incorporated in and made a part of this Agreement, which
details the Escrowed Units.

     Therefore, with respect to the Escrowed Units the parties to this Agreement
agree as follows:

     1.   The Escrowed Unit certificates shall bear the following legend:

          "These shares are subject to certain restrictions, including escrow
          and subordination, and may not be transferred without compliance with
          the Escrow and Subordination Agreement, dated February 22, 2002. This
          legend may be removed only if the shares are released from escrow by
          the terms of the Agreement."

     2.   The Escrowed Units shall not be assigned, sold, hypothecated, pledged,
          transferred, or otherwise disposed (except by will, descent, or
          operation of law) until released from escrow.

     3.   Except as otherwise provided by this Agreement, any distribution,
          cash, stock, or property paid or issued with respect to the Escrowed
          Units and any distribution, cash, stock or property paid or issued
          with respect to the Escrowed Units by reason of any exchange of units,
          merger, consolidation, recapitalization, reorganization or similar
          business combination shall be subject to the terms of this Agreement.

     4.   In the event the Company makes a distribution to its Unitholders in
          connection with the liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy,
          receivership, or sale of all or substantially all of the Company
          assets, then a distribution shall be made to all Unitholders based on
          their positive Capital Account balances, as that term is defined in
          the Company's Amended and Restated Operating Agreement dated November
          27, 2001 as amended for clarification purposes by the Directors on
          January 10, 2002, and any other subsequent amendment thereto. Any
          remaining proceeds shall be distributed to all Unitholders in
          proportion to the

<PAGE>

          total number of units owned by each Unitholder as compared to the
          total number of units owned by all the Unitholders.. If the
          distribution consists of non-cash items, the fair market value of
          non-cash items shall be valued by an independent appraiser.

     5.   In the case of a tender offer to purchase all or substantially all of
          the Company's outstanding units, or a merger, consolidation, or
          reorganization into an unaffiliated entity, the Escrowed Units shall
          be released from escrow and this Agreement shall be terminated if the
          majority of the non-escrowed units (excluding all units owned or
          controlled directly or indirectly by any officer, director, or person
          subject to this Agreement) are purchased in such tender offer or voted
          in favor of such merger, consolidation, or reorganization.

     6.   Other than as specified by this Agreement, the Unitholder shall have
          all beneficial rights of ownership of the Escrowed Units, including
          the right to vote the Escrowed Units for all purposes.

     7.   All calculations used in this Agreement shall be adjusted should the
          Company make a unit distribution or distribution of units, have a unit
          split, have a reverse unit split, or otherwise reclassify its units.

     8.   All Escrowed Units shall be released by the Escrow Agent and this
          Agreement shall be terminated when:

          a.   The Company has provided to the Escrow Agent and the Commissioner
               of Securities annual audited financial statements (per United
               States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles consistently
               applied and signed by a Certified Public Accountant) showing,
               and a certification by the Company as to the Company's
               fully-diluted net earnings, after taxes and exclusive of
               extraordinary items, for a period of four consecutive quarters of
               at least $600.00 per unit per quarter or for each of two
               consecutive periods of four consecutive quarters of at least
               $300.00 per unit per quarter; and

          b.   The Escrow Agent has not received written objection from the
               Commissioner of Securities within thirty (30) days of receipt of
               such audited financial statements by the Commissioner of
               Securities.

9.   If the Escrowed Units are not released pursuant to the terms of paragraph
     (8) above, then twenty-five per cent (25%) of the total amount of units
     originally escrowed shall be released automatically on each of the fifth,
     sixth, seventh, and eighth anniversaries of the effective date of the
     registration (File No. 31363) in Ohio as stated in the Division Order
     granting effectiveness, a copy of which will be provided by the Company to
     the Escrow Agent. This Agreement shall also terminate on the eighth
     anniversary of the registration (File No. 31363). Units shall be released
     ratably to all Unitholders subject to this Agreement.

10.  Any cash distributions and associated Interest, as defined in this
     paragraph, paid on Escrowed Units or earned in respect of such
     distributions and held by the Escrow Agent pursuant to paragraph (3) and/or
     this paragraph shall be released upon the release of the Escrowed Units to
     which such distributions and associated Interest are attributable. The
     Escrow Agent shall invest or

                                       2
<PAGE>

     reinvest any cash held in escrow in accordance with the written
     instructions of the Company from time to time, until all the Escrowed Units
     and their associated distributions and any interest, dividends or increase
     earned thereon (collectively, "Interest") have been released from escrow.
     Absent written instructions from the Company to the contrary, the Escrow
     Agent shall invest and reinvest any cash held in escrow together with the
     Interest thereon (the "Escrow Amount") in the Armada Money Market Fund. The
     Company acknowledges receipt of disclosure that the Escrow Agent or an
     affiliate of the Escrow Agent serves as investment advisor to the Armada
     Money Market Fund and in such capacity receives a fee. The Escrow Agent is
     authorized to liquidate in accordance with its customary procedures any
     portion of the Escrow Amount consisting of investments to provide for
     payments required to be made under this Agreement. The Escrow Agent shall
     not be required to invest any funds held hereunder except as directed in
     this Agreement, or in written instructions from the Company. The Escrow
     Agent does not have any interest in the Escrow Amount deposited hereunder
     but is serving as escrow holder only and having only possession thereof.
     Each Unitholder shall be responsible for the payment of taxes related to
     Interest earned on the Escrow Amount. Any payments of Interest to
     Unitholders from the Escrow Amount shall be subject to any applicable
     withholding regulations then in force with respect to United States taxes.
     Each Unitholder will provide the Escrow Agent with an appropriate Internal
     Revenue Service Form W-9 for tax identification number certification. The
     Escrow Agent will provide 1099 reporting. This paragraph shall survive
     notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement or the resignation of the
     Escrow Agent.

11.  Other than as specified by this Agreement, the Escrow Units shall be
     released if the offering has been terminated pursuant to Section 3.(b) or
     3.(c) of that certain Escrow Agreement dated February 22, 2002, by and
     between Northwest Ethanol, LLC and National City Bank as escrow agent.

12.  In performing any of its duties, the Escrow Agent shall not incur any
     liability for any damages, losses, or expenses, except for willful
     misconduct or gross negligence. It shall not incur any liability with
     respect to any action taken or omitted in good faith upon advice of counsel
     or counsel for the Company given with respect to the duties and
     responsibilities of the Escrow Agent under this Escrow Agreement. The
     Escrow Agent may in good faith rely on the truth and accuracy of any
     information believed by it to be authorized or within the rights or powers
     conferred upon it by this Agreement and which conforms with the provisions
     of this Agreement.

13.  The Company and the Unitholders jointly and severally agree to indemnify
     and hold harmless the Escrow Agent against any and all losses, claims,
     liabilities and expenses, including reasonable costs of investigation,
     counsel fees and disbursements, which may be imposed upon or incurred by
     the Escrow Agent in connection with its acceptance of appointment as Escrow
     Agent.

14.  The Escrow Agent's fees for serving as Escrow Agent under this Agreement
     shall be $1,500.00 per year or any part thereof, as well as the fees listed
     below in this paragraph, and all fees shall be paid by the Company:

                                       3
<PAGE>

     Armada Fund Automatic Cash Management Fee   50 basis points of daily
                                                 balance calculated daily

     Purchase of sale of assets other than
     Armada Funds                                $50.00

15.  This Escrow Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts with
     the same force and effect as if all parties had signed the same document.

16.  All notices, requests, instructions or other communications required or
     permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be given in writing and
     delivered by certified mail or hand-delivered to all parties to this
     Agreement and to the Commissioner of the Ohio Division of Securities, at
     the following address:

                      Ohio Department of Commerce
                      Division of Securities
                      77 South High Street, 22nd Floor
                      Columbus, Ohio  43215-6131
                      Attn:  Mark R. Heuerman, Esq.

17.  If the Escrow Agent is unable to perform its duties, a new escrow agent
     shall be appointed, a new Escrow and Subordination Agreement (identical in
     all respects to this Agreement) shall be entered into, and notice shall be
     given to the Division. The Escrow Agent must be satisfactory to the
     Division.

18.  This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding of the parties hereto
     with respect to the operations contemplated hereby and may not be amended
     except by a written instrument executed by the parties hereto and consented
     to by the Commissioner of the Ohio Division of Securities.

19.  This Agreement shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in
     accordance with the laws of Ohio.

20.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, which together shall
     constitute one and the same binding agreement.

                                       4
<PAGE>

   Northwest Ethanol, LLC                 5Cs Farms

   By /s/ Ted W. Penner Sec/Treas         By   /s/ William A. Cleland Jr.
   -------------------------------        ----------------------------------
              Company, Date                         Unitholder, Date

   National City Bank                     Nester Ag Management

   By /s/ Karen Franklin                  /s/ Joe Nester
   -------------------------------        ----------------------------------
                                                    Unitholder, Date
   /s/
   -------------------------------        Ney Oil Company
          Escrow Agent, Date
                                          By /s/ Lynn Bergman
                                           ----------------------------------
                                                     Unitholder, Date

                                          Spatial Ag Systems, LLC

                                          By James Joost, Member
                                           ----------------------------------
                                                    Unitholder, Date

                                          /s/ Eugene Schubert
                                           ----------------------------------
                                                    Unitholder, Date

                                          /s/ Fred Schubert
                                           ----------------------------------
                                                    Unitholder, Date

                                          /s/ Virgil Hoene
                                           ----------------------------------
                                                    Unitholder, Date

                                          /s/ Gary Mavis
                                           ----------------------------------
                                                    Unitholder, Date

                                          /s/ Ted Penner
                                           ----------------------------------
                                                    Unitholder, Date

<PAGE>

                       ESCROW AND SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT

                                    EXHIBIT A

Unitholder Name and Address                     # of units escrowed

Ted W. Penner, Esq.                              57.4 Units
----------------------------------------    -----------------------------
101 Clinton Street, Suite 1500
----------------------------------------
Defiance, Ohio  43512
----------------------------------------

Spatial Ag Management, LLC                       97.2 Units
----------------------------------------    -----------------------------
c/o James Joost
----------------------------------------
11111 Lockwood Road
----------------------------------------
Sherwood, Ohio  43556

5C's Farms, Inc.                                 49.2 Units
----------------------------------------    -----------------------------
c/o William A. Cleland, Jr.
----------------------------------------
R.R. 20683
----------------------------------------
Hicksville, Ohio  43526
----------------------------------------

Eugene Schubert                                  37.2 Units
----------------------------------------    -----------------------------
13021 Scott Road
----------------------------------------
Ney, Ohio
----------------------------------------

Nester Ag-Management                             47.6 Units
----------------------------------------    -----------------------------
c/o Joel Nester
----------------------------------------
01521 Ney-Williams Center Road
----------------------------------------
Bryan, Ohio  43506
----------------------------------------

Gary Mavis                                       40.2 Units
----------------------------------------    -----------------------------
08660 Beerbower Road
----------------------------------------
Edgerton, Ohio  43517
----------------------------------------

Ney Oil Company                                  37.2 Units
----------------------------------------    -----------------------------
c/o Lynn Bergman
----------------------------------------
14533 Defiance - Paulding County Line Rd.
----------------------------------------
Cecil, Ohio
----------------------------------------

<PAGE>

Fred Schubert                                    22.8 Units
----------------------------------------    -----------------------------
112 Sunset Avenue
----------------------------------------
Sherwood, Ohio  43556
----------------------------------------

Virgil Hoene                                     94.2 Units
----------------------------------------    -----------------------------
Box 23
----------------------------------------
Sherwood, Ohio  43556
----------------------------------------

Company Name and Address

Northwest Ethanol, LLC
----------------------------------------
P.O. Box 4505
----------------------------------------
Sherwood, Ohio  43556-0505
----------------------------------------
Attention: Ted W. Penner, Esq.
           -----------------------------
Telephone:  (419) 784-9982
           -----------------------------
Facsimile:   (419) 784-9991
           -----------------------------

Escrow Agent Name and Address

National City Bank
----------------------------------------
One National City Center, Suite 655S
----------------------------------------
Indianapolis, IN  46255
----------------------------------------
Attention: Charles L. Mariner
           -----------------------------
Telephone:  (317) 267-7260
           -----------------------------
Facsimile:   (317) 267-7605
           -----------------------------

                                        2<PAGE>
                                                                    Exhibit 10.3

                    CONTRACT FOR DETAIL ENGINEERING SERVICES

                               NW ETHANOL, L.L.C.

This contract engages Gaylor Engineering (Engineer), 400 Douglas Avenue, Suite
C, Dunedin, FL 34698, to provide Consulting Engineering Services in connection
with the process design and related services for a 30 million gallon per year
motor fuel grade ethanol plant to be located near Hicksville, Ohio for Northwest
Ethanol.

The design will conform to BATF requirements in effect at the date of signing of
this document. The design will conform to the Performance Specification (Exhibit
A). The fuel ethanol product will conform to ASTM D 4806-93a (Exhibit B).

Services provided by the Engineer shall include the following:

DETAIL DESIGN PACKAGE

The process shall be designed to operate on a feedstock of Number 2 yellow dent
dry corn, and up to 28% moisture yellow corn. Process design will be performed,
with emphasis on capital investment, operating cost and yield as directed by
Owner. Engineer shall complete its services in a timely and efficient manner.

1.1  Development of material and energy balances for the process operation of
     the plant, from receipt of grain, to delivery of cooled, denatured motor
     fuel grade ethanol to tank(s); to delivery of WDG and DDGS to storage; and
     to scrubber CO2 and delivery of raw gas to fence of Pain Enterprises
     facility.

1.2  Development of detailed Process Flow Diagrams (PFD's) showing process
     equipment items, flow lines, and key point tabulation of flows, conditions
     and compositions of process streams, including utility and effluent flows
     for the ethanol plant. Quantities of chemicals and operating supplies,
     along with the respective process systems will be developed.

1.3  Development of Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID's), showing
     process equipment, pipe sizes and specifications, insulation and tracing,
     valve sizes and specifications, process instrumentation, control valves and
     equipment safety devices.

1.4  Preparation of Equipment List, sizing and specifications. Drawing for
     fabricated equipment will include sufficient detail to allow fabricators to
     develop detailed design drawings in accordance with their own standard shop
     practices.

1.5  Preparation of Instrument List and specification(s) for process
     instrumentation. The specifications and details for tie-in to computer
     controls will be developed based on the selected vendor.

1.6  Assist in preparation of Computer Functional Specification.

1.7  Preparation of site and utility construction drawings. These plans will
     include paving, grading and drainage for full site. Drawings will also
     include water and sewer.

1.8  Preparation of layouts and elevations to indicate recommended arrangement
     of process areas and equipment within these areas. Prepare structural steel
     drawings based on these layouts.

<PAGE>

1.9  Preparation of process description, with key operating conditions.

1.10 Development of requirements (quality and quantity), both normal and peak
     load, for steam, process water, cooling water, electric power, compressed
     air, chemicals, and the quantity and characteristics of wastewater streams
     from the plant; for engineering contractors use in design of main storage
     facilities, utilities, services, and wastewater disposal. In addition,
     gaseous emissions information will be provided using generally accepted
     procedures to assist Owner in permit applications.

1.11 Advise and assist the Owner in the preparation of all forms, applications,
     filings, record keeping and correspondence required to obtain all necessary
     permits and authorizations to construct and operate the plant in accordance
     with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, ordinances and
     regulations. These shall include but not be limited to NPDES, air, water,
     wastewater, site, geothermal.

1.12 Prepare contract packages for site work, building, concrete, fermenters,
     mechanical, electrical and boiler island.

USE OF PLANS, DIAGRAMS, DRAWINGS

Owner shall have a one-time license to use, with respect to the Hicksville
project, all maps, plans diagrams, drawings, specifications, and other
instruments or materials prepared by Engineer pursuant to this contract, and
Engineer shall provide Owner with copies of same upon request. Owner agrees to
maintain the confidentiality of such maps, plans, diagrams, drawings,
specifications, and other instruments or materials, and to disclose them to only
such persons as necessary or appropriate to facilitate the construction and
financing of the ethanol plant.

FEES AND PAYMENT

Engineer shall charge for services and out-of-pocket expenses hereunder a
maximum fee of $800,000. Invoices shall be submitted monthly, with payment due
upon receipt. The amount of each monthly invoice shall be calculated on a time
and expense basis, with the hourly rate for time not to exceed $125. Invoices
not paid within thirty days of date of issue shall be subject to an interest
charge of 1% per month retroactive to the invoice date. Owner reserves the right
to terminate the project at any time, with or without cause, by giving written
notice of termination to Engineer, in which event Owner shall pay Engineer on a
time and expense basis for services performed through the date of termination,
and Owner shall owe no additional amounts to Engineer hereunder.

Engineer's initial work will focus on the site, general arrangement, building,
fermenter designs, contracts and on permitting to insure early initiation of
construction. Fees for these services and out-of-pocket expenses, which are
included within the $800,000 cap, shall not exceed $100,000.

INSURANCE

Upon execution of this contract, Engineer shall provide proof of errors and
omissions insurance in an amount of $1,000,000. Engineer shall also provide
proof of liability insurance in an amount of $500,000.

WARRANTEES

<PAGE>

Engineer represents and warrants that it and its employees, consultants and
agents to be retained in accordance with this contract have the expertise,
experience, qualifications and ability to perform all its obligations under this
contract properly and in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations,
and that all services shall be provided by qualified technicians and personnel,
properly supervised by Engineer. Furthermore, Engineer represents and warrants
that all plans, specifications, drawings and all other documents and services
provided pursuant to this contract and the process design shall comply with all
applicable laws, statutes, building, zoning, safety and environmental codes,
ordinances, rules and regulations affecting the process design.

Engineer warrants that its design for the production of ethanol, DDGS and WDG
will be free from defects and that the completed process will perform in
accordance with the specifications described in Exhibit A and the plans,
specifications, drawings and other contract documents prepared for the project.
Notwithstanding anything else in this agreement, Engineer makes no other
warranties, express or implied.

Claims, disputes or other matters in question between the parties to this
agreement or breach thereof shall be subject to and decided by arbitration in
Clearwater, Florida in accordance with the construction industry arbitration
rules of the American Arbitration Association currently in effect unless the
parties mutually agree otherwise.

Unless otherwise agreed in writing, Engineer shall carry on the work and
maintain its progress required by this contract during any arbitration
proceeding, and the owner shall continue to make payments to Engineer in
accordance with this agreement.

The award rendered by the arbitrator or arbitrators will be final, and judgement
may be entered upon it in accordance with applicable law in any Florida court
having jurisdiction thereof, with the loser of the arbitration paying all costs,
including but not limited to reasonable attorneys fees.

PERSONAL LIABILITY

No member, director, officer, employee, or other agent of Owner shall be held to
any personal liability under this contract, but rather Engineer shall look
solely to Owner for performance of its obligations hereunder.

This contract is hereby entered into this 27th day of December, 2001.

NORTHWEST ETHANOL, L.L.C.

By: /s/ William A. Cleland
   -----------------------------------------
Title: President
Date  12/27/01

GAYLOR ENGINEERING

By:  /s/ Michael J. Gaylor
    ----------------------------------------
         MICHAEL J. GAYLOR, P.E.
Title: Owner
Date 01/02/02

<PAGE>

                                    EXHIBIT A

                                PROCESS GUARANTEE

Gaylor Engineering hereby represents and warrants that, upon its substantial
completion of the ethanol plant described in the contract this Exhibit A is
attached to, said plant shall meet the following specifications:

ETHANOL

Capacity:               30 million gallons per year denatured, basis 330
                        operating days

Specifications:    Denatured Ethyl Alcohol complying with ASTM D-4806-93a
                        (Exhibit B)

Steam Energy:           45,000 BTU's/gallon

Electrical Energy:      1.2 kwh/gallon

Yield:                  2.65 gallons ethanol per bushel (56 lb.) #2 yellow dent
                        corn, 61% starch content, as received.

WET DISTILLERS GRAINS WITH SOLUBLES

Specifications:    Commercially acceptable to the industry.

Moisture:               Maximum 72%

Dry Distillers Grains with solubles

Specifications:    27 to 32% protein

Moisture:               Maximum 12%

The above performance specifications are dependent on operating conditions that
achieve an average fermenter ethanol content of 12% volumetrically, including
availability of feedstock, cooling water, process water, steam and electricity
in quantity and quality sufficient to supply specified ethanol quantity of
product.

Upon completion of the plant, Engineer shall provide to Owner notice that the
plant is ready for full operation and shall request that the Owner schedule a
performance test. Request for the performance test shall be a certification by
Engineer that the plant has been constructed in accordance with the design,
specifications and drawings of Engineer.

Upon receipt of the notice, the owner shall schedule the performance test within
thirty (30) days and shall advise Engineer accordingly. The performance test
shall be considered successful if, for a three (3) day continuous run, the plant
produces ethanol, WDG and or DDGS in conformance with the specifications
described above. If the performance test is not successful, Engineer shall make
such changes in its design that are necessary to satisfy the performance test
for a three (3) day continuous run, the plant produces ethanol and WDG and DDGS
in comformance with the specifications described above. If the performance

<PAGE>

test is not successful, Engineer shall make such changes in its design that are
necessary to satisfy the performance test for three (3) continuous days and upon
completing design modifications, the performance test shall be rescheduled. This
procedure shall be followed until the performance test is successfully
completed.

In the event that the failure to produce ethanol, WDG and or DDGS for three (3)
consecutive days is the result of defects in the equipment or construction of
the plant, not subject to Engineer's control, Engineer shall advise Owner of
such, specifying the defect and the appropriate remedial remedies that the Owner
should undertake. If the failure is the result of an act or omission within
Engineer's control or scope of responsibility, Engineer shall notify Owner of
the defect and appropriate remedies that Engineer will undertake. The
responsible party shall promptly undertake such remedial action, and upon
completion of such actions, a second performance test (or third, fourth, etc.,
if necessary) shall be undertaken.

Upon completion of a successful performance test, the warranty of the Engineer,
as described above, shall be deemed satisfied.

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00034-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00034-of-00352.parquet"}]]