Document:

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WHEN RECORDED MAIL TO:
      STEARNS BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
      4191 SO 2ND ST
      PO BOX 7338
      ST CLOUD, MN 56302                                 FOR RECORDER'S USE ONLY
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                           CONSTRUCTION DEED OF TRUST
             THIS DEED OF TRUST IS A CONSTRUCTION SECURITY AGREEMENT
            WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE NEBRASKA CONSTRUCTION LIEN ACT

THIS DEED OF TRUST is dated December 19, 2001, among HUSKER AG PROCESSING, LLC,
A NEBRASKA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, whose address is PO BOX 10, PLAINVIEW, NE
  68769 ("Trustor"); STEARNS BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, whose address is 4191 SO
2ND ST, PO BOX 7338, ST CLOUD, MN 56302 (referred to below sometimes as "Lender"
and sometimes as "Beneficiary"); and LAWYER'S TITLE INSURANCE CORPORATION, whose
address is WAYNE, NE (referred to below as "Trustee").

CONVEYANCE AND GRANT. For valuable consideration, Trustor conveys to Trustee in
trust, WITH POWER OF SALE, for the benefit of Lender as Beneficiary, all at
Trustor's right, title, and interest in and to the following described real
property, together with all existing or subsequently erected or affixed
buildings, improvements and fixtures; all easements, rights of way, and
appurtenances; all water, water rights and ditch rights (including stock in
utilities with ditch or irrigation rights); and all other rights, royalties, and
profits relating to the real property, including without limitation all
minerals, oil, gas, geothermal and similar matters, (the "Real Property")
located in PIERCE County, State of Nebraska:

     See EXHIBIT "A", which is attached to this Deed of Trust and made a part of
     this Deed of Trust as if fully set forth herein.

The Real Property or its address is commonly known as HIGHWAY 20 EAST,
PLAINVIEW, NE 68769. The Real Property tax identification number is 700023625

CROSS--COLLATERALIZATION. In addition to the Note, this Deed of Trust secures
all obligations, debts and liabilities, plus interest thereon, of Trustor to
Lender, or any one or more of them, as well as all claims by Lender against
Trustor or any one or more of them, whether now existing or hereafter arising,
whether related or unrelated to the purpose of the Note, whether voluntary or
otherwise, whether due or not due, direct or indirect, determined or
undetermined, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated whether Trustor
may be liable individually or jointly with others, whether obligated as
guarantor, surety, accommodation party or otherwise, and whether recovery upon
such amounts may be or hereafter may become barred by any statute of
limitations, and whether the obligation to repay such amounts may be or
hereafter may become otherwise unenforceable.

Trustor presently assigns to Lender (also known as Beneficiary in this Deed of
Trust) all of Trustor's right, title, and interest in and to all present and
future leases of the Property and all Rents from the Property. In addition,
Trustor grants to Lender a Uniform Commercial Code security interest in the
Personal Property and Rents.

THIS DEED OF TRUST, INCLUDING THE ASSIGNMENT OF RENTS AND THE SECURITY INTEREST
IN THE RENTS AND PERSONAL PROPERTY, IS GIVEN TO SECURE (A) PAYMENT OF THE
INDEBTEDNESS AND (B) PERFORMANCE OF ANY AND ALL OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE NOTE, THE
RELATED DOCUMENTS, AND THIS DEED OF TRUST. THIS DEED OF TRUST, INCLUDING THE
ASSIGNMENT OF RENTS AND THE SECURITY INTEREST IN THE RENTS AND PERSONAL
PROPERTY, IS ALSO GIVEN TO SECURE ANY AND ALL OF TRUSTOR'S OBLIGATIONS UNDER
THAT CERTAIN CONSTRUCTION LOAN AGREEMENT BETWEEN TRUSTOR AND LENDER OF EVEN DATE
HEREWITH. ANY EVENT OF DEFAULT UNDER THE CONSTRUCTION LOAN AGREEMENT, OR ANY OF
THE RELATED DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO THEREIN, SHALL ALSO BE AN EVENT OF DEFAULT
UNDER THIS DEED OF TRUST. THIS DEED OF TRUST IS GIVEN AND ACCEPTED ON THE
FOLLOWING TERMS:

PAYMENT AND PERFORMANCE. Except as otherwise provided in this Deed of Trust,
Trustor shall pay to Lender all amounts secured by this Deed of Trust as they
become due, and shall strictly and in a timely manner perform all of Trustor's
obligations under the Note, this Deed of Trust, and the Related Documents.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE PROPERTY. Trustor agrees that Trustor's
possession and use of the Property shall be governed by the following
provisions:

<PAGE>

                                 DEED OF TRUST
Loan No: 53455                    (Continued)                             Page 2
================================================================================

     Possession and Use. Until the occurrence of an Event of Default, Trustor
     may (1) remain in possession and control of the Property; (2) use, operate
     or manage the Property; and (3) collect the Rents from the Property.

     Duty to Maintain. Trustor shall maintain the Property in tenantable
     condition and promptly perform all repairs, replacements, and maintenance
     necessary to preserve its value.

     Compliance With Environmental Laws. Trustor represents and warrants to
     Lender that: (1) During the period of Trustor's ownership of the Property,
     there has been no use, generation, manufacture, storage, treatment,
     disposal, release or threatened release of any Hazardous Substance by any
     person on, under, about or from the Property; (2) Trustor has no knowledge
     of, or reason to believe that there has been, except as previously
     disclosed to and acknowledged by Lender in writing, (a) any breach or
     violation of any Environmental Laws, (b) any use, generation, manufacture,
     storage, treatment, disposal, release or threatened release of any
     Hazardous Substance on, under, about or from the Property by any prior
     owners or occupants of the Property, or (c) any actual or threatened
     litigation or claims of any kind by any person relating to such matters;
     and (3) Except as previously disclosed to and acknowledged by Lender in
     writing, (a) neither Trustor nor any tenant, contractor, agent or other
     authorized user of the Property shall use, generate, manufacture, store,
     treat, dispose of or release any Hazardous Substance on, under, about or
     from the Property; and (b) any such activity shall be conducted in
     compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations
     and ordinances, including without limitation all Environmental Laws.
     Trustor authorizes Lender and its agents to enter upon the Property to make
     such inspections and tests, at Trustor's expense, as Lender may deem
     appropriate to determine compliance of the Property with this section of
     the Deed of Trust. Any inspections or tests made by Lender shall be for
     Lender's purposes only and shall not be construed to create any
     responsibility or liability on the part of Lender to Trustor or to any
     other person. The representations and warranties contained herein are based
     on Trustor's due diligence in investigating the Property for Hazardous
     Substances. Trustor hereby (1) releases and waives any future claims
     against Lender for indemnity or contribution in the event Trustor becomes
     liable for cleanup or other costs under any such laws; and (2) agrees to
     indemnify and hold harmless Lender against any and all claims, losses,
     liabilities, damages, penalties, and expenses which Lender may directly or
     indirectly sustain or suffer resulting from a breach of this section of the
     Deed of Trust or as a consequence of any use, generation, manufacture,
     storage, disposal, release or threatened release occurring prior to
     Trustor's ownership or interest in the Property, whether or not the same
     was or should have been known to Trustor. The provisions of this section of
     the Deed of Trust, including the obligation to indemnify, shall survive the
     payment of the Indebtedness and the satisfaction and reconveyance of the
     lien of this Deed of Trust and shall not be affected by Lender's
     acquisition of any interest in the Property, whether by foreclosure or
     otherwise.

     Nuisance, Waste. Trustor shall not cause, conduct or permit any nuisance
     nor commit, permit, or suffer any stripping of or waste on or to the
     Property or any portion of the Property. Without limiting the generality of
     the foregoing, Trustor will not remove, or grant to any other party the
     right to remove, any timber, minerals (including oil and gas), coal, clay,
     scoria, soil, gravel or rock products without Lender's prior written
     consent.

     Removal of Improvements. Trustor shall not demolish or remove any
     Improvements from the Real Property without Lender's prior written consent.
     As a condition to the removal of any Improvements, Lender may require
     Trustor to make arrangements satisfactory to Lender to replace such
     Improvements with Improvements of at least equal value.

     Lender's Right to Enter. Lender and Lender's agents and representatives may
     enter upon the Real Property at all reasonable times to attend to Lenders
     interests and to inspect the Real Property for purposes of Trustor's
     compliance with the terms and conditions of this Deed of Trust.

     Compliance with Governmental Requirements. Trustor shall promptly comply
     with all laws, ordinances, and regulations, now or hereafter in effect, of
     all governmental authorities applicable to the use or occupancy of the
     Property, including without limitation, the Americans With Disabilities
     Act. Trustor may contest in good faith any such law, ordinance, or
     regulation and withhold compliance during any proceeding, including
     appropriate appeals, so long as Trustor has notified Lender in writing
     prior to doing so and so long as, in Lender's sole opinion, Lender's
     interests in the Property are not jeopardized. Lender may require Trustor
     to post adequate security or a surety bond, reasonably satisfactory to
     Lender, to protect Lender's interest.

     Duty to Protect. Trustor agrees neither to abandon or leave unattended the
     Property. Trustor shall do all other acts, in addition to those acts set
     forth above in this section, which from the character and use of the
     Property are reasonably necessary to protect and preserve the Property.

     Construction Loan. If some or all of the proceeds of the loan creating the
     Indebtedness are to be used to construct or complete construction of any
     Improvements on the Property, the Improvements shall be completed no later
     than the maturity date of the Note (or such earlier date as Lender may
     reasonably establish) and Trustor shall pay in full all costs and expenses
     in connection with the work. Lender will disburse loan proceeds under such
     terms and conditions as Lender may deem reasonably necessary to insure that
     the interest created by this Deed of Trust shall have priority over all
     possible liens, including those of material suppliers and workmen. Lender
     may require, among other things, that disbursement requests be supported by
     receipted bills, expense affidavits, waivers of liens, construction
     progress reports, and such other documentation as Lender may reasonably
     request.

DUE ON SALE -- CONSENT BY LENDER. Lender may, at Lender's option, declare
immediately due and payable all sums secured by this Deed of Trust upon the sale
or transfer, without Lender's prior written consent, of all or any part of the
Real Property, or any interest in the Real Property. A "sale or transfer" means
the conveyance of Real Property or any right, title or interest in the Real
Property; whether legal, beneficial or equitable; whether voluntary or
involuntary; whether by outright sale, deed, Installment sale contract, land
contract, contract for deed, leasehold interest with a term greater than three
(3) years, lease--option contract, or by sale, assignment, or transfer of any
beneficial interest in or to any land trust holding title to the Real Property,
or by any other method of conveyance of an interest in the Real Property. If any
Trustor is a corporation, partnership or limited liability company, transfer
also includes any change in ownership of more than twenty-five percent (25%) of
the voting stock, partnership interests or limited liability company interests,
as the case may be, of such Trustor. However, this option shall not be exercised
by Lender if such exercise is prohibited by federal law or by Nebraska law.

TAXES AND LIENS. The following provisions relating to the taxes and liens on the
Property are part of this Deed of Trust:

     Payment. Trustor shall pay when due (and in all events prior to
     delinquency) all taxes, special taxes, assessments, charges (including
     water and sewer), fines and impositions levied against or on account of the
     Property, and shall pay when due all claims for work done on or for
     services rendered or material furnished to the Property. Trustor shall
     maintain the Property free of all liens having priority over or equal to
     the

<PAGE>

                                 DEED OF TRUST
Loan No: 53455                    (Continued)                             Page 3
================================================================================

     interest of Lender under this Deed of Trust, except for the lien of taxes
     and assessments not due and except as otherwise provided in this Deed of
     Trust.

     Right to Contest. Trustor may withhold payment of any tax, assessment, or
     claim in connection with a good faith dispute over the obligation to pay,
     so long as Lender's Interest in the Property is not jeopardized. If a lien
     arises or is filed as a result of nonpayment, Trustor shall within fifteen
     (15) days after the lien arises or, if a lien is filed, within fifteen (15)
     days after Trustor has notice of the filing, secure the discharge of the
     lien, or if requested by Lender, deposit with Lender cash or a sufficient
     corporate surety bond or other security satisfactory to Lender in an amount
     sufficient to discharge the lien plus any costs and attorneys' fees, or
     other charges that could accrue as a result of a foreclosure or sale under
     the lien, in any contest, Trustor shall defend itself and Lender and shall
     satisfy any adverse judgment before enforcement against the Property.
     Trustor shall name Lender as an additional obligee under any surety bond
     furnished in the contest proceedings.

     Evidence of Payment. Trustor shall upon demand furnish to Lender
     satisfactory evidence of payment of the taxes or assessments and shall
     authorize the appropriate governmental official to deliver to Lender at any
     time a written statement of the taxes and assessments against the Property.

     Notice of Construction. Trustor shall notify Lender at least fifteen (15)
     days before any work is commenced, any services are furnished, or any
     materials are supplied to the Property, if any mechanic's lien,
     materialmen's lien, or other lien could be asserted on account of the work,
     services, or materials. Trustor will upon request of Lender furnish to
     Lender advance assurances satisfactory to Lender that Trustor can and will
     pay the cost of such improvements.

PROPERTY DAMAGE INSURANCE. The following provisions relating to insuring the
Property are a part of this Deed of Trust.

     Maintenance of Insurance. Trustor shall procure and maintain policies of
     fire insurance with standard extended coverage endorsements on a
     replacement basis for the full insurable value covering all Improvements on
     the Real Property in an amount sufficient to avoid application of any
     coinsurance clause, and with a standard mortgagee clause in favor of
     Lender. Trustor shall also procure and maintain comprehensive general
     liability insurance in such coverage amounts as Lender may request with
     Trustee and Lender being named as additional insureds in such liability
     insurance policies. Additionally, Trustor shall maintain such other
     insurance, including but not limited to hazard, business interruption, and
     boiler insurance, as Lender may reasonably require. Policies shall be
     written in form, amounts, coverages and basis reasonably acceptable to
     Lender and issued by a company or companies reasonably acceptable to
     Lender. Trustor, upon request of Lender, will deliver to Lender from time
     to time the policies or certificates of insurance in form satisfactory to
     Lender, including stipulations that coverages will not be cancelled or
     diminished without at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to
     Lender. Each insurance policy also shall include an endorsement providing
     that coverage in favor of Lender will not be impaired in any way by any
     act, omission or default of Trustor or any other person. Should the Real
     Property be located in an area designated by the Director of the Federal
     Emergency Management Agency as a special flood hazard area, Trustor agrees
     to obtain and maintain Federal Flood insurance, if available, within 45
     days after notice is given by Lender that the Property is located in a
     special flood hazard area, for the full unpaid principal balance of the
     loan and any prior liens on the property securing the loan, up to the
     maximum policy limits set under the National Flood Insurance Program, or as
     otherwise required by Lender, and to maintain such insurance for the term
     of the loan.

     Application of Proceeds. Trustor shall promptly notify Lender of any loss
     or damage to the Property if the estimated cost of repair or replacement
     exceeds $5,000.00. Lender may make proof of loss if Trustor fails to do so
     within fifteen (15) days of the casualty. Whether or not Lender's security
     is impaired, Lender may, at Lender's election, receive and retain the
     proceeds of any insurance and apply the proceeds to the reduction of the
     Indebtedness, payment of any lien affecting the Property, or the
     restoration and repair of the Property. If Lender elects to apply the
     proceeds to restoration and repair, Trustor shall repair or replace the
     damaged or destroyed Improvements in a manner satisfactory to Lender.
     Lender shall, upon satisfactory proof of such expenditure, pay or reimburse
     Trustor from the proceeds for the reasonable cost of repair or restoration
     if Trustor is not in default under this Deed of Trust. Any proceeds which
     have not been disbursed within 180 days after their receipt and which
     Lender has not committed to the repair or restoration of the Property shall
     be used first to pay any amount owing to Lender under this Deed of Trust,
     then to pay accrued interest, and the remainder, if any, shall be applied
     to the principal balance of the indebtedness. if Lender holds any proceeds
     after payment in full of the Indebtedness, such proceeds shall be paid to
     Trustor as Trustor's interests may appear.

     Unexpired Insurance at Sale. Any unexpired insurance shall inure to the
     benefit of, and pass to, the purchaser of the Property covered by this Deed
     of Trust at any trustee's sale or other sale held under the provisions of
     this Deed of Trust, or at any foreclosure sale of such Property.

     Trustor's Report on Insurance. Upon request of Lender, however not more
     than once a year, Trustor shall furnish to Lender a report on each existing
     policy of insurance showing: (1) the name of the insurer; (2) the risks
     insured; (3) the amount of the policy; (4) the property insured, the then
     current replacement value of such property, and the manner of determining
     that value; and (5) the expiration date of the policy. Trustor shall, upon
     request of Lender, have an independent appraiser satisfactory to Lender
     determine the cash value replacement cost of the Property.

LENDER'S EXPENDITURES. If any action or proceeding is commenced that would
materially affect Lender's interest in the Property or if Trustor fails to
comply with any provision of this Deed of Trust or any Related Documents,
including but not limited to Trustor's failure to discharge or pay when due any
amounts Trustor is required to discharge or pay under this Deed of Trust or any
Related Documents, Lender on Trustor's behalf may (but shall not be obligated
to) take any action that Lender deems appropriate, including but not limited to
discharging or paying all taxes, liens, security interests, encumbrances and
other claims, at any time levied or placed on the Property and paying all costs
for insuring, maintaining and preserving the Property. All such expenditures
incurred or paid by Lender for such purposes will then bear interest at the rate
charged under the Note from the date incurred or paid by Lender to the date of
repayment by Trustor. All such expenses will become a part of the indebtedness
and, at Lender's option, will (A) be payable on demand; (B) be added to the
balance of the Note and be apportioned among and be payable with any installment
payments to become due during either (1) the term of any applicable insurance
policy; or (2) the remaining term of the Note; or (C) be treated as a balloon
payment which will be due and payable at the Note's maturity. The Deed of Trust
also will secure payment of these amounts. Such right shall be in addition to
all other rights and remedies to which Lender may be entitled upon Default.

WARRANTY; DEFENSE OF TITLE. The following provisions relating to ownership of
the Property are a part of this Deed of Trust:

     Title. Trustor warrants that: (a) Trustor holds good and marketable title
     of record to the Property in fee simple, free and clear of all liens and
     encumbrances other than those set forth in the Real Property description or
     in any title insurance policy, title report, or final title opinion

<PAGE>

                                 DEED OF TRUST
Loan No: 53455                    (Continued)                             Page 4
================================================================================

     issued in favor of, and accepted by, Lender in connection with this Deed of
     Trust, and (b) Trustor has the full right, power, and authority to execute
     and deliver this Deed of Trust to Lender.

     Defense of Title. Subject to the exception in the paragraph above, Trustor
     warrants and will forever defend the title to the Property against the
     lawful claims of all persons. In the event any action or proceeding is
     commenced that questions Trustor's title or the interest of Trustee or
     Lender under this Deed of Trust, Trustor shall defend the action at
     Trustor's expense. Trustor may be the nominal party in such proceeding, but
     Lender shall be entitled to participate in the proceeding and to be
     represented in the proceeding by counsel of Lender's own choice, and
     Trustor will deliver, or cause to be delivered, to Lender such instruments
     as Lender may request from time to time to permit such participation.

     Compliance With Laws. Trustor warrants that the Property and Trustor's use
     of the Property complies with all existing applicable laws, ordinances, and
     regulations of governmental authorities.

     Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations,
     warranties, and agreements made by Trustor in this Deed of Trust shall
     survive the execution and delivery of this Deed of Trust, shall be
     continuing in nature, and shall remain in full force and effect until such
     time as Trustor's indebtedness shall be paid in full.

CONDEMNATION. The following provisions relating to condemnation proceedings are
a part of this Deed of Trust:

     Proceedings. If any proceeding in condemnation is filed, Trustor shall
     promptly notify Lender in writing, and Trustor shall promptly take such
     steps as may be necessary to defend the action and obtain the award.
     Trustor may be the nominal party in such proceeding, but Lender shall be
     entitled to participate in the proceeding and to be represented in the
     proceeding by counsel of its own choice, and Trustor will deliver or cause
     to be delivered to Lender such instruments and documentation as may be
     requested by Lender from time to time to permit such participation.

     Application of Net Proceeds. If all or any part of the Property is
     condemned by eminent domain proceedings or by any proceeding or purchase in
     lieu of condemnation, Lender may at its election require that all or any
     portion of the net proceeds of the award be applied to the indebtedness or
     the repair or restoration of the Property. The net proceeds of the award
     shall mean the award after payment of all reasonable costs, expenses, and
     attorneys' fees incurred by Trustee or Lender in connection with the
     condemnation.

IMPOSITION OF TAXES, FEES AND CHARGES BY GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITIES. The following
provisions relating to governmental taxes, fees and charges are a part of this
Deed of Trust:

     Current Taxes, Fees and Charges. Upon request by Lender, Trustor shall
     execute such documents in addition to this Deed of Trust and take whatever
     other action is requested by Lender to perfect and continue Lender's lien
     on the Real Property. Trustor shall reimburse Lender for all taxes, as
     described below, together with all expenses incurred in recording,
     perfecting or continuing this Deed of Trust, including without limitation
     all taxes, fees, documentary stamps, and other charges for recording or
     registering this Deed of Trust.

     Taxes. The following shall constitute taxes to which this section applies:
     (1) a specific tax upon this type of Deed of Trust or upon all or any part
     of the Indebtedness secured by this Deed of Trust; (2) a specific tax on
     Trustor which Trustor is authorized or required to deduct from payments on
     the Indebtedness secured by this type of Deed of Trust; (3) a tax on this
     type of Deed of Trust chargeable against the Lender or the holder of the
     Note; and (4) a specific tax on all or any portion of the Indebtedness or
     on payments of principal and interest made by Trustor.

     Subsequent Taxes. If any tax to which this section applies is enacted
     subsequent to the date of this Deed of Trust, this event shall have the
     same effect as an Event of Default, and Lender may exercise any or all of
     its available remedies for an Event of Default as provided below unless
     Trustor either (1) pays the tax before it becomes delinquent, or (2)
     contests the tax as provided above in the Taxes and Liens section and
     deposits with Lender cash or a sufficient corporate surety bond or other
     security satisfactory to Lender.

SECURITY AGREEMENT; FINANCING STATEMENTS. The following provisions relating to
this Deed of Trust as a security agreement are a part of this Deed of Trust:

     Security Agreement. This instrument shall constitute a Security Agreement
     to the extent any of the Property constitutes fixtures, and Lender shall
     have all of the rights of a secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code
     as amended from time to time.

     Security Interest. Upon request by Lender, Trustor shall execute financing
     statements and take whatever other action is requested by Lender to perfect
     and continue Lender's security interest in the Rents and Personal Property.
     In addition to recording this Deed of Trust in the real property records,
     Lender may, at any time and without further authorization from Trustor,
     file executed counterparts, copies or reproductions of this Deed of Trust
     as a financing statement. Trustor shall reimburse Lender for all expenses
     incurred in perfecting or continuing this security interest. Upon default,
     Trustor shall not remove, sever or detach the Personal Property from the
     Property. Upon default, Trustor shall assemble any Personal Property not
     affixed to the Property in a manner and at a place reasonably convenient to
     Trustor and Lender and make it available to Lender within three (3) days
     after receipt of written demand from Lender to the extent permitted by
     applicable law.

     Addresses. The mailing addresses of Trustor (debtor) and Lender (secured
     party) from which information concerning the security interest granted by
     this Deed of Trust may be obtained (each as required by the Uniform
     Commercial Code) are as stated on the first page of this Deed of Trust.

FURTHER ASSURANCES; ATTORNEY--IN--FACT. The following provisions relating to
further assurances and attorney--in--fact are a part of this Deed of Trust:

     Further Assurances. At any time, and from time to time, upon request of
     Lender, Trustor will make, execute and deliver, or will cause to be made,
     executed or delivered, to Lender or to Lender's designee, and when
     requested by Lender, cause to be filed, recorded, refiled, or rerecorded,
     as the case may be, at such times and in such offices and places as Lender
     may deem appropriate, any and all such mortgages, deeds of trust, security
     deeds, security agreements, financing statements, continuation statements,
     instruments of further assurance, certificates, and other documents as may,
     in the sole opinion of Lender, be necessary or desirable in order to
     effectuate, complete, perfect, continue, or preserve (1) Trustor's
     obligations under the Note, this Deed of Trust, and the Related Documents,
     and (2) the liens and security interests created by this Deed of Trust as
     first and prior liens on the Property, whether now owned or hereafter
     acquired by Trustor. Unless prohibited by law or Lender agrees to the
     contrary in writing, Trustor shall reimburse Lender for all costs and
     expenses incurred in

<PAGE>

                                 DEED OF TRUST
Loan No: 53455                    (Continued)                             Page 5
================================================================================

     connection with the matters referred to in this paragraph.

     Attorney-in-Fact. If Trustor fails to do any of the things referred to in
     the preceding paragraph, Lender may do so for and in the name of Trustor
     and at Trustor's expense. For such purposes, Trustor hereby irrevocably
     appoints Lender as Trustor's attorney--in--fact for the purpose of making,
     executing, delivering, filing, recording, and doing all other things as may
     be necessary or desirable, in Lender's sole opinion, to accomplish the
     matters referred to in the preceding paragraph.

FULL PERFORMANCE. If Trustor pays all the Indebtedness when due, and otherwise
performs all the obligations imposed upon Trustor under this Deed of Trust,
Lender shall execute and deliver to Trustee a request for full reconveyance and
shall execute and deliver to Trustor suitable statements of termination of any
financing statement on file evidencing Lender's security interest in the Rents
and the Personal Property. Any reconveyance fee required by law shall be paid by
Trustor, if permitted by applicable law.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Each of the following, at Lender's option, shall constitute
an Event of Default under this Deed of Trust:

     Payment Default. Trustor fails to make any payment when due under the
     Indebtedness.

     Other Defaults. Trustor fails to comply with or to perform any other term,
     obligation, covenant or condition contained in this Deed of Trust or in any
     of the Related Documents or to comply with or to perform any term,
     obligation, covenant or condition contained in any other agreement between
     Lender and Trustor.

     Compliance Default. Failure to comply with any other term, obligation,
     covenant or condition contained in this Deed of Trust, the Note or in any
     of the Related Documents. If such a failure is curable and if Trustor has
     not been given a notice of a breach of the same provision of this Deed of
     Trust within the preceding twelve (12) months, it may be cured (and no
     Event of Default will have occurred) if Trustor, after Lender sends written
     notice demanding cure of such failure: (a) cures the failure within fifteen
     (15) days; or (b) If the cure requires more than fifteen (15) days,
     immediately initiates steps sufficient to cure the failure and thereafter
     continues and completes all reasonable and necessary steps sufficient to
     produce compliance as soon as reasonably practical.

     Default on Other Payments. Failure of Trustor within the time required by
     this Deed of Trust to make any payment for taxes or insurance, or any other
     payment necessary to prevent filing of or to effect discharge of any lien.

     Default in Favor of Third Parties. Should Trustor default under any loan,
     extension of credit, security agreement, purchase or sales agreement, or
     any other agreement, in favor of any other creditor or person that may
     materially affect any of Trustor's property or Trustor's ability to repay
     the indebtedness or perform their respective obligations under this Deed of
     Trust or any of the Related Documents.

     False Statements. Any warranty, representation or statement made or
     furnished to Lender by Trustor or on Trustor's behalf under this Deed of
     Trust or the Related Documents is false or misleading in any material
     respect, either now or at the time made or furnished or becomes false or
     misleading at any time thereafter.

     Defective Collateralization. This Deed of Trust or any of the Related
     Documents ceases to be in full force and effect (including failure of any
     collateral document to create a valid and perfected security interest or
     lien) at any time and for any reason.

     Death or Insolvency. The dissolution of Trustor's (regardless of whether
     election to continue is made), or any other termination of Trustor's
     existence as a going business or the death of any member, the insolvency of
     Trustor, the appointment of a receiver for any part of Trustor's property,
     any assignment for the benefit of creditors, any type of creditor workout,
     or the commencement of any proceeding under any bankruptcy or Insolvency
     laws by or against Trustor.

     Creditor or Forfeiture Proceedings. Commencement of foreclosure or
     forfeiture proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self--help,
     repossession or any other method, by any creditor of Trustor or by any
     governmental agency against any property securing the indebtedness. This
     includes a garnishment of any of Trustor's accounts, including deposit
     accounts, with Lender. However, this Event of Default shall not apply if
     there is a good faith dispute by Trustor as to the validity or
     reasonableness of the claim which is the basis of the creditor or
     forfeiture proceeding and if Trustor gives Lender written notice of the
     creditor or forfeiture proceeding and deposits with Lender monies or a
     surety bond for the creditor or forfeiture proceeding, in an amount
     determined by Lender, in its sole discretion, as being an adequate reserve
     or bond for the dispute.

     Breach of Other Agreement. Any breach by Trustor under the terms of any
     other agreement between Trustor and Lender that is not remedied within any
     grace period provided therein, including without limitation any agreement
     concerning any indebtedness or other obligation of Trustor to Lender,
     whether existing now or later.

     Adverse Change. A material adverse change occurs in Trustor's financial
     condition, or Lender believes the prospect of payment or performance of the
     indebtedness is impaired.

     Insecurity. Lender in good faith believes itself insecure.

     Right to Cure. If such a failure is curable and if Trustor has not been
     given a notice of a breach of the same provision of this Deed of Trust
     within the preceding twelve (12) months, it may be cured (and no Event of
     Default will have occurred) if Trustor, after Lender sends written notice
     demanding cure of such failure: (a) cures the failure within fifteen (15)
     days; or (b) if the cure requires more than fifteen (15) days, immediately
     initiates steps sufficient to cure the failure and thereafter continues and
     completes all reasonable and necessary steps sufficient to produce
     compliance as soon as reasonably practical.

RIGHTS AND REMEDIES ON DEFAULT. If an Event of Default occurs under this Deed of
Trust, at any time thereafter, Trustee or Lender may exercise any one or more of
the following rights and remedies:

         Acceleration Upon Default; Additional Remedies. If any Event of Default
         occurs as per the terms of the Note secured hereby, Lender may declare
         all indebtedness secured by this Deed of Trust to be due and payable
         and the same shall thereupon become due and

<PAGE>

                                 DEED OF TRUST
Loan No: 53455                    (Continued)                             Page 6
================================================================================

     payable without any presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind.
     Thereafter, Lender may:

          (a) Either in person or by agent, with or without bringing any action
          or proceeding, or by a receiver appointed by a court and without
          regard to the adequacy of its security, enter upon and take possession
          of the Property, or any part thereof, in its own name or in the name
          of Trustee, and do any acts which it deems necessary or desirable to
          preserve the value, marketability or rentability of the Property, or
          part of the Property or interest in the Property; increase the income
          from the Property or protect the security of the Property; and, with
          or without taking possession of the Property, sue for or otherwise
          collect the rents, issues and profits of the Property, including those
          past due and unpaid, and apply the same, less costs and expenses of
          operation and collection attorneys, fees, to any indebtedness secured
          by this Deed of Trust, all in such order as Lender may determine. The
          entering upon and taking possession of the Property, the collection of
          such rents, issues and profits, and the application thereof shall not
          cure or waive any default or notice of default under this Deed of
          Trust or invalidate any act done in response to such default or
          pursuant to such notice of default; and, notwithstanding the
          continuance in possession of the Property or the collection, receipt
          and application of rents, issues or profits, Trustee or Lender shall
          be entitled to exercise every right provided for in the Note or the
          Related Documents or by law upon the occurrence of any event of
          default, including the right to exercise the power of sale;

          (b) Commence an action to foreclose this Deed of Trust as a mortgage,
          appoint a receiver or specifically enforce any of the covenants
          hereof; and

          (c) Deliver to Trustee a written declaration of default and demand for
          sate and a written notice of default and election to cause Trustor's
          interest in the Property to be sold, which notice Trustee shall cause
          to be duly filed for record in the appropriate offices of the County
          in which the Property is located; and

          (d) With respect to all or any part of the Personal Property, Lender
          shall have all the rights and remedies of a secured party under the
          Nebraska Uniform Commercial Code.

     Foreclosure by Power of Sale. If Lender elects to foreclose by exercise of
     the Power of Sale herein contained, Lender shall notify Trustee and shall
     deposit with Trustee this Deed of Trust and the Note and such receipts and
     evidence of expenditures made and secured by this Deed of Trust as Trustee
     may require.

          (a) Upon receipt of such notice from Lender, Trustee shall cause to be
          recorded, published and delivered to Trustor such Notice of Default
          and Notice of Sale as then required by law and by this Deed of Trust.
          Trustee shall, without demand on Trustor, after such time as may then
          be required by law and after recordation of such Notice of Default and
          after Notice of Sale having been given as required by law, sell the
          Property at the time and place of sale fixed by it in such Notice of
          Sale, either as a whole, or in separate lots or parcels or items as
          Trustee shall deem expedient, and in such order as it may determine,
          at public auction to the highest bidder for cash in lawful money of
          the United States payable at the time of sale. Trustee shall deliver
          to such purchaser or purchasers thereof its good and sufficient deed
          or deeds conveying the property so sold, but without any covenant or
          warranty, express or implied. The recitals in such deed of any matters
          or facts shall be conclusive proof of the truthfulness thereof. Any
          person, including without limitation Trustor, Trustee, or Lender, may
          purchase at such sale.

          (b) As may be permitted by law, after deducting all costs, fees and
          expenses of Trustee and of this Trust, including costs of evidence of
          title in connection with sale, Trustee shall apply the proceeds of
          sale to payment of (i) all sums expended under the terms of this Deed
          of Trust or under the terms of the Note not then repaid, including but
          not limited to accrued interest and late charges, (ii) all other sums
          then secured hereby, and (iii) the remainder, if any, to the person or
          persons legally entitled thereto.

          (c) Trustee may in the manner provided by law postpone sale of all or
          any portion of the Property.

     Remedies Not Exclusive. Trustee and Lender, and each of them, shall be
     entitled to enforce payment and performance of any indebtedness or
     obligations secured by this Deed of Trust and to exercise all rights and
     powers under this Deed of Trust, under the Note, under any of the Related
     Documents, or under any other agreement or any laws now or hereafter in
     force; notwithstanding, some or all of such indebtedness and obligations
     secured by this Deed of Trust may now or hereafter be otherwise secured,
     whether by mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, lien, assignment or otherwise.
     Neither the acceptance of this Deed of Trust nor its enforcement, whether
     by court action or pursuant to the power of sale or other powers contained
     in this Deed of Trust, shall prejudice or in any manner affect Trustee's or
     Lender's right to realize upon or enforce any other security now or
     hereafter held by Trustee or Lender, it being agreed that Trustee and
     Lender, and each of them, shall be entitled to enforce this Deed of Trust
     and any other security now or hereafter held by Lender or Trustee in such
     order and manner as they or either of them may in their absolute discretion
     determine. No remedy conferred upon or reserved to Trustee or Lender, is
     intended to be exclusive of any other remedy in this Deed of Trust or by
     law provided or permitted, but each shall be cumulative and shall be in
     addition to every other remedy given in this Deed of Trust or now or
     hereafter existing at law or in equity or by statute. Every power or remedy
     given by the Note or any of the Related Documents to Trustee or Lender or
     to which either of them may be otherwise entitled, may be exercised,
     concurrently or independently, from time to time and as often as may be
     deemed expedient by Trustee or Lender, and either of them may pursue
     inconsistent remedies. Nothing in this Deed of Trust shall be construed as
     prohibiting Lender from seeking a deficiency judgment against the Trustor
     to the extent such action is permitted by law. Election by Lender to pursue
     any remedy shall not exclude pursuit of any other remedy, and an election
     to make expenditures or to take action to perform an obligation of Trustor
     under this Deed of Trust, after Trustor's failure to perform, shall not
     affect Lender's right to declare a default and exercise its remedies.

     Request for Notice. Trustor, on behalf of Trustor and Lender, hereby
     requests that a copy of any Notice of Default and a copy of any Notice of
     Sale under this Deed of Trust be mailed to them at the addresses set forth
     in the first paragraph of this Deed of Trust.

     Attorneys' Fees; Expenses. If Lender institutes any suit or action to
     enforce any of the terms of this Deed of Trust, Lender shall be entitled to
     recover such sum as the court may adjudge reasonable as attorneys' fees at
     trial and upon any appeal. Whether or not any court action is involved, and
     to the extent not prohibited by law, all reasonable expenses Lender incurs
     that in Lender's opinion are necessary at any time for the protection of
     its interest or the enforcement of its rights shall become a part of the
     Indebtedness payable on demand and shall bear Interest at the Note rate
     from the date of the expenditure until repaid. Expenses covered by this
     paragraph include, without limitation, however subject to any limits under
     applicable law, Lender's attorneys' fees and Lender's legal expenses,
     whether or not there is a lawsuit, including attorneys' fees and expenses
     for bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to modify or vacate any
     automatic stay or injunction), appeals, and any anticipated post--judgment
     collection services, the cost of searching records, obtaining title reports
     (including foreclosure reports) surveyors' reports, and appraisal fees,
     title insurance, and fees for the Trustee, to the extent permitted by
     applicable law. Trustor

<PAGE>

                                 DEED OF TRUST
Loan No: 53455                    (Continued)                             Page 7
================================================================================

     also will pay any court costs, in addition to all other sums provided by
     law.

     Rights of Trustee. Trustee shall have all of the rights and duties of
     Lender as set forth in this section.

POWERS AND OBLIGATIONS OF TRUSTEE. The following provisions relating to the
powers and obligations of Trustee are part of this Deed of Trust:

     Powers of Trustee. In addition to all powers of Trustee arising as a matter
     of law, Trustee shall have the power to take the following actions with
     respect to the Property upon the written request of Lender and Trustor: (a)
     join in preparing and filing a map or plat of the Real Property, including
     the dedication of streets or other rights to the public; (b) join in
     granting any easement or creating any restriction on the Real Property; and
     (c) join in any subordination or other agreement affecting this Deed of
     Trust or the Interest of Lender under this Deed of Trust.

     Trustee. Trustee shall meet all qualifications required for Trustee under
     applicable law. In addition to the rights and remedies set forth above,
     with respect to all or any part of the Property, the Trustee shall have the
     right to foreclose by notice and sale, and Lender shall have the right to
     foreclose by judicial foreclosure, in either case in accordance with and to
     the full extent provided by applicable law.

     Successor Trustee. Lender, at Lender's option, may from time to time
     appoint a successor Trustee to any Trustee appointed under this Deed of
     Trust by an instrument executed and acknowledged by Lender and recorded in
     the office of the recorder of PIERCE County, State of Nebraska. The
     instrument shall contain, in addition to all other matters required by
     state law, the names of the original Lender, Trustee, and Trustor, the book
     and page (or computer system reference) where this Deed of Trust is
     recorded, and the name and address of the successor trustee, and the
     instrument shall be executed and acknowledged by all the beneficiaries
     under this Deed of Trust or their successors in interest. The successor
     trustee, without conveyance of the Property, shall succeed to all the
     title, power, and duties conferred upon the Trustee in this Deed of Trust
     and by applicable law. This procedure for substitution of Trustee shall
     govern to the exclusion of all other provisions for substitution.

NOTICES. Any notice required to be given under this Deed of Trust, including
without limitation any notice of default and any notice of sale shall be given
in writing, and shall be effective when actually delivered, when actually
received by telefacsimile (unless otherwise required by law), when deposited
with a nationally recognized overnight courier, or, if mailed, when deposited in
the United States mail, as first class, certified or registered mail postage
prepaid, directed to the addresses shown near the beginning of this Deed of
Trust. All copies of notices of foreclosure from the holder of any lien which
has priority over this Deed of Trust shall be sent to Lender's address, as shown
near the beginning of this Deed of Trust. Any party may change its address for
notices under this Deed of Trust by giving formal written notice to the other
parties, specifying that the purpose of the notice is to change the party's
address. For notice purposes, Trustor agrees to keep Lender informed at all
times of Trustor's current address. Unless otherwise provided or required by
law, if there is more than one Trustor, any notice given by Lender to any
Trustor is deemed to be notice given to all Trustors.

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are a part of
this Deed of Trust:

     Amendments. This Deed of Trust, together with any Related Documents,
     constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties as to the
     matters set forth in this Deed of Trust. No alteration of or amendment to
     this Deed of Trust shall be effective unless given in writing and signed by
     the party or parties sought to be charged or bound by the alteration or
     amendment.

     Annual Reports. If the Property is used for purposes other than Trustor's
     residence, Trustor shall furnish to Lender, upon request, a certified
     statement of net operating income received from the Property during
     Trustor's previous fiscal year in such form and detail as Lender shall
     require. "Net operating income" shall mean all cash receipts from the
     Property less all cash expenditures made in connection with the operation
     of the Property.

     Caption Headings. Caption headings in this Deed of Trust are for
     convenience purposes only and are not to be used to interpret or define the
     provisions of this Deed of Trust.

     Merger. There shall be no merger of the interest or estate created by this
     Deed of Trust with any other interest or estate in the Property at any time
     held by or for the benefit of Lender in any capacity, without the written
     consent of Lender.

     Governing Law. This Deed of Trust will be governed by, construed and
     enforced in accordance with federal law and the laws of the State of
     Minnesota, except and only to the extent of procedural matters related to
     the perfection and enforcement of Lender's rights and remedies against the
     Property, which matters shall be governed by the laws of the State of
     Nebraska. However, in the event that the enforceability or validity of any
     provision of this Deed of Trust is challenged or questioned, such provision
     shall be governed by whichever applicable state or federal law would uphold
     or would enforce such challenged or questioned provision. The loan
     transaction which is evidenced by the Note and this Deed of Trust has been
     applied for, considered, approved and made, and all necessary loan
     documents have been accepted by Lender in the State of Minnesota.

     No Waiver by Lender. Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights
     under this Deed of Trust unless such waiver is given in writing and signed
     by Lender. No delay or omission on the part of Lender in exercising any
     right shall operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver
     by Lender of a provision of this Deed of Trust shall not prejudice or
     constitute a waiver of Lender's right otherwise to demand strict compliance
     with that provision or any other provision of this Deed of Trust. No prior
     waiver by Lender, nor any course of dealing between Lender and Trustor,
     shall constitute a waiver of any of Lender's rights or of any of Trustor's
     obligations as to any future transactions. Whenever the consent of Lender
     is required under this Deed of Trust, the granting of such consent by
     Lender in any instance shall not constitute continuing consent to
     subsequent instances where such consent is required and in all cases such
     consent may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of Lender.

     Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of
     this Deed of Trust to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable as to any
     circumstance, that finding shall not make the offending provision illegal,
     invalid, or unenforceable as to any other circumstance. If feasible, the
     offending provision shall be considered modified so that it becomes legal,
     valid and enforceable. If the offending provision cannot be so modified, it
     shall be considered deleted from this Deed of Trust. Unless otherwise
     required by law, the illegality, invalidity, or unenforceability of any
     provision of this Deed of Trust.

     Successors and Assigns. Subject to any limitations stated in this Deed of
     Trust on transfer of Trustor's interest, this Deed of Trust shall be
     binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties, their successors and
     assigns. If ownership of the Property becomes vested in a person

<PAGE>

                                 DEED OF TRUST
Loan No: 53455                    (Continued)                             Page 8
================================================================================

     other than Trustor, Lender, without notice to Trustor, may deal with
     Trustor's successors with reference to this Deed of Trust and the
     Indebtedness by way of forbearance or extension without releasing Trustor
     from the obligations of this Deed of Trust or liability under the
     Indebtedness.

     Time is of the Essence. Time is of the essence in the performance of this
     Deed of Trust.

     Waiver of Homestead Exemption. Trustor hereby releases and waives all
     rights and benefits of the homestead exemption laws of the State of
     Nebraska as to all Indebtedness secured by this Deed of Trust.

DEFINITIONS. The following capitalized words and terms shall have the following
meanings when used in this Deed of Trust. Unless specifically stated to the
contrary, all references to dollar amounts shall mean amounts in lawful money of
the United States of America. Words and terms used in the singular shall include
the plural, and the plural shall include the singular, as the context may
require. Words and terms not otherwise defined in this Deed of Trust shall have
the meanings attributed to such terms in the Uniform Commercial Code:

     Beneficiary. The word "Beneficiary" means STEARNS BANK NATIONAL
     ASSOCIATION, and its successors and assigns.

     Borrower. The word "Borrower" means HUSKER AG PROCESSING, LLC, and all
     other persons and entities signing the Note in whatever capacity.

     Deed of Trust. The words "Deed of Trust" mean this Deed of Trust among
     Trustor, Lender, and Trustee, and includes without limitation all
     assignment and security interest provisions relating to the Personal
     Property and Rents.

     Default. The word "Default" means the Default set forth in this Deed of
     Trust in the section titled "Default".

     Environmental Laws. The words "Environmental Laws" mean any and all state,
     federal and local statutes, regulations and ordinances relating to the
     protection of human health or the environment, including without limitation
     the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
     of 1980, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 9601, et seq. ("CERCLA"), the
     Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99--499
     ("SARA"), the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. Section
     1801, et seq., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C.
     Section 6901, et seq., or other applicable state or federal laws, rules, or
     regulations adopted pursuant thereto or common law, and shall also include
     pollutants, contaminants, polychlorinated biphenyls, asbestos, urea
     formaldehyde, petroleum and petroleum products, and agricultural chemicals.

     Event of Default. The words "Event of Default" mean any of the events of
     default set forth in this Deed of Trust in the events of default section of
     this Deed of Trust.

     Guaranty. The word "Guaranty" means the guaranty from guarantor, endorser,
     surety, or accommodation party to Lender, including without limitation a
     guaranty of all or part of the Note.

     Hazardous Substances. The words "Hazardous Substances" mean materials that,
     because of their quantity, concentration or physical, chemical or
     infectious characteristics, may cause or pose a present or potential hazard
     to human health or the environment when improperly used, treated, stored,
     disposed of, generated, manufactured, transported or otherwise handled. The
     words "Hazardous Substances" are used in their very broadest sense and
     include without limitation any and all hazardous or toxic substances,
     materials or waste as defined by or listed under the Environmental Laws.
     The term "Hazardous Substances" also includes, without limitation,
     petroleum and petroleum by--products or any fraction thereof and asbestos.

     Improvements. The word "Improvements" means all existing and future
     improvements, buildings, structures, mobile homes affixed on the Real
     Property, facilities, additions, replacements and other construction on the
     Real Property.

     Indebtedness. The word "Indebtedness" means all principal, interest, and
     other amounts, costs and expenses payable under the Note or Related
     Documents, together with all renewals of, extensions of, modifications of,
     consolidations of and substitutions for the Note or Related Documents and
     any amounts expended or advanced by Lender to discharge Trustor's
     obligations or expenses incurred by Trustee or Lender to enforce Trustor's
     obligations under this Deed of Trust, together with interest on such
     amounts as provided in this Deed of Trust.

     Lender. The word "Lender" means STEARNS BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, its
     successors and assigns.

     Note. The word "Note" means the promissory note dated December 19, 2001, in
     the original principal amount of $20,000,000.00 from Trustor to Lender,
     together with all renewals of, extensions of, modifications of,
     refinancings of, consolidations of, and substitutions for the promissory
     note or agreement. The maturity date of this Deed of Trust is June 19,
     2003.

     Personal Property. The words "Personal Property" mean all equipment,
     fixtures, and other articles of personal property now or hereafter owned by
     Trustor, and now or hereafter attached or affixed to the Real Property;
     together with all accessions, parts, and additions to, all replacements of,
     and all substitutions for, any of such property; and together with all
     proceeds (including without limitation all insurance proceeds and refunds
     of premiums) from any sale or other disposition of the Property.

     Property. The word "Property" means collectively the Real Property and the
     Personal Property.

     Real Property. The words "Real Property" mean the real property, interests
     and rights, as further described in this Deed of Trust.

     Related Documents. The words "Related Documents" mean all promissory notes,
     credit agreements, loan agreements, environmental agreements, guaranties,
     security agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, security deeds, collateral
     mortgages, and all other instruments, agreements and documents, whether now
     or hereafter existing, executed in connection with the Indebtedness.

     Rents. The word "Rents" means all present and future rents, revenues,
     income, issues, royalties, profits, and other benefits derived from the
     Property.

     Trustee. The word "Trustee" means LAWYER'S TITLE INSURANCE CORPORATION,
     whose address is WAYNE, NE and any substitute or successor trustees.

     Trustor. The word "Trustor" means HUSKER AG PROCESSING, LLC.

<PAGE>

                                 DEED OF TRUST
Loan No: 53455                    (Continued)                             Page 9
================================================================================

TRUSTOR ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS DEED OF TRUST, AND
TRUSTOR AGREES TO ITS TERMS.

THIS DEED OF TRUST IS GIVEN UNDER SEAL AND IT IS INTENDED THAT THIS DEED OF
TRUST IS AND SHALL CONSTITUTE AND HAVE THE EFFECT OF A SEALED INSTRUMENT
ACCORDING TO LAW.

TRUSTOR:

HUSKER AG PROCESSING, LLC

By: /s/ Gary Kuester                         (Seal)
   ------------------------------------------
     GARY KUESTER, Chairman of HUSKER AG

     PROCESSING, LLC

By: /s/ Jack Frahm                           (Seal)
   ------------------------------------------
      JACK FRAHM, Secretary of HUSKER AG

      PROCESSING, LLC

By: /s/ Fred Knievel                         (Seal)
   ------------------------------------------
     FRED KNIEVEL, Treasurer of HUSKER AG

     PROCESSING, LLC

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ACKNOWLEDGMENT

STATE OF Nebraska              )

                               )SS

COUNTY OF Pierce               )

On this 19th day of December, 2001, before me, the undersigned Notary
Public, personally appeared GARY KUESTER, Chairman; JACK FRAHM, Secretary; FRED
KNIEVEL, Treasurer of HUSKER AG PROCESSING, LLC, and known to me to be partners
or designated agents of the limited liability company that executed the Deed of
Trust and acknowledged the Deed of Trust to be the free and voluntary act and
deed of the limited liability company, by authority of statute, its articles of
organization or its operating agreement, for the uses and purposes therein
mentioned, and on oath stated that they are authorized to execute this Deed of
Trust and in fact executed the Deed of Trust on behalf of the limited liability
company.

                                 By /s/ Mary Ann T. Nunes
                                    --------------------------------------------

                                 Notary Public in and for the State of Minnesota
                                                                       ---------

                                 Residing at
                                             -----------------------------------

                                 My commission expires
                                                       -------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          REQUEST FOR FULL RECONVEYANCE
            (To be used only when obligations have been paid in full)

To: ___________________________________________, Trustee

The undersigned is the legal owner and holder of all indebtedness secured by
this Deed of Trust. All sums secured by this Deed of Trust have been fully paid
and satisfied. You are hereby directed, upon payment to you of any sums owing to
you under the terms of this Deed of Trust or pursuant to any applicable statute,
to cancel the Note secured by this Deed of Trust (which is delivered to you
together with this Deed of Trust), and to reconvey, without warranty, to the
parties designated by the terms of this Deed of Trust, the estate now held by
you under this Deed of Trust. Please mail the reconveyance and Related Documents
to:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: __________________________              Beneficiary:
                                                           ---------------------
                                              By:
                                                  ------------------------------
                                              Its:
                                                  ------------------------------

================================================================================

<PAGE>

Exhibit "A":

Beginning at a point 797 feet West of the Northeast corner of Section 6,
Township 27 North, Range 3, West of the 6th P.M., Pierce County, Nebraska;
thence West 525 feet to the Northwest corner of the Northeast Quarter of the
Northeast Quarter of said Section 6; thence South to the North line of the right
of way of the C.B. & Q. Railway Co. about 867 2/10 feet; thence Southeasterly
along the North side of said right of way 508 2/10 feet; thence North 165 feet;
thence Southeasterly along the said right of way to the West side of Lincoln
Street in the Village of Breslau, Nebraska, and being directly South of the
point of starting; thence North to the point of starting, containing 10 acres,
more or less; AND

That part of the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter and the Northwest
Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 6, Township 27 North, Range 3, West
of the 6th P.M., Pierce County, Nebraska, lying North of the C.B. & Q. right of
way; except a strip of land lying across the Northern part of the Northeast
Quarter of the Northwest Quarter, across the Northern part of the Northwest
Quarter of the Northeast Quarter and across the Northern part of the West 525
feet of the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter, All in said Section 6,
conveyed to the State of Nebraska by deed recorded in Deed Record 48, Page 524,
described as follows: Referring to the Northwest corner of said Section 6;
thence Easterly on the North line of said Section 6 a distance of 1,163.2 feet,
more or less, to the point of beginning; said point being the Northwest corner
of the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of said Section 6; thence
continuing Easterly on said North line a distance of 3,146.8 feet, more or less,
to the Northeast property corner; thence Southerly on the East property line a
distance of 58.9 feet; thence Westerly a distance of 337.8 feet to a point 59.1
feet Southerly from said North line; thence continuing Westerly a distance of
394.8 feet to a point 84.2 feet Southerly from said North line; thence
continuing Westerly a distance of 2,415 feet, more or less, to a point on the
West line of said Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter; thence Northerly
on said West line a distance of 84.0 feet to the point of beginning, said
excepted tract containing 5.78 acres, more or less.

SAID TRACT MAY ALSO BE DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
-------------------------------------------

A tract of land located in the North half of the Northeast Quarter and the
North half of the Northwest Quarter of Section 6, Township 27 North, Range 3,
West of the 6th Principal Meridian, Pierce County, Nebraska, more particularly
described as follows: Commencing at the Northwest corner of said Section 6;
thence South 89 degrees 57 minutes 44 seconds East (an assumed bearing) 1153.87
feet on the North line of said Section 6 to the Northwest corner of the
Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of said Section 6; thence South 0
degrees 55 minutes 37 seconds East, 84.00 feet on the West line of said
Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter to a point on the South Right-of-Way
line of U.S. Highway #20, said point is also the point of beginning; thence
continuing South 0 degrees 55 minutes 37 seconds East,

Page 1 of 2

<PAGE>

326.33 feet on the West line of said Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter
to a point on the North line of the BNSF Railway; thence South 78 degrees 16
minutes 13 seconds East, 591.44 feet on the North line of said Railway; thence
South 11 degrees 44 minutes 21 seconds West, 50.00 feet on the North line of
said Railway; thence South 78 degrees 16 minutes 13 seconds East, 767.59 feet on
the North line of said Railway to a point of curvature; thence Easterly on said
curve having a radius of 5679.58 feet; the arc of said curve having a distance
of 893.71 feet and the chord of said curve having a bearing of South 82 degrees
46 minutes 42 seconds East and a distance of 892.79 feet; thence South 87
degrees 18 minutes 14 seconds East 127.57 feet on the North line of said
Railway; thence North 02 degrees 43 minutes 00 seconds East, 25.00 feet on the
North line of said Railway; thence South 87 degrees 17 minutes 00 seconds East,
645.00 feet on the North line of said Railway; thence South 02 degrees 43
minutes 00 seconds West, 25.00 feet; thence South 87 degrees 17 minutes 00
seconds East, 160.00 feet on the North line of said Railway; thence North 02
degrees 42 minutes 50 seconds East, 165.00 feet on the Northerly line of said
Railway; thence South 87 degrees 17 minutes 10 seconds East, 13.94 feet on the
North line of said Railway to a point on the West line of Lincoln Street to the
Village of Breslau; thence North 0 degrees 39 minutes 56 seconds West, 665.85
feet on said West line of Lincoln Street to a point on the South Right-of-Way
line of said U.S. Highway #20; thence North 89 degrees 57 minutes 14 seconds
West, 337.80 feet on the South Right-of-Way line of said Highway #20; thence
South 86 degrees 26 minutes 09 seconds West, 394.80 feet on said South
Right-of-Way; thence North 89 degrees 56 minutes 51 seconds West, 2415.0 feet on
said South Right-of-Way to the point of beginning, said tract of land contains
46.25 acres, more or less.

Page 2 of 2<PAGE>

                                                                   Exhibit 10.59

                               SEVERANCE AGREEMENT
                              AND RELEASE OF CLAIMS
                              ---------------------

     This Severance Agreement And Release Of Claims ("Agreement"), effective
September 27, 2001, is made and entered into by and between Richard Bryson
("Bryson") and Pac-West Telecomm, Inc. ("Pac-West" or "Employer").

                                    RECITALS
                                    --------

     A.   Bryson has been employed by Pac-West in the position of Chief
Financial Officer since approximately October 1998.

     B.   Bryson desires to separate from his employment at Pac-West Telecomm,
Inc. and pursue other employment opportunities.

     C.   Pac-West and Bryson desire to resolve all differences between them
relating to Bryson's employment at Pac-West and the severance of that employment
by entering into this Severance Agreement and Release of Claims.

                                    AGREEMENT
                                    ---------

     1. In full consideration of the release of claims made by Bryson in this
Agreement, and provided that Bryson has not revoked this Agreement as provided
in paragraph 10(f), below, then Pac-West will provide the following:

          a. within fourteen (14) days of Pac-West's receipt of the Agreement
signed by Bryson, Pac-West will make a payment to Bryson of One Hundred
Ninety-Six Thousand Four Hundred And Ninety-Five Dollars And Thirty-Two Cents
($196,495.32), less all applicable state and federal withholdings; and

          b. within fourteen (14) days of Pac-West's receipt of the Agreement
signed by Bryson, Pac-West will make a payment to Bryson of Four Thousand Six
Hundred And Thirty-Four Dollars And Eighty Cents ($4,634.80), representing
Bryson's accrued, unused vacation time of five (5) days; and

          c. on the effective date of Bryson's final termination of employment
with Pac-West pursuant to paragraph 2, below, Pac-West will issue a distribution
request from the Pac-West Telecomm, Inc. Executive Deferred Compensation Plan
for the total amount of Bryson's accrued, vested interest in the deferred
compensation plan. The distribution amount will be issued to Bryson within seven
(7) days of receipt by Pac-West from the Plan Administrator.

                                                                          1 of 6
Bryson /s/ REB  Pac-West /s/ HWW

<PAGE>

          d.    Pac-West will pay for Bryson's continued coverage for health
insurance benefits under COBRA beginning October 1, 2001 for seven (7) months,
ending with the final payment for coverage in April 2002; and

          f.    Pac-West will transfer title to Bryson's company vehicle to
Bryson, a 1999 Suburban; and

          f.    Pac-West will permit Bryson to continue to access Pac-West's
San Francisco office during normal business hours on Mondays, Tuesdays,
Wednesdays and Thursday until either (i) the San Francisco office is rented to
another tenant or (ii) Bryson begins employment with a different employer,
whichever period of time is shorter, after which Bryson shall no longer be
permitted to access the San Francisco office; and

          g.    Pac-West will pay the service fee for Bryson's T1 telephone
internet connection at Bryson's home for (i) a period of seven (7) months
(October 2001 through April 2002) or (ii) until Bryson begins employment with a
different employer, whichever period of time is shorter, after which Bryson
shall be solely responsible for all fees and costs associated with the T1
telephone internet connection at his home; and

          h.    Bryson agrees to return all Pac-West company property
immediately and no later than the close of business on Tuesday, November 6,
2001; however, Bryson shall be allowed to retain and keep the following company
property as his personal property under the terms of this Agreement:

          (i)   Nokia 6160M cellular telephone (service not included)

          (ii)  1 of the 2 Hands Free Talk devices in Bryson's possession

          (iii) HP LaserJet Printer

          (iv)  HP Desktop computer with Zip Drive

          (v)   Filing cabinet and desk chair

     Bryson agrees that these items and payments to him shall constitute the
entire amount of monetary and other property provided to Bryson under this
Agreement. Bryson agrees that he will not seek any further compensation for any
other claimed wages, bonuses, damage, costs, or attorneys' fees in connection
with Bryson's employment at Pac-West and the severance thereof.

     2. The parties agree that Bryson's employment in the position of Chief
Financial Officer of Pac-West shall end on September 27, 2001, the effective
date of this agreement, and that Bryson

                                                                          2 of 6
Bryson /s/ REB  Pac-West /s/ HWW

<PAGE>

shall remain as an inactive employee of Pac-West on an unpaid leave of absence
until midnight on Friday, March 1, 2002, at which time his employment with
Pac-West shall terminate. Bryson agrees that he shall not be entitled to any
additional benefits or compensation based on this unpaid leave of absence, other
than payments and other consideration described in this Agreement, and Bryson
agrees that he will not seek any further compensation for any other claimed
wages, bonuses, damage, costs, or attorneys' fees in connection with Bryson's
employment at Pac-West and the severance thereof, other than the payment and
other property described in this Agreement.

     3. This Agreement and compliance with this Agreement shall not be construed
as an admission by Pac-West of any liability whatsoever, or as an admission by
Pac-West of any violation of the rights of Bryson or any person, violation of
any order, law, statute, duty, or contract whatsoever against Bryson or any
person. Pac-West specifically disclaims any liability to Bryson or any other
person for any alleged violation of the rights of Bryson or any person, or for
any alleged violation of any order, law, statute, duty, or contract on the part
of Pac-West and, employees or agents or representatives of Pac-West.

     4. Bryson understands that various employment laws provide the right to an
employee to bring claims against an employer if the employee believes he/she has
been unlawfully discriminated against. These laws include:

          Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964

          The Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974

          The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974

          The Equal Pay Act

          The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

          The Civil Rights Act of 1991

          The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993

          The California Fair Employment and Housing Act

          The California Family Rights Act

          Bryson understands his rights under these Acts and agrees that he will
not file against Pac-West any claims based on any alleged violation(s) of these
Acts; PROVIDED, Bryson may file a charge of violation of the Age Discrimination
in Employment Act with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, including a
challenge to the validity of this Agreement and may participate in any
investigation or proceeding conducted by the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission regarding said Act.

                                                                          3 of 6
Bryson /s/ REB  Pac-West /s/ HWW

<PAGE>

     5. Bryson gives up (waives) all his rights to damages or any other relief
Bryson might otherwise be awarded on any claim related to or arising from his
employment at Pac-West or the conclusion and severance of that employment. This
release includes all statutory, contract, tort and other claims Bryson might
otherwise make against Pac-West and/or anyone connected with Pac-West, including
but not limited to, Pac-West's current and former employees, officers,
directors, attorneys, or other agents.

     6. Bryson understands that the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967
provides him with the right to bring a claim against Pac-West if he believes he
has been discriminated against on the basis of age. Bryson understands his
rights under that Act and specifically agrees to give up (waive) any relief
available under the Act for any age discrimination occurring before the date he
signs this Agreement, subject to the provisions of paragraph 3, above. Bryson
does not waive any claims against Pac-West for age discrimination that occurs
after this Agreement is signed.

     7. Except as disclosure may be required by law and necessary for legitimate
law enforcement or compliance purposes, Bryson and Pac-West agree that they will
keep the facts, terms, and amount of this Agreement confidential and that they
will not hereafter disclose any information concerning this Agreement to anyone.
Bryson agrees not to make derogatory statements about Pac-West. Bryson agrees to
provide information to management for inquiries that may arise regarding job
function related matters. Bryson also agrees to fully cooperate and assist
Pac-West in resolving any and all claims, disputes, or lawsuits in connection
with any and all claims made against Pac-West during the course of Bryson's
employment.

     8. Bryson hereby agrees that all of his rights under section 1542 of the
Civil Code of the State of California are hereby waived. Section 1542 provides
as follows:

          A general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does
          not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of executing the
          release, which if known by him must have materially affected his
          settlement with the debtor.

     9. Bryson releases Pac-West and anyone connected with Pac-West from all
liability of any kind having to do with Bryson's employment with Pac-West. All
such liability is barred forever by this Agreement. However, notwithstanding
anything else in this Agreement, Pac-West hereby agrees to indemnify and defend
Bryson, at Pac-West's expense, against any existing or future lawsuits or other
liabilities related to the company or its activities concerning matters which
occurred or are alleged to have occurred during, or arose out of, Bryson's
service as an officer or employee of Pac-West prior to the effective date of
this agreement, or related to Bryson's duties under paragraph 7 of this
Agreement.

                                                                          4 of 6
Bryson /s/ REB  Pac-West /s/ HWW

<PAGE>

     10. Bryson understands and agrees that he: (a) Has carefully read and fully
understands all of the provisions of this Agreement; (b) Knowingly and
voluntarily agrees to all of the terms set forth in this Agreement; (c)
Knowingly and voluntarily intends to be legally bound by the same; (d) Has the
opportunity to review the Agreement for a full twenty-one (21) calendar days
before signing it, and need not sign this Agreement until after he has had it in
his possession for a full twenty-one (21) calendar days; (e) May consult with an
attorney regarding this Agreement, and Bryson hereby is advised in writing to
consult with an attorney regarding this Agreement; (f) Has a full seven (7) days
after signing this Agreement in which to revoke this Agreement, and has been and
hereby is advised in writing that this Agreement shall not become effective or
enforceable until and unless this revocation period has expired; (g) Understands
that rights or claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (29
U.S.C. section 621, et. seq.) that may arise after the date this Agreement is
                    -------
executed are not waived.

     11. In signing this Agreement, Bryson has not relied upon any
representation or statement made by Pac-West or by any representatives or
attorneys of Pac-West about this Agreement. Bryson is advised to consult with an
attorney prior to signing this Agreement.

     12. This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto and upon their
heirs, administrators, representatives, executors, successors, and assigns, and
shall inure to the benefit of said parties and each of them and to their heirs,
administrators, representatives, executors, successors, and assigns. Bryson
expressly warrants that Bryson has not transferred to any person or entity any
rights, causes of action, or claims released in this Agreement.

     13. The parties hereto agree to submit any dispute arising out of the terms
or conditions of this Agreement, or breach thereof, exclusively to binding
arbitration in San Francisco before a neutral arbitrator pursuant to the
procedures established by the American Arbitration Association for resolution of
employment disputes.

     14. Should any provision of this Agreement be declared or be determined by
an arbitrator empowered by this Agreement and/or by any court of competent
jurisdiction to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable, the legality, validity,
and enforceability of the remaining parts, terms, or provisions shall not be
affected thereby, and said illegal, unenforceable, or invalid part, term, or
provision shall be deemed not to be a part of this Agreement.

     15. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement between the parties
hereto and fully supersedes any and all prior agreements or understandings,
written or oral, between the parties hereto pertaining to the subject matter
hereof.

                                                                          5 of 6
Bryson /s/ REB  Pac-West /s/ HWW

<PAGE>

     16. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, and each party agrees
to accept facsimile copies of the signed Agreement in lieu of original
signatures.

Dated: 11/5/2001                  /s/ Richard E. Bryson
       ----------------           ----------------------------------------
                                  RICHARD BRYSON

Dated: 11/6/2001                  /s/ Harry W. Wilson
       ----------------           ----------------------------------------
                                  PAC-WEST TELECOMM, INC.

                                                                          6 of 6
Bryson /s/ REB    Pac-West /s/ HWW
       --------            --------

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