Document:

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                                                                    Exhibit 10.9

              AGREEMENT BETWEEN OWNER AND HDR ENGINEERING, INC. FOR
                              PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

     THIS AGREEMENT is made as of this 17th day of December, 2004, between
SIOUXLAND ETHANOL, LLC, JACKSON, NEBRASKA ("OWNER") and HDR ENGINEERING, INC.,
("ENGINEER") a Nebraska corporation, with principal offices at 8404 Indian Hills
Drive, Omaha, Nebraska, 68114 for services in connection with the project known
as NPDES DISCHARGE AND WELL PERMITTING ASSISTANCE AND OTHER ON-CALL SERVICES
("PROJECT");

     WHEREAS, OWNER desires to engage ENGINEER to provide professional
engineering, consulting and related services ("Services") in connection with the
Project; and

     WHEREAS, ENGINEER desires to render these Services as described in SECTION
I, Scope of Services.

     NOW, THEREFORE, OWNER and ENGINEER in consideration of the mutual covenants
contained herein, agree as follows:

SECTION I. SCOPE OF SERVICES

ENGINEER will provide Services for the Project, which consist of the Scope of
Services as outlined on the attached Exhibit A.

SECTION II. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ENGINEERING SERVICES

The "HDR" Engineering, Inc. Terms and Conditions for Professional Services,"
which are attached hereto in Exhibit B, are incorporated into this Agreement by
this reference as if fully set forth herein.

SECTION III. RESPONSIBILITIES OF OWNER

The OWNER shall provide the information set forth in paragraph 6 of the attached
"HDR "HDR Engineering, Inc. Terms and Conditions for Professional Services" and
shall designate an authorized representative that shall have the authority to
transmit instructions, receive information, and render decisions on behalf of
the OWNER.

SECTION IV. COMPENSATION

Compensation for ENGINEER'S services under this Agreement shall be on the basis
of fixed hourly labor rates by employee classification plus reimbursable
expenses, as detailed in Exhibit C. Reimbursable expense shall mean the actual
expenses incurred directly or indirectly in connection with the Project for
transportation, travel, meals, expendable supplies, subconsultants,
subcontractors, technology charges (computer usage), telephone, shipping and

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express, printing and electronic reproduction, and other incurred expense.
ENGINEER will add ten percent (10%) to all reimbursable expense to cover
administrative, supervision, and insurance expenses.

The amount of any sales tax, excise tax, value added tax (VAT), or gross
receipts tax that may be imposed on this Agreement shall be added to the
ENGINEER'S compensation as Reimbursable Expenses.

Due to the uncertain nature of this PROJECT, the OWNER intends to utilize the
services of the ENGINEER on an indefinite retainer type basis, rather than
establishing a ceiling price for services. That is, the OWNER shall determine
the extent of services desired on a monthly or more often basis, and the
ENGINEER shall provide monthly invoices for work completed through the billing
cycle. Accordingly, the OWNER, at its own discretion, may elect to terminate
services at any time through a written notice to the ENGINEER, and the
compensation shall be calculated accordingly and due payable up to that point in
time.

If the OWNER elects to have ENGINEER engage in any litigation, arbitration, or
other legal or administrative proceeding, due to the disruptive nature of the
work involved, all associated labor costs shall be multiplied by a factor of 1.5
times the rates set forth in Exhibit C or the most current rates that may have
established beyond the original Period of Service, as discussed in Section V
below and Exhibit A. Such labor shall include, but not be limited to:
participation in meeting with legal counsel; participation in depositions;
providing courtroom or other administrative testimony; preparation of supporting
exhibits; and all other time associated with preparation, travel, and follow-up.

SECTION V. PERIOD OF SERVICE

Upon receipt of written authorization to proceed, ENGINEER shall perform the
services within the time period(s) described in Exhibit A.

Unless otherwise stated in this Agreement, the rates of compensation for
ENGINEER'S services have been agreed to in anticipation of the orderly and
continuous progress of the project through completion. If any specified dates
for the completion of ENGINEER' services are exceeded through no fault of the
ENGINEER, the time for performance of those services shall be automatically
extended for a period which may be reasonably required for their completion and
all rates, measures and amounts of ENGINEER'S compensation shall be equitably
adjusted.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the
day and year first written above.

                                        SIOUXLAND ETHANOL, LLC
                                        "OWNER"

                                        BY: /s/ Tom Lynch
                                            ------------------------------------
                                        NAME:
                                              ----------------------------------

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                                        TITLE: President
                                        ADDRESS: PO Box 146
                                                 Jackson, Ne. 68743

                                        HDR ENGINEERING, INC.
                                        "ENGINEER"

                                        BY: /s/ Timothy R. Crockett
                                            ------------------------------------
                                        NAME: Timothy R. Crockett, P.E.
                                        TITLE: Senior Vice President
                                        ADDRESS: 8404 Indian Hills Drive
                                                 Omaha, NE  68114

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EXHIBIT A
SCOPE OF SERVICES

NPDES DISCHARGE AND WELL PERMITTING ASSISTANCE AND OTHER ON-CALL SERVICES

FOR SIOUXLAND ETHANOL, LLC

ENGINEERING PROPOSAL

BACKGROUND AND BASIS OF PROPOSAL

The purpose of this Proposal is to describe the scope of professional
engineering services for SIOUXLAND ETHANOL, LLC, JACKSON, NEBRASKA ("OWNER") and
HDR ENGINEERING, INC., ("ENGINEER") a Nebraska corporation, with principal
offices at 8404 Indian Hills Drive, Omaha, Nebraska, 68114 for services in
connection with the project known as NPDES DISCHARGE AND WELL PERMITTING
ASSISTANCE AND ON-CALL SERVICES ("PROJECT"). The OWNER desires certain services
from the ENGINEER to assist the OWNER IN SECURING a National Pollution Discharge
Permit System (NPDES) discharge permit(s) for cooling tower blowdown water and
other waste streams, a construction permit for a new well(s) or other related
professional engineering services as may be desired by the OWNER.

PERIOD OF SERVICE

The timing and duration for the scope of services described herein shall be the
same as that set forth by the OWNER; except, however, that the ENGINEER'S rates
set forth in Exhibit C shall only be applicable for work completed through 2005.
If work extends beyond 2005, then such rates shall be equitably adjusted.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

     -    If desired by the OWNER, the ENGINEER is prepared to offer waste
          management options screening.

          -    Preliminary Evaluations. Consider various treatment/disposal
               options for handling the combined non-process waste streams
               involving cooling tower blowdown water, reverse osmosis reject
               water, softer regenerate and/or other waste streams. The intended
               purpose shall be, on a draft basis, to furnish to the OWNER a
               list of candidate waste management options for further
               evaluation. A "decision matrix" can be prepared that summarizes
               monetary and non-monetary factors with due considerations for
               technical soundness, economics, potential regulatory issues with
               the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) or other
               agencies, and compatibility with overall timing for the OWNER's
               other related activities associated with the construction of a
               new ethanol production facility.

          -    Field Investigations. If necessary, and as directed by the Owner,
               perform certain cursory field investigations that may be of
               assistance in formulating waste

Exhibit A - Agreement for Professional Services
Page 1

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               management options on a preliminary basis. No subconsultant or
               subcontractor work will be undertaken in this regard without
               express, written consent from the OWNER.

          -    Facilitation/Communications. As directed by the OWNER, attend
               coordination meetings with NDEQ, the Papio-Missouri River NRD,
               the State Dept. of Natural Resources, or other agencies; meet
               separately with the OWNER; make technical presentations as may be
               desired; and provide written and oral communications as may be
               necessary for PROJECT coordination

          -    Follow-up Waste Management Options Screening. Through the
               above-described processes, assist the OWNER in progressively
               narrowing the range of waste management options to a point of
               consensus with the OWNER as to what courses of action should be
               pursued for securing necessary construction and NPDES discharge
               permit(s) with NDEQ or clearances with other applicable agencies.
               This process may include the preparation of written technical
               memoranda that the OWNER can use for attachments to permit
               applications and/or assist in permit negotiations and related
               discussions.

     -    Permit Applications. Assemble the permitting documents necessary and
          submit the same to the agencies having jurisdiction. This includes any
          meetings and correspondences necessary for reviewing the technical and
          regulatory aspects of the permit applications and negotiating permit
          limits, where applicable. Permit applications will be prepared for:

               -    Raw water supply well(s).

               -    Construction permit for any wastewater-related pump
                    stations, pipelines, storage ponds, etc. not already
                    included in the permitting process handling by the
                    design-build firm.

               -    NPDES wastewater discharge permit.

     -    Other On-Call Services. Assist the OWNER to the extent desired, and
          only as expressly authorized by the OWNER, for other on-call services
          that may be desired, including stormwater permitting; design and
          construction phase services for supply well(s), water/wastewater
          treatment facilities, stormwater facilities, access roads, rail
          services spur tracks; etc.

KEY UNDERSTANDINGS AND ASSUMPTIONS

It is assumed by the ENGINEER that the OWNER already possesses or will otherwise
interact with its design-build firm for construction the ethanol production
facilities to acquire all necessary process and other supporting technical
information that may be needed for the ENGINEER to assist the OWNER for this
PROJECT.

Accordingly, the OWNER shall provide the following to the ENGINEER on an
"as-needed" basis:

     -    NPDES Discharge Permitting Basic Information Needs.

          -    Contact information for "cognizant official" (corporate principal
               officer at a level of vice president or above), the "authorized
               representative" who can sign discharge monitoring reports, and
               operations manager directly in charge of wastewater discharges.

Exhibit A - Agreement for Professional Services
Page 2

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          -    Project site legal description and process SIC number.

          -    General description of intended plant operations and production
               levels.

          -    Intended employment level.

          -    Vicinity map and site layout drawings, including the site
               utilities.

          -    Locations of adjacent dwellings, potable water supply wells, and
               wetlands.

          -    Process flow diagrams, water flow and chemical balances for raw
               water supply and discharge waste streams.

          -    MSDS information for biocides and anti-scalants proposed to be
               used.

          -    Locations of adjacent dwellings, potable water supply wells, and
               wetlands.

          -    Copy of stormwater management plan or description of how site
               runoff will be handled.

     -    Raw Water Supply Well Permitting Basic Information Needs.

          -    Copies of drillers logs

          -    Copies of all laboratory testing results for water quality.

          -    Site map showing proposed location(s) of well(s).

          -    Copy of design technical specifications and drawings for the
               well, pump, and related appurtenances.

     -    Right-of-entry to any properties involved in field visits and
          investigations.

The OWNER may elect to have the ENGINEER secure portions of the above
information or certain other supporting information to the extent that the same
may be available or as may be otherwise reasonably acquired, subject to
compensation to the ENGINEER under the applicable terms of this AGREEMENT.

Exhibit A - Agreement for Professional Services
Page 3

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                                    EXHIBIT B

                              HDR ENGINEERING, INC.
                 TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

1.   STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE

The standard of care for all professional engineering, consulting and related
services performed or furnished by ENGINEER and its employees under this
Agreement will be the care and skill ordinarily used by members of ENGINEER's
profession practicing under the same or similar circumstances at the same time
and in the same locality. ENGINEER makes no warranties, express or implied,
under this Agreement or otherwise, in connection with ENGINEER's services.

2.   INSURANCE

ENGINEER agrees to procure and maintain, at its expense, Workers' Compensation
insurance as required by statute; Employer's Liability of $250,000; Automobile
Liability insurance of $1,000,000 combined single limit for bodily injury and
property damage covering all vehicles, including hired vehicles, owned and
non-owned vehicles; Commercial General Liability insurance of $1,000,000
combined single limit for personal injury and property damage; and Professional
Liability insurance of $1,000,000 per claim for protection against claims
arising out of the performance of services under this Agreement caused by
negligent acts, errors, or omissions for which ENGINEER is legally liable. Upon
request, OWNER shall be made an additional insured on Commercial General and
Automobile Liability insurance policies and certificates of insurance will be
furnished to the OWNER. ENGINEER agrees to indemnify OWNER for the claims
covered by ENGINEER's insurance.

3.   OPINIONS OF PROBABLE COST (COST ESTIMATES)

Any opinions of probable project cost or probable construction cost provided by
ENGINEER are made on the basis of information available to ENGINEER and on the
basis of ENGINEER's experience and qualifications, and represents its judgment
as an experienced and qualified professional engineer. However, since ENGINEER
has no control over the cost of labor, materials, equipment or services
furnished by others, or over the contractor(s') methods of determining prices,
or over competitive bidding or market conditions, ENGINEER does not guarantee
that proposals, bids or actual project or construction cost will not vary from
opinions of probable cost ENGINEER prepares.

4.   CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES

ENGINEER's observation or monitoring portions of the work performed under
construction contracts shall not relieve the contractor from its responsibility
for performing work in accordance with applicable contract documents. ENGINEER
shall not control or have charge of, and shall not be responsible for,
construction means, methods, techniques, sequences, procedures of construction,
health or safety programs or precautions connected with the work and shall not
manage, supervise, control or have charge of construction. ENGINEER shall not be
responsible for the acts or omissions of the contractor or other parties on the
project. ENGINEER shall be entitled to review all construction contract
documents and to require that no provision extend the duties or liabilities of
ENGINEER beyond those set forth in this Agreement. OWNER agrees to include
ENGINEER as an indemnified party in OWNER's construction contracts for the work,
which shall protect ENGINEER to the same degree as OWNER. Further, OWNER agrees
that ENGINEER

Exhibit B - Terms and Conditions for Professional Services
Page 1                                                                [HDR logo]

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shall be listed as an additional insured under the construction contractor's
liability insurance policies.

5.   CONTROLLING LAW

This Agreement is to be governed by the law of the state where ENGINEER's
services are performed.

6.   SERVICES AND INFORMATION

OWNER will provide all criteria and information pertaining to OWNER's
requirements for the project, including design objectives and constraints,
space, capacity and performance requirements, flexibility and expandability, and
any budgetary limitations. OWNER will also provide copies of any OWNER-furnished
Standard Details, Standard Specifications, or Standard Bidding Documents which
are to be incorporated into the project. OWNER will furnish the services of
soils/geotechnical engineers or other consultants that include reports and
appropriate professional recommendations when such services are deemed necessary
by ENGINEER. The OWNER agrees to bear full responsibility for the technical
accuracy and content of OWNER-furnished documents and services. In performing
professional engineering and related services hereunder, it is understood by
OWNER that ENGINEER is not engaged in rendering any type of legal, insurance or
accounting services, opinions or advice. Further, it is the OWNER's sole
responsibility to obtain the advice of an attorney, insurance counselor or
accountant to protect the OWNER's legal and financial interests. To that end,
the OWNER agrees that OWNER or the OWNER's representative will examine all
studies, reports, sketches, drawings, specifications, proposals and other
documents. Opinions or advice prepared or provided by ENGINEER, and will obtain
the advice of an attorney, insurance counselor or other consultant as the OWNER
deems necessary to protect the OWNER's interest before OWNER takes action or
forebears to take action based upon or relying upon the services provided by
ENGINEER.

7.   SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS

OWNER and ENGINEER, respectively, bind themselves, their partners, successors,
assigns, and legal representatives to the covenants of this Agreement. Neither
OWNER nor ENGINEER will assign, sublet, or transfer any interest in this
Agreement or claims arising therefrom without the written consent of the other.

8.   RE-USE OF DOCUMENTS.

All documents, including all reports, drawings, specifications, computer
software or other items prepared or furnished by ENGINEER pursuant to this
Agreement, are instruments of service with respect to the project. ENGINEER
retains ownership of all such documents. OWNER may retain copies of the
documents for its information and reference in connection the project; however,
none of the documents are intended or represented to be suitable for reuse by
OWNER or others on extensions of the project or on any other project. Any reuse
without written verification or adaptation by ENGINEER for the specific purpose
intended will be at OWNER's sole risk and without liability or legal exposure to
ENGINEER, and OWNER will defend, indemnify and hold harmless ENGINEER from all
claims, damages, losses and expenses, including attorney's fees, arising or
resulting therefrom. Any such verification or adaptation will entitle ENGINEER
to further compensation at rates to be agreed upon by OWNER and ENGINEER.

9.   TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT

Exhibit B - Terms and Conditions for Professional Services
Page 2                                                                [HDR logo]

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OWNER or ENGINEER may terminate the Agreement, in whole or in part, by giving
seven (7) days written notice, if the other party substantially fails to fulfill
its obligations under the Agreement through no fault of the terminating party.
Where the method of payment is "lump sum," or cost reimbursement, the final
invoice will include all services and expenses associated with the project up to
the effective date of termination. An equitable adjustment shall also be made to
provide for termination settlement costs ENGINEER incurs as a result of
commitments that had become firm before termination, and for a reasonable profit
for services performed.

10.  SEVERABILITY

If any provision of this agreement is held invalid or unenforceable, the
remaining provision shall be valid and binding upon the parties. One or more
waivers by either party of any provision, term or condition shall not be
construed by the other party as a waiver of any subsequent breach of the same
provision, term or condition.

11.  INVOICES

ENGINEER will submit monthly invoices for services rendered and OWNER will make
prompt payments in response to ENGINEER's invoices. ENGINEER will retain
receipts for reimbursable expenses in general accordance with Internal Revenue
Service rules pertaining to the support of expenditures for income tax purposes.
Receipts will be available for inspection by OWNER's auditors upon request. If
OWNER disputes any items in ENGINEER's invoice for any reason, including the
lack of supporting documentation, OWNER may temporarily delete the disputed item
and pay the remaining amount of the invoice. OWNER will promptly notify ENGINEER
of the dispute and request clarification and/or correction. After any dispute
has been settled, ENGINEER will include the disputed item on a subsequent,
regularly scheduled invoice, or on a special invoice for the disputed item only.
OWNER recognizes that late payment of invoices results in extra expense for
ENGINEER. ENGINEER retains the right to assess OWNER interest at the rate of one
percent (1%) per month, but not to exceed the maximum rate allowed bylaw, on
invoices which are not paid within forty-five (45) days from the date of the
invoice. In the event undisputed portions of ENGINEER's invoices are not paid
when due, ENGINEER also reserves the right, after seven (7) days prior written
notice, to suspend the performance of its services under this Agreement until
all past due amounts have been paid in full.

12.  CHANGES

The parties agree that no change or modification to this Agreement, or any
attachments hereto, shall have any force or effect unless the change is reduced
to writing, dated, and made part of this Agreement. The execution of the change
shall be authorized and signed in the same manner as this Agreement. Adjustments
in the period of services and in compensation shall be in accordance with
applicable paragraphs and sections of this Agreement. Any proposed fees by
ENGINEER are estimates to perform the services required to complete the project
as ENGINEER understands it to be defined. For those projects involving
conceptual or process development services, activities often are not fully
definable in the initial planning. In any event, as the project progresses, the
facts developed may dictate a change in the services to be performed, which may
alter the scope. ENGINEER will inform OWNER of such situations so that changes
in scope and adjustments to the time of

Exhibit B - Terms and Conditions for Professional Services
Page 3                                                                [HDR logo]

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performance and compensation can be made as required. If such change, additional
services, or suspension of services result in an increase or decrease in the
cost of or time required for performance of the services, an equitable
adjustment shall be made, and the Agreement modified accordingly.

13.  CONTROLLING AGREEMENT

These Terms and Conditions shall take precedence over any inconsistent or
contradictory provisions contained in any proposal, contract, purchase order,
requisition, notice-to-proceed, or like document.

14.  EQUAL EMPLOYMENT AND NONDISCRIMINATION

In connection with the services under this Agreement, ENGINEER agrees to comply
with the applicable provision of federal and state Equal Employment Opportunity,
and other employment statutes and regulations.

15.  HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

OWNER represents to ENGINEER that, to the best of its knowledge, no hazardous
materials are present at the project site. However, in the event hazardous
materials are known to be present, OWNER represents that to the best of its
knowledge it has disclosed to ENGINEER the existence of all such hazardous
materials, including but not limited to asbestos, PCB's, petroleum, hazardous
waste, or radioactive material located at or near the project site, including
type, quantity and location of such hazardous materials. It is acknowledge by
both parties that ENGINEER's scope of services do not include services related
in any way to hazardous materials. In the event ENGINEER or any other party
encounters undisclosed hazardous materials, ENGINEER shall have the obligation
to notify OWNER and, to the extent required by law or regulation, the
appropriate governmental officials, and ENGINEER may, at its option and without
liability for delay, consequential or any other damages to OWNER, suspend
performance of services on that portion of the project affected by hazardous
materials until OWNER: (i) retains appropriate specialist consultant(s) or
contractor(s) to identify and, as appropriate, abate, remediate, or remove the
hazardous materials; and (ii) warrants that the project site is in full
compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. OWNER acknowledges that
ENGINEER is performing professional services for OWNER and that ENGINEER is not
and shall not be required to become an "arranger," "operator," "generator," or
"transporter" of hazardous materials, as defined in the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1990 (CERCLA), which
are or may be encountered at or near the project site in connection with
ENGINEER's services under this Agreement. If ENGINEER's services hereunder
cannot be performed because of the existence of hazardous materials, ENGINEER
shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement for cause on 30 days written
notice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, OWNER shall indemnify and hold
harmless ENGINEER, its officers, directors, partners, employees, and
subconsultants from and against all costs, losses, and damages (including but
not limited to all fees and charges of engineers, architects, attorneys, and
other professional, and all court or arbitration or other dispute resolution
costs) caused by, arising out of or resulting from hazardous materials, provided
that (i) any such cost, loss, or damage is attributable to bodily injury,
sickness, disease, or death, or injury to or destruction of tangible property
(other than completed Work), including the loss of use resulting therefrom, and
(ii) nothing in this paragraph

Exhibit B - Terms and Conditions for Professional Services
Page 4                                                                [HDR logo]

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shall obligate OWNER to indemnify any individual or entity from and against the
consequences of that individual's or entity's sole negligence or willful
misconduct.

16.  EXECUTION

This Agreement, including the exhibits and schedules made part hereof,
constitute the entire Agreement between ENGINEER and OWNER, supersedes and
controls over all prior written or oral understandings. This Agreement may be
amended, supplemented or modified only by a written instrument duly executed by
the parties.

17.  LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

ENGINEER's and its employees' total liability to OWNER for any loss or damage,
including but not limited to special and consequential damages arising out of or
in connection with the performance of services or any other cause, including
ENGINEER's and its employees' professional negligent acts, errors, or omissions,
shall not exceed the greater of $50,000 or the total compensation received by
ENGINEER hereunder, except as otherwise provided under this Agreement, and OWNER
hereby releases and holds harmless ENGINEER and its employees from any liability
above such amount.

18.  LITIGATION SUPPORT

In the event ENGINEER is required to respond to a subpoena, government inquiry
or other legal process related to the services in connection with a legal or
dispute resolution proceeding to which ENGINEER is not a party, OWNER shall
reimburse ENGINEER for reasonable costs in responding and compensate ENGINEER at
its then standard rates for reasonable time incurred in gathering information
and documents and attending depositions, hearings, and trial.

Exhibit B - Terms and Conditions for Professional Services
Page 5                                                                [HDR logo]

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EXHIBIT C
SCHEDULE OF PROFESSIONAL LABOR RATES

NPDES DISCHARGE AND WELL PERMITTING ASSISTANCE AND OTHER ON-CALL SERVICES

FOR SIOUXLAND ETHANOL, LLC

ENGINEERING PROPOSAL

The following billable labor rates shall be applicable through calendar year
2005, subject to the provisions in SECTION IV and SECTION V of this AGREEMENT:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      BILLABLE RATE
EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATION                  PER HOUR
-----------------------               -------------
<S>                                   <C>
Project Principal                        $220.00
Project Manager                          $150.00
Senior Engineering/Senior Technical      $170.00
Senior Project Engineer                  $140.00
Project Engineer                         $115.00
Engineer/Scientist                       $100.00
Engineer Technician                      $ 95.00
Junior Engineer/Scientist                $ 85.00
CAD Designer                             $ 90.00
CAD Technician                           $ 75.00
Word Processing                          $ 55.00
Accounting                               $100.00
</TABLE>

Technology charges (computer usage), as a part of reimbursable expenses, shall
be billed at the rate of $4.10 per labor hour for each of the employee
classifications listed above for each monthly payment cycle. Personal vehicle
mileage expenses shall be charged at $0.405 per mile in accordance with IRS
allowances for 2005.

Exhibit C - Schedule of Professional Labor Rates
Page 1                                                                [HDR logo]

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II.  INTRODUCTION

     A.   COMPANY MISSION STATEMENT AND STRATEGIC VISION

Siouxland Ethanol, LLC officially organized as a Nebraska based Limited
Liability Company in August, 2004, with the intention of planning, constructing
and operating a 50 million gallon dry mill corn-processing plant in Nebraska
that benefits local investors, farmers and the community.

                               MISSION STATEMENT:

To successfully add value to locally grown grains which will profit our investor
owners and area grain and livestock producers, while benefiting our local
Siouxland communities through economic growth.

We intend to add value to locally grown grains by providing a local outlet to
process the corn grown in the area, and at the same time, increase the total
demand for corn in the Siouxland region. To meet this mission, we will need to
provide a processing facility that will allow members to invest in a growing
industry.

     Goals of Forming a Company

          1.   Construct a corn processing facility whose size meets the needs
               of its member investors, the community, and best utilizes the
               area's resources.

          2.   Produce bio-fuel ethanol focusing on the local, regional and
               national markets.

          3.   Produce a high-protein feed source for the local, regional and
               national livestock market.

          4.   Return maximum profits to member investors.

          5.   Strengthen the local economy by creating new jobs and adding
               additional tax base for Dakota County.

     Goals of the SE, LLC Board

          1.   Hire and empower high quality personnel to execute the goals of
               the company.

          2.   Be a low cost ethanol producer

          3.   Have a risk management plan that will control the majority of
               input price risk.

          4.   Produce environmentally friendly products through environmentally
               friendly processes.

          5.   Operate efficiently and profitably without compromising the
               health or safety of our employees.

          6.   Investigate the opportunities for new technologies or expansion,
               and encourage continuing education for all employees.

          7.   Cultivate a positive, long-term relationship in Dakota County
               area and the surrounding Siouxland region.

          8.   Be a good neighbor by utilizing 'clean technology' and courteous
               procedures.

                                       3

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     Local Community Benefits

          1.   SE, LLC intends to use local products and services whenever
               possible, both during and after plant construction.

          2.   Excellent employment opportunity: SE, LLC will offer over 35 high
               quality jobs to area residents.

          3.   The plant will generate additional taxes for the county and
               school district every year.

          4.   Large quantity of high quality feed for local livestock -
               Distillers Grains

          5.   The plant will offer an additional market for local farmers, feed
               users, local feed companies, and elevators.

     United States and Environmental Benefits

          1.   Decreased dependence on foreign oil

          2.   Cleaner burning fossil fuel

          3.   Safer replacement for the gasoline additive, Methyl Tert-Butyl
               Ether (MTBE), which is required by the Clean Air Act in the
               metropolitan areas.

          4.   Ethanol governmental costs are much less than we are spending on
               protecting our foreign oil interest.

          5.   Annually renewable energy source

          6.   Positive energy conversion rate (+34 percent per) U.S. Department
               of Agriculture

          B.   PROJECT DESCRIPTION

     The project will involve the construction and operation of a corn
     processing facility, which produces 50 million gallons per year (mgy) of
     denatured fuel grad ethanol, and two other co-products. The plan will
     produce ethanol from approximately 18.5 million bushels of corn. The
     co-products are Dried Distillers Grain with Soluble (DDGS) and carbon
     dioxide (CO2). The following table projects the average quantities and
     revenues produced by a typical Dry Mill Ethanol Plant annually by the third
     year.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Product                 Amount       Unit    $/Unit   Total Revenue     %
-------               ----------   -------   ------   -------------   ----
<S>                   <C>          <C>       <C>      <C>             <C>
Ethanol (denatured)   50,000,000   Gallons   $ 1.23    $61,500,000    80.6%
DDGS                     160,000     Tons    $92.00    $14,785,710    19.4%
                                                       -----------
                                                       $76,285,710
</TABLE>

          C.   PROJECT SCHEDULE

     The project schedule is summarized below. The public offering is planned to
     take 30-45 days. The design and construction will begin immediately after
     the close of financing.

<TABLE>
<S>                                              <C>
1. Present initial concept and first SE,
      LLC organizational meeting                 August, 2004

2. Site Selection                                November, 2004
</TABLE>

                                       4

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                              <C>
3. Air and water discharge permits sent to DNR   December, 2004

4. Public Offering Begins                        May, 2005

5. Public Offering Ends                          June, 2005

6. Debt Financing                                July, 2005

7. Design and Construction (16 months)           August, 2005 - October, 2006
</TABLE>

                                       5<PAGE>

                                                                 EXHIBIT 10.1

July 15, 2004

Mr. Brian A. Markison
1742 Stuart Road West
Princeton, NJ  08540

Dear Mr. Markison:

I am pleased to send this letter confirming your acceptance of the full-time
position of President and Chief Executive Officer for King Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
("Company"). This letter will outline the basic terms of your employment.

The Chief Executive Officer is a salaried, exempt position and reports directly
to the Board of Directors of King Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Board"). As Chief
Executive Officer, you will be expected to properly perform such duties as may
reasonably be assigned to you from the Board consistent with your title. You
agree that you will be bound by all written Company policies in effect from time
to time, including the Code of Conduct.

This position is offered at a starting monthly salary of $62,500 for an annual
salary of $750,000. Additionally, you would be eligible to receive an annual
bonus under the Executive Management Incentive Award ("EMIA") as approved by the
Board, subject to attainment of the requisite performance criteria. For 2004,
the amount of such annual bonus would be determined pursuant to the EMIA,
pro-rated based on your commencement of employment during calendar year 2004
(including the period when you served as Chief Operating Officer or acting Chief
Executive Officer). For purposes of determining any amount payable to you under
the EMIA, your level of participation in the plan would be based upon a
weighted-average percentage that reflects the portion of 2004 during which you
served as Chief Executive Officer and the portion of 2004 during which you
served as acting Chief Executive Officer or Chief Executive Officer. The target
percentage applicable during the period you serve as acting Chief Executive
Officer or Chief Executive Officer will be 75% of your annual base salary for
2004 and 2005. The performance criteria applicable to you under the EMIA will
reflect the following adjustments: the EPS performance target will be 79 cents
for 2004 and 96 cents for 2005; the 96 cents target shall include a separate
required target of 33 cents attributable to management initiatives related to
cost reduction and/or operating efficiencies; and each of such targets may be
modified if the Compensation and Human Resources Committee approves the
modification.

In addition you will be eligible to participate in all other management
incentive programs, subject to the requirements thereof.

Subject to the approval of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee, the
terms of the 1997 Incentive and Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan for Employees of
King Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (the "Stock Option Plan"), and the terms and
conditions of a required Stock Option Subscription Agreement, you would be
granted an option to purchase 250,000 shares of Company common stock. The date
of the option grant would be today. The exercise price of such option would be
equal to today's fair market value of a share of our common stock determined
pursuant to the Stock Option Plan. The Stock Option Subscription Agreement would

<PAGE>

provide that the option would become exercisable with respect to one-half of the
shares subject thereto on each of the second and third anniversaries of the
grant date.

You would continue to be eligible for the benefits package described in your
December 19, 2003 offer letter, subject to your ability to satisfy the
eligibility requirements of the plans described in such letter and the Company's
decision to continue to maintain such plans in effect. The severance provisions
set forth below, however, supersede all other severance provisions that might
otherwise be applicable, including the Modified Severance Agreement dated April
23, 2004.

In the event that your employment were terminated by the Company without "Cause"
(as defined below) or you terminated your employment for "Good Reason" (as
defined below) in each case prior to a "Change in Control" (as defined below) or
following the second anniversary of a Change in Control, (as defined below) or
following the second anniversary of a Change in Control, contingent upon your
execution of the agreement and release applicable to top executives, as in
effect from time to time, including provisions as to non-competition,
non-solicitation and confidentiality ("Agreement and Release"), you would be
entitled to the following payments and benefits:

         -        A lump-sum cash severance payment equal to two times the sum
                  of (1) your base salary at the time of termination of your
                  employment and (2) your target bonus for the year of
                  termination (which amount would not be pro-rated based on the
                  date of your termination);

         -        The Company would continue to provide you with health and
                  welfare benefits generally made available to Company
                  executives until the second anniversary of your termination of
                  employment, provided that such obligation would cease if you
                  became covered by the employee benefits plans of a subsequent
                  employer;

         -        All unvested stock options awarded to you under the Stock
                  Option Plan would immediately become fully vested; and

         -        In the event that any payments you received were considered
                  "excess parachute payments" under Section 280G of the Internal
                  Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), you would be
                  entitled to a gross-up payment to make you whole for any
                  excise tax imposed on you under Section 4999 of the Code (and
                  such gross-up payment would include amounts to make you whole
                  for the Federal, state and local income and excise taxes owing
                  with respect to the gross-up payment.)

Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, any non-competition,
non-solicitation and confidentiality covenants contained in the Agreement and
Release shall (i) not be more restrictive than such covenants applicable to
other senior executive officers of the Company who have terminated employment;
(ii) with respect to any such non-competition or non-solicitation covenants,
apply for a period not to exceed one year following the date of your
termination; and

<PAGE>

(iii) not prevent you from earning a living in the pharmaceutical industry
during the period in which any such covenants apply.

In the event that your employment were terminated by the Company without Cause
or you terminated your employment for Good Reason in each case during the
two-year period following a Change in Control, contingent upon your execution of
the Agreement and Release, you would be entitled to the following payments and
benefits:

         -        A lump-sum cash severance payment equal to three times the sum
                  of (1) your base salary at the time of termination of your
                  employment and (2) your target bonus for the year of
                  termination (which amount would not be pro-rated based on the
                  date of your termination);

         -        The Company would continue to provide you with health and
                  welfare benefits generally made available to Company
                  executives until the third anniversary of your termination of
                  employment, provided that such obligation would cease if you
                  became covered by the employee benefits plans of a subsequent
                  employer;

         -        All unvested stock options awarded to you under the Stock
                  Option Plan would immediately become fully vested; and

         -        In the event that any payments you received were considered
                  "excess parachute payments" under Section 280G of the Code,
                  you would be entitled to a gross-up payment to make you whole
                  for any excise tax imposed on you under Section 4999 of the
                  Code (and such gross-up payment would include amounts to make
                  you whole for the Federal, state and local income and excise
                  taxes owing with respect to the gross-up payment).

"Cause" means (i) conviction of, or plea of guilty or no contest to, a felony,
(ii) embezzlement, (iii) the illegal use of drugs, (iv) a material violation of
law, regulation or written Company policy which, in the good faith belief of the
Board, is conduct so unacceptable as to prohibit the Board from continuing to
maintain you in the position of Chief Executive Officer or (v) if no Change of
Control has occurred, your failure to substantially perform your duties with the
Company (other than any such failure resulting from your physical or mental
illness or other physical or mental incapacity) as determined by the Board.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cause shall not be deemed to exist unless and
until (A) you have received written notice from the Board of its intention to
terminate you for Cause, such notice specifying in detail the conduct which the
Board believes such Cause termination could be based, (B) following receipt of
such notice, you have been given a reasonable opportunity to cure such conduct
(if curable) and (C) if such conduct remains uncured, there shall have been
delivered to you a copy of a resolution duly adopted by written consent of not
less than a majority of the number of directors then in office (after reasonable
notice to you and an opportunity for you, together with your counsel, to be
heard at a meeting of the Board called and held for that purpose) finding that
in the good faith opinion of the Board you are guilty of conduct set forth above
in clause (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) of the first sentence of the definition
and specifying the particulars thereof in detail.

"Change in Control" means any of the following events:

<PAGE>

         -        The sale of substantially all the assets of the Company;

         -        Any "person" or "group" (as such terms are used in Sections 13
                  (d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
                  amended (the "Exchange Act")) is or becomes the "beneficial
                  owner" (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange
                  Act, except that a person shall be deemed to have "beneficial
                  ownership" of all securities that such person has the right to
                  acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only
                  after the passage of time), directly or indirectly, of more
                  than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting stock of the
                  Company;

         -        The Company consolidates with, or merges with or into, another
                  person or sells, assigns, conveys, transfers, leases or
                  otherwise disposes of all or substantially all its assets, in
                  one transaction or a series of transactions, to any person, or
                  any person consolidates with, or merges with or into, the
                  company, in any such event pursuant to a transaction in which
                  any voting stock of the Company is reclassified or changed
                  into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property,
                  other than any such transaction where (A) any voting stock of
                  the Company is reclassified or changed into or exchanged for
                  nonredeemable voting stock of the surviving or transferee
                  corporation and (B) immediately after such transaction no
                  "person" or "group" (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d)
                  and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) is the "beneficial owner" (as
                  defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act,
                  except that a person shall be deemed to have "beneficial
                  ownership" of all securities that such person has the right to
                  acquire, whether such right is exercisable immediately or only
                  after the passage of time), directly or indirectly, of more
                  than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting stock of the
                  surviving or transferee corporation, or

         -        During any consecutive two-year period, individuals who at the
                  beginning of such period constituted the Board (together with
                  any new directors whose election by the shareholders of the
                  Company was approved by a vote of 66 2/3% of the directors
                  then still in office who were either directors at the
                  beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for
                  election was previously so approved so approved) cease for any
                  reason to constitute a majority of the Board then in office.

"Good Reason" means (i) a reduction of your compensation or benefits,
responsibilities, duties, authority, reporting, relationships, title and/or
position (in each case other than your position , if any, as director of the
Company or any subsidiary or as an officer of any subsidiary), unless other
similar situated senior executives of the Company are required to accept a
similar reduction, and excluding any isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent
action not taken in bad faith and that is remedied by the Company promptly after
receipt of notice from you; provided, however, that this clause (i) shall not be
deemed triggered merely as a result of the Company's ceasing to be a publicly
traded company in connection with a Change in Control or as a result of the
Company's (or its successor's) becoming a subsidiary of another company, (ii)
the Company shall, without your consent, require you to relocate (which term
shall not include travel) to a location more than fifty miles from your current
resident, (iii) the failure by the Company to pay to you any compensation or
benefits due you, other than an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure
not occurring in bad faith and that is remedied by the Company promptly after
receipt of notice thereof given by you or (iv) the Company's material breach of
any provision set forth therein.

<PAGE>

The Board of Directors will consider negotiating and executing an employment
agreement setting forth the full terms of our arrangement with you prior to the
first anniversary of the date set forth above; provided, however, that the
foregoing shall not apply to the extent a Change in Control occurs prior
thereto.

The rights of the Company hereunder may be assigned by the Company to a person
or entity that is an affiliate or a successor in interest to substantially all
the business operations of the Company. Upon such assignment, the rights and
obligations of the Company hereunder shall become the rights and obligations of
such affiliate or successor person or entity.

Please contact me if you have questions concerning this offer of employment. As
with all our employees, your employment will be on an at-will basis, meaning
that should you accept and then change your mind, you may terminate your
employment at any time, as can the Company by a majority vote of the Board. By
accepting our offer of employment, you will be consenting to Tennessee being the
appropriate legal venue for resolving any employment disputes.

Brian, we are glad that you have decided to accept the position of Chief
Executive Officer of King Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Again, if you have any
questions, please do not hesitate to contact me immediately.

Sincerely,

KING PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.

/s/ Ted G. Wood

Ted G. Wood
Non-Executive Chairman of the Board

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