Document:

exv10w10

 

Exhibit 10.10

CONTINUING GUARANTY

THIS CONTINUING GUARANTY (this “Guaranty”) is made as of November 15, 2005, by US BIOENERGY
CORPORATION, a South Dakota corporation (“Guarantor”), for the benefit of AGSTAR FINANCIAL
SERVICES, PCA.

R E C I T A L S

     A. Superior Corn Products, LLC, a subsidiary of the Guarantor, and Lender are parties to that
certain Master Loan Agreement of even date herewith (as amended, restated, supplemented or
otherwise modified from time to time, the “Master Loan Agreement”) pursuant to which the Lender
have agreed to make certain financial accommodations to the Borrower .

     B. To induce the Lender to make the financial accommodations provided to the Borrower pursuant
to the Master Loan Agreement, the Guarantor has agreed to guarantee the obligations of the Borrower
under the Master Loan Agreement, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Guaranty.

          NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, and intending to be legally bound
hereby, Guarantor hereby agrees as follows:

     Section 1. Rules of Construction. The following rules of construction shall be
applicable for all purposes of this Guaranty and all amendments and supplements hereto except as
otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

          (a) The terms used herein shall include the plural as well as the singular, and vice versa.

          (b) All references in this Guaranty to designated sections, paragraphs and other subdivisions
are to the designated sections, paragraphs and subdivisions of this Guaranty.

          (c) The terms “herein,” “hereof” and “hereunder” and similar words refer to this Guaranty as a
whole and not to any particular section, paragraph or subdivision.

          (d) The term “person” includes any individual, corporation, limited liability company,
partnership, joint venture, association, trust, sole proprietorship, unincorporated organization
and any government authority or any agency or political subdivision thereof.

 

 

          (e) The terms “include,” “including” and similar terms shall be construed as if followed by
the phrase “without being limited to.”

          (f) Capitalized terms used in this Guaranty, unless otherwise defined herein, shall have the
meanings assigned to them in the Master Loan Agreement.

     Section 2. Obligations. “Obligations” shall mean (i) the payment and performance of
all obligations of the Borrower, whether now existing or hereinafter arising, under the Master Loan
Agreement, any existing or future Supplements thereto, and all other Loan Documents to which the
Borrower is a party, and (ii) the payment of all other indebtedness and the performance of all
other obligations of the Borrower to the Lender of every type and description, whether now existing
or hereafter arising, fixed or contingent, as primary obligor or as guarantor or surety, acquired
directly or by assignment or otherwise, liquidated or unliquidated, regardless of how they arise or
by what agreement or instrument they may be evidenced, including, without limitation, all loans,
advances, and other extensions of credit and all covenants, agreements, and provisions contained in
all loan and other agreements between the Borrower and Lender.

     Section 3. Guaranty Provisions.

          (a) In consideration of loans, advances or disbursements heretofore or hereafter granted by
the Lender to the Borrower pursuant to the Master Loan Agreement, including any existing or future
Supplements thereto, or otherwise and for other good and valuable consideration, the adequacy,
sufficiency and receipt of which are hereby acknowledged, Guarantor hereby absolutely,
unconditionally, irrevocably (except as otherwise expressly provided in Subsection 3(k) below),
completely and immediately guarantees the prompt payment of, when due, whether by acceleration or
otherwise, and the prompt payment and performance of the Obligations;

          (b) Guarantor further agrees to pay to the Lender, upon demand, (i) all losses and reasonable
costs and expenses, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses,
incurred in attempting to cause the Obligations to be paid, performed or otherwise satisfied or in
attempting to protect or preserve any property, personal or real, securing the Obligations and (ii)
all losses and reasonable costs and expenses, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’
fees and expenses, incurred in enforcing or endeavoring to enforce this Guaranty and any other Loan
Document to which Guarantor is a party or in attempting to protect or preserve property pledged
under any Loan Document to which Guarantor is a party;

          (c) Guarantor expressly guarantees any sum or sums which become due and owing to the Lender as
a result of any order of a bankruptcy court which requires the Lender to turn over moneys paid by
the Borrower, Guarantor or any other person to the Lender on account of the Obligations. Guarantor
agrees that this Guaranty shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if
at any time any payment by the Borrower or any other person to

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the Lender on account of the
Obligations is rescinded or must otherwise be returned or restored
upon the insolvency or bankruptcy of the Borrower or any other obligor, guarantor, endorser or
surety of the Obligations, all as though such payment had not been made;

          (d) Guarantor assents to all terms and agreements heretofore or hereafter made by the Borrower
or any other guarantor of the Borrower with the Lender;

          (e) Guarantor hereby consents to the following and agrees that its liability will not be
affected or impaired by (i) the exchange, release or surrender of any collateral to the Borrower or
any other person, including any other guarantor, pledgor or grantor, or the waiver, release or
subordination of any security interest, in whole or in part; (ii) the waiver or delay in the
exercise of any of the Lender’s rights or remedies against the Borrower or any other person,
including any other guarantor; (iii) the release of the Borrower or any other person, including any
other person guaranteeing any portion of the Obligations; (iv) the renewal, extension or
modification of the terms of any of the Obligations or any instrument or agreement evidencing the
same, including, without limitation, an increase in the principal amount of the Obligations; and
(v) the acceptance by the Lender of other guaranties;

          (f) Guarantor waives acceptance hereof, notice of acceptance hereof, and notice of
acceleration of and intention to accelerate the Obligations, and waives presentment, demand,
protest, notice of dishonor, notice of default, notice of nonpayment or protest in relation to any
instrument evidencing any of the Obligations, and any other demands and notices required by law
except as such waiver may be expressly prohibited by law;

          (g) This is a guaranty of payment and performance and not of collection. The liability of
Guarantor under this Guaranty shall be absolute, unconditional, direct, complete and immediate and
shall not be contingent upon the pursuit of any remedies against the Borrower or any other
guarantor or person, nor against any security or lien available to the Lender, its successors,
successors-in-title, endorsees or assigns. Guarantor waives any right to require that an action be
brought against the Borrower or any other person or to require that resort be had to any security.
In the event of a default under the Loan Documents, or any of them, the Lender shall have the right
to enforce its rights, powers and remedies under any of the Loan Documents, in any order, and all
rights, powers and remedies available to the Lender in such event shall be nonexclusive and
cumulative of all other rights, powers and remedies provided thereunder or hereunder or by law or
in equity. Accordingly, Guarantor hereby authorizes and empowers the Lender upon acceleration or
maturity of the Obligations or any other Obligation, at its sole discretion, and without notice to
Guarantor, to exercise any right or remedy which the Lender may have or any right or remedy
hereinafter granted which the Lender may have as to any security. Guarantor expressly waives any
right to require any action on the part of the Lender to proceed to collect amounts due under the
Master Loan Agreement or any other Loan Documents.

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          (h) Guarantor hereby subordinates any and all indebtedness of the Borrower now or hereafter
owed to Guarantor to all obligations of the Borrower to the Lender, and agrees with the Lender
that, from and after the occurrence of a default or event of default under any of the
Loan Documents and for so long as such default or event of default exists, Guarantor shall not
demand or accept any payment of principal or interest from any of the Borrower, shall not claim any
offset or other reduction of Guarantor’s liability hereunder because of any such indebtedness and
shall not take any action to obtain any of the security for the Obligations; provided,
however, that, if the Lender so requests, such indebtedness shall be collected, enforced
and received by Guarantor as trustee for the Lender and be paid over to the Lender on account of
the Obligations of the Borrower to the Lender, but without reducing or affecting in any manner the
liability of Guarantor under the other provisions of this Guaranty;

          (i) Guarantor hereby authorizes the Lender, without notice to Guarantor, to apply all payments
and credits received from the Borrower or from any guarantor or realized from any security in such
manner and in such priority as the Lender in its sole judgment shall see fit to the Obligations
which are the subject of this Guaranty;

          (j) The liability of Guarantor under this Guaranty shall not in any manner be affected by
reason of any action taken or not taken by the Lender, which action or inaction is consented and
agreed to by Guarantor, nor by the partial or complete unenforceability or invalidity of any other
guaranty or surety agreement, pledge, assignment, or other security for any of the Obligations. No
delay in making demand on Guarantor for satisfaction of its liability hereunder shall prejudice the
Lender’s right to enforce such satisfaction. All of the Lender’s rights and remedies shall be
cumulative and any failure of the Lender to exercise any right hereunder shall not be construed as
a waiver of the right to exercise the same or any other right at any time, and from time to time,
thereafter;

          (k) This Guaranty shall be a continuing one and shall be binding upon Guarantor regardless of
how long before or after the date hereof the Obligations are incurred until this Guaranty is
terminated as provided in this Guaranty or is revoked by Guarantor prospectively as to future
transactions, by written notice actually received by the Lender, and such revocation shall not be
effective as to any indebtedness existing or committed for under the Master Loan Agreement or the
other Loan Documents at the time of actual receipt of such notice by the Lender, or as to any
renewals, extensions or refinancings thereof. Guarantor agrees to rely exclusively on the right to
revoke this Guaranty prospectively as to future transactions, in accordance with this Subsection
3(k), if at any time, in the opinion of the directors or officers of Guarantor, the benefits then
being received by Guarantor in connection with this Guaranty are not sufficient to warrant the
continuance of this Guaranty as to future indebtedness. Accordingly, so long as this Guaranty is
not revoked prospectively in accordance with this Subsection 3(k), the Lender may rely conclusively
on a continuing warranty, hereby made, that Guarantor continues to be benefited by this Guaranty
and the Lender and the Lender shall have no duty to inquire into or confirm that the receipt of any
such benefits, and this Guaranty shall be

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effective and enforceable by the Lender without regard to
the receipt, nature or value of any such benefits; and

          (l) Until the Obligations are paid finally and in full, or this Guaranty is released as
provided herein, Guarantor hereby irrevocably waives any and all rights it may have to enforce any
of the Lender’s rights or remedies or participate in any security now or hereafter held by the
Lender, and any and all such other rights of subrogation, reimbursement, contribution or
indemnification against the Borrower , or any other person having any manner of liability for the
Borrower’s obligations to the Lender, whether or not arising hereunder, by agreement, at law or in
equity.

     Section 4. Representations and Warranties. Guarantor represents and warrants to the
Lender, on the date hereof and on the date any Advance under the Master Loan Agreement is made, as
follows:

          (a) Organization, Powers, Existence, Etc. Guarantor (i) is duly organized, validly
existing, and in good standing under the laws of its state of incorporation or organization (as
applicable); (ii) is duly qualified to do business and is in good standing in each jurisdiction in
which the transaction of its business makes such qualification necessary; (iii) has all requisite
corporate, limited liability company or partnership (as applicable) and legal power to own and
operate its assets and to carry on its business and to enter into and perform its obligations under
the Loan Documents to which it is a party; and (iv) has duly and lawfully obtained and maintained
all licenses, certificates, permits, authorizations, approvals, and the like which are material to
the conduct of its business, or which may be otherwise required by law.

          (b) Due Authorization; No Violations; Etc. The execution and delivery by Guarantor
of, and the performance by Guarantor of its obligations under, the Loan Documents to which it is a
party have been duly authorized by all requisite corporate, limited liability company or
partnership (as applicable) action on the part of Guarantor and do not and will not (i) violate any
provision of any law, rule or regulation, any judgment, order or ruling of any court or
governmental agency, the articles of incorporation or organization (as applicable) or bylaws,
operating agreement or partnership agreement (as applicable) of Guarantor, or any material
agreement, indenture, mortgage, or other instrument to which Guarantor is a party or by which
Guarantor or any of its properties is bound or (ii) be in conflict with, result in a breach of, or
constitute with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, a default or Event of Default under
any such agreement, indenture, mortgage, or other instrument. No action on the part of any
shareholder, member or partner (as applicable) of Guarantor is necessary in connection with the
execution and delivery by Guarantor of, and the performance by Guarantor of its obligations under,
the Loan Documents to which it is a party.

          (c) Governmental Approval. No consent, permission, authorization, order, or license
of any governmental authority is necessary in connection with the execution, delivery,

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performance,
or enforcement of the Loan Documents to which Guarantor is a party, except such as have been
obtained and are in full force and effect or such as may be required in connection with pursuing
remedies under the Security Agreement or Mortgage against the property of Guarantor.

          (d) Binding Agreement. Each of the Loan Documents to which Guarantor is a party is,
or when executed and delivered will be, the legal, valid, and binding obligation of Guarantor,
enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject only to limitations on enforceability imposed by
applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws affecting creditors’
rights generally.

          (e) Compliance with Laws. Guarantor is in compliance in all material respects with
all federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, codes, and orders
(collectively, “Laws”), the failure to comply with which could reasonably be expected to have a
material adverse effect on the condition, financial or otherwise, operations, properties, or
business of Guarantor, or on the ability of Guarantor to perform its obligations under the Loan
Documents to which it is a party.

          (f) Environmental Compliance. Without limiting the provisions of Subsection (e)
above, to Guarantor’s actual knowledge, all property owned or leased by Guarantor and all
operations conducted by it are in compliance in all material respects with all Laws relating to
environmental protection, the failure to comply with which could reasonably be expected to have a
material adverse effect on the condition, financial or otherwise, operations, properties, or
business of Guarantor, or on the ability of Guarantor to perform its obligations under the Loan
Documents to which it is a party.

          (g) Litigation. Except as otherwise disclosed in the Master Loan Agreement, there are
no pending legal, arbitration, or governmental actions or proceedings to which Guarantor is a party
or to which any of its property is subject which, if adversely determined, could reasonably be
expected to have a material adverse effect on the condition, financial or otherwise, operations,
properties, or business of Guarantor, or on the ability of Guarantor to perform its obligations
under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, and to the best of Guarantor’s knowledge, no such
actions or proceedings are threatened or contemplated.

          (h) Financial Condition. Guarantor represents and warrants that the liability and
obligations of Guarantor incurred or arising under this Guaranty and of the Borrower incurred or
arising under the Master Loan Agreement may reasonably be expected to benefit substantially
Guarantor directly or indirectly, and Guarantor’s board of directors or members have made that
determination. Guarantor represents and warrants that it has full and complete access to all of
the Loan Documents and other documents relating to the Obligations, has reviewed them and is fully
aware of the meaning and effect of their contents. Guarantor is fully informed of all
circumstances that bear upon the risks of executing this Guaranty which a diligent inquiry would

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reveal. Guarantor agrees that the Lender will have no obligation to advise or notify Guarantor of
or provide Guarantor with any data or information.

          (i) Principal Place of Business. The principal place of business and chief executive
office of Guarantor is at the address of Guarantor shown or referenced in Subsection 8(e) of this
Guaranty.

          (j) Employee Benefit Plans. Guarantor is in compliance in all material respects with
the applicable provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and
the regulations and published interpretations thereunder.

          (k) Taxes. Guarantor has filed or caused to be filed, all federal, state and local
tax returns that are required to be filed, and has paid all taxes as shown on said returns or on
any assessment received by Guarantor to the extent that such taxes have become due.

          (l) Security Agreement and Mortgage. The Security Agreement and Mortgage create a
valid security interest and lien in the property described therein, subject to no other security
interest or lien which is not permitted by the Master Loan Agreement.

     Section 5. Covenants.

          (a) Compliance With Master Loan Agreement. Guarantor covenants and agrees with the
Lender that so long as this Guaranty shall remain in effect or the Obligations have not been fully
paid or otherwise satisfied, Guarantor, unless the Lender shall otherwise consent in writing, will
comply with the affirmative and negative covenants, and other agreements, contained in the Master
Loan Agreement applicable to Guarantor.

          (b) Reporting Requirements. Guarantor shall furnish to the Lender:

                    (i) as soon as available and in any event within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of
the Guarantor, a copy of the financial statements (including balance sheet, statements of income
and cash flows, all accompanying notes thereto and any management letter), for such year for the
Borrower, certified, without qualification, in an opinion acceptable to the Lender by an
independent public accountants acceptable to the Lender; and

                    (ii) as soon as available and in any event within 30 days after the end of each fiscal
quarter, balance sheets of the Guarantor as of the end of such fiscal quarter and statement of
income of the Guarantor for the period commencing at the end of the previous fiscal year and ending
with the end of such quarter by an authorized officer of the Guarantor.

     Section 6. Events of Default. The occurrence of any of the following shall constitute
an “Event of Default” hereunder:

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          (a) Representations and Warranties. Any representation or warranty made by Guarantor
herein or in any Loan Document to which it is a party shall prove to have been false or misleading
in any material respect on or as of the date made or deemed made.

          (b) Covenants and Agreements. Guarantor should fail to perform or comply with any
covenant or agreement contained herein.

          (c) Cross-Default. The occurrence of an Event of Default under, or the failure, after
any applicable grace period, on the part of the Borrower, Guarantor or any other party (other than
the Lender) to observe, keep or perform any covenant or agreement contained in the Master Loan
Agreement or any Loan Document other than this Guaranty.

     Section 7. Miscellaneous.

          (a) Governing Law. Except to the extent governed by applicable federal law, this
Guaranty shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota
without reference to choice of law doctrine.

          (b) Binding Effect. This Guaranty shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon
the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. Guarantor may not assign any of
its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Lender.

          (c) Severability. If any one or more of the provisions contained herein shall for any
reason be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality
or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions of this Guaranty, but this Guaranty shall
be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions had not been contained herein.

          (d) Non-Waiver; Modification; Election of Remedies. The failure of any party to
insist, in any one or more instances, upon a strict performance of any of the terms and conditions
of this Guaranty, or to exercise or fail to exercise any option or right contained herein, shall
not be construed as a waiver or a relinquishment for the future of such right or option, but the
same shall continue and remain in full force and effect. The continued performance by any party of
this Guaranty with knowledge of the breach of any term or condition hereof shall not be deemed a
waiver of such breach, and no waiver by any party of any provision hereof shall be deemed to have
been made, or operate as an estoppel, unless expressed in writing and signed by such party. No
enforcement of any remedy shall constitute an election of remedies.

          (e) Notices. All notices and other communications provided for under this Guaranty or
any Loan Document shall be in writing and mailed, faxed, or delivered at the addresses set forth
below, or at such other address as such party may specify by written notice to the other parties
hereto:

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	If to the Guarantor:
	 	US BioEnergy Corporation

	 
	 	P.O. Box 381

	 
	 	11 Main Avenue

	 
	 	Suite 200

	 
	 	Brookings, South Dakota  57006

	 
	 	Telephone:  (605) 696-3150

	 
	 	Facsimile:  (605) 696-3153

	 
	 	Attention:  Gordon W. Ommen
	 
	 	 
	with a copy to:
	 	Lindquist & Vennum P.L.L.P.

	 
	 	4200 IDS Center

	 
	 	80 South Eighth Street

	 
	 	Minneapolis, MN  55402-2205

	 
	 	Telephone:  (612) 371-3211

	 
	 	Fax:  (612) 371-3207

	 
	 	Attn. Michael Weaver
	 
	 	 
	If to the Lender:
	 	AgStar Financial Services, PCA

	 
	 	1921 Premier Drive

	 
	 	P.O. Box 4249

	 
	 	Mankato, MN 56002-4249

	 
	 	Telephone: (507) 386-4242

	 
	 	Facsimile: (507) 344-5088

	 
	 	Attention: Mark Schmidt
	 
	 	 
	with copies to:
	 	Gray, Plant, Mooty, Mooty, & Bennett, P.A.

	 
	 	1010 West St. Germain

	 
	 	Suite 600

	 
	 	St. Cloud, MN  56301

	 
	 	Telephone:  (320) 252-4414

	 
	 	Facsimile:  (320) 252-4482

	 
	 	Attention:  Phillip L. Kunkel

All notices hereunder shall be delivered as provided in the Master Loan Agreement to the Borrower.

          (f) Regulatory Approvals. Upon any action by the Lender to commence the exercise of
remedies hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents, Guarantor hereby undertakes and agrees
to cooperate and join with the Lender in any application to any governmental authority with respect
thereto and to provide such assistance in connection therewith as the Lender may reasonably
request, including, without limitation, the consent to or

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joining in of filings and appearances of
officers and employees of Guarantor before any governmental authority, in each case in support of
any such application made by the Lender, and Guarantor shall, directly or indirectly, not oppose
any such action by the Lender before any such governmental authority.

     Section 8. Consent to Jurisdiction. The Guarantor hereby irrevocably submits to
the jurisdiction of any Minnesota State court sitting in Blue Earth County, Minnesota, or Federal
court sitting in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to
this Guaranty or any of the other Loan Documents to which it is a party, and Guarantor hereby
irrevocably agrees that all claims in respect of such action or proceeding may be heard and
determined in such Minnesota State court or in such Federal court. The Guarantor hereby
irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent it may effectively do so, the defense of an inconvenient
forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding.

     Section 9. Governing Law. THIS AGREEMENT AND THE NOTES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND
CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA.

     Section 10. Waiver of Jury Trial. THE GUARANTOR, THE LENDERS HEREBY IRREVOCABLY
WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR
RELATING TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENT TO WHICH IT IS A PARTY OR ANY INSTRUMENT OR DOCUMENT DELIVERED
THEREUNDER.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Guarantor, intending to be legally bound hereby, has caused this Guaranty
to be executed and delivered by its duly authorized officers as of the day and year first above
written.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	US BIO ENERGY CORPORATION,

a South Dakota corporation

 	 
	 	/s/ CHAD D. HATCH
 	 
	 	     Chad D. Hatch 	 
	 	     Its:  Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 	 
	 

10exv10w11

 

Exhibit 10.11

CONSTRUCTION LOAN AGREEMENT

This Construction Loan Agreement (the “AGREEMENT”) is dated as of the 10th day of
December, 2003, and is by and between PLATTE VALLEY FUEL ETHANOL, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability
company (“BORROWER”) and FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF OMAHA (“BANK”), a national banking association
established at Omaha, Nebraska.

WHEREAS, the BORROWER has requested the BANK to lend to BORROWER up to the sum of Thirty Two
Million Nine Hundred Thousand and no one-hundredths ($32,900,000.00) Dollars (the “CONSTRUCTION
LOAN”), for the purpose of partially funding the cost of construction for an ethanol plant on the
real estate described in Exhibit A (the “PROPERTY”), together with a Three Million Five Hundred
Thousand ($3,500,000.00) Dollar revolving line of credit (“REVOLVING LOAN”).

WHEREAS, the BANK is willing to provide such credit facilities to BORROWER upon the terms and
conditions herein set forth.

SECTION 1 Definitions.

1.1 “ASSIGNMENT OF DESIGN/BUILD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT” means the assignment of the agreement
(“DESIGN/BUILD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT”) between the BORROWER and Fagen, Inc. (the “GENERAL
CONTRACTOR”) for preparation of plans and construction of the PROJECT in accordance with PLANS
therein described, by which the BORROWER assigns, as additional security for repayment of the
OBLIGATIONS, the BORROWER’s interest in the DESIGN/BUILD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT in a form acceptable
to the BANK in the exercise of its reasonable discretion.

1.2 “ASSIGNMENT OF RENTS” means the assignment of rents and leases as to the PROPERTY between
BORROWER, as assignor, and the BANK, as assignee, as security for payment of the CONSTRUCTION NOTE
in a form acceptable to the BANK.

1.3 “BANKING DAY” means a day on which the BANK is open for substantially all of its business.
“EURODOLLAR BUSINESS DAY” means a BANKING DAY on which commercial banks are open for international
business (including dealings in dollar deposits) in London, England.

1.4 “BORROWING BASE” means the lesser of:

A. $3,500,000.00, less the amount of any Letters of Credit
issued and outstanding on BORROWER’s
account, or

B. The aggregate of (i) 75% of BORROWER’s
Inventory of corn or milo, at current value on the date
reported, plus (ii) 75% of BORROWER’s distiller’s grains, at current value on the date reported,
plus (iii) 75% of BORROWER’s Finished Goods-Ethanol Inventory, valued at the lower of cost or
market, plus (iv) 75% of the amount of BORROWER’s Ethanol or Distiller’s Grains Accounts aged
thirty days or less, and (v) beginning after the fourth month following COMPLETION DATE, 75% of
the amount of

 

 

BORROWER’s
 current state incentives or USDA CCC Bio-Energy Accounts Receivable aged less than 120
days, excluding any Accounts reasonably deemed ineligible by BANK.

1.5 “CLOSING” shall mean the date on which the BANK
receives this AGREEMENT, executed by the
BORROWER, together with the CONSTRUCTION NOTE and the REVOLVING NOTE.

1.6 “CONSTRUCTION LOAN TERMINATION DATE” means the earlier
of (i) the COMPLETION DATE, or (ii) such
earlier date upon which the BANK’s commitment to make a disbursement under the CONSTRUCTION LOAN is
terminated.

1.7 “COMPLETION DATE” means the earlier of September 20,
2004, or the date the BANK determines
following a proper inspection and in the exercise of BANK’s reasonable discretion, that the PROJECT
has been completed in accordance with the PLANS.

1.8 “CONSTRUCTION NOTE” means the promissory note of the
BORROWER in the form of Exhibit B
evidencing borrowings under the CONSTRUCTION LOAN of up to a maximum amount of Thirty Two Million
Nine Hundred Thousand ($32,900,000.00) Dollars.

1.9 “DEED OF TRUST” means the deed of trust between the
BORROWER as trustor and the BANK as trustee
and beneficiary, creating a first lien on the PROPERTY and a security interest in all of the
personal property located thereon as security for payment of the OBLIGATIONS.

1.10 “DRAW REQUEST” means forms acceptable to the BANK
to be submitted to the BANK by BORROWER when
a disbursement is requested under the CONSTRUCTION NOTE.

1.11 “EBITDA CASH FLOW” means Earnings Before Interest, Taxes,
Depreciation and Amortization, all
experienced during the applicable reporting period.

1.12 “EVENT OF DEFAULT” has the meaning provided for in
Section 7 of this AGREEMENT.

1.13 “EXCESS CASH FLOW” means EBITDA CASH FLOW less payments to
BANK, payments to BANK approved
Subordinated Debt, state and federal incentive payments, and allowable capital expenditures.

1.14 “FIXED CHARGE COVERAGE RATIO” means the ratio derived when comparing EBITDA CASH FLOW, less
capital expenditures, dividends and taxes to BORROWER’s payments on the principal and interest of
the OBLIGATIONS and SUBORDINATED DEBT made during the applicable reporting period.

1.15 “GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles, applied on a basis consistent with the
accounting principles applied in the preparation of the annual financial statements of the BORROWER
referred to in Section 6.1 of this AGREEMENT and the PROJECTIONS described in Section 5.7 of this
AGREEMENT. All accounting terms not otherwise defined in this AGREEMENT have the meaning assigned
to them in accordance with GAAP.

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1.16 “INDEBTEDNESS” means, as to the BORROWER, all items
of indebtedness, obligation or
liability, whether matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, direct or contingent, joint or
several including, but without limitation:

(A) All INDEBTEDNESS guaranteed, directly or
indirectly, in any manner, or endorsed (other than for
collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business) or discounted with recourse;

(B) All INDEBTEDNESS in effect guaranteed,
directly or indirectly, through agreements, contingent
or otherwise: (1) To purchase such INDEBTEDNESS; or (2) to purchase, sell, or lease (as lessee or
lessor) property, products, materials, or supplies or to purchase or sell services, primarily for
the purpose of enabling the debtor to make payment of such INDEBTEDNESS or to insure the owner of
the INDEBTEDNESS against loss;

(C) All INDEBTEDNESS secured by (or for which
the holder of such INDEBTEDNESS has a right,
contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, lien, security
interest, or other charge or encumbrance upon property owned or acquired subject thereto, whether
or not the liabilities secured thereby have been assumed;

(D) All INDEBTEDNESS incurred as the lessee
of goods or services under leases that, in accordance
with GAAP, should not be reflected on the lessee’s balance sheet; and

(E) BORROWER’s obligations for payment of the negative termination value of any interest rate swap
agreement.

1.17 “INDEPENDENT INSPECTOR” means the firm which will be
retained by BANK, at BORROWER’s cost, to
conduct on site inspections of the work-in-progress on the PROJECT, and to issue periodic reports
to BANK as to the progress of construction and adherence to the PLANS. The BANK’s selection of the
INDEPENDENT INSPECTOR shall be subject to BORROWER’s approval, which approval will not be
unreasonably withheld.

1.18 “INTEREST PERIOD” means initially, the period commencing on the date of the LOAN and ending
January 20, 2004, and thereafter, each period commencing on the first day immediately following the
last day of the immediately preceding INTEREST PERIOD and ending one month thereafter; provided
that:

A. subject to clauses B and C below, any INTEREST PERIOD which would otherwise end on a day which
is not a EURODOLLAR BUSINESS DAY shall be extended to the next succeeding EURODOLLAR BUSINESS DAY
unless such EURODOLLAR BUSINESS DAY falls in another calendar month, in which case such INTEREST
PERIOD shall end on the immediately preceding EURODOLLAR BUSINESS DAY;

B. subject to clause C below, any INTEREST PERIOD which begins on the last

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EURODOLLAR BUSINESS DAY of a calendar month (or a day for which there is no numerically
corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such INTEREST PERIOD) shall end on the last
EURODOLLAR BUSINESS DAY of a calendar month; and

C. no INTEREST PERIOD shall extend beyond the LOAN TERMINATION DATE.

1.19 “LIBOR BASE RATE” shall mean, with respect to the applicable INTEREST PERIOD, (a) the LIBOR
INDEX RATE for such INTEREST PERIOD, if such rate is available or (b) if the LIBOR INDEX RATE
cannot be determined, the average (rounded upward, if necessary, to the next higher 1/100 of 1%) of
the respective rates per annum of interest at which deposits in dollars are offered to BANK in the
London interbank market by two (2) Eurodollar dealers of recognized standing, selected by BANK in
its sole discretion, at such time on the date two (2) EURODOLLAR BUSINESS DAYS before the first day
of such INTEREST PERIOD as BANK in its sole discretion elects, for delivery on the first day of
the applicable INTEREST PERIOD for a number of days comparable to the number of days in such
INTEREST PERIOD and in an amount approximately equal to the principal amount of the OBLIGATIONS.

1.20 “LIBOR INDEX RATE” shall mean,
with respect to the applicable INTEREST PERIOD, the rate per
annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next higher 1/100 of 1%) for deposits in U.S. Dollars
for a period equal to such INTEREST PERIOD, which appears on the BANK’s information vendor as of
9:00 a.m. (Omaha time) on the day two (2) EURODOLLAR BUSINESS DAYS before the first day of such
INTEREST PERIOD. The term “BANK’s information vendor” means the Bloomberg service or such other
vendor chosen by BANK for the purpose of displaying British Bankers, Association
Interest Settlement Rates for U.S. Dollar Deposits.

1.21 “LIBOR RATE” shall mean (a) the quotient of the
(i) LIBOR BASE RATE divided by (ii) one minus
the applicable LIBOR RESERVE PERCENTAGE plus (b) the amount of additional basis points
specified in the applicable NOTE. The LIBOR RATE shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the
effective date of any change in the LIBOR RESERVE PERCENTAGE.

1.22 “LIBOR RESERVE PERCENTAGE” shall mean for any day that percentage (expressed as a decimal)
which is in effect on such day, as prescribed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System (or any successor), for determining the maximum reserve requirement for a member bank of the
Federal Reserve System with respect to “Eurocurrency liabilities” (or in respect of any other
category of liabilities which includes deposits by reference to which the interest rate on LIBOR
loans is determined or any category of extensions of credit or other assets which include loans by
a non-United States office of any bank to United States residents). The LIBOR RATE shall be
adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in the LIBOR RESERVE
PERCENTAGE.

1.23 “LOAN DOCUMENTS” means this AGREEMENT and each document referred to in Section 4 of this
AGREEMENT.

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1.24 “LOAN TERMINATION DATE” means the earliest to occur of
the following: (i) as to the
CONSTRUCTION NOTE, September 20, 2004, as to the REVOLVING NOTE, a date 364 days after initial
funding of such NOTE, and the TERM NOTE, a date which is five years subsequent to COMPLETION DATE
(ii) the date the OBLIGATIONS are accelerated pursuant to this AGREEMENT, and (iii) the date BANK
has received (a) notice in writing from BORROWER of BORROWER’s election to terminate this AGREEMENT
and (b) indefeasible payment in full of the OBLIGATIONS.

1.25 “MARKETING CONTRACT” means that written contract between
BORROWER and one or more entities
approved by BANK, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld, by which the latter agrees to
provide marketing services to BORROWER for BORROWER’s ethanol products, as well as the written
contracts between BORROWER and one or more entities approved by BANK, which approval will not be
unreasonably withheld, by which the latter agrees to provide marketing services as to BORROWER’s
modified, dried, and distillers grains.

1.26 “NET WORTH” means total assets less total liabilities
and less the following types of assets:
(1) leasehold improvements; (2) receivables and other investments in or amounts due from any
shareholder, employee or other person or entity related to or affiliated with the BORROWER other
than from Performance Plus, Inc.; (3) goodwill, patents, copyrights, mailing lists, trade names,
trademarks, servicing rights, organizational and franchise costs, bond underwriting costs and other
like assets properly classified as intangible, and (4) treasury stock. NET WORTH shall not include
any debt due to BORROWER not acceptable to BANK in the exercise of its reasonable discretion, but
SUBORDINATED DEBT and liabilities relating to Tax Increment Financing Bonds of Merrick County,
Nebraska need not be deducted.

1.27 “NOTE” or “NOTES” means any promissory note
delivered by BORROWER to BANK.

1.28 “OBLIGATIONS” means the obligation of the BORROWER:

(A) To pay the principal of and interest on the
NOTES in accordance with the terms thereof and to
satisfy all of its other liabilities to the BANK, whether hereunder or otherwise, whether now
existing or hereafter incurred, matured or unmatured, direct or contingent, joint or several,
including any extensions, modifications, renewals thereof, and substitutions therefore and
including, but not limited to, any obligations under letter of credit agreements;

(B) To repay to the BANK all amounts advanced
by the BANK hereunder or otherwise on behalf of the
BORROWER, including, but without limitation, advances for principal or interest payments to prior
secured parties, mortgagees, or licensers, or taxes, levies, insurance, rent, or repairs to, or
maintenance or storage of, any of the real or personal property securing BORROWER’s payment and
performance of this AGREEMENT; and

(C) To reimburse the BANK, on demand, for the
BANK’s reasonable and necessary out
of pocket expenses and costs, including the reasonable fees and expenses of its counsel, in
connection with the preparation, administration, amendment, modification, or enforcement of

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this AGREEMENT and the LOAN DOCUMENTS required
hereunder, including, without limitation, any
proceeding brought or threatened, to enforce payment of any of the OBLIGATIONS referred to in the
foregoing sub-paragraphs (A) and (B).

1.29 “PERMIT” or “PERMITS” means any license or
permit, and all licenses or permits, required under
any environmental law or regulation required to construct and operate the facility on the PROPERTY
after completion of the PROJECT at its operational capacity, including without limitation the
following:

(a) An air emissions permit, which PERMIT will
allow the BORROWER after COMPLETION DATE to operate
the ethanol plant on the PROPERTY after construction of the PROJECT at maximum capacity.

(b) All permits required in connection with the
construction and operation of all above ground
storage tanks included in the PLANS for the ethanol plant.

(c) A National Pollution Discharge Elimination
System Construction Permit for any storm water that
is discharged during construction and after construction of the PROJECT.

1.30 “PLANS” means the plans and specifications prepared by
ICM, Inc. and Fagen Engineering LLC on
behalf of the BORROWER for the PROJECT and identified to this AGREEMENT by the GENERAL CONTRACTOR,
the BORROWER and the BANK.

1.31 “PROJECT” means the design and construction of an
ethanol plant, together with all necessary
and appropriate fixtures, equipment, attachments, and accessories, as described in the PLANS, to be
constructed on the PROPERTY.

1.32 “REVOLVING NOTE” means that promissory note of
BORROWER to BANK evidencing the revolving
credit facility described in Section 2.8 of this AGREEMENT, its renewals, modifications and
extensions.

1.33 “RISK MANAGEMENT CONTRACT” means that contract between
BORROWER and one or more entities
approved by BANK, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld, by which the latter agrees to
provide risk management services in connection with BORROWER’s acquisition of grain.

1.34 “SECURITY AGREEMENT” means the SECURITY AGREEMENT
between the BORROWER, as debtor, and the
BANK, as secured party, creating a first security interest in all BORROWER’s assets, including
general intangibles, securing the OBLIGATIONS.

1.35 “SWAP CONTRACT” or “SWAP CONTRACTS” means
(a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps,
credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options,
forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond
index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond

6

 

index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions,
floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap
transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any
combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing),
whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any
and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and
conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps
and Derivatives Association, Inc. Provided, however, the term SWAP CONTRACT shall not, for the
purposes of this AGREEMENT, include commodity hedging or commodity risk management contracts.
Commodity includes grain, natural gas and other traded commodities.

1.36 “SUBCONTRACTOR” means any person who contracts with the GENERAL CONTRACTOR or BORROWER to
perform any work or supply any of the materials or equipment necessary to complete the PROJECT.

1.37 “SUBORDINATED DEBT” means INDEBTEDNESS of BORROWER to entities other than BANK that has been
subordinated, in form acceptable to BANK, to the OBLIGATIONS.

1.38 “TERM NOTE” means that promissory note of BORROWER to BANK which evidences permanent
financing to pay the CONSTRUCTION NOTE as described in Section 2 of this AGREEMENT, its renewals,
modifications and extensions.

1.39 “WORKING CAPITAL” means current assets, less investments in or other amounts
due from any
member, employee or any person or entity related to or affiliated with the BORROWER other than from
Performance Plus, Inc. and less prepayments, less current liabilities (less any portion of such
current liabilities that constitute debt that is expressly subordinated to the BANK in a writing
acceptable to the BANK, in the exercise of its reasonable discretion).

SECTION 2 Amount and Terms of the LOANS.

2.1 CONSTRUCTION LOAN. The BANK agrees, on the terms and subject to the conditions
hereinafter set forth, to make, from time to time during the period from the date of execution of
this AGREEMENT to and including the CONSTRUCTION LOAN TERMINATION DATE disbursements to the
BORROWER in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed the amount of the CONSTRUCTION LOAN for the
sole purpose of paying approved construction costs of the PROJECT. If, prior to the COMPLETION
DATE, there is paid to BANK a third party payment (a grant payment, for example), which is applied
to the CONSTRUCTION LOAN, BANK will advance such amount, or a lesser sum, as in BANK’s reasonable
discretion is necessary to complete the PROJECT. Approved construction costs are costs actually
incurred in connection with the construction of the PROJECT, which shall include but not be limited
to costs of permits, licenses, labor, supplies, materials, services, equipment, insurance premiums,
real estate taxes and interest on disbursements, and operating costs of the ethanol plant.
Construction costs do not include the cost associated with payment of lost profits connected with
termination under §14.1.3 of the General Conditions of Contract to the DESIGN/BUILD CONSTRUCTION
CONTRACT.

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2.2 The CONSTRUCTION NOTE. The obligation of the BORROWER
to repay the CONSTRUCTION LOAN shall be evidenced by the CONSTRUCTION NOTE .Notwithstanding any provisions of
the CONSTRUCTION NOTE, interest shall be payable at the rate provided therein only on such portions
of the CONSTRUCTION LOAN proceeds as actually have been disbursed pursuant to this AGREEMENT.

2.3 Interest on the CONSTRUCTION NOTE. Interest on the
CONSTRUCTION NOTE shall accrue at
the LIBOR RATE, plus three hundred eighty basis points prior to acceleration or maturity, and six
hundred basis points in excess of the LIBOR RATE in effect from time to time after maturity,
whether by acceleration or otherwise.

2.4 Repayment of the CONSTRUCTION NOTE. Interest only shall be
payable quarterly on the
CONSTRUCTION NOTE. All outstanding principal and accrued but unpaid interest shall be payable on
the LOAN TERMINATION DATE.

2.5 TERM LOAN. On COMPLETION DATE, the CONSTRUCTION LOAN shall
be paid in full by a new
term loan (“TERM LOAN”), evidenced by several promissory notes, described in the September 26, 2003
commitment letter sent by BANK to BORROWER and accepted on September 26, 2003 by BORROWER. The
balance on such NOTES will be due and payable on LOAN TERMINATION DATE. At CLOSING, BORROWER may elect to fix the interest rate
 on up to fifty percent (50%) of the TERM LOAN. If such
election is made, the portion of the TERM LOAN representing the fixed rate interest accrual, will
be evidenced by a promissory note (“SWAP NOTE”) which will require payment of principal and
interest as set forth in Exhibit 2.5, attached hereto, and as to which BORROWER will execute a SWAP
AGREEMENT, in form acceptable to BANK. The balance of the TERM LOAN will be evidenced by NOTES as
described in the above described commitment letter.

2.6 REVOLVING LOAN. BANK agrees to lend $3,500,000.00 to
BORROWER pursuant to this
facility, As a part of this facility, BANK will issue its letters of credit at BORROWER’s request,
on BORROWER’s account, pursuant to the BANK’s customary policies and with its standardized
documents. BANK will credit proceeds of this revolving loan (“REVOLVING LOAN”) to BORROWER’s
deposit account with the BANK, bearing number 22672911. Subject to the terms hereof, the BANK will
lend the BORROWER, from time to time until the “LOAN TERMINATION DATE” such sums in integral
multiples of $10,000,00 as the BORROWER may request by reasonable same day notice to the BANK,
received by the BANK not later than 11:00 A.M. of such day, but which shall not exceed in the
aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding, $3,500,000,00, less the aggregate amounts
of any issued and outstanding letters of credit issued by BANK at the request of and on the account
of BORROWER (the “LOAN COMMITMENT”). The BORROWER may borrow, repay without penalty or premium and
reborrow hereunder, from the date of this AGREEMENT until the LOAN TERMINATION DATE, either the
full amount of the LOAN COMMITMENT or any lesser sum which is $10,000.00 or an integral multiple
thereof. It is the intention of the parties that the outstanding balance of the REVOLVING LOAN
shall not exceed the BORROWING BASE, as required in Section 6, and if at any time said balance
exceeds the

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BORROWING BASE, BORROWER shall forthwith pay BANK sufficient funds to
reduce the balance of
the REVOLVING LOAN until it is in compliance with this requirement.

2.7 THE_REVOLVING NOTE. The LOAN COMMITMENT shall be evidenced by a
REVOLVING NOTE having stated maturity on the LOAN TERMINATION DATE, in the form attached hereto as
Exhibit C.

2.8 INTEREST ON THE REVOLVING NOTE. Interest on the REVOLVING NOTE
shall accrue at the
LIBOR RATE, plus three hundred eighty basis points prior to acceleration or maturity, and six
hundred basis points in excess of the LIBOR RATE in effect from time to time after maturity,
whether by acceleration or otherwise.

2.9 Payments and Prepayments. All principal, interest and fees due
under this AGREEMENT,
the NOTES and the LOAN DOCUMENTS shall be paid in immediately available funds as contracted in this
AGREEMENT and no later than the payment due date set forth in the periodic statements mailed to the
BORROWER, by the BANK. Should a payment come due on a day other than a BANKING DAY, then the
payment shall be made no later than the next BANKING DAY and interest shall continue to accrue
during the extended period.

     On the occasion of any prepayment of the
CONSTRUCTION NOTE or the TERM NOTE in full, BORROWER will
pay to BANK a prepayment fee calculated as follows: If the prepayment occurs during the
construction of the PROJECT or within the first three years of the TERM LOAN, a fee of three (3%)
percent if during the construction period or within the first year of the TERM LOAN, two (2%)
percent if within the second year, and one (1%) percent of the amount prepaid if within the third
year, shall be paid to BANK.

     The NOTES evidencing the OBLIGATIONS may also include requirements for compensation to the BANK for
prepayment of such NOTES evidencing fixed interest rates.

2.10 Fees. At
or before CLOSING, the BORROWER shall pay to the BANK a due
diligence and negotiation fee in the sum of $100,000.00, which fee BORROWER agrees and acknowledges
has been earned by BANK as of the execution hereof as the result of BANK’s efforts to acquire
participating lenders. At CLOSING, the BORROWER shall pay to the BANK a commitment fee of
$250,000.00, which fee BORROWER, agrees and acknowledges has been earned by BANK. At COMPLETION
DATE, and on each annual anniversary of COMPLETION DATE for five years subsequent to COMPLETION
DATE, the BORROWER shall pay to the BANK an Annual Servicing Fee of 550,000.00, which fee BORROWER
agrees and acknowledges has been earned by BANK; provided, however, an Annual Servicing Fee shall
not be due and payable on the LOAN TERMINATION DATE and the BANK shall refund the Annual Servicing
Fee on a pro rata basis if the Loan Termination Date occurs other than on an anniversary of the
COMPLETION DATE, BORROWER agrees to pay BANK an unused commitment fee equal to 37.5 basis points of
the average unused portion of the REVOLVING LOAN (after deducting the face amount of Letters of
Credit issued under Section 2.6, above), calculated and payable on a quarterly basis in arrears;
provided, however, the unused commitment fee shall not apply and be payable by the BORROWER until
such time as the BORROWER has requested, and the BANK has deposited, the initial advance of the
REVOLVING LOAN into the BORROWER’s deposit account with BANK. In addition,

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BORROWER shall pay BANK fees for issuance of Letters of Credit according to the bank’s
customary fee schedule.

2.11 Appraisal. If the BANK is required by any government entity with regulatory authority
over the BANK to obtain a real estate appraisal, the BANK will obtain, at BORROWER’s expense, an
appraisal of the PROJECT and PROPERTY providing values obtained by use of the cost approach, the
income approach and the replacement cost approach. If such appraisal shows that the outstanding
CONSTRUCTION LOAN amount at that time exceeds the value of the PROJECT and PROPERTY as determined
by the appraisal, using the replacement cost approach, then the BORROWER shall, within thirty (30)
days of notice by the BANK and without penalty or premium, pay the difference between the
outstanding CONSTRUCTION LOAN amount and the appraised value amount of the PROJECT and PROPERTY as
determined by such appraisal, and no further advances shall be made on the CONSTRUCTION LOAN
thereafter until such time as the appraised value of the PROJECT and PROPERTY exceeds the
CONSTRUCTION LOAN amount.

2.12 Incentive Pricing. The interest rate applicable to the TERM LOAN and the REVOLVING
LOAN is subject to reduction commencing six months subsequent to COMPLETION DATE, based on the
business results of BORROWER. In the event that BORROWER maintains the following ratios, as
measured at the end of each calendar quarter, the interest rate will be reduced accordingly:

	 	 	 
	If INDEBTEDNESS to NET WORTH	 	 
	is less than:	 	Interest will be:
	1.15 : 1.00

	 	LIBOR RATE plus 330 basis points
	1.00 : 1.00

	 	LIBOR RATE plus 300 basis points
	  .75 : 1.00

	 	LIBOR RATE plus 280 basis points

SECTION 3 Disbursement Procedures.

3.1 Submission of DRAW REQUESTS. Whenever the BORROWER desires a disbursement under the
CONSTRUCTION LOAN, which shall be no more often than three times a month, unless BANK agrees
otherwise, the BORROWER shall submit to the BANK a DRAW REQUEST, duly executed on behalf of the
BORROWER setting forth the information requested therein. Each DRAW REQUEST shall be delivered to
the BANK at least five (5) days before the date the disbursement is desired.

3.2 Amount of DRAW REQUEST. Each DRAW REQUEST shall be limited to amounts equal to (i) the
total of costs actually incurred and paid or owing by the BORROWER to
the date of such DRAW REQUEST for work performed or materials incorporated in the PROJECT as
described in the PLANS, plus (ii) the cost of materials and equipment not incorporated in the
PROJECT, but delivered to and suitably stored at the PROJECT site, plus (iii) prepayments for
equipment when prepayment is required by the manufacturer or supplier; less, (iv) prior
disbursements for such costs and from the CONSTRUCTION LOAN or BORROWER’s WORKING CAPITAL for such
costs. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no disbursements for materials stored at
the

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PROJECT site will be made by the BANK unless the
BORROWER shall advise the BANK of its intention to
store materials prior to their delivery, and provide suitable security for such storage.

     Provided, however, the
amount of the initial ten DRAW REQUESTS shall be in minimum amounts of
$600,000.00 each.

     Further provided, however,
as to the first ten DRAW REQUESTS as the result of the GENERAL
CONTRACTOR’s agreement for capital injection into BORROWER, BANK shall pay to GENERAL CONTRACTOR an
amount equal to $600,000.00 less than the amount of each such DRAW REQUEST, in full satisfaction of
BORROWER’s obligations to the GENERAL CONTRACTOR for such DRAW REQUEST.

3.3 Other Documents. At the time of submission of
each DRAW REQUEST, the BORROWER shall
submit or cause to be submitted to the BANK the following:

3.3.1. A written lien waiver from the GENERAL
CONTRACTOR, and each SUBCONTRACTOR for work done and
materials supplied by it which were paid for pursuant to the next preceding DRAW REQUEST with
copies of all invoices supporting the DRAW REQUEST.

3.3.2. A document from the BORROWER and GENERAL
CONTRACTOR, and if applicable, the INDEPENDENT
INSPECTOR requesting and/or approving payment of the relevant DRAW REQUEST.

3.3.3. Such other supporting evidence
as may be reasonably requested by the BANK to substantiate
all payments which are to be made out of the relevant DRAW REQUEST and/or to substantiate all
payments then made with respect to the PROJECT.

3.4 Cost Over Runs. The BORROWER agrees that all
cost over runs on the PROJECT shall be
paid solely by the BORROWER and that the BORROWER shall deliver additional funds to the BANK in
accordance with Section 3.6 of this AGREEMENT to pay any cash required to fund cost over runs on
the PROJECT.

3.5 Making the Disbursements. If on the date a DRAW
REQUEST is received by BANK, the
BORROWER has performed all of its agreements and complied with all requirements therefore to be
performed or complied with hereunder including satisfaction of all applicable conditions precedent
contained in Section 4 of this AGREEMENT and, if required by the BANK, the BANK has received a
current report from the INDEPENDENT INSPECTOR documenting material compliance with the PLANS for
those portions of the PROJECT indicated as completed in the DRAW REQUEST and otherwise confirming
the acceptability of the PROJECT work represented by the DRAW REQUEST; the BANK shall pay to the
BORROWER the amount of the requested disbursement. Each disbursement disbursed to the BORROWER
under the CONSTRUCTION LOAN shall bear interest at the rate provided in the CONSTRUCTION NOTE
evidencing the disbursement from the

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date such disbursement is so disbursed to the BORROWER or deposited into BORROWER’s account.

3.6 Deposit of Funds by the BORROWER . If the INDEPENDENT INSPECTOR shall at any time in
good faith determine that the undisbursed amount of the CONSTRUCTION LOAN is less than the amount
required to pay all cash required to pay costs and expenses of any kind which reasonably may be
anticipated in connection with the completion of
the PROJECT after application of all funds received from the BORROWER’s equity and shall thereupon
send written notice thereof to the BORROWER specifying the amount required to be deposited by the
BORROWER with the BANK to provide sufficient funds to complete the PROJECT, the BORROWER agrees
that it will, within thirty (30) calendar days of receipt of any such notice, deposit with the
BANK, the amount of funds specified in the BANK’s notice. The BORROWER agrees that any such funds
deposited with the BANK may be disbursed before any further disbursement of CONSTRUCTION LOAN
proceeds from the BANK, to pay any and all costs and expenses of any kind in connection with
completion of the PROJECT.

3.7 Disbursements Without Receipt of DRAW REQUEST. Notwithstanding anything herein to the
contrary, the BANK shall have the irrevocable right at any time and from time to time to apply
funds which it agrees to disburse hereunder to pay interest on the CONSTRUCTION NOTE as and when
such interest becomes due, and to pay any and all of the expenses of BANK related to the PROJECT
and the CONSTRUCTION LOAN, all without receipt of a DRAW REQUEST.

3.8 Miscellaneous Procedures.
 BANK may establish additional procedures regarding
disbursements as are reasonable to assure the proceeds of the CONSTRUCTION LOAN are paid only to
those persons and entities entitled to the same, and that the liens securing the OBLIGATIONS are in
all cases first and paramount liens on the PROPERTY.

3.9 Appointment of INDEPENDENT INSPECTOR. No DRAW REQUEST shall
be honored after
commencement of construction unless BORROWER has consented to the appointment of an INDEPENDENT
INSPECTOR.

3.10 Limitation on Advances. Notwithstanding any other provision
of this section, BANK is
not required to advance more than $6,000,000.00 in the aggregate under the CONSTRUCTION LOAN until
BANK has obtained participation agreements with other Lenders satisfactory to BANK.

SECTION 4 Conditions of Lending.

4.1 Conditions Precedent to the Initial Disbursement. The obligation of the BANK to make
its initial disbursement under the CONSTRUCTION LOAN is subject to the condition precedent that the
BORROWER shall be in compliance with the conditions set forth in Section 4.2 of this AGREEMENT and
to the further condition precedent that the BANK shall have received on or before the CLOSING all
of the following, each dated (unless otherwise indicated) such day, in form and substance
satisfactory to the BANK:

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4.1.1 The CONSTRUCTION NOTE, duly executed on behalf of the BORROWER.

4.1.2 The DEED OF TRUST and Notice of Commencement, both duly executed on
 behalf of the BORROWER.

4.1.3 The ASSIGNMENT OF RENTS, duly executed on behalf of the BORROWER.

4.1.4 The SECURITY AGREEMENT, duly executed on behalf of the BORROWER.

4.1.5 A financing statement or statements sufficient when filed to perfect the security interests
granted under the DEED OF TRUST, the ASSIGNMENT OF RENTS, the SECURITY AGREEMENT, and the
ASSIGNMENT OF DESIGN/BUILD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT, to the extent such security interests are capable
of being perfected by filing.

4.1.6 A copy of the PLANS, certified by GENERAL CONTRACTOR and the BORROWER.

4.1.7 The ASSIGNMENT OF DESIGN/BUILD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT, duly executed by the BORROWER and
consented to by the GENERAL CONTRACTOR and a copy of the DESIGN/BUILD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT, together with the General
 Conditions of Contract
referred to therein.

4.1.8 A total project cost statement on the PROJECT duly executed by the BORROWER, setting forth
the anticipated total cost of the PROJECT’s completion, and a construction cost statement duly
executed by the GENERAL CONTRACTOR, setting forth its anticipated construction costs of the
PROJECT.

4.1.9 An ALTA. (American Land Title Association) Survey of the PROPERTY, prepared at the
BORROWER’s expense, currently certified by a licensed, registered surveyor and incorporating the
legal description of the PROPERTY, showing the location of all points and lines referred to in the
legal description, the location of any existing improvements, the proposed location of the PROJECT
(including parking) as being within the exterior boundaries of the PROPERTY and in compliance with
all applicable building set-back requirements, and the location of all utilities and the location
of all easements and encroachments onto or from the PROPERTY that are visible on. the PROPERTY,
known to the surveyor preparing the survey or of record, identifying easements of record by
recording data, and currently certified by the surveyor that there are no such easements or
encroachments upon the PROPERTY except as shown on the survey.

4.1.10 An as built appraisal based upon the PLANS to be performed by Natwick Associates Appraisal
Services which shows the as-completed value of the PROPERTY and PROJECT addressed to and otherwise
acceptable to BANK.

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4.1.11 A title
binder, issued by Title First of Nebraska, L.L.C. as agent for Old Republic
National Title Insurance Company, (the “TITLE COMPANY”) at BORROWER’s expense, constituting a
commitment by the TITLE COMPANY to issue a mortgagee’s title policy in favor of the BANK as
beneficiary under the DEED OF TRUST, that will be free from all standard exceptions, including
mechanics’ liens and all other exceptions not previously approved by the BANK and that will insure
the DEED OF TRUST to be a valid first lien on the PROPERTY, and with the following ALTA
endorsements: Zoning Form 3, Zoning — Completed Structure Form 3.1, Variable Rate Mortgage Form 6,
Restrictions/Encroachments Improved Land Form 9.2 and Revolving Credit/Variable Rate Form JR-2.

4.1.12 A soil report on the PROPERTY certified by a registered engineer including structural design
recommendations in form and substance satisfactory to the BANK. Such report shall include soil
borings and geo-technical analyses.

4.1.13 A Phase I Environmental Report of the PROPERTY, as well as any subsequent Limited
Environmental Site Assessments issued prior to CLOSING, all in form and content satisfactory to the
BANK.

4.1.14 Copies of all PERMITS from the applicable regulatory agencies from whom a permit or license
is required.

4.1.15 Copies of documents from the appropriate state, federal, city or county authority having
jurisdiction over the PROPERTY and the PROJECT that provide to the reasonable satisfaction of the
BANK that the PROJECT when constructed in accordance with the PLANS will comply in all material
respects with all applicable ordinances, zoning, subdivision, platting, environmental and land use
requirements, without special variance or exception, and such other evidence as the BANK shall
reasonably request to establish that the PROJECT and the contemplated use thereof are permitted by
and comply in all material respects with, all applicable use or other restrictions and
requirements in prior conveyances, zoning ordinances, environmental laws and regulations, water
shed district regulations and all other applicable laws or regulations, and governmental
authorities having jurisdiction over the PROJECT. BORROWER is not required to obtain advance
confirmation from any governmental body that the PROJECT will comply with such ordinances,
regulations and requirements.

4.1.16 Copies of the policy of property/casualty insurance and comprehensive general liability
insurance and a certificate of the worker’s compensation insurance required under Section 6 of this
AGREEMENT, with all such insurance in full force and effect and approved by the BANK, in the
exercise of its reasonable discretion, and naming BANK as an mortgage and additional named insured,
together with appropriate flood insurance, if the PROPERTY is in a flood hazard area.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, BORROWER is not required to obtain worker’s
 compensation insurance
until required by Nebraska law.

14

 

4.1.17 A signed opinion of counsel for the BORROWER, addressed to the BANK and containing
customary qualifications, opining that: 1) the BORROWER is duly organized and in good standing In
the state of Nebraska; 2) the BORROWER is qualified in each state in which it does business and is
legally required to be qualified; 3) the BORROWER has the corporate power to execute and deliver
the LOAN DOCUMENTS to which it is a party and to borrow money and perform in accordance with the
terms of such LOAN DOCUMENTS; 4) to the counsel’s knowledge, all actions and consents by BORROWER
necessary to the validity of the LOAN DOCUMENTS to which it is a party have been obtained; 5) the
LOAN DOCUMENTS to which it is a party have been duly signed and are the valid and binding
obligation of the BORROWER and enforceable in accordance with their terms; and 6) to the best of
counsel’s knowledge, the LOAN DOCUMENT to which it is a party and the transactions contemplated
there under do not conflict with any provision of the Articles of Incorporation of BORROWER or its
bylaws, or any agreement binding upon the BORROWER or its properties,

4.1.18 A Certificate of Authority executed by such person or persons authorized by the BORROWER’S
organizational documents and/or agreements to do so, certifying the incumbency and signatures of
the officers or other persons authorized to execute the LOAN DOCUMENTS to which it is a party, and
authorizing the execution of the LOAN DOCUMENTS to which it is a party and performance in
accordance with their terms.

4.1.19 A recently certified copy of the BORROWER’S operating agreement, and any amendments, if
applicable.

4.1.20 A recently certified copy of the BORROWER’S Articles of Organization and any amendments, if
applicable.

4.1.21 A certificate of good standing for the BORROWER from the office of the Nebraska Secretary of
State.

4.1. .22 By CLOSING, proof of injection of equity capital into BORROWER of no less than
$18,500,000.00 including SUBORDINATED DEBT.

4.1.23 Prior to initial disbursement, a copy of the MARKETING CONTRACT(s) together with assignments
in favor of BANK in form satisfactory to BANK.

4.1.24 A copy of any existing contracts for BORROWER’S natural gas, electricity and water service
and assignments thereof in favor of BANK in form satisfactory to BANK.

4.1.25 Proof of the existence of a completion bond for the PROJECT, in form satisfactory to BANK,
including BANK, as an additional beneficiary.

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4.2 Conditions Precedent to All Disbursements. The obligation of the BANK to make each
disbursement under the CONSTRUCTION LOAN (including the initial disbursement) shall be subject to
the further conditions precedent that on the date of such disbursement:

4.2.1 The representations and warranties contained in Section 5 of this AGREEMENT are correct on
and as of the date of such disbursement as though made on and as of such
date, except to the extent that such representations and warranties relate solely to an earlier
date and except to the extent of changes permitted under the terms of this AGREEMENT.

4.2.2 No event has occurred and is continuing, or would result from such disbursement, which
constitutes an EVENT OF DEFAULT.

4.2.3 No determination shall have been made by the BANK that the undisbursed amount of the
CONSTRUCTION LOAN is less than the amount required to pay all costs and expenses of any kind which
reasonably may be anticipated in connection with the completion of the PROJECT: or, .if such a
determination has been made and notice thereof sent to the BORROWER in accordance with this
AGREEMENT, the BORROWER shall have deposited the necessary funds with the BANK in accordance with
the Section 3.6 of this AGREEMENT.

4.2.4 The disbursement requirements of Section 3 of this AGREEMENT have been satisfied.

4.2.5 If required by the BANK, the BANK shall be furnished with a statement from the BORROWER and
the GENERAL CONTRACTOR, in form and substance satisfactory to the BANK, in the exercise of its
reasonable discretion, setting forth the names, addresses and amounts due or to become due, as well
as the amounts previously paid, to every SUBCONTRACTOR.

4.2.6 No PERMIT necessary for the construction of the PROJECT shall have been revoked or the
issuance thereof subjected to challenge before any court or other governmental authority having or
asserting jurisdiction as to the PROJECT.

4.2.7 The parties intend that the CONSTRUCTION LOAN is available to fund the lesser of Fifty-five
(55%) percent of the total cost of the PROJECT, including all other approved expenses as set forth
in the final version of the Sources and Uses of Funds document furnished to BANK by BORROWER prior
to Closing, or $32,900,000.00. No advances or disbursements under the CONSTRUCTION LOAN shall
exceed such levels, unless BANK consents in writing to the same.

4.3 Conditions Precedent to the Final Disbursements. The obligation of the BANK to make the
final disbursement on the CONSTRUCTION LOAN shall be subject to the condition precedent that the
BORROWER shall be in compliance with all conditions set forth in Sections 4.1 and 4.2 of this

16

 

AGREEMENT and further, that the following conditions shall have been satisfied on or prior to
the COMPLETION DATE:

4.3.1 The PROJECT has been completed in material compliance with the PLANS and the BANK shall have
received a certificate of completion from the GENERAL CONTRACTOR, certifying that (i) work on the
PROJECT has been completed in material compliance with the PLANS and all labor, services, materials
and supplies used in such work have been paid for and (ii) the completed PROJECT conforms in all
material respects with all applicable zoning, land use planning, building and environmental laws
and regulations of the governmental authorities having jurisdiction over the PROJECT.

4.3.2 The BANK has received satisfactory evidence that all work requiring inspection by municipal
or other governmental authorities having jurisdiction has been duly inspected and approved by such
authorities and by the rating or inspection organization, bureau, corporation or office having
jurisdiction.

4.3.3 The BANK shall have received a lien waiver from each SUBCONTRACTOR and the GENERAL CONTRACTOR
for all work done and for all materials furnished by it for the PROJECT.

4.3.4 The BANK has received an itemized list from BORROWER of all equipment and fixtures, which are
at that time subject to BANK’s security interest.

4.3.5 A copy of the RISK MANAGEMENT CONTRACT together with assignments in favor of BANK in form
satisfactory to BANK.

4.3.6 An assignment in favor of BANK of BORROWER’s grain hedging account with an entity approved by
BANK, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld, together with a control agreement as to
same, all in form acceptable to BANK.

4.4 No Waiver. The making of any disbursement under the CONSTRUCTION LOAN prior to
fulfillment of any condition thereto shall not be construed as a wavier of such condition, and the
BANK reserves the right to require fulfillment of any and all such conditions prior to making any
subsequent disbursements under the CONSTRUCTION LOAN.

SECTION 5 Representations and Warranties.

To induce the BANK to enter into this AGREEMENT, the BORROWER makes the following representations
and warranties and agrees that each DRAW REQUEST constitutes a reaffirmation of these
representations and warranties:

5.1 Existence and Power. The BORROWER is a limited liability company duly formed and in
good standing under the laws of the state of Nebraska. The BORROWER has accomplished all

17

 

necessary actions required by a corporate entity under applicable law to own the PROPERTY and
construct the PROJECT, and to execute and deliver, and to perform all of its obligations under the
LOAN DOCUMENTS to which it is a party.

5.2 Authorization of Borrowing; No Conflict as to Law or Other Agreements.
 The execution,
delivery and performance by the BORROWER of the LOAN DOCUMENTS and the borrowings from time to time
hereunder have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate actions of the BORROWER and do not
and will not (a) require any material consent or approval, or authorization, by any governmental
department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, other than
those obtained and in full force and effect, (b) violate, in any material respect, any provision of
any law, rule or regulation or of any order, writ, injunction or decree presently in effect having
applicability to the BORROWER, or violate any provision of the Articles of Organization or
operating agreement of the BORROWER, (c) result in a breach of or constitute a default beyond any
applicable cure period under any indenture or loan or credit agreement or any other agreement,
lease or instrument to which the BORROWER is a party or by which it or its properties may be bound
or affected, or (d) result in, or require, the creation or imposition of any mortgage, deed of
trust, pledge, lien, security interest or other charge or encumbrance of any nature to or with any
other creditor of the BORROWER, in the aggregate exceeding $100,000.00, upon or with respect to
any of the properties now owned or hereafter acquired by the BORROWER.

5.3 Legal Agreements. The LOAN DOCUMENTS to which it is a party constitute the legal, valid
and binding obligations of the BORROWER enforceable against the BORROWER in accordance with their
respective terms, and as to the LOAN DOCUMENTS to which BORROWER is not a party, BORROWER believes
such documents constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the parties thereto,
enforceable against such parties in accordance with their respective terms, except (a) as limited
by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, and other laws of general
application affecting enforcement of creditors’ rights generally, and (b) as limited by laws
relating to the availability of specific performance, injunctive relief, or other equitable
remedies.

5.4 License and Permits. The BORROWER has all necessary PERMITS required for construction
and operation of the PROJECT except those which are not required for the current stage of
construction of the PROJECT, or which cannot be obtained until completion of the PROJECT.

5.5 Construction of the PROJECT. The PROJECT will be constructed in material compliance
with the PLANS; and will not encroach upon or overhang any easement or right-of-way on land not
constituting part of the PROPERTY. The PROJECT, both during construction and on COMPLETION DATE,
and the contemplated use thereof, will not violate in any material respect, any applicable zoning
or use statute, ordinance, building code, rule or regulation, or any covenant or agreement of
record. The BORROWER agrees that it will furnish from time to time such satisfactory evidence with
respect thereto as may be required by the BANK.

5.6 Title to the PROPERTY. The BORROWER has good and marketable fee simple title to the
PROPERTY.

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5.7 Financial Condition. The BORROWER has furnished to the BANK its compiled cash flow
projection of the BORROWER for periods through December 31, 2008 which projections were dated
September 24, 2003 (the “PROJECTIONS”). The PROJECTIONS fairly present the projected financial
condition of the BORROWER on the dates thereof, and were prepared in GAAP format and on the basis
of assumptions deemed reasonable by the BORROWER. There has been no material adverse change in the
operations, properties or condition (financial or otherwise) of the BORROWER since the date of the
PROJECTIONS and no additional borrowings have been made by the BORROWER other than the borrowing
contemplated hereby or approved by the BANK. No certificate or statement furnished to the BANK by
or on behalf of the BORROWER in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby contains any
untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make
the statements contained therein or herein not misleading. To the best of the knowledge of the
BORROWER, there is no fact which materially adversely affects or in the future (so far as the
BORROWER now foresees) may materially adversely affect the operation or prospects or condition
(financial or other) of the BORROWER or its properties or assets, which has not been set forth
herein or in a certificate or statement furnished to the BANK by the BORROWER.

5.8 Litigation. There are no actions, suits or proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the
BORROWER, threatened against or affecting the BORROWER or the properties of the BORROWER before
any court or governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality,
domestic or foreign, which, if determined adversely to the BORROWER, would have a material adverse
effect on the financial condition, properties, or operations of the BORROWER.

5.9 Taxes. The BORROWER has filed all federal, state and local tax returns which to the
knowledge of the BORROWER are required to be filed, and the BORROWER has paid or caused to be paid
to the respective taxing authorities all taxes as shown on said returns or on any assessment
received by it to the extent such taxes have become due except those which the BORROWER is
contesting in good faith and with respect to which adequate reserves have been set aside.

5.10 No Default. There is no event, which is, or with notice or the lapse of time would be, an
EVENT OF DEFAULT under this AGREEMENT.

5.11 ERISA. The BORROWER is in compliance in all material respects with the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and has received no notice to the contrary from the
Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Labor, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any
other governmental entity or notice of any claims or pending claims under ERISA.

5.12 Environmental Matters. Except as set forth in the Phase I Environmental Report referenced in
Section 4.1 of this AGREEMENT: 1) the BORROWER is in compliance in all material respects with all
health and environmental laws applicable to the BORROWER and its operations and knows of no
conditions or circumstances that could materially interfere with such compliance in the future;

19

 

2) except for PERMITS that cannot be obtained until completion of the PROJECT, the BORROWER has
obtained all PERMITS, and approvals required by law for the operation of its business; and 3) the
BORROWER has not identified any “recognized environmental conditions,” as that term is defined by
the American Society for Testing and Materials in its standards for environmental due diligence,
which could subject the BORROWER to enforcement action if brought to the attention of appropriate
governmental authorities.

5.13 Necessary Utilities, Etc. BORROWER has made suitable arrangements so that the PROJECT has
all necessary electrical, gas, water, and sewer facilities in place for the proper construction and
operation of its ethanol plant. BORROWER has made adequate provision for all storage facilities,
equipment and product supplies, including corn, as specified by its engineers for the maximum
output and operation of the plant.

SECTION 6 Additional Covenants of the BORROWER.

6.1 Financial Information and Reporting. Except as otherwise stated in this AGREEMENT, all
financial information provided to the BANK shall be compiled using
GAAP consistently applied.
During the time period that any amounts are outstanding under the CONSTRUCTION NOTE or this
AGREEMENT or the LOAN DOCUMENTS to which it is a party, unless the BANK shall otherwise agree in
writing:

6.1.1 Annual Financial Statements. BORROWER shall provide the BANK within 120 days of the
BORROWER’s fiscal year end, the BORROWER’s consolidated, annual financial statements. The
statements must be audited with an unqualified opinion by a certified public accountant
reasonably acceptable to the BANK, with such opinion directed both to BORROWER and to BANK,
and must be accompanied by a certificate of such accountants stating whether, in conducting
their audit, they have become aware of any event of default under this AGREEMENT, or of any
event which would, after the lapse of time or the giving of notice, or both, constitute an
EVENT OF DEFAULT, specifying the nature and duration of the default. Such audit statement
shall be accompanied by the accountants’ calculations of BORROWER’s compliance with the
covenants contained in Section 6.2 of this AGREEMENT as of the said fiscal year end.

6.1.2 The BORROWER will furnish to the BANK within thirty (30) days after the end of each
calendar month, consolidated financial statements of the BORROWER for such period and year
to date all in reasonable detail, except for the absence of financial footnotes.

6.1.3 For each full calendar quarter ending after COMPLETION DATE, BORROWER will deliver to
BANK, within thirty (30) days of each calendar quarter end, a certificate in a form
reasonably acceptable to BANK that has been signed by an officer or manager of BORROWER,
which: 1) certifies that the statements required by section 6.1.1 and 6.1.2 have been
accurately prepared in accordance with GAAP applied consistently (except for the absence of
financial footnotes to the statements furnished under Section 6.1.2); 2) certifies that the
officer or manager has no knowledge of any EVENT OF DEFAULT under this

20

 

AGREEMENT or the LOAN DOCUMENTS, or of any event which would, after the lapse of
time or the giving of notice, or both, constitute an event of default under this AGREEMENT or the
LOAN DOCUMENTS.

6.1.4 After COMPLETION DATE, BORROWER will deliver to BANK each month, within thirty (30) days of
each month end, a monthly Production Report, in form acceptable to BANK, reporting for such month
BORROWER’s Input and Output amounts of corn or other grain usage, Natural Gas Usage, DDGs and WDGs
Output, Ethanol Output, and if app1icab1e, CO2 Output.

6.1.5 BORROWER shall notify BANK of the existence of any EVENT OF DEFAULT promptly after such EVENT
OF DEFAULT becomes known to any manager, officer or director of BORROWER.

6.1.6 BORROWER shall authorize all federal, state and municipal authorities to furnish reports of
examinations, records and other information relating to the condition and affairs of the BORROWER
and its ethanol plant, and any information from reports, returns, files and records by such
authorities regarding BORROWER upon request to the BANK.

6.1.7 The BORROWER will give the BANK prompt written notice of any material violation as to any
environmental matter by the BORROWER and, of the commencement of any judicial or administrative
proceeding relating to health, safety or environmental matters (i) in which an adverse
determination or result could result in the revocation of or have a material adverse effect on any
PERMITS held by the BORROWER which are material to the operations of the BORROWER, and (ii) which
will or threatens to impose a material liability on the BORROWER, to any person or party or which
will require a material expenditure by the BORROWER to cure any alleged problem or violation.

6.1.8 The BORROWER will give prompt notice to the BANK of (i) any litigation or proceeding in which
it is a party if an adverse decision therein would require it to pay more than $100,000.00 or
deliver assets the value of which exceeds such sum (whether or not the claim is considered to be
covered by insurance); and (ii) the institution of any other suit or proceeding involving it that
might materially and adversely affect its operations, financial condition, property, or business
prospects.

6.1.9 BORROWER shall provide monthly borrowing base certificates in a form reasonably acceptable to
BANK, calculating advance rates under the REVOLVING LOAN pursuant to the BORROWING BASE beginning
with the certificate with respect to the fourth month following COMPLETION DATE.

6.1.10 The BORROWER will provide the BANK, no later than thirty- (30) days prior to COMPLETION
DATE, proof of retention by BORROWER of Fagen Management, LLC or its successors as BORROWER’s
general manager.

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6.1.11 The BORROWER will provide the BANK with such other information as it may
reasonably request.

6.2 Financial Covenants. At all times that any amounts arc outstanding under the CONSTRUCTION
NOTE, the TERM NOTE, or this AGREEMENT or the LOAN DOCUMENTS to which BORROWER is a party, unless
the BANK shall otherwise agree in writing, the BORROWER agrees to comply with the financial
covenants described below, which shall be calculated using GAAP consistently applied, except as
they may be otherwise modified by the capitalized definitions:

	 	6.2.1	 	The BORROWER shall maintain a FIXED CHARGE COVERAGE RATIO, measured on a
trailing four quarters basis at the end of each full calendar quarter, of no less than
1.25: 1.0, for all periods following COMPLETION DATE. Provided, however, the FIXED
CHARGE COVERAGE RATIO shall be measured as follows for the first three quarters after
COMPLETION DATE:
	 
	 	 	 	1ST quarter: on a trailing one quarter basis at the end of the calendar quarter

2nd quarter: on a trailing two quarter basis at the end of each calendar quarter
 3rd
quarter: on a trailing three quarter basis at the end of each calendar quarter

6.2.2 The BORROWER shall maintain NET WORTH of not less than $26,900,000.00 at all times
after COMPLETION DATE. The required minimum NET WORTH of BORROWER, which is to be
measured annually at the end of each fiscal year of BORROWER, shall increase each fiscal
year by an amount equal to the greater of (a) $250,000.00 or (b) the amount of undistributed
earnings accumulated during the fiscal year just ended, but not including allowable
distributions attributable to the just ended fiscal year’s earnings.

6.2.3 The BORROWER shall determine, at each fiscal year end following COMPLETION DATE, the
amount of its EXCESS CASH FLOW for said fiscal year, and within one hundred twenty days
following such fiscal year end, pay twenty percent (20%) of such sum to BANK, to be applied
to the principal amount of the CONSTRUCTION LOAN or the TERM LOAN, as applicable. Such
annual payment shall not release BORROWER from making any payment of principal or interest
otherwise required by the CONSTRUCTION NOTE or TERM NOTE. No payment of EXCESS CASH FLOW
shall be the cause of a payment to BANK for interest rate breakage fees or otherwise result
in any prepayment penalty.

6.2.4 BORROWER shall maintain the following minimum WORKING CAPITAL during the periods
stated below, measured continuously:

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	Period	 	Minimum WORKING CAPITAL
	Beginning with the fourth month after
COMPLETION DATE
	 	$	3,000,000.00	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	During seventh through
twelfth months after COMPLETION
DATE
	 	$	4,000,000.00	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	Beginning with the thirteenth
month after COMPLETION DATE until
payment in fall of the TERM
LOAN
	 	$	5,000,000.00	 

For the purpose of this covenant, the amount of any reduction in any revolving feature
of the TERM LOAN shall constitute an addition to WORKING CAPITAL.

6.2.5 BORROWER shall determine annually at the end of its fiscal year, the amount of state
and federal incentive payments it has received during the said fiscal year. Thirty percent
(30%) of such payments shall be paid to BANK for application to the OBLIGATIONS. At
BORROWER’s option, up to fifty-five percent (55%) of such incentive payments may be
distributed to BORROWER’s members, but no less than fifteen percent (15%) of such incentive
payments shall be retained by BORROWER as WORKING CAPITAL.

6.3 Affirmative Covenants. During the time period that any amounts are outstanding under the
NOTES, this AGREEMENT or the LOAN DOCUMENTS to which BORROWER is a party, unless the BANK shall
otherwise agree in writing the BORROWER shall:

6.3.1 Diligently proceed with construction of the PROJECT in material compliance with the
PLANS and in accordance in all material respects with all applicable laws and ordinances,
and complete the PROJECT by the COMPLETION DATE.

6.3.2 Use the proceeds of each of the disbursements under the CONSTRUCTION LOAN solely for
the purposes set forth in this AGREEMENT.

6.3.3 Use its reasonable best efforts to require the GENERAL CONTRACTOR and each
SUBCONTRACTOR to comply in all material respects with all rules, regulations, ordinances and
laws bearing on its conduct of work on the PROJECT.

6.3.4 Provide and maintain at all times during the process of building the PROJECT and, from
time to time at the request of the BANK, furnish the BANK with proof of payment of premiums
on:

(i) Builders’ Risk completed value form insurance insuring the PROJECT (and after
completion of the PROJECT, comprehensive, all risk casualty insurance) against all
risks, including flood, earthquake, and mechanical and electrical breakdown
including testing to the full value of the PROJECT (subject to reasonable loss
deductible provisions). The BANK’s interest shall be protected by naming the BANK
as additional named insured;

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(ii) Commercial General Liability insurance (including products and completed operations,
operations of subcontractors, and contractual liability insurance) with limits reasonably
acceptable to BANK, but in no event for less than $2,000,000.00;

(iii) Worker’s compensation insurance, with statutory limits, and Employer’s Liability
coverage with a $500,000.00 limit.

(iv) Business automobile liability insurance insuring all vehicles on the site, including
hired and non-owned liability.

(v) Environmental coverage shall be provided for clean up and removal once the Project
becomes operational, but only insofar as it is reasonably required by BANK.

The policies of insurance required pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above shall be in
form and content satisfactory to the BANK and shall be placed with financially sound and
reputable insurers. The policy of insurance referred to in clause (i) above shall contain
an agreement of the insurer to give not less than thirty (30) days’ advance written notice
to the BANK in the event of cancellation of such policy or change affecting the coverage
there under. Acceptance of insurance policies referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) above
shall not bar the BANK from requiring additional insurance, which it reasonably deems
necessary.

6.3.5 Assign to BANK, in form acceptable to BANK, all equipment and systems warranties relating to
the PROTECT, together with all contracts for natural gas, electricity, water and other utilities,
as the same are obtained by BORROWER following CLOSING.

6.3.6 Maintain accurate and complete books, accounts and records pertaining to the PROPERTY and the
PROJECT and its ongoing and continuing operations in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
the BANK. The BORROWER will permit the BANK, at the BANK’s expense if BANK employees makes the
inspection, but at BORROWER’s expense if BANK contracts with third parties at reasonable expense to
make the inspection, to examine upon reasonable notice all books, records, contracts, plans,
drawings, PERMITS, bills and statements of account pertaining to the PROJECT and to inspect upon
reasonable notice all books and records pertaining to its operations and to make extracts there
from and copies thereof.

6.3.7 Cause to be paid to the proper authorities when due all federal, state and local taxes,
including taxes on the PROPERTY, required to be paid or withheld by it except those which the
BORROWER is contesting in good faith and with respect to which adequate reserves have been set
aside.

6.3.8 Allow the BANK and its participants, upon reasonable notice, and at its expense, to conduct
such inspections of the PROJECT and BORROWER’s personal property subject to the BANK’s security
interest as the BANK may deem necessary for the protection of the

24

 

BANK’s interest. Provided, however, such inspections shall occur during regular
business hours, or such other time as the BORROWER and BANK may agree, and shall not
unreasonably interfere with BORROWER’s business operations. Any such inspections shall be
made and any certificates issued are solely for the benefit and protection of the BANK, and
the BORROWER shall not be entitled to rely thereon.

6.3.9 Make all repairs, renewals or replacements necessary to keep its plant, properties and
equipment in good working condition.

6.3.10 Comply in all material respects with all laws applicable to its form of organization,
business, and the ownership of its property.

6.3.11 Maintain and preserve all PERMITS, licenses, rights, privileges, charters and
franchises that it is required to hold to construct and operate the PROJECT.

6.3.12 Observe and comply with all laws, rules, regulations and orders of any government or
government agency relating to health, safety, pollution, hazardous materials or other
environmental matters to the extent non-compliance could result in a material liability or
otherwise have a material adverse effect on the BORROWER.

6.3.13 Maintain primary operating accounts (including those accounts
containing BORROWER’s equity capital) at BANK, other than local operating accounts approved
by BANK, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld by BANK.

6.3.14 No less than fifty percent (50%) of the amount of Nebraska sales tax credits
received by BORROWER (anticipated to aggregate $2,900,000.00) attributable to the
installation and acquisition of equipment during the period prior to COMPLETION DATE, shall
be paid by BORROWER to BANK for application to the OBLIGATIONS. BORROWER will retain the
balance of such tax credits as WORKING CAPITAL.

6.4 Negative Covenants. During the time period that any amounts are outstanding under the NOTES or
this AGREEMENT or the LOAN DOCUMENTS to which BORROWER is a party, unless the BANK shall otherwise
agree in writing the BORROWER shall not:

6.4.1 Permit any security interest or mortgage or lien on the PROPERTY or PROJECT or other
real or personal property BORROWER owns now or in the future, or assign any interest that it
may have in any assets or subordinate any rights that it may have in any assets now or in
the future, except: (i) liens, assignments, or subordinations in favor of the BANK; (ii)
liens, assignments, or subordinations outstanding on the date of this AGREEMENT and
disclosed in advance to the BANK in writing and approved by the BANK; (iii) liens for taxes
or assessments or other governmental charges not delinquent or which the BORROWER is
contesting in good faith; (iv) liens which secure purchase money indebtedness allowed under
this AGREEMENT; (v) liens that are imposed by law for obligations for labor or materials not
overdue for more than 120 days, such as mechanics’, materialmen’s, carriers’, landlords’,

25

 

and warehousemen’s liens, or liens, pledges, or deposits under workers’ compensation,
unemployment insurance, Social Security, or similar legislation; (vi) liens securing BORROWER’s
obligations with respect to Tax Increment Financing Bonds of Merrick County, Nebraska; and (vii)
liens securing SUBORDINATED DEBT.

6.4.2 Agree or consent to any material changes in the PLANS, any material changes in the terms and
provisions of the DESIGN/BUILD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT or, to any one change order in an amount
exceeding $50,000.00, or all change orders when combined exceeding $100,000.00, or any material
change to any other contract identified in Section 4 of this AGREEMENT.

6.4.3 Incorporate in the PROJECT any materials, fixtures or property that are subject to the claims
of any other person, whether pursuant to conditional sales contract, security agreement, lease,
mortgage, except as permitted under Section 6.

6.4.4 Lease, sell, transfer, convey, assign, or otherwise transfer all or any material part of the
interest of the BORROWER in the PROJECT or the PROPERTY.

6.4.5 Cause or suffer any change in its general plant manager without BANK’s approval, which will
not unreasonably be withheld.

6.4.6 Engage in any line of business materially different from that presently engaged in by the
BORROWER.

6.4.7 Change its legal form of organization.

6.4.8 Make any material changes in its accounting procedures for tax or other purposes.

6.4.9 Incur any INDEBTEDNESS except: (1) debt arising under this or another agreement with the
BANK; (ii) trade credit incurred in the ordinary course of business; (iii) indebtedness in
existence on the date of this AGREEMENT and disclosed in advance to the BANK in writing, and (iv)
SUBORDINATED DEBT. BORROWER shall not borrow other than pursuant to this AGREEMENT, without
permission of the BANK. Provided, however, BANK consents to BORROWER in the ordinary course of its
business, borrowing up to $50,000.00 each year, without further permission from BANK.

6.4.10 Consolidate, or merge or pool or syndicate or otherwise combine with any other entity, or
give any preferential treatment, make any advance, directly or indirectly, by way of loan, gift,
bonus, or otherwise, to any entity directly or indirectly controlling or affiliated with or
controlled by BORROWER, or any other entity, or to any partner or employee of BORROWER, or of any
such entity.

26

 

6.4.11 Make, or commit to make, capital expenditures (including the total amount of any
capital leases, but excluding BANK approved plant construction) in an aggregate amount
exceeding $500,000.00 in any single fiscal year.

6.4.12 Make or pay, without the written consent of BANK, which written consent will not be
unreasonably withheld, in any fiscal year, distributions to members of the BORROWER in
excess of 40% of the previous fiscal year’s net income, or which would result in the
BORROWER at the time of such distribution not being in compliance with any of the covenants
set forth in this AGREEMENT after payment of such distribution. Provided, however, BORROWER
may increase possible distributions to not exceed 65% of the previous fiscal year’s
net income for the periods after NET WORTH exceeds INDEBTEDNESS. Any such
distributions shall be made only once per fiscal year, and only after receipt by BANK of
BORROWER’s annual audited financial statements and compliance statements as required herein,
and if no EVENT OF DEFAULT has occurred or is continuing. BANK and BORROWER agree to
negotiate in good faith, on an annual basis, the potential change of such limitation.

6.4.13 Assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise becoming contingently liable for any
obligations of any other person, except for those guaranties outstanding at the time of
execution of this AGREEMENT and disclosed to the BANK in writing.

6.4.14 Make sales to or purchases from any affiliate of the BORROWER or extend credit or
make payments for services rendered by any affiliate of the BORROWER, except under the
MARKETING CONTRACT, unless such sales or purchases are made or such services are rendered in
the ordinary course of business and on terms and conditions at least as favorable to the
BORROWER as the terms and conditions which would apply in a similar transaction with a
person or party not an affiliate of the BORROWER.

6.4.15 Sell or dispose of all or substantially all its assets.

6.4.16 Redeem, purchase, or retire any of its membership units or capital stock or grant or
issue, or purchase or retire for any consideration, any warrant, right or option pertaining
thereto, or permit any redemption, retirement, or other acquisition by BORROWER of the
ownership of the outstanding membership units or capital stock of the BORROWER.

SECTION 7 EVENTS OF DEFAULT, Rights and Remedies.

7.1 EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Each of the following shall be an EVENT OF DEFAULT and give the BANK
the right to exercise its remedies under this AGREEMENT:

7.1.1 The BORROWER shall fail to pay when due any OBLIGATIONS or any other installment of
principal or interest or fee payable to BANK.

7.1.2 The BORROWER shall fail to timely provide reports to BANK as provided in

27

 

Section 6.

7.1.3 The BORROWER shall fail to observe or perform any other obligation to be observed or
performed by it hereunder or under any of the LOAN DOCUMENTS.

7.1.4 The BORROWER shall fail to pay any INDEBTEDNESS in an aggregate principal amount in excess of
$100,000.00 due any third persons, and such failure shall continue beyond any applicable grace
period, or the BORROWER shall default under any material agreement binding the BORROWER, and such
default shall continue beyond any applicable grace period.

7.1.5 Any financial statement, representation, warranty, or certificate made or furnished by or
with respect to the BORROWER to the BANK in connection with this AGREEMENT, or as an inducement to
the BANK to enter into this AGREEMENT, or in any separate statement or document to be delivered to
the BANK hereunder, shall be materially false, incorrect, or incomplete when made.

7.1.6 The BORROWER shall admit its inability to pay its debts as they mature or shall make an
assignment for the benefit of itself or any of its creditors.

7.1.7 Proceedings in bankruptcy, or for reorganization of the BORROWER, or for the readjustment of
debt under the Bankruptcy Code, as amended, or any part thereof, or under any other laws, whether
state or federal, for the relief of debtors, now or hereafter existing, shall be commenced against
or by the BORROWER and, except with respect to any such proceedings instituted by the BORROWER,
shall not be discharged or stayed within sixty (60) days of their commencement.

7.1.8 A receiver or trustee shall be appointed for the BORROWER or for any substantial part of its
respective assets, or any proceedings shall be instituted for the dissolution or the full or
partial liquidation of the BORROWER, and except with respect to any such appointments requested or
instituted by the BORROWER, such receiver or trustee shall not be discharged within sixty (60) days
of his appointment, and except with respect to any such proceedings instituted by the BORROWER,
such proceedings shall not be discharged within sixty (60) days of their commencement, or the
BORROWER shall discontinue business or materially change the nature of its business.

7.1.9 The BORROWER shall suffer final judgments for payment of money aggregating in excess of
$100,000.00 which are not covered, without reservation, by insurance and shall not discharge the
same within a period of thirty (30) days unless, pending further proceedings, execution has not
been commenced or, if commenced, has been effectively stayed.

28

 

7.1.10 A judgment creditor of the BORROWER shall obtain possession of any of BANK’s
collateral by any means, including (without implied limitation) levy, distraint, replevin,
or self-help.

7.1.11 The construction of the PROJECT is abandoned or shall be unreasonably delayed or be
discontinued for a period of fifteen (15) consecutive calendar days, in each instance for
reasons other than acts of God, fire, storm, adverse weather, strikes, blackouts, labor
difficulties, riots, inability to obtain materials, equipment or labor, governmental
restrictions or any similar cause not subject to the BORROWER’s control and other than a
change in the GENERAL CONTRACTOR as provided in Section 7.1.14.

7.1.12 The BORROWER at any time prior to the completion of the PROJECT, shall delay
construction or suffer construction to be delayed for any period of time, for any reason
whatsoever, so that the completion of the PROJECT cannot be accomplished, in the reasonable
judgment of the BANK, by the COMPLETION DATE.

7.1.13 The PROJECT is materially damaged or destroyed by fire or other casualty and the
loss, in the reasonable judgment of the BANK, is not adequately covered by insurance
actually collected or in the process of collection.

7.1.14 Fagen, Inc. shall cease to be the GENERAL CONTRACTOR and BORROWER has not replaced
the GENERAL CONTRACTOR, within thirty- (30) days following the termination of the same to
the satisfaction of BANK, which BANK approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.

7.1.15 The entities contracting with BORROWER under the MARKETING CONTRACTS, or their
permitted assignees, shall cease to be the marketing agents of BORROWER as to sale of its
products, or the entity contracting with BORROWER in the RISK MANAGEMENT CONTRACT shall
cease to be the risk manager of BORROWER, and BORROWER has not within thirty (30) days
following termination of any of the foregoing hired a replacement to the BANK’s
satisfaction, which BANK approval will not be unreasonably withheld.

7.1.16 BORROWER pays a periodic management fee to its general manager prior to BANK’s
receipt of scheduled payments on the OBLIGATIONS and Bank’s acknowledgment that all required
covenants have been met by BORROWER.

7.1.17 The membership interests of Fagen, Inc. or its affiliates in BORROWER aggregate less
than twenty percent (20%) of BORROWER’s membership units.

7.2 Rights and Remedies. If an EVENT OF DEFAULT shall have occurred and be continuing, the BANK may
refrain from making any further disbursements hereunder (but the BANK may make disbursements after
the occurrence of such an EVENT OF DEFAULT without thereby waiving its

29

 

rights and remedies hereunder), and the BANK may exercise any or all of the following rights and
remedies:

7.2.1 The BANK may declare the CONSTRUCTION LOAN to be terminated, whereupon the same shall
forthwith terminate.

7.2.2 The BANK may declare the entire unpaid principal amount of the CONSTRUCTION NOTE then
outstanding, all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, and all other amounts payable under
this AGREEMENT to be forthwith due and payable, whereupon the CONSTRUCTION NOTE, all such
accrued interest and all such amounts shall become and be forthwith due and payable, without
presentment, demand, protest or further notice of any kind, all of which are hereby
expressly waived by the BORROWER.

7.2.3 The BANK may exercise and enforce its rights and remedies under any or all of the LOAN
DOCUMENTS.

7.2.4 The BANK may enter upon the PROPERTY, if allowed under applicable law, and take
possession thereof, together with the PROJECT then in the course of construction, and
proceed either in its own name or in the name of the BORROWER, as the attorney-in-fact of
the BORROWER (which authority is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable by the
BORROWER) to complete or cause to be completed the PROJECT, at the cost and expense of the
BORROWER. If the BANK elects to complete or cause to be completed the PROJECT, it may do so
according to the PLANS or according to such changes, alterations or modifications in and to
the PLANS as the BANK may deem reasonable and appropriate; and the BANK may enforce or
cancel all contracts let by the BORROWER relating to construction of the PROJECT, and/or
let other contracts which in the BANK’s sole judgment may seem advisable; and the BORROWER
shall forthwith turn over and duly assign to the BANK, as the BANK may from time to time
require, contracts not already assigned to the BANK relating to construction of the PROJECT,
blueprints, shop drawings, bonds, building permits, bills and statements of accounts
pertaining to the PROJECT, whether paid or not, and any other instruments or records in the
possession of the BORROWER pertaining to the PROJECT. The BORROWER shall be liable under
this AGREEMENT to pay to the BANK, on demand, any amount or amounts reasonably expended by
the BANK in so completing the PROJECT, together with any reasonable costs, charges, or
expenses incident thereto or resulting therefrom, all of which shall be secured by the LOAN
DOCUMENTS. In the event that a proceeding is instituted against the BORROWER for recovery
and reimbursement of any moneys expended by the BANK in connection with the completion of
the PROJECT, a statement of such expenditures, verified by the affidavit of an officer of
the BANK, shall be prima facie evidence of the amounts so expended and of the propriety of
the necessity for such expenditures; and the burden of proving to the contrary shall be upon
the BORROWER. The BANK shall have the right to apply any funds which it agrees to disburse
hereunder to bring about the completion of the PROJECT and to pay the costs thereof; and if
such money so agreed to be disbursed is insufficient, in the sole judgment of the BANK, to
complete the PROJECT, the BORROWER agrees to promptly deliver and pay to the BANK such sum
or

30

 

sums of money as the BANK may from time to time demand for the purpose of completing the
PROJECT or of paying any liability, charge or expense which may have been incurred or
assumed by the BANK under or in performance of this AGREEMENT, or for the purpose of
completing the PROJECT. It is expressly understood and agreed that in no event shall the
BANK be obligated, or liable in any way to complete the PROJECT or to pay for the costs of
construction thereof beyond the amount of the CONSTRUCTION LOAN.

	 	7.2.5	 	The BANK may exercise any other rights and remedies available to it by law or
agreement.

SECTION 8 Miscellaneous.

8.1 Inspections. The BORROWER and the GENERAL CONTRACTOR shall be responsible for making
inspections of the PROJECT during the course of construction and shall determine to their own
satisfaction that the work done or materials supplied by the GENERAL CONTRACTOR or any
SUBCONTRACTOR to whom payment is to be made out of each disbursement has been properly done or
supplied in accordance with the DESIGN/BUILD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT. If any work done or materials
supplied by the GENERAL CONTRACTOR or any SUBCONTRACTOR are not satisfactory to the BORROWER and/or
its GENERAL CONTRACTOR and the same is not remedied within fifteen (15) days of the discovery
thereof, the BORROWER will immediately notify the BANK in writing of such fact. It is expressly
understood and agreed that the BANK and any party designated by the BANK may conduct such
inspections of the PROJECT, subject to the limitations expressed in this AGREEMENT, as BANK may
deem necessary for the protection of the BANK’s interest, and that any inspections which may be
made of the PROJECT by the BANK will be made, solely for the benefit and protection of the BANK,
and that the BORROWER will not rely thereon.

8.2 Indemnification by the BORROWER. The BORROWER shall bear all loss, expense (including
reasonable attorneys’ fees) and damage in connection with, and agrees to indemnify and hold
harmless the BANK, its agents, servants and employees from, all claims, demands and judgments made
or recovered against the BANK, its agents, servants and employees, because of bodily injuries,
including death at any time resulting there from, and/or because of damages to property (including
loss of use) from any cause whatsoever, arising out of, incidental to, or in connection with the
construction of the PROJECT, whether or not due to any act of omission or commission, including
negligence of the BORROWER or the GENERAL CONTRACTOR or of his or their employees, servants or
agents, other than gross negligence or willful misconduct of BANK or its agents. The BORROWER’s
liability hereunder shall not be limited to the extent of insurance carried by or provided by the
BORROWER or subject to any exclusion from coverage in any insurance policy. The obligations of the
BORROWER under this Section shall survive the payment of the CONSTRUCTION NOTE.

8.3 No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies. No failure or delay on the part of the BANK in exercising any
right, power or remedy under the LOAN DOCUMENTS shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any
single or partial exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude any other or further
exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy under the LOAN

31

 

DOCUMENTS. The remedies provided in the LOAN DOCUMENTS are cumulative and not exclusive of
any remedies provided by law.

8.4 Amendments, Etc. No amendment, modification, termination or waiver of any provision of any of
the LOAN DOCUMENTS or consent to any departure by the BORROWER therefrom shall be effective unless
the same shall be in writing and signed by the BANK and the BORROWER, and then such waiver or
consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which
given. No notice to or demand on the BORROWER in any case shall entitle the BORROWER to any other
or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

8.5 Addresses for Notices, Etc. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all notices,
requests, demands and other communications provided for under the LOAN DOCUMENTS shall be in
writing and sent by mail or telecopy (if by telecopy with a confirmation mailed within two BUSINESS
DAYS thereafter), to the applicable party at its address indicated below;

	 	 	 
	If to the BORROWER:

	 	Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol, LLC
	 

	 	1748 Hord Lake Road
	 

	 	Central City, Nebraska 68826
	 

	 	Attention: General Manager
	 

	 	Telecopy: 320-564-3278
	 
	 	 
	With a copy to:

	 	Fagen, Inc.
	 

	 	501 W Hwy 212, P.O. Box 159
	 

	 	Granite Falls, MN 56241
	 

	 	Attention: Jennifer Johnson
	 

	 	Telecopy: 320-564-3278
	 
	 	 
	If to the BANK:

	 	First National Bank of Omaha
	 

	 	1620 Dodge St. STOP 1050
	 

	 	Omaha, NE 68197-1050
	 

	 	Attention: Brian D. Thome
	 

	 	Telecopy: 402-633-3519

or, as to each party, at such other address as shall be designated by such party in a written
notice to the other party complying as to delivery with the terms of this Section. All such
notices, requests, demands and other communications shall, when mailed, be effective when
deposited in the mails, addressed as aforesaid, or, when telecopied, is effective when
confirmation of receipt is received, except that notices or requests to the BANK pursuant to any
of the provisions hereunder shall not be effective until received by the BANK.

8.6 Time of Essence. Time is of the essence in the performance of this AGREEMENT.

8.7 Execution in Counterparts. The LOAN DOCUMENTS may be executed in any number of counterparts,
each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed to be an original and all

32

 

of which counterparts of each instrument or agreement, taken together, shall constitute but one and
the same instrument.

8.8 Binding Effect, Assignment. The LOAN DOCUMENTS to which they are parties shall be binding upon
and inure to the benefit of the BORROWER and the BANK and their respective successors and assigns,
except that the BORROWER shall not have the right to assign its rights there under or any interest
therein without the prior written consent of the BANK.

8.9 Governing Law. The LOAN DOCUMENTS, to the extent they do not otherwise provide, shall be
governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Nebraska.

8.10 Severability of Provisions. Any provision of this AGREEMENT, which is prohibited or
unenforceable, shall be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without
invalidating the remaining provisions hereof.

8.11 Headings. Section headings in this AGREEMENT are included herein for convenience of reference
only and shall not constitute a part of this AGREEMENT for any other purpose.

8.12 Integration. This AGREEMENT supersedes, replaces and terminates any prior oral offers,
negotiations, understandings or agreements and any commitment letters or similar writings relating
to any of the matters contemplated herein.

8.13 Participations. Notwithstanding any other provision of this AGREEMENT, the BORROWER
understands that the BANK may enter into participation agreements with other lenders whereby the
BANK will allocate a certain percentage of the CONSTRUCTION LOAN to them. The BORROWER specifically
permits and authorizes the BANK to exchange financial information about the BORROWER with actual or
potential participants. The BORROWER acknowledges that, for the convenience of all parties, this
AGREEMENT is being entered into with the BANK only and that its obligations under this AGREEMENT
are undertaken for the benefit of, and as an inducement to, each of the Participating Lenders as
well as the BANK, and the BORROWER hereby grants to each of the Participating Lenders to the extent
of its participation in the CONSTRUCTION LOAN, the right to set off deposit accounts maintained by
the BORROWER with such BANK. The BORROWER, understands that the terms of such participation
agreements with any of the participants will limit the BANK’s rights to amend, waive or modify the
terms and conditions of this AGREEMENT without the express written consent of all or a designated
percentage of such participants.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this AGREEMENT to be executed by their
respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above written.

33

 

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol, LLC	 	First National Bank of Omaha
	by Fagen, Inc., managing member	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By:

	 	/s/ Roland “Ron” Fagen
	 	By:
	 	/s/ Brian D. Thome
	 

	 	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	Roland “Ron” Fagen, CEO and President
	 	 	 	Brian D. Thome, Second Vice President

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	STATE OF Minnesota

	 	 	)	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	)	  ss.
	COUNTY OF Yellow Medical

	 	 	)	 	 	 

     On this 10th day of December 2003, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public, personally
appeared Roland “Ron” Fagen, the CEO and President of Fagen, Inc., on behalf of said entity as
managing member of Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol, LLC, who executed the foregoing instrument, and
acknowledged that he executed the same as his voluntary act and deed, as well as that of the
corporation.

	 	 	 
	

	 	/s/ Jennifer A. Johnson
	 	 
	 	Notary Public

 

EXHIBIT A

A tract of land comprising a part of the Southwest Quarter (SW1/4), part of the Southeast Quarter
(SE1/4) and all of Tax Lot One (1) in Section Eleven (11), Township Thirteen (13) North, Range Six
(6) West of the 6th P.M., Merrick County, Nebraska, more particularly described as follows:

First to ascertain the actual point of beginning, start at the Northwest corner of said Southeast
Quarter (SE1/4); thence Southerly along and upon the West line of said Southeast Quarter (SE1/4)
for a distance of Fifty (50.00) feet to the point of beginning; thence continuing Southerly along
and upon the West line of said Southeast Quarter (SE1/4) for a distance of Five (5.00) feet; thence
deflecting left 89°09'16" and running Easterly along and upon the South line of Deeded Road
right-of-way for a distance of One Thousand Three Hundred Forty-Eight and Ninety-Four Hundredths
(1348.94) feet; thence deflecting left 90°39'34" and running Northerly along and upon the West line
of Tax Lot One (1) for a distance of Fifteen (15.00) feet to the Northwest corner of said Tax Lot
One (1) thence Easterly along and upon the South line of Deeded Road right-of-way also being the
North line of said Tax Lot One (1) for a distance of Two Hundred Sixty (260.00) feet; thence
Southerly along and upon the East line of said Tax Lot One (1) for a distance of Three Hundred
Sixteen (316.00) feet; thence Westerly along and upon the South line of said Tax Lot One (1) and
extending for a total distance of Two Hundred Seventy-One (271.00) feet; thence deflecting left
90°10'06" and running Southerly for a distance of Seven Hundred Forty-Nine and Eighty-Seven
Hundredths (749.87) feet; thence deflecting right 90°16'40" and running Westerly for a distance of
One Thousand One Hundred Ninety-One and Ninety-Six Hundredths (1191.96) feet to a point on the
Northeast right-of-way line of the Union Pacific Railroad; thence Northwesterly along and upon the
Northeast right-of-way line of said Union Pacific Railroad for a distance of Seven Hundred One and
Ninety-Two Hundredths (701.92) feet; thence Northeasterly along and upon the Northeast right-of-way
line of said Union Pacific Railroad for a distance of One Hundred (100.00) feet; thence
Northwesterly along and upon the Northeast right-of-way line of said Union Pacific Railroad for a
distance of Five Hundred Seventy-Eight and Ten Hundredth (578.10) feet to a point on the South
right-of-way line of Deeded Road; thence Easterly along and upon the South right-of-way line of
Deeded Road for a distance of Five Hundred Seventy-Seven and Thirty-One Hundredths (577.31) feet to
the point of beginning.

35

 

EXHIBIT B

Construction Note

			
	Note Date: December 10, 2003

Maturity Date: June 15, 2005
	 	$32,900,000.00

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company
(“BORROWER”) promises to pay to the order of First National Bank of Omaha (“BANK”), at its
principal office or such other address as BANK or holder may designate from time to time, the
principal sum of Thirty Two Million Nine Hundred Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($32,900,000,00), or
the amount shown on the BANK’s records to be outstanding, plus interest (calculated on the basis of
actual days elapsed in a 360-day year) accruing each day on the unpaid principal balance at the
annual interest rates defined below. Absent manifest error, the BANK’s records shall be conclusive
evidence of the principal and accrued interest owing hereunder.

     This promissory note is executed pursuant to a Construction Loan Agreement (“LOAN AGREEMENT”)
between BORROWER and BANK dated as of December 10, 2003. All capitalized terms not otherwise
defined in this note shall have the meanings provided in the LOAN AGREEMENT.

INTEREST ACCRUAL. Interest on the principal amount outstanding shall accrue based on the one month
LIBOR RATE +380 basis points. Interest shall be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year, counting
the actual number of days elapsed.

REPAYMENT TERMS. Until LOAN TERMINATION DATE, interest only shall be payable every three months,
commencing March 20, 2004. On LOAN TERMINATION DATE, all principal and accrued interest are due and
payable.

PREPAYMENT. The LOAN AGREEMENT contains provisions regarding prepayment.

ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS. The LOAN AGREEMENT, and any amendments or substitutions, contains
additional terms and conditions, including default and acceleration provisions, which are
incorporated into this CONSTRUCTION NOTE by reference. The BORROWER agrees to pay all costs of
collection, including reasonable attorneys fees and legal expenses incurred by the BANK if this
CONSTRUCTION NOTE is not paid as provided above. This CONSTRUCTION NOTE shall be governed by the
substantive laws of the State of Nebraska.

WAIVER OF PRESENTMENT AND NOTICE OF DISHONOR. BORROWER and any other person who signs, guarantees
or endorses this CONSTRUCTION NOTE, to the extent allowed by law, hereby waives presentment, demand
for payment, notice of dishonor, protest, and any notice

 

 

relating to the acceleration of the maturity of this CONSTRUCTION NOTE.

Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol, LLC

by Fagen, Inc., managing member

	 	 	 	 	 
	By:
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 

Roland “Ron” Fagen, CEO and President
	 	 

	 	 	 	 	 
	STATE OF

	 	 	 	 )
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	) ss.
	COUNTY OF

	 	 	 	 )
	 

	 	 	 	 

     On this                      day of                                          2003,
before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public, personally appeared
Roland “Ron” Fagen, the CEO and President of Fagen, Inc., on behalf of said entity as managing
member of Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol, LLC, who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged
that he executed the same as his voluntary act and deed, as well as that of the corporation.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 

Notary Public
	 	 

 

 

EXHIBIT C

REVOLVING PROMISSORY NOTE

			
	 	 	 
	Omaha, Nebraska
	 	$3,500,000.00
	Note Date: December 10, 2003
	 	Maturity Date: December 9, 2004

     On or before December 9, 2004, Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol, LLC (“BORROWER”) promises to pay to the
order of First National Bank of Omaha (“BANK”) at any of its offices in Omaha, Nebraska the
principal sum hereof, which shall be Three Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($3,500,000.00) or
so much thereof as may have been advanced by BANK and shown on the records of the BANK to be
outstanding, under this Note and the loan agreement executed by the BANK and BORROWER dated as of
December 10, 2003, as it may, from time to time, be amended.

     Interest on the principal amount outstanding shall accrue based on the one month LIBOR RATE plus
380 basis points. Interest shall be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year, counting the actual
number of days elapsed. Interest on this promissory note shall be payable monthly in arrears.

     The interest rate applicable to this promissory note is subject to reduction after a date six
months subsequent to COMPLETION DATE, based on the business results of BORROWER. During any one
month INTEREST PERIOD that BORROWER maintains the following ratios, measured for the prior INTEREST
PERIOD, and after BANK receipt of quarter compliance certificate which quarter shall include the
prior INTEREST PERIOD, the interest rates will be adjusted according for the next INTEREST PERIOD:

If INDEBTEDNESS to NET WORTH

	 	 	 
	                    is:	 	Interest rate will be:
	Less than 1.15 : 1.00 but greater than 1.00 : 1.00

	 	one month LIBOR RATE plus 330 basis points
	Less than 1.00 : 1.00 but greater than .75 : 1.00

	 	one month LIBOR RATE plus 300 basis points
	Less than or equal to .75 : 1:00

	 	one month LIBOR RATE plus 280 basis points

     This note is executed pursuant to a Construction Loan Agreement dated as of December 10, 2003,
between BANK and BORROWER (the “AGREEMENT”). The AGREEMENT contains additional terms of this Note,
including, but not limited to enumerated events of default, and the granting of liens to secure
BORROWER’s performance. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the same
meanings as set forth in the AGREEMENT.

     As provided in the AGREEMENT, upon any such enumerated default, BANK may accelerate the due date of
this Note and declare all obligations set forth herein immediately due and payable, and BANK shall
also have such other remedies as are described in the AGREEMENT and are provided by law. All makers
and endorsers hereby waive presentment, demand, protest and notice of dishonor, consent to any
number of extensions and renewals for any period without notice; and

 

 

consent to any substitution, exchange or release of collateral, and to the addition or releases of
any other party primarily or secondarily liable.

     Executed as of the 10th day of December, 2003.

Platte
Valley Fuel Ethanol, LLC

by Fagen, Inc., managing member

	 	 	 	 	 
	By:
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 

Roland “Ron” Fagen, CEO and President
	 	 

	 	 	 	 	 
	STATE OF

	 	 	 	 )
	 

	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	) ss.
	COUNTY OF

	 	 	 	 )
	 

	 	 	 	 

     On this                      day of                                          2003,
before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public, personally appeared Roland
“Ron” Fagen, the CEO and President of Fagen, Inc., on behalf of said entity as managing member of
Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol, LLC, who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that he
executed the same as his voluntary act and deed, as well as that of the corporation.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 

Notary Public
	 	 

 

 

Exhibit 2.5

SWAP NOTE Schedule of Payments

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 	Payments	 	 
	Date	 	Principal Payments	 	 	 	Principal Balance
	 	03/20/2004	 	 	 	0.00	 	 	+ Accrued Interest
	 	 	16,450,000.00	 
	 	06/20/2004	 	 	 	0.00	 	 	+ Accrued Interest
	 	 	16,450,000.00	 
	 	09/20/2004	 	 	 	0.00	 	 	+ Accrued Interest
	 	 	16,450,000.00	 
	 	12/20/2004	 	 	 	327,714.40	 	 	+ Accrued Interest
	 	 	16,122,285.60	 
	 	03/20/2005	 	 	 	333,431.91	 	 	+ Accrued Interest
	 	 	15,788,853.69	 
	 	06/20/2005	 	 	 	333,236.68	 	 	+ Accrued Interest
	 	 	15,455,617.01	 
	 	09/20/2005	 	 	 	337,051.87	 	 	+ Accrued Interest
	 	 	15,118,565.14	 
	 	12/20/2005	 	 	 	342,792.16	 	 	+ Accrued Interest
	 	 	14,775,772.98	 
	 	03/20/2006	 	 	 	348,512.85	 	 	+ Accrued Interest
	 	 	14,427,260.13	 
	 	06/20/2006	 	 	 	348,825.41	 	 	+ Accrued Interest
	 	 	14,078,434.72	 
	 	09/20/2006	 	 	 	352,819.08	 	 	+ Accrued Interest
	 	 	13,725,615.64	 
	 	12/20/2006	 	 	 	358,566.54	 	 	+ Accrued Interest
	 	 	13,367,049.10	 
	 	03/20/2007	 	 	 	364,290.56	 	 	+ Accrued Interest
	 	 	13,002,758.54	 
	 	06/20/2007	 	 	 	365,134.37	 	 	+ Accrued Interest
	 	 	12,637,624.17	 
	 	09/20/2007	 	 	 	369,314.76	 	 	+ Accrued Interest
	 	 	12,268,309.41	 
	 	12/20/2007	 	 	 	375,069.72	 	 	+ Accrued Interest
	 	 	11,893,239.69	 
	 	03/20/2008	 	 	 	379,317.18	 	 	+ Accrued Interest
	 	 	11,513,922.51	 
	 	06/20/2008	 	 	 	382,179.89	 	 	+ Accrued Interest
	 	 	11,131,742.62	 
	 	09/20/2008	 	 	 	386,555.43	 	 	+ Accrued Interest
	 	 	10,745,187.19	 
	 	12/20/2008	 	 	 	392,318.23	 	 	+ Accrued Interest
	 	 	10,352,868.96	 
	 	03/20/2009	 	 	 	398,049.38	 	 	+ Accrued Interest
	 	 	9,954,819.58	 
	 	06/20/2009	 	 	 	400,029.89	 	 	+ Accrued Interest
	 	 	9,554,789.69	 
	 	09/20/2009	 	 	 	9,554,789.69	 	 	+ Accrued Interest
	 	 	0.00	 
	Total	 	 	16,450,000.00	 	 	 
	 	 	 	 

 

 

Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol, LLC

2000086433-006

AMENDMENT TO PROMISSORY NOTE

TERM NOTE E (with reducing revolver feature)

	 	 	 	 	 
	Note Date:

	 	September 20, 2004
	 	$5,000,000.00
	Effective Date:

	 	April 25, 2005	 	 
	Maturity Date:

	 	September 20, 2009	 	 

     This AMENDMENT made as of the 25th day of April, 2005, by and between PLATTE VALLEY FUEL ETHANOL,
LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company (“BORROWER”) and First National Bank of Omaha (the
“BANK”) who executed a promissory note dated September 20, 2004, in the original principal amount
of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00), a true and correct copy of which is attached.

     Whereas, BORROWER executed a written promissory note identified as TERM NOTE E (with reducing
revolver feature) dated as of September 20, 2004 payable to the order of BANK (the “NOTE”) in the
original principal amount of $5,000,000.00, which is attached hereto and by this reference made a
part hereof;

     Whereas, the NOTE was executed pursuant to a written Construction Loan Agreement dated as of July
25, 2002 (the Construction Loan Agreement, together with all amendments thereto, is collectively
called the “AGREEMENT”);

     Whereas, the parties hereto desire to amend the NOTE, to provide for different incentive pricing;

     Now, Therefore, in consideration of the AGREEMENT and the NOTE, and their mutual promises made
herein, BANK and BORROWER agree as follows:

1. Terms which are typed herein as all capitalized words and are not defined herein shall have
the same meanings as when described in the AGREEMENT.

2. The INCENTIVE PRICING section of the promissory note is hereby amended to read, effective
immediately:

INCENTIVE PRICING. The interest rate applicable to this promissory note is subject to reduction
after a date six months subsequent to CONSTRUCTION COMPLETION DATE, based on the business results
of BORROWER. In the event that BORROWER maintains the following ratios, measured monthly, the
interest rates will adjust accordingly:

 

 

Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol, LLC

2000086433-006

If INDEBTEDNESS to NET WORTH

	 	 	 
	                    is:	 	Interest rate will be:
	Less than 1.15 : 1.00, but greater than 1.00 : 1.00

	 	one month LIBOR plus 330 basis points
	Less than 1.00 : 1.00, but greater than .75 : 1.00

	 	one month LIBOR plus 300 basis points
	Less than or equal to .75 : 1:00

	 	one month LIBOR plus 280 basis points

Following repayment of TERM NOTE D, when regular quarterly principal payments are applied to this
note, the amount available to be borrowed under the revolving loan feature will be correspondingly
reduced, so that the maximum amount outstanding under this promissory note will decrease
accordingly.

3. Except as amended hereby BORROWER ratifies and confirms as binding upon it all of the terms of
the NOTE.

In witness whereof the parties set their hands as of the date first written above.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF OMAHA	 	 	 	PLATTE VALLEY FUEL ETHANOL, LLC
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By:

	 	/s/ Omer Sagheer
	 	 	 	By:
	 	/s/ Cliff Mesner
	 

	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	Omer Sagheer, Commercial Loan Officer	 	 	 	 	 	Cliff Mesner, Chairman of the Board of Managers

	 	 	 
	STATE OF NEBRASKA

	 	 )
	 

	 	 ) ss.
	COUNTY OF MERRICK

	 	 )

     On this 27th day of April, 2005, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public, personally
appeared Cliff Mesner, Chairman of the Board of Managers of PLATTE VALLEY FUEL ETHANOL, LLC, on
behalf of said entity, who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that he executed the
same as his voluntary act and deed.

	 	 	 	 	 
	

	 	/s/ Lisa J. Hilder	 	 
	 	 

Notary Public
	 	 

 

 

SECOND AMENDMENT TO CONSTRUCTION LOAN AGREEMENT

This Second Amendment to Construction Loan Agreement is dated as of the 9th day of
December, 2004, and is by and between Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability
company (“BORROWER”), and First National Bank of Omaha (“BANK”), a national banking association
established at Omaha, Nebraska.

WHEREAS, the BANK and BORROWER executed a written Construction Loan Agreement dated as of December
10, 2003, which, together with all amendments thereto, is collectively called the “AGREEMENT”.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the AGREEMENT, and their mutual promises made herein, BANK and
BORROWER agree as follows:

     1. Terms which are typed herein as all capitalized words and are not defined herein shall have same
meanings as when described in the AGREEMENT.

     2. Section 1, Paragraph 1.24 of the AGREEMENT is hereby amended, effective immediately, to read:

1.24 “LOAN TERMINATION DATE” means the earliest to occur of the following: (i) as to the REVOLVING
NOTE, January 9, 2005, and as to TERM NOTE C, TERM NOTE D and TERM NOTE E, September 20, 2009; (ii)
the date the OBLIGATIONS are accelerated pursuant to this AGREEMENT, and (iii) the date BANK has
received (a) notice in writing from BORROWER of BORROWER’s election to terminate this AGREEMENT and
(b) indefeasible payment in full of the OBLIGATIONS.

     3. BORROWER certifies by its execution hereof that the representations and warranties set
forth in Section 5 of the AGREEMENT are true as of this date, and that no EVENT OF DEFAULT under
the AGREEMENT, and no event which, with the giving of notice or passage of time or both, would
become such an EVENT OF DEFAULT, has occurred as of this date.

     4. Except as amended hereby the parties ratify and confirm as binding upon them all of the
terms of the AGREEMENT.

1

 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to Construction Loan Agreement to
be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above
written.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	First National Bank of Omaha	 	 	 	Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol,
LLC, a Nebraska limited
liability company
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By:

	 	/s/ Omer Sagheer
	 	 	 	By:
	 	/s/ Clifford Mesner
	 

	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	Omer Sagheer	 	 	 	 	 	Clifford Mesner
	 

	 	Commercial Loan Officer
	 	 	 	 
	 	Chairman of the Board of Managers

Notary Acknowledgment

	 	 	 
	STATE OF NEBRASKA

	 	 )
	 

	 	 ) ss.
	COUNTY OF MERRICK

	 	 )

     On this 7th day of December, 2004, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public,
personally appeared Clifford Mesner, Chairman of the Board of Managers of Platte Valley Fuel
Ethanol, LLC, on behalf of said entity, who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged
that he executed the same as his voluntary act and deed.

	 	 	 	 	 
	

	 	/s/ Lisa J. Hilder	 	 
	 	 

Notary Public
	 	 

2

 

THIRD AMENDMENT TO CONSTRUCTION LOAN AGREEMENT

This Third Amendment to Construction Loan Agreement is dated as of the 9th day of
January, 2005, and is by and between Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability
company (“BORROWER”), and First National Bank of Omaha (“BANK”), a national banking association
established at Omaha, Nebraska.

WHEREAS, the BANK and BORROWER executed a written Construction Loan Agreement dated as of December
10, 2003, which, together with all amendments thereto, is collectively called the “AGREEMENT”.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the AGREEMENT, and their mutual promises made herein, BANK and
BORROWER agree as follows:

     1. Terms which are typed herein as all capitalized words and are not defined herein shall
have same meanings as when described in the AGREEMENT.

     2. Section 1,
Paragraph 1.24 of the AGREEMENT is hereby amended, effective immediately, to
read:

1.24 “LOAN TERMINATION DATE” means the earliest to occur of the following: (i) as to the REVOLVING
NOTE, December 9, 2005, and as to TERM NOTE C, TERM NOTE D and TERM NOTE E, September 20, 2009;
(ii) the date the OBLIGATIONS are accelerated pursuant to this AGREEMENT, and (iii) the date BANK
has received (a) notice in writing from BORROWER of BORROWER’s election to terminate this AGREEMENT
and (b) indefeasible payment in full of the OBLIGATIONS.

     3. BORROWER certifies by its execution hereof that the representations and warranties set
forth in Section 5 of the AGREEMENT are true as of this date, and that no EVENT OF DEFAULT under
the AGREEMENT, and no event which, with the giving of notice or passage of time or both, would
become such an EVENT OF DEFAULT, has occurred as of this date.

     4. Except as amended hereby the parties ratify and confirm as binding upon them all of the
terms of the AGREEMENT.

1

 

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to Construction Loan Agreement to
be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above
written.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	First National Bank of Omaha	 	 	 	Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol,
LLC, a Nebraska limited
liability company
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By:

	 	/s/ Omer Sagheer
	 	 	 	By:
	 	/s/ Clifford Mesner
	 

	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	Omer Sagheer	 	 	 	 	 	Clifford Mesner
	 

	 	Commercial Loan Officer
	 	 	 	 
	 	Chairman of the Board of Managers

Notary Acknowledgment

	 	 	 
	STATE OF NEBRASKA

	 	 )
	 

	 	 ) ss.
	COUNTY OF MERRICK

	 	 )

     On this 3rd day of January, 2005, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public,
personally appeared Clifford Mesner, Chairman of the Board of Managers of Platte Valley Fuel
Ethanol, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability company, on behalf of said entity, who executed the
foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that he executed the same as
his voluntary act and deed.

	 	 	 	 	 
	

	 	/s/ Lisa J. Hilder	 	 
	 	 

Notary Public
	 	 

2

 

FOURTH AMENDMENT TO CONSTRUCTION LOAN AGREEMENT

This Fourth Amendment to Construction Loan Agreement is dated as of the 9th day of
December, 2005, and is by and between Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol, LLC, a Nebraska limited liability
company (“BORROWER”), and First National Bank of Omaha (“BANK”), a national banking association
established at Omaha, Nebraska.

WHEREAS, the BANK and BORROWER executed a written Construction Loan Agreement dated as of December
10, 2003, which, together with all amendments thereto, is collectively called the “AGREEMENT”.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the AGREEMENT, and their mutual promises made herein, BANK and
BORROWER agree as follows:

     1. Terms which are typed herein as all capitalized words and are not defined herein shall
have same meanings as when described in the AGREEMENT.

     2. Section 1,
Paragraph 1.4 of the AGREEMENT is hereby amended, effective immediately, to
read:

1.4 “BORROWING BASE” means the lesser of:

     A. $5,000,000.00, or

     B. The aggregate of (i) 75% of BORROWER’s Inventory of corn or milo, at current value on
the date reported, plus (ii) 75% of BORROWER’s distiller’s grains, at current value on the date
reported, plus (iii) 75% of BORROWER’s Finished Goods-Ethanol Inventory, valued at the lower of
cost or market, plus (iv) 75% of the amount of BORROWER’s Ethanol or Distiller’s Grains Accounts
aged thirty days or less, and (v) beginning after the fourth month following COMPLETION DATE, 65%
of the amount of BORROWER’s current state incentives or USDA CCC Bio-Energy Accounts Receivable
aged less than 120 days, excluding any Accounts reasonably deemed ineligible by BANK.

     3. Section 1, Paragraph 1.24 of the AGREEMENT is hereby amended, effective immediately, to
read:

1.24 “LOAN TERMINATION DATE” means the earliest to occur of the following: (i) as to the REVOLVING
NOTE, December 8, 2006, and as to TERM NOTE C, TERM NOTE D and TERM NOTE E, September 20, 2009;
(ii) the date the OBLIGATIONS are accelerated pursuant to this AGREEMENT, and (iii) the date BANK
has received (a) notice in writing from BORROWER of BORROWER’s election to terminate this AGREEMENT
and (b) indefeasible payment in full of the OBLIGATIONS.

     4. Section 2, Paragraph 2.6 of the AGREEMENT is hereby amended, effective immediately, to
read:

1

 

2.6
REVOLVING LOAN. BANK agrees to lend $5,000,000.00 to BORROWER pursuant to this
facility. BANK will credit advances on this revolving loan (“REVOLVING LOAN”) to BORROWER’s deposit
account with the BANK, bearing number 110150455. Subject to the terms hereof, the BANK will
lend the BORROWER, from time to time until the LOAN TERMINATION DATE such sums in integral
multiples of $10,000.00 as the BORROWER may request by reasonable same day notice to the BANK,
received by the BANK not later than 11:00 A.M. of such day, but which shall not exceed in the
aggregate principal amount at any one time outstanding, $5,000,000.00 (the “LOAN COMMITMENT”). The
BORROWER may borrow, repay without penalty or premium and reborrow hereunder, from the date of this
AGREEMENT until the LOAN TERMINATION DATE, either the full amount of the LOAN COMMITMENT or any
lesser sum which is $10,000.00 or an integral multiple thereof. It is the intention of the parties
that the outstanding balance of the REVOLVING LOAN shall not exceed the BORROWING BASE, as required
in Section 6, and if at any time said balance exceeds the BORROWING BASE, BORROWER shall forthwith
pay BANK sufficient funds to reduce the balance of the REVOLVING LOAN until it is in compliance
with this requirement.

     5. Section 2, Paragraph 2.10 of the AGREEMENT is hereby amended, effective immediately, to
read:

2.10
Fees. At COMPLETION DATE, and on each annual anniversary of COMPLETION DATE for five
years subsequent to COMPLETION DATE, the BORROWER shall pay to the BANK an Annual Servicing Fee of
$50,000.00, which fee BORROWER agrees and acknowledges has been earned by BANK; provided, however,
an Annual Servicing Fee shall not be due and payable on the LOAN TERMINATION DATE and the BANK
shall refund the Annual Servicing Fee on a pro rata basis if the Loan Termination Date occurs other
than on an anniversary of the COMPLETION DATE. BORROWER agrees to pay BANK an unused commitment fee
equal to 37.5 basis points of the average unused portion of the REVOLVING LOAN calculated and
payable on a quarterly basis in arrears, In addition, BORROWER shall pay BANK fees for issuance of
Letters of Credit according to the bank’s customary fee schedule.

     6. This AGREEMENT is hereby amended, effective immediately, by the addition of the
following new section 2.13:

2.13
LETTERS OF CREDIT. BANK will issue its letters of credit at BORROWER’s request, on
BORROWER’s account, pursuant to the BANK’s customary policies and with its standardized documents,
in amounts outstanding at no time exceeding $1,000,000 in the aggregate.

     7. BORROWER certifies by its execution hereof that the representations and warranties set
forth in Section 5 of the AGREEMENT are true as of this date, and that no

2

 

EVENT OF DEFAULT under the AGREEMENT, and no event which, with the giving of notice or passage of
time or both, would become such an EVENT OF DEFAULT, has occurred as
of this date.

     8. Except as amended hereby the parties ratify and confirm as binding upon them all of the terms of
the AGREEMENT.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to Construction Loan Agreement to
be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, as of the date first above
written.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	First National Bank of Omaha	 	 	 	Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol,
LLC, a Nebraska limited
liability company
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	By:

	 	/s/ Natalie E. Mason
	 	 	 	By:
	 	/s/ Clifford Mesner
	 

	 	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	Natalie E. Mason	 	 	 	 	 	Clifford Mesner
	 

	 	Commercial Loan Officer
	 	 	 	 
	 	Chairman of the Board of Managers

Notary Acknowledgment

	 	 	 
	STATE OF NEBRASKA

	 	 )
	 

	 	 ) ss.
	COUNTY OF MERRICK

	 	 )

     On
this 25th day of March, 2006, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public, personally
appeared Clifford Mesner, Chairman of the Board of Managers of Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol, LLC, a
Nebraska limited liability company, on behalf of said entity, who executed the foregoing
instrument, and acknowledged that he executed the same as his voluntary act and deed.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	/s/ LISA J. HILDER
 

Notary Public
	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	
	 	 

3

 

Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol, LLC

2000086433-3

REVOLVING PROMISSORY NOTE

 

			
			
	Omaha, Nebraska
	 	$5,000,000.00
	Note Date: December 9, 2005
	 	Maturity Date: December 8, 2006

     On or before December 8, 2006, Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol, LLC (“BORROWER”) promises to pay to the
order of First National Bank of Omaha (“BANK”) at any of its offices in Omaha, Nebraska the
principal sum hereof, which shall be Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00) or so much thereof as may
have been advanced by BANK and shown on the records of the BANK to be outstanding, under this Note
and the loan agreement executed by the BANK and BORROWER dated as of December 10, 2003, as it may,
from time to time, be amended.

     Interest on the principal amount outstanding shall accrue based on the one month LIBOR RATE plus
380 basis points. Interest shall be calculated on the basis of a 360-day year, counting the actual
number of days elapsed. Interest on this promissory note shall be payable monthly in arrears.

     The interest rate applicable to this promissory note is subject to reduction after a date six
months subsequent to COMPLETION DATE, based on the business results of BORROWER. During any one
month INTEREST PERIOD that BORROWER maintains the following ratios, measured for the prior INTEREST
PERIOD, and after BANK receipt of quarter compliance certificate which quarter shall include the
prior INTEREST PERIOD, the interest rates will be adjusted according for the next INTEREST PERIOD:

If INDEBTEDNESS to NET WORTH

	 	 	 
	                    is:	 	Interest rate will be:
	Less than 1.15 : 1.00 but
greater than 1.00 : 1.00

	 	one month LIBOR RATE plus 330 basis points
	Less than 1.00 : 1.00 but
greater than .75: 1.00

	 	one month LIBOR RATE plus 300 basis points
	Less than or equal to .75 : 1:00

	 	one month LIBOR RATE plus 280 basis points

     This note is executed pursuant to a Construction Loan Agreement dated as of December 10, 2003,
between BANK and BORROWER (the “AGREEMENT”). This Note evidences the REVOLVING NOTE identified in
the AGREEMENT. The AGREEMENT contains additional terms of this Note, including, but not limited to
enumerated events of default, and the granting of liens to secure BORROWER’s performance. All
capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meanings as set forth in the
AGREEMENT.

     As provided in the AGREEMENT, upon any such enumerated default, BANK may accelerate the due date of
this Note and declare all obligations set forth herein immediately due and payable, and BANK shall
also have such other remedies as are described in the AGREEMENT and are provided by law. All makers
and endorsers

 

 

Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol, LLC

2000086433-3

hereby waive presentment, demand, protest and notice of dishonor, consent to any number of
extensions and renewals for any period without notice; and consent to any substitution, exchange or
release of collateral, and to the addition or releases of any other party primarily or secondarily
liable.

     Executed as of the 25TH day of March, 2006.

Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol, LLC

	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	By: 	/s/ Clifford Mesner
 

Clifford Mesner, Chairman of the Board of Managers
	 	 

	 	 	 
	STATE OF NEBRASKA

	 	 )
	 

	 	 ) ss.
	COUNTY OF MERRICK

	 	 )

     On
this 25th day of March, 2006, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public, personally appeared
Clifford Mesner, Chairman of the Board of Managers of Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol, LLC, on behalf of
said entity, who executed the foregoing instrument, and acknowledged that he executed the same as
his voluntary act and deed, as well as that of the corporation.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	/s/ LISA J. HILDER
 

Notary Public
	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	
	 	 

 

 

	 	 	 
	

	 	1620 Dodge Street

Omaha NE 68197

402.341.0600

July 28, 2006

General Manager

Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol, LLC

1748 Hord Lake Road

Central City, NE 68826

	 	RE: 	 	Waiver

Our File No.: 6297-0440

Dear Sir/Madam:

     This letter shall serve as confirmation that First National Bank of Omaha waives Platte Valley Fuel
Ethanol, LLC’s (“Borrower”) non-compliance with the following covenants as set forth in the
Construction Loan Agreement dated December 10, 2003, as amended from time to time, (“Loan
Agreement”):

(i) Section 6.2.4, which establishes minimum working capital requirements, but only for the
months of May 2006 through August 2006; and

(ii) Section 6.4.9, which restricts the ability to incur Indebtedness, with respect to the
incurrence of certain inter-company indebtedness through August 2006.

This letter does NOT waive Borrower’s obligation to perform any other covenant or requirement
contained in the Loan Agreement, nor does it constitute a waiver of the covenants for any period
subsequent to August 31, 2006.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	First National Bank of Omaha:	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	By:
	 	/s/ Bradley J. Brummund	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 

Bradley J. Brummund, Commercial Loan Officer
	 	 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

     By its execution hereof, Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol, LLC consents to and acknowledges the foregoing
document.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol, LLC:	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	By:
	 	/s/ Douglas M. Anderson	 	 
	 

	 	Name:
	 	 

Douglas M. Anderson
	 	 
	 

	 	Title:
	 	General Manager	 	 

 

 

	 	 	 
	

	 	1620 Dodge Street

Omaha NE 68197

402.341.0600

July 28, 2006

General Manager

Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol, LLC

1748 Hord Lake Road

Central City, NE 68826

	 	RE: 	 	Waiver

Our File No.: 6297-0440

Dear Sir/Madam:

     This letter shall serve as confirmation that First National Bank of Omaha waives Platte Valley Fuel
Ethanol, LLC’s (“Borrower”) non-compliance with the following covenant as set forth in the
Construction Loan Agreement dated December 10, 2003, as amended from time to time (“Loan
Agreement”):

Section 7.1.17 which creates an event of default upon the membership interests of Fagen, Inc. or
its affiliates in Borrower aggregating less than twenty percent (20%) of Borrower’s membership
units.

This letter shall NOT waive Borrower’s obligation to perform any other covenant or requirement
contained in the Loan Agreement.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	First National Bank of Omaha:	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	By:
	 	/s/ Bradley J. Brummund	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 

Bradley J. Brummund, Commercial Loan Officer
	 	 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

     By its execution hereof, Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol, LLC consents to and acknowledges the foregoing
document.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	Platte Valley Fuel Ethanol, LLC:	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	By:
	 	/s/ Douglas M. Anderson	 	 
	 

	 	Name:
	 	 

Douglas M. Anderson
	 	 
	 

	 	Title:
	 	General Manager

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