Document:

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                                                                   Exhibit 10.31

                              CONSULTING AGREEMENT

     The J. M. SMUCKER COMPANY, an Ohio corporation with its principal place of
business at Strawberry Lane, Orrville, Ohio 44667 ("JMS"), and Richard G. Jirsa,
169 Whittlesey Drive, Tallmadge, Ohio 44278 ("CONSULTANT"), hereby agree as
follows:

     1. RECITALS. Consultant has substantial experience and knowledge relating
to JMS's financial and accounting procedures. Because of Consultant's
experience, JMS desires to engage him on a consulting basis to provide advice in
these areas. Consultant is agreeable to providing those services, and it is the
purpose of this Agreement to set forth the terms and conditions upon which those
services will be rendered.

     2. RETENTION AND DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES. JMS retains Consultant to furnish
JMS with Consultant's unique expertise, advice, consulting and personal services
in connection with special projects relating to accounting or financial services
as set forth in the areas outlined above, pursuant to this Agreement
("CONSULTING SERVICES"). The Consultant will provide Consulting Services to JMS
on an as needed basis during the Term. The actual Consulting Services to be
provided by Consultant will be as designated by: (i) the Chairman or President
of JMS or (ii) any other person designated by the Board of Directors. Consultant
shall perform all Consulting Services on behalf of JMS in a timely, diligent and
professional manner in accordance with the highest commercial industry
standards.

     3. TERM OF AGREEMENT. This Agreement commences as of January 1, 2006 and
will terminate on December 31, 2007 (the "TERM").

     4. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE. It is understood and agreed by JMS and Consultant
that the nature of the services to be rendered under this Agreement by
Consultant may necessitate a reasonable amount of travel by him and attendance
by him at meetings with JMS personnel and others that may be located at various
locations in the United States.

     5. COMPENSATION. On or before December 31, 2005, JMS will pay Consultant a
lump sum fee of One Hundred Thousand and no/100 Dollars ($100,000) for his
services under this Agreement.

     6. REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES. JMS will reimburse Consultant for all
reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Consultant in
connection with the rendition of services under this Agreement with regard to
specific, preapproved activities, including, but not limited to, expenses of
travel (other than the cost of travel between Consultant's home and office, if
any). Reimbursement of expenses hereunder shall be on a basis consistent with
JMS's standard corporate expense and travel policies, including, but not limited
to, the required use of JMS's designated travel agency for all travel.
Consultant understands that expenses to be reimbursed by JMS under this
Agreement will not include costs and expenses that would be considered normally
incident to the conduct by Consultant of his business. Any and all reimbursement
of expenses hereunder will be made solely on the basis of itemized statements
submitted by Consultant to JMS's Corporate Controller, including actual bills,
receipts, or other evidence of expenditures, in accordance with JMS's corporate
policies.

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     7. CONSULTANT AN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. Consultant will furnish services
hereunder as an independent contractor and not as an employee or agent of JMS or
of any company affiliated with JMS. Consultant shall have no power or authority
to act on behalf of, represent, or bind JMS or any company affiliated with JMS
in any manner. Consultant is not entitled to any medical coverage, life
insurance, participation in any benefit plan, or any other benefits generally
accorded to employees of JMS or its affiliates.

     8. NO CONFLICTING ACTIVITIES. Consultant covenants that during the term of
this Agreement, he will not, either directly or indirectly, himself or through
any affiliate, carry on, or be engaged in, concerned with, or interested in, in
any manner whatsoever, the development or marketing of fruit spreads, peanut
butter, baking mixes, toppings, beverages, or other products produced or
distributed by JMS anywhere in the United States or Canada (except for an equity
share investment in a public company whose shares are listed on a stock exchange
or in an over-the-counter market where such share investment does not in the
aggregate exceed five percent of the issued equity shares of such company), or
represent, manufacture for, or distribute such products for any person who does
so manufacture or market. Consultant agrees that any breach of this covenant
will result in JMS's suffering a loss which cannot adequately be compensated for
in damages and that JMS will be entitled to injunctive or other equitable
relief.

     9. CONFIDENTIALITY AND NONDISCLOSURE. Consultant hereby specifically agrees
to be bound by the nondisclosure provisions set forth in EXHIBIT "A" attached
hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

     10. RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF INSIDE INFORMATION. In the course of the
performance of his duties under this Agreement, it is expected that Consultant
may receive information that is considered material inside information within
the meaning and intent of the securities laws of the United States. Consultant
will not disclose this information to others except as authorized by JMS and
will not use such information directly or indirectly for his own benefit or as a
basis for advice to any other party concerning any decision to buy, sell, or
otherwise deal in the stock of JMS.

     11. SURVIVAL OF OBLIGATIONS. The obligations of Consultant under paragraphs
9 and 10 above shall survive termination of this Agreement.

     12. DEFAULT; TERMINATION. If either party fails to fulfill any of its
obligations under this Agreement, that shall constitute default. In the event of
a default by any party that is not cured within 30 days of notice thereof to the
defaulting party, the party not in default may terminate this Agreement
effective immediately upon notice to the defaulting party.

     13. NOTICES. Notices under this Agreement shall be given by certified or
registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or by hand delivery,
addressed in either case to the address for the party set forth above or to such
other address as may be provided for in a notice given as provided in this
paragraph 13. Notices under this paragraph 13 shall be deemed given upon
receipt.

     14. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement, together with EXHIBIT "A" attached,
constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between the parties and
supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between them with respect to
its subject matter. It may not be modified or assigned without the express
permission of both parties in a writing referring to this Agreement.

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     15. SEVERABILITY. The invalidity or unenforceability of any portion of this
Agreement shall not affect the validity, force, or effect of the remaining
portions hereof. If it is ever held that any restriction hereunder is too broad
to permit enforcement of such restriction to its fullest extent, each party
agrees that a court of competent jurisdiction may enforce such restriction to
the maximum extent permitted by law, and each party hereby consents and agrees
that such scope may be judicially modified accordingly in any proceeding brought
to enforce such restriction.

     16. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in
accordance with the laws of the State of Ohio, without reference to choice of
law principles.

Dated: December 16, 2005

The J. M. SMUCKER COMPANY               CONSULTANT

By: /s/ Mark R. Belgya                  /s/ Richard G. Jirsa
    ---------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
    Mark R. Belgya                      Richard G. Jirsa
    Vice President - Chief Financial
    Officer and Treasurer

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                                   EXHIBIT "A"

NONDISCLOSURE PROVISIONS

     1. NONDISCLOSURE OBLIGATION. Consultant shall hold in confidence and not
disclose to third parties, or make commercial or other use of, any trade secrets
or other information that he may have received during his employment with JMS
and/or its subsidiaries or that he may receive or acquire from JMS during the
term of the Consulting Agreement concerning JMS's products, equipment,
processes, designs, packaging, methods of distribution, capabilities, systems,
technology, specifications, data, operating instructions, customers, marketing
and sales, business plans, or any other private matters, whether or not related
to the project in which it is involved (all such information shall be referred
to below as the "CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION" without JMS's prior written
permission.

     2. OWNERSHIP OF MATERIALS. Any and all tangible representations of the
Confidential Information, including but not limited to any and all lists, notes,
memoranda, schedules, data sheets, written formulae, drawings, diagrams,
blueprints, still or moving photographic or video pictures, models, machinery,
equipment, and packaging, provided to or obtained by Consultant directly or
indirectly by or from JMS, or developed by the Consultant during the term of the
Consulting Agreement, and all copies thereof are and shall be the exclusive
property of JMS and must be returned to JMS upon the first to occur of a
specific request therefor by JMS or the termination of the Consulting Agreement.

     3. LIMITS ON NONDISCLOSURE AGREEMENT. Nothing herein contained shall
deprive Consultant of the right:

          A. to use any information which is now generally known to the trade or
     the public or to use any other information from and after the time it
     becomes so known as long as it becomes so known through no fault of
     Consultant; and

          B. to use any information received by Consultant lawfully and in good
     faith from a third party who is under no obligation with regard thereto to
     JMS, either directly or indirectly.

     4. NO OTHER RIGHTS. The Confidential Information shall remain the exclusive
property of JMS, and no license of or other right to utilize the Confidential
Information or any patent, trademark, invention, copyright or other intellectual
property of JMS, either express or implied, is conveyed or shall be deemed to
have been conveyed hereby. Insofar as Consultant's participation in projects
under the Consulting Agreement results in improvements or modifications to JMS's
processes or products, such improvements or modifications shall be the property
solely of JMS. Consultant hereby waives any and all claims to and transfers,
assigns, and conveys any and all right, title, and interest in and to any
Confidential Information. Without limiting the foregoing, Consultant transfers,
assigns, and conveys to JMS any and all patent rights, including patent
applications, which may result from projects on which it is involved under the
Consulting Agreement. Consultant will cooperate with JMS as it may require to
assist it in obtaining, defending, or enforcing any patent rights relating to or
resulting from such projects worldwide and will execute any papers necessary to
effect such patent rights.

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     5. DAMAGES. Consultant recognizes the competitive value and confidential
nature of the Confidential Information and that any breach or threatened breach
of these nondisclosure provisions by Consultant may cause JMS irreparable injury
for which monetary damages may be an inadequate remedy. Therefore, Consultant
agrees that, in addition to any monetary damages to which it may be entitled,
JMS shall be entitled to temporary and permanent injunctions restraining such
breach or threatened breach.

     6. SURVIVAL OF PROVISIONS. These nondisclosure provisions generally will
expire two years after the expiration of the Consulting Agreement; provided,
however, that Consultant's obligations hereunder will continue in effect with
respect to individual items of Confidential Information for as long as those
items remain confidential.EX-4(A)

 

Exhibit 4(a)

	 	 	 
	

	 	COMMON SHARES
	 
	 	 
	NUMBER

	 	THIS CERTIFICATE IS TRANSFERABLE
	

	 	IN CANTON, MA OR JERSEY CITY, NJ
	 
	 	 
	CU

	 	CUSIP 185896 10 7
	

	 	SEE REVERSE FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS

INCORPORATED UNDER THE                                        LAWS OF THE STATE OF OHIO

CLEVELAND-CLIFFS INC

CERTIFICATE NUMBER          
                    REFERENCE                              DATE             
                 SHARES

THIS CERTIFIES THAT

IS THE OWNER OF

                                  FULLY
PAID AND NON-ASSESSABLE COMMON SHARES OF THE PAR VALUE OF 0.25 DOLLAR EACH OF
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc, transferable on the books of the Company by the registered holder in person or by duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this certificate properly
endorsed. This certificate and the shares represented hereby are issued and shall be held subject to all the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation of the Company filed in the
office of the Secretary of State of Ohio (copies of which are on file with the Company and with the Transfer Agent) to which the holder by acceptance hereof assents. This certificate
is not valid unless countersigned by the Transfer Agent and registered by the Registrar.

[SHARE CERTIFICATE]

                         Witness the seal of the Company and the signatures of its duly authorized officers.

	 	 	 
	/s/
George W. Hawk, Jr.

	 	/s/ John S. Brinzo
	SECRETARY

	 	CHAIRMAN AND
	

	 	CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

[CLEVELAND-CLIFFS INC OHIO CORPORATE SEAL]

AMERICAN BANK NOTE COMPANY

 

 

Computershare Trust Company,
N.A.

TRANSFER AGENT

AND REGISTRAR,

BY /s/ Stephen Cesso

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

     The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this certificate,
shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or
regulations:

TEN COM          - as tenants in common

TEN ENT          - as tenants by the entireties

JT TEN- as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	UNIF GIFT MIN ACT

	 	-

	 	Custodian
	 	

	

	 	(Cust)
	 	 	 	(Minor)
	 	 	     
     
     
     
under Uniform Gifts to Minors

	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	ACT	 	
	 	 		 	

	 	 	 	 	(State)

Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.

CLEVELAND-CLIFFS INC

     A COPY OF THE EXPRESS TERMS OF THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE AND OF ALL
OTHER CLASSES AND SERIES OF SHARES WHICH CLEVELAND-CLIFFS INC IS AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE WILL BE MAILED
TO ANY SHAREHOLDER WITHOUT CHARGE WITHIN FIVE DAYS AFTER RECEIPT FROM SUCH SHAREHOLDER OF A WRITTEN
REQUEST THEREFOR. SUCH REQUEST SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY
OF CLEVELAND-CLIFFS INC, 15TH
FLOOR, DIAMOND BUILDING, 1100 SUPERIOR AVENUE, CLEVELAND, OHIO 44114-2589.

For value received,            hereby sell, assign and transfer unto

     PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER OF ASSIGNEE

PLEASE PRINT OR TYPEWRITE NAME AND ADDRESS INCLUDING POSTAL ZIP CODE OF ASSIGNEE.

			
	
		Shares
	
		

			
	represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint
	 	
		 	

Attorney, to transfer the said shares on the books of the within-named Company, with full power of substitution in the premises.

Dated,                     

X                                  

This Certificate also evidences and entitles the holder hereof to certain Rights as described in a
Rights Agreement between Cleveland-Cliffs Inc and Computershare Trust
Company, N.A. (successor in interest to First Chicago Trust Company
of New York), dated as of
September 19, 1997, as amended (the “Rights Agreement”), the terms of which are hereby incorporated
herein by reference and a copy of which is on file at the principal executive offices of
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. The Rights are not exercisable prior to the occurrence of certain events
specified in the Rights Agreement. Under certain circumstances, as set forth in the Rights
Agreement, the Rights may be redeemed, may be exchanged, may expire, may be amended, or may be
evidenced by separate certificates and will no longer be evidenced by this Certificate.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc will mail to the holder of this Certificate a copy of the Rights Agreement
without charge promptly after receipt of a written request therefor. Under certain circumstances,
Rights that are or were beneficially owned by an Acquiring Person or any Affiliate or Associate
thereof (as those terms are defined in the Rights Agreement) and any subsequent holder of such
Rights may become null and void.

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