Document:

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                                COST PLUS, INC.
                            1995 STOCK OPTION PLAN
                          (Adopted November 1, 1995)
                            (Amended July 23, 1996)
                          (Amended October 15, 1996)
                           (Amended April 21, 1997)
                          (Amended February 12, 1998)
                            (Amended June 18, 1998)
                            (Amended June 15, 1999)
                            (Amended June 22, 2000)

     1.   Purpose.
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          The purpose of this Plan is to strengthen Cost Plus, Inc., a
California corporation (the "Company"), by providing an incentive to selected
officers and other key employees and thereby encouraging them to devote their
abilities and industry to the success of the Company's business enterprise. It
is intended that this purpose be achieved by extending to selected officers and
other key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries an added long-term
incentive for high levels of performance and unusual efforts through the grant
of options to purchase Common Stock of the Company.

     2.   Definitions.
          -----------

          For purposes of the Plan:

          2.1  "Affiliate" means (i) with respect to any Person which is not a
natural person, any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more
intermediaries controls, or is controlled by or under common control with, such
Person; and (ii) with respect to any Person who is a natural person, any of the
following: (x) any spouse, parent, child, brother or sister of such Person or
any issue of the foregoing (as used in this definition, issue shall include
persons legally adopted into the line of descent), (y) a trust solely for the
benefit of such Person or any spouse, parent, child, brother or sister of such
Person or for the benefit of any issue of the foregoing or (z) any corporation
or partnership which is controlled by such Person, or by any spouse, parent,
child, brother or sister of such Person or by any issue of the foregoing.

          2.2  "Agreement" means the written agreement between the Company and
an Optionee evidencing the grant of an Option and setting forth the terms and
conditions thereof.

          2.3  "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

          2.4  "Cause," unless otherwise defined in the Agreement evidencing a
particular Option, means an Eligible Individual's (i) intentional failure to
perform reasonably assigned duties,
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(ii) dishonesty or willful misconduct in the performance of duties, (iii)
engaging in a transaction in connection with the performance of duties to the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries thereof which transaction is adverse to the
interests of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and which is engaged in for
personal profit or (iv) willful violation of any law, rule or regulation in
connection with the performance of duties (other than traffic violations or
similar offenses).

          2.5  "Change in Capitalization" means any change in the Shares or
exchange of Shares for a different number or kind of shares or other securities
of the Company, by reason of a reclassification, recapitalization, merger,
consolidation, reorganization, spin-off, stock dividend, stock split or reverse
stock split.

          2.6  "Change of Control" means the occurrence of any of the following
events:

               (i)  The acquisition by any "person" (as such term is used in
Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) (other than the Company or a
person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under
common control with, the Company) of the "beneficial ownership" (as defined in
Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the
Company representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power
represented by the Company's then outstanding voting securities;

               (ii) A change in the composition of the Board of Directors of the
Company occurring within a two-year period, as a result of which fewer than a
majority of the directors are Incumbent Directors. "Incumbent Directors" shall
mean directors who either (A) are directors of the Company as of the date
hereof, or (B) are elected, or nominated for election, to the Board of Directors
of the Company with the affirmative votes of at least a majority of the
Incumbent Directors at the time of such election or nomination (but shall not
include an individual not otherwise an Incumbent Director whose election or
nomination is in connection with an actual or threatened proxy contest relating
to the election of directors to the Company);

               (iii)A merger or consolidation of the Company with any other
corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which would result in the
voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto
continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or by being converted
into voting securities of the surviving entity) at least fifty percent (50%) of
the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or
such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such merger or
consolidation, or the approval by the stockholders of the Company of a plan of
complete liquidation of the Company or of an agreement for the sale or
disposition by the Company of all or substantially all the Company's assets;

               (iv) The sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the
Company determined on a consolidated basis; or

               (v)  The complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

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          2.7  "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

          2.8  "Committee" means a committee, as described in Section 3.1,
appointed by the Board to administer the Plan and to perform the functions set
forth herein.

          2.9  "Company" means Cost Plus, Inc., a California corporation.

          2.10 "Controlling Shareholders" means Internationale Nederlanden
(U.S.) Capital Corporation and Pearl Street L.P., collectively.

          2.11 "Disability" means a physical or mental infirmity which impairs
the Optionee's ability to perform substantially his or her duties for a period
of one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days.

          2.12 "Eligible Individual" means any director, officer or employee of
the Company or a Subsidiary, or any consultant or advisor.

          2.13 "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.

          2.14 "Fair Market Value" means on any date, (i) with respect to any
stock or other security (including, without limitation, the Shares) (a) if such
security is listed or admitted to trading on a national securities exchange or
the Nasdaq National Market of the National Association of Securities Dealers
Automated Quotation System, the closing price of such security (or the closing
bid, if no shares were reported, as quoted on such system or exchange or the
exchange with the greatest volume of trading in such security for the last
market trading day prior to the time of determination) as reported in the Wall
Street Journal or such other source as the Committee deems reliable, (b) if such
securities are not listed or admitted to trading, the arithmetic mean of the
closing bid price and the closing asked price on such date as quoted on such
other market in which such prices are regularly quoted, or (c) if there have
been no published bid or asked quotations with respect to such security on such
date, the Fair Market Value shall be the value established by the Committee in
good faith and, in the case of securities relating to an Incentive Stock Option,
in accordance with Section 422 of the Code, and (ii) with respect to all other
property and consideration, the value conclusively determined in good faith by
the Committee in its sole discretion. Any determination made by the Committee
hereunder shall be final, binding and non-appealable.

          2.15 "First Vesting Date" means, (i) as to Options granted prior to
June 30, 1996, the earlier to occur of June 30, 1997 and the first anniversary
of the Company's Initial Public Offering, and (ii) as to each Option granted on
or after June 30, 1996, the first anniversary of the Grant Date for such Option.

          2.16 "Grant Date" means with respect to each Option, the Grant Date as
defined in the applicable Agreement.

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          2.17 "Incentive Stock Option" means an Option satisfying the
requirements of Section 422 of the Code and designated by the Committee as an
Incentive Stock Option.

          2.18 "Independent Third Party" means any Person who, immediately prior
to the contemplated transaction, does not own in excess of 5% of the Shares on a
fully diluted basis (a "5% Owner"), and any Person who is not an Affiliate of a
5% Owner.

          2.19 "Initial Public Offering" means the consummation of the first
public offering of Shares pursuant to one or more effective registration
statements under the Securities Act (other than registrations on Form S-8 or
Form S-4 or any other registration statement used for a business combination or
any successor form to any such Forms) ("Registration Statements").

          2.20 "Nonqualified Stock Option" means an Option which is not an
Incentive Stock Option.

          2.21 "Option" means an option to purchase Shares granted pursuant to
the Plan.

          2.22 "Optionee" means a person to whom an Option has been granted
under the Plan.

          2.23 "Outside Director" means a director of the Company who is an
"outside director" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code and the
regulations promulgated thereunder.

          2.24 "Own" or any derivation thereof means beneficial ownership as
defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.

          2.25 "Parent" means any corporation which is a parent corporation
(within the meaning of Section 424(e) of the Code) with respect to the Company.

          2.26 "Per Share Option Price" means, with respect to each Option, the
per share exercise price with respect to such Option.

          2.27 "Person" means any natural person, corporation, partnership,
firm, association, trust, government, governmental agency or any other entity,
whether acting in an individual, fiduciary or other capacity.

          2.28 "Plan" means this Cost Plus, Inc. 1995 Stock Option Plan.

          2.29 "Pooling Period" means, with respect to a Pooling Transaction,
the period ending on the first date on which the combined entity resulting from
such Pooling Transaction publishes combined operating results for at least
thirty (30) days.

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          2.30 "Pooling Transaction" means an acquisition of the Company in a
transaction which is treated as a "pooling of interests" under generally
accepted accounting principles.

          2.31 "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

          2.32 "Shares" means the common stock, par value $.01 per share, of the
Company.

          2.33 "Subsidiary" means any corporation which is a subsidiary
corporation (within the meaning of Section 424(f) of the Code) with respect to
the Company.

          2.34 "Successor Corporation" means a corporation, or a parent or
subsidiary thereof within the meaning of Section 424(a) of the Code, which
issues or assumes a stock option in a transaction to which Section 424(a) of the
Code applies.

          2.35 "Ten-Percent Shareholder" means an Eligible Individual, who, at
the time an Incentive Stock Option is to be granted to him or her, owns (within
the meaning of Section 422(b)(6) of the Code) stock possessing more than ten
percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the
Company, or of a Parent or a Subsidiary.

     3.   Administration.
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          3.1  The Plan shall be administered as follows:

               (a) The Plan shall be administered by the Committee which shall
hold meetings at such times as may be necessary for the proper administration of
the Plan. The Committee shall keep minutes of its meetings. Except as otherwise
provided in the Company's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws, a quorum shall
consist of not less than two members of the Committee and a majority of a quorum
may authorize any action. Except as otherwise provided in the Company's Articles
of Incorporation or Bylaws, any decision or determination reduced to writing and
signed by the requisite number of the members of the Committee shall be as fully
effective as if made by the vote of the requisite number of members at a meeting
duly called and held.

               (b)  Procedure.
                    ---------

                    (i)  Multiple Administrative Bodies. The Committee shall be
                         ------------------------------
composed of the Board or a committee of the Board. The Plan may be administered
by different Committees with respect to different Optionees.

                    (ii) Section 162(m). To the extent that the Board determines
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it to be desirable to qualify Options granted hereunder as "performance-based
compensation" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the Plan shall
be administered by a Committee of two or more Outside Directors.

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                    (iii)Rule 16b-3. To the extent desirable to qualify
                         -----------
transactions hereunder as exempt under Rule 16b-3, the transactions contemplated
hereunder shall be structured to satisfy the requirements for exemption under
Rule 16b-3.

                    (iv) Other Administration. Other than as provided above, the
                        ---------------------
Plan shall be administered by (A) the Board or (B) a Committee, which committee
shall be constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws.

                    (c)  No member of the Committee shall be liable for any
action, failure to act, determination or interpretation made in good faith with
respect to this Plan or any transaction hereunder, except for liability arising
from his or her own willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard
of his or her duties. The Company hereby agrees to indemnify each member of the
Committee for all costs and expenses and, to the extent permitted by applicable
law, any liability incurred in connection with defending against, responding to,
negotiation for the settlement of or otherwise dealing with any claim, cause of
action or dispute of any kind arising in connection with any action in
administering this Plan or in authorizing or denying authorization to any
transaction hereunder.

          3.2  Subject to the express terms and conditions set forth herein, the
Committee shall have the power from time to time:

               (a)  to determine those Eligible Individuals to whom Options
shall be granted under the Plan and, subject to Section 5.2, the number of
Shares subject to each Option to be granted, to prescribe the terms and
conditions (which need not be identical) of each such Option, including the Fair
Market Value on any date, the Per Share Option Price for the Shares subject to
each Option in accordance with Section 5.3, and to make any amendment or
modification to any Agreement, including the acceleration of vesting, consistent
with the terms of the Plan;

               (b)  to construe and interpret the Plan and the Options granted
hereunder and to establish, amend and revoke rules and regulations for the
administration of the Plan, including, but not limited to, correcting any defect
or supplying any omission, or reconciling any inconsistency in the Plan or in
any Agreement, in the manner and to the extent it shall deem necessary or
advisable so that the Plan complies with applicable law, including Rule 16b-3
under the Exchange Act and the Code to the extent applicable, and otherwise to
make the Plan fully effective. All decisions and determinations by the Committee
in the exercise of this power shall be final, binding and conclusive upon the
Company, its Subsidiaries, the Optionees, and all other persons having any
interest therein;

               (c)  to determine the duration and purposes for leaves of absence
which may be granted to an Optionee on an individual basis without constituting
a termination of employment or service for purposes of the Plan;

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               (d)  to exercise its discretion with respect to the powers and
rights granted to it as set forth in the Plan; and
               (e)  generally, to exercise such powers and to perform such acts
as are deemed necessary or advisable to promote the best interests of the
Company with respect to the Plan.

     4.   Stock Subject to the Plan.
          -------------------------

          (a)  The maximum number of Shares that may be made the subject of
Options granted under the Plan shall be 4,718,006 Shares, less the aggregate
number of Shares from time to time (i) subject to options outstanding under the
Cost Plus, Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan (the "1994 Option Plan") or (ii) issued
upon exercise of options granted under the 1994 Option Plan. Options to be
granted under the Plan shall be granted under the Form of Cost Plus, Inc. 1995
Stock Option Plan Incentive Stock Option Agreement attached as Exhibit A-1 or
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Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement attached as Exhibit A-2, which forms of
                                                -----------
agreement may be modified or amended by the Committee from time to time so long
as any such modified or amended agreement is not inconsistent with any provision
of the Plan.

          (b)  Upon a Change in Capitalization, the number of Shares set forth
in this Section 4 and in Section 5 shall be adjusted in number and kind pursuant
to Section 6.

          (c)  Upon the granting of an Option, the number of Shares available
for the granting of further Options shall be reduced by the number of Shares in
respect of which the Option is granted. Whenever any outstanding Option or
portion thereof expires, is canceled or is otherwise terminated for any reason
without having been exercised or payment having been made in respect thereof,
the Shares allocable to the expired, canceled or otherwise terminated portion of
the Option shall again be available for the granting of Options by the Committee
under the terms of the Plan.

          (d)  The Board shall reserve for the purpose of the Plan, out of its
authorized but unissued Shares, 4,718,006 Shares, less the aggregate number of
Shares from time to time (i) subject to options outstanding under the 1994
Option Plan or (ii) issued upon exercise of options granted under the 1994
Option Plan.

     5.   Option Grants for Eligible Individuals.
          --------------------------------------

          5.1  Authority of Committee. Except as otherwise expressly provided in
               ----------------------
this Plan, the Committee shall have full and final authority to select those
Eligible Individuals who will receive Options, the terms and conditions of which
shall be set forth in an Agreement; provided, however, that no person shall
                                    -----------------
receive any Incentive Stock Options unless he or she is an employee of the
Company, a Parent or a Subsidiary at the time the Incentive Stock Option is
granted.

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          5.2  Eligibility.
               -----------

               (a)  No Eligible Individual may be granted, in any fiscal year of
the Company, Options to purchase more than 397,983 Shares; provided that the
limitation set forth in this Section 5.2(a) shall only apply to Options granted
after the Company's Initial Public Offering. If an Option is cancelled (other
than in connection with a Change of Control), the cancelled Option will be
counted against the limit set forth in this Section 5.2(a). For this purpose, if
the exercise price of an Option is reduced, the transaction will be treated as a
cancellation of the Option and the grant of a new Option.

               (b)  Each Option shall be designated in the Agreement as either
an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonqualified Stock Option. However,
notwithstanding such designations, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market
Value:

                    (i)  of Shares subject to an Optionee's Incentive Stock
Options granted by the Company, any Parent or Subsidiary, which

                    (ii) become exercisable for the first time during any
calendar year (under all plans of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary)
exceeds $100,000, such excess Options shall be treated as Nonqualified Stock
Options. For purposes of this Section 5.2(b), Incentive Stock Options shall be
taken into account in the order in which they were granted, and the Fair Market
Value of the Shares shall be determined as of the time the Option with respect
to such Shares is granted.

          5.3  Option Exercise Price. The Per Share Option Price for the Shares
               ---------------------
to be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be such price as is
determined by the Committee, but shall be subject to the following:

               (a)  In the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an
Eligible Individual who, at the time of the grant of such Incentive Stock
Option, is a Ten-Percent Shareholder, the Per Share Option Price shall be no
less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the Grant Date.

               (b)  In the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to any
Eligible Individual other than a Ten-Percent Shareholder, the Per Share Option
Price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the Grant
Date.

          5.4  Duration of Options.
               -------------------

               (a)  Maximum Duration. Each Option granted hereunder shall be for
                    ----------------
a term of not more than ten (10) years from the date it is granted (five (5)
years in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Ten-Percent
Shareholder). The Committee may, subsequent to

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the granting of any Option, extend the term thereof but in no event shall the
term as so extended exceed the maximum term provided for in the preceding
sentence.

               (b)  Termination of Employment.
                    -------------------------

                    (i)   Death, Disability or Retirement. In the event the
                          -------------------------------
Optionee's employment with or service as a consultant to or director of the
Company is terminated as a result of Disability or death or the voluntary
retirement of the Optionee at or after age 65 (or age 55 with Company consent)
("Retirement") or the Optionee dies within the thirty (30) day period described
in Section 5.4(b)(iii) below, the Optionee or, in the case of the Optionee's
death, Optionee's legal representatives, may at any time within one (1) year
after his or her termination, exercise any Options then held by the Optionee to
the extent, but only to the extent, that such Options or portions thereof are
exercisable on the date of such termination, after which time such Options shall
terminate in full; provided, however, that if the employment of an Optionee is
terminated as a result of Disability that does not qualify as a "permanent and
total disability" as defined in Code Section 22(e)(3) and the regulations
thereunder, Incentive Stock Options held by the Optionee shall be treated as
Nonqualified Stock Options as of the date that is three (3) months and one (1)
day following such termination of employment. Any portion of an Incentive Stock
Option granted to an Optionee which is not exercised within the three (3) month
period following the Optionee's Retirement shall thereafter cease to be an
Incentive Stock Option and shall be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option. In
the event of an Optionee's termination of employment due to death as described
in this Section, all Options held by the Optionee shall be exercisable, even as
to Shares previously unvested, by the legatee or legatees under the Optionee's
will, or by the Optionee's personal representatives or distributees and such
person or persons shall be substituted for the Optionee each time the Optionee
is referred to herein. Notwithstanding anything else in this Section, the
Committee may, in its discretion, provide in the Agreement that any Options held
by Optionee on the date Optionee's employment with or service as a consultant or
director of the Company terminates as a result of Disability or Retirement shall
become fully vested and exercisable as of such termination date.

                    (ii)  Cause. In the event Optionee's employment with or
                          -----
service as a consultant to or director of the Company is terminated for Cause,
all Options held by the Optionee shall terminate on the date of the Optionee's
termination whether or not exercisable.

                    (iii) Other Termination. If Optionee's employment with or
                          -----------------
service as a consultant to or director of the Company is terminated for any
reason other than Disability, death, Retirement or Cause (including the
Optionee's ceasing to be employed by or a consultant to or director of a
Subsidiary or division of the Company or any Subsidiary as a result of the sale
of such Subsidiary or division or an interest in such Subsidiary or division),
the Optionee may at any time within thirty (30) days after such termination,
exercise any Options held by the Optionee to the extent, but only to the extent,
that such Options or portions thereof are exercisable on the date of the
termination, after which time such Options shall terminate in full.

                                      -9-
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          5.5  Vesting. Unless otherwise provided for by the Committee in an
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Agreement and subject to Section 5.10, each Option shall become vested and
exercisable as to 25% of the aggregate number of Shares covered by the Option on
the First Vesting Date, and as to an additional 25% of the aggregate number of
Shares covered by the Option on each of the first, second and third
anniversaries of the First Vesting Date. Any fractional number of Shares
resulting from the application of the vesting percentage shall be rounded to the
next higher whole number of Shares. To the extent not exercised, installments
shall accumulate and be exercisable, in whole or in part, at any time after
becoming exercisable, but not later than the date an Option expires or
terminates. Notwithstanding the foregoing (or any other provision to the
contrary contained in the Plan or any Agreement) all outstanding Options shall
immediately become fully (100%) vested and exercisable upon a Change of Control.
In addition, the Committee may accelerate the exercisability of any Option or
portion thereof at any time.

          5.6  Modification. No modification of an Option shall adversely alter
               ------------
or impair any rights or obligations under the Option without the Optionee's
consent.

          5.7  Nontransferability. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in
               ------------------
an Agreement, no Option granted hereunder shall be transferable by the Optionee
to whom granted otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution
or pursuant to a qualified domestic relations order as defined in the Code. An
Option may be exercised during the lifetime of such Optionee only by the
Optionee or his or her guardian or legal representative. The terms of such
Option shall be final, binding and conclusive upon the beneficiaries, executors,
administrators, heirs and successors of the Optionee.

          5.8  Method of Exercise. The exercise of an Option shall be made only
               ------------------
by a written notice delivered in person or by mail to the Secretary of the
Company at the Company's principal executive office, specifying the number of
Shares to be purchased and accompanied by payment therefor and otherwise in
accordance with the Agreement pursuant to which the Option was granted. The
purchase price for any Shares purchased pursuant to the exercise of an Option
shall be paid in full upon such exercise by any one or a combination of the
following: (i) cash, (ii) check, (iii) transferring Shares to the Company upon
such terms and conditions as determined by the Committee or (iv) pursuant to a
cashless exercise providing for the exercise of the Option and sale of the
underlying Shares by a designated broker and delivery of the Shares by the
Company to such broker. Cashless exercises shall be subject to such procedures
as may be established from time to time by the Committee in its sole discretion.
The Committee shall have discretion to determine at the time of grant of each
Option or at any later date (up to and including the date of exercise) the form
of payment acceptable in respect of the exercise of such Option. With respect to
the transfer of Shares to the Company as payment, in part or in whole, of the
exercise price (i) any Shares transferred to the Company as payment of the
purchase price under an Option shall be valued at their Fair Market Value on the
day preceding the date of exercise of such Option; and (ii) any Shares acquired
upon the exercise of an option must have been owned by the Optionee for more
than six months prior to such transfer. If requested by the Committee, the
Optionee shall deliver the Agreement evidencing the Option to the Secretary of
the Company who shall endorse thereon a

                                      -10-
<PAGE>

notation of such exercise and return such Agreement to the Optionee. No
fractional Shares (or cash in lieu thereof) shall be issued upon exercise of an
Option and the number of Shares that may be purchased upon exercise shall be
rounded to the nearest whole number of Shares.

          5.9  Rights of Optionees. No Optionee shall be deemed for any purpose
               -------------------
to be the owner of any Shares subject to any Option unless and until (i) the
Option shall have been exercised pursuant to the terms thereof, (ii) the Company
shall have issued and delivered the Shares to the Optionee, and (iii) the
Optionee's name shall have been entered as a shareholder of record on the books
of the Company. Thereupon, the Optionee shall have full voting, dividend and
other ownership rights with respect to such Shares, subject to such terms and
conditions as may be set forth in the applicable Agreement.

          5.10 Change of Control.
               -----------------

                    (a)  In the event of a Change of Control, each outstanding
Option shall become fully (100%) vested and exercisable. In addition, at the
election of the Company the following shall occur:

                         (A)  (i) each Option shall be deemed to have been
exercised to the extent it had not been exercised prior to that date, (ii) the
Shares issuable in connection with the deemed exercise of each Option shall be
issued to and in the name of the acquiror of the Company, if any, and (iii) in
respect of each Share issued in connection with the deemed exercise of an
Option, the Optionee shall receive a per Share payment equal to the number (or
amount) and kind of stock, securities, cash, property or other consideration
that each holder of a Share was entitled to receive in connection with the
Change of Control, reduced by the Per Share Option Price, or

                         (B)  immediately after each outstanding Option has
become fully (100%) vested it shall be terminated in exchange for a per share
payment for each Share then subject to such Option equal to the number (or
amount) and kind of stock, securities, cash, property or other consideration
that each holder of a Share was entitled to receive in connection with the
Change of Control, reduced by the Per Share Option Price, or

                         (C)  in the event of a Change of Control that is
consummated pursuant to a merger, consolidation or reorganization (a
"Transaction"), each outstanding Option shall become fully (100%) vested and
exercisable, and the Plan and the outstanding Options shall continue in effect
in accordance with their respective terms and each Optionee shall be entitled to
receive in respect of each Share subject to any outstanding Option, upon
exercise of such Option, the same number (or amount) and kind of stock,
securities, cash, property or other consideration that each holder of a Share
was entitled to receive in connection with the Transaction in respect of a
Share.

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<PAGE>

                    (b)  Any sale of Shares by any Optionee in any Change of
Control shall be for the same consideration per share, on the same terms and
subject to the same conditions as the sale by the shareholders of the Company.

                    (c)  For all purposes of the Plan, the value of stock,
securities, property or other consideration shall be the Fair Market Value of
such stock, securities, property or other consideration as determined in
accordance with Section 2.13.

                    (d)  With respect to Incentive Stock Options granted prior
to February 12, 1998, in the event of a Change of Control as described in
Sections 2.6 (iii), (iv) and (v), the Optionee shall sell his or her Shares and,
if shareholder approval of the transaction is required and if the Company
receives an opinion of an independent, nationally recognized investment banking
firm retained by the Board to the effect that the consideration to be received
in such Sale of the Company, as the case may be, is fair to the shareholders of
the Company, shall vote his or her Shares in favor thereof, and waive any
dissenters' rights, preemptive rights, appraisal rights or similar rights, as
the case may be. (The fees and expenses incurred in obtaining such opinion shall
be borne by the Company.)

                    (e)  With respect to Incentive Stock Options granted prior
to February 12, 1998, in any case, in the event of a Change of Control as
described in Sections 2.6(iii), (iv) and (v) (a "Sale of the Company"), the
payment made to each Optionee shall be further reduced by an amount equal to the
Optionee's proportionate share of the expenses of sale incurred by the
Controlling Shareholders in connection with the Sale of the Company. In any Sale
of the Company, at the request of the Controlling Shareholders or the Company,
each Optionee shall execute and deliver a counterpart of an agreement pursuant
to which such Optionee agrees to sell its Shares in the Sale of the Company,
provided that such Optionee shall not be required to make, in connection with
--------
such Sale of the Company, any representations and warranties with respect to the
Company or its business or with respect to any other Optionee or selling
shareholder. In addition, each Optionee shall be responsible for such Optionee's
proportionate share of the expenses of sale incurred by the selling shareholders
in connection with the Sale of the Company and the obligations and liabilities
(including obligations and liabilities for indemnification (including
indemnification obligations and liabilities for (x) breaches of representations
and warranties made by the Company or any other Optionee or selling shareholder
with respect to the Company or its business, (y) breaches of covenants and (z)
other matters), amounts paid into escrow and post-closing purchase price
adjustments) incurred by the selling shareholders in connection with the Sale of
the Company; provided that (i) without the written consent of such Optionee, the
             --------
amount of such obligations and liabilities shall not exceed the gross proceeds
received by such Optionee in such Sale of the Company (provided that to the
                                                       --------
extent the proceeds received by the Optionee in such Sale of the Company are
reduced by the Per Share Option Price, the "gross proceeds received by such
Optionee" shall be deemed to mean the sum of such proceeds plus the Per Share
Option Price for purposes of this Plan) and (ii) such Optionee shall not be
responsible for the fraud of any other Optionee or selling shareholder or any
indemnification obligations and liabilities for breaches of representations and
warranties made by any other Optionee or selling shareholder with respect to
such other

                                      -12-
<PAGE>

Optionee's or selling shareholder's ownership of and title to shares of capital
stock of the Company, organization and authority. In connection with a Sale of
the Company, and subject to Section 5.10(b) and Section 5.10(c) hereof, each
Optionee shall do and perform or cause to be done and performed all further acts
and things and shall execute and deliver all other agreements, certificates,
instruments and documents as the Company or the Controlling Shareholders
reasonably may request in connection with such Sale of the Company.

     6.   Adjustment Upon Changes in Capitalization.
          -----------------------------------------

          (a)  In the event of a Change in Capitalization, the Committee shall
conclusively determine the appropriate adjustments, if any, to (i) the maximum
number and class of Shares or other stock or securities with respect to which
Options may be granted under the Plan, (ii) the maximum number of Shares with
respect to which Options may be granted to any Eligible Individual during the
term of the Plan, and (iii) the number and class of Shares or other stock or
securities which are subject to outstanding Options granted under the Plan, and
the purchase price therefor, if applicable.

          (b)  Any such adjustment in the Shares or other stock or securities
subject to outstanding Incentive Stock Options (including any adjustments in the
purchase price) shall be made in such manner as not to constitute a modification
as defined by Section 424(h)(3) of the Code and only to the extent otherwise
permitted by Sections 422 and 424 of the Code.

          (c)  If, by reason of a Change in Capitalization, an Optionee shall be
entitled to exercise an Option with respect to, new, additional or different
shares of stock or securities, such new, additional or different shares shall
thereupon be subject to all of the conditions, restrictions and performance
criteria which were applicable to the Shares subject to the Option prior to such
Change in Capitalization.

     7.   Termination and Amendment of the Plan.
          -------------------------------------

          The Plan shall terminate on the day preceding the tenth anniversary of
the date of its adoption by the Board and no Option may be granted thereafter.
The Board may sooner terminate the Plan and the Board may at any time and from
time to time amend, modify or suspend the Plan; provided, however, that, except
                                                -----------------
with the consent of the Optionee, no such amendment, modification, suspension or
termination shall impair or adversely alter any Options theretofore granted
under the Plan, nor shall any amendment, modification, suspension or termination
deprive any Optionee of any Shares which he or she may have acquired through or
as a result of the Plan. To the extent necessary and desirable to comply with
the Code or any other applicable laws, the Company shall obtain shareholder
approval of any amendment to the Plan.

                                      -13-
<PAGE>

     8.   Non-Exclusivity of the Plan.
          ---------------------------

          The adoption of the Plan by the Board shall not be construed as
amending, modifying or rescinding any previously approved incentive arrangement
or as creating any limitations on the power of the Board to adopt such other
incentive arrangements as it may deem desirable, including, without limitation,
the granting of stock options otherwise than under the Plan, and such
arrangements may be either applicable generally or only in specific cases.

     9.   Limitation of Liability.
          -----------------------

          As illustrative of the limitations of liability of the Company, but
not intended to be exhaustive thereof, nothing in the Plan shall be construed
to:

          (i)  give any person any right to be granted an Option other than at
the sole discretion of the Committee;

          (ii) give any person any rights whatsoever with respect to Shares
except as specifically provided in the Plan;

          (iii)limit in any way the right of the Company to terminate the
employment of any person at any time; or

          (iv) be evidence of any agreement or understanding, expressed or
implied, that the Company will employ any person at any particular rate of
compensation or for any particular period of time.

     10.  Regulations and Other Approvals: Governing Law.
          ----------------------------------------------

          10.1 Except as to matters of federal law, this Plan and the rights of
all persons claiming hereunder shall be construed and determined in accordance
with the laws of the State of California without giving effect to conflicts of
law principles.

          10.2 The obligation of the Company to sell or deliver Shares with
respect to Options granted under the Plan shall be subject to all applicable
laws, rules, and regulations, including all applicable federal and state
securities laws and all applicable stock exchange rules, and the obtaining of
all such approvals by governmental agencies as may be deemed necessary or
appropriate by the Committee.

          10.3 It is intended that from and after the date that any class of
equity securities of the Company are registered under Section 12 of the Exchange
Act, the Plan shall be administered in compliance with Rule 16b-3 promulgated
under the Exchange Act and the Committee shall interpret and administer the
provisions of the Plan or any Agreement in a manner consistent therewith. Any

                                      -14-
<PAGE>

provisions inconsistent with such Rule shall be inoperative and shall not affect
the validity of the Plan.

          10.4 The Board may make such changes as may be necessary or
appropriate to comply with the rules and regulations of any government
authority, or to obtain for Eligible Individuals granted Incentive Stock Options
the tax benefits under the applicable provisions of the Code and regulations
promulgated thereunder.

          10.5 Each Option is subject to the requirement that, if at any time
the Committee determines, in its discretion, that the listing, registration or
qualification of Shares issuable pursuant to the Plan is required by any
securities exchange or under any state or federal law, or the consent or
approval of any governmental regulatory body is necessary or desirable as a
condition of, or in connection with, the grant of an Option or the issuance of
Shares, no such Options shall be granted or payment made or Shares issued, in
whole or in part, unless listing, registration, qualification, consent or
approval has been effected or obtained free of any conditions other than as
acceptable to the Committee.

          10.6 Notwithstanding anything contained in the Plan or any Agreement
to the contrary, in the event that the disposition of Shares acquired pursuant
to the Plan is not covered by a then current registration statement under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and is not otherwise exempt from such
registration, such Shares shall be restricted against transfer to the extent
required by the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 144 or other
regulations thereunder. The Committee may require any individual receiving
Shares pursuant to an Option granted under the Plan, as a condition precedent to
receipt of such Shares, to represent and warrant to the Company in writing that
the Shares acquired by such individual are acquired without a view to any
distribution thereof and will not be sold or transferred other than pursuant to
an effective registration thereof under said Act or pursuant to an exemption
applicable under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the rules and
regulations promulgated thereunder and to the effect set forth in Section 14 of
the Agreement. The certificates evidencing any of such Shares shall bear an
appropriate legend to reflect their status as restricted securities as
aforesaid.

     11.  Miscellaneous.
          -------------

          11.1 Multiple Agreements. The terms of each Option may differ from
               -------------------
other Options granted under the Plan at the same time, or at some other time.
The Committee may also grant more than one Option to a given Eligible Individual
during the term of the Plan, either in addition to, or in substitution for, one
or more Options previously granted to that Eligible Individual.

          11.2 Withholding of Taxes.
               --------------------

               (a)  At such times as an Optionee recognizes taxable income in
connection with the receipt of Shares, cash or other consideration hereunder (a
"Taxable Event"), the Optionee shall pay to the Company an amount equal to the
federal, state and local income taxes and other amounts as may be required by
law to be withheld by the Company in connection with the

                                      -15-
<PAGE>

Taxable Event (the "Withholding Taxes") prior to the issuance or the payment of
such Shares, cash or other consideration. The Company shall have the right to
deduct from any payment of cash to an Optionee an amount equal to the
Withholding Taxes in satisfaction of the obligation to pay Withholding Taxes. In
satisfaction of the obligation to pay Withholding Taxes to the Company, the
Optionee may make a written election (the "Tax Election"), which may be accepted
or rejected in the sole discretion of the Committee, to have withheld a portion
of the Shares then issuable to him or her having an aggregate Fair Market Value,
on the date preceding the date of such issuance, equal to the Withholding Taxes.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may, by the adoption of rules or
otherwise, (i) modify the provisions of this Section 11.2 or impose such other
restrictions or limitations on Tax Elections as may be necessary to ensure that
the Tax Elections will be exempt transactions under Section 16(b) of the
Exchange Act, and (ii) permit Tax Elections to be made at such other times and
subject to such other conditions as the Committee determines will constitute
exempt transactions under Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.

               (b)  If an Optionee makes a disposition, within the meaning of
Section 424(c) of the Code and regulations promulgated thereunder, of any Share
or Shares issued to such Optionee pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock
Option within the two-year period commencing on the day after the date of the
grant or within the one-year period commencing on the day after the date of
transfer of such Share or Shares to the Optionee pursuant to such exercise, the
Optionee shall, within ten (10) days of such disposition, notify the Company
thereof, by delivery of written notice to the Company at its principal executive
office.

     12.  Effective Date.
          --------------

          The Plan shall become effective upon its adoption by the Board of
Directors of the Company; provided that continuance of the Plan shall be subject
to approval by the shareholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after
the date the Plan is so adopted. Such shareholder approval shall be obtained in
the degree and manner required under applicable state and federal law and the
rules of any stock exchange upon which the Shares are listed.

     13.  Termination of Existing Option Plan.
          -----------------------------------

          At such time as this Plan shall become effective and shall have been
approved by the shareholders as required by Section 12, the 1994 Stock Option
Plan shall terminate and the Shares allotted for stock option grants under the
1994 Option Plan, other than Shares that are the subject of outstanding options
granted under the 1994 Option Plan, and any Shares which become available due to
the forfeiture, expiration or other termination of any option, or portion
thereof, outstanding under the 1994 Option Plan, shall not be available for the
granting of any further options or other awards under the 1994 Option Plan or
any other option or stock incentive plan or arrangement of the Company. Each
option outstanding under the 1994 Option Plan shall remain outstanding and shall
continue to be subject to the terms of the applicable agreement evidencing the
grant of such option and the terms of the 1994 Option Plan.

                                      -16-EXHIBIT 10.4

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

        THIS  EMPLOYMENT AGE is made and entered into effective as of the 1" day
of January, 2000, by and between RED OAK FARMS, INC. (hereinafter referred to as
"Employer"), and JOHN SCHIERING (hereinafter referred to as "Employee").

        1. Employment. In consideration of the promises and mutual covenants and
agreements  contained  herein,  Employer  hereby  employs  Employee as its Chief
Operating Officer and Employee hereby accepts such employment upon the terms and
conditions hereinafter set forth.

        2. Term.

           a. Initial Term. The initial term of employment  under this Agreement
(hereafter referred to as the "Initial Term") shall commence on the date hereof,
and shall  expire six (6) months  later,  on June 31,  2000,  unless  terminated
earlier for cause as provided below.

           b. Renewal.    This  Agreement  will  be  renewed  automatically  for
additional  terms of two (2) years in duration upon the  expiration of any term.
It is provided,  however,  that if it is the desire of either party not to renew
the Agreement  for a further two (2) year terra,  the party wishing to terminate
the Agreement  shall give written  notice of  non-renewal  to the other party at
least one hundred  twenty  (120) days prior to the end of any term.  Cause shall
not be required as a prerequisite to such notice.

           c. Termination. Either party may terminate this Agreement at any time
with or without cause;  provided,  however, that in the case of such termination
(other than a  termination  by Employer  for cause as set forth in  subparagraph
(2.d  below),  the  terminating  party shall give one hundred  twenty (120) days
advance written notice to the other party, utilizing hand delivery or restricted
certified  mail. If certified mail is used,  such notices will be deemed to have
been given  on the date it is  deposited  in any United  States Post Office mail
receptacle,  properly  addressed  and  bearing  proper  postage.  In the case of
termination initiated by Employee, notice shall be given to the President of the
Employer.  In the case of  termination  initiated by  Employer,  notice shall be
given to Employee.

        Upon such  notice of  termination,  Employee  shall  continue  to render
services to Employer until the daze of termination  unless: (i) Employer directs
Employee to cease  rendering  services at an earlier  date; or (ii) Employer and
Employee agree that Employee will cease rendering services at an earlier date.

                                       1
<PAGE>

        Salary shall be paid following  notice of termination only as follows:

        (1)       Employee  shall be entitled to his  regular  pro-rated  salary
                  following  notice of  termination  for so long as  Employee is
                  permitted  to and  actually  continues  to render  services to
                  Employer during the 120-day period following such notice.

        (2)       If  Employee  is  directed  by Employer to cease work prior to
                  expiration of the 120-day  period,  Employee shall be entitled
                  to his regular  pro-rated  salary until the end of the 120-day
                  period, unless Employee has been terminated for cause pursuant
                  to  subparagraph  2.d,  in which  case  Employee  shall not be
                  entitled to any further compensation.

           d. Termination for Cause. Notwithstanding the provisions set forth in
subparagraphs  2.b and 2.c above,  Employer may  terminate  this  Agreement  and
Employee's  employment  hereunder  immediately during any term of this Agreement
upon the  occurrence of any of the  following by or relating to Employee:  (i) a
material breach of the terms of this Agreement; (ii) embezzlement;  (iii) fraud;
(iv)  unethical  conduct;  (v) the conviction of a criminal act that in the sole
opinion of Employer may reflex  negatively you the  credibility or reputation of
Employee, to Employer's  detriment;  or (vi) other similarly outrageous personal
conduct.

        3. Duties. Employee shall serve as Chief Operating  Officer of Employer,
and shall devote his full-time  attention and best efforts to the performance of
all duties  regularly  performed  by an  individual  employed in that  capacity.
Employee  shall report to and be subject to the  direction  and authority of the
President,  and  shall  perform  such  specific  and  additional  duties  as the
President shall direct.

        4. Relocation.   In the event Employee and Employer  mutually  desire to
extend  Employee's  employment  beyond  the six (6) month  Initial  Term,  it is
understood  and agreed that Employee  will  relocate to the Omaha,  Nebraska/Red
Oak,-Iowa  area after  expiration of the six (6) month  Initial  Term,  and that
renewal and extension of this Agreement,  as well as Employee's  eligibility for
bonuses, are contingent on such relocation.

        5. Compensation

           a. Raise Salary. For all services rendered by Employee during the six
(6)  month  Initial  Term of this  Agreement,  Employee  shall be paid a monthly
salary of eleven  thousand two hundred  fifty dollars  ($11,250.00),  payable in
accordance with Employer's usual payroll practices.

           b. Cash Bonus.  Employee  shall  be paid a bonus  in the  lump sum of
thirteen  thousand  five hundred  dollars  ($13,500.00)  within thirty (30) days

                                        2

<PAGE>

after relocating to the Omaha/Red Oak area,  assuming  Employee remains employed
by Employer at that time.

           c. Stock/Stock Option Bonus. Within thirty (30) days after relocating
to ,tie Omaha/Red Oak area,  assuming  Employee  remains employed by Employer at
that time, Employer shall cause its parent corporation, Red Oak. Hereford Farms,
Inc.,  to: (i) issue to Employee  fifteen  thousand  (15,000)  shares of Red Oak
Hereford  Farms,  Inc.  common  stock;  and (ii) grant to Employee the option to
purchase  twenty-five  thousand (25, 000) shares of Red Oak Hereford Farms, Inc.
common  stock for a purchase  price of one  dollar and fifty  cents ($ 1.50) per
share,  which option shall vest  immediately  and be exercisable  until the date
which is one (1) year after the date of this  Agreement  and,  if not  exercised
within such one (1) year period,  shall expire and shall  thereafter be null and
void.

           d. Additional  Stock  Options.    Employer  shall  cause  its  parent
corporation,  Red Oak  Hereford  Farms,  Inc.,  to grant to Employee  options to
purchase an additional one hundred thousand (100,000) shares of Red Oak Hereford
Farms, Inc. common stock at its fair market value as of the date of signing this
Agreement.  Employee's  options to purchase such additional shares shall vest at
the rate of thirty-three thousand shares per year for three (3) years, and after
vesting,  shall  be  exercisable  at each  anniversary  date of this  Agreement,
unless,  until,  and  to any  such  option  expires  pursuant  to the  following
sentence.  Each vested option shall expire and thereafter be null and void if it
is not exercised  within five (5) years of the applicable  anniversary date upon
which such option  vested.  Employee  shall be entitled to exercise such options
only if he remains employed by Employer at each vesting date.

        6. Benefits.

           a. Employee  shall be entitled to  participate  in all fringe benefit
programs,  including insurance coverage, vacation, and similar benefit programs,
that Employer makes available to its employees generally.

           b. Employee  shall have the use of a vehicle  provided at the expense
of Employer for local use in Red Oak and in the conduct of  Employer's  business
during the six (6) month Initial Term.

        7. Expense Reimbursement.  During the six (6) month Initial Term of this
Agreement,  Employee shall be entitled to reimbursement  for reasonable air fare
expense (coach class at lowest available rate) incurred in commuting between Red
Oak, Iowa, and his home in Carmel,  Indiana. Such reimbursement shall be limited
to twenty-four (24) round-trip tickets during said six-month period.

        Employee shall be entitled to a reasonable  housing allowance during the
six (6) month Initial  Term, in an amount to be agreed upon by the parties,  for
the purpose of securing a modest apartment in or around Red Oak, Iowa.

                                        3

<PAGE>

        8. Confidentiality.   Employee  acknowledges  and agrees that during the
course of his employment he may have access to certain proprietary confidential,
information of Employer,  maintained in confidence by Employer as trade secrets,
including but not limited to  information  pertaining  to Employer's  customers,
processes,  products, pricing, purchasing,  accounting,  marketing, finances and
business   practices.   Employee  further   acknowledges  and  agrees  that  all
information  disclosed  to  or  accessed  by  Employee,   including  information
originated  by Employee  in the course of  performing  his duties for  Employer,
which  Employee  has reason to believe  is  confidential  or which is treated by
Employer as  confidential,  shall be presumed  to be  confidential  information,
unless such  information was available to the public by publication or otherwise
was part of the public  domain  through no fault of Employee.  Employee  further
acknowledges  and agrees that  Employer has developed  and  established  and its
continuing  to develop  and  establish  a valuable  and  extensive  trade in its
products and services, and that Employer would suffer great loss and irreparable
injury  if  Employee  discloses  any  confidential  information  or  uses  it to
Employer's detriment.

        Employee,  during  the  course  of  his  employment  and  at  all  times
thereafter,  shall  maintain in strictest  confidence  and shall not directly or
indirectly  divulge,  release,  disclose,  or make  available to any other firm,
person,  corporation,  or other entity any confidential information of Employer,
except as required by his employment or as permitted by Employer in writing.

        Upon  termination of his employment,  Employee shall deliver promptly to
Employer all records, manuals,  documents, books, reports, notes, data, computer
disks,  and similar matter that are the property of Employer,  and shall keep no
photocopies, facsimiles, or other duplications thereof.

        9. Noncompetition.

           a. Employee  agrees that during any term of this  Agreement and for a
period of two (2) years from and after the date of expiration or  termination of
this  Agreement by either party,  Employee will not,  without  Employer's  prior
written  consent,  perform  services for or have any interest in any entity that
offers  products  or services  competitive  with the  products or services  then
offered or performed by Employer  within the  Restricted  Area.  For purposes of
this  paragraph,  products or services shall be deemed to be competitive if they
relate to the sale of beef  products  (fresh  and  pre-cooked),  smoked  salmon,
and/or imported European food and food products,  excluding candy products.  The
"Restricted Area." shall mean the continental United States.

           b. Employee  further  agrees that during any terra of this  Agreement
and for a period of two (2)  years  from and  after  the date of  expiration  or
termination  of this Agreement by either party,  Employee will not,  directly or
indirectly,  in any  capacity  whatsoever,  contact;  call on, sell to,  solicit
business  from,  or render any service to any of Employer's  current,  former or

                                        4

<PAGE>

prospective   customers,   clients,   contacts  within  the  industry,  for  any
competitive product or service developed,  produced,  marketed,  distributed, or
sold by Employer  during the period of  Employee's  employment.  For purposes of
this  paragraph,  products or services shall be deemed to be competitive if they
relate to the sale of beef  products  (fresh  and  pre-cooked),  smoked  salmon,
and/or imported European food and food products, excluding candy products.

        10.   Equitable  Enforcement. Employee  acknowledges and agrees that the
terms  and  conditions  set  forth  in  paragraphs  8 and 9 are  reasonable  and
necessary for the protection of Employer's business and are necessary to prevent
damage or loss to  Employer,  and that any breach by Employee  of the  foregoing
provisions  may cause  Employer  irreparable  injury  for which  there may be no
adequate remedy at law. Employee further agrees that the services to be rendered
by him are of a special and unique  character,  which gives them a special value
in the successful operation of Employer's business. By reason thereof,  Employee
agrees that  Employer  shall be entitled to injunctive  and equitable  relief to
prevent or curtail any breach of the provisions of paragraphs 8 and 9 by him, in
addition to any other remedies  Employer may have under this  Agreement.  In the
event it is necessary  for Employer to take legal action to enforce the terms of
paragraphs 8 and 9, and Employer prevails, Employee shall be responsible for the
attorneys fees incurred by Employer in its successful enforcement. It is further
agreed that the  provisions of paragraphs 8 and 9, as well as this paragraph 10,
shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

        11.   Successors and Assigns Bound. This Agreement shall be binding upon
Employer  and  Employee,  their  respective  heirs,  executors,  administrators,
successors  in  interest  or  assigns,   including   without   limitation,   any
partnership,  corporation,  or other entity into which Employer may be merged or
by which it may be acquired (whether  directly,  indirectly,  or by operation of
law), or to which is may assign its rights under this  Agreement Notwithstanding
the  foregoing,  any assignment by Employee of this Agreement or of any interest
herein shall be void.

        12.   Leverability.  In the event that any one or more of the provisions
of this  Agreement  or any word,  phrase,  clause,  sentence,  or other  portion
thereof (including without limitation the geographical and temporal restrictions
contained  herein)  shall be deemed by a court of competent  jurisdiction  to be
illegal, invalid, or unenforceable for any reason, it is hereby agreed that said
invalidity  or  unenforceability  shall not  affect the other  portions  of this
Agreement  and that  such  provision  or  portion  thereof  shall be  considered
modified  or  deleted in such  manner as to make this  Agreement,  as  modified,
legal,  and enforceable to the fullest extent  permitted under  applicable laws.
The validity and enforceability of the remaining  provisions or portions thereof
shall continue unimpaired.

        13.   Waiver.  The waiver by Employer of its rights under this Agreement
or the failure of Employer promptly to enforce any provision hereof shall not be
construed  as a  waiver  of any  subsequent  breach  of the  same  or any  other
covenant, term, or provision.

        14.   Entire Agreement.  This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement
between the parties hereto with regard to the subject  matter hereof,  and there

                                        5

<PAGE>

are no  agreements,  under  standings,  specific  restrictions,  warranties,  or
representations  relating to said subject  matter between the parties other than
those set forth herein or herein  provided for. No amendment or  modification of
this  Agreement  shall be valid or binding  unless in writing  and signed by the
party against whom such amendment or modification is to be enforced.

         15.  Notices. Any  notice required  to be given  hereunder  shall be in
writing  and shall be deemed to be  sufficiently  served by either  parry on the
other party if such notice is  delivered  personally  or is sent by certified or
first class mail addressed as follows:

                  To Employee:

                          John Schiering
                          5179 Carrington Circle
                          Carmel, IN 46033

                  To Employer:

                          Red Oak Farms, Inc.
                          PO Box 456
                          Red Oak, IA 50560
                          Attention: Gordon Reisinger, President

        16.   Governing  Law.  This  Agreement is entered  into  pursuant to and
shall be governed by and in accordance with the laws of the State of Iowa.

        IN WITNESS  WHEREOF,  the parties  have duly  executed  this  EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT effective as of the date first above written,

EMPLOYEE:                                      EMPLOYER:

                                               Red Oak Farms, Inc.

By: John Schiering                             By:  (signature illegible)
------------------                             --------------------------
    John Schiering                             Its: (signature illegible)
                                               --------------------------

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