Document:

<Page>

NOTE # 284367

US SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION             U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
[Company Logo]                                              NOTE

<Table>

<S>                          <C>
---------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
SBA Loan #                   GP361,207-40-10Fgo
---------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
SBA Loan Name                Farstad OIL INC
---------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Date                         March 1, 2000
---------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Loan Amount                  $650,000.00
---------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Interest Rate                9,000%
---------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Borrower                     Farstad Oil Inc
---------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Operating
Company
---------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
Lender                       Bremer Bank, National Association
                             Box 1548 Minot ND 58702
---------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------

</Table>

1.  PROMISE TO PAY:

    In return for the Loan, Borrower promises to pay to the order of Lender
the amount of SIX HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND and no/100 Dollars, interest on the
unpaid principal balance, and all other amounts required by this Note.

2.  DEFINITIONS:

     "Collateral" means any property taken as security for payment of this
     Note or any guarantee of this Note.

     "Guarantor" means each person or entity that signs a guarantee of
     payment of this Note.

     "Loan" means the loan evidenced by this Note.

     "Loan Documents" means the documents related to this loan signed by
     Borrower, any Guarantor, or anyone who pledges collateral.

     "SBA" means the Small Business Administration, an Agency of the United
     States of America.

SBA Form 147 (10/22/98) Previous editions obsolete                     Page 1/6

<Page>

3.   PAYMENT TERMS:

     Borrower must make all payments at the place Lender designates. The payment
     terms for this Note are:

     NOTE PAYABLE: FIFTEEN (15) years from the date of Note with interest at the
     rate of 9.000% per annum and installments including principal and accured
     interest payable MONTHLY, each in the amount of $6,596.04, commencing one
     MONTH from date of Note. Each said installment shall be applied first to
     interest accrued to the date of receipt of said installment, and the
     balance, if any, to principal. Balance of principal and interest payable on
     or before fifteen years from the date hereof.

     Interest rate shall be adjusted up or down QUARTERLY, and become effective
     as of the first business day of each QUARTER with adjustment period
     beginning April 1, 2000, based on .250% over the minimum prime rate as
     published daily in the Wall Street Journal. In no event shall the interest
     rate exceed the maximum rate permitted by law. Ceiling will be NIA% and
     floor will be N/A%. THE INSTALLMENTS SHALL INCREASE OR DECREASE IN
     ACCORDANCE WITH INTEREST FLUCTUATION ON A QUARTERLY BASIS.

     If the undersigned shall be in default in payment due on the indebtedness
     herein and the Small Business Administration (SBA) purchases its guaranteed
     portion of said indebtedness, the rate of interest on both the guaranteed
     and unguaranteed portions herein shall become fixed at the rate in effect
     as of the date of default. If the undersigned shall not be in default in
     payment when SBA purchases its guaranteed portion, the rate of interest on
     both the guaranteed and unguaranteed portion herein shall be fixed at the
     rate in effect as of the date of purchase by SBA.

SBA Form 147 (10/22/98) Previous editions obsolete                      Page 2/6

<Page>

3.   PAYMENT TERMS:

     Borrower must make all payments at the place Lender designates. The payment
     terms for this Note are:

          The interest rate on this Note will fluctuate. The initial interest
          rate is 9.0% per year. This initial rate is the prime rate on the date
          SBA received the loan application, plus .25%.

          Borrower must pay principal and interest payments of $6,596.00 every
          month, beginning one month from the month this Note is dated: payments
          must be made on the 1st calendar day in the months they are due.

          Lender will apply each installment payment first to pay interest
          accrued to the day Lender receives the payment, then to bring
          principal current, then to pay any late fees, and will apply any
          remaining balance to reduce principal.

          Lender may adjust the interest rate for the first time no earlier than
          the first calendar day of the first month after initial disbursement.
          The interest rate will then be adjusted quarterly (the "change
          period").

          The "Prime Rate" is the prime rate in effect on the first business day
          of the month in which a change occurs, as published in the Wall Street
          Journal on the next business day.

          The adjusted interest rate will be .25% above the Prime Rate. Lender
          will adjust the interest rate on the first calendar day of each change
          period. The change in interest rate is effective on that day whether
          or not Lender gives Borrower notice of the change.

          Lender must adjust the payment amount at least annually as needed to
          amortize principal over the remaining term of the note.

          If SBA purchases the guaranteed portion of the unpaid principal
          balance, the interest rate becomes fixed at the rate in effect at the
          time of the earliest uncured payment default if there is no uncured
          payment default. the rate becomes fixed at the rate in effect at the
          time of purchase.

          All remaining principal and accrued interest is due and payable 15
          years from date of Note.

          Late Charge : If a payment on this Note is more than 10 days late,
          Lender may charge Borrower a late fee of up to 5% of the unpaid
          portion of the regularly scheduled payment.

SBA Form 147 (10/22/98) Previous editions obsolete                      Page 2/6

<Page>

4.   RIGHT TO PREPAY:

     Borrower may prepay this Note. Borrower may prepay 20 percent or less of
     the unpaid principal balance at any time without notice. If Borrower
     prepays more than 20 percent and the Loan has been sold on the secondary
     market, Borrower must:

     A.  Give Lender written notice;

     B.  Pay all accrued interest; and

     C.  If the prepayment is received less than 21 days from the date Lender
         receives the notice, pay an amount equal to 21 days' interest from the
         date lender receives the notice, less any interest accrued during the
         21 days and paid under subparagraph B.

     If Borrower does not prepay within 60 days from the date Lender receives
     the notice, Borrower must give Lender a new notice.

5.   DEFAULT:

     Borrower is in default under this Note if Borrower does not make a payment
     when due under this Note, or if Borrower or Operating Company:

     A.  Fails to do anything required by this Note and other Loan Documents;

     B.  Defaults on any other loan with Lender;

     C.  Does not preserve, or account to Lender's satisfaction for, any of the
         Collateral or its proceeds;

     D.  Does not disclose, or anyone acting on their behalf does not disclose,
         any material fact to Lender or SBA;

     E.  Makes, or anyone acting on their behalf makes, a materially false or
         misleading representation to Lender or SBA;

     F.  Defaults on any loan or agreement with another creditor, if Lender
         believes the default may materially affect Borrower's ability to pay
         this Note;

     G.  Fails to pay any taxes when due;

     H.  Becomes the subject of a proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency
         law;

     I.  Has a receiver or liquidator appointed for any part of their business
         or property;

     J.  Makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors;

     K.  Has any adverse change in financial condition or business operation
         that Lender believes may materially affect Borrower's ability to pay
         this Note;

     L.  Reorganizes, merges, consolidates, or otherwise changes ownership or
         business structure without Lender's prior written consent; or

     M.  Becomes the subject of a civil or criminal action that Lender believes
         may materially affect Borrower's ability to pay this Note.

6.   LENDER'S RIGHTS IF THERE IS A DEFAULT:

     Without notice or demand and without giving up any of its rights, Lender
     may:

     A.  Require immediate payment of all amounts owing under this Note;

     B.  Collect all amounts owing from any Borrower or Guarantor;

     C.  File suit and obtain judgment;

     D.  Take possession of any Collateral; or

     E.  Sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of, any Collateral at public or
         private sale, with or without advertisement.

SBA Form 147 (10/22/98) Previous editions obsolete                      Page 3/6

<Page>

7.   LENDER'S GENERAL POWERS:

     Without notice and without Borrower's consent, Lender may:

     A.  Bid on or buy the Collateral at its sale or the sale of another
         lienholder, at any price it chooses;

     B.  Incur expenses to collect amounts due under this Note, enforce the
         terms of this Note or any other Loan Document, and preserve or dispose
         of the Collateral. Among other things, the expenses may include
         payments for property taxes, prior liens, insurance, appraisals,
         environmental remediation costs, and reasonable attorney's fees and
         costs. If Lender incurs such expenses, it may demand immediate
         repayment from Borrower or add the expenses to the principal balance;

     C.  Release anyone obligated to pay this Note;

     D.  Compromise, release, renew, extend or substitute any of the Collateral;
         and

     E.  Take any action necessary to protect the Collateral or collect amounts
         owing on this Note.

8.   WHEN FEDERAL LAW APPLIES:

     When SBA is the holder, this Note will be interpreted and enforced under
     federal law, including SBA regulations. Lender or SBA may use state or
     local procedures for filing papers, recording documents, giving notice,
     foreclosing liens, and other purposes. By using such procedures, SBA does
     not waive any federal immunity from state or local control, penalty, tax,
     or liability. As to this Note, Borrower may not claim or assert against SBA
     any local or state law to deny any obligation, defeat any claim of SBA,
     or preempt federal law.

9.   SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS:

     Under this Note, Borrower and Operating Company include the successors of
     each, and Lender includes its successors and assigns.

10.  GENERAL PROVISIONS:

     A.  All individuals and entities signing this Note are jointly and
         severally liable.

     B.  Borrower waives all suretyship defenses.

     C.  Borrower must sign all documents necessary at any time to comply with
         the Loan Documents and to enable Lender to acquire, perfect, or
         maintain Lender's liens on Collateral.

     D.  Lender may exercise any of its rights separately or together, as many
         times and in any order it chooses. Lender may delay or forgo enforcing
         any of its rights without giving up any of them.

     E.  Borrower may not use an oral statement of Lender or SBA to contradict
         or alter the written terms of this Note.

     F.  If any part of this Note is unenforceable, all other parts remain in
         effect.

     G.  To the extent allowed by law, Borrower waives all demands and notices
         in connection with this Note, including presentment, demand, protest,
         and notice of dishonor. Borrower also waives any defenses based upon
         any claim that Lender did not obtain any guarantee; did not obtain,
         perfect, or maintain a lien upon Collateral; impaired Collateral; or
         did not obtain the fair market value of Collateral at a sale.

SBA Form 147 (10/22/98) Previous editions obsolete                      Page 4/6

<Page>

11.  STATE-SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

                       (THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK)

SBA Form 147 (10/22/98) Previous editions obsolete                      Page 5/6

<Page>

12.  BORROWER'S NAME(S) AND SIGNATURE(S):

    By signing below, each individual or entity becomes obligated under this
Note as Borrower.

FARSTAD OIL INC

      /s/ Dennis Krueger
------------------------------------
Dennis Krueger, Vice President & COO

SBA Form 147 (10/22/98) Previous editions obsolete                      Page 6/6

<Page>

                         ALLONGE FOR ATTACHMENT TO NOTE

                     NAME:          Farstad Oil Inc
                                    ------------------------------
                     SBA LOAN #     GP 361,207-40-10 Fgo
                                    ------------------------------
                     BREMER LOAN #  283467
                                    ------------------------------

The repayment provisions of that certain Promissory Note dated MARCH 1, 2000 and
drawn in the amount of SIX HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS ($650,000.00) and
payable to the order of BREMER BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION and executed by DENNIS
KRUEGER, VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER on behalf of FARSTAD OIL
INC, are hereby modified as follows:

     THE MONTHLY PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST PAYMENT WILL NOT AT ANY TIME EXCEED
     $7,500.00. THE MAXIMUM INTEREST RATE THIS VARIABLE INTEREST RATE LOAN WILL
     BEAR IS 12.75%.

All other provisions of said Note not inconsistent herewith shall continue and
remain in full force and effect.

Dated this 27TH day of MARCH 2000.

FARSTAD OIL INC

       /s/ Dennis Krueger
----------------------------------
DENNIS KRUEGER, VICE PRESIDENT AND
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

<Page>

                 OLD REPUBLIC NATIONAL TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY

Commitment Number: 00-143

                                   SCHEDULE A

1.  Commitment Date: January 31, 2000       at 07:30 AM

2.  Policy (or Policies) to be issued:                                   Amount

    (a)  Owner's Policy       (ALTA Own. Policy 10/17/92  )
         Proposed Insured:

    (b) Loan Policy           (ALTA Loan Policy 10/17/92  )        $ 650,000.00
        Proposed Insured:
        Bremer Bank, National Association, its successors and/or assigns as
        their respective interests may appear.

    (c)                       (                           )
        Proposed Insured:

3.  Fee Simple interest in the land described in this Commitment is owned, at
    the Commitment Date, by:

      FARSTAD OIL, INC.

4.  The land referred to in this Commitment is described as follows:

      Lot 2, Farstad Second Addition to the City of Minot,
      Ward County, North Dakota
      AND
      Township 155 North, Range 82 West of the 5th P.M.
      Section 19: Sublot B of Outlot 37 of the N1/2
      Section 20: Outlot 31 of the NW1/4NW1/4
      Ward County, North Dakota

                                   OLD REPUBLIC NATIONAL TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY

                                   By: /s/ Paula J. Bachmeier
                                       -----------------------------------
                                       PAULA J. BACHMEIER

ALTA Commitment                                     Valid Only if Schedule B and
Schedule A (10/6/82)                                Cover are Attached

                                                           (00-143.PFD/00-143/3)

<Page>

                 OLD REPUBLIC NATIONAL TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY

Commitment Number:     00-143

                             SCHEDULE B - SECTION I
                                  REQUIREMENTS

The following are the requirements to be complied with:

1.   Documents satisfactory to us creating the interest in the land and/or the
     mortgage to be insured must be signed, delivered and recorded.

2.   Satisfaction or release of Mortgage as shown on Schedule B - Section II,
     Item Nos. 16 and 19.

3.   Satisfaction or release of Financing Statement as shown on Schedule B -
     Section II, Item Nos. 17 and 18.

ALTA Commitment
Schedule B - Section I (10/6/82)

                                                           (00-143.PFD/00-143/4)

<Page>

                  OLD REPUBLIC NATIONAL TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY

Commitment Number:  00-143

                             SCHEDULE B - SECTION II
                                   EXCEPTIONS

Schedule B of the policy or policies to be issued will contain exceptions to the
following matters unless the same are disposed of to the satisfaction of the
company:

1.   Defects, liens, encumbrances, adverse claims or other matters, if any,
     created, first appearing in the public records or attaching subsequent
     to the effective date hereof but prior to the date the proposed insured
     acquires for value of record the estate or interest or mortgage thereon
     covered by this Commitment.

2.   Rights or claims of parties in possession not shown by the public records.

3.   Encroachments, overlaps, boundary line disputes, and any other matters
     which would be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the
     premises.

4.   Easements or claims of easements not shown by the public records.

5.   Any lien, or right to a lien, for services, labor or material imposed by
     law and not shown by the public record.

6.   Taxes for the year 2000 and subsequent years. Special Assessments hereafter
     levied.
        NOTE: We find no uncertified special assessments now a lien on insured
              premises.

7.   Statutory provisions of Section Line Highway under NDCC 24-07-03.

8.   Oil, gas and mineral rights held by third parties.

9.   Undefined Right of Way Easement recorded August 20, 1974 in Book "212"
     of Misc., page 155, executed in favor of Verendrye Electric
     Cooperative, grants an easement to place, construct, operate, repair,
     maintain, relocate and repair and/or underground electric transmission
     or distribution line or system on or under the above described lands
     and/or in, upon or under, all streets, roads or highways abutting said
     lands.

10.  Easement recorded June 13, 1952 in Book "61" of Misc., page 114,
     executed in favor of Northern States Power Company, grants the right,
     privilege and authority to construct, operate and maintain its lines
     for the transmission or electric energy, including the necessary poles,
     wires, guys, stubs and other fixtures over, across and upon the
     N1/2NW1/4 Section 20, Township 155 North, Range 82 West of the 5th P.M.
     Said easement to cover the installation of four anchors and guys 30
     feet, more or less, north of the south boundary near the west
     quarter-quarter line of the N1/2NW1/4 Section 20, Township 155 North,
     Range 82 West of the 5th P.M.

11.  Centerline Easement recorded October 26, 1962 in Book "121" of Misc., page
     85, executed in favor of

ALTA Commitment
Schedule B - Section II
(10/6/82)                                                  (00-143.PFD/00-143/4)

<Page>

                  OLD REPUBLIC NATIONAL TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY

Commitment Number: 00-143

                             SCHEDULE B -SECTION II
                                   EXCEPTIONS
                                   (CONTINUED)

     Northern States Power Company, grants the right, privilege and easement
     to construct, operate and maintain a telephone & electric distribution
     line with all towers, structures, poles, crossarms, cables, wires, guys,
     supports, fixtures and devices, used or useful in the operation and
     maintenance of said line through, over and across the N1/2NE1/4 Section
     19, Township 155 North, Range 82 West of the 5th P.M., with exception of
     West 400 feet. (SEE COPY ATTACHED)

12.  Undefined Right of Way Grant recorded November 3, 1960 in Book "106" of
     Misc., page 510, executed in favor of Great Northern Pipe Line Company,
     grants the right to construct, maintain, inspect, operate, protect,
     repair, replace, change the size of or remove a pipe line or pipe lines
     and any appurtenances useful and incident to the operation and protection
     thereof, for the transportation of oil, gas, petroleum or any of its
     products, and any other like or unlike substance which may be moved by
     and through a pipe line or pipe lines along a route to be selected by
     grantee, on, over and through the N1/2NE1/4 Section 19 and S1/2SE1/4
     Section 18, Township 155 North, Range 82 West of the 5th P.M.
         And subsequent Deed dated January 17, 1963, recorded May 27, 1963 in
     Book "125" of Misc., page 217, executed by Great Northern Pipe Line
     Company, to Portal Pipe Line Company, grants all interest in the
     N1/2NE1/4 Section 19 and S1/2SE1/4 Section 18, Township 155 North, Range
     82 West of the 5th P.M., granted, held, occupied, owned, possessed and
     acquired under and by virtue of that certain Right of Way Grant dated
     August 6, 1960, recorded in Book "106" of Misc., page 510 on November 3,
     1960.

13.  Driving and Parking Easement recorded October 29, 1996 as Document No.
     747103, executed between Farstad Oil, Inc., and Rice Lake Products,
     Farstad hereby grants to Rice Lake Products, an easement for driveway
     purposes and parking purposes over and across Lot 2 Farstad Second
     Addition to the City of Minot, North Dakota, and shall remain in effect
     as long as Rice Lake Products, inc., is leasing the property described as
     Lot 1 Farstad Second Addition to the City of Minot, North Dakota.

14.  Driveway and Access Easement recorded June 24, 1998 as Document No.
     764281, executed by Farstad Oil, Inc., to Roland Johnson and Annabelle
     Johnson, grants to the Johnson's limited access easement for driveway
     purposes over and across Lot 2 Farstad Second Addition to the City of
     Minot, North Dakota, and that the easement granted under and pursuant to
     this agreement is personal to the Johnsons and shall no inure to their
     successors or assigns without the prior written consent of Farstad.

15.  Easement as reserved in Quit Claim Deed recorded October 4, 1984 as
     Document No. 629540, executed by Burlington Northern Railroad Company, to
     Farstad Oil, Inc. (SEE COPY ATTACHED)
         And subsequent Easement as reserved in Correction Quit Claim Deed
     recorded December 23, 1985 as Document No. 640990, executed by Burlington
     Northern Railroad Company, formerly Burlington Northern, Inc., to Farstad
     Oil, Inc. (SEE COPY ATTACHED)

16.  Mortgage dated August 20, 1996, recorded August 23, 1996 as Document
     No. 745033, executed by Farstad Oil, Inc., to United Community Bank of
     Burlington, given to secure $500,000.00, and any other amounts payable
     under the terms thereof.
         And accompanying Assignment of Rents recorded as Document No. 745034.

ALTA Commitment
Schedule B - Section II
(10/6/82)                                                  (00-143.PFD/00-143/4)

<Page>

                  OLD REPUBLIC NATIONAL TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY

Commitment Number: 00-143

                             SCHEDULE B - SECTION II
                                   EXCEPTIONS
                                   (CONTINUED)

17.  Financing Statement recorded September 26, 1994 as Document No. 726053,
     executed by Farstad Oil, Inc., to Norwest Credit, Inc. (SEE COPY ATTACHED)

18.  Financing Statement recorded May 24, 1995 as Document No. 730959, executed
     by Rice Lake Products, Inc., to Norwest Bank North Dakota, N.A. (SEE COPY
     ATTACHED)

19.  Mortgage dated May 19, 1995, recorded May 31, 1995 as Document No. 731068,
     executed by Farstad Oil, Inc. and Rice Lake Products Inc., to Norwest Bank
     North Dakota, National Association, given to secure $200,000.00, and any
     other amounts payable under the terms thereof.

20.  NOTE: The Plat of Outlots 30 and 31 of the NW1/4NW1/4 Section 20, Township
     155 North, Range 82 West of the 5th P.M. was not signed by Virgil L.
     Farstad who owned the North 330 feet of the West 660 feet of the N1/2NW1/4
     of said Section 20. Since the property he owns was included in the Plat of
     Outlots 30 and 31 he should ratify the Plat of Outlots 30 and 31 of the
     NWI/4NW1/4 Section 20, Township 155 North, Range 82 West of the 5th P.M.

ALTA Commitment
Schedule B - Section II
A (10/6/82)                                                (00-143.PFD/00-143/4)

<Page>

Amy Christensen.  The Merchants     Centerline Easement.
National Bank, and Trust Company
of Fargo, by James E. Leahy,        Dated October 3, 1962.
V. Pres. and Trust Officer, and
W.B. Pearson, Cashier, Executor     Filed for record Oct. 26, 1962 at 9:15 A.M.
of the Estate of A.M. Christensen,
deceased,                           Recorded in Book "121" of Misc., page 85.

-to-                                $1.00 and other valuable consideration.
Northern States Power Company.

Grant unto said Company, its successors and assigns the right, privilege and
easement to construct, operate and maintain a telephone & electric distribution
line with all towers, structures, poles, crossarms, cables, wires, guys,
supports, fixtures and devices, used or useful in the operation and maintenance
of said line through, over and across the following described land in Ward
County, North Dakota, to-wit: N1/2NE/4 Section 19, Twp. 155, Rge. 82, with
excepting of west 400 feet.
    By its acceptance of this easement second party agrees that in the event any
portion of the above described property is ever platted for industrial,
commercial or residential use, it will move any structures, poles, cross arms,
cables, wires, guys, supports, fixtures and devices then installed on said
premises to such platted streets, or alleys as may be required for the
convenience of the owner of said property, such moving to the done at the sole
expense of the Northern States Power Company, its successors and assigns,
   Said distribution line shall be constructed on the following described center
line: 77 feet south of and parallel to the north property line of said N1/2NE1/4
Section 19. Twp. 155 N., Rge. 82 W.

    Said distribution line and every part thereof where it crosses said land
shall, except as stated in paragraph 4 hereof, be confined to lands within 10
feet of either side of the hereinabove described center line.
     Grantee shall have the additional right and privilege of placing and
maintaining guys and anchorages for said transmission line on said land at
distances greater than ten feet from said center line as follows: A guy and
anchor to be placed at right angles to above described centerline a distance of
approximately 820 feet west of east property line of said N1/2NE1/4 Section 19
and extending south from north property line of said **
    The grant of easement herein contained shall include the right to enter
upon the property of Grantor described in Paragraph 1 hereof to survey,
construct, operate, control, maintain and use said distribution line and to
rebuild the same (provided no substantial alterations are made therein which
materially increase the burden of the servitude hereby imposed on the land), to
remove from the land within 10 feet either side of said center line any
structure, tree or object which in the opinion of the Grantee will interfere
with said distribution line, including the branches of trees overhanging said
zone of 10 feet either side of said center line, and the right to permit the
attachment of wires of others to the structures of said distribution line.
    The Grantor reserves the right to cultivate, use and occupy said land
except that, without the prior written approval of the Grantee, he shall not
erect any structures, hay or straw stacks, or other objects, permanent or
temporary, or plant any trees, within 10 feet either side of said center line,
and the Grantor further agrees that he will not perform any act which will
interfere with or endanger said distribution line or the use thereof.
    The Grantee shall pay for all damages to crops, fences, livestock, roads
and fields caused by the construction or maintenance of said distribution line.
Claims on account of such damage may be referred to Grantee's nearest office.
    The grant of easement herein contained is subject to existing rights-of-way
for highways, roads, railroads, canals, laterals, ditches other electric
distribution lines and telegraph and telephone lines heretofore granted across
any part of the above described land.
    **N1/2NE1/4 Section 19, a distance of approximately 115 feet.
    Acknowledged Oct. 4, 1962 by Amy Christensen, a widow, before K.G. Pringle,
N.P.Ward Co., N. Dak., N. P. Seal affixed. Comm. expires May 1, 1964.
    Acknowledged Oct. 3, 1962 by James E. Leahy and W.B. Pearson, V.Pres. and
Cashier of the within described corporation,. before Magrethe Nestegard, N.P.
Cass Co., N. Dak. N.P. Seal affixed. Comm. expires June 24, 1967.

DEVINE ABSTRACT COMPANY, INC.
         BONDED ABSTRACTORS
        WINDY, NORTH DAKOTA

<Page>

Burlington Northern Railroad        Quit Claim Deed
Company, by H.D. Shane,
Director-Land Management &          Dated March 22, 1984.
Contracts and J.T. Hanks,
Asst. Secy., (Corporate Seal)
                                    Filed for record Oct. 4, 1984 at 3:14 P.M.
to

Farstad Oil, Inc.,                  Recorded as Document No. 629540.
Box 1842, Minot, ND.
Accepted by Jeffrey L.              $28,000.00 consideration.
Farstad, President.

Remise, release and forever quit claim without any covenants of warranty
whatsoever and without recourse to grantor, its successors and assigns, unto the
said grantee, its successors and assigns, all its right, title and interest, if
any, in and to that tract of land situated in Ward County, North Dakota,
described as follows, to-wit:
     Beginning at the northwest cornet of the SW1/4NW1/4 Section 20.Twp. 155 N..
Rge. 82 W., Ward County. North Dakota; thence N 89(DEG) 55'02" E - 1319.50
feet to the northeast corner of said SW1/4NW1/4; thence S 0(DEG)04'01" W
along the east line of said SW1/4NW1/4 - 482.50 feet; thence N 84(degree)01'41"
W - 537.65 feet; thence N 72(DEG)20'00" W - 176.20 feet; thence N
17(DEG)40'00" E - 205.00 feet; thence N 72(degree)20'00" W - 331.65 feet;
thence N 0(DEG)02'00" E - 75.00 feet to the point of beginning. This
parcel contains 8.27 acres, more or less. This parcel to be known as outlet 28,
Section 2, Twp. 155 North, Rge. 82 West.
     Reserving, however, unto said grantor, its successors and assigns, an
easement 10 feet in width, being 5 feet wide on each side of the existing water
line on the premises in the approximate location shown yellow on the map
attached hereto marked Exhibit "A" and by this reference made a part hereof.
     Subject, however, to easement dated April 19, 1974, granted to the United
States Department of the Interior for a buried water conveyance system.
     Also, subject, however, to all existing interests, including but not
limited to all reservations, rights of way and easements of record or otherwise.
     Excepting and reserving, however, unto grantor, its successors and assigns,
all of the coal, oil, gas, casinghead gas and all other ores and minerals of
every kind and nature underlying the surface of the premises herein conveyed,
together with the full right, privilege and license at any and all times to
explore or drill for and to protect, conserve, mine, take, remove and market any
and all such products in any manner which will not damage structures on the
surface of the premises herein conveyed, together with the right of access at
all times to exercise said rights.
     Acknowledged March 22, 1984 by H.D. Shane and J.T. Hanks, Director-Land
Management and Contracts, and Asst. Secy, of the within described corporation,
before S.F. Tusa, N.P. Ramsey Co., Minnesota. N.P. Seal affixed. Comm. expires
May 1, 1990.
     Acknowledged March 2, 1984 by Jeffrey__Farstad, President of the within
described corporation, before Sandra Wald, N.P. Ward Co., N. Dak. N.P. Seal
affixed. Comm. expires April 10, 1987.
     I certify that the requirement for a report or statement of full
consideration paid does not apply because this deed is for one of the
transactions exempted by subdivision i of subsection 6 of section 4 of Senate
Bill 2323 (1981); date 9/13/84; /s/ Nancy S. Miller.

J. M. DEVINE & CO., INC.
FULL SERVICES TITLE COMPANY
     MINOT, NORTH DAKOTA

<Page>

                               [ MAP OF FACILITY ]

<Page>

Burlington Northern Railroad        Correction Quit Claim Deed.
Company, formerly Burlington
Northern, Inc., by H.D. Shane,
Director-Property management        Dated December, 1985.
and J.T. Hanks, Asst. Secy.,
[Corporate Seal]

                                    Filed for record Dec. 23, 1985 at 4:14 P.M.
to

Farstad 0i1 Inc.,                   Recorded as Document No. 640990.
Box 1842, Minot, ND,
Accepted by Jeffrey L.
Farstad, President.                 $28,000.00 consideration.

Remise, release and forever quit claim without any covenants of warranty
whatsoever and without recourse to grantor, its successors and assigns, unto the
said grantee, its successors and assigns, all its right, title and interest, if
any, in and to that tract of land situated in Ward County, North Dakota,
described as follows, to-wit:
     Beginning at the northwest corner of the SW1/2 NW1/2 Section 20, Twp.155
N., Rge. 82 W., Ward County, North Dakota; thence N 89(DEG)55'02" E - 1319.50
feet to the northeast corner of said SW1/4NW1/4; thence S 0(DEG)04'01" W
along the east line of said SW1/4NW1/4 - 482.50 feet; thence N 84(DEG)01'41"
W - 537.65 feet; thence N 72 20'00" W - 176.20 feet; thence N 17(DEG)40'00" E
- 205.00 feet; thence N 72(DEG)20'00" W - 331.65 feet; thence N
89(DEG)58'00" W 362.55 feet to the west line of said SW1/4NW1/4; thence N
0(DEG)02'00" E - 75.00 feet to the point of beginning. This parcel contains
8.27 acres, more or less. This parcel to be known as Outlot 28, Section 2, Twp.
155 North, Rge. 82 West.
     Reserving, however, unto said grantor, its successors and assigns, an
easement 10 feet in width, being 5 feet wide on each side of the existing water
line on the premises in the approximate location shown yellow on the map
attached hereto marked Exhibit "A" and by this reference, made a part hereof.
     Subject, however, to easement dated April 19, 1974, granted to the United
States Department of the Interior for a buried water conveyance system.
     Also, subject, however, to all existing interests, including but not
limited to all reservations, rights of way and easements of record or otherwise.
     Excepting and reserving, however, unto grantor, its successors and assigns,
all of the coal, oil, gas, casinghead gas and all other ores and minerals of
every kind and nature underlying the surface of the premises herein conveyed,
together with the full right, privilege and license at any and all times to
explore or drill for and to protect, conserve, mine, take, remove and market any
and all such products in any manner which will not damage structures on the
surface of the premises herein conveyed, together with the right of access at
all times to exercise said rights.
     This deed is given to correct the legal description of that certain Quit
Claim Deed dated March 22, 1984 between the parties hereto.
     Acknowledged Dec. 3, 1985 by H.D. Shane and J.T. Hanks, Director-Land
Management and Contracts, and Asst. Secy. of the within described corporation,
before Madylene Andrews, N.P. Tarrant Co., Texas. N.P. Seal affixed. Comm.
expires Jan. 4, 1989.
     Acknowledged Nov. 25, 1985 by Jeffrey L. Farstad, President of the within
described corporation, before Donna Fettig, N.P. Ward Co., N. Dak. N.P. Seal
affixed. Comm. expires Feb. 25, 1988.
     No consideration statement shown.
     No Exhibit "A" attached.

J. M. DEVINE & CO., INC.
FULL SERVICES TITLE COMPANY
     MINOT, NORTH DAKOTA

<Page>

                        [PICTURE OF FINANCING STATEMENT]

<Page>

                                    EXHIBIT A

                     ADDITIONAL SHEET TO FINANCING STATEMENT

             Debtor:                Farstad 0i1, Inc.
                                    P.O. Box 1842
                                    County Road 19 North
                                    Minot, North Dakota
                                    Federal Tax Identification No. 54-0325753

             Secured Party:         Norwest Credit, Inc.
                                    Norwest Center
                                    Sixth and Marquette
                                    Minneapolis, Minnesota 55479-2058

                  This Financing Statement covers the following types or items
                  of property:

                  EQUIPMENT: All equipment of Debtor, whether now owned or
                  hereafter acquired, including but not limited to all present
                  and future machinery, vehicles, furniture, fixtures,
                  manufacturing equipment, shop equipment, office and
                  recordkeeping equipment, parts, tools, supplies, and including
                  specifically (without limitation) the goods described in any
                  equipment schedule or list herewith or hereafter furnished to
                  Secured Party by Debtor.

<Page>

                                    EXHIBIT B

                     ADDITIONAL SHEET TO FINANCING STATEMENT

             Debtor:                Farstad 0i1, Inc.
                                    P.O. Box 1842
                                    County Road 19 North
                                    Minot, North Dakota
                                    Federal Tax Identification No. 54-0325753

             Secured Party:         Norwest Credit, Inc.
                                    Norwest Center
                                    Sixth and Marquette
                                    Minneapolis, Minnesota 55479-2058

                       The real estate on which the collateral is or may be
             attached as a fixture is located in Ward County, North Dakota
             and is legally described as follows:

                                    PARCEL A
                           MAIN LOCATION - WARD COUNTY

Township 155 N., Range 82 W. Section 20:

                  Outlot 31 of NW1/4NW1/4.

                                    PARCEL B
                            PORTAL TANKS -WARD COUNTY

Sublot -37- of N1/4, Section 19, Township 155, Range 82, described as follows:

           Commencing at the north 1/4 corner of Section 19, township 155 north,
       range 82 west; then S OO DEG.06'26.5 DEG.W, along the north-south 1/4
       lineof said Section 19 - 75.00 feet to the south right-of-way (R/W) line
       ofWard County Highway No. 12; then N89 DEG. 41'26 DEG.E, along said south
       R/W line, which is parallel to the north boundary of said Section 19
       -330.00 feet to the point of beginning; then N89 DEG 41 '26' E, along
       said South R/W line - 0.00 feet to a portion of the boundary of outlot
       -37-, a plat of which is on file at the Ward County Register of Deeds
       Office, Ward County North Dakota, said portion being 400.00 feet east of
       and parallel to the north-south 1/4 line of said Section 19; then SOO
       DEG.06' 26.5 DEG.W, along said boundary - 470.00 feet; then S72 DEG.44'
       38.9" DEG.E, along the boundary of said outlet -37- - 1050.00 Feet; then
       S17 DEG.15' 21.1 DEG.W, which is at right angles to the last described
       course - 151.48 feet to a point on a line which is 15.00 feet
       northeasterly of, as measured radially to the center-line of Burlington
       Northern Railroad Company's spur track No. 15; then along a curve

<Page>

       to the left along a line which is 15.00 feet northeasterly of, as
       measured radially to said railroad company's spur track No. 15 - 8.66
       feet, said curve having a radius of 1365.58 feet and a chord of 8.66 feet
       which bears N72 DEG.12'34.7"W; then N72DEG.23'29.3"W, along a line
       which is 15.00 feet northeasterly of, as measured at right angles to,
       said railroad company's spur track No. 15 - 1181.21 feet; then
       N17DEG.36'30.7"E, at right angles to the last described course -
       160.00 feet; then S72DEG.23'29.3"E, at right angles to the last
       described course - 60.83 feet to a point on a line which is parallel to
       and 330.00 feet east of, as measured at right angles to the north-south
       1/4 line of said Section 19; then NOODEG.06'26.5"E, along said
       parallel line - 431.67 feet to the point of beginning; said described
       tract of land containing 4.80 acres, more or less.

                                    PARCEL C
                           MINOT RR SPUR - WARD COUNTY

Outlot 28 of SW1/4 NW1/4, Section 20, Township 155, Range 82, described as
follows:
         Beginning at the northwest corner of the SW1/4 NW1/4, Section 20,T155N,
       R82W, Ward County, North Dakota; thence N89DEG.55'02"E - 1319.50 feet
       to the northeast corner of said SW1/4 NW1/4; thence SODEG.04'01DEG.W
       along the east line of said SW1/4 NW1/4 - 482.50 feet; thence
       N84DEG.01'41"W - 537.65 feet; thence N72DEG.20'00"W - 331.65 feet;
       thence N89DEG.58'00"W - 362.55 feet to the west line of said SW1/4
       NW1/4; thence N0DEG.02'00"E - 75.00 feet to the point of beginning.
       This parcel contains 8.27 acres, more or less.

Sublot "B" as depicted hereon is intended to become attached to adjacent
property east thereof and shall not become a discrete usable parcel in itself.

The record owner of the real estate is Farstad Oil, Inc.

                        [SEAL OF REGISTRAR OF DEEDS]

                                     - 2 -
<Page>

                        [PICTURE OF FINANCING STATEMENT]

<Page>

                        [PICTURE OF SECURITY AGREEMENT]

<Page>

                         [PICTURE OF COMMITMENT TO INSURE]<Page>

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

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

               AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                                 BY AND BETWEEN

                                FARSTAD OIL, INC.

                                       AND

                              NORWEST CREDTT, INC.

                          Dated as of December 8, 1997

                                [NORTH WEST LOGO]

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

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

<Page>

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS
<Table>
<Caption>

<S>               <C>                                                                                 <C>
ARTICLE I         DEFINITIONS .........................................................................1
    Section 1.1   DEFINITIONS .........................................................................1
    Section 1.2   CROSS REFERENCES ...................................................................12

ARTICLE II        AMOUNT AND TERMS OF THE CREDIT FACILITY ............................................12
    Section 2.1   EXISTING ADVANCES ..................................................................12
    Section 2.2   REVOLVING ADVANCES .................................................................12
    Section 2.3   EXISTING LETTERS OF CREDIT .........................................................13
    Section 2.4   LETTERS OF CREDIT ..................................................................13
    Section 2.5   PAYMENT OF AMOUNTS DRAWN UNDER LETTERS OF CREDIT; OBLIGATION OF REIMBURSEMENT ......14
    Section 2.6   SPECIAL ACCOUNT ....................................................................14
    Section 2.7   OBLIGATIONS ABSOLUTE ...............................................................15
    Section 2.8   INTEREST; DEFAULT INTEREST; PARTICIPATIONS; USURY ..................................15
    Section 2.9   FEES ...............................................................................16
    Section 2.10  COMPUTATION OF INTEREST AND FEES; WHEN INTEREST DUE AND PAYABLE ....................17
    Section 2.11  CAPITAL ADEQUACY; INCREASED COSTS AND REDUCED RETURN ...............................17
    Section 2.12  DISCRETIONARY NATURE OF THIS FACILITY; TERMINATION BY THE LENDER; AUTOMATIC
    RENEWAL ..........................................................................................19
    Section 2.13  VOLUNTARY PREPAYMENT; TERMINATION OF THE CREDIT FACILITY BY THE BORROWER ...........19
    Section 2.14  TERMINATION PREPAYMENT FEES; WAIVER OF TERMINATION FEES ............................19
    Section 2.15  MANDATORY PREPAYMENT ...............................................................20
    Section 2.16  PAYMENT ............................................................................20
    Section 2.17  PAYMENT ON NON-BANKING DAYS ........................................................20
    Section 2.18  USE OF PROCEEDS ....................................................................21
    Section 2.19  LIABILITY RECORDS ..................................................................21

ARTICLE III       SECURITY INTEREST; OCCUPANCY; SETOFF ...............................................21
    Section 3.1   GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST .........................................................21
    Section 3.2   NOTIFICATION OF ACCOUNT DEBTORS AND OTHER OBLIGORS .................................21
    Section 3.3   ASSIGNMENT OF INSURANCE ............................................................21
    Section 3.4   OCCUPANCY ..........................................................................22
    Section 3.5   LICENSE ............................................................................22
    Section 3.6   FINANCING STATEMENT ................................................................22
    Section 3.7   SETOFF .............................................................................23

<Page>

ARTICLE IV        CONDITIONS OF WILLINGNESS TO CONSIDER LENDING ......................................23
    Section 4.1   CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO LENDER'S WILLINGNESS TO CONSIDER MAKING THE INITIAL
                  REVOLVING ADVANCE AND THE INITIAL LETTER OF CREDIT..................................23
    Section 4.2   CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO ALL ADVANCES AND LETTERS OF CREDIT .........................26

ARTICLE V         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES .....................................................26
    Section 5.1   CORPORATE EXISTENCE AND POWER; NAME; CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICE; INVENTORY AND
    EQUIPMENT LOCATIONS; TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ...................................................26
    Section 5.2   AUTHORIZATION OF BORROWING; NO CONFLICT AS TO LAW OR AGREEMENTS ....................27
    Section 5.3   LEGAL AGREEMENTS ...................................................................27
    Section 5.4   SUBSIDIARIES .......................................................................28
    Section 5.5   FINANCIAL CONDITION; NO ADVERSE CHANGE .............................................28
    Section 5.6   LITIGATION .........................................................................28
    Section 5.7   REGULATION U .......................................................................28
    Section 5.8   TAXES ..............................................................................28
    Section 5.9   TITLES AND LIENS ...................................................................28
    Section 5.10  PLANS ..............................................................................29
    Section 5.11  DEFAULT ............................................................................29
    Section 5.12  ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS ..............................................................29
    Section 5.13  SUBMISSIONS TO LENDER ..............................................................30
    Section 5.14  FINANCING STATEMENTS ...............................................................30
    Section 5.15  RIGHTS TO PAYMENT ..................................................................31
    Section 5.16  FINANCIAL SOLVENCY .................................................................31

ARTICLE VI        BORROWER'S AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS ...................................................32
    Section 6.1   REPORTING REQUIREMENTS .............................................................32
    Section 6.2   BOOKS AND RECORDS; INSPECTION AND EXAMINATION ......................................35
    Section 6.3   LIEN WAIVERS .......................................................................35
    Section 6.4   ACCOUNT VERIFICATION ...............................................................35
    Section 6.5   COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS ...............................................................35
    Section 6.6   PAYMENT OF TAXES AND OTHER CLAIMS ..................................................36
    Section 6.7   MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTIES ..........................................................36
    Section 6.8   INSURANCE ..........................................................................36
    Section 6.9   PRESERVATION OF EXISTENCE ..........................................................37
    Section 6.10  DELIVERY OF INSTRUMENTS, ETC .......................................................37
    Section 6.11  COLLATERAL ACCOUNT .................................................................37
    Section 6.12  LOCKBOX ............................................................................37
    Section 6.13  PERFORMANCE BY THE LENDER ..........................................................38
    Section 6.14  MINIMUM NET ........................................................................39
    Section 6.15  MAXIMUM DEBT TO BOOK NET WORTH RATIO ...............................................39

Table of Contents                     -ii-

<Page>

ARTICLE VII       NEGATIVE COVENANTS .................................................................39
    Section 7.1   LIENS ..............................................................................39
    Section 7.2   INDEBTEDNESS .......................................................................40
    Section 7.3   GUARANTIES .........................................................................40
    Section 7.4   INVESTMENTS AND SUBSIDIARIES .......................................................40
    Section 7.5   DIVIDENDS ..........................................................................41
    Section 7.7   CONSOLIDATION AND MERGER; ASSET ACQUISITIONS .......................................41
    Section 7.8   SALE AND LEASEBACK .................................................................42
    Section 7.9   RESTRICTIONS ON NATURE OF BUSINESS .................................................42
    Section 7.10  CAPITAL EXPENDITURES ...............................................................42
    Section 7.11  ACCOUNTING .........................................................................42
    Section 7.12  DISCOUNTS, ETC .....................................................................42
    Section 7.13  DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS ......................................................42
    Section 7.14  OTHER DEFAULTS .....................................................................42
    Section 7.15  PLACE OF BUSINESS; NAME ............................................................42
    Section 7.16  ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS ...........................................................42
    Section 7.17  SALARIES ...........................................................................43
    Section 7.18  CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP ................................................................43

ARTICLE VIII      EVENTS OF DEFAULT, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES. ............................................43
    Section 8.1   EVENTS OF DEFAULT ..................................................................43
    Section 8.2   RIGHTS AND REMEDIES ................................................................45
    Section 8.3   CERTAIN NOTICES ....................................................................46

ARTICLE IX        MISCELLANEOUS ......................................................................47
    Section 9.1   RESTATEMENT OF OLD CREDIT DOCUMENTS ................................................47
    Section 9.2   RELEASE ............................................................................47
    Section 9.3   NO WAIVER; CUMULATIVE REMEDIES .....................................................47
    Section 9.4   AMENDMENTS, ETC ....................................................................47
    Section 9.5   ADDRESSES FOR NOTICES, ETC .........................................................47
    Section 9.6   FURTHER DOCUMENTS ..................................................................48
    Section 9.7   COLLATERAL .........................................................................48
    Section 9.8   COSTS AND EXPENSES .................................................................49
    Section 9.9   INDEMNITY ..........................................................................49
    Section 9.10  PARTICIPANTS .......................................................................50
    Section 9.11  EXECUTION IN COUNTERPARTS ..........................................................50
    Section 9.12  BINDING EFFECT; ASSIGNMENT; COMPETE AGREEMENT; EXCHANGING INFORMATION ..............50
    Section 9.13  SEVERABILITY OF PROVISIONS .........................................................50
    Section 9.14  HEADINGS ...........................................................................51
    Section 9.15  GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION, VENUE; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL ...........................51
    Section 9.16  NOT REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL .........................................................51

Table of Contents                       -iii-
<Page>

    Section 9.17  AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT .................................51

</TABLE>

Table of Contents                        -iv-

<Page>

               AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                          Dated as of December 8, 1997

          FARSTAD OIL, INC., a North Dakota corporation (the "Borrower") , and
NORWEST CREDIT, INC., a Minnesota corporation (the "Lender"), hereby agree as
follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

                                   DEFINITIONS

          Section 1.1 DEFINITIONS. For all purposes of this Agreement, except as
otherwise expressly provided or unless the context otherwise requires:

          (a) the terms defined in this Article have the meanings assigned to
them in this Article,and include the plural as well as the singular; and

          (b) all accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the
meanings assigned to them in accordance with GAAP.

          "Accounts" means all of the Borrower's accounts, as such term is
defined in the UCC, including without limitation the aggregate unpaid
obligations of customers and other account debtors to the Borrower arising out
of the sale or lease of goods or rendition of services by the Borrower on an
open account or deferred payment basis.

          "Accounts Receivable Turnover" means the product of:

               (a)  the quotient of (i) the sum of the Accounts balance as of
                    each month-end during a rolling three-month period, divided
                    by (ii) sales for such three month period, times

               (b)  30 days.

          "Advance" means a Revolving Advance.

          "Affiliate" or "Affiliates" means Energy, Fabrication FGO, SPF
Superpumper and any other Person controlled by, controlling or under common
control with the Borrower or any of the Guarantors, including (without
limitation) any Subsidiary of the Borrower. For purposes of this definition,
"control," when used with respect to any specified Person, means the power to
direct the management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly,
whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

<Page>

          "Agreement" means this Amended and Restated Credit and Security
Agreement, as amended, supplemented or restated, from time to time.

          "Availability" means the difference of (i) the Borrowing Base and (ii)
the sum of (A) the outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Note and (B)
the L/C Amount.

          "Banking Day" means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day
on which banks are generally not open for business in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

          "Base Rate" means the rate of interest publicly announced from time to
time by Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association as its "base rate" or, if
such bank ceases to announce a rate so designated, any similar successor rate
designated by the Lender.

          "Book Net Worth" means the aggregate of the common and preferred
stockholders' equity in the Borrower, determined in accordance with GAAP.

          "Borrowing Base" means, at any time and subject to change from time to
time in the Lender's sole discretion, the lesser of:

          (a) the Maximum Line; or

          (b) the Borrowing Power.

          "Borrowing Power" means at any time and subject to change from time to
     time in the Lender's sole discretion, the sum of:

          (a) the Ordinary Borrowing Power, plus

          (b) the Overadvance Component.

          "Capital Expenditures" for a period means any expenditure of money for
the purchase or construction of assets, or for improvements or additions
thereto, which are capitalized on the Borrower's balance sheet.

          "Collateral" means all of the Borrower's Equipment, General
Intangibles, Inventory, Receivables, Investment Property, all sums on deposit in
any Collateral Account, and any items in any Lockbox; together with (i) all
substitutions and replacements for and products of any of the foregoing; (ii)
proceeds of any and all of the foregoing; (iii) in the case of all tangible
goods, all accessions; (iv) all accessories, attachments, parts, equipment and
repairs now or hereafter attached or affixed to or used in connection with any
tangible goods; (v) all warehouse receipts, bills of lading

                                     2

<Page>

and other documents of title now or hereafter covering such goods; and (vi) all
sums on deposit in the Special Account.

          "Collateral Account" has the meaning given in Section 6.11.

          "Consolidated Net Income" means, on a consolidated basis, the monthly
after-tax net income from continuing operations of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries as determined in accordance with GAAP.

          "Credit Facility" means the discretionary credit facility being made
available to the Borrower by the Lender pursuant to Article II.

          "Debt" of any Person means all items of indebtedness or liability
which in accordance with GAAP would be included in determining total liabilities
as shown on the liabilities side of a balance sheet of that Person as at the
date as of which Debt is to be determined. For purposes of determining a
Person's aggregate Debt at any time, "Debt" shall also include the aggregate
payments required to be made by such Person at any time under any lease that is
considered a capitalized lease under GAAP.

          "Debt to Book Net Worth Ratio" as of a given date means the ratio of
the Borrower's Debt to the Borrower's Book Net Worth.

          "Default" means an event that, with giving of notice or passage of
time or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

          "Default Period" means any period of time beginning on the first day
of any month during which a Default or Event of Default has occurred and ending
on the date the Lender notifies the Borrower in writing that such Default or
Event of Default has been cured or waived.

          "Default Rate" means an annual rate equal to two percent (2%) over the
Floating Rate, which rate shall change when and as the Floating Rate changes.

          "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.

          "Eligible Accounts" means all unpaid Accounts, net of any credits,
except the following shall not in any event be deemed Eligible Accounts:

               (i) That portion of Accounts unpaid 60 days or more after the
          invoice date or that portion of such dated Account which is unpaid or
          more after the stated due date or 150 days past invoice date;

                                     3

<Page>

               (ii) That portion of Superpumper Accounts unpaid 15 days or more
          after the invoice date;

              (iii) That portion of Accounts owed by Superpumper exceeding the
          Superpumper Cap; and

               (iv) That portion of Accounts that is disputed or subject to a
          claim of offset or a contra account;

                (v) That portion of Accounts not yet earned by the final
          delivery of goods or rendition of services, as applicable, by the
          Borrower to the customer;

               (vi) Accounts owed by any unit of government, whether foreign or
          domestic (provided, however, that there shall be included in Eligible
          Accounts that portion of Accounts owed by such units of government for
          which the Borrower has provided evidence satisfactory to the Lender
          that (A) the Lender has a first priority perfected security interest
          and (B) such Accounts may be enforced by the Lender directly against
          such unit of government under all applicable laws);

              (vii) Accounts owed by an account debtor located outside the
          United States or Canada which are not (A) backed by a bank letter of
          credit naming the Lender as beneficiary or assigned to the Lender, in
          the Lender's possession and acceptable to the Lender in all respects,
          in its sole discretion, (B) covered by a foreign receivables insurance
          policy acceptable to the Lender in its sole discretion;

             (viii) Accounts owed by an account debtor that is insolvent, the
          subject of bankruptcy proceedings or has gone out of business;

               (ix) Accounts owed by a shareholder, Subsidiary, Affiliate,
          officer or employee of the Borrower, except for Superpumper Accounts;

                (x) Accounts not subject to a duly perfected security interest
          in the Lender's favor or which are subject to any lien, security
          interest or claim in favor of any Person other than the Lender
          including without limitation any payment or performance bond;

               (xi) That portion of Accounts that has been restructured,
          extended, amended or modified;

              (xii) That portion of Accounts that constitutes advertising,
          finance charges, service charges or sales or excise taxes;

             (xiii) Accounts owed by an account debtor, regardless of whether
          otherwise eligible, if 10% or more of the total amount due under
          Accounts from such debtor is ineligible under clauses (i), (ii),
          (iv)or (xi) above;

                                     4

<Page>

              (xiv) Accounts arising out of the sale of Inventory acquired from
          Interest Owners for which a Lien Waiver has not been obtained;

               (xv) Accounts, or portions thereof, otherwise deemed ineligible
          by the Lender in its sole discretion.

          "Eligible Inventory" means all Inventory of the Borrower, at the
    lower of cost or market value as determined in accordance with GAAP;
    provided, however, that the following shall not in any event be deemed
    Eligible Inventory:

               (i) Inventory that is: in-transit; located at any warehouse, job
          site or other premises not approved by the Lender in writing; located
          outside of the states, or localities, as applicable, in which the
          Lender has filed financing statements to perfect a first priority
          security interest in such Inventory; covered by any negotiable or
          non-negotiable warehouse receipt, bill of lading or other document of
          title; on consignment from or to any Person or subject to any
          bailment;

               (ii) Supplies, packaging, maintenance parts or sample Inventory;

               (iii) Work-in-process Inventory;

               ( iv) Inventory that is damaged, obsolete, slow moving or not
          currently saleable in the normal course of the Borrower's operations;

               (v) Inventory that the Borrower has returned, has attempted to
          return, is in the process of returning or intends to return to the
          vendor thereof,

               (vi) Inventory that is perishable or live;

               (vii) Inventory manufactured by the Borrower pursuant to a
          license unless the applicable licensor has agreed in writing to permit
          the Lender to exercise its rights and remedies against such
          Inventory;]

               (viii) Inventory that is subject to a security interest in favor
          of any Person other than the Lender, including but not limited to
          shipments from Interest Owners for which the Borrower has not received
          a Lien Waiver certifying that the total purchase price for such
          shipment has been received;

               (ix) Inventory stored in salt domes; and

               (x) Inventory otherwise deemed ineligible by the Lender in its
          sole discretion.

          "Eligible Unbilled Accounts" means all Eligible Accounts for which the
     Borrower has not yet delivered an invoice to the customer, excluding,
     however, that portion of Eligible Accounts unbilled more than three (3)
     days after delivery to the customer.

                                     5

<Page>

          "Energy" means Farstad Energy Services, LLC, a North Dakota limited
liability company.

          "Energy Security Agreement" means the Security Agreement of even date
herewith, executed by Energy and delivered to the Lender.

          "Environmental Laws" has the meaning specified in Section 5.12.

          "Equipment" means all of the Borrower's equipment, as such term is
defined in the UCC, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, including but not
limited to all present and future machinery, vehicles, furniture, fixtures,
manufacturing equipment, shop equipment, office and recordkeeping equipment,
parts, tools, supplies, and including specifically (without limitation) the
goods described in any equipment schedule or list herewith or hereafter
furnished to the Lender by the Borrower.

          "Event of Default" has the meaning specified in Section 8.1.

          "Existing Revolving Advances" has the meaning specified in Section
2.1.

          "Fabrication" means Fabrication Services Ltd. Liability Co.,a Colorado
limited liability company.

          "FGO" means Farstad Gas & Oil, LLC, a North Dakota limited liability
company.

          "FGO Security Agreement" means the Security Agreement of even date
herewith, executed by FGO and delivered to the Lender.

          "FGO Pledge" means the Collateral Pledge Agreement of even date
herewith, executed by FGO and delivered to the Lender.

          "Floating Rate" means an annual rate equal to the sum of the Base Rate
plus two and one-half of one percent (2 1/2%), which annual rate shall change
when and as the Base Rate changes; PROVIDED, HOWEVER that such `Floating Rate'
shall mean a rate equal to the Base Rate plus one percent (1%), effective as of
the date either of the following conditions is met, if the Borrower is able to,
prior to February 15, 1998, satisfy either of the following conditions: (i)
obtain subordinated debt in the amount of at least $1,500,000, or (ii) collect
in full on the debt owed to it by Dacotah Marketing Research LLC.

          "Funding Date" has the meaning given in Section 2.2.

          "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles, applied on a
basis consistent with the accounting practices applied in the financial
statements described

                                     6

<Page>

 in Section 5.5, except for any change in accounting practices to the extent
 that, due to a promulgation of the Financial Accounting Standards Board
 changing or implementing any new accounting standard, the Borrower either (i)
 is required to implement such change, or (ii) for future periods will be
 required to and for the current period may in accordance with generally
 accepted accounting principles implement such change, for its financial
 statements to be in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
 (any such change is herein referred to as a "Required GAAP Change"), provided
 that (1) the Borrower shall fully disclose in such financial statements any
 such Required GAAP Change and the effects of the Required GAAP Change on the
 Borrower's income, retained earnings or other accounts, as applicable, and (2)
 the Borrower's financial covenants set forth in Sections 6.14, 6.15, and 7.10
 shall be adjusted as necessary to reflect the effects of such Required GAAP
 Change.

          "General Intangibles" means all of the Borrower's general intangibles,
as such term is defined in the UCC, whether now owned or hereafter acquired,
including (without limitation) all present and future patents, patent
applications, copyrights, trademarks, trade names, trade secrets, customer or
supplier lists and contracts, manuals, operating instructions, permits,
franchises, the right to use the Borrower's name, and the goodwill of the
Borrower's business.

          "Guarantors" means the Individual Guarantor and the Organizational
Guarantors.

          "Hazardous Substance" has the meaning given in Section 5.12.

          "Individual Guarantor" means Jeffrey L. Farstad.

          "Interest Owner" means the Persons identified from time to time in
writing from the Borrower to the Lender as interest owners in oil and gas sold
to the Borrower as first purchaser within the meaning of Texas Uniform
Commercial Code Section. 9.319 and the Oil and Gas Products Lien Act of New
Mexico, NMSA Sections. 48-9-1 ET SEA.

          "Inventory" means all of the Borrower's inventory, as such term is
defined in the UCC, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, whether consisting
of whole goods, spare parts or components, supplies or materials, whether
acquired, held or furnished for sale, for lease or under service contracts or
for manufacture or processing, and wherever located.

          "Investment Property" means all of the Borrower's investment property,
as such term is defined in the UCC, whether now owned or hereafter acquired,
including but not limited to all securities, security entitlements, securities
accounts, commodity contracts, commodity accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual fund
shares, money market shares and U.S. Government securities.

                                     7

<Page>

          "Issuer" means the issuer of any Letter of Credit.

          "L/C Amount" means the sum of (i) the aggregate face amount of any
issued and outstanding Letters of Credit and (ii) the unpaid amount of the
Obligation of Reimbursement.

          "L/C Application" means (a) with respect to New Letters of Credit, an
application and agreement for letters of credit in a form acceptable to the
Issuer and the Lender; (b) with respect to Prior Letters of Credit, the existing
application and agreement for each Prior Letter of Credit.

          "Letter of Credit" has the meaning specified in Section 2.4.

          "Lien Waiver" has the meaning given in Section 6.3.

          "Loan Documents" means this Agreement, the Note and the Security
Documents.

          "Lockbox" has the meaning given in Section 6.12.

          "Maturity Date" has the meaning given in Section 2.12.

          "Maximum Line" means $12,000,000.

          "Net Income" means, on an unconsolidated basis, the Borrower's monthly
after-tax net income from continuing operations as determined in accordance with
GAAP.

          "Norwest ND" means Norwest Bank North Dakota, National Association.

          "Note" means the Revolving Note.

          "Obligations" means the Note and each and every other debt, liability
and obligation of every type and description which the Borrower may now or at
any time hereafter owe to the Lender, whether such debt, liability or obligation
now exists or is hereafter created or incurred, whether it arises in a
transaction involving the Lender alone or in a transaction involving other
creditors of the Borrower, and whether it is direct or indirect, due or to
become due, absolute or contingent, primary or secondary, liquidated or
unliquidated, or sole, joint, several or joint and several, and including
specifically, but not limited to, the Obligation of Reimbursement and all
indebtedness of the Borrower arising under this Agreement, the Note, any L/C
Application completed by the Borrower, or any other loan or credit agreement or
guaranty between the Borrower and the Lender, whether now in effect or hereafter
entered into.

                                     8

<Page>

          "Obligation of Reimbursement" has the meaning given in Section 2.5(a).

          "Old Credit Documents" means that certain Credit and Security
Agreement dated as of September 14, 1994, as amended by a First Amendment to
Credit and Security Agreement dated as of September 26, 1994, a Second Amendment
to Credit and Security Agreement dated as of March 28, 1995, a Third Amendment
to Credit and Security Agreement dated as of June 1, 1995, a Fourth Amendment to
Credit and Security Agreement dated as of July 24, 1996, a Fifth Amendment to
Credit and Security Agreement dated as of November 25, 1996, and a Sixth
Amendment to Credit and Security Agreement dated as of March 31, 1997.

          "Old Revolving Note" means the Borrower's revolving promissory note
dated as of July 24, 1996, payable to the order of the Lender in the original
principal amount of $12,000,000.

          "Ordinary Borrowing Power" means at any time and subject to change
from time to time in the Lender's sole discretion, the sum of:

          (a)  85% of Eligible Accounts, plus

          (b)  the lesser of (i) 65% of Eligible Inventory or (ii) $3,000,000,
               plus

          (c)  the lessor of (i) 70% of Eligible Unbilled Accounts or (ii)
               $2,000,000.

          "Organizational Guarantors" means Fabrication FGO, Energy, Superpumper
and SPF.

          "Original Maturity Date" means December 15, 2000.

          "Overadvance Amount" has the meaning as given in Section 2.8(b).

          "Overadvance Component" means an amount equal to the difference
between the Maximum Line and the Ordinary Borrowing Power.

          "Overadvance Floating Rate" means an annual rate equal to the sum of
the Floating Rate plus eleven percent (11%) which rate shall change when and as
the Floating Rate changes."

          "Permitted Lien" has the meaning given in Section 7.1.

          "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint
venture, limited liability company, association, joint-stock company, trust,
unincorporated organization or government or any agency or political subdivision
thereof.

                                     9

<Page>

          "Plan" means an employee benefit plan or other plan maintained for the
Borrower's employees and covered by Title IV of ERISA.

          "Premises" means all premises where the Borrower conducts its business
and has any rights of possession, including (without limitation) the premises
legally described in Exhibit C attached hereto.

          "Prior Letters of Credit" means the letters of credit issued prior to
the date of the Credit Agreement by Norwest ND for the account of the Borrower,
in favor of various parties, identified more specifically on Exhibit D attached
hereto.

          "Receivables" means each and every right of the Borrower to the
payment of money, whether such right to payment now exists or hereafter arises,
whether such right to payment arises out of a sale, lease or other disposition
of goods or other property, out of a rendering of services, out of a loan, out
of the overpayment of taxes or other liabilities, or otherwise arises under any
contract or agreement, whether such right to payment is created, generated or
earned by the Borrower or by some other person who subsequently transfers such
person's interest to the Borrower, whether such right to payment is or is not
already earned by performance, and howsoever such right to payment may be
evidenced, together with all other rights and interests (including all liens and
security interests) which the Borrower may at any time have by law or agreement
against any account debtor or other obligor obligated to make any such payment
or against any property of such account debtor or other obligor; all including
but not limited to all present and future accounts, contract rights, loans and
obligations receivable, chattel papers, bonds, notes and other debt instruments,
tax refunds and rights to payment in the nature of general intangibles.

          "Reportable Event" shall have the meaning assigned to that term in
Title IV of ERISA.

          "Revolving Advance" has the meaning given in Section 2.2.

          "Revolving Note" means the Borrower's revolving promissory note,
payable to the order of the Lender in substantially the form of Exhibit A hereto
and any note or notes issued in substitution therefor, as the same may hereafter
be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.

          "Security Documents" means this Agreement, the Pledge Agreement, the
FGO Security Agreement, the FGO Pledge, the Energy Security Agreement, the
Guaranties of each of the Guarantors and any other document delivered to the
Lender from time to time to secure the Obligations, as the same may hereafter be
amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.

                                     10

<Page>

          "Security Interest" has the meaning given in Section 3.1.

          "Special Account" means a specified cash collateral account maintained
by a financial institution acceptable to the Lender in connection with Letters
of Credit, as contemplated by Section 2.6.

          "SPF" means SPF Energy, Inc., a North Dakota corporation, the Parent
of the Borrower.

          "Subsidiary" means any corporation of which more than 50% of the
outstanding shares of capital stock having general voting power under ordinary
circumstances to elect a majority of the board of directors of such corporation,
irrespective of whether or not at the time stock of any other class or classes
shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any
contingency, is at the time directly or indirectly owned by the Borrower, by the
Borrower and one or more other Subsidiaries, or by one or more other
Subsidiaries.

          "Superpumper" means Superpumper, Inc., a North Dakota corporation.

          "Superpumper Cap" means $1,000,000; provided, however, that such
amount shall decrease by $100,000 beginning on the six month anniversary of the
date hereof and continuing on each sixth month anniversary thereafter, until
such amount equals $500,000; FURTHER; PROVIDED, that the Lender may, in its sole
discretion, increase or decrease such "Supcrpumper Cap".

          "Tax Expense" as of any date means state and federal income taxes
recorded by the Borrower for the year-to-date period ending on such date.

          "Tax Reserve" means a reserve established for any tax liability
arising in connection with the acquisition or sale of petroleum products, amount
of which shall be determined at the discretion of the Lender, based on
historical and expected liability.

          "Termination Date" means the earliest of (i) the Maturity Date, (ii)
the date the Borrower terminates the Credit Facility, or (iii) the date the
Lender demands payment of the Obligations .

          "UCC" means the Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time
in the state designated in Section 9.15 as the state whose laws shall govern
this Agreement, or in any other state whose laws are held to govern this
Agreement or any portion hereof.

                                     11

<Page>

          Section 1.2 CROSS REFERENCES. All references in this Agreement to
Articles, Sections and subsections, shall be to Articles, Sections and
subsections of this Agreement unless otherwise explicitly specified.

                                   ARTICLE 11

                     AMOUNT AND TERMS OF THE CREDIT FACILITY

          Section 2.1 EXISTING ADVANCES. The Lender has made various advances to
the Borrower (the "Existing Revolving Advances") as evidenced by the Old Credit
Documents. As of December 4, 1997, the outstanding principal balance of the
Existing Revolving Advances was $6,639,064.86. Upon execution and delivery of
this Agreement, the Existing Revolving Advances shall be deemed to be Revolving
Advances made pursuant to Section 2.2 and repayable in accordance with the
Revolving Note. To the extent the Revolving Note evidences the Existing
Revolving Advances, the Revolving Note shall be issued in substitution for and
replacement of but not in payment of the Old Credit Documents.

          Section 2.2 REVOLVING ADVANCES. The Lender may, in its sole
discretion, make advances to the Borrower from time to time from the date all of
the conditions set forth in Section 4.1 are satisfied (the "Funding Date") to
the Termination Date, on the terms and subject to the conditions herein set
forth (the "Revolving Advances"). The Lender shall not consider any request for
a Revolving Advance if, after giving effect to such requested Revolving Advance,
the sum of the outstanding and unpaid Revolving Advances under this Section 2.2
or otherwise would exceed the Borrowing Base less the L/C Amount. The Borrower's
obligation to pay the Revolving Advances shall be evidenced by the Revolving
Note and shall be secured by the Collateral as provided in Article III. Within
the limits set forth in this Section 2.2, the Borrower may request Revolving
Advances, prepay pursuant to Section 2.13 and request additional Revolving
Advances. The Borrower agrees to comply with the following procedures in
requesting Revolving Advances under this Section 2.2:

          (a) The Borrower shall make each request for a Revolving Advance to
     the Lender before 11:00 a.m. (Minneapolis time) of the day of the requested
     Revolving Advance. Requests may be made in writing or by telephone,
     specifying the date of the requested Revolving Advance and the amount
     thereof. Each request shall be by (i) any officer of the Borrower; or (ii)
     any person designated as the Borrower's agent by any officer of the
     Borrower in a writing delivered to the Lender; or (iii) any person whom the
     Lender reasonably believes to be an officer of the Borrower or such a
     designated agent.

          (b) Upon fulfillment of the applicable conditions set forth in Article
     IV, the Lender shall disburse the proceeds of the requested Revolving
     Advance by crediting the same to the Borrower's demand deposit account
     maintained with Norwest ND

                                     12

<Page>

     unless the Lender and the Borrower shall agree in writing to another manner
     of disbursement. Upon the Lender's request, the Borrower shall promptly
     confirm each telephonic request for an Advance by executing and delivering
     an appropriate confirmation certificate to the Lender. The Borrower shall
     repay all Advances even if the Lender does not receive such confirmation
     and even if the person requesting an Advance was not in fact authorized to
     do so. Any request for an Advance, whether written or telephonic, shall be
     deemed to be a representation by the Borrower that the conditions set forth
     in Section 4.2 have been satisfied as of the time of the request.

          Section 2.3 EXISTING LETTERS OF CREDIT. The Lender has caused the
Issuer to issue six (6) letters of credit which are presently outstanding (the
"Prior Letters of Credit"). The Borrower's obligations with respect to the Prior
Letters of Credit are evidenced by the Old Credit Documents. As of December 4,
1997, the aggregate amount available to be drawn under the Prior Letters of
Credit was $1,615,000. Upon execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Prior
Letters of Credit shall be deemed to be Letters of Credit issued pursuant to
Section 2.4.

          Section 2.4 LETTERS OF CREDIT.

          (a) The Lender has agreed to indemnify Norwest ND for any and all
     charges assessed or losses incurred on any of the Prior Letters of Credit.

          (b) The Lender may, in its sole discretion, cause an Issuer to issue,
     from the Funding Date to the Termination Date, one or more irrevocable
     standby or documentary letters of credit (each, a "New Letter of Credit",
     and together with the Prior Letters of Credit, the "Letters of Credit")
     for the Borrower's account. The Lender shall have no obligation to cause an
     Issuer to issue any New Letter of Credit if the face amount of the New
     Letter of Credit to be issued, would exceed the lesser of.

                  (i) $2,500,000 less the L/C Amount, or

                  (ii) the Borrowing Base less the sum of (i) all outstanding
          and unpaid Revolving Advances and (ii) the L/C Amount.

     Each New Letter of Credit, if any, shall be issued pursuant to a separate
     L/C Application entered into by the Borrower and the Lender for the benefit
     of the Issuer, completed in a manner satisfactory to the Lender and the
     Issuer. The terms and conditions set forth in each such L/C Application
     shall supplement the terms and conditions hereof, but if the terms of any
     such L/C Application and the terms of this Agreement are inconsistent, the
     terms hereof shall control.

          (c) No New Letter of Credit shall be issued with an expiry date later
     than the Termination Date in effect as of the date of issuance.

                                     13

<Page>

          (d) Any request to cause an Issuer to issue a New Letter of Credit
     under this Section 2.4 shall be deemed to be a representation by the
     Borrower that the conditions set forth in Section 4.2 have been satisfied
     as of the date of the request.

          Section 2.5 PAYMENT OF AMOUNTS DRAWN UNDER LETTERS OF CREDIT:
OBLIGATION OF REIMBURSEMENT. The Borrower acknowledges that the Lender, as
co-applicant on the New Letters of Credit or as indemnitor on the Prior Letters
of Credit, will be liable to the Issuer for reimbursement of any and all draws
under Letters of Credit and for all other amounts required to be paid under the
applicable L/C Application. Accordingly, the Borrower agrees to pay to the
Lender any and all amounts required to be paid under the applicable L/C
Application, when and as required to be paid thereby, and the amounts designated
below, when and as designated:

          (a) The Borrower hereby agrees to pay the Lender on the day a draft is
     honored under any Letter of Credit a sum equal to all amounts drawn under
     such Letter of Credit plus any and all reasonable charges and expenses that
     the Issuer or the Lender may pay or incur relative to such draw and the
     applicable L/C Application, plus interest on all such amounts, charges and
     expenses as set forth below (the Borrower's obligation to pay all such
     amounts is herein referred to as the "Obligation of Reimbursement").

          (b) If a draft is submitted under a Letter of Credit when the Borrower
     is unable, because a Default Period then exists or for any other reason, to
     obtain a Revolving Advance to pay the Obligation of Reimbursement, the
     Borrower shall pay to the Lender on demand and in immediately available
     funds, the amount of the Obligation of Reimbursement together with
     interest, accrued from the date of the draft until payment in full at the
     Default Rate. Notwithstanding the Borrower's inability to obtain a
     Revolving Advance for any reason, the Lender is irrevocably authorized, in
     its sole discretion, to make a Revolving Advance in an amount sufficient to
     discharge the Obligation of Reimbursement and all accrued but unpaid
     interest thereon.

          (c) The Borrower's obligation to pay any Revolving Advance made under
     this Section 2.5, shall be evidenced by Revolving Note and shall bear
     interest as provided in Section 2.8.

          Section 2.6 SPECIAL ACCOUNT. If the Credit Facility is terminated for
any reason whatsoever while any Letter of Credit is outstanding, the Borrower
shall thereupon pay the Lender in immediately available funds for deposit in the
Special Account an amount equal to the L/C Amount. The Special Account shall be
an interest bearing account maintained for the Lender by any financial
institution acceptable to the Lender. Any interest earned on amounts deposited
in the Special Account shall be credited to the Special Account. Amounts on
deposit in the Special Account may be applied by the Lender at any time or from
time to time

                                     14

<Page>

 to the Obligations in the Lender's sole discretion, and shall not be subject to
 withdrawal by the Borrower so long as the Lender maintains a security interest
 therein. The Lender agrees to transfer any balance in the Special Account to
 the Borrower at such time as the Lender is required to release its security
 interest in the Special Account under applicable law.

          Section 2.7 OBLIGATIONS ABSOLUTE. The Borrower's obligations arising
under Section 2.5 shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be
paid strictly in accordance with the terms of Section 2.5, under all
circumstances whatsoever, including (without limitation) the following
circumstances:

          (a) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit or
     any other agreement or instrument relating to any Letter of Credit
     (collectively the "Related Documents");

          (b) any amendment or waiver of or any consent to departure from all or
     any of the Related Documents;

          (c) the existence of any claim, setoff, defense or other right which
     the Borrower may have at any time, against any beneficiary or any
     transferee of any Letter of Credit (or any persons or entities for whom any
     such beneficiary or any such transferee may be acting), or other person or
     entity, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions
     contemplated herein or in the Related Documents or any unrelated
     transactions;

          (d) any statement or any other document presented under any Letter of
     Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any
     respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect
     whatsoever;

          (e) payment by or on behalf of the Issuer or the Lender under any
     Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or certificate which does
     not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit; or

          (f) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not
     similar to any of the foregoing.

          Section 2.8 INTEREST; DEFAULT INTEREST; PARTICIPATIONS; USURY.
Interest accruing on the Note shall be due and payable in arrears on the first
day of each month.

          (a) REVOLVING NOTE. Except as set forth in Sections 2.8(c) and 2.8(e),
     the outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Note shall bear interest
     at the Floating Rate.

                                     15

<Page>

          (b) OVERADVANCE INTEREST RATE. Except as set forth in Sections 2.8(c)
     and 2.8(e), the outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Note that
     exceeds the Ordinary Borrowing Power (such amount shall hereinafter be
     called the "Overadvance Amount") shall bear interest at the Overadvance
     Floating Rate. Such Overadvance Floating Rate shall be applied to any such
     Overadvance Amounts effective as of December 1, 1997.

          (c) DEFAULT INTEREST RATE. At any time during any Default Period, in
     the Lender's sole discretion and without waiving any of its other rights
     and remedies, the principal of the Advances outstanding from time to time
     shall bear interest at the Default Rate, effective for any periods
     designated by the Lender from time to time during that Default Period.

          (d) PARTICIPATIONS. If any Person shall acquire a participation in the
     Advances under this Agreement, the Borrower shall be obligated to the
     Lender to pay the full amount of all interest calculated under Section
     2.8(a), along with all other fees, charges and other amounts due under this
     Agreement, regardless if such Person elects to accept interest with respect
     to its participation at a lower rate than the Floating Rate, or otherwise
     elects to accept less than its prorata share of such fees, charges and
     other amounts due under this Agreement.

          (e) USURY. In any event no rate change stall be put into effect which
     would result in a rate greater than the highest rate permitted by law.

          Section 2.9 FEES.

          (a) LETTER OF CREDIT FEES. The Borrower agrees to pay the Lender a fee
     with respect to each Letter of Credit, if any, accruing on a daily basis
     and computed at the annual rate of one and one-half percent (1.5%) of the
     aggregate amount that may then be drawn on all issued and outstanding
     Letters of Credit assuming compliance with all conditions for drawing
     thereunder (the "Aggregate Face Amount"), from and including the date of
     issuance of such Letter of Credit until such date as such Letter of Credit
     shall terminate by its terms or be returned to the Lender, due and payable
     monthly in arrears on the first day of each month and on the Termination
     Date; PROVIDED, HOWEVER that during Default Periods, in the Lender's sole
     discretion and without waiving any of its other rights and remedies, such
     fee shall increase to three and one-half of one percent (3.5%) of the
     Aggregate Face Amount. The foregoing fee shall be in addition to any and
     all fees, commissions and charges of any issuer of a Letter of Credit with
     respect to or in connection with such Letter of Credit.

          (b) LETTER OF CREDIT ADMINISTRATIVE FEES. The Borrower agrees to pay
     the Lender, on written demand, the administrative fees charged by the
     Issuer in connection

                                     16

<Page>

     with the honoring of drafts under any Letter of Credit, amendments thereto,
     transfers thereof and all other activity with respect to the Letters of
     Credit at the then-current rates published by the Issuer for such services
     rendered on behalf of customers of the Issuer generally.

          (c) AUDIT FEES. The Borrower hereby agrees to pay the Lender, on
     demand, audit fees in connection with any audits or inspections conducted
     by the Lender of any Collateral or the Borrower's operations or business at
     the rates established from time to time by the Lender as its audit fees
     (which fees are currently $62.50 per hour per auditor), together with all
     actual out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in conducting any such
     audit or inspection.

          (d) OVERADVANCE FEES. Effective December 1, 1997, the Borrower hereby
     agrees to pay the Lender a fee, due and payable on the first day of each
     month, in the amount of $1,000 per day for each day that the Overadvance
     Amount exceeds $1,500,000. Beginning February 15, 1998, such fee shall be
     charged on Overadvance Amounts that exceed $750,000.

          (e) ORIGINATION FEE. The Borrower hereby agrees to pay the Lender a
     fully earned and non-refundable fee of $32,500, due and payable on January
     15, 1998.

          (f) REBATE OF PREVIOUS FEES. The Lender hereby agrees, upon execution
     of this Agreement, to rebate to the Borrower, $110,887.97 of previously
     collected fees. Such rebate shall be made by reducing the accrued interest
     due to the Lender on the first day of the month following execution of this
     Agreement. However, if the Borrower fails to, by February 15, 1998, (A)
     obtain subordinated debt of at least $1,500,000, or (B) collect in full on
     the debt owed to it by Dacotah Marketing Research LLC, then $78,387.97 of
     the rebated fees shall be returned to the Lender. Such return of fees shall
     be made to the Lender on June 30, 1998; PROVIDED, HOWEVER that such return
     of fees by the Borrower to the Lender shall not be required if during the
     period from February 1, 1998, to June 30, 1998, the Overadvance Amount was
     at all times equal to zero.

          Section 2.10 COMPUTATION OF INTEREST AND FEES; WHEN INTEREST DUE AND
PAYABLE. Interest accruing on the outstanding principal balance of the Advances
and fees hereunder outstanding from time to time shall be computed on the basis
of actual number of days elapsed in a year of 360 days. Interest shall be
payable in arrears on the first day of each month and on the Termination Date or
earlier prepayment in full.

          Section 2.11 CAPITAL ADEQUACY: INCREASED COSTS AND REDUCED RETURN. If
any Related Lender determines at any time that its Return has been reduced as a
result of any Rule Change, such Related Lender may require the Borrower to pay
it the amount necessary to

                                     17

<Page>

restore its Return to what it would have been had there been no Rule Change. For
purposes of this Section 2.11:

          (a) "Capital Adequacy Rule" means any law, rule, regulation,
     guideline, directive, requirement or request regarding capital adequacy, or
     the interpretation or administration thereof by any governmental or
     regulatory authority, central bank or comparable agency, whether or not
     having the force of law, that applies to any Related Lender. Such rules
     include rules requiring financial institutions to maintain total capital in
     amounts based upon percentages of outstanding loans, binding loan
     commitments and letters of credit.

          (b) "L/C Rule" means any law, rule, regulation, guideline, directive,
     requirement or request regarding letters of credit, or the interpretation
     or administration thereof by any governmental or regulatory authority,
     central bank or comparable agency, whether or not having the force of law,
     that applies to any Related Lender. Such rules include rules imposing
     taxes, duties or other similar charges, or mandating reserves, special
     deposits or similar requirements against assets of, deposits with or for
     the account of, or credit extended by any Related Lender, on letters of
     credit.

          (c) "Related Lender" includes (but is not limited to) the Lender, the
     Issuer, any parent corporation of the Lender or the Issuer and any assignee
     of any interest of the Lender hereunder and any participant in the loans
     made hereunder,

          (d) "Return", for any period, means the return as determined by a
     Related Lender on the Advances and Letters of Credit based upon its total
     capital requirements and a reasonable attribution formula that takes
     account of the Capital Adequacy Rules and L/C Rules then in effect, costs
     of issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit and amounts received or
     receivable under this Agreement or the Notes with respect to any Advance or
     Letter of Credit. Return may be calculated for each calendar quarter and
     for the shorter period between the end of a calendar quarter and the date
     of termination in whole of this Agreement.

          (e) "Rule Change" means any change in any Capital Adequacy Rule or L/C
     Rule occurring after the date of this Agreement, but the term does not
     include any changes in applicable requirements that at the Closing Date are
     scheduled to take place under the existing Capital Adequacy Rules or L/C
     Rules or any increases in the capital that any Related Lender is required
     to maintain to the extent that the increases are required due to a
     regulatory authority's assessment of the financial condition of such
     Related Lender.

                                     18

<Page>

The Lender will promptly notify the Borrower of any event of which it has
knowledge, occurring after the date hereof, which will entitle the Lender to
compensation pursuant to this Section 2.11. Certificates of any Related Lender
sent to the Borrower from time to time claiming compensation under this Section
2.11, stating the reason therefor and setting forth in reasonable detail the
calculation of the additional amount or amounts to be paid to the Related Lender
hereunder to restore its Return shall be conclusive absent manifest error. In
determining such amounts, the Related Lender may use any reasonable averaging
and attribution methods.

          Section 2.12 DISCRETIONARY NATURE OF THIS FACILITY; TERMINATION BY THE
LENDER; AUTOMATIC RENEWAL. This Agreement contains the terms and conditions upon
which the Lender presently expects to make Advances to and to cause the Issuer
to issue Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrower. Each Advance by the
Lender to the Borrower and each Letter of Credit issued for the Borrower's
account shall be in the Lender's sole discretion, and the Lender need not show
that an adverse change has occurred in the Borrower's condition, financial or
otherwise, or that any of the conditions of Article IV have not been met, in
order to refuse to make any requested Advance, cause the Issuer to issue any
Letter of Credit or to demand payment of the Obligations. The Lender may at any
time terminate the Credit Facility whereupon the Lender shall no longer consider
requests for Advances under this Agreement. Unless terminated by the Lender at
any time or by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.13, the Credit Facility shall
remain in effect until the Original Maturity Date and, thereafter, shall
automatically renew for successive one year periods (the Original Maturity Date
and each anniversary date thereof which is at the end of any year for which the
Credit Facility has been automatically renewed, is herein referred to as a
"Maturity Date").

          Section 2.13 VOLUNTARY PREPAYMENT; TERMINATION OF THE CREDIT FACILITY
BY THE BORROWER. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Borrower may prepay
the Revolving Advances in whole at any time or from time to time in part. The
Borrower may terminate the Credit Facility at any time if it (i) gives the
Lender at least 30 days' prior written notice and (ii) pays the Lender the
prepayment or reduction fees in accordance with Section 2.14. If the Borrower
terminates the revolving Credit Facility, all Obligations shall be immediately
due and payable. Upon termination of the Credit Facility and payment and
performance of all Obligations, the Lender shall release or terminate the
Security Interest and the Security Documents to which the Borrower is entitled
by law.

          Section 2.14 TERMINATION PREPAYMENT FEES; WAIVER OF TERMINATION FEES.

          (a) TERMINATION FEES. If the Credit Facility is terminated for any
     reason as of a date other than the Maturity Date the Borrower shall pay the
     Lender a fee in an amount equal to one percent (1%) of the Maximum Line.
     If the Credit Facility is terminated for any reason prior to December 15,
     1998, the Borrower shall pay an additional fee in the amount of $78,387.97.

                                     19

<Page>

          (b) WAIVER OF TERMINATION FEES. The Borrower will not be required to
     pay the line reduction or termination fees otherwise due under this Section
     2.14 if:

               (i) such reduction or termination is made because of refinancing
          by the Lender or an affiliate of the Lender; or

               (ii) such reduction or termination is made because of increased
          cash flow from continuing operations; or

               (iii) on or after December 15, 1999, the Borrower's operations
          have expanded so that an increase in the Maximum Line is required to
          provide adequate working capital, the Borrower has requested an
          appropriate increase in the Maximum Line and the Lender has refused to
          grant the Borrower's request, no Default Period exists at the time of
          such request or when the Credit Facility is terminated and all
          Obligations are paid and the Ordinary Borrowing Power would support
          the increase in the Maximum Line at the advance rates in effect on the
          Funding Date.

          Section 2.15 MANDATORY PREPAYMENT. Without notice or demand, if the
sum of the outstanding principal balance of the Revolving Advances plus the L/C
Amount shall at any time exceed the Borrowing Base, the Borrower shall (i)
first, immediately prepay the Revolving Advances to the extent necessary to
eliminate such excess; and (ii) if prepayment in full of the Revolving Advances
is insufficient to eliminate such excess, pay to the Lender in immediately
available funds for deposit in the Special Account an amount equal to the
remaining excess. Any payment received by the Lender under this Section 2.15 or
under Section 2.13 may be applied to the Obligations, in such order and in such
amounts as the Lender, in its discretion, may from time to time determine.

          Section 2.16 PAYMENT. All payments to the Lender shall be made in
immediately available funds and shall be applied to the Obligations upon receipt
by the Lender. The Lender may hold all payments not constituting immediately
available funds for three (3) days before applying them to the Obligations.
Notwithstanding anything in Section 2.2, the Borrower hereby authorizes the
Lender, in its discretion at any time or from time to time without the
Borrower's request and even if the conditions set forth in Section 4.2 would not
be satisfied, to make a Revolving Advance in an amount equal to the portion of
the Obligations from time to time due and payable.

          Section 2.17 PAYMENT ON NON-BANKING DAYS. Whenever any payment to be
made hereunder shall be stated to be due on a day which is not a Banking Day,
such payment may be made on the next succeeding Banking Day, and such extension
of time shall in such case be included in the computation of interest on the
Advances or the fees hereunder, as the case may be.

                                     20

<Page>

          Section 2.18 USE OF PROCEEDS. The Borrower shall use the proceeds of
Advances, and each Letter of Credit, if any, for ordinary working capital
purposes.

          Section 2.19 LIABILITY RECORDS. The Lender may maintain from time to
time, at its discretion, liability records as to the Obligations. All entries
made on any such record shall be presumed correct until the Borrower establishes
the contrary. Upon the Lender's demand, the Borrower will admit and certify in
writing the exact principal balance of the Obligations that the Borrower then
asserts to be outstanding. Any billing statement or accounting rendered by the
Lender shall be conclusive and fully binding on the Borrower unless the Borrower
gives the Lender specific written notice of exception within 30 days after
receipt.

                                   ARTICLE III

                      SECURITY INTEREST; OCCUPANCY; SETOFF

          Section 3.1 GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST. The Borrower hereby pledges,
assigns and grants to the Lender a security interest (collectively referred to
as the "Security Interest") in the Collateral, as security for the payment and
performance of the Obligations.

          Section 3.2 NOTIFICATION OF ACCOUNT DEBTORS AND OTHER OBLIGORS. In
addition to the Lender's rights under Section 6.11, with respect to any and all
rights to payment constituting Collateral, the Lender may at any time (whether
or not a Default Period then exists) notify any account debtor or other person
obligated to pay the amount due that such right to payment has been assigned or
transferred to the Lender for security and shall be paid directly to the Lender.
The Borrower will join in giving such notice if the Lender so requests. At any
time after the Borrower or the Lender gives such notice to an account debtor or
other obligor, the Lender may, but need not, in the Lender's name or in the
Borrower's name, (a) demand, sue for, collect or receive any money or property
at any time payable or receivable on account of, or securing, any such right to
payment, or grant any extension to, make any compromise or settlement with or
otherwise agree to waive, modify, amend or change the obligations (including
collateral obligations) of any such account debtor or other obligor; and (b) as
the Borrower's agent and attorney-in-fact, notify the United States Postal
Service to change the address for delivery of the Borrower's mail to any address
designated by the Lender, otherwise intercept the Borrower's mail, and receive,
open and dispose of the Borrower's mail, applying all Collateral as permitted
under this Agreement and holding all other mail for the Borrower's account or
forwarding such mail to the Borrower's last known address.

          Section 3.3 ASSIGNMENT OF INSURANCE. As additional security for the
payment and performance of the Obligations, the Borrower hereby assigns to the
Lender any and all monies (including, without limitation, proceeds of insurance
and refunds of unearned premiums) due or to become due under, and all other
rights of the Borrower with respect to,

                                     21

<Page>

any and all policies of insurance now or at any time hereafter covering the
Collateral or any evidence thereof or any business records or valuable papers
pertaining thereto, and the Borrower hereby directs the issuer of any such
policy to pay all such monies directly to the Lender. At any time, whether or
not a Default Period then exists, the Lender may (but need not), in the Lender's
name or in the Borrower's name, execute and deliver proof of claim, receive all
such monies, endorse checks and other instruments representing payment of such
monies, and adjust, litigate, compromise or release any claim against the issuer
of any such policy.

          Section 3.4 OCCUPANCY.

          (a) The Borrower hereby irrevocably grants to the Lender the right to
     take possession of the Premises at any time during a Default Period.

          (b) The Lender may use the Premises only to hold, process,
     manufacture, sell, use, store, liquidate, realize upon or otherwise dispose
     of goods that are Collateral and for other purposes that the Lender may in
     good faith deem to be related or incidental purposes.

          (c) The Lender's right to hold the Premises shall cease and terminate
     upon the earlier of (i) payment in full and discharge of all Obligations,
     and (ii) final sale or disposition of all goods constituting Collateral and
     delivery of all such goods to purchasers.

          (d) The Lender shall not be obligated to .pay or account for any rent
     or other compensation for the possession, occupancy or use of any of the
     Premises; provided, however, that if the Lender does pay or account for any
     rent or other compensation for the possession, occupancy or use of any of
     the Premises, the Borrower shall reimburse the Lender promptly for the full
     amount thereof. In addition, the Borrower will pay, or reimburse the Lender
     for, all taxes, fees, duties, imposts, charges and expenses at any time
     incurred by or imposed upon the Lender by reason of the execution,
     delivery, existence, recordation, performance or enforcement of this
     Agreement or the provisions of this Section 3.4.

          Section 3.5 LICENSE. The Borrower hereby grants to the Lender a
non-exclusive, worldwide and royalty-free license to use or otherwise exploit
all trademarks, franchises, trade names, copyrights and patents of the Borrower
for the purpose of selling, leasing or otherwise disposing of any or all
Collateral during any Default Period.

          Section 3.6 FINANCING STATEMENT. A carbon, photographic or other
reproduction of this Agreement or of any financing statements signed by the
Borrower is sufficient as a financing statement and may be filed as a financing
statement in any state to

                                     22

<Page>

perfect the security interests granted hereby.  For this purpose, the following
information is set forth:

                  Name and address of Debtor:

                  Farstad Oil, Inc.
                  P.O.  Box 1842
                  County Road 19 North
                  Minot, North Dakota 58702
                  Federal Tax Identification No. 45-0325753

                  Name and address of Secured Party:

                  Norwest Credit, Inc.
                  Norwest Center
                  Sixth Street and Marquette Avenue
                  Minneapolis, Minnesota 55479-0152
                  Federal Tax Identification No. 41-1712687

          Section 3.7 SETOFF. The Borrower agrees that the Lender may at any
time or from time to time, at its sole discretion and without demand and without
notice to anyone, setoff any liability owed to the Borrower by the Lender,
whether or not due, against any Obligation, whether or not due. In addition,
each other Person holding a participating interest in any Obligations shall have
the right to appropriate or setoff any deposit or other liability then owed by
such Person to the Borrower, whether or not due, and apply the same to the
payment of said participating interest, as fully as if such Person had lent
directly to the Borrower the amount of such participating interest.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                  CONDITIONS OF WILLINGNESS TO CONSIDER LENDING

          Section 4.1 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO LENDER'S WILLINGNESS TO CONSIDER
MAKING THE INITIAL REVOLVING ADVANCE AND THE INITIAL LETTER OF CREDIT. The
Lender's willingness to consider making the initial Revolving Advance or to
cause to be issued the initial Letter of Credit hereunder shall be subject to
the condition precedent that the Lender shall have received all of the
following, each in form and substance satisfactory to the Lender:

          (a) This Agreement, properly executed by the Borrower.

          (b) The Note, properly executed by the Borrower.

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<Page>

          (c) True and correct copies of all of the license and any sublicense
     agreements pursuant to which the Borrower has the authority to sell
     brand-name Inventory and License Agreements substantially in the form of
     Exhibit __ hereto, executed by each licensor and sublicensor which is a
     party to such license or sublicense agreements.

          (d) A true and correct copy of any and all leases pursuant to which
     the Borrower is leasing the Premises, together with a landlord's disclaimer
     and consent with respect to each such lease.

          (e) A true and correct copy of any and all mortgages pursuant to which
     the Borrower has mortgaged the Premises, together with a mortgagee's
     disclaimer and consent with respect to each such mortgage.

          (f) A certificate of the Borrower's secretary or assistant secretary
     certifying as to (i) the resolutions of the Borrower's directors and if
     required, shareholders, authorizing the execution, delivery and performance
     of the Loan Documents, (ii) the Borrower's articles of incorporation and
     bylaws, and (iii) the signatures of the Borrower's officers or agents
     authorized to execute and deliver the Loan Documents and other instruments,
     agreements and certificates, including Advance requests, on the Borrower's
     behalf

          (g) A current certificate issued by the Secretary of State of North
     Dakota, certifying that the Borrower is in compliance with all applicable
     organizational requirements of the State of North Dakota.

          (h) Evidence that the Borrower is duly licensed or qualified to
     transact business in North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska,
     Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Indiana, and all
     other jurisdictions where the character of the property owned or leased or
     the nature of the business transacted by it makes such licensing or
     qualification necessary.

          (i) A certificate of an officer of the Borrower confirming, in his
     personal capacity, the representations and warranties set forth in Article
     V.

          (j) Certificates of the insurance required hereunder, with all hazard
     insurance containing a lender's loss payable endorsement in the Lender's
     favor and with all liability insurance naming the Lender as an additional
     insured.

          (k) A separate guaranty, properly executed by each Guarantor, pursuant
     to which each Guarantor unconditionally guarantees the full and prompt
     payment of all Obligations to the extent of each such guaranty.

                                     24

<Page>

          (l) A certificate of the secretary or assistant secretary of FGO
     certifying as to (i) the resolutions of the directors and, if required,
     shareholders, of that company authorizing the execution, delivery and
     performance of the guaranty, the security agreement and the collateral
     pledge agreement executed and delivered to the Lender by it; (ii) the
     company's articles of incorporation and bylaws; and (iii) the signatures of
     the officer or agents authorized to execute and deliver such guaranty on
     behalf of such company.

          (m) The FGO Security Agreement, duly executed by FGO.

          (n) The FGO Pledge, duly executed by FGO, together with the original
     certificates evidencing the stock covered thereby, blank assignments of
     that stock duly executed by such person, and, where applicable, the
     original option agreements giving any Person a right to purchase common
     stock of the Borrower.

          (o) A certificate of the secretary or assistant secretary of Energy
     certifying as to (i) the resolutions of the directors and, if required,
     shareholders, of that company authorizing the execution, delivery and
     performance of the guaranty and the security agreement executed and
     delivered to the Lender by it; (ii) the company's articles of incorporation
     and bylaws; and (iii) the signatures of the officer or agents authorized to
     execute and deliver such guaranty on behalf of such company.

          (p) Current searches of appropriate filing offices showing that (i) no
     state or federal tax or judgment liens have been filed and remain in effect
     against Energy, (ii) no financing statements have been filed and remain in
     effect against such company except financing statements acceptable to the
     Lender in its sole discretion, and (iii) the Lender has duly filed all
     financing statements necessary to perfect its security interests in the
     property of such company, to the extent such security interests are capable
     of being perfected by filing.

          (q) The Energy Security Agreement, duly executed by Energy.

          (r) A certificate of the secretary or assistant secretary of
     Superpumper, Inc. certifying as to (i) the resolutions of the directors
     and, if required, shareholders, of that company authorizing the execution,
     delivery and performance of the guaranty executed and delivered to the
     Lender by it; (ii) the company's articles of incorporation and bylaws; and
     (iii) the signatures of the officer or agents authorized to execute and
     deliver such guaranty on behalf of such company.

          (s) A certificate of the secretary or assistant secretary of SPF
     Energy, Inc. certifying as to (i) the resolutions of the directors and, if
     required, shareholders, of that company authorizing the execution, delivery
     and performance of the guaranty executed and delivered to the Lender by it;
     (ii) the company's articles of incorporation and

                                     25

<Page>

     bylaws; and (iii) the signatures of the officer or agents authorized to
     execute and deliver such guaranty on behalf of such company.

          (t) Current searches of appropriate filing offices showing that (i) no
     state or federal tax or judgment liens have been filed and remain in effect
     against SPF Energy, Inc., (ii) no financing statements have been filed and
     remain in effect against such company except financing statements
     acceptable to the Lender in its sole discretion, and (iii) the Lender has
     duly filed all financing statements necessary to perfect its security
     interests in the property of such company, to the extent such security
     interests are capable of being perfected by filing.

          (u) Payment of the fees and commissions due through the date of the
     initial Advance or Letter of Credit under Section 2.9 and expenses incurred
     by the Lender through such date and required to be paid by the Borrower
     under Section 9.8, including all legal expenses incurred through the date
     of this Agreement.

          (v) Such other documents as the Lender in its sole discretion may
     require.

          (w) The Borrower shall assign, in a form acceptable to the Lender in
     its sole discretion, the note issued to the Borrower by Dacotah Marketing
     Research LLC to the Lender.

           Section 4.2 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO ALL ADVANCES AND LETTERS OF
CREDIT. The Lender will not consider any request for an Advance or to issue any
Letter of Credit unless on such date:

          (a) the representations and warranties contained in Article V are
     correct on and as of the date of such Advance or issuance of Letter of
     Credit 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

          (b) no event has occurred and is continuing, or would result from such
     Advance or the issuance of such Letter of Credit, as the case may be, which
     constitutes a Default or an Event of Default.

                                    ARTICLE V

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         The Borrower represents and warrants to the Lender as follows:

          Section 5.1 CORPORATE EXISTENCE AND POWER; NAME; CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICE; INVENTORY AND EQUIPMENT LOCATIONS; TAX IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. The
Borrower is a

                                     26

<Page>

corporation, duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the State of North Dakota and is duly licensed or qualified to transact
business in all jurisdictions where the character of the property owned or
leased or the nature of the business transacted by it makes such licensing or
qualification necessary. No dissolution or termination of the Borrower has
occurred, and no notice of dissolution or articles of termination have been
filed with respect to the Borrower. The Borrower has all requisite power and
authority, corporate or otherwise, to conduct its business, to own its
properties and to execute and deliver, and to perform all of its obligations
under, the Loan Documents. During its existence, the Borrower has done business
solely under the names set forth in Schedule 5.1 hereto. The Borrower's chief
executive office and principal place of business is located at the address set
forth in Schedule 5.1 hereto, and all of the Borrower's records relating to its
business or the Collateral are kept at that location. All Inventory and
Equipment is located at that location or at one of the other locations set forth
in Schedule 5.1 hereto. The Borrower's tax identification number is correctly
set forth in Section 3.6 hereto.

          Section 5.2 AUTHORIZATION OF BORROWING; NO CONFLICT AS TO LAW OR
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 action and do not and will not (i) require
any consent or approval of the Borrower's shareholders; (ii) require any
authorization, consent or approval by, or registration, declaration or filing
with, or notice to, any governmental department, commission, board, bureau,
agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, or any third party, except such
authorization, consent, approval, registration, declaration, filing or notice as
has been obtained, accomplished or given prior to the date hereof; (iii) violate
any provision of any law, rule or regulation (including, without limitation,
Regulation X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System) or of any
order, writ, injunction or decree presently in effect having applicability to
the Borrower or of the Borrower's articles of incorporation and bylaws; (iv)
result in a breach of or constitute a default under any indenture or loan or
credit agreement or any other material agreement, lease or instrument to which
the Borrower is a party or by which it or its properties may be bound or
affected; or (v) 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 (other than the Security Interest) upon or with
respect to any of the properties now owned or hereafter acquired by the
Borrower.

          Section 5.3 LEGAL AGREEMENTS.

          (a) The Old Credit Documents constitute the legal, valid and binding
     obligations of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance
     with their respective terms. The Borrower has no claim, defense or offset
     to enforcement of the Old Credit Documents.

                                     27
<Page>

          (b) This Agreement constitutes and, upon due execution by the
     Borrower, the other Loan Documents will constitute the legal, valid and
     binding obligations of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in
     accordance with their respective terms.

          Section 5.4 SUBSIDIARIES. Except as set forth in Schedule 5.4 hereto,
the Borrower has no Subsidiaries.

          Section 5.5 FINANCIAL CONDITION; NO ADVERSE CHANGE. The Borrower has
heretofore furnished to the Lender its audited financial statements for its
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 and its unaudited financial statements for
the fiscal year-to-date period ended September 30, 1997, and those statements
fairly present the Borrower's financial condition on the dates thereof and the
results of its operations and cash flows for the periods then ended and were
prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Since the
date of the most recent financial statements, there has been no material adverse
change in the Borrower's business, properties or condition (financial or
otherwise).

          Section 5.6 LITIGATION. There are no actions, suits or proceedings
pending or, to the Borrower's knowledge, threatened against or affecting the
Borrower or any of its Affiliates or the properties of the Borrower or any of
its Affiliates before any court or governmental department, commission, board,
bureau, agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, which, if determined
adversely to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates, would have a material
adverse effect on the financial condition, properties or operations of the
Borrower or any of its Affiliates.

          Section 5.7 REGULATION U. The Borrower is not engaged in the business
of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock
(within the meaning of Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System), and no part of the proceeds of any Advance will be used to
purchase or carry any margin stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose
of purchasing or carrying any margin stock.

          Section 5.8 TAXES. The Borrower and its Affiliates have paid or caused
to be paid to the proper authorities when due all federal, state and local taxes
required to be withheld by each of them. The Borrower and its Affiliates have
filed all federal, state and local tax returns which to the knowledge of the
officers of the Borrower or any Affiliate, as the case may be, are required to
be filed, and the Borrower and its Affiliates have paid or caused to be paid to
the respective taxing authorities all taxes as shown on said returns or on any
assessment received by any of them to the extent such taxes have become due.

          Section 5.9 TITLES AND LIENS. The Borrower has good and absolute title
to all Collateral described in the collateral reports provided to the Lender and
all other Collateral, properties and assets reflected in the latest financial
statements referred to in Section 5.5 and

                                     28

<Page>

all proceeds thereof, free and clear of all mortgages, security interests, liens
and encumbrances, except for Permitted Liens. No financing statement naming the
Borrower as debtor is on file in any office except to perfect only Permitted
Liens.

          Section 5.10 PLANS. Except as disclosed to the Lender in writing prior
to the date hereof, neither the Borrower nor any of its Affiliates maintains or
has maintained any Plan. Neither the Borrower nor any Affiliate has received any
notice or has any knowledge to the effect that it is not in full compliance with
any of the requirements of ERISA. No Reportable Event or other fact or
circumstance which may have an adverse effect on the Plan's tax qualified status
exists in connection with any Plan. Neither the Borrower nor any of its
Affiliates has:

          (a) Any accumulated funding deficiency within the meaning of ERISA; or

          (b) Any liability or knows of any fact or circumstances which could
     result in any liability to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, the
     Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Labor or any participant in
     connection with any Plan (other than accrued benefits which or which may
     become payable to participants or beneficiaries of any such Plan).

          Section 5.11 DEFAULT. The Borrower is in compliance with all
provisions of all agreements, instruments, decrees and orders to which it is a
party or by which it or its property is bound or affected, the breach or default
of which could have a material adverse effect on the Borrower's financial
condition, properties or operations.

          Section 5.12 ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS.

          (a) DEFINITIONS. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall
     have the following meanings:

               (i) "Environmental Law" means any federal, state, local or other
          governmental statute, regulation, law or ordinance dealing with the
          protection of human health and the environment.

               (ii) "Hazardous Substances" means pollutants, contaminants,
          hazardous substances, hazardous wastes, petroleum and fractions
          thereof, and all other chemicals, wastes, substances and materials
          listed in, regulated by or identified in any Environmental Law.

          (b) To the Borrower's best knowledge, there are not present in, on or
     under the Premises any Hazardous Substances, other than Inventory, in such
     form or quantity as to create any liability or obligation for either the
     Borrower or the Lender under common law of any jurisdiction or under any
     Environmental Law.

                                     29

<Page>

          (c) To the Borrower's best knowledge, no Hazardous Substances have
     ever been stored, buried, spilled, leaked, discharged, emitted or released
     in, on or under the Premises in such away as to create any such liability.

          (d) To the Borrower's best knowledge, the Borrower has not disposed of
     Hazardous Substances in such a manner as to create any liability under any
     Environmental Law.

          (e) There are not and there never have been any requests, claims,
     notices, investigations, demands, administrative proceedings, hearings or
     litigation, relating in any way to the Premises or the Borrower, alleging
     liability under, violation of, or noncompliance with any Environmental Law
     or any license, permit or other authorization issued pursuant thereto. To
     the Borrower's best knowledge, no such matter is threatened or impending.

          (f) To the Borrower's best knowledge, the Borrower's businesses are
     and have in the past always been conducted in accordance with all
     Environmental Laws and all licenses, permits and other authorizations
     required pursuant to any Environmental Law and necessary for the lawful and
     efficient operation of such businesses are in the Borrower's possession and
     are in full force and effect. No permit required under any Environmental
     Law is scheduled to expire within 12 months and there is no threat that any
     such permit will be withdrawn, terminated, limited or materially changed.

          (g) To the Borrower's best knowledge, the Premises are not and never
     have been listed on the National Priorities List, the Comprehensive
     Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Information System or
     any similar federal, state or local list, schedule, log, inventory or
     database.

          (h) The Borrower has delivered to Lender all environmental
     assessments, audits, reports, permits, licenses and other documents
     describing or relating in any way to the Premises or Borrower's businesses.

          Section 5.13 SUBMISSIONS TO LENDER. All financial and other
information provided to the Lender by or on behalf of the Borrower in connection
with the Borrower's request for the credit facilities contemplated hereby is
true and correct in all material respects and, as to projections, valuations or
proforma financial statements, present a good faith opinion as to such
projections, valuations and proforma condition and results.

          Section 5.14 FINANCING STATEMENTS. The Borrower has provided to the
Lender signed financing statements sufficient when filed to perfect the Security
Interest and the other security interests created by the Security Documents.
When such financing statements are filed in the offices noted therein, the
Lender will have a valid and perfected security interest in

                                     30

<Page>

all Collateral and all other collateral described in the Security Documents
which is capable of being perfected by filing financing statements. None of
the Collateral or other collateral covered by the Security Documents is or
will become a fixture on real estate, unless a sufficient fixture filing is
in effect with respect thereto.

          Section 5.15 RIGHTS TO PAYMENT. Each right to payment and each
instrument, document, chattel paper and other agreement constituting or
evidencing Collateral or other collateral covered by the Security Documents is
(or, in the case of all future Collateral or such other collateral, will be when
arising or issued) the valid, genuine and legally enforceable obligation,
subject to no defense, setoff or counterclaim, of the account debtor or other
obligor named therein or in the Borrower's records pertaining thereto as being
obligated to pay such obligation.

          Section 5.16 FINANCIAL SOLVENCY. Both before and after giving effect
to the transactions contemplated in the Loan Documents, none of the Borrower or
its Affiliates:

          (a) was or will be insolvent, as that term is used and defined in
     Section 101(32) of the United States Bankruptcy Code and Section 2 of the
     Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act;

          (b) has unreasonably small capital or is engaged or about to engage in
     a business or a transaction for which any remaining assets of the Borrower
     or such Affiliate are unreasonably small;

          (c) by executing, delivering or performing its obligations under the
     Loan Documents or other documents to which it is a party or by taking any
     action with respect thereto, intends to, nor believes that it will, incur
     debts beyond its ability to pay them as they mature;

          (d) by executing, delivering or performing its obligations under the
     Loan Documents or other documents to which it is a party or by taking any
     action with respect thereto, intends to hinder, delay or defraud either its
     present or future creditors; and

          (e) at this time contemplates filing a petition in bankruptcy or for
     an arrangement or reorganization or similar proceeding under any law any
     jurisdiction, nor, to the best knowledge of the Borrower, is the subject of
     any actual, pending or threatened bankruptcy, insolvency or similar
     proceedings under any law of any jurisdiction.

                                     31

<Page>

                                  ARTICLE VI

                       BORROWER'S AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

          So long as the Obligations shall remain unpaid, or the Credit
Facility shall remain outstanding, the Borrower will comply with the following
requirements, unless the Lender shall otherwise consent in writing:

          Section 6.1 REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. The Borrower will deliver, or
cause to be delivered, to the Lender each of the following, which shall be in
form and detail acceptable to the Lender:

          (a) as soon as available, and in any event within 90 days after the
     end of each fiscal year of the Borrower and all Guarantors, the Borrower's
     and each of the Guarantors' audited financial statements with the
     unqualified opinion of independent certified public accountants selected by
     the Borrower and acceptable to the Lender, which annual financial
     statements shall include the Borrower's and each of the Guarantors' balance
     sheets as at the end of such fiscal year and the related statements of the
     Borrower's and each of the Guarantors' income, retained earnings and cash
     flows for the fiscal year then ended, prepared, if the Lender so requests,
     on a consolidating and consolidated basis to include any Affiliates, all in
     reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, together with (i)
     copies of all management letters prepared by such accountants, (ii) a
     report signed by such accountants stating that in making the investigations
     necessary for said opinion they obtained no knowledge, except as
     specifically stated, of any Default or Event of Default hereunder and all
     relevant facts in reasonable detail to evidence, and the computations as
     to, whether or not the Borrower is in compliance with the requirements set
     forth in Sections 6.14, 6.15 and 7.10; and (iii) a certificate of the
     Borrower's chief financial officer stating that such financial statements
     have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, fairly represent the Borrower's
     financial position and the results of its operations, and whether or not
     such officer has knowledge of the occurrence of any Default or Event of
     Default hereunder and, if so, stating in reasonable detail the facts with
     respect thereto;

          (b) as soon as available and in any event within 30 days after the end
     of each month, an unaudited/internal balance sheet and statements of income
     and retained earnings of the Borrower, Energy, Fabrication, SPF, FGO and
     Superpumper as at the end of and for such month and for the year to date
     period then ended, prepared, if the Lender so requests, on a consolidating
     and consolidated basis to include any Affiliates, in reasonable detail and
     stating in comparative form the figures for the corresponding date and
     periods in the previous year, all prepared in accordance with GAAP, subject
     to year-end audit adjustments; and accompanied by a certificate of the
     Borrower's

                                     32

<Page>

     Chief financial officer, substantially in the form of Exhibit B hereto
     stating (i) that such financial statements have been prepared in accordance
     with GAAP, subject to year-end audit adjustments, and fairly represent the
     Borrower's financial position and the results of its operations, (ii)
     whether or not such officer has knowledge of the occurrence of any Default
     or Event of Default hereunder not theretofore reported and remedied and, if
     so, stating in reasonable detail the facts with respect thereto, and (iii)
     all relevant facts in reasonable detail to evidence, and the computations
     as to, whether or not the Borrower is in compliance with the requirements
     set forth in sections 6.14, 6.15 and 7.10;

          (c) within 25 days after the end of each month or more frequently if
     the Lender so requires, agings of the Borrower's accounts receivable and
     its accounts payable, an inventory certification report, and a calculation
     of the Borrower's Accounts, Eligible Accounts, Inventory and Eligible
     Inventory as at the end of such month or shorter time period;

          (d) within 3 days after the end of each Business Day, daily assignment
     and collection reports for each Business Day;

          (e) at least 30 days before the beginning of each fiscal year of the
     Borrower, the projected balance sheets and income statements for each month
     of such year, each in reasonable detail, representing the Borrower's good
     faith projections and certified by the Borrower's chief financial officer
     as being the most accurate projections available and identical to the
     projections used by the Borrower for internal planning purposes, together
     with such supporting schedules and information as the Lender may in its
     discretion require;

          (f) immediately after the commencement thereof, notice in writing of
     all litigation and of all proceedings before any governmental or regulatory
     agency affecting the Borrower of the type described in Section 5.12 or
     which seek a monetary recovery against the Borrower in excess of $50,000;

          (g) as promptly as practicable (but in any event not later than five
     business days) after an officer of the Borrower obtains knowledge of the
     occurrence of any breach, default or event of default under any Security
     Document or any event which constitutes a Default or Event of Default
     hereunder, notice of such occurrence, together with a detailed statement by
     a responsible officer of the Borrower of the steps being taken by the
     Borrower to cure the effect of such breach, default or event;

          (h) as soon as possible and in any event within 30 days after the
     Borrower knows or has reason to know that any Reportable Event with respect
     to any Plan has occurred, the statement of the Borrower's chief financial
     officer setting forth details as

                                     33

<Page>

     to such Reportable Event and the action which the Borrower proposes to
     take with respect thereto, together with a copy of the notice of such
     Reportable Event to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation;

          (i) as soon as possible, and in any event within 10 days after the
     Borrower fails to make any quarterly contribution required with respect to
     any Plan under section 412(m) of the internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
     amended, the statement of the Borrower's chief financial officer setting
     forth details as to such failure and the action which the borrower proposes
     to take with respect thereto, together with a copy of any notice of such
     failure required to be provided to the Pension Benefit Guaranty
     Corporation;

          (j) promptly upon knowledge thereof, notice of (i) any disputes or
     claims by the Borrower's customers exceeding $25,000; (ii) credit memos
     exceeding $25,000; (iii) any goods returned to or recovered by the
     borrower, exceeding $25,000; and (iv) any change in the persons
     constituting the Borrower's offcers and directors;

          (k) promptly upon knowledge thereof, notice of any loss of or material
     damage to any Collateral or other collateral covered by the Security
     Documents or of any substantial adverse change in any Collateral or such
     other collateral or the prospect of payment thereof;

          (1) promptly upon their distribution, copies of all financial
     statements, reports and proxy statements which the Borrower shall have sent
     to its stockholders;

          (m) promptly after the sending or filing thereof, copies of all
     regular and periodic reports which the Borrower shall file with the
     Securities and Exchange Commission or any national securities exchange;

          (n) as soon as possible, and in any event by not later than April 30th
     of each year, copies of the tax returns and all schedules thereto and an
     updated personal financial statement of each owner of the Borrower and of
     each Guarantor;

          (o) promptly upon knowledge thereof, notice of the Borrower's
     violation of any law, rule or regulation, the non-compliance with which
     could materially and adversely affect the Borrower's business or its
     financial condition; and

          (p) from time to time, with reasonable promptness, any and all
     receivables schedules, collection reports, deposit records, equipment
     schedules, copies of invoices to account debtors, shipment documents and
     delivery receipts for goods sold, and such other material, reports, records
     or information as the Lender may request.

                                     34

<Page>

          Section 6.2 BOOKS AND RECORDS; INSPECTION AND EXAMINATION. The
Borrower will keep accurate books of record and account for itself pertaining to
the Collateral and pertaining to the Borrower's business and financial condition
and such other matters as the Lender may from time to time request in which true
and complete entries will be made in accordance with GAAP and, upon the Lender's
request, will permit any officer, employee, attorney or accountant for the
Lender to audit, review, make extracts from or copy any and all corporate and
financial books and records of the Borrower at all times during ordinary
business hours, to send and discuss with account debtors and other obligors
requests for verification of amounts owed to the Borrower, and to discuss the
Borrower's affairs with any of its directors, officers, employees or agents. The
Borrower will permit the Lender, or its employees, accountants, attorneys or
agents, to examine and inspect any Collateral, other collateral covered by the
Security Documents or any other property of the Borrower at any time during
ordinary business hours.

          Section 6.3 LIEN WAIVERS. Whenever the Borrower purchases Collateral
in the form of oil or gas production from any Interest Owner, the Borrower will
obtain two duplicate original executed lien waivers, substantially in the form
of Exhibit E-I or Exhibit E-2, as appropriate, (a "Lien Waiver") from such
Interest Owner dated as of the date such oil or gas production is shipped to the
Borrower. Within five (5) Business Days of each such shipment, the Borrower will
deliver an original executed Lien Waiver to the Lender.

          Section 6.4 ACCOUNT VERIFICATION. The Lender may at any time and from
time to time send or require the Borrower to send requests for verification of
accounts or notices of assignment to account debtors and other obligors. The
Lender may also at any time and from time to time telephone account debtors and
other obligors to verify accounts.

          Section 6.5 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS.

          (a) The Borrower will (i) comply with the requirements of applicable
     laws and regulations, the non-compliance with which would materially and
     adversely affect its business or its financial condition and (ii) use and
     keep the Collateral, and require that others use and keep the Collateral,
     only for lawful purposes, without violation of any federal, state or local
     law, statute or ordinance.

          (b) Without limiting the foregoing undertakings, the Borrower
     specifically agrees that it will comply with all applicable Environmental
     Laws and obtain and comply with all permits, licenses and similar approvals
     required by any Environmental Laws, and will not generate, use, transport,
     treat, store or dispose of any Hazardous Substances in such a manner as to
     create any liability or obligation under the common law of any jurisdiction
     or any Environmental Law.

                                     35

<Page>

          Section 6.6 PAYMENT OF TAXES AND OTHER CLAIMS. The Borrower will pay
or discharge, when due, (a) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges
levied or imposed upon it or upon its income or profits, upon any properties
belonging to it (including, without limitation, the Collateral) or upon or
against the creation, perfection or continuance of the Security Interest, prior
to the date on which penalties attach thereto, (b) all federal, state and local
taxes required to be withheld by it, and (c) all lawful claims for labor,
materials and supplies which, if unpaid, might by law become a lien or charge
upon any properties of the Borrower; provided, that the Borrower shall not be
required to pay any such tax, assessment, charge or claim whose amount,
applicability or validity is being contested in good faith by appropriate
proceedings and for which proper reserves have been made.

          Section 6.7 MAINTENANCE OF PROPERTIES.

         (a) The Borrower will keep and maintain the Collateral, the other
     collateral covered by the Security Documents and all of its other
     properties necessary or useful in its business in good condition, repair
     and working order (normal wear and tear excepted) and will from time to
     time replace or repair any worn, defective or broken parts; provided,
     however, that nothing in this Section 6.7 shall prevent the Borrower from
     discontinuing the operation and maintenance of any of its properties if
     such discontinuance is, in the Lender's judgment, desirable in the conduct
     of the Borrower's business and not disadvantageous in any material respect
     to the Lender.

          (b) The Borrower will defend the Collateral against all claims or
     demands of all persons (other than the Lender) claiming the Collateral or
     any interest therein.

          (c) The Borrower will keep all Collateral and other collateral covered
     by the Security Documents free and clear of all security interests, liens
     and encumbrances except Permitted Liens.

          Section 6.8 INSURANCE. The Borrower will obtain and at all times
maintain insurance with insurers believed by the Borrower to be responsible and
reputable, in such amounts and against such risks as may from time to time be
required by the Lender, but in all events in such amounts and against such risks
as is usually carried by companies engaged in similar business and owning
similar properties in the same general areas in which the Borrower operates.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Borrower will at all times
keep all tangible Collateral insured against risks of fire (including so-called
extended coverage), theft, collision (for Collateral consisting of motor
vehicles) and such other risks and in such amounts as the Lender may reasonably
request, with any loss payable to the Lender to the extent of its interest, and
all policies of such insurance shall contain a lender's loss payable endorsement
for the Lender's benefit acceptable to the Lender. All policies of liability
insurance required hereunder shall name the Lender as an additional insured.

                                     36

<Page>

          Section 6.9 PRESERVATION OF EXISTENCE. The Borrower will preserve and
maintain its existence and all of its rights, privileges and franchises
necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business and shall conduct
its business in an orderly, efficient and regular manner.

          Section 6.10 DELIVERY OF INSTRUMENTS, ETC. Upon request by the Lender,
the Borrower will promptly deliver to the Lender in pledge all instruments,
documents and chattel papers constituting Collateral, duly endorsed or assigned
by the Borrower.

          Section 6.11 COLLATERAL ACCOUNT.

         (a)  The Lender may establish a collateral account (the "Collateral
     Account") for the deposit of payments on Receivables.

         (b)  If the Collateral Account is so established, the Borrower shall
     promptly deposit all payments on Receivables received by it into the
     Collateral Account. Until so deposited or paid to the Lender, the Borrower
     shall hold all payments on Receivables in trust for and as the property of
     the Lender and shall not commingle such payments with any of its other
     funds or property.

         (c)  Amounts deposited in the Collateral Account shall not bear
     interest and shall not be subject to withdrawal by the Borrower, except
     after full payment and discharge of all Obligations.

         (d)  All deposits in the Collateral Account shall constitute proceeds
     ofCollateral and shall not constitute payment of the Obligations. The
     Lender from time to time at its discretion may, after allowing two (2)
     Banking Days, apply deposited funds in the Collateral Account to the
     payment of the Obligations, in any order or manner of application
     satisfactory to the Lender, by transferring such funds to the Lender's
     general account.

         (e)  All items deposited in the Collateral Account shall be subject to
     final payment. If any such item is returned uncollected, the Borrower will
     immediately pay the Lender, or, for items deposited in the Collateral
     Account, the bank maintaining such account, the amount of that item, or
     such bank at its discretion may charge any uncollected item to the
     Borrower's commercial account or other account. The Borrower shall be
     liable as an endorser on all items deposited in the Collateral Account,
     whether or not in fact endorsed by the Borrower.

          Section 6.12 LOCKBOX. Upon the Lender's request, the Borrower will
irrevocably direct all present and future Account debtors and other Persons
obligated to make payments on Receivables to make such payments directly to a
special lockbox (the "Lockbox") to be under the Lender's control.

                                     37

<Page>

         (a) After such request, all of the Borrower's invoices, account
     statements and other written or oral communications directing, instructing,
     demanding or requesting payment of any Receivable or any other amount
     constituting Collateral shall conspicuously direct that all payments be
     made to the Lockbox and shall include the Lockbox address. All payments
     received in the Lockbox shall be processed to the Collateral Account.

         (b) The Borrower agrees to deposit in the Collateral Account or, at the
     Lender's option, to deliver to the Lender all collections on Receivables
     and all other proceeds of Collateral, which the Borrower may receive
     directly notwithstanding its direction to Account debtors and other
     obligors to make payments to the Lockbox, immediately upon receipt thereof,
     in the form received, except for the Borrower's endorsement when deemed
     necessary. Until delivered to the Lender or deposited in the Collateral
     Account, the Borrower shall hold all proceeds or collections of Collateral
     in trust for and as the property of the Lender and shall not commingle them
     with any other funds or property of the Borrower. All such collections
     shall constitute proceeds of Collateral and shall not constitute payment of
     any Obligation.

          Section 6.13 PERFORMANCE BY THE LENDER. If the Borrower at any time
fails to perform or observe any of the foregoing covenants contained in this
Article VI or elsewhere herein, and if such failure shall continue for a period
of ten calendar days after the Lender gives the Borrower written notice thereof
(or in the case of the agreements contained in Sections 6.6, 6.8, 6.1 1 and 6.12
immediately upon the occurrence of such failure, without notice or lapse of
time), the Lender may, but need not, perform or observe such covenant on behalf
and in the name, place and stead of the Borrower (or, at the Lender's option, in
the Lender's name) and may, but need not, take any and all other actions which
the Lender may reasonably deem necessary to cure or correct such failure
(including, without limitation, the payment of taxes, the satisfaction of
security interests, liens or encumbrances, the performance of obligations owed
to account debtors or other obligors, the procurement and maintenance of
insurance, the execution of assignments, security agreements and financing
statements, and the endorsement of instruments); and the Borrower shall
thereupon pay to the Lender on demand the amount of all monies expended and all
costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and legal expenses)
incurred by the Lender in connection with or as a result of the performance or
observance of such agreements or the taking of such action by the Lender,
together with interest thereon from the date expended or incurred at the
Floating Rate. To facilitate the Lender's performance or observance of such
covenants of the Borrower, the Borrower hereby irrevocably appoints the Lender,
or the Lender's delegate, acting alone, as the Borrower's attorney in fact
(which appointment is coupled with an interest) with the right (but not the
duty) from time to time to create, prepare, complete, execute, deliver, endorse
or file in the name and on behalf of the Borrower any and all instruments,
documents, assignments, security agreements, financing statements, applications
for insurance and other

                                     38

<Page>

agreements and writings required to be obtained, executed, delivered or
endorsed by the Borrower under this Section 6.13.

          Section 6.14 MINIMUM NET INCOME. The Borrower will maintain, on a
rolling six month basis, its Net Income, determined as at the end of each month,
at an amount not less than $200,000. Beginning April 30, 1998, and continuing
thereafter, the Borrower will also maintain, on a rolling six month basis, its
Consolidated Net Income, determined as at the end of each month, at an amount
not less than $200,000.

          Section 6.15 MAXIMUM DEBT TO BOOK NET WORTH RATIO. The Borrower will
maintain, during each period described below, the ratio of its Debt to its Book
Net Worth, on a consolidated basis, determined as at the end of each fiscal
quarter, at not more than the ratio set forth opposite such period:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          MAXIMUM DEBT TO
                          ---------------
     PERIOD         PERIOD BOOK NET WORTH RATIO
     ------         ---------------------------
     <S>                   <C>
     1997                  8.50 to 1.00
     1998                  8.00 to 1.00
     1999                  7.50 to 1.00
     2000                  7.00 to 1.00
</TABLE>

          Section 6.16 MAXIMUM ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE TURNOVER. The Borrower will
maintain its Accounts Receivable Turnover, on an unconsolidated basis,
determined as at the end of each month, at not more than 25 days.

                                 ARTICLE VII

                              NEGATIVE COVENANTS

          So long as the Obligations shall remain unpaid, or the Credit Facility
shall remain outstanding, the Borrower agrees that, without the Lender's prior
written consent:

          Section 7.1 LIENS. The Borrower will not create, incur or suffer to
exist any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, lien, security interest, assignment
or transfer upon or of any of its assets, now owned or hereafter acquired, to
secure any indebtedness; EXCLUDING, HOWEVER from the operation of the foregoing,
the following (collectively, "Permitted Liens"):

         (a)  in the case of any of the Borrower's property which is not
     Collateral or other collateral described in the Security Documents,
     covenants, restrictions, rights, easements and minor irregularities in
     title which do not materially interfere with the Borrower's business or
     operations as presently conducted;

                                     39

<Page>

         (b)  mortgages, deeds of trust, pledges, liens, security interests and
     assignments in existence on the date hereof and listed in Schedule 7.1
     hereto, securing indebtedness for borrowed money permitted under Section
     7.2;

         (c)  the Security Interest and liens and security interests created by
     the Security Documents; and

         (d)  purchase money security interests relating to the acquisition of
     machinery and equipment of the Borrower not exceeding the lesser of cost or
     fair market value thereof and so long as no Default Period is then in
     existence and none would exist immediately after such acquisition.

          Section 7.2 INDEBTEDNESS. The Borrower will not incur, create, assume
or permit to exist any indebtedness or liability on account of deposits or
advances or any indebtedness for borrowed money or letters of credit issued on
the Borrower's behalf, or any other indebtedness or liability evidenced by
notes, bonds, debentures or similar obligations, except:

         (a)  indebtedness arising hereunder;

         (b)  indebtedness of the Borrower in existence on the date hereof and
     listed in Schedule 7.2 hereto; and

         (c)  indebtedness relating to liens permitted in accordance with
     Section 7.1.

          Section 7.3 GUARANTIES. The Borrower will not assume, guarantee,
endorse or otherwise become directly or contingently liable in connection with
any obligations of any other Person, except:

         (a)  the endorsement of negotiable instruments by the Borrower for
     deposit or collection or similar transactions in the ordinary course of
     business; and

         (b)  guaranties, endorsements and other direct or contingent
     liabilities in connection with the obligations of other Persons, in
     existence on the date hereof and listed in Schedule 7.2 hereto.

          Section 7.4 INVESTMENTS AND SUBSIDIARIES.

         (a) The Borrower will not purchase or hold beneficially any stock or
     other securities or evidences of indebtedness of, make or permit to exist
     any loans or advances to, or make any investment or acquire any interest
     whatsoever in, any other Person, including specifically but without
     limitation any partnership or joint venture, except:

                                     40

<Page>

                  (i) investments in direct obligations of the United States
         of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof whose
         obligations constitute full faith and credit obligations of the
         United States of America having a maturity of one year or less,
         commercial paper issued by U.S. corporations rated "A-1" or "A-2" by
         Standard & Poors Corporation or "P-I" or "P-2" by Moody's Investors
         Service or certificates of deposit or bankers' acceptances having a
         maturity of one year or less issued by members of the Federal
         Reserve System having deposits in excess of $100,000,000 (which
         certificates of deposit or bankers' acceptances are fully insured by
         the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation);

                  (ii) investments in or loans to Subsidiaries or Affiliates
         not exceeding at any time a combined total of $2,250,000, on a
         consolidated and an unconsolidated basis, throughout the term of
         this facility;

                  (iii) loans to Jeffrey L. Farstad not exceeding at any time
         $375,000 throughout the term of this facility; and

                  (iv) travel advances or loans to the Borrower's officers
         and employees not exceeding at any one time an aggregate of
         $160,000.

         (b) The borrower will not create or permit to exist any subsidiary,
     other than the subsidiaries in existence on the date hereof and listed in
     schedule 5.4.

          Section 7.5 DIVIDENDS. The Borrower will not declare or pay any
     dividends (other than dividends payable solely in stock of the Borrower)
     on any class of its stock or make any payment on account of the purchase,
     redemption or other retirement of any shares of such stock or make any
     distributions in respect thereof, either directly or indirectly; PROVIDED,
     HOWEVER that the Borrower may declare and pay dividends on its preferred
     stock in the amount of $75,000, in any fiscal year, and that such
     declaration or payment would not cause a Default or Event of Default.

          Section 7.6 SALE OR TRANSFER OF ASSETS: SUSPENSION OF BUSINESS
OPERATIONS. The Borrower will not sell, lease, assign, transfer or otherwise
dispose of (i) the stock of any Subsidiary, (ii) all or a substantial part of
its assets, or (iii) any Collateral or any interest therein (whether in one
transaction or in a series of transactions) to any other Person other than the
sale of Inventory in the ordinary course of business and will not liquidate,
dissolve or suspend business operations. The Borrower will not in any manner
transfer any property without prior or present receipt of full and adequate
consideration.

          Section 7.7 CONSOLIDATION AND MERGER: ASSET ACQUISITIONS. The Borrower
will not consolidate with or merge into any Person, or permit any other Person
to merge into it, or acquire (in a transaction analogous in purpose or effect to
a consolidation or merger) all or substantially all the assets of any other
Person.

                                     41

<Page>

          Section 7.8 SALE AND LEASEBACK. The Borrower will not enter into any
arrangement, directly or indirectly, with any other Person whereby the Borrower
shall sell or transfer any real or personal property, whether now owned or
hereafter acquired, and then or thereafter rent or lease as lessee such property
or any part thereof or any other property which the Borrower intends to use for
substantially the same purpose or purposes as the property being sold or
transferred.

          Section 7.9 RESTRICTIONS ON NATURE OF BUSINESS. The Borrower will not
engage in any line of business materially different from that presently engaged
in by the Borrower and will not purchase, lease or otherwise acquire assets not
related to its business.

          Section 7.10 CAPITAL EXPENDITURES. The Borrower will not incur or
contract to incur Capital Expenditures of more than $400,000 in the aggregate
during any fiscal year.

          Section 7.11 ACCOUNTING. The Borrower will not adopt any material
change in accounting principles other than as required by GAAP. The Borrower
will not adopt, permit or consent to any change in its fiscal year.

          Section 7.12 DISCOUNTS ETC. The Borrower will not, after notice from
the Lender, grant any discount, credit or allowance to any customer of the
Borrower or accept any return of goods sold, or at any time (whether before or
after notice from the Lender) modify, amend, subordinate, cancel or terminate
the obligation of any account debtor or other obligor of the Borrower.

          Section 7.13 DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS. The Borrower will not
adopt, create, assume or become a party to any defined benefit pension plan,
unless disclosed to the Lender pursuant to Section 5.10.

          Section 7.14 OTHER DEFAULTS. The Borrower will not permit any breach,
default or event of default to occur under any note, loan agreement, indenture,
lease, mortgage, contract for deed, security agreement or other contractual
obligation binding upon the Borrower.

          Section 7.15 PLACE OF BUSINESS; NAME. The Borrower will not transfer
its chief executive office or principal place of business, or move, relocate,
close or sell any business location. The Borrower will not permit any tangible
Collateral or any records pertaining to the Collateral to be located in any
state or area in which, in the event of such location, a financing statement
covering such Collateral would be required to be, but has not in fact been,
filed in order to perfect the Security Interest. The Borrower will not change
its name.

          Section 7.16 ORGANIZATIONAL DOCUMENTS: S CORPORATION STATUS. The
Borrower will not amend its articles of incorporation and bylaws. The Borrower
will not become an S

                                     42

<Page>

Corporation within the meaning of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, or, if the Borrower already is such an S Corporation, it shall not
change or rescind its status as an S Corporation.

          Section 7.17 SALARIES. The Borrower will not pay excessive or
unreasonable salaries, bonuses, commissions, consultant fees or other
compensation; or increase the salary, bonus, commissions, consultant fees or
other compensation of Jeffrey L. Farstad or any member of his family, by more
than 10% in any one year, either individually or for all such persons in the
aggregate, or pay any such increase from any source other than profits earned in
the year of payment.

          Section 7.18 CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP. The Borrower will not issue or sell
any stock of the Borrower so as to change the percentage of voting and
non-voting stock owned by each of the Borrower's shareholders, and the Borrower
will not permit or suffer to occur the sale, transfer, assignment, pledge or
other disposition of any or all of the issued and outstanding shares of stock of
the Borrower.

                                  ARTICLE VIII

                     EVENTS OF DEFAULT, RIGHTS AND REMEDIES

          Section 8.1 EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Notwithstanding that the Lender may
demand immediate payment of the Obligations at any time, whether or not a
Default Period then exists, and without waiving or limiting in any respect the
Lender's right to so demand payment of the Obligations at any time, this
Agreement sets forth a non-exclusive list of certain critical events after the
occurrence of which the Lender expects that it would demand immediate payment of
the Obligations and exercise its remedies. "Event of Default", wherever used
herein, means any one of the following events:

         (a) Default in the payment of the Obligations on demand or on any
     portion of the Obligations that otherwise becomes due and payable;

         (b) Failure to pay when due any amount specified in Section 2.5
     relating to the Borrower's Obligation of Reimbursement, or failure to pay
     immediately when due or upon termination of the Credit Facility any amounts
     required to be paid for deposit in the Special Account under Section 2.6
     or;

         (c) Default in the payment of any fees, commissions, costs or expenses
     required to be paid by the Borrower under this Agreement;

         (d) Default in the performance, or breach, of any covenant or agreement
     of the Borrower contained in this Agreement;

                                     43

<Page>

         (e) The Borrower or any Guarantor shall be or become insolvent, or
     admit to writing its or his inability to pay its or his debts as they
     mature, or make an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or the Borrower
     or any Guarantor shall apply for or consent to the appointment of any
     receiver, trustee, or similar officer for it or him or for all or any
     substantial part of its or his property; or such receiver, trustee or
     similar officer shall be appointed without the application or consent of
     the Borrower or such Guarantor, as the case may be; or the Borrower or any
     Guarantor shall institute (by petition, application, answer, consent or
     otherwise) any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement,
     readjustment of debt, dissolution, liquidation or similar proceeding
     relating to it or him under the laws of any jurisdiction; or any such
     proceeding shall be instituted (by petition, application or otherwise)
     against the Borrower or any such Guarantor; or any judgment, writ, warrant
     of attachment or execution or similar process shall be issued or levied
     against a substantial part of the property of the Borrower or any
     Guarantor;

         (f) A petition shall be filed by or against the Borrower or any
     Guarantor under the United States Bankruptcy Code naming the Borrower or
     such Guarantor as debtor;

         (g) Any representation or warranty made by the Borrower in this
     Agreement, by any Guarantor in any guaranty delivered to the Lender, or by
     the Borrower (or any of its officers) or any Guarantor in any agreement,
     certificate, instrument or financial statement or other statement
     contemplated by or made or delivered pursuant to or in connection with this
     Agreement or any such guaranty shall prove to have been incorrect in any
     material respect when deemed to be effective;

         (h) The rendering against the Borrower of a final judgment, decree or
     order for the payment of money in excess of $50,000 and the continuance of
     such judgment, decree or order unsatisfied and in effect for any period of
     30 consecutive days without a stay of execution;

         (i) A default under any bond, debenture, note or other evidence of
     indebtedness of the Borrower owed to any Person other than the Lender, or
     under any indenture or other instrument under which any such evidence of
     indebtedness has been issued or by which it is governed, or under any lease
     of any of the Premises, and the expiration of the applicable period of
     grace, if any, specified in such evidence of indebtedness, indenture, other
     instrument or lease;

         (j) Any Reportable Event, which the Lender determines in good faith
     might constitute grounds for the termination of any Plan or for the
     appointment by the appropriate United States District Court of a trustee to
     administer any Plan, shall have occurred and be continuing 30 days after
     written notice to such effect shall have been

                                     44

<Page>

     given to the Borrower by the Lender; or a trustee shall have been
     appointed by an appropriate United States District Court to administer any
     Plan; or the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation shall have instituted
     proceedings to terminate any Plan or to appoint a trustee to administer any
     Plan; or the Borrower shall have filed for a distress termination of any
     Plan under Title IV of ERISA; or the Borrower shall have failed to make any
     quarterly contribution required with respect to any Plan under Section
     412(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which the Lender
     determines in good faith may by itself, or in combination with any such
     failures that the Lender may determine are likely to occur in the future,
     result in the imposition of a lien on the Borrower's assets in favor of the
     Plan;

         (k) An event of default shall occur under any Security Document or
     under any other security agreement, mortgage, deed of trust, assignment or
     other instrument or agreement securing any obligations of the Borrower
     hereunder or under any note;

         (1) The Borrower shall liquidate, dissolve, terminate or suspend its
     business operations or otherwise fail to operate its business in the
     ordinary course, or sell all or substantially all of its assets, without
     the Lender's prior written consent;

         (m) The Borrower shall fail to pay, withhold, collect or remit any tax
     or tax deficiency when assessed or due (other than any tax deficiency which
     is being contested in good faith and by proper proceedings and for which it
     shall have set aside on its books adequate reserves therefor) or notice of
     any state or federal tax liens shall be filed or issued;

         (n) Default in the payment of any amount owed by the Borrower to the
     Lender other than any indebtedness arising hereunder;

         (o) Any Guarantor shall repudiate, purport to revoke or fail to perform
     any such Guarantor's obligations under such Guarantor's guaranty in favor
     of the Lender, any individual Guarantor shall die or any other Guarantor
     shall cease to exist;

         (p) Any event or circumstance with respect to the Borrower shall occur
     such that the Lender shall believe in good faith that the prospect of
     payment of all or any part of the Obligations or the performance by the
     Borrower under the Loan Documents is impaired or any material adverse
     change in the business or financial condition of the Borrower shall occur;
     or

         (q) Any breach, default or event of default by or attributable to any
     Affiliate under any agreement between such Affiliate and the Lender.

          Section 8.2 RIGHTS AND REMEDIES. As provided in Section 2.12, the
Lender may, at any time, refuse to make any requested Advance, demand payment of
the Advances or

                                     45

<Page>

terminate the Credit Facility, whether or not a Default Period then exists. In
addition, during any Default Period, the Lender may exercise any or all of the
following rights and remedies:

         (a) the Lender may, by notice to the Borrower, declare the Obligations
     to be forthwith due and payable, whereupon all Obligations shall become and
     be forthwith due and payable, without presentment, notice of dishonor,
     protest or further notice of any kind, all of which the Borrower hereby
     expressly waives;

         (b) the Lender may, without notice to the Borrower and without further
     action, apply any and all money owing by the Lender to the Borrower to the
     payment of the Obligations;

         (c) the Lender may make demand upon the Borrower and, forthwith upon
     such demand, the Borrower will pay to the Lender in immediately available
     funds for deposit in the Special Account pursuant to Section 2.15 an amount
     equal to the aggregate maximum amount available to be drawn under all
     Letters of Credit then outstanding, assuming compliance with all conditions
     for drawing thereunder;

         (d) the Lender may exercise and enforce any and all rights and remedies
     available upon default to a secured party under the UCC, including, without
     limitation, the right to take possession of Collateral, or any evidence
     thereof, proceeding without judicial process or by judicial process
     (without a prior hearing or notice thereof, which the Borrower hereby
     expressly waives) and the right to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any
     or all of the Collateral, and, in connection therewith, the Borrower will
     on demand assemble the Collateral and make it available to the Lender at a
     place to be designated by the Lender which is reasonably convenient to both
     parties;

         (e) the Lender may exercise and enforce its rights and remedies under
     the Loan Documents; and

         (f) the Lender may exercise any other rights and remedies available to
     it by law or agreement.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default
described in subsections (e) or (f) of Section 8.1, the Obligations shall be
immediately due and payable automatically without presentment, demand, protest
or notice of any kind.

          Section 8.3 CERTAIN NOTICES. If notice to the Borrower of any intended
disposition of Collateral or any other intended action is required by law in a
particular instance, such notice shall be deemed commercially reasonable if
given (in the manner specified in Section 9.5) at least ten calendar days before
the date of intended disposition or other action.

                                     46

<Page>

                                   ARTICLE IX

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

          Section 9.1 RESTATEMENT OF OLD CREDIT DOCUMENTS. This Agreement is
executed for the purpose of amending and restating the Old Credit Documents.

          Section 9.2 RELEASE. The Borrower, and each Guarantor by signing the
Acknowledgment and Agreement of Guarantors set forth below, each hereby
absolutely and unconditionally releases and forever discharges the Lender, the
Participants and any and all parent corporations, subsidiary corporations,
affiliated corporations, insurers, indemnitors, successors and assigns thereof,
together with all of the present and former directors, officers, agents and
employees of any of the foregoing, from any and all claims, demands or causes of
action of any kind, nature or description, whether arising in law or equity or
upon contract or tort or under any state or federal law or otherwise, which the
Borrower or such Guarantor has had, now has or has made claim to have against
any such person for or by reason of any act, omission, matter, cause or thing
whatsoever arising from the beginning of time to and including the date of this
Agreement, whether such claims, demands and causes of action are matured or
unmatured or known or unknown.

          Section 9.3 NO WAIVER; CUMULATIVE REMEDIES. No failure or delay by the
Lender 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 Documents. The
remedies provided in the Loan Documents are cumulative and not exclusive of any
remedies provided by law.

          Section 9.4 AMENDMENTS, ETC. No amendment, modification, termination
or waiver of any provision of any Loan Document or consent to any departure by
the Borrower therefrom or any release of a Security Interest shall be effective
unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Lender, 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.

          Section 9.5 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 shall be (a)
personally delivered, (b) sent by first class United States mail, (c) sent by
overnight courier of national reputation, or (d) transmitted by telecopy, in
each case addressed or telecopied to the party to whom notice is being given at
its address or telecopier number as set forth below:

                                     47

<Page>

                  If to the Borrower:

                  Farstad Oil, Inc,
                  P.O. Box 1842
                  County Road 19 North
                  Minot, North Dakota 58702
                  Telecopier: (701) 852-5228
                  Attention: Jeffrey L. Farstad

                  If to the Lender:

                  Norwest Credit, Inc.
                  Norwest Center
                  Sixth Street and Marquette Avenue
                  Minneapolis, Minnesota 55479-0152
                  Telecopier: 612/341-2472
                  Attention: Daniel A. Schmid

or, as to each party, at such other address or telecopier number as may
hereafter 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 be deemed to have been given
on (a) the date received if personally delivered, (b) when deposited in the
mail if delivered by mail, (c) the date sent if sent by overnight courier, or
(d) the date of transmission if delivered by telecopy, except that notices or
requests to the Lender pursuant to any of the provisions of Article II shall
not be effective until received by the Lender.

          Section 9.6 FURTHER DOCUMENTS. The Borrower will from time to time
execute and deliver or endorse any and all instruments, documents, conveyances,
assignments, security agreements, financing statements and other agreements and
writings that the Lender may reasonably request in order to secure, protect,
perfect or enforce the Security Interest or the Lender's rights under the Loan
Documents (but any failure to request or assure that the Borrower executes,
delivers or endorses any such item shall not affect or impair the validity,
sufficiency or enforceability of the Loan Documents and the Security Interest,
regardless of whether any such item was or was not executed, delivered or
endorsed in a similar context or on a prior occasion)

          Section 9.7 COLLATERAL. This Agreement does not contemplate a sale of
accounts, contract rights or chattel paper, and, as provided by law, the
Borrower is entitled to any surplus and shall remain liable for any deficiency.
The Lender's duty of care with respect to Collateral in its possession (as
imposed by law) shall be deemed fulfilled if it exercises reasonable care in
physically keeping such Collateral, or in the case of Collateral in the custody
or possession of a bailee or other third person, exercises reasonable care in
the

                                       48

<Page>

selection of the bailee or other third person, and the Lender need not otherwise
preserve, protect, insure or care for any Collateral. The Lender shall not be
obligated to preserve any rights the Borrower may have against prior parties, to
realize on the Collateral at all or in any particular manner or order or to
apply any cash proceeds of the Collateral in any particular order of
application.

          Section 9.8 COSTS AND EXPENSES. The Borrower agrees to pay on demand
all costs and expenses, including (without limitation) attorneys' fees, incurred
by the Lender in connection with the Obligations, this Agreement, the Loan
Documents, any Letters of Credit, and any other document or agreement related
hereto or thereto, and the transactions contemplated hereby, including without
limitation all such costs, expenses and fees incurred in connection with the
negotiation, preparation, execution, amendment, administration, performance,
collection and enforcement of the Obligations and all such documents and
agreements and the creation, perfection, protection, satisfaction, foreclosure
or enforcement of the Security Interest.

          Section 9.9 INDEMNITY. In addition to the payment of expenses pursuant
to Section 9.8, the Borrower agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the
Lender, and any of its participants, parent corporations, subsidiary
corporations, affiliated corporations, successor corporations, and all present
and future officers, directors, employees, attorneys and agents of the foregoing
(the "Indemnitees") from and against any of the following (collectively,
"Indemnified Liabilities:

                   (i) any and all transfer taxes, documentary taxes,
          assessments or charges made by any governmental authority by
          reason of the execution and delivery of the Loan Documents or
          the making of the Advances;

                   (ii) any claims, loss or damage to which any
          Indemnitee may be subjected if any representation or warranty
          contained in Section 5.12 proves to be incorrect in any
          respect or as a result of any violation of the covenant
          contained in Section 6.5(b); and

                   (iii) any and all other liabilities, losses,
          damages, penalties, judgments, suits, claims, costs and
          expenses of any kind or nature whatsoever (including, without
          limitation, the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel)
          in connection with the foregoing and any other investigative,
          administrative or judicial proceedings, whether or not such
          Indemnitee shall be designated a party thereto, which may be
          imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any such
          Indemnitee, in any manner related to or arising out of or in
          connection with the making of the Advances and the Loan
          Documents or the use or intended use of the proceeds of the
          Advances.

If any investigative, judicial or administrative proceeding arising from any
of the foregoing is brought against any Indemnitee, upon such Indemnitee's
request, the Borrower, or counsel

                                     49

<Page>

designated by the Borrower and satisfactory to the Indemnitee, will resist and
defend such action, suit or proceeding to the extent and in the manner directed
by the Indemnitee, at the Borrower's sole costs and expense. Each Indemnitee
will use its best efforts to cooperate in the defense of any such action, suit
or proceeding. If the foregoing undertaking to indemnify, defend and hold
harmless may be held to be unenforceable because it violates any law or public
policy, the Borrower shall nevertheless make the maximum contribution to the
payment and satisfaction of each of the Indemnified Liabilities which is
permissible under applicable law. The Borrower's obligation under this Section
9.9 shall survive the termination of this Agreement and the discharge of the
Borrower's other obligations hereunder.

          Section 9.10 PARTICIPANTS. The Lender and its participants, if any,
are not partners or joint venturers, and the Lender shall not have any liability
or responsibility for any obligation, act or omission of any of its
participants. All rights and powers. specifically conferred upon the Lender may
be transferred or delegated to any of the Lender's participants, successors or
assigns.

          Section 9.11 EXECUTION IN COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement and other 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 of which
counterparts, taken together, shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

           Section 9.12 BINDING EFFECT; ASSIGNMENT; COMPLETE AGREEMENT;
EXCHANGING INFORMATION. The Loan Documents shall be binding upon and inure to
the benefit of the Borrower and the Lender and their respective successors and
assigns, except that the Borrower shall not have the right to assign its rights
thereunder or any interest therein without the Lender's prior written consent.
This Agreement, together with the Loan Documents, comprises the complete and
integrated agreement of the parties on the subject matter hereof and supersedes
all prior agreements, written or oral, on the subject matter hereof. Without
limiting the Lender's right to share information regarding the Borrower and its
Affiliates with the Lender's participants, accountants, lawyers and other
advisors, the Lender, Norwest Corporation, and all direct and indirect
subsidiaries of Norwest Corporation, may exchange any and all information they
may have in their possession regarding the Borrower and its Affiliates, and the
Borrower waives any right of confidentiality it may have with respect to such
exchange of such information.

          Section 9.13 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.

                                     50

<Page>

          Section 9.14 HEADINGS. Article and 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.

          Section 9.15 GOVERNING LAW: JURISDICTION, VENUE: WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.
The Loan Documents shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
substantive laws (other than conflict laws) of the State of Minnesota. The
parties hereto hereby (i) consent to the personal jurisdiction of the state and
federal courts located in the State of Minnesota in connection with any
controversy related to this Agreement; (ii) waive any argument that venue in any
such forum is not convenient, (iii) agree that any litigation initiated by the
Lender or the Borrower in connection with this Agreement or the other Loan
Documents shall be venued in either the District Court of Hennepin County,
Minnesota, or the United States District Court, District of Minnesota, Fourth
Division; and (iv) agree that a final judgment in any such suit, action or
proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by
suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

          Section 9.16 NOT REPRESENTED BY COUNSEL. The Borrower has elected not
to retain legal counsel in connection with the negotiation, preparation,
execution and delivery of the Loan Documents. The Borrower acknowledges that it
is familiar with instruments such as the loan Documents, has read the Loan
Documents and understands and agrees with their terms and is capable of
protecting its interest without the advice of counsel. The Borrower and further
acknowledges that it has not relied upon the Lender or the Lender's counsel in
understanding, negotiating, executing or delivering any of the loan Documents.

          Section 9.17 AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT. This
Agreement amends, restates and supersedes in its entirety that certain Credit
and Security Agreement dated as of September 14, 1994, as amended from time to
time. All other Loan Documents remain in full force and effect

                            [SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

                                     51

<Page>

                THE PARTIES WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION
OR PROCEEDING BASED ON OR PERTAINING TO THIS AGREEMENT.

                  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.

NORWEST CREDIT, INC.                             FARSTAD OIL, INC.

By /s/ Daniel A. Schmid                          By /s/ Jeffrey L. Farstad
   --------------------                             ----------------------
   Daniel A. Schmid                                 Jeffrey L. Farstad
   Its Vice President                               Its President

     [SIGNATURE PAGE TO AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT]

<Page>

                   ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND AGREEMENT OF GUARANTORS

       The undersigned, each a guarantor of the indebtedness of Farstad Oil,
Inc. (the "Borrower") to Norwest Credit, Inc. (the "Lender") pursuant to a
separate Guaranty (each, a "Guaranty"), hereby (i) acknowledges receipt of the
foregoing Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement; (ii) consents to
the terms (including without limitation the release set forth in Section 9.2 of
the Amended and Restated Credit and Security Agreement) and execution thereof,
(iii) reaffirms his or its obligations to the Lender pursuant to the terms of
his or its Guaranty; and (iv) acknowledges that the Lender may amend, restate,
extend, renew or otherwise modify the Amended and Restated Credit and Security
Agreement and any indebtedness or agreement of the Borrower, or enter into any
agreement or extend additional or other credit accommodations, without notifying
or obtaining the consent of the undersigned and without impairing the liability
of the undersigned under his or its Guaranty for all of the Borrower's present
and future indebtedness to the Lender.

                                        FARSTAD GAS & OIL, LLC

   /s/ Jeffrey L. Farstad               By /s/ Jeffrey L. Farstad
   ------------------------                --------------------------
   Jeffrey L. Farstad                       Jeffrey L. Farstad
                                            Its President

SUPERPUMPER, INC.                       FARSTAD ENERGY SERVICES, LLC

By /s/ Jeffrey L. Farstad               By /s/ Jeffrey L. Farstad
   ----------------------                  --------------------------
   Jeffrey L. Farstad                      Jeffrey L. Farstad
   Its President                           Its President

SPF ENERGY, INC.                        FABRICATION SERVICES LTD.
                                        LIABILITY CO.

By /s/ Jeffrey L. Farstad               By /s/ Jeffrey L. Farstad
   ------------------------                --------------------------
   Jeffrey L. Farstad                      Jeffrey L. Farstad
   Its President                           Its President

<Page>

 Exhibit B                       Compliance Certificate

 Exhibit C                       Premises

 Exhibit D                       Prior Letters of Credit

 Exhibit E                       Forms of Lien Waivers

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

 Schedule 5.1                    Trade Names, Chief Executive Office,
                                 Principal Place of Business, and Locations
                                 of Collateral

 Schedule 5.4                    Subsidiaries

 Schedule 7.1                    Permitted Liens

 Schedule 7.2                    Permitted Indebtedness and Guaranties

<Page>

                                    Exhibit A to Amended and Restated Credit
                                    and Security Agreement

                                REVOLVING NOTE

$12,000,000                                             Minneapolis, Minnesota
                                                              December 8, 1997

       For value received, the undersigned, FARSTAD OIL, INC., a North Dakota
corporation (the "Borrower"), hereby promises to pay ON DEMAND, and if demand is
not sooner made, then as provided in the Credit Agreement (defined below), to
the order of NORWEST CREDIT, INC., a Minnesota corporation (the "Lender"), at
its main office in Minneapolis, Minnesota, or at any other place designated at
any time by the holder hereof, in lawful money of the United States of America
and in immediately available funds, the principal sum of Twelve Million Dollars
($12,000,000) or, if less, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all
Revolving Advances made by the Lender to the Borrower under the Credit Agreement
(defined below) together with interest on the principal amount hereunder
remaining unpaid from time to time, computed on the basis of the actual number
of days elapsed and a 360-day year, from the date hereof until this Note is
fully paid at the rate from time to time in effect under the Credit and Security
Agreement of even date herewith (as the same may hereafter be amended,
supplemented or restated from time to time, the "Credit Agreement") by and
between the Lender and the Borrower. The principal hereof and interest accruing
thereon shall be due and payable as provided in the Credit Agreement. This Note
may be prepaid only in accordance with the Credit Agreement.

       This Note is issued pursuant, and is subject, to the Credit Agreement,
which provides, among other things,. for acceleration hereof. This Note is the
Revolving Note referred to in the Credit Agreement. To the extent this Note
evidences the Borrower's Obligation to pay Existing Revolving Advances, this
Note is issued in substitution for and replacement of but not in payment of the
Borrower's promissory note dated as of July 24, 1996, payable to the order of
the Lender in the original principal amount of $12,000,000. This Note is
secured, among other things, pursuant to the Credit Agreement and the Security
Documents as therein defined, and may now or hereafter be secured by one or more
other security agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, assignments or other
instruments or agreements.

       The Borrower hereby agrees to pay all costs of collection, including
attorneys' fees and legal expenses in the event this Note is not paid when due,
whether or not legal proceedings are commenced.

<Page>

       Presentment or other demand for payment, notice of dishonor and protest
are expressly waived.

                                                FARSTAD OIL, INC.

                                             By
                                                -----------------------------
                                                Jeffrey L. Farstad
                                                Its President

<Page>

                                   Exhibit B to Amended and Restated Credit
                                   and Security Agreement

                             COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

TO:               Daniel A. Schmid
                  Norwest Credit, Inc.

DATE:             __________________, 199___

Subject:          Farstad Oil, Inc.

                  Financial Statements

                  In accordance with our Amended and Restated Credit and
Security Agreement dated as-of December 8, 1997 (the "Credit Agreement"),
attached are the financial statements of Farstad Oil, Inc. (the "Borrower") as
of and for__________, 19____ (the "Reporting Date") and the year-to-date period
then ended (the "Current Financials"). All terms used in this certificate have
the meanings given in the Credit Agreement.

                  I certify that the Current Financials have been prepared in
accordance with GAAP, subject to year-end audit adjustments, and fairly present
the Borrower's financial condition and the results of its operations as of the
date thereof.

                      EVENTS OF DEFAULT. (Check one):

              / /     The undersigned does not have knowledge of the
                      occurrence of a Default or Event of Default under the
                      Credit Agreement.

              / /     The undersigned has knowledge of the occurrence of a
                      Default or Event of Default under the Credit Agreement and
                      attached hereto is a statement of the facts with respect
                      to thereto.

                      I hereby certify to the Lender as follows:

              / /     The Reporting Date does not mark the end of one of the
                      Borrower's fiscal quarters, hence l am completing only
                      paragraph __ below.

              / /     The Reporting Date marks the end of one of the
                      Borrower's fiscal quarters, hence I am completing all
                      paragraphs below except paragraph___.

              / /     The Reporting Date marks the end of the Borrower's
                      fiscal year, hence I am completing all paragraphs below.

                      FINANCIAL COVENANTS. I further hereby certify as follows:

<Page>

                  1. MINIMUM NET INCOME. Pursuant to Section 6.14 of the Credit
            Agreement, as of the Reporting Date, the Borrower's Net Income and
            its Consolidated Net Income, was $_________and $ ________,
            respectively, which / / satisfies / / does not satisfy the
            requirement that such amounts each be not less than $200,000 on the
            Reporting Date.

                  2. MAXIMUM DEBT TO BOOK NET WORTH RATIO. Pursuant to Section
            6.15 of the Credit Agreement, as of the Reporting Date, the ratio of
            the Borrower's Debt to its Book Net Worth was _____ to 1.00 which /
            / satisfies / / does not satisfy the requirement that such ratio be
            no more than ____to 1.00 on the Reporting Date[ as set forth in
            table below:

<Table>
<Caption>

------------------------------------------------------------------------
           PERIOD                           MAXIMUM DEBT TO
                                         BOOK NET WORTH RATIO
          --------                   ----------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            <S>                              <C>
            1997                             8.50 to 1.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            1998                             8.00 to 1.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            1999                             7.50 to 1.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------
            2000                             7.00 to 1.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>

                  3. MAXIMUM ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE TURNOVER. Pursuant to Section
            6.16 of the Credit Agreement, as of the Reporting Date, the
            Borrower's Accounts Receivable Turnover was _____days which / /
            satisfies / / does not satisfy the requirement that such amount be
            no more than 25 days on the Reporting Date.

                  4. CAPITAL EXPENDITURES. Pursuant to Section 7.10 of the
            Credit Agreement, for the year-to-date period ending on the
            Reporting Date, the Borrower has expended or contracted to expend
            during the fiscal year ended______,199_____, for Capital
            Expenditures, $_______________ in the aggregate and at most
            $___________in any one transaction, which / / satisfies / / does not
            satisfy the requirement that such expenditures not exceed $400,000
            in the aggregate during such year.

                  5. SALARIES. As of the Reporting Date, the Borrower / / is / /
            is not in compliance with Section 7.17 of the Credit Agreement
            concerning salaries.

<Page>

          Attached hereto are all relevant facts in reasonable detail to
evidence, and the computations of the financial covenants referred to above.
These computations were made in accordance with GAAP.

                                          FARSTAD OIL, INC.

                                          By
                                             ----------------------------------
                                             Its Chief Financial Officer

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