UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.    )

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.     )

Filed by the Registrant  xý

Filed by a Party other than the Registranto

Check the appropriate box:

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Preliminary Proxy Statement

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xý

Definitive Proxy Statement

o

Definitive Additional Materials

o

Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC

Golden Oval Eggs

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

 

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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

 

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Persons who are to respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB control number.




Golden Oval Eggs, LLC

GRAPHIC

340 Dupont Avenue

P.O. Box 615

Renville, MN 56284

 



Golden Oval Eggs, LLC

1800 Park Avenue East

P.O. Box 615

Renville, MN  56284

GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC

February 23, 2005

March 13, 2006

Dear Member:

You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Members of Golden Oval Eggs, LLC, which will be held at Jackpot Junction Hotel, Morton, Minnesota on March 15, 2005,29, 2006, at 1:00 p.m., Central Standard Time.  Registration will begin at 11:30, with lunch served at 12:00 p.m.  Please RSVP for lunch by calling Sandie Wohlman at 888.744.8182  ext. 301 if you are planning to attend.

Details of the business to be conducted at the Annual Meeting are given in the attached Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement.

Your vote is important. Even if you do not plan to attend the meeting, it is important that your units be represented and voted at the meeting. Therefore, if you do not plan to attend the meeting, I encourage you to sign, date, and promptly return the enclosed mail ballot in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.  Instructions for voting by the mail ballot are included in the enclosed proxy statement and on the mail ballot itself.  Although we encourage you to attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person, ifIf you intend to vote by mail with the enclosed mail ballot, the mail ballot must be received by the Company by Monday,Tuesday, March 14, 200528, 2006 to be included in the voting.  Although we encourage you to vote by mail, if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, you may vote in person.

On behalf of the Board of Managers, I would like to express our appreciation for your continued support of the Company.

Sincerely,

 

/s/ Dana Persson

 

Dana Persson

 

President /Chief Executive Officer

 

1





 

GRAPHIC

GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS

March 15, 200529, 2006

Date:

March 15, 2005

Time:

1:00 p.m., Central Standard Time (registration will begin at 11:30 a.m., lunch at 12:00 p.m.)

Place:

Date:       March 29, 2006

Time:      1:00 p.m. Central Standard Time (registration will begin at 11:30 a.m., lunch at 12:00 p.m.)

Place:      Jackpot Junction Hotel, Morton, Minnesota

 

The purposes of the meeting are to:

1.                Elect three managers to serve on the Company’s Board of Managers for a term expiring at the Annual Meeting of the Company’s Members to be held in 2008 or until such manager’s successor is elected and shall qualify.are:

2.                Elect

1.             To elect two managers to serve on the Company’s Board of Managers for terms expiring at the Annual Meeting of the Company’s Members to be held in 20072009 or until such manager’s successor is elected and shall qualify.

3.                Elect two managers to serve on the Company’s Board of Managers for terms expiring at the Annual Meeting of the Company’s Members to be held in 2006 or until such manager’s successor is elected and shall qualify.

4.2.             Act upon such other matters that may properly be brought before the meeting.

Only Golden Oval Eggs, LLC, members of record at the close of business on February 10, 200528, 2006, will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. Please vote by one of these methods:

·      Complete, sign, date and return the enclosed mail ballot in the enclosed postage-paid envelope to be received by March 14, 2005;28, 2006; or

·      Cast your vote in person at the Annual Meeting.

By Order of the Board of Managers,

 

/s/ Mark Chan

 

Secretary

Renville, Minnesota

 

February 23, 2005

Renville, Minnesota

March 13, 2006

 

The enclosed mail ballot is solicited on behalf of the Board of Managers of Golden Oval Eggs, LLC

2





 

GRAPHIC

GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC

PROXY STATEMENT FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS

To Be Held March 15, 200529, 2006

Your vote is very important. The Board of Managers of Golden Oval Eggs, LLC, (the “Company”) is soliciting mail ballots to be voted at the March 15, 200529, 2006 Annual Meeting. The Company is a Delaware limited liability company. The principal executive offices of the Company are located at 340 Dupont1800 Park Avenue NE,East, Renville, Minnesota 56284 and its telephone number is (320) 329-8182.

This Proxy Statement contains important information for you to consider when deciding how to vote on the matters brought before the Annual Meeting. This Proxy Statement and the mail ballot were mailed to members beginning on or about February 23, 2005.March 13, 2006.  The Annual Report to Members for the fiscal year ended August 31, 20042005 was mailed to members on or about January 10, 2005.February 3, 2006.

The mail ballot solicitation is being made on behalf of the Board of Managers of the Company, and the Company is responsible for the costs associated with such solicitation.  In addition to solicitation by mail, officers, directorsmanagers and employees of the Company may solicit mail ballots by telephone, electronic communication or in person.

Who May Vote

Only members of record at the close of business on February 10, 200528, 2006, will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders.Members. On February 10, 2005,28, 2006, there were 4,581,832 4,688,677 of the Company’s limited liability company units issued and outstanding.

How You Can Vote

You may vote by one of the following two methods:

·      Complete, sign and date the enclosed mail ballot and return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope provided to be received by March 14, 2005,28, 2006, or

·      Cast your vote in person at the Annual Meeting.

How You Can Revoke or Change Your Vote

You may revoke your mail ballot and change your vote before the final vote at the Annual Meeting by:

·      Sending written notice of revocation to the Company’s Secretary; or

·      Submitting a properly signed mail ballot with a later date; or

·      By revoking your mail ballot in person at the Annual Meeting and voting in person at the Annual Meeting.

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General Information on Voting

You are entitled to cast one vote for each of the Company’s limited liability company units you own as of the close of business on February 10, 2005.28, 2006.

All members are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting in person.  Whether or not you expect to attend the meeting, please complete, date, sign and return the enclosed mail ballot as promptly as possible in order to ensure your representation at the meeting.  A return envelope (which is postage prepaid if mailed in the United States) is enclosed for that purpose.  Even if you have given your mail ballot, you may still vote in person if you attend the Annual Meeting.  Please note, however, that if your sharesunits are held of record by a broker, bank or other nominee and you wish to vote at the meeting, you must bring to the meeting a letter from the broker, bank or other nominee confirming your beneficial ownership of the units.  Additionally, in order to vote at the meeting, you must obtain from the record holder a proxymail ballot issued in your name.

        In order to be considered properly voted, mail ballots must be received by the Company by March 28, 2006, prior to the Annual Meeting.

Quorum and Vote Requirements

A quorum, consisting of a 20% of the units entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, must be present in person or by mail ballot before action may be taken at the Annual Meeting.  Votes cast by mail ballot or in person at the Annual Meeting of Members will determine whether or not a quorum is present.  Each of the Company’s limited liability company units is entitled to one vote.

Pursuant to the Company’s Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, the Board of DirectorsManagers has adopted rules and procedures for the election of the various members of the Board of Managers at the Annual Meeting.  As indicated above, each member is entitled to cast one vote for each of the Company’s units held by that member on each matter submitted to a vote of the members of the Company.  The Board of Managers has determined that it is appropriate that all seven seats on the Company’s Board be open for election at the Annual Meeting. As a result, aA member may cast votes equal to the number of units held by such member for up to seventwo candidates for election to the Board of Managers.  For example, a member holding 5,000 units could cast 5,000 votes for Candidate A, and 5,000 votes for Candidate B, 5,000 votes for Candidate C and so on.B.

Given the Board of Managers’ determination that all seven

The two board seats on the Board of Managers should becurrently available for election at this Annual Meeting are currently held by Mr. Tauer and given the provisions of the Company’s Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement establishing a “staggered” board, the Board of Managers has adopted the following procedure for the election of candidates to the Board of Managers at the Annual Meeting:

Mr. Petersburg.  Through the efforts of the Company’s Nominating Committee, the Board of Managers hashave identified tenfive candidates to stand for election to the seventwo seats, available onincluding the Board of Managers.two incumbents.  (Information is included elsewhere in this document regarding those candidates, their qualifications and their reasons for seeking election to the Company’s Board of Managers.)Managers).   The threetwo candidates receiving the most votes will be assigned 3-year terms, expiring at the Company’s Annual Meeting to be held in 2008. The two candidates receiving the fourth and fifth highest vote counts will be assigned 2-year terms, expiring at the Company’s Annual Meeting to be held in 2007. Finally, the two candidates receiving the sixth and seventh highest vote counts will be assigned 1-year terms, expiring at the Company’s Annual Meeting to be held in 2006.2009.  You may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST”“AGAINST,” or “ABSTAIN ”“ABSTAIN” on any proposal other proposal.than the election of managers.

All units that have been properly voted, whether by mail ballot or in person, and not revoked will be voted at the Annual Meeting as designated. In order to be considered properly voted, mail ballots must be received by the Company by March 14, 2005, prior to the Annual Meeting.

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table furnishes information, as of, February 10, 2005,28, 2006, regarding beneficial ownership of the Company’s Class A units by (i) each person known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of the Company’s issued and outstanding units, (ii) each of the Company’s directorsmanagers, each nominee for election at this Annual Meeting and each executive officers,officer named in the Summary Compensation Table on page 17 (the “Named Executive Officers”) and (iii) all of the Company’s directorscurrent managers and executive officers as a group.

The address of each natural person listed below is c/o Golden Oval Eggs, LLC, 340 Dupont1800 Park Avenue NE,East, Renville, MN 56824. Except as otherwise noted, each person listed below has sole investment discretion and voting power with respect to the units listed.

 

 

Beneficial Ownership of 
Class A Units

 

Name

 

 

 

Number

 

Percentage

 

Coop Country Farmers Elevator

 

556,993

 

 

12.2

%

 

Marvin Breitkreutz(1)

 

25,168

 

 

0.5

 

 

Mark Chan(2)

 

13,728

 

 

0.3

 

 

Chris Edgington

 

8,288

 

 

0.2

 

 

Thomas Jacobs(3)

 

9,720

 

 

0.2

 

 

Brad Petersburg

 

60,432

 

 

1.3

 

 

Randy Tauer

 

7,288

 

 

0.2

 

 

Jeff Woodley(4)

 

20,000

 

 

0.4

 

 

Dana Persson

 

5,296

 

 

0.1

 

 

Terrance Heying

 

 

 

 

 

Doug Leifermann

 

 

 

 

 

Marie Staley

 

 

 

 

 

All directors/managers and executive officers as a group

 

149,920

 

 

3.3

 

 

 

 

Beneficial Ownership of
Class A Units

 

Name

 

Number

 

Percentage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coop Country Farmers Elevator

 

556,993

 

11.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dana Persson (1)

 

116,365

 

2.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brad Petersburg (2)(3)

 

77,296

 

1.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Randy Tauer (2)(3)

 

27,788

 

0.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marvin Breitkreutz (2)(4)

 

25,168

 

0.5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark Chan (2)(5)

 

15,728

 

0.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Doug Leifermann (1)

 

11,855

 

0.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chris Edgington (2)

 

11,832

 

0.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike Branstad (3)(6)

 

11,288

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patricia Buschette (3)

 

10,296

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rodney Hebrink (2)

 

7,432

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Howard Dahlager (3)(7)

 

3,432

 

0.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Terry Heying (1)(8)

 

3,067

 

0.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul Wilson (2)

 

2,288

 

0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marie Staley (1)(9)

 

2,000

 

0.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All managers and current executive officers as a group (9 persons)

 

295,752

 

6.3

 


(1)

Named Executive Officer

(2)

Manager

(3)

Nominee for Manager

5



(1)         

(4)

Includes Class A units held by Mr. Breitkreutz’s wife. Also includes 18,304 Class A units held jointly by Mr. Breitkreutz and his spouse.

(5)

Includes 15,758 Class A units held by MC&S Inc., a corporation owned by Mr. Chan and his family.

(6)

Includes 11,288 Class A units held by Branstad Farms Inc., a corporation owned by Mr. Branstad and his family.

(7)

Includes 3,432 Class A units held by Dahlager Farms, a partnership owned by Mr. Dahlager and his family.

(8)

Mr. Heying retired from Golden Oval effective October 31, 2005.

(9)

Ms. Staley retired from Golden Oval effective October 31, 2005.

(2)          Includes 13,728 Class A units held by MC&S Inc., a corporation owned by Mr. Chan and his family.

(3)          Includes 9,720 Class A units held jointly by Mr. Jacobs and his spouse.

(4)          Includes 20,000 Class A units held jointly by Mr. Woodley and his spouse.

5




IINFORMATIONNFORMATION REGARDING THE BOARD OF DIRECTORSMANAGERS

The Company is managed by a Board of Managers, all of whom will beare elected on an at-large basis. Under the Amended Limited Liability Company Agreement, the number of managers is to be set by the Board of Managers, but may not be less than five.  The initial Board has set the number of Managers of the Company consists of the same seven individuals who served as members of the Board of Directors of the cooperativemanagers at the time of the Cooperative’s conversion.seven.

The names, addresses, ages and terms of the current managers of the Company are as follows:

Name and Address

 

 

 

Age

 

Position

 

Term
Expires

Marvin Breitkreutz

 

61

 

Manager, Chairman

 

2006

74268 250th Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

Renville, Minnesota 56284

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark Chan

 

45

 

Manager, Secretary/Treasurer

 

2007

P.O. Box 178

 

 

 

 

 

 

Renville, Minnesota 56284

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chris Edgington

 

43

 

Manager, Vice Chairman

 

2006

4440 Dogwood Avenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

St. Ansgar, Iowa 50472

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas Jacobs

 

49

 

Manager

 

2005

37408 890th Avenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

Olivia, Minnesota 56277

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brad Petersburg

 

48

 

Manager

 

2007

563 390th Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hanlontown, Iowa 50444

 

 

 

 

 

 

Randy Tauer

 

42

 

Manager

 

2006

22257 Skyview Avenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

Morgan, Minnesota 56266

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeff Woodley

 

48

 

Manager

 

2005

12778 450th Street

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thompson, Iowa 50478

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name and Address

 

Age

 

Position

 

Term
Expires

Chris Edgington
4440 Dogwood Avenue
St. Ansgar, Iowa 50472

 

44

 

Manager, Chairman

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marvin Breitkreutz
74268 250th Street
Renville, Minnesota 56284

 

62

 

Vice Chairman

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mark Chan
P.O. Box 178
Renville, Minnesota 56284

 

46

 

Manager, Secretary/Treasurer

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Paul Wilson
4557 290th Ave.
Clarkfield, MN 56223

 

51

 

Manager

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rodney Hebrink
9811 Endicott Ave. NW
Maple Lake, MN 55358

 

49

 

Manager

 

2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brad Petersburg
563 390th Street

Hanlontown, Iowa 50444

 

49

 

Manager

 

2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Randy Tauer
22257 Skyview Avenue
Morgan, Minnesota 56266

 

43

 

Manager

 

2006

 

Marvin Breitkreutz.   Mr. Breitkreutz previously served as a director of the cooperative from its formation in 1994 through the date of the conversion. He is now serving as Manager and has served as Chairman since April 2002. He has served on the board for Southern Minnesota Sugar Beet Cooperative, is Chairman of the Red River Valley Farmers Insurance Pool, and is a past township supervisor and chairman of the Renville County Farm Bureau. He has owned and operated his farm since 1962. He raises sugar beets, corn and soybeans.

Mark Chan.   Mr. Chan previously served as a director of the cooperative from its formation in 1994 through the date of the conversion. He is now serving as a Manager and has served as Secretary/Treasurer since April 2002. He is a past director of Co-op Country Farmers Elevator and ValAdCo. He has been farming since 1982. He is an owner and manager of a family farm corporation, raising corn, soybeans, sugar beets and green peas.

Chris Edgington.Mr. Edgington previously served as a director of the cooperative from February 2000 through the date of the conversion.  He is now serving as a Manager and has beenis Chairman of the Board. Previously he served as the Company’s Vice Chairman since April 2002.Chairman. He currently serves on the board for Ag Ventures Alliance


and has served on the Iowa Extension Council. He is a member of the Iowa Pork Producers, and servedserving on the producer leadership

6



committee. HeChris has been farming since 1984. He1984, and is the owner and manager of a farrow to finish hog operation with his brother, and they raiseraising corn, soybeans, millet and alfalfa.  Chris resides in St. Ansgar, Iowa.

Thomas Jacobs.   Marvin Breitkreutz.    Is Vice Chairman of Golden Oval Eggs board and has been with the company since it’s formation in 1994.  He also serves as Chairman of the Red River Valley Farmers Insurance Pool.  Marvin has served on the board for the Southern Minnesota Sugar Beet Cooperative, as well as being a past township supervisor and previous chairman of the Renville County Farm Bureau.  Marvin lives and farms near Renville, Minnesota where he raises sugar beets, corn and soybeans.

Mark Chan.Mr. JacobsChan previously served as a director of the cooperative from its formation in 1994February 2000 through the date of the conversion. HeCooperative’s conversion and now serves as a Manager.  He previously served as Vice Chairman and is currently serving as Secretary/Treasurer.  As Mr. Chan was a past boarddirector of Co-Op Country Farmers Elevator and ValAdCo.  Mark is an owner and manager of a family farm operation near Renville, Minnesota that raises corn, soybeans and green peas.

Paul Wilson.   Paul was elected to the Golden Oval Board as a Manager in 2005.  He is Vice-President/Loan Officer of the F & M Bank in Clarkfield, Minnesota.  A fifth generation farmer, he raises grain and turkeys on his family farm.  He serves on the boards of the Economic Development Association, the Upper Minnesota Valley Business Development, and is a member of the Sheep Producers.development board of the Clarkfield Charter School.  He is President of the Clarkfield Lions Club and the Clarkfield Lutheran Church.  Paul resides in Clarkfield, Minnesota.

Rodney Hebrink.  Rod was elected to the Golden Oval Eggs in 2005 as a Manager.  He has ownedbeen the Senior Vice President of AgStar Financial Services, ACA, since 1995.  He previously served AgStar as Vice President and managed his farm since 1976 where he raises sheep, corn, soybeans, peas, sweet cornChief Financial Officer.  Mr. Hebrink held the position of Assistant Vice President in the Agribusiness division of Norwest Bank and sugar beets.also of St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives.  He has broad managerial skills in leadership and executing business plans.  Rod lives in Maple Lake, Minnesota.

Brad Petersburg.Mr. Petersburg previously served as a director of the cooperative from February 2000 through the date of the Cooperative’s conversion and now serves as a Manager.  He is aBrad  has served various roles in developing  farmer-owned, value-added business ventures including: founder and developerboard member of several farmer-owned organizations including Ag Ventures Alliance, founder and board member of Agra Resources Cooperative (EXOL), and founder, board member and project coordinator of Midwest Grain Processors Cooperative. He also helped create and serves on the board of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association and BIOWA Development Association. Brad and two partners formed Rural Development Associates, which provides business development to agribusiness clients.   He has owned and managed his farm since 1979, raising corn and soybeans.   Brad lives near Hanlontown, Iowa.

Randy Tauer.Mr. Tauer previously served as a director of the cooperative from March 2003 through the date of the conversion. He now serves as a Manager.  He is currently serving as a board member of the Prairie Farmers Coop and is a member of the Corn and Soybean Producers and Pork Producers. He has been farming since 1980. He owns and manages a farrow to finish hog operation near Morgan, Minnesota and raises corn, soybeans, sweet corn and peas.

7



Jeff Woodley.   PROPOSAL 1:Mr. Woodley previously served as a director

ELECTION OF MANAGERS

The terms of the cooperative from February 2000 through the date of the Cooperative’s conversion. He now serves as a Manager. He is chairman of Winnebago County Soiltwo managers, Brad Petersburg and Water Conservation District, director of Hancock and Winnebago County Cattlemen’s Association and a member of Ag Ventures Alliance. He has owned and managed his farm since 1988, where he raises corn, soybeans, hay and cattle.

As indicated above, the Board of Managers has determined it to be appropriate for each of the seven seats on the Board to be available for electionRandy Tauer, are expiring at this Annual Meeting.  In order to effect that process, each of the current members of the Board of ManagersTherefore, two candidates will resign from service on the Board of Managers at the commencement of the Annual Meeting;  five of the current members will then stand for re-election, along with the other five nominees presented by the Company’s Nominating Committee.

7




PROPOSAL 1:  ELECTION OF THREE MANAGERS FOR TERMS EXPIRING AT 2008 ANNUAL

MEETING

PROPOSAL 2:  ELECTION OF TWO MANAGERS FOR TERMS EXPIRING AT 2007 ANNUAL

MEETING

PROPOSAL 3:  ELECTION OF TWO MANAGERS FOR TERMS EXPIRING AT 2006 ANNUAL

MEETING

Seven candidates are to be elected at the Annual Meeting to serve as members of the Company’s Board of Managers. Three of those candidates will be electedManagers for a three-year terms, with their terms expiring at Company’s Annual Meeting to be held in 2008. Two candidates will be2009 or until their successor is elected for two-year terms, expiring at the Company’s Annual Meeting to be held in 2007. Two candidates will be elected for one-year terms, expiring at the Company’s Annual Meeting to be held in 2006.and qualified.  The threetwo candidates receiving the most votes at the Annual Meeting will be elected to three-year terms, expiring at the Company’s Annual Meeting to be held in 2008. The two candidates receiving the fourth and fifth highest vote counts will be elected to two-year terms, expiring at the Company’s Annual Meeting to be held in 2007. Finally, the two candidates receiving the sixth and seventh highest vote counts will be elected to one-year terms, expiring at the Company’s Annual Meeting to be held in 2006.  (In each case a member of the Board of Managers will hold office until his or her successor is elected and qualified.)elected.  The Nominating Committee has nominated, and the Board of Managers has ratified the nomination of, the five persons named below as candidates for election to the Board of MangersManagers of the Company.  The current Board of ManagersEach person has consented to be nominated and the Company has no reason to believe any nominee will not continue to be a candidate or will not be able to serve as a manager if elected.

The name and age of each of the nominees for election to the Company’s Board of Managers, his principal occupation and other information is set forth below, based upon information furnished to the Company by the nominee.

8




20052006 Board of Manager Candidates

MIKE BRANSTAD                             Age 47
48

106 Central Drive

Forest City, IA 50436

641.585.5854 telephone

641.590.0224 fax

Board Experience

·       Founder and President of      1992-present Branstad Farms, Inc. (12 years)currently serving as president.

·       Founder and President of AgVisions,      2001-present Ag Ventures Alliance, currently serving as Vice-President

      2002-present Ag Visions, LLC, (4 years)currently serving as President

·       Founder and President of      2003-present JSB Farms, LLC, (3 years)currently serving as President

·       Founder and Treasurer of      2003-present Brazil Ag Enterprises, LLC, (2 years)currently serving as Treasurer

·       Ag Ventures Alliance Board Member (4 years)

·       Ag Venture Alliance Executive Committee member (3 years)

·       Founder and Vice-President of      2004-present SoyEx Cooperative, (2 years)currently serving as Vice-President

·      2002-present Winnebago Mutual Insurance Board Member (3 years)Association

·      2004-present Winnebago Insurance Holding Company Member (1 year)

Business Experience

·      Owned and operated a farming business for over 25 years.

·      Have also done custom trucking, custom farming, managed farmsfarm management for absentee landowners and seed sales.

·      Was Project Coordinator for Brazil Ag Enterprises, LLC and help develop the Business Plan, Operating Agreement, Disclosure Documents and the Private Placement Offering.

      Helped develop AgVisions, LLC, where a small group of farmers pool resources, purchase machinery and lease back to the members.

8



Education

·      Graduated from Thompson High School in 1976

·      Graduated from Iowa State University in the winter of 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in Farm Operations with emphases on economics and agronomy.

Why do you desire to serve on the boardBoard of Managers and why would you be an effective member of the Board?  I desire to serve on the board member?Help createto help grow the company by expansion and/or by further processing of eggsprocessing.  I would also like to move away fromhelp the company be the lowest cost producer in the commodity businessegg business.  Living and closer toworking in the retail business.Thompson, Winnebago County area, I feel I can help with local issues.  I would be effective because I have been involved with different types of business structures, operating my own business beingand would curtail some of the other businesses to focus on different types of Boards and committees.Golden Oval Eggs.

Family

Married to Hannele, with two children:  Emily, 10, and Tapani, 7.


MARVIN BREITKREUTZ           PATRICIA BUSCHETTEAge 61
74268 250th63

82498 210th Street

Renville, MN 56284

Board Experience

·  1994 to present

Golden Oval Eggs, currently board chairman

·  1994 to present

Farmers Insurance Pool, 1997—2001 served as board chairman

·  1989 to 1998

Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Coop, served on audit and pension committees

·  1975 to 1984

Scenic City Co-op Oil, served several years as board chairman

·  1970 to 1996

Flora Township Supervisor

Renville County Farm Bureau, served several years as board chairman

Land O’Lakes Cooperative, served 3 years on policy and resolutions committee

Business Experience

·       Served as board chairman      1978 to 1981- Southwest State University Foundation Board

      1970’s-Renville County Farmers Union, Chairman of new product development for crop insurance.local organization

·       Own and operate a long haul trucking company      1970’s-Countryside Council, Marshall, Minnesota

·       Own and operate a family farm business      1980’s-New Ulm Diocesan Council of Catholic Women

Education

·       1961 graduate of Renville High School

·       Attended industry development seminars

·       Attended advanced business training in board leadership, governance and finance

Why do you desire to serve on the board and why would you be an effective board member?   I desire to continue to serve on the board of managers for Golden Oval Eggs. I have served Golden Oval Eggs from its startup by helping with its first equity drive. Being on the board has given me a detailed understanding of the egg industry; what has helped make Golden Oval Eggs successful, what the consumer and customer want, and what we need to do if we are to continue to strengthen our position in the egg industry. I have had the opportunity to learn firsthand about the egg industry, who our competition is, and who are the leaders of those companies competing with Golden Oval Eggs. With the change to an LLC and Golden Oval Eggs’ growth, more time, commitment, financial and industry knowledge will be required of the board of managers and I am willing to spend the time needed.

Family

Married to Patsy, with three grown daughters, Cindy, Linda and Sandra.


MARK CHAN                                 Age 45
302 NE 2nd Street
P.O. Box 178
Renville, MN 56284

Board Experience

·  1994 to present

Golden Oval Eggs, serving as secretary for most of this time

·  1993 to 1996

Coop Country Farmers Elevator

·  1991 to 1993

ValAdCo

Business Experience

·       Managerial duties involving crop production, marketing and finance      2001 to 2004- National Association of Wheat Growers.  Director of Congressional Affairs

·      1992 to 2003- Buschette Farms, Renville Minnesota-Chief Financial Officer

      1999 to present:   MC2000- US House of Representatives; Legislative Assistant to Congressman David Minge.

      1996 to 1999- Garvey & S Inc. (President), a family farm corporation engaged in the production of corn, soybeans, peas and sugar beets.Boggio; Probate Paralegal

·      1989 to 1995- LeVAnder, Gillen & Miller; Paralegal

      1981 to 1998:   MC & S Inc. (Vice President)

Education1983- Southern Minnesota Sugar Beet Cooperative; Public Relations Coordinator and Editorialist.

·       1977-1981 South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota      1975 to 1980- Free Lance Write

·       Major areas of study included business economics and agronomy

Why do you desire to serve on the board and why would you be an effective board member?   Having served on the Golden Oval board since its beginning, I bring a general understanding of the challenges Golden Oval continues to face within the egg industry. My business background provides the necessary tools in understanding production, marketing, financial analysis and the importance of long term strategic planning for Golden Oval.


RICHARD A. COONROD            Age 73
Coonrod Agri Corp
The Food Fund II LP
5850 Opus Parkway, Suite 150
Minnetonka, MN 55343

Board Experience

·  1985 to present

Coonrod Agri Corp—President, Minneapolis, MN

·  1990 to 2004

The Food Fund LP—General Partner, Minneapolis, MN

·  1999 to present

Glencoe Capital—Executive Network, Chicago, IL

·  1986 to present

Grain Millers, Inc.—Director, Eden Prairie, MN

·  1988 to present

Portland Food Products—Director, Portland, OR

·  2000 to present

Fiberstar, Inc.—Director/Executive Committee, Willmar, MN

·  1999 to 2004

Specialty Food Group, Inc.—Director/Executive Committee, Richmond, VA

·  2002 to present

Paradigm Diagnostics—Director, Minneapolis, MN

·  2004 to present

Electrolyzer Corp—Director, Woburn, MA

·  1985 to present

Alter Co., Director, Bettendorf, IA

·  2004 to present

Less Technology, LLC—President, Minneapolis, MN

Business Experience

·  1990 to 1999

Orange Co—NYSE Director, Bartow, FL

·  1993 to 2001

Michael Foods—NASDAQ Director, Minneapolis, MN

·  1995 to 2003

Packaged Ice Inc.—AMEX Director, Dallas, TX

·  2000 to 2002

Strategic Equipment & Supply—Director, Dallas, TX

·  2002 to 2004

Distribution Dynamics Inc.—Director, Minneapolis, MN

·  1986 to 2003

High Country Grain Inc.—President/Director, Minneapolis, MN

·  1982 to 1986

Norwest Bank—Director, Minneapolis, MN

·  1990 to 2003

Farmland Investments Inc.—President/Director, Minneapolis, MN

·  1990 to 2002

Food Fund Investments

Award Banking Inc.—Director, Minneapolis, MN

Hoffman Aseptic Inc.—Director, Hoffman, MN

Motion Tech Inc.—Director, Boston, MA

Ms. Clark’s Foods—Director, Ankeny, IA

·  1956 to 1985

The Pillsbury Company—Corporate Executive VP, President Agri Products, Minneapolis, MN


·  1985 to 1986

AGRI Industries—President & CEO, Des Moines, IA

·  1988 to 1992

St. Louis Ship—President & CEO, St. Louis, MO

Education

·  1953

      2001 USDA Graduate School

      1997-1999  Bethel University, Masters Program, Organizational Leadership

      1990-1996  University of Minnesota, Baccalaureate degree in self-designed program.  Graduated with honors

      1989-1990  Inver Hills Community College, Associate degree as Paralegal

9



Bachelor of Science, Milling Science, School of Agriculture, Kansas State University

·  1953 to 1955

U.S. Air Force, 1st Lieutenant

·  1955 to 1957

U.S. Air Force (Res.), Captain

 

Why do you desire to serve on the boardBoard of Managers and why would you be an effective member of the Board?  The concept of value added agriculture is deeply ingrained in our family’s farming operation, and in my political philosophy.  As a Congressional staffer in the offices of Congressman David Minge, Second Congressional District, Minnesota, I came to appreciate on a broader scale than my own experience, the value of farmers working together to produce a product beyond that delivered to an elevator.  In connection with my work in the Congressional Office I worked closely with the Undersecretary of Rural Development of the USDA, advising her of the current status of value added production in Minnesota.

My agricultural experience in Washington was amplified as I continued to work on agricultural issues as a Director of Government Relations with the National Association of Wheat Growers.  It became apparent that it was the producer who was innovative and recognized market signals who succeeded.  I came to recognize this as one of the greatest opportunities of agriculture.

My board member?   A proven recordexperience is varied and broader than agriculture.  While I was actively involved in production agriculture, women were often not considered board material.  However, I worked with my husband as he served on many cooperative boards.  I served as a sounding board for him, particularly as we became intensely involved in value added efforts.  My board experience is broad, relating to a variety issues.

The contributions that I am prepared to make as a member of financial achievement, strong leadership skills, extensivethe Board of Managers are unique.  In addition to my experience in production agriculture, I have a good knowledge of legal concepts through my work as a paralegal.  My experience in Washington gave me a good understanding of the food and agri-businesses with entrepreneurial perspective currently being exercised in the structuringpolitics of private business interests. A career with the Pillsbury Company spanned 28 years and extended to nearly every phase of business, including portfolio management, general management, marketing, operations, trading, transportation, exporting, industrial relations, new business development and acquisitions.agriculture.

Family

Married to Phyllis withFrancis Buschette.  Have three grown children, Amy, Wade and Paul.children.


CHRIS EDGINGTONHOWARD DAHLAGER                 Age 43
4440 Dogwood Avenue
St. Ansgar, IA 5047257

85380 180th Street

Sacred Heart, MN 56285

Board Experience

·

      1985 to 1992-Minnesota Crop Improvement Board, Chairman and Secretary

      1988 to 2004-Minnesota Corn Processors, Chairman and Vice-Chairman

      Present-Sacred Heart Lions Club, Officer

      Present-Church Board, Deacon and Treasurer  2000 to present

Golden Oval Eggs, serving as Vice Chairman since 2003

·  1998 to 2000

Golden Oval Eggs, serving as advisory board member

·  1998 to present

Ag Ventures Alliance

 

·       Iowa State Pork Producers, membership and leadership committee

·       Mitchell County Pork Producers, past president

·       Mitchell County Extension Service, past board president

·       St. Ansgar Community School, past member advisory committee, long range planning

Business Experience

·       Own      1975 to present- joined in partnership raising and certified seed

      1979 to present- built and operate a grainseed conditioning plant

      1981 to present-formed a corporation called JSF, Inc.  Condition and livestock family farming business since 1984.distribute Stine seed throughout southern Minnesota.

·       We raise corn, soybeans, peas and millet.

·       We also operate a small cow-calf herd and have a farrow to finish hog operation.

Education

·       1984 graduate      Graduate of IowaSacred Heart High School

      Graduate of Moorhead State University

      Attended Mankato State University with Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science.attaining additional 30 credits

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Why do you desire to serve on the boardBoard of Managers and why would you be an effective member of the Board?  I was an original member of Golden Oval Eggs and strongly believe in the concept of farmers getting together to compete in the business world.  Golden Oval needs members on the Board of Managers who are able to listen, process, and then make tough decisions when needed.  Members of the Board also need to be able to share their views and speak up at board member?   meetings, which I wantfeel I have the ability to continuedo. With my business background, previous board experience and knowledge of LLC’s, I feel I have much to offer Golden Oval. Having two capable partners at JSF Inc. gives me the ability to take the time that would be needed to serve onGolden Oval.  I would appreciate your support to become a member of the Golden Oval board because I feel that I am able to help improve the company. I have been an effective board member by verbalizing my thoughts, and by doing the preparation work necessary to understand any financial or business materials.Board of managers.

Family

Married to Vanessa for 19 years, with two children, Alex, 17, and Elizabeth, 14.Linda.  Has 4 grown children.  Resides in Sacred Heart, Minnesota.


 

RODNEY W. HEBRINKAge:  48
9811 Endicott Ave NW
Maple Lake, MN   55358

Business Experience

·  1995 to present

AgStar Financial Services, ACA

Senior Vice President (1995 to present)

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (1986 to 1995)

·  1985

Norwest Bank Minneapolis, NA

Assistant Vice President, Agribusiness Division

Corporate Banking

·  1979 to 1985

St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives

Progressive series of promotions from Credit Analyst to Senior Loan Officer

·       Provided broad management direction and leadership as Senior Vice President of a $2.8 billion financial organization with 475 employees, achieving a 50% increase in loan/lease assets over the last three years.

·       Prepared financial feasibility and merger plans resulting in the merger of ten entities, most recently in 2001, and implemented strategies to unify employees and directors, forming a high performing team.

·       Led strategic planning process, developing the long range business objectives to guide the organization’s future direction, producing initiatives such as a patronage dividend program designed to create value for our stockholders.

·       Designed and implemented innovative compensation programs for management, financial services officers and other employees, providing greater focus and ownership in the organization’s long range business objectives.

·       Directed the Financial, Human Resource, Legal, Legislative Affairs, High Risk Assets, Technology, Insurance, and Lending Support functions in AgStar to provide internal and external clients with high quality services designed to enable the organization to exceed client expectations.

·       Developed a block loan participation program resulting in the sale of a $200 million portfolio, a stronger capital position and a model program for other Farm Credit associations.

·       Developed and piloted cash management programs for corporate customers to minimize cash balances, reduce clients’ interest expense, create fee income for the association, and solidify client relationships.

·       Performed extensive financial analyses of large, complex, and diverse commercial customers with sales to $12 billion and assets to $2 billion, for extension of short and long term credit.

·       Evaluated the feasibility of major fixed asset expenditures and alternative funding mechanisms including leveraged buyouts, leveraged leases, and single investor leases, providing least cost funding alternatives for clients.

·       Managed a commercial loan portfolio with multi-bank lending relationships, consisting of diverse agricultural companies, including food processors, equipment manufacturers, grain merchandisers, and farm supply businesses.


·       Conducted member relations and numerous stockholder information meetings improving client awareness, receiving client feedback and creating support for each of our four mergers.

·       Accomplished Public Speaker making presentations to media, stockholder, church, youth, and civic groups.

·       Provided financial consulting and training to the Boards of Directors of over 100 agricultural cooperatives in the upper Midwest improving their understanding of the finances of their organizations.

·       Implemented a leadership program designed to develop leadership attributes of high potential individuals with the objective of creating depth in the managerial talent available within our organization.

Education

·       University of Michigan Business School, Executive Education Center, Effective Managerial Coaching and Counseling

·       Center for Creative Leadership, Leadership Development Program, Greensboro, North Carolina

·       Post Graduate Program, Graduate School of Banking, University of Wisconsin, Madison

·       Graduate School of Banking, University of Wisconsin, Madison

·       University of Minnesota, College of Agriculture and College of Business. B.Sc. in Agricultural Business Administration.

Why do you desire to serve on the board and why would you be an effective board member?

·       Goal oriented professional dedicated to excellence

·       Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

·       Enjoys and responds quickly to challenges

·       Experienced in merging and unifying employee and director teams

·       Accomplished in successfully presenting ideas, negotiating and resolving conflicts

·       Superior ability to think clearly and make decisions

·       Strategic focus with a record of excellence in implementation

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BRAD PETERSBURG        Age 48
49

563  390th St

Hanlontown, IA 50444

641-588-3116 telephone

641-420-5851 cell

Board Experience

·      Golden Oval Eggs, a farmer-owned egg production/processing company with 700 members.  Positions include Chairman, Vice Chairman, Director and Advisory Member over a 5-year6-year period.

·      Midwest Grain Processors, a farmer-owned ethanol plant with 1300 members.  Positions include Chairman and Director over a 4-year period.

·      Agra Resources Co-op (EXOL), a farmer-owned ethanol plant with 500 members.  Positions include Chairman, Secretary, and Director over a 5-year period.

·      Ag Ventures Alliance, a value-added business development organization with 1200 members.  Positions include Vice Chair and Director over a 5-year period.

·      Rural Development Associates, a business consulting firm.  Positions include Secretary-Treasurer over a 2-year3-year period.

·      Rural Development Partners, a Community Development Entity certified by the U.S. Treasury Dept.  Positions include Managing Director over a 2-year3-year period.

·      Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, a state trade organization for renewable fuels.  Positions include Legislative Chair and Director over a 3-year period.

·      BIOWA Development Association, a trade organization for biobased businesses in Iowa.  Positions include Vice Chairman over a 2-year3-year period.

·      Good View, a company investing in farmland in northern Brazil.  Served as director for 1 year.

      Various boards or committees of Farm Bureau, Corn Growers, Soybean Growers and our church.

11



Business Experience

·      Business development.  Of the above organizations, I was actively involved in forming MGP, EXOL, AgVA, RDA, RDP, and BIOWA.  This included developing a business plan, evaluating alternative business structures, creating and filing organizational documents, developing the initial membership and securing financing.  I also assisted the county Farm Bureaus in this region organize and form a non-profit entity for their “Ag in the Classroom” program.  I currently provide business development services on a consulting basis along with two partners in Rural Development Associates.

·      Fund raising.  I have been integrally involved in stock offerings for GOE, MGP, and EXOL raising roughly $50M from farmers.  I organized and led several of these offerings.  All of these have yielded a good return on investment for farmers.  I have also successfully written federal and state grants for the above organizations totaling about $900k.  I and two partners formed Rural Development Partners which then sought and obtained a $45M allocation under the federal New Markets Tax Credit program.  RDP is usingused these tax credits to attract capital  to farmer-ownedfor three agribusinesses across the U.S.including one in Minnesota.

·      Project Management.  I led MGP as Project Coordinator from inception through startup of its $60M ethanol plant.  Currently working to develop a $140M ethanol plant in southwest Iowa.


·      Farming.  I have worked on the family farm since childhood and helped expand the operation after college.  Due to my value-added business development activities, my farming operation is slightly smaller than in the past, about 800 acres of corn and soybeans in north-central Iowa.

Education:Education:

·      1979: Graduated with Honors from Iowa State University with a B.A. in Farm Operations.

·      Various conferences and board training events.

Why do you desire to serve on the Board of Managers and why would you be an effective member of the Board?Board:

·      I desire to serve on the board in order to help determine the strategic direction of the company including vertical integration (further processing and marketing) as well as horizontal growth (new construction, mergers or acquisitions).  Each proposed step in the company’s growth needs to be assessed in terms of the risk involved and the long-term benefit to shareholders.  In a more general sense, I want to protect and enhance my investment and that of other shareholders.

·      I would be an effective board member because of my experience, communication skills and leadership skills.  As with any successful organization, the board and management have to work together as a team.  Yet within the board room, I am not reluctant to argue an alternative course of action that I believe to be in the best interest of shareholders.  My experience on boards of other for-profit businesses, my experience in business development, and my experience as a farmer are all of value when serving on the GOE board.

Family

·Married for 2526 years.  Two daughters, oneboth in college and one taking a year off from college.

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RUSSELL S. SAMPSON              RANDY TAUERAge 45
14534 Glendale43

22257 Skyview Avenue SE
Prior Lake,

Morgan, MN 55372

507.249.3597 telephone

507.430.2969 cell

Board Experience

·       1983 to 1994—Northland Cable Constructors, President, Committee Chairman

·       1982 to present—Hector Bulldog Investment Club, Founder, Executive Board Member

·       1999 to 2001—Cash Systems Inc., Foundation Investor

·       1996 to present—Minnesota Thoroughbred Assn, Committee Chairman

Business Experience

·       1977 to 1979—Granite Falls High School bus driver

·       1979 to 1980—MTS Systems, mechanical engineer, Eden Prairie, MN

·       1983 to 1984—Mullen Communications, Minnesota Division Regional President

·       1984 to 1994—Northland Cable Constructors Inc., President/CEO

·       1994 to present—Sampson Farm/Agri Products, Business Manager

Education

·       1977—Hector High School graduate

·       1978 to 1979—Granite Falls Vo-Tech, graduate, fluid power engineering

·       1983—Mankato State University—graduate, Business Administration degree

Why do you desire to serve on the board and why would you be an effective board member?

·       Be part of managing an ongoing, successful value-added LLC. To try to take the LLC to the next level, maybe publicly traded.

·       I am reliable, have run a number of successful businesses and worked on financing for a variety of businesses. Played a part in taking a number of businesses public.

·       I know what the role of a board is and how it plays into the success of a business.

Family

Married for 17 years to Donnelle, with one daughter, Sophie.


RANDY TAUER                             Age 42
22257 Skyview Avenue
Morgan, MN

Board Experience

·      2003 to present     Golden Oval EggsEggs.  Served on Nominating Committee and Audit Committee

·      2003 to present Prairie Farmers Cooperative, Dawson, Minnesota, currently serving as treasurer

Business Experience

I have farmed for over  2224 years, and am currently president of our family farm corporation.  We raise corn, soybeans, peas and sweet corn.

      I manage a farrow to finish swine operation and we also have

      Have a contract hauling business for Del Monte Corporation. I’ve been secretary

      Secretary for the Knights of Columbus since 1996. I’m a charter

      Charter member and now honorary member of the Morgan JCs. I’m a past

      Past officer of the Morgan Sportsman’s Club, and am an usher and Eucharistic Minister in my parish.

Education

·      Morgan Public High School

·      Willmar Vocational Technical College, degree in agricultural production.

·      Attended many grain and livestock marketing seminars, and numerous board training sessions

Why do you desire to serve on the Board of Managers and why would you be an effective member of the Board?In the past  twothree years as a GOE board member, I have not missed one board meeting or conference call.  I have gained extensive knowledge of and experience in the business dealings of GOE.  I feel that my business dealings within the ag industry and/or corporate world have given me the insight into how to deal with the issues GOE faces.  I embrace the challenge of growing GOE along with maintaining profitability.  I am committed to spend the time needed to get the job done right.

Family

Married to Jeanie with two daughters, Ashley 1718 and Alissa 11.12.

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PAUL WILSON                             Age 50
4557 290th Avenue
Clarkfield, MN 56223

Board Experience

·       Economic Development Association, current board member

·       Upper Minnesota Valley Business Development, current board member

·       Clarkfield Charter School, member of development board

Business Experience

·  1998 to present

Loan Officer/VP, F&M State Bank, Clarkfield, MN

·  1975 to present

grain farmer, fifth generation to own and operate family farm

·  1996 to 1998

Owner/operator of Wilson Turkey Farm Inc., still have production

Bank compliance officer

Certified agricultural risk management

Current President of Clarkfield Lions Club

Current President of Clarkfield Lutheran Church

 

EducationCORPORATE GOVERNANCE

·  1972

H.A. Hagg High School, Clarkfield, MN

·  1974

Alexandria Technical College, Production Agriculture Degree, Alexandria, MN

·  2002 to 2003

Commercial/Ag Credit School, Ames, IA

Why do you desire to serve on the board and why would you be an effective board member?

·       Credit analysis and problem solving

·       Risk management in commercial and agricultural lending

·       Risk management in production agriculture

·       Bookkeeping and accounting experience

·       Strong background in livestock and crop production

·       Experienced in marketing of grain and livestock

Family

Married with two grown children.

 

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BoardManager Attendance at Meetings

The Board of DirectorsManagers met 1314 times during fiscal year 2004.2005. Each nomineeperson who served as a directormanager in fiscal year 20042005 attended at least 75% or more of the meetings of the Board of DirectorsManagers and any committee on which he served.

The Company does not have a formal policy on attendance at meetings of the Company’s stockholders.members. However, the Company encourages all Board members to attend stockholdermember meetings. The 20042005 Annual Meeting of StockholdersMembers was attended by each of the directorsmanagers serving at that time.

Committee Member Independence

Although none of the Company’s securities are listed on any stock exchange or system of dealer quotation, each of the charters of the committees of the Board of DirectorsMangers requires a determination of independence to be made with reference to the rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market or the New York Stock Exchange. The Board of DirectorsManagers has determined that the standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market relating to director independence are appropriate and the Board applied these standards in determining, as set forth below, which directorsmanagers serving on the committees of the Board of DirectorsManagers are “independent.”  As part of that process, the NominationNominating Committee and the Board reviewed all transactions and relationships between each directormanager (or any member of his or her immediate family) and the Company, the Company’s executive officers and the Company’s auditors, and other matters bearing on the independence of directors.managers.  In connection with their review, the Nominating Committee and the Board of Managers determined that all of the Company’s managers are “independent” as that term is defined by the Marketplace Rules of The Nasdaq Stock Market.

Committees of the Board of Managers of the Company

The Board of Managers of the Company has appointed a compensation committee,Compensation Committee, an audit committee,Audit Committee, a nomination committeeNominating Committee and a strategic alternatives committee.Strategic Alternatives Committee.

The compensation committeeCompensation Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Managers of the Company regarding stock and compensation plans, approve transactions of certain officers and grant stock options.  Messrs. Breitkreutz, EdgingtonHebrink and Petersburg serve as the members of the compensation committee.Compensation Committee.  The Compensation Committee met twelve times in fiscal year 2005.

The audit committeeAudit Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Managers of the LLC regarding the selection of independent auditors, reviews the scope of audit and other services by the independent auditors, reviews the accounting principles and auditing practices and procedures to be used for the LLC’s financial statements and reviews the results of those audits.  The Audit Committee does not operate under a written charter.  Messrs. Breitkreutz,Wilson, Chan and EdgingtonTauer serve as members of the audit committee.Audit Committee and each is independent under Rule 10A-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  None of the current members of the audit committeeAudit Committee qualify as an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of Securities and Exchange Commission regulations.  No member of the Audit Committee qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert.”  However, the Board of Managers believes that the members of the Audit Committee collectively have such knowledge and expertise to perform their duties as members of the Audit committee.  The Audit Committee met two times in fiscal year 2005.

14



The nomination committee will recommendNominating Committee recommends nominees to the Board of Managers of the Company. Messrs. Jacobs,Chan, Tauer and WoodleyWilson serve as the members of the nomination committee.  There is no written charter that the Nominating Committee operates under.  The Nominating Committee met 2 times in fiscal year 2005.

The strategic alternatives committeeStrategic Alternatives Committee will review potential strategic alternatives for the Company to pursue with regard to significant business transactions such as potential outside equity investments, and make recommendations to the Board of MangersManagers of the Company regarding these strategic alternatives.  Messrs. Breitkreutz, ChanHebrink, and Petersburg serve as the members of the strategic alternatives committee.Strategic Alternatives Committee.

Process for Identifying and Evaluating Nominees.

The process for identifying and evaluating nominees to the Board of DirectorsManagers is performed by the NominationNominating Committee. Generally, the NominationNominating Committee considers current Board members since they meet the criteria listed above and possess an in depth knowledge of the Company, its history, strengths, weaknesses, goals and objectives. This level of knowledge has proven valuable to the Company.


The candidates are evaluated by the NominationNominating Committee by reviewing the candidates’ biographical information and qualifications and checking the candidates’ references. After completing the evaluation, the Committee makes a recommendation to the full Board of the nominees to be presented for the approval of the stockholdersmembers or for election to fill a vacancy.

BoardManager Nominees for the 20052006 Annual Meeting.

The NominationNominating Committee selected the nominees for this 20052006 Annual Meeting in February 2006, with Mr. Tauer abstaining with respect to the selection of himself as a nominee.  Of the five nominees for election at this 2006 Annual Meeting , 2005.  With the exception of Mr. Branstad, Mr. Coonrod, Mr. Hebrink, Mr. SampsonPetersburg and Mr. Wilson, the other five candidates for service onTauer were elected to the Board of Managers had previously been elected by the Company’s members at the 2005 Annual Meeting.  Candidates Branstad, Buschette and Dahlager were recommended to the Nominating Committee by members.  The Nominating Committee followed the process indicated above to evaluate each candidate for election as a manager at this 2006 Annual Meeting of the Cooperative, the Company’s predecessor, to serve on the Cooperative’s Board of Directors.Members.  The Company has not engaged a third-party search firm to assist it in identifying potential directormanager candidates, but the NominationNominating Committee may choose to do so in the future.

StockholderMember Proposals for Nominees for the 2006 Annual Meeting.

The NominationNominating Committee will consider written proposals from stockholdersmembers for nominees for director to be elected at the 2006 Annual Meeting.manager. Any such nominations should be submitted to the NominationNominating Committee, c/o the Secretary of the Company, and should include the following information: (a) all information relating to such nominee that is required to be disclosed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (including such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a directormanager if elected); and (b) the name and record address of the stockholdermember and of the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination will be made, and (c) the class and number of units of the Company owned by the member and beneficially owned by the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination will be made. As to each person the stockholdermember proposes to nominate, the written notice must also state: (a) the name, age, business address and residence address of the person, (b) the principal occupation or employment of the person and (c) the class and number of sharesunits of the Company’s capital stockunits beneficially owned by the person. To be considered, the written notice must be submitted in the time frames described under the caption, “Stockholder“Member Proposals for the 20062007 Annual Meeting” below.

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15





 

Communications with Managers

        The Company has not adopted a formal process for members to communicate with the Board of Managers.  The Company does not believe that a formal process is necessary given the opportunity for informal communications between members and managers by telephone or in writing if a member so desires.  If any member wishes to communicate with a manager, the member may contact Sandie Wohlman, Executive Assistant at 320.329.8182 or by email: info@goldenovaleggs.com to obtain contact information for any manager.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The table below sets forth information concerning the current executive officers of the Company.

Name

 

Age

 

Position

Dana Persson

 

4748

 

President/Chief Executive Officer

Terrance Heying

 

63

 

Vice President/Chief Operations Officer

Doug Leifermann

 

5051

 

Vice President/Chief Financial Officer

Marie Staley

48

Vice President/Chief Administrative Officer

 

Dana Persson.Mr. Persson served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company from its formation in 1994 through the present. He has served on a committee for United Egg Producers since 2001, and has been a member of the Board of Directors for United Mills since 1994, serving as its Chairman of the Board since 2001. Prior to 1994, he served as President/CEO of Co-op Country Farmers Elevator of Renville, Minnesota, and general manager of a number of grain marketing and farm supply cooperatives in Minnesota.

Terrance Heying.   Mr. Heying served as Vice President and Chief Operations Manager of the Company from its formation in 1994 through the present. He is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the egg production complex, and also develops and implements egg production programs, plans, objectives and policies consistent with goals and objectives established in the annual business plan. Prior to joining the company, he owned and managed pullet rearing operations, egg production, shell egg processing, egg breaking, and further processed products. As an entrepreneur in value-added egg products, he developed a technique to freeze cooked egg products. He has designed and built special equipment required to process value-added products in addition to designing and constructing all supporting equipment and facilities.

Doug Leifermann.Mr. Leifermann served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Company from October 2000 through the present. He is responsible for the design and implementation of financial controls, along with providing timely information that accurately portrays the financial status of the Company. He also provides managerial leadership for the accounting, financial, data processing and budgeting functions of the Company. From 1997 to October 2000, he was employed as the Chief Financial Officer for Phenix Biocomposites, a company incorporated to develop and commercialize new biocompositebio-composite technology for the construction, furniture, cabinet and design industries.

16



Marie Staley.   EXECUTIVE COMPENSATIONMs. Staley served as

The following table shows the compensation paid by the Company in the years indicated to the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and the three other executive officers of the Company at the end of fiscal year 2005 whose total salary and bonus exceeded $100,000 in fiscal year 2005.

Summary Compensation Table

 

 

 

 

Annual Compensation

 

Long-Term
Compensation

Name and Principal Position

 

Fiscal Year

 

Salary

 

Bonus

 

Other
Annual
Comp(1)

 

Restricted Unit Awards

 

All
Other
Comp.(2)

Dana Persson

 

2005

 

260,125

 

32,500

 

17,257

 

32,500

 

11,520

President/Chief

 

2004

 

192,807

 

385,614

 

15,570

 

385,614

 

11,568

Executive Officer

 

2003

 

191,474

 

106,032

 

15,570

 

 

11,488

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Terrance Heying  (3)

 

2005

 

166,831

 

20,000

 

16,200

 

20,000

 

8,880

Vice President/Chief

 

2004

 

142,888

 

529,669

 

14,604

 

 

8,573

Operations Officer

 

2003

 

136,894

 

66,686

 

14,604

 

 

7,800

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Doug Leifermann

 

2005

 

160,000

 

20,000

 

9,279

 

20,000

 

7,200

Vice President/Chief

 

2004

 

103,077

 

529,669

 

7,778

 

 

6,185

Financial Officer

 

2003

 

100,000

 

66,686

 

7,778

 

 

6,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marie Staley  (4)

 

2005

 

117,835

 

20,000

 

345

 

20,000

 

6,282

Vice President of

 

2004

 

80,200

 

527,231

 

115

 

 

4,812

Shareholder Relations

 

2003

 

80,400

 

64,506

 

115

 

 

4,800


(1)      Consists of medical insurance contributions.  Also includes the a vehicle allowance for Mr. Persson of $7,770 per year and for Mr. Heying of $6,840 per year.

(2)      Consists of matching contributions by the Company on behalf of the executive officer under the Company’s 401(k) plan.

(3)      Mr. Heying retired at the Company’s Vice President and Chief AdministrativeOperating Officer on October 31, 2005.

(4)      Ms. Staley retired as the Company’s Vice President of Shareholder Relations on October 31, 2005.

Employment Agreements

        The Company is party to an employment, non-competition and severance agreements with its President/Chief Executive Officer, Dana Persson, and its Vice President/Chief Financial Officer, Doug Leifermann. The agreements provide for employment of the two executives for an initial period ending August 31, 2007.  Each agreement will continue to renew automatically for successive one-year periods unless notice is given by either party not less than 60 days before the end of the then current employment term.

        Under the agreements, the Company is to pay Mr. Persson an annual base salary of $260,000 and Mr. Leifermann an annual base salary of $160,000.  Mr. Persson and Mr. Leifermann are each eligible to receive an annual bonus based on the Company’s return on equity for each fiscal year, with a maximum bonus of two times the executive’s annual base salary, subject to the discretion of the Company’s Board to exceed the maximum in its discretion.  Each executive is also eligible for a discretionary individual

17



performance bonus, based on annual goals.   Any bonuses based on the Company’s return on equity or individual performance will be paid 50% in cash and 50% through the grant of units in the Company, based on a unit value equal to the higher of the Company’s per unit book value or market value on the date of grant.  Any units in the Company granted as part of such bonuses are subject to forfeiture by the executive in the event of termination for cause or termination of employment at the election of the executive.  However, 1/3 of the units contained in each such bonus will cease to be subject to forfeiture on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of the grant of such units as part of a bonus.  Each executive is also eligible for an “equity capital markets transaction bonus”.  Such a bonus would accrue to the executives if the Company completes one or more transactions in which equity interests in the Company or a subsidiary are offered through the equity capital markets to investors.  Mr. Persson would receive a bonus equal to 1.5% of the “Members Gain on Equity” arising from any such equity capital markets transaction and Mr. Leifermann would receive a bonus equal to 0.5% of the “Member’s Gain on Equity”.  For purposes of the contracts, “Member’s Gain on Equity” would be calculated by comparing the new equity value of the Company following any such transaction to the book value of the Company prior to any such transaction.  Similarly, if more than 20% of the fixed or operating assets of the Company are sold which would represent a proportional capital gain on members’ equity allocated to those assets on a pro rata basis, or if a change in control occurs resulting in a capital gain on members’ equity, then the Company shall pay Mr. Persson and Mr. Leifermann a “liquidation” bonus of 1.5% and 0.5% of the “Member’s Gain on Equity”.  Any such equity capital markets transaction bonus or liquidation bonus would be paid to Mr. Persson and Mr. Leifermann, respectively, in the same form or forms of payment as are received by other members of the Company in the transaction or liquidation giving rise to payment of the bonuses.  In addition, Mr. Persson and Mr. Leifermann are entitled to receive matching 401(k) plan contributions of up to 6% of each executive’s base salary, the use of a vehicle and other fringe benefits under the Company’s group benefit plans.

        The agreements may be terminated prior to the end of the initial term or any renewal term due to death or disability, a change in control of the business, mutual agreement of the parties or otherwise upon the election of either party. If Mr. Persson’s employment is terminated for any reason other than death of permanent disability, Mr. Persson is entitled to receive payments in an amount equal to his base salary at normal salary payment intervals for a period of 24 months following termination (or for so long as the non-competition provision described below remains in effect) and group benefits for the applicable period. Mr. Leifermann’s agreement contains similar provisions, except that the severance benefits provided to Mr. Leifermann shall extend for a period of 12 months, rather than 24 months.

        The agreements provide that, for a period of 24 months after termination of Mr. Persson’s employment and 12 months after termination of Mr. Leifermann’s employment, Mr. Persson and Mr. Leifermann, respectively, may not participate through management or control or be employed by any business or enterprise which is engaged in any business activity similar to that of the Company from its formation in 1994 throughthat competes with the present. In additionCompany for the Company’s egg product markets or sources of egg supplies.

The Company has entered into a severance agreement with Mr. Heying and Ms. Staley, who each retired on October 31, 2005, that is substantially similar to coordinatingMr. Leifermann’s as described above.  Therefore, as long as these former executives comply with the functionsnon-competition provisions of managementsuch agreement, each will receive their respective base salary and group benefits for a period of 12 months.

18



Board of Managers Compensation

        After much study and discussion, the Board of Directors, sheManagers authorized a new compensation plan in April 2005 for members of the Board of Managers that is responsible for member relations, communications, shareholder relations,substantially greater than in the past.  The following table shows the cash meeting fees and provides management leadership forretainers that were paid to managers after April 2005:

Cash Compensation

Monthly Retainer

$1,000 per month

Committee Meetings, Special Meetings, Meetings Over 6 Regular Board Meetings

$350 per diem

Travel Time

$50 per hour

Chair

$500 per month

Vice Chair

$200 per month

Secretary-Treasurer

$300 per month

Committee Chair

$200 per month

Managers are also be reimbursed approved out-of-pocket expenses associated with their attendance at meetings and mileage at the human resources department. She also administers the unit transfer process. She has served as a board member for the Broiler & Egg Association of Minnesota since 2002. Prior to joining the company, she was employedrate approved by the St. Paul BankIRS.  In addition, each manager will be granted 2,000 units for Cooperatives.each year served on the board.  Those units will be issued after each year of service.  These units carry a three year transferability restriction after issuance.  One-third of this restriction terminates each of the next three years after issuance.

24




 

In fiscal year 2005, the Company paid the following as compensation to the managers of the Company.

Name

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

 

Brad Petersburg

 

$

16,200

 

 

 

 

 

Mark Chan

 

12,150

 

 

 

 

 

Tom Jacobs

 

4,900

 

 

 

 

 

Marvin Breitkreutz

 

15,950

 

 

 

 

 

Chris Edgington

 

19,275

 

 

 

 

 

Jeff Woodley

 

4,900

 

 

 

 

 

Randy Tauer

 

10,625

 

 

 

 

 

Rod Hebrink

 

7,425

 

 

 

 

 

Paul Wilson

 

3,875

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

95,300

 

19



REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATIONEmployment Agreements

Basic Policy Considerations

The Company’s compensation policiesCompany is party to an employment, non-competition and severance agreements with respectits President/Chief Executive Officer, Dana Persson, and its Vice President/Chief Financial Officer, Doug Leifermann. The agreements provide for employment of the two executives for an initial period ending August 31, 2007.  Each agreement will continue to its executive officers, establishedrenew automatically for successive one-year periods unless notice is given by either party not less than 60 days before the Compensation Committee,end of the then current employment term.

        Under the agreements, the Company is to pay Mr. Persson an annual base salary of $260,000 and Mr. Leifermann an annual base salary of $160,000.  Mr. Persson and Mr. Leifermann are each eligible to receive an annual bonus based on the principles that compensation should,Company’s return on equity for each fiscal year, with a maximum bonus of two times the executive’s annual base salary, subject to the discretion of the Company’s Board to exceed the maximum in its discretion.  Each executive is also eligible for a significant extent, reflectdiscretionary individual

17



performance bonus, based on annual goals.   Any bonuses based on the financialCompany’s return on equity or individual performance will be paid 50% in cash and 50% through the grant of units in the Company, based on a unit value equal to the higher of the Company’s per unit book value or market value on the date of grant.  Any units in the Company granted as part of such bonuses are subject to forfeiture by the executive in the event of termination for cause or termination of employment at the election of the executive.  However, 1/3 of the units contained in each such bonus will cease to be subject to forfeiture on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of the grant of such units as part of a bonus.  Each executive is also eligible for an “equity capital markets transaction bonus”.  Such a bonus would accrue to the executives if the Company completes one or more transactions in which equity interests in the Company or a subsidiary are offered through the equity capital markets to investors.  Mr. Persson would receive a bonus equal to 1.5% of the “Members Gain on Equity” arising from any such equity capital markets transaction and Mr. Leifermann would receive a bonus equal to 0.5% of the “Member’s Gain on Equity”.  For purposes of the contracts, “Member’s Gain on Equity” would be calculated by comparing the new equity value of the Company andfollowing any such transaction to the executive’s individual contribution to this financial performance. To a large extent, reflecting the importance of the interactions among the various areasbook value of the Company the executive’s individual contributionprior to the group of executives, and this group of executives’ contribution to the Company’s financial performance, is a primary factor in determining compensation. It is the policyany such transaction.  Similarly, if more than 20% of the committee to set executive compensation at levels that are sufficiently competitive with food processing companies of comparable size to attract, retain and motivate the highest quality individuals to contribute to the Company’s goals, objectives and overall financial success. The compensation of each executive officer is based largely upon both individual and Company performance.

Annual Compensation—Executive Officers Other Than Chief Executive Officer

The Compensation Committee sets compensation by subjective evaluationfixed or operating assets of the individual performance of each executive and by marketplace valuations of comparable executives, although salary determinationsCompany are not based upon any specificsold which would represent a proportional capital gain on members’ equity allocated to those assets on a pro rata basis, or constant criteria.

Executives are eligible for annual incentive cash bonuses basedif a change in control occurs resulting in a capital gain on individual and Company performance. The Compensation Committee has historically considered a variety of factors and criteria when determining annual incentive cash bonuses in accordance with the Compensation Committee’s business judgment. The Compensation Committee has remained focused on the same criteria and factors during both financially successful fiscal years (such as the most recently completed fiscal year) and in years, such as 2002, whenmembers’ equity, then the Company did not experience favorable financial results. The combination of base salary, annual cash bonuses and any long term incentive programs are intended to provide market level compensation reflecting the executive’s contributions to the Company’s financial performance and strategic objectives.

Fiscal Year 2004 Compensation for Chief Executive Officer

In fiscal year 2004, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Dana Persson was paid a base salary of $192,807. In addition,shall pay Mr. Persson receivedand Mr. Leifermann a “liquidation” bonus with a total value of $960,506. Of1.5% and 0.5% of the “Member’s Gain on Equity”.  Any such equity capital markets transaction bonus amount, a total of $385,614 willor liquidation bonus would be paid to Mr. Persson and Mr. Leifermann, respectively, in cash.the same form or forms of payment as are received by other members of the Company in the transaction or liquidation giving rise to payment of the bonuses.  In addition, Mr. Persson and Mr. Leifermann are entitled to receive matching 401(k) plan contributions of up to 6% of each executive’s base salary, the use of a vehicle and other fringe benefits under the Company’s group benefit plans.

        The remaining portionagreements may be terminated prior to the end of this bonusthe initial term or any renewal term due to death or disability, a change in control of the business, mutual agreement of the parties or otherwise upon the election of either party. If Mr. Persson’s employment is terminated for any reason other than death of permanent disability, Mr. Persson is entitled to receive payments in an amount will be paidequal to his base salary at normal salary payment intervals for a period of 24 months following termination (or for so long as the non-competition provision described below remains in effect) and group benefits for the applicable period. Mr. Leifermann’s agreement contains similar provisions, except that the severance benefits provided to Mr. Persson through the grantLeifermann shall extend for a period of restricted units in the Company. The Board of Directors has not established the precise terms and conditions of that grant.12 months, rather than 24 months.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

Marvin Breitkreutz, Chair

Chris Edgington

Brad Petersburg

 

25        The agreements provide that, for a period of 24 months after termination of Mr. Persson’s employment and 12 months after termination of Mr. Leifermann’s employment, Mr. Persson and Mr. Leifermann, respectively, may not participate through management or control or be employed by any business or enterprise which is engaged in any business activity similar to that of the Company that competes with the Company for the Company’s egg product markets or sources of egg supplies.

The Company has entered into a severance agreement with Mr. Heying and Ms. Staley, who each retired on October 31, 2005, that is substantially similar to Mr. Leifermann’s as described above.  Therefore, as long as these former executives comply with the non-competition provisions of such agreement, each will receive their respective base salary and group benefits for a period of 12 months.

18





 

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEEBoard of Managers Compensation

The Audit Committee

        After much study and discussion, the Board of Managers authorized a new compensation plan in April 2005 for members of the Board of Managers that is currently comprised of Messrs. Edgington (Chair), Chan and Breitkreutz. In accordance with its Charter, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management and Moore Stephens Frost, the Company’s independent accountants. The discussions with Moore Stephens Frost also included the matters required by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication with Audit Committees), as amended.

Moore Stephens Frost provided to the Audit Committee the written disclosures and the letter regarding its independence as required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees). This information was discussed with Moore Stephens Frost.

Based on the discussions with management and Moore Stephens Frost, the Audit Committee’s review of the representations of management and the report of Moore Stephens Frost, the Audit Committee recommended to the Company’s Board of Managers, and the Board of Managers approved, that the Company’s audited financial statements be includedsubstantially greater than in the Annual Report on Form 10-K forpast.  The following table shows the fiscal year ended August 31, 2004 for filing with the Securitiescash meeting fees and Exchange Commission.retainers that were paid to managers after April 2005:

SUBMITTED BY THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
OF THE COMPANY’S BOARD OF MANAGERSCash Compensation

Monthly Retainer

$1,000 per month

Committee Meetings, Special Meetings, Meetings Over 6 Regular Board Meetings

$350 per diem

Travel Time

$50 per hour

 

Chris Edgington, Chair

 

Mark Chan

Chair

 

Marvin Britkreutz

$500 per month

Vice Chair

$200 per month

Secretary-Treasurer

$300 per month

Committee Chair

$200 per month

 

26




EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The following table showsManagers are also be reimbursed approved out-of-pocket expenses associated with their attendance at meetings and mileage at the compensation paidrate approved by the cooperative inIRS.  In addition, each manager will be granted 2,000 units for each year served on the years indicated to its President and Chief Executive Officer and theboard.  Those units will be issued after each year of service.  These units carry a three other individuals who were serving as executive officersyear transferability restriction after issuance.  One-third of this restriction terminates each of the company at the end of itsnext three years after issuance.

In fiscal year 2004.2005, the Company paid the following as compensation to the managers of the Company.

Summary Compensation Table

 

 

 

Long Term
Compensation

 

 

 

 

 

Annual Compensation

 

Awards

 

 

 

Name and Principal Position

 

 

 

Fiscal
Year

 

Salary

 

Bonus

 

Other Annual
Compensation(1)

 

Restricted
 Stock Awards(2) 

 

All Other
Compensation(3)

 

Dana Persson,

 

2004

 

$

192,807

 

$

385,614

 

 

$

15,570

 

 

 

$

574,892

 

 

 

$

11,568

 

 

President/Chief Executive

 

2003

 

191,474

 

106,032

 

 

15,570

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11,488

 

 

Officer

 

2002

 

164,472

 

 

 

15,675

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,868

 

 

Terrance Heying,

 

2004

 

142,888

 

529,669

 

 

14,604

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8,573

 

 

Vice President/Chief

 

2003

 

136,894

 

66,686

 

 

14,604

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,800

 

 

Operations Officer

 

2002

 

131,091

 

 

 

14,680

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7,800

 

 

Doug Leifermann,

 

2004

 

103,077

 

529,669

 

 

7,778

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,185

 

 

Vice President/Chief

 

2003

 

100,000

 

66,686

 

 

7,778

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6,000

 

 

Financial Officer

 

2002

 

100,000

 

 

 

7,866

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

900

 

 

Marie Staley,

 

2004

 

80,200

 

527,231

 

 

115

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,812

 

 

Vice President/Chief

 

2003

 

80,400

 

64,506

 

 

115

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,800

 

 

Administrative Officer

 

2002

 

80,000

 

 

 

145

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,800

 

 

Name

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

 

Brad Petersburg

 

$

16,200

 

 

 

 

 

Mark Chan

 

12,150

 

 

 

 

 

Tom Jacobs

 

4,900

 

 

 

 

 

Marvin Breitkreutz

 

15,950

 

 

 

 

 

Chris Edgington

 

19,275

 

 

 

 

 

Jeff Woodley

 

4,900

 

 

 

 

 

Randy Tauer

 

10,625

 

 

 

 

 

Rod Hebrink

 

7,425

 

 

 

 

 

Paul Wilson

 

3,875

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

95,300

 

19



(1)          Includes medical insurance contributions: for Mr. Persson, Mr. Heying, Mr. Leifermann. Also includes the following personal vehicle usage: for Mr. Persson, $7,770 annually; and for Mr. Heying, $6,840 annually.

(2)          Represents the restricted grant of 95,815 of the Company’s Class A limited liability company units , calculated at a value of $6.00 per unit. The units are subject to restrictions on transfer and to the risk of forfeiture in the event that Mr. Persson does not continue as an executive of the Company through the vesting dates for the units. One third of the restricted units granted (31, 938 units) will vest on September 1, 2005, one third on September 1, 2006 and one third on September 1, 2007, provided that Mr. Persson remains an employee of the Company on such dates. The Board of Directors is considering additional terms and conditions related to the restrictions associated with the grant of such units, including the possibility of accelerated vesting in the event of a change of control. The restricted units will receive allocations and distributions from the Company prior to the date of vesting.]

(3)          Consists of matching contributions made by the Company to its 401(k) plan.

Employment Agreements

The Company is party to an employment, non-competition and non-competition agreementseverance agreements with its President/Chief Executive Officer, Dana Persson.Persson, and its Vice President/Chief Financial Officer, Doug Leifermann. The agreement providesagreements provide for Mr. Persson’s employment of the two executives for an initial period from July 1, 2002 throughending August 31, 2003. This employment term has been renewed through August 31, 2005 and2007.  Each agreement will continue to renew automatically for successive one-year periods unless notice is given by either party not less than 60 days before the end of the then current employment term.


Under the agreement,agreements, the Company is to pay Mr. Persson an annual base salary of $192,000$260,000 and Mr. Leifermann an annual base salary of $160,000.  Mr. Persson and Mr. Leifermann are each eligible to receive an annual bonus based on the Company’s return on equity for each fiscal year, capped atwith a maximum bonus of two times histhe executive’s annual base salary. Ifsalary, subject to the discretion of the Company’s Board to exceed the maximum in its discretion.  Each executive is also eligible for a discretionary individual

17



performance bonus, based on annual goals.   Any bonuses based on the Company’s return on equity or individual performance will be paid 50% in cash and 50% through the grant of units in the Company, based on a unit value equal to the higher of the Company’s per unit book value or market value on the date of grant.  Any units in the Company granted as part of such bonuses are subject to forfeiture by the executive in the event of termination for cause or termination of employment at the election of the executive.  However, 1/3 of the units contained in each such bonus will cease to be subject to forfeiture on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of the grant of such units as part of a bonus.  Each executive is also eligible for an “equity capital markets transaction bonus”.  Such a bonus would accrue to the executives if the Company completes one or more transactions in which equity interests in the Company or a subsidiary are offered through the equity capital markets to investors.  Mr. Persson would receive a bonus equal to 1.5% of the “Members Gain on Equity” arising from any such equity capital markets transaction and Mr. Leifermann would receive a bonus equal to 0.5% of the “Member’s Gain on Equity”.  For purposes of the contracts, “Member’s Gain on Equity” would be calculated by comparing the new equity value of the Company following any such transaction to the book value of the Company prior to any such transaction.  Similarly, if more than 20% of the fixed or operating assets of the Company are sold which would represent a proportional capital gain on members’ equity allocated to those assets on a pro rata basis, or if a change in control occurs resulting in a capital gain on members’ equity, then the Company shall pay Mr. Persson and Mr. Leifermann a “liquidation” bonus of 2%1.5% and 0.5% of the gain“Member’s Gain on equity. IfEquity”.  Any such equity capital markets transaction bonus or liquidation bonus would be paid to Mr. Persson and Mr. Leifermann, respectively, in the Company mergessame form or consolidates with another business entity and the asset valueforms of the merged or consolidated business entity is at least 1.5 times the asset valuepayment as are received by other members of the Company then Mr. Persson shall be entitled to a “merger” bonus equivalent to 50% of his base salary in the formtransaction or liquidation giving rise to payment of stock or other similar equity in the new or surviving company which shall vest over a period of up to three years.bonuses.  In addition, Mr. Persson isand Mr. Leifermann are entitled to receive matching 401(k) plan contributions of up to 6% of hiseach executive’s base salary, the use of a vehicle and other fringe benefits under the Company’s group benefit plans.

The agreementagreements may be terminated prior to the end of the initial term or any renewal term due to death or disability, a change in control of the business, mutual agreement of the parties or otherwise upon the election of either party. If Mr. Persson’s employment is terminated by the Company without cause or due to a change in control,for any reason other than death of permanent disability, Mr. Persson is entitled to receive payments in an amount equal to his base salary at normal salary payment intervals for a period of 1224 months following termination (or for so long as the non-competition provision described below remains in effect) and group benefits for the applicable period. Mr. Leifermann’s agreement contains similar provisions, except that the severance benefits provided to Mr. Leifermann shall extend for a period and the unvested portion of any merger bonus will vest upon termination. If Mr. Persson’s employment is otherwise terminated prior to the end of the initial term or any renewal term, the Company will be under no further duty to make any payments of salary or bonus or12 months, rather than 24 months.

        The agreements provide any benefits, except to the extent of any payment obligations that accrued prior to termination.

The agreement provides that, for a period of 1824 months after termination of theMr. Persson’s employment term,and 12 months after termination of Mr. Leifermann’s employment, Mr. Persson and Mr. Leifermann, respectively, may not participate through management or control or be employed by any business or enterprise which is engaged in any business activity similar to that of the Company that competes with the Company for the cooperative’sCompany’s egg product markets or sources of egg supplies.

The Company has entered into a severance agreement with Mr. Heying and Ms. Staley, who each retired on October 31, 2005, that is substantially similar to Mr. Leifermann’s as described above.  Therefore, as long as these former executives comply with the non-competition provisions of such agreement, each will receive their respective base salary and group benefits for a period of 12 months.

18



Board of Managers Compensation.Compensation

The Company has historically provided its managers with a per diem payment of $200 for any day on which a manager undertakes activities on the Company’s behalf, including board meetings and other functions of the Company. The Company also has paid each manager a monthly fee of $200, except for the Chairman and Secretary who have been paid monthly fees of $400 and $250, respectively. The Company has reimbursed also its managers for out-of-pocket expenses incurred on behalf of the Company.


After much study and discussion, the Board of Managers has authorized a new compensation plan in April 2005 for members of the Board of Managers that is substantially greater than in the past.  The following compensation packagetable shows the cash meeting fees and retainers that were paid to managers after April 2005:

Cash Compensation

Monthly Retainer

$1,000 per month

Committee Meetings, Special Meetings, Meetings Over 6 Regular Board Meetings

$350 per diem

Travel Time

$50 per hour

Chair

$500 per month

Vice Chair

$200 per month

Secretary-Treasurer

$300 per month

Committee Chair

$200 per month

Managers are also be reimbursed approved out-of-pocket expenses associated with their attendance at meetings and mileage at the rate approved by the IRS.  In addition, each manager will be implemented followinggranted 2,000 units for each year served on the Annual Meeting andboard.  Those units will be made available toissued after each year of service.  These units carry a three year transferability restriction after issuance.  One-third of this restriction terminates each of the candidates electednext three years after issuance.

In fiscal year 2005, the Company paid the following as compensation to servethe managers of the Company.

Name

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

 

Brad Petersburg

 

$

16,200

 

 

 

 

 

Mark Chan

 

12,150

 

 

 

 

 

Tom Jacobs

 

4,900

 

 

 

 

 

Marvin Breitkreutz

 

15,950

 

 

 

 

 

Chris Edgington

 

19,275

 

 

 

 

 

Jeff Woodley

 

4,900

 

 

 

 

 

Randy Tauer

 

10,625

 

 

 

 

 

Rod Hebrink

 

7,425

 

 

 

 

 

Paul Wilson

 

3,875

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

95,300

 

19



REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Basic Policy Considerations

        The Company’s compensation policies with respect to its executive officers, established by the Compensation Committee, are based on the principles that compensation should, to a significant extent, reflect the financial performance of the Company and the executive’s individual contribution to this financial performance.  To a large extent, reflecting the importance of the interactions among the various areas of the Company, the executive’s individual contribution to the group of executives, and this group of executives’ contribution to the Company’s financial performance, is a primary factor in determining compensation.  It is the policy of the committee to set executive compensation at levels that are sufficiently competitive with food processing companies of comparable size to attract, retain and motivate the highest quality individuals to contribute to the Company’s goals, objectives and overall financial success.  The compensation of each executive officer is based largely upon both individual and Company performance.

Annual Compensation — Executive Officers Other Than Chief Executive Officer

        The Compensation Committee sets compensation by subjective evaluation of the individual performance of each executive and by marketplace valuations of comparable executives, although salary determinations are not based upon any specific or constant criteria.

        Executives are eligible to receive an annual incentive bonus based on the Company’s return on equity for each fiscal year, with a maximum bonus of two times the executive’s annual base salary, subject to the discretion of the Company’s Board to waive this maximum in its discretion.  Each executive is also eligible for a discretionary individual performance bonus, based on annual goals agreed to by the Board and management.  Any bonuses based on the Company’s return on equity or individual performance will be paid 50% in cash and 50% through the grant of units in the Company, based on a unit value equal to the higher of the Company’s per unit book value or it’s market value.  These awards are not intended to be in addition to market level compensation but instead are designed to cause a significant part of an executive’s annual compensation to be dependent on the Compensation Committee’s assessment of the executive’s performance and the executive’s contributions to the Company’s financial performance and strategic objectives. All of the Company’s Executives other than the Chief Executive Officer received a discretionary individual bonus of $40,000 for fiscal year 2005.  Of the bonus amount, a total of $20,000 will be paid in cash and the remaining portion of this bonus amount will be paid through the grant of restricted units in the Company.  These units will be issued based on a unit value equal to the higher of the Company’s per unit book value or market value.

Fiscal Year 2005 Compensation for Chief Executive Officer

        In fiscal year 2005, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Dana Persson, was paid a base salary of  $260,125.  In addition, Mr. Persson received a bonus with a total value of $65,000.  Of the bonus amount, a total of $32,500 will be paid to Mr. Persson in cash.  The remaining portion of this bonus amount will be paid to Mr. Persson through the grant of restricted units in the Company.  These units will be issued to Mr. Persson based on a unit value equal to the higher of the Company’s per unit book value or market value.  Mr. Persson’s cash compensation and bonus were determined based on the criteria described above and generally applicable to executive officers.

SUBMITTED BY THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

Marv Breitkreutz

Rod Hebrink

Brad Petersburg

20



REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

        The Audit Committee of the Board of Managers followingis currently comprised of Messrs. Chan, Wilson and Tauer.  In accordance with its Charter, the Annual Meeting:Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management and Moore Stephens Frost, the Company’s independent accountants.  The discussions with Moore Stephens Frost also included the matters required by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication with Audit Committees), as amended.

GOE

Moore Stephens Frost provided to the Audit Committee the written disclosures and the letter regarding its independence as required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees). This information was discussed with Moore Stephens Frost.

        Based on the discussions with management and Moore Stephens Frost, the Audit Committee’s review of the representations of management and the report of Moore Stephens Frost, the Audit Committee recommended to the Company’s Board of Managers, Compensationand the Board of Managers approved, that the Company’s audited financial statements be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2005 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Cash Compensation:

Monthly retainer

 

$

1,000

 

per month

 

Committee & special meetings

 

$

350

 

per diem (meetings other than 6 regular board meetings)

 

Travel time

 

$

50

 

per hour

 

 

Additional Cash Compensation for Officers:SUBMITTED BY THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

Chair

 

$

500

 

per month

 

Vice Chair

 

$

200

 

per month

 

Secretary-Treasurer

 

$

300

 

per month

 

Committee Chair

 

$

200

 

per month

 

OF THE COMPANY’S BOARD OF MANAGERS

Mark Chan

Paul Wilson

Randy Tauer

 

Annual Retainer in Stock:PERFORMANCE GRAPH

2,000 shares of stock with 3-year transfer restrictions

Expense Reimbursement:

Approved out-of-pocket costs and mileage at IRS approved rate.

Performance Graph

The Securities and Exchange Commission requires that the Company include in this Proxy Statement a line graph presenting comparing cumulative, five-year stockholderunit holder returns on an indexed basis with a broad market index and either a nationally-recognized industry standard or an index of peer companies selected by the Company.  However, there is no established public trading market for the Company’s Limited liability company units. Therefore, the Company is unable to estimate the value of the Company’s Limited liability company units or present a line graph or any other information comparing the value of the Company’s limited liability company units with any other index.

29




 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Patronage Payments

All of the cooperative’s directors and its chief executive officer held common stock of the cooperative and were also agricultural producers and members of the cooperative. By virtue of their membership status and ownership of common stock, each of these individuals was obligated to deliver corn to the cooperative. The amount and terms of the payments received by these individuals (or the entities they represent) for the delivery of corn were made on exactly the same basis as those received by other members of the cooperative for the delivery of their corn. In connection with the conversion, these corn delivery obligations were terminated, although these individuals may continue to sell corn to the Company after the conversion on terms similar to those on which the Company would purchase corn from others.

Coop Country Farmers Elevator

Coop Country Farmers Elevator, a member holding a significant amount of the Company’s units, provides various services and litter removal to the Company.  Coop Country paid the Company including corn handling and storage and$91,100 for the litter removal. Forthey removed from the Renville barns during fiscal year ended August 31, 2005.  The Company paid Coop Country $14,100 for various services for the year ended August 31, 2004, the Company purchased services totaling approximately $104,000 from Coop Country.2005.  The Company also leases office space from Coop Country, under a lease terminable by either party upon 90 days notice. Rent expense for the year ended August 31, 20042005 totaled approximately $18,500. In addition,$18,800.

21



RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Moore Stephens Frost, LLP served as of August 31, 2004, the Company had approximately $272,000 payable to Coop CountryCompany’s principal accountant for paymentfiscal year 2005.  The Audit Committee has selected Moore Stephens Frost as the Company’s principal accountant for corn.

United Mills

For thefiscal year ended August 31, 2004, the Company purchased feed totaling approximately $7.8 million from United Mills.2006.  The Company hasexpects that a 331¤3% ownership interest in United Mills that has been accounted for usingrepresentative of Moore Stephens Frost will be at the equity method. Since United Mills is2006 Annual Meeting to make a cooperative, its incomestatement if they desire to do so and capital reserves are allocated to its member-patrons on the basis of patronage. Prepaid feed purchasedrespond to appropriate questions from United Mills totaled approximately $150,000 at August 31, 2003. The cooperative also had advanced United Mills approximately $150,000 for future purchases of feed at August 31, 2004.members.

Midwest Investors of Iowa, Cooperative

The Company leases the land on which its Thompson, Iowa facilities are located from Midwest Investors of Iowa, Cooperative. The membership and board of directors of Midwest Investors of Iowa is composed of the following members of the Board of Managers of the Company: Messrs. Breitkreutz, Chan, Edgington, Jacobs, Tauer, Woodley and Petersburg. Rent expense for the year ended August 31, 2004 totaled approximately $78,000. The Company holds a note receivable from Midwest Investors of Iowa, secured by the real estate, in the amount of $950,000. The note bears interest at eight percent, which is due and payable monthly. The principal balance is due October 2014.

30




FEES OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

The following table represents aggregate fees billed (in thousands) to the Company for fiscal years ended August 31, 20042005 and 20032004 by Moore Stephens Frost, the Company’s principal accounting firm.

 

 

Fiscal Year
Ended

 

 

 

2004

 

2003

 

Audit Fees

 

$

48

 

$

20

 

Audit-Related Fees(a)

 

8

 

9

 

Tax Fees(b)

 

37

 

5

 

All Other Fees(c)

 

80

 

 

Total Fees(d)

 

$

173

 

$

34

 

 

 

Fiscal Year Ended

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audit Fees

 

$68,000

 

$48,000

 

Audit-Related Fees (a)

 

5,000

 

8,000

 

Tax Fees (b)

 

32,000

 

37,000

 

All Other Fees (c)

 

52,000

 

80,000

 

Total Fees (d)

 

$157,000

 

$173,000

 


(a)           Primarily travel, telephone and administrative expenses.

(b)           Primarily tax advisory and preparation services.

(c)           Primarily services rendered in connectionfees associated with the cooperative’s conversion to a limited liability company.SEC filings

(d)           The Audit Committee and/or Board of Managers have approved all fees.

Auditor Fees Pre-Approval Policy

The Audit Committee must pre-approve all audit and all permitted non-audit services (including the fees and terms thereof) to be provided by Moore Stephens Frost, the Company’s independent auditor.  The Audit Committee has delegated the pre-approval authority for any engagement or service to the Chair of the Committee if action is required between regular Committee meetings, provided a report of these services is given to the full Audit Committee at the next regular meeting. The Audit Committee may not delegate its pre-approval authority for any services rendered by the Company’s independent auditors relating to internal controls.  These pre-approval policies and procedures also prohibit delegation of the Audit Committee’s responsibilities to Company management.  Under the policies and procedures, the Audit Committee may pre-approve specifically described categories of services which are expected to be conducted over the subsequent twelve months on its own volition, or upon application by management or the independent auditor. All services described above for fiscal year 20042005 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee or the Chairman of the Audit Committee before Moore Stephens Frost was engaged to render the services.

31

22





 

OTHER INFORMATION

StockholderMember Proposals For The 20062007 Annual Meeting

We have

        The Company has historically held ourits Annual Meetings of StockholdersMembers in mid-March, with a meeting notice mailing in early- to mid-February. We expectFebruary. The Company expects to mail proxy statements for the Company’s 20062007 Annual Meeting of StockholdersMembers on or about February 15, 2006.2007.  Any proposal that a stockholdermember would like to be considered for inclusion in our proxy material for that Annual Meeting of StockholdersMembers must be received by ourthe Company’s Secretary no later than the close of business on October 18, 200517, 2006.  Any such proposal must be reasonably related to the Company’s business and must be legally appropriate for submission to the Company’s stockholders.members.

A stockholdermember who wishes to make a proposal for consideration at the next Annual Meeting, but does not seek to include the proposal in ourthe Company’s proxy material, must notify our Secretary. The notice must be receivedthe Company’s Secretary no later than December 2, 2005.1, 2006. If the matter relates to the election of directors,managers, the notice must set forth certain information with respect to the shareholdermember who intends to bring such matter before the meeting and the business desired to be conducted, as set forth in greater detail above under “Corporate Governance—DirectorGovernance — Manager Nominations.” If the notice is not timely, then the persons named on any proxy used by the Company for the applicable Annual Meeting may use their discretionary voting authority when the proposal is raised at the meeting. The Company may not elect to use a proxy, but may use a mail ballot which does not grant any party discretionary voting authority.

Available Information

The Securities and Exchange Commission maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy, and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The address of that site is http://www.sec.gov.

A copy of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K will also be furnished to stockholdersmembers by the Company without charge by calling the Company at (320) 329-8182 or upon a written request addressed to:

Investor Relations

Golden Oval Eggs, LLC

340 Dupont Avenue

P.O. Box 615

Renville, MN 56284

 

Investor Relations
Golden Oval Eggs, LLC
1800 Park Avenue East
P.O. Box 615
Renville, MN 56284

Other Matters

As of the date of this Proxy Statement, management knows of no other matters that may come before the 20052006 Annual Meeting. However, if matters other than those referred

23



[Unitholder Name and Number of

Units Owned to above should properly come before the 2005 Annual Meeting, the individuals named on the enclosed mail ballot intend to vote such proxy in accordance with their best judgment.be Inserted]

32




MAIL BALLOT

GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC

This mail ballot is each member’s opportunity to vote by mail for the election of seventwo managers to serve as the members of the Company’s Board of Managers at the Company’s Annual Meeting to be held on Tuesday, March 15, 200529, 2006 (and any adjournments or postponements of the meeting). The Annual Meeting will be held at 1:00 p.m. central time at Jackpot Junction Hotel in Morton, Minnesota. Information regarding the various nominees for election to the Board of Managers and other information concerning the Annual Meeting and the election of managers can be found in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Members first sent to members of the Company on or about February 23, 2005.March 6, 2006. As indicated in that Proxy Statement, three nominees will be elected to the Board of Managers for terms expiring in 2008, two nominees will be elected to the Board of Managers for terms expiring at the Annual Meeting of Members to be held in 20072009 or until such manager’s successor is elected and shall qualify. The two nominees will be elected to the Board of Managers for terms expiring in 2007. The three nominees receiving the three highest vote totals will be electedelected. Members are entitled to cast as to each nominee one vote for each limited liability company unit held as of the terms expiring in 2008, the nominees receiving the fourth and fifth highest vote totals will be elected for the terms expiring in 2007 and the nominees receiving the sixth and seventh highest vote totals will be elected for terms expiring inclose of business on February 28, 2006. Please see the Proxy Statement for additional information regarding the procedures for the election of members of the Board of Managers.

I hereby vote for the election of the following individuals to serve as members of the Company’s Board of Mangers:

Please vote for SEVEN (7) nominees.TWO (2) nominees.

Mike Branstad

o

Marvin Breitkreutz

o

Patricia Buschette

Mark Chan

o

Richard A. Coonrod

o

Chris EdgingtonHoward Dahlager

o

Rodney W. Hebrink

o

Brad Petersburg

o

Russell S. Sampson

o

Randy Tauer

o

Paul Wilson

o

Other:

 

 

To vote, please complete, sign and date this mail ballot and return it in the postage-paid envelope provided with this mail ballot. If you vote by mail, your ballot will not be counted unless it is received by March 14, 200528, 2006 (or prior to any applicable adjournment or postponement of the meeting). Although you are encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting andvote by mail, you may vote in person you may vote atby attending the Annual Meeting  (and any adjournments or postponements of the meeting) by mail by returning this Mail Ballot, all as described in the Proxy Statement.

Date:

 

Date:                       , 20052006

Unitholder Signature (If units are held by
an individual, that individual must sign;  if
the units are held by an entity, an authorized
representative of that entity must sign on behalf
of the entity.)