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AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARYAUGUST 5, 2004

REGISTRATION NO. 333-112533



SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 5
to
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933


GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 2000
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
 20-0422519
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

340 Dupont Avenue NE
Renville, Minnesota 56284
(320) 329-8182

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)

 

 



 

 

Golden Oval Eggs, LLC
340 Dupont Avenue NE
Renville, Minnesota 56284
(320) 329-8182

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)

 

 



 

 


COPIES TO:
Mark J. Hanson, Esq.
Ronald D. McFall, Esq.

Lindquist & Vennum P.L.L.P.
4200 IDS Center
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402

 

 

 

 

 

        Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the public: As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective and all other conditions to the conversion pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger described herein have been satisfied or waived.

        If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box.    o

        If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

        If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o


CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE


Title of each class of
securities to be registered

 Amount to
be registered(1)

 Proposed maximum
offering price per unit

 Proposed maximum
aggregate offering price(2)

 Amount of
registration fee(3)


Class A Units 4,581,832 N/A $30,875,000 $3,912

(1)
Based on an estimate of the maximum number of Class A units which will be issued in the proposed merger with Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.

(2)
Calculated in accordance with Rule 457(f)(2) under the Securities Act of 1933 based on the book value on November 30, 2003 of the shares of common stock of Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc. to be cancelled in connection with the merger.

(3)
The registration fee is calculated as follows: .0001267 multiplied by the proposed maximum aggregate offering price.


        THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.




The information in this Disclosure Statement-Prospectus is not complete and may be changed. The securities to be issued in the conversion may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Disclosure Statement-Prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities, and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities, in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION. DATED AUGUST 5, 2004.

GRAPHIC


PROPOSED CONVERSION
of Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc., a Minnesota cooperative
(d.b.a. "Golden Oval Eggs")
to a Delaware limited liability company

Dear Member:

        Over the past several years, and particularly in recent months, the Board of Directors of Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc., a Minnesota cooperative (d.b.a. "Golden Oval Eggs") and its management have carefully analyzed Golden Oval's business and structure. As a result of that analysis, it became apparent that significant structural changes were appropriate. The cooperative structure has been beneficial in terms of some tax advantages and initial capitalization. However, we have reached a point where we need to consider a different operating structure in order to attract new equity capital. After carefully exploring alternatives, the Board of Directors has determined that it is in the best interests of the cooperative and its members to convert from a Minnesota cooperative to a Delaware limited liability company by merging the cooperative into a newly-formed Delaware limited liability company. We believe that the proposed conversion may create opportunities to enhance the value and improve the liquidity of members' equity interests.

        We cannot consummate the merger to effect the conversion without our members' approval. As described in the attached notice of special meeting, we will be holding a special meeting of members at .m.[       ].m. on ,[                        ], 2004 at ,[                                    ], Minnesota for the purpose of approving the conversion. To vote, please complete and return the enclosed ballot in the envelope provided. Although we encourage you to vote by mail, you are invited to attend the special meeting and submit your ballot at that time.Your vote is very important. Our Board of Directors has approved the conversion and unanimously recommends that you vote "FOR" approval of the conversion. The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast, in person or by mail, at the special meeting is required to approve the conversion.No procedures exist for a member to revoke a ballot once the ballot has been received.

        In the conversion, each member would obtain limited liability company "units" issued by the newly-formed Delaware limited liability company, or "LLC". Specifically, the combination of each share of common stock of Golden Oval held by a member and a proportionate amount of the patronage equities to be issued by the Cooperativecooperative would be converted into a Class A unit in the LLC. This will result in an initial offering of the LLC's Class A units, with each member receiving one Class A unit for each share currently held. No public market currently exists for these securities.

As part of the conversion, Golden Oval intends to terminate the corn delivery program that has been in place since the cooperative's inception. To that end, each member who votes "for" the proposed conversion willis also bebeing asked as a separate matter to voluntarily agreeingagree to terminate his or her uniform marketing agreement with the cooperative. In anticipation of the completion of the conversion, the cooperative, pursuant to its rights under the uniform marketing agreements, has suspended all delivery requirements under the uniform marketing agreements beginning May 2004. If the conversion is not approved by the cooperative's members, the cooperative will plan to resume the corn delivery program in September 2004. Following the conversion, the LLC will also take steps both to terminate any remaining uniform marketing agreements and to reduce the amount of corn to be delivered under any such remaining agreements pending their termination.agreements.

        We understand that many members have varied levels of experience with the conversion of a cooperative to a limited liability company. Attached is an Informationa Disclosure Statement of the cooperative and Prospectus of the LLC which provides detailed information about the proposed conversion and the new limited liability company.LLC. We encourage you to carefully review the entire InformationDisclosure Statement—Prospectus.Please see "Risk Factors" beginning on page 12 to read about important factors you should consider before voting. Neither the cooperative nor the LLC has authorized anyone to provide you with information that is different from the information contained in the InformationDisclosure Statement—Prospectus. Information on our web site is not part of the InformationDisclosure Statement—Prospectus. WePlease see "Risk Factors" beginning on page 12 to read about important factors you should consider before voting, including the following:

        We look forward to seeing many of you at the informational meetings and/or the special meeting. Regardless of the proposed changes in our organizational structure,conversion, you should know that our mission remains the same: "To provide our farmer producers, who are owners of the company, a competitive return on their investment."

Marvin BreitkreutzDana Persson
ChairmanPresident and Chief Executive Officer

        NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THE SECURITIES TO BE ISSUED IN THE MERGER OR DETERMINED IF THIS INFORMATIONDISCLOSURE STATEMENT—PROSPECTUS IS ACCURATE OR ADEQUATE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

        The InformationDisclosure Statement—Prospectus is dated ,[                        ], 2004, and is first being mailed to members on or about ,[                        ], 2004.



GRAPHIC

MIDWEST INVESTORS OF RENVILLE, INC.
(D.B.A. "GOLDEN OVAL EGGS")


340 DUPONT AVENUE NE
RENVILLE, MINNESOTA 56284


NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF MEMBERS
TO BE HELD ON ,[                        ], 2004


To the Members:

        This is a notice of a special meeting of members of Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc., a Minnesota cooperative (d.b.a. "Golden Oval Eggs"), to be held on ,[                        ], 2004 at .m.[        ].m., local time, at ,             ,[                        ], [            ], Minnesota, for the following purposes:

        To vote upon a proposal to approve and ratify an Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc., a Minnesota cooperative, and Golden Oval Eggs, LLC, a newly-formed Delaware limited liability company (the "LLC"), pursuant to which the cooperative will be merged with and into the LLC, with the LLC as the surviving entity, and the membersentity. The shareholders of the cooperative will become membersthe unitholders of the LLC and receive one Class A unit of the LLC for the combination of each share of the cooperative's common stock they hold as of the effective date of the merger and the patronage associated with the delivery of corn in connection with ownership of that share prior to the merger. If the proposal is approved, closingthe merger is expected to take place as soon as practicable following the member vote.effect August 31, 2004.

        The close of business on ,[                        ], 2004 has been fixed as the record date for determining those members of the cooperative entitled to vote at the special meeting and any adjournments or postponements of the meeting.

        As part of the conversion, the cooperative also intends to terminate the corn delivery program that has been in place since the cooperative's inception. To that end, each member who votes "for" the proposed conversion willis also bebeing asked as a separate matter to voluntarily agreeingagree to terminate his or her uniform marketing agreement with the cooperative.cooperative, with the termination to become effective when and if conversion is completed. Following the conversion, the LLC will also take steps both to formally terminate any remaining uniform marketing agreements and to reduce the amount of corn to be delivered under any such remaining agreements pending their termination.agreements.

        Regional information meetings will be held on the following dates at the times and locations indicated:

        To vote, please complete and return the enclosed ballot to Moore Stephens Frost, the cooperative's auditors,cooperative in the envelope provided. If you vote by mail, your ballot will not be counted unless it is received by Moore Stephens Frostthe cooperative by 10:00 a.m.[                ].m. local (            , Minnesota)(Minnesota) time on ,[                        ], 2004, or prior to any applicable adjournment or postponement of the meeting. Although you are encouraged to vote by mail, you may vote in person by attending the special meeting (and any adjournments or postponements of the meeting) and submitting your vote to Moore Stephens Frost on the enclosed ballot at that time. You may vote on the proposed conversion by using the enclosed ballot whether you vote by mail or in person.No procedures exist for a member to revoke a ballot once the ballot has been received.

 By Order of the Board of Directors

 

Marvin Breitkreutz
Chairman

                        ,[                        ], 2004
Renville, Minnesota

        The Board of Directors of the cooperative unanimously recommends that members vote for approval of the merger which will effect the proposed conversion. As of the ,[                        ], 2004 record date for the determination of members of the cooperative eligible to vote, there were 706698 voting members, of which eight are directorsmembers. Directors, their related parties and the chief executive officer of Golden Oval Eggs and their affiliates,the cooperative comprise nine of those members, representing approximately 1.1%1.3% of the total number of members and votes entitled to be cast. All of the directors and the chief executive officerthese persons have indicated that, as members, they will vote in favor of the conversion. The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast, in person or by mail, at the special meeting is required to approve the conversion.



INFORMATIONDISCLOSURE STATEMENT—PROSPECTUS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 Page
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE CONVERSION 1

SUMMARY

 

78

SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

11

RISK FACTORS

 

12

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

 

1715

COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF MEMBERS

 

1816

THE SPECIAL MEETING

 

2322
 Date, Time, Place and Purpose 2322
 Matters To Be Considered 2322
 How You Can Vote 2322
 Quorum; Who Can Vote; Vote Required 2322

THE CONVERSION

 

2423
 General 2423
 Conversion of Common Stock 2423
 Termination of Uniform Marketing Agreements 2423
 Background of and Reasons for the Conversion 2423
 Recommendation of the Cooperative's Board of Directors 26
 Regulatory Approval 2627
 Absence of Dissenters' Rights 2627
 Employee Benefit Plans 2627
 Federal Securities Law Consequences 2627
 Valuation Opinion 27
 Tax Treatment 3435
 Accounting Treatment 3435
 Effect Upon Loans Secured By Common Stock 3435

THE MERGER AGREEMENT

 

3536
 Conditions to Consummation of the Merger 3536
 Termination 3536
 Amendment 3536
 Effective TimeTiming 3537
 Indemnification and Insurance 3637

INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE CONVERSION

 

3738
 Indemnification 3738
 Treatment of Member Equity 3738
 Board Representation and Management 3738

PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE LLC


39

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF THE COOPERATIVE

 

41

i



MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

42
 Forward-Looking Statements42
Overview 42
 Results Of Operations 4344
 Liquidity and Capital Resources 4446
 Hedging ActivitiesCritical Accounting Estimates 4547
 Recent Accounting Pronouncements 4548
 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 4649
 Contractual Obligations 4650

BUSINESS

 

4751
 Overview 4751
 Facilities and Production 4751
 Sales, Marketing and Customers 4953
 Egg Industry and Markets 5054
 Competition 5155
 Corn Procurement 5256
 Governmental Regulation and 56
Environmental Matters 5257
 Intellectual Property Rights 5358
 Research and Development 5358
 Employees 5358
 Legal Proceedings 5358

MANAGEMENT

 

5459
 Directors of the Cooperative and Managers of the LLC 5459
 Board Advisor 5560
 Committees of the Board of Managers of the LLC 5560
 Compensation of Managers 5661
 Executive Officers 5661
 Executive Compensation 5762
 Employment Agreements 5763

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

5964
 Patronage Payments 5964
 Coop Country Farmers Elevator 5964
 United Mills 5964
 Midwest Investors of Iowa, Cooperative 5964

PRINCIPAL EQUITYHOLDERS

 

6065

DESCRIPTION OF MEMBERSHIP UNITS IN THE LLC

 

6166
 Capitalization 6166
 Class A Units 6166
 Potential Future Classes of Units 6166
 Qualifications for Membership 6166
 Voting Rights 6267
 Meeting of Members 6267
 Distributions 6267
 Capital AccountsContributions and ContributionsInitial Capital Accounts 6267
 Allocation of Profits and Losses; Special Allocation RulesLosses 6368
 Termination of Membership 6368
 Restrictions on Transfer of Units 6369
 Distribution of Assets Upon Liquidation 6469
Amendments to Limited Liability Company Agreement70

ii



FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

 

6571
 Legal Opinions and Advice 6571
 Characterization of the Conversion for Federal Income Tax Purposes 6672
 Tax Consequences of the Conversion to the Cooperative 6672
 Tax Consequences of the Conversion to the Members 6875
 Tax Status of the LLC 7279
 Publicly Traded Partnership Rules 7380
 Treatment of the LLC's Operations 7583
 Tax Consequences of the LLC's Operations to the Members 7683
 Tax Consequences of Disposition of Units 7885
 Other Tax Matters 7987

LEGAL MATTERS

 

82

EXPERTS


8289

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

8289

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE COOPERATIVE

 

F-1

APPENDICES

 

 

APPENDIX A—AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

 

 

APPENDIX B—CERTIFICATE OF FORMATION OF GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC

 

 

APPENDIX C—AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT OF GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC

 

 

APPENDIX D—VALUATION OPINION

 

 

iii



QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE CONVERSION

        Below are answers to questions that we anticipate will be frequently asked by members of Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc., a Minnesota cooperative (d.b.a. "Golden Oval Eggs"), in connection with making their decision on whether to approve the conversion to a Delaware limited liability company. We encourage you to read this entire document to obtain a more complete answer to these questions.

Q1: What is the transaction being proposed and what will I receive?

A:

 

The cooperative is proposing to convert from a Minnesota cooperative to a Delaware limited liability company by merging the cooperative into a newly-formed Delaware limited liability company. The LLC will be the surviving entity and the cooperative will cease to exist. As a result of the merger, you will receive one Class A unit issued by the newly-formed Delaware limited liability company, or "LLC," for the combination of each share of common stock of the cooperative you hold and the patronage equities associated with that share. Each Class A unit of the LLC represents a pro rata ownership interest in the assets, profits, losses and distributions of the LLC. There will be no corn delivery rights or obligations associated with the Class A units received.

Q2:

 

Why is the cooperative proposing to convert to a limited liability company?

A:

 

The Board of Directors of the cooperative believes that the proposed conversion may create opportunities to enhance the value and improve the liquidity of members' equity interests. Over the past several years, and particularly in recent months, the Board of Directors and its management have carefully analyzed the cooperative's business and structure. As a result of that analysis, it has become apparent that significant structural changes were appropriate. After carefully exploring alternatives, the Board of Directors has determined that it is in the best interests of the cooperative and its members to effect the proposed conversion. Given the competitive nature of the egg industry, the Board of Directors and management believe that the business will require significant additional capital resources to fund on-going activities. Ifallow the business were to remain organized as a cooperative, it may need to look to its members for a portion of its capital requirements. In recent years, several attempts have been made to raise equity capital fromkeep pace with the cooperative's current shareholders, to no material avail.growth, consolidation and cost structure within the industry. We expect that conversion to a limited liability company will afford the business greater access to capital markets, which we believe is necessary to allow theand may increase business to keep pace with the growth, consolidation and cost structure within the industry.combination opportunities. We also believe that the conversion from a cooperative to a limited liability company could improve the liquidity of your investment. See "Reasons for the Conversion."

Q3:

 

Why is the new limited liability company formed under Delaware law, instead of Minnesota or Iowa law?

A:

 

The cooperative has been advised by its legal counsel that many corporations and limited liability companies are formed under Delaware law due to the "business-friendly" nature of the statutes in that state. Given the number of entities that are formed in Delaware, many sophisticated investors are familiar with the Delaware statutes. Based on discussions with the cooperative's advisors, we believe that it may be easier to attract additional capital investment if the LLC is formed under Delaware law rather than under the law of another state.

Q4:

 

How might the conversion enhance the ability of the business to raise capital?

A:

 

The cooperative is generally limited to obtaining equity capital for use in its business from current members or other agricultural producers who agree to deliver corn to the cooperative. In recent years, several attempts have been made to raise capital from the cooperative's current shareholders with limited success. If the conversion is completed, the LLC will be able to offer its units for sale to any potential investor, not just to agricultural producers who agree to deliver corn to the cooperative each year.investor. As a result, we believe that there will be a broader range of potential investors who can be approached for capital investment into the business.

1




 

 

As a value-added cooperative, the cooperative has two primary methods of obtaining equity capital for use in its business. First, the cooperative can issue shares of its common stock. However, those shares can only be offered to, and held by, agricultural producers who are willing to enter into a uniform marketing agreement to deliver corn to the cooperative each year. Those shares cannot be sold to investors who fall outside classification as an agricultural producer. Second, the cooperative's Bylaws provide that all member patrons will, through their patronage, furnish capital to the cooperative. Such patronage may be furnished by per-unit retains or through the distribution of less than 100% of the cooperative's patronage. To date, the cooperative has distributed a significant portion of its annual patronage-based earnings to its members in cash. If the conversion is not completed, the cooperative may need to modify its practices in regard to per-unit retains and cash distributions to meet capital requirements.

Q5:

 

How might my liquidity be improved by the conversion?

A:

 

We believe that the conversion from a cooperative to a limited liability company could improve the liquidity of your investment because the limited liability company form, unlike the cooperative form, permits a broader range of potential investors. The cooperative form currently requires the business to limit its membership to producers of agricultural products and associations of agricultural producers. These limitations make it difficult for members to sell their equity interests inproducers, while the cooperative. The Board of DirectorsLLC may have both producers and senior management believes that the liquidity of members' equity interests may be enhanced if ownership of the business is opened up to a broader range of investors, that is, non-producers. We believe it may be easier to sell your equity interests if the potential buyers can be either agricultural producers or non-producer investors.non-producers as members. However, we do not expect that there will be a significant improvement in liquidity immediately following the conversion to a LLC,limited liability company, and we cannot assure you that the conversion to a LLC will everlimited liability company may never improve your liquidity. Under the Limited Liability Company Agreement of the LLC, your Class A units will still be subject to various restrictions on transfer, including the need to obtain the consent of the Board of Managers.

Q6:

 

What will happen to the corn delivery program following the conversion?

A:

 

As part of the conversion, we also intend to terminate the corn delivery program that has been in place since the cooperative's inception. The cooperative's Board of Directors and management have examined the impact of the corn delivery system, including the uniform marketing agreement, on the cooperative and its members during the period since the cooperative's inception. The cooperative's Board of Directors and management have come to the belief that the current corn delivery arrangement subjects the cooperative's members to certain risk, including the risk of being required to deliver corn at a price below the then-current market price of the corn. This pricing risk arises because, while the cooperative has historically paid average market prices as posted at local elevators for all corn purchased from its members, the uniform marketing agreements currently in place in fact give the Board of Directors the discretion to pay less than market price for corn delivered by the members. For example, if cash flows are not adequate to cover all operating costs, the corn price paid to members could be reduced. As the cooperative's Board of Directors and management believe that the elimination of the corn delivery program will not have a material adverse impact on the cooperative's business, the ability to reduce the members' risks under the corn delivery program is attractive.


 

 

In anticipation of the completion of the conversion, the cooperative, pursuant to its rights under the uniform marketing agreements, has suspended all delivery requirements under the uniform marketing agreements beginning May 2004. Each member who votes "for" the proposed conversion will also beis being asked as a separate matter to voluntarily agreeingagree to terminate his or her uniform marketing agreement with the cooperative, with such termination to become effective if and when the conversion becomes effective. Because thoseThose members who vote against the proposed conversion willdo not have agreedagree to terminate their uniform marketing agreements, will have their agreements will survive the conversion. However, promptly followingconversion although all corn deliveries under those agreements will continue to be suspended. The LLC will proceed to formally terminate those remaining agreements as soon as practicable, pursuant to the termination provisions contained in each of the uniform marketing agreements. If the conversion is not approved by the LLC will provide noticecooperative's members, none of termination under any remaining uniform marketing agreements, which, given the terms of the agreements, will take effect no later than                        , 200  . And, pending the effectiveness of those terminations, the LLC (as the successor to the cooperative), pursuant to its rights under the uniform marketing agreements intendswill terminate and the cooperative will plan to promptly reduceresume the amount of corn to be delivered under any remaining agreements to zero.delivery program in September 2004.

2



Q7:

 

Will I continue to get distributions?

A:

 

All distributions will be at the discretion of the Board of Managers. Subject to that discretion, the LLC expects to make cash distributions sufficient to discharge your anticipated combined federal, state and local income tax liabilities arising from allocations to you of taxable income by the LLC. As discussed below, the ability of the LLC to make distributions may be restricted by applicable legal or contractual restrictions, or a cash shortfall. The Board of Managers of the LLC may also declare further distributions from time to time. In either case, you will be entitled to share in these distributions in proportion to the number of Class A units held.

Q8:

 

What factors will likely affect the amount of distributions the LLC may make?

A:

 

The LLC might limit the amount of distributions it makes for various reasons. For example, the cooperative is party to a number of loan agreements at the current time and the LLC will become subject to those agreements following the conversion and may become subject to additional or different loan agreements in the future. Both the current agreements and any future loan agreements can be expected to contain provisions restricting the ability of the business to distribute earnings and profits to its owners unless certain financial criteria are satisfied. Consequently, the business may have contractual restrictions on its ability to make distributions to its owners.

 

 

In addition, the Board of Managers may determine that the LLC simply does not have sufficient cash to make distributions at a given time. One of the primary ways to grow a business is by reinvesting the earnings of the enterprise, rather than distributing any cash generated by the business. Retained earnings may be used to fund debt repayments, strategic acquisitions, market expansions, working capital requirements, equipment acquisitions, cost-saving measures and efficiencies. The reinvestment of earnings in the business is not unique to the LLC. If the conversion is not consummated, the cooperative may still reinvest a significant portion of its earnings for the same business reasons that would apply to the LLC. The cooperative currently is required to allocate patronage earnings, but is not obligated to distribute suchall of the allocations in cash. The cooperative is not obligated to distribute non-patronage earnings. Patronage distributions or dividends from non-patronage sources are made based on the business judgment of the Board of Directors and what is believed to be in the best interests of the cooperative and all of its members.



Q9:

 

How will the cooperative and I be taxed on the conversion?

A:

 

The merger of the cooperative into the LLC will be a taxable event for both the cooperative and its members. The cooperative expects a gain on the conversion of approximately $13 million$15.0 million. This is the amount by which the expected value of the cooperative's assets exceeds their tax basis. The expected asset value is based, in part, on a valuation opinion received by the Board of Directors, thatand is subject to adjustment based on an update of the conversion date. Mostopinion to be obtained by the cooperative prior to completing the conversion. See "Federal Income Tax Considerations—Tax Consequences of the Conversion to the Cooperative" for a detailed discussion of the cooperative's expected gain. The cooperative currently estimates its taxable income from operations through August 31, 2004 to be approximately $18.5 million. Together with the gain, this will result in approximately $33.5 million of taxable income before special deductions. Approximately $10.4 million of that expected income and gain willwould be offset by net operating loss carryovers and a special deduction arising from issuing Class A units in the merger to holders of certain shares that were issued in 2000 to satisfy outstanding qualified per unit retains (about 7% of the outstanding shares).

 

 

The cooperative also must deal with its current operating earnings through the conversion date,This will result in approximately $23.1 million of taxable income before patronage dividends. This amount and the extent to which those earnings areit is allocated as patronage dividends will bear on the taxation of both you and the cooperative. Current planning anticipates that $10.8If these estimates are accurate, the Board of Directors presently intends to allocate $17.5 million of current earnings will be allocated to the patrons as a patronage dividend, of which $8$10.2 million willwould be paid in cash and $2.8$7.3 million willwould be issued in the form of qualified written notices of allocation. This means that the cooperative willwould pay the tax on its current income above $10.8the amount allocated as a patronage dividend and that you willwould pay the tax on your share of the $10.8 million patronage dividend at ordinary income rates with self-employment tax if applicable. Because you willand the other shareholders would be taxed on the patronage dividend allocation of $17.5 million, you willand the other shareholders would not have gain or loss on the $2.8 million of worth of Class A units that willwould be issued in exchange for the written notices of allocation. See "Federal Income Tax Considerations—Tax Consequences of the Conversion to the Cooperative" for a detailed description of qualified written notices of allocation and their tax consequences.

3



 

 

If you hold any of the shares that were issued in 2000 in exchange for qualified per unit retains, you will be taxed at ordinary income rates, subject to self-employment tax if applicable, on the value of the Class A units that you receive for those shares (currently estimated(estimated at $3.36$2.70 per share).

 

 

The taxable gain or loss that you will recognize on your other shares will depend on whether the value of your Class A units received in the conversion is greater or less than the aggregate tax basis in your common stock of the cooperative. If you purchased your shares in any of the cooperative's stock offerings, you are expected to have a capital loss on this portion of the conversion that will vary depending on your original purchase price.

 

 

All of this is subject to conversion date adjustments and the possibility of future challenges by the Internal Revenue Service. To review tax consequences in more detail, please see "Federal Income Tax Considerations." The actual tax consequences to you of the conversion may be complicated.will depend on your own tax situation. You shouldare encouraged to consult your own tax advisor to determine the tax consequences particular to your situation.those consequences.


Q10:

 

Will the conversion have an impact on my self-employment tax obligations?

A:

 

As part of the conversion, we intend to eliminate the corn delivery program governed by the cooperative's uniform marketing agreement with each of its members. Following that change, any allocations of tax attributes or distributions of cash from the LLC to its members will be received in the member's new role as a passive investor. Given that role, we believe that any amounts receivedtaxable income allocated by a member in the LLC to the members will not be subject to self-employment taxes.taxes, unless the member also is employed by the LLC. That result contrasts with the tax treatment of amounts received by a member from thepatronage dividends issued to cooperative in connection with the delivery of corn; such amounts aremembers, which typically is subject to self-employment tax in the case of individuals. Amounts paid for individuals.corn to LLC members who are individuals and who continue to sell corn to the LLC will continue to be includable in their calculation of net earnings from self-employment.

Q11:

 

What are some of the other tax consequences to me of holding Class A units in the LLC post-conversion?

A:

 

Because we expect the LLC to be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, the LLC will pay no federal income tax on its taxable income and will instead pass its taxable income or loss on to its members in proportion to their relative ownership interests. When the LLC allocates income or loss to you, you will be taxed on that income or, subject to substantial restrictions, you may deduct that loss. This tax will be imposed regardless of whether we actually distribute cash or property to you. As is the case with respect to the common stock you now hold in the cooperative, the actual tax consequences to you of holding Class A units may be complicated.will depend on your own tax situation. You shouldare encouraged to consult your own tax advisor to determine the tax consequences particular to your situation.those consequences.

Q12:

 

Will the fiscal or tax years of the LLC differ from those of the cooperative?

 

 

The LLC will continue to use August 31 of each year as its fiscal year end for purposes of reporting the financial results of the business under generally accepted accounting principles. However, as an entity subject to partnership taxation, the tax year of the LLC will be the tax year of the majority of the members of the LLC. As the vast majority of the LLC members are expected to be calendar year taxpayers, the LLC's tax year will end on December 31 of each year.

Q13:

 

How will voting rights change as a result of the conversion?

A:

 

Rather than voting on the basis of one-member, one-vote, members of the LLC will have one vote for each Class A unit that they hold. In addition, following the conversion, the Board of Managers of the LLC will have the discretion to authorize the use of mail ballots or proxies for votes at any member meeting. If mail ballots or proxies are so authorized, a quorum necessary for the LLC members to conduct business at athe meeting will be present if at least 50%20% of the total voting power of all units outstanding is present at the meeting. Otherwise, the quorum necessary to conduct business will be 10% of total voting power.

4



Q14:


How will the conversion to a LLClimited liability company affect the composition of the Board of Directors?

A:

 

Initially, the Board of Managers of the LLC will consist of the same seven individuals who are currently on the Board of Directors of the cooperative. However, going forward, the members of the LLC will elect the Board of Managers on an at-large basis.



Q15:

 

What interests do management and others have in the conversion?

A:

 

Members of the Board of Directors and their related parties and the chief executive officer of the cooperative will have their shares of common stock and patronage equities converted to Class A units on the same 1-for-1 basis as all of the other members of the cooperative. The individuals serving on the Board of Directors and management are expected to continue to serve in substantially the same capacities for the LLC following the conversion. These persons will also receive certain indemnification rights. See "Interests of Certain Persons in the Conversion."

Q16:

 

What vote is required to approve the conversion?

A:

 

A quorum of members must exist at the special meeting to approve the conversion. If at least 50 members are present or are represented by mail ballot at the special meeting, a quorum will exist. The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast, in person or by mail, at the special meeting is required to approve the conversion.

Q17:

 

Have any of the directors or management of the cooperative indicated whether they will vote for or against the conversion?

A:

 

All seven directors of the cooperative voted in favor of recommending the conversion and submitting it to a vote by the members. As of the ,[            ], 2004 record date for the determination of members of the cooperative eligible to vote, there were 706698 voting members, of which eight are directorsmembers. Directors and their related parties and the chief executive officer of the cooperative and their affiliates,comprise nine of those members, representing approximately 1.1%1.3% of the total number of members and votes entitled to be cast. All of the directors and the chief executive officerthese persons have indicated that, as members, they will vote in favor of the conversion.

Q18:


Will Golden Oval hold information meetings to discuss the conversion?

A:


Yes. Regional information meetings will be held on the following dates at the times and locations indicated:



•                                    , at          .m., local time, at                                                 ;
•                                    , at          .m., local time, at                                                 ; and
•                                    , at          .m., local time, at                                                 .



At the regional information meetings, management will make a presentation about the proposed conversion, discuss the information contained in this Information Statement-Prospectus, and respond to questions that you might have regarding the transaction.

Q19:

 

Assuming the cooperative's members approve the conversion, what else needs to happen in order to allow the conversion to take place?

A:

 

The Merger Agreement contains a number of conditions to each party's obligation to complete the merger, in addition to the need to obtainfor a favorable vote on the approval ofmerger by the cooperative's members. In particular, the cooperative's senior lenders will need to give their consent. However, based on verbal discussions between managementRepresentatives of the cooperative's two largest lenders have already indicated orally that, subject to final review by the lenders at the time of the proposed conversion, they intend to consent to the conversion and these lenders, we believe thatamend applicable loan documents as appropriate. See "The Merger Agreement—Conditions to Consummation of the cooperative will be able to obtain that consent.Merger" for further details regarding the merger conditions.

5



Q20:Q19:

 

How do I vote?

A:

 

To vote, please complete and return the enclosed ballot to Moore Stephens Frost, the cooperative's auditors,cooperative, in the envelope provided. If you vote by mail, your ballot will not be counted unless it is received by Moore Stephens Frostthe cooperative by 10:00 a.m.[           ].m. local (            , Minnesota)(Minnesota) time on ,[                        ], 2004, or prior to any applicable adjournment or postponement of the meeting. Although you are encouraged to vote by mail, you may vote in person by attending the special meeting (and any adjournments or postponements of the meeting) and submitting your vote to Moore Stephens Frostthe cooperative on the enclosed ballot at that time. You may vote on the proposed conversion by using the enclosed ballot whether you vote by mail or in person.

Q21:


Can I revoke my ballot if I change my mind after I submit my ballot?

A:


No. There are no procedures that permit a member to revoke a ballot once it has been received.

Q22:Q20:

 

Should I send in my stock certificates?

A:

 

No. You do not need to surrender the certificates representing your shares of common stock of the cooperative or exchange them for new certificates representing Class A units in the LLC. The LLC units will originally be issued to you in book-entry (i.e., uncertificated) form.
Please do not send in your stock certificates with your ballot.


Q23:Q21:

 

Whom should I contact with any further questions?
A: Marie Staley Phone: (320) 329-8182
  Vice President of Shareholder Relations Fax: (320) 329-3246
  Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc. E-mail: mstaley@goldenovaleggs.net
  340 Dupont Avenue NE  
  P.O. Box 615  
  Renville, MN 56284  

6




SUMMARY

        The following summary highlights selected information from this document and, may not contain allin conjunction with the preceding "Questions and Answers About the Conversion", is intended to provide an overview of the information that is important to you.proposed conversion. To understand the transaction fully and for a more complete description of the legal terms of the conversion, we encourage you to read this entire document, including the section entitled "Risk Factors," the appendices and the financial statements and related notes to those statements included in this document.

        Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc. (d.b.a. "Golden Oval Eggs") is a Minnesota member-owned cooperative association incorporated in March 1994 for the purpose of producing and processing egg products. The cooperative is exempt from federal income taxation under Section 521 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, to the extent permitted under the Internal Revenue Code.

        Golden Oval Eggs, LLC is a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of Delaware in November 2003. The LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the cooperative and was formed for the specific purpose of consummating the cooperative's conversion to a limited liability company. The conversion will be effected by merging the cooperative into the LLC. Following the merger, the LLC will operate as the cooperative's successor. As such, its operations will be a continuance of the operations of the cooperative.

        The cooperative's and the LLC's principal offices are located at 340 Dupont Avenue NE, Renville, Minnesota 56284, and their telephone number is (320) 329-8182.

The conversion The securities being registered by this document are being issued in connection with the conversion of the cooperative to a Delaware limited liability company.

How the conversion will be completed


The cooperative has formed the LLC as a wholly-owned subsidiary.
  The Board of Directors of the cooperative has already approved the merger on behalf of the cooperative as the sole member of the LLC. The following diagram shows the structure of the two entities relative to one another.
  GRAPHIC
  

To effect the conversion, the cooperative will be merged into the LLC. The LLC will be the surviving entity and the cooperative will cease to exist.
  GRAPHIC

7


  We have attached the agreement which describes the legal terms of the conversion asAppendix A to this document. We encourage you to read the agreement.
Vote required to approveagreement and the conversionA quorum of members must exist at the special meeting to approve the conversion. If at least 50 members are present or are represented by mail ballot at the special meeting, a quorum will exist. The affirmative vote of a majoritydiscussion of the votes cast, in person or by mail, at the special meeting is required to approve the conversion. As of the                        , 2004 record date for the determination of members of the cooperative eligible to vote, there were 706 voting members, of which eight are directorsconversion and the chief executive officer of the cooperativeagreement under "The Conversion" and their affiliates, representing approximately 1.1% of the total number of members and votes entitled to be cast."The Merger Agreement" in this document.
Who can vote You can vote if you ownedwere a share of common stockvoting member of the cooperative as of the close of business on ,[                        ], 2004. Each voting member will have one vote, regardless of the number of shares of common stock owned.
No need to turn in your certificatesYou do not need to surrender the certificates representing your shares of common stock of the cooperative or exchange them for new certificates representing Class A units in the LLC. The units will originally be issued to you in book-entry (i.e., uncertificated) form.
Conditions to the conversionThe completion of the conversion depends on the satisfaction or waiver of a number of conditions, including the following:
effectiveness of the Registration Statement, of which this document constitutes a part;
approval of the conversion by the cooperative's members; and
receipt of all consents necessary to consummate the merger, including those from the cooperative's lenders.
See "The Merger Agreement—Conditions to Consummation of the Merger."
Interests of certain persons in the conversionMembers of the Board of Directors of the cooperative will have their shares of common stock converted to Class A units on the same 1-for-1 basis as all of the other members of the cooperative. The individuals serving on the Board of Directors and management are expected to continue to serve in substantially the same capacities for the LLC following the conversion. These persons will also receive certain indemnification rights. See "Interests of Certain Persons in the Conversion."
Tax consequencesThe merger of the cooperative into the LLC will be a taxable event for both the cooperative and its members. The cooperative expects a gain on the conversion of approximately $13 million based on a valuation received by the Board of Directors that is subject to adjustment on the conversion date. Most of that gain will be offset by net operating loss carryovers and a special deduction arising

8


from issuing Class A units in the merger to holders of certain shares that were issued in 2000 to satisfy outstanding qualified per unit retains (about 7% of the outstanding shares).
The cooperative also must deal with its current operating earnings through the conversion date, and the extent to which those earnings are allocated as patronage dividends will bear on the taxation of both you and the cooperative. Current planning anticipates that $10.8 million of current earnings will be allocated to the patrons as a patronage dividend, of which $8 million will be paid in cash and $2.8 million will be issued in the form of qualified written notices of allocation. This means that the cooperative will pay the tax on its current income above $10.8 and that you will pay the tax on your share of the $10.8 million patronage dividend at ordinary income rates with self-employment tax if applicable. Because you will be taxed on the patronage dividend, you will not have gain or loss on the $2.8 million of worth of Class A units that will be issued in exchange for the written notices of allocation.
If you hold any of the shares that were issued in 2000 in exchange for qualified per unit retains, you will be taxed at ordinary income rates, subject to self-employment tax if applicable, on the value of the Class A units that you receive for those shares (currently estimated at $3.36 per share).
The taxable gain or loss that you will recognize on your other shares will depend on whether the value of your Class A units received in the conversion is greater or less than the aggregate tax basis in your common stock of the cooperative. If you purchased your shares in any of the cooperative's stock offerings, you are expected to have a capital loss on this portion of the conversion that will vary depending on your original purchase price.
All of this is subject to conversion date adjustments and the possibility of future challenges by the Internal Revenue Service. To review tax consequences in more detail, please see "Federal Income Tax Considerations." The actual tax consequences to you of the conversion may be complicated. You should consult your own tax advisor to determine the tax consequences particular to your situation.
Accounting treatment For financial statement purposes, the conversion will be accounted for as a merger between entities under common control. Accordingly, the LLC will record the value of the assets and the liabilities transferred at their carrying amounts on the records of the cooperative, and will recognize no goodwill or intangible asset in connection with the transaction.
Regulatory approval Other than as necessary to comply with federal and state securities laws, no federal or state regulatory requirements must be complied with or approvals must be obtained in connection with the proposed conversion.
No dissenters' rights UnderApplicable Minnesota cooperative law you cannotdoes not provide a right to dissent from the conversion vote and demand an appraisal of and cash payment for the fair value of your common stock in connection with the conversion.

9


Valuation For purposes of evaluating the potential gain or loss for tax reporting to the cooperative and its members arising in the conversion, the Board of Directors requested and considered the valuation opinion of Greene Holcomb & Fisher LLC that, as of January 9, 2004, (a) the fair market value of the equity of the cooperative was estimated to be $30.4 million, and (b) after applying minority and lack of marketability discounts, as appropriate, the fair market value of a Class A unit of the LLC immediately following the merger, assuming the issuance of 4,581,832 Class A units upon consummation of the merger, was estimated to be $4.07 per Class A unit. See "The Conversion—Valuation Opinion."


Directors and management following the conversion The present Board of Directors and management team of the cooperative will continue to manage the LLC after the conversion.
Differences in the rights of members If the conversion is completed, you will become a member of the LLC and hold Class A units in the LLC, and yourLLC. Your rights will be governed by Delaware law and by the Certificate of Formation and Limited Liability Company Agreement of the LLC. In many respects, the rights of members of the LLC under these provisions are similar to your current rights as a member of the cooperative. However, there are some significant differences, including:
   DistributionsThe LLC's allocations of cash,taxable income and distributions, if any, paid by the LLC onto its Class A unitsmembers will be based on investment (equity), rather than patronage, and generally will not be subject to self-employment taxes.on patronage.
   HoldersMembers of Class A units in the LLC will have one vote for each Class A unit owned by themheld on matters submitted to members for a vote.
   There are no restrictions placed upon the type of investor who may hold units issued by the LLC, or the amount of units any one investor may own.hold. However, as withsimilar to the cooperative, members of the LLC will be required to ownhold a minimum of 2,000 Class A units and the units in the LLC will be subject to significant transfer restrictions.
   As part of the conversion, we also intend to terminate the corn delivery program that has been in place since the cooperative's inception.
  See "Comparison of Rights of Members" for a comparison of the material differences between the cooperative's membership interests and the LLC's membership interests.
  We have attached the Certificate of Formation and Limited Liability Company Agreement of the LLC asAppendices B and C to this document. We encourage you to read these documents. They are the legal documents that govern the purpose, powers and internal affairs of the LLC.

10




SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION

        Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the cooperative would merge with and into the LLC if the conversion is completed. The following table presents summary historical financial information of the cooperative and unaudited pro forma financial information of the LLC. The historical information presented as of and for the years ended August 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003 is derived from the cooperative's financial statements, which have been audited by Moore Stephens Frost, independent auditors. The historical information presented as of and for the threenine months ended November 30, 2003May 31, 2004 is unaudited. The unaudited pro forma income statement information is computed as if the conversion from a cooperative to a limited liability company had been consummated on September 1, 2000. The unaudited pro forma balance sheet information is computed as if the transaction had been consummated on November 30, 2003.May 31, 2004. We encourage you to read the financial information presented below along with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," as well as the financial statements and related notes included at the end of this document.

        For financial statement purposes, the conversion will be accounted for as a merger of entities under common control, and the unaudited pro forma financial information presented below reflects related required preliminary pro forma adjustments. The unaudited pro forma financial information presented below is based on available information and various assumptions which management of the cooperative believes are reasonable. The unaudited pro forma financial information is provided for illustrative purposes only and does not necessarily reflect what the results of operations or financial position of the LLC would have been if the conversion had actually occurred on the dates specified. For the periods presented, no adjustments to the historical data in the income statement information are required. Therefore, the historical and pro forma presentations for the income statement information are identical for all periods presented. See "Pro Forma Financial Information of the LLC" for a more detailed explanation of this analysis.

Summary Historical Financial Information of the Cooperative and
Pro Forma Financial Information of the LLC
(in thousands, except share, per share, unit and per unit data)

 
 Year Ended August 31,
  
  
 
 Three Months Ended
November 30, 2003

 
 2001
 2002
 2003
 
 Historical
(Cooperative)

 Pro Forma
(LLC)

 Historical
(Cooperative)

 Pro Forma
(LLC)

 Historical
(Cooperative)

 Pro Forma
(LLC)

 Historical
(Cooperative)

 Pro Forma
(LLC)

 
  
 (unaudited)

  
 (unaudited)

  
 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

Income Statement Data:                        
 Revenues $35,215 $35,215 $46,169 $46,169 $53,052 $53,052 $20,471 $20,471
 Cost of goods sold  30,658  30,658  40,535  40,535  42,437  42,437  11,983  11,983
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Gross profit  4,557  4,557  5,634  5,634  10,615  10,615  8,488  8,488
 
Net income (loss)

 

$

398

 

$

398

 

$

(786

)

$

(786

)

$

4,396

 

$

4,396

 

$

6,496

 

$

6,496
 
Weighted average common shares or Class A units outstanding

 

 

4,189,832

 

 

4,189,832

 

 

4,388,517

 

 

4,388,517

 

 

4,581,832

 

 

4,581,832

 

 

4,581,832

 

 

4,581,832
 
Net income (loss) per common share or Class A unit

 

$

0.09

 

$

0.09

 

$

(0.18

)

$

(0.18

)

$

0.96

 

$

0.96

 

$

1.42

 

$

1.42
 
Distributions per common share or Class A unit

 

$

0.04

 

$

0.04

 

$


 

$


 

$


 

$


 

$

0.40

 

$

0.40
 
 As of November 30, 2003
 
 Historical
(Cooperative)

 Pro Forma
(LLC)

 
 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

Balance Sheet Data:      
 Total assets $71,049 $70,813
 Long-term debt, less current maturities $32,647 $32,647
 Common shares or Class A units outstanding  4,581,832  4,581,832
 Book value per common share or Class A unit $6.82 $6.77

11


 
 Year Ended August 31,
  
  
 
 Nine Months Ended
May 31, 2004

 
 2001
 2002
 2003
 
 Historical
(Cooperative)

 Pro Forma
(LLC)

 Historical
(Cooperative)

 Pro Forma
(LLC)

 Historical
(Cooperative)

 Pro Forma
(LLC)

 Historical
(Cooperative)

 Pro Forma
(LLC)

 
  
 (unaudited)

  
 (unaudited)

  
 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

Income Statement Data:                        
 Revenues $35,215 $35,215 $46,169 $46,169 $53,052 $53,052 $62,240 $62,240
 Cost of goods sold  31,053  31,053  39,450  39,450  43,300  43,300  35,748  35,748
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Gross profit  4,162  4,162  6,719  6,719  9,752  9,752  26,492  26,492
 
Net income

 

$

3

 

$

3

 

$

299

 

$

299

 

$

3,533

 

$

3,533

 

$

19,509

 

$

19,509
 
Weighted average common shares or Class A units outstanding

 

 

4,189,832

 

 

4,189,832

 

 

4,388,517

 

 

4,388,517

 

 

4,581,832

 

 

4,581,832

 

 

4,581,832

 

 

4,581,832
 
Net income per common share or Class A unit

 

$


 

$


 

$

0.07

 

$

0.07

 

$

0.77

 

$

0.77

 

$

4.26

 

$

4.26
 
Distributions per common share or Class A unit

 

$

0.04

 

$

0.04

 

$


 

$


 

$


 

$


 

$

0.40

 

$

0.40

 


 

As of May 31, 2004

 
 Historical
(Cooperative)

 Pro Forma
(LLC)

 
 (unaudited)

 (unaudited)

Balance Sheet Data:      
 Total assets $84,009 $83,773
 Long-term debt, less current maturities $32,570 $32,570
 Common shares or Class A units outstanding  4,581,832  4,581,832
 Book value per common share or Class A unit $9.54 $9.49


RISK FACTORS

        You should carefully consider the risks described below before making a decision on whether or not to approve the merger. In addition to the risks described below, the operations of the cooperative and your current investment in that entity are already subject to a number of existing risks not described below. To the extent that the LLC will be the successor of the cooperative and will continue to operate the business of that entity, those existing risks will also generally be equally applicable to the LLC. In addition, unless indicated otherwise, those risks that are described below that apply to the cooperative are equally applicable to the LLC, and vice versa.

Tax Risks Relating to the Conversion

The merger of the cooperative with and into the LLC will be a taxable event for both the cooperative and its members

        The merger of the cooperative into the LLC will be a taxable event for both the cooperative and its members. The tax consequence to the cooperative depends on the value of its assets and apportionment of the value among specific assets, both of which involve risks described in the following risk factors. The cooperative expects to have taxable gain after deducting its net operating loss carryover. In addition, current year operating earnings will be taxed to the cooperative or to the members, depending on the amount of deductible patronage dividends declared by the Board of Directors.

        The members will recognize gain, loss or ordinary income on the conversion depending on when and how their shares in the cooperative were acquired. The amount will depend on the value of the cooperative's assets, net of liabilities, and customary discounts allowed, both of which involve valuation risks described in the following risk factor, as well your patronage dividends for the current year. If you acquired any of the shares that were issued in 2000 in exchange for qualified per unit retains, you will be required to report as ordinary income, subject to self-employment tax if applicable, the entire value of the Class A units that you receive for those shares. The taxable gain or loss that you will recognize on your other shares will depend on whether the value of your Class A units received in the conversion for those shares is greater or less than the tax basis in your common stock of the cooperative. If you purchased your shares in any of the cooperative's stock offerings, you are expected to have a capital loss on this portion of the conversion. All of this isHowever, these tax implications are subject to conversion date adjustments and the possibility of future challenges by the Internal Revenue Service. To review tax consequences in more detail, please see "Federal Income Tax Considerations."

The Board of Directors of the cooperative has reliedis relying on a valuation that is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service

        In evaluating the tax consequences of the conversion, the Board of Directors of the cooperative has relied, in part, on the January 9, 2003 valuation prepared by Greene Holcomb & Fisher LLC. In order to account for changes between the valuation date and the conversion date, Greene Holcomb & Fisher is to provide the Board of Directors with an update of the valuation opinion prior to completion of the conversion. The updated valuation iswill not be binding on the Internal Revenue Service. Accordingly, while the cooperative has no reason to believe that the Internal Revenue Service willmay challenge the valuation as not being an accurate determination of the equity value of the cooperative, there is a risk that the Internal Revenue Service mightand determine that the cooperative or its members must recognize additional taxable income or gain for federal income tax purposes. Furthermore, changes occurring between the valuation date and the conversion date may cause the valuation described in this document not to be an accurate determination of value as of the conversion date. To reduce that risk, if the members of the cooperative vote to approve the conversion, the cooperative will obtain an update of the valuation prior to completing the conversion. If there is a material change in the valuation and the resulting tax consequences, the cooperative will take appropriate steps to notify the members of the cooperative of that change in valuation.

12



The Internal Revenue Service could also challenge other aspects of the conversion transaction that could materially adversely affect the LLC and its memberscooperative

        In addition to challenging the overall valuation of the cooperative and the LLC units received in the conversion, the Internal Revenue Service might also challenge:challenge other aspects of the transaction. The



cooperative and its members could be subjected to additional tax liability if the Internal Revenue Service challenges:

        There are anti-netting rules that may become operative if these challenges are mounted by the IRS. Specifically, corporate capital losses cannot be offset against any income other than capital gains and, likewise, patronage losses, cannot be offset against nonpatronage income or gain. Please see "Federal Income Tax Considerations-PotentialConsiderations—Tax Consequences of the Conversion to the Cooperative—Potential Challenges by the Internal Revenue Service."

        If theThe Internal Revenue Service challengescould also challenge post-conversion tax reporting positions to be taken by the transaction on any of these grounds, itLLC that could materially adversely affect the LLC and subject members and the LLC to additional tax liability.

Although the LLC is expected and intended to be treated as a partnership for tax purposes, if the LLC were instead treated as a corporation, the LLC would pay taxes on all of its net income and you would be taxed on any earnings distributed by the LLCUnitholders

        We expect and intend that the LLC will be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. This means that the LLC will pay no federal or state income tax and members will pay tax on their share of the LLC's net income. We cannot assure you, however, thatHowever, the LLC will always be treated as a partnership. The Internal Revenue Service may from time to time review the LLC's tax status, and there may be changes in the law or the LLC's operations, or transfers of the LLC's units that could cause the LLC to lose its partnership tax status. If the LLC loses its partnership tax status, it may be treatedwould become taxable as a corporation for federal incomeif it elects corporate tax purposes.

        If the LLCstatus or if it is treated as a corporation rather than apublicly traded partnership it would paybecause of the manner in which Units are transferred.

        The LLC's taxable income each year will depend in part on the depreciation, amortization and other cost recovery of the tax basis of its assets. The LLC's initial aggregate basis will be based on its net income at corporate rates (currently a maximum 35% rate). Because a tax would be imposed upon the LLC as an entity and distributions would not be deductible to the LLC, the cash available for distribution to unit holders would be reducedfair market value of assets deemed received by the amount of taxes paid by the LLC. Further, you would generally be required to treat distributions that the LLC makes to you as corporate dividends. The resulting double taxation of earnings and profits could cause a reductionmembers in the valueconversion. However, the method of apportioning basis to specific LLC assets is uncertain, and the IRS could challenge the apportionment of basis to specific assets so as to increase the allocation to longer lived assets or assets that cannot be depreciated or amortized such as land and investments. This generally would defer the timing of some of the LLC's units. Also, no income, gains, losses ordepreciation, amortization and other cost recovery deductions, would flow through to holdersincluding the expected first year writedown of units.the basis of the LLC's inventory. See "Federal Income Tax Considerations—Summary of Tax Treatment of Members" and "Federal Income Tax Considerations—The LLC's Basis in Assets."

Your tax liability from your share of the LLC's taxable income may exceed any cash distributions you receive, which means that you may have to satisfy this tax liability using your personal funds

        As described above, the LLC does not expect to pay any federal tax, and all of its profits and losses will "pass through" to its unit holders. You must pay tax on your allocated share of the LLC's taxable income every year. You may not receive cash distributions from the LLC sufficient to satisfy these tax liabilities. This may occur because of various factors, including accounting methodology, lending covenants that restrict the LLC's ability to pay cash distributions, or if the LLC decides to retain cash generated by the business to fund its activities or other obligations. Accordingly, you may be required to satisfy these tax liabilities out of your personal funds.

You may not be able to fully deduct your share of the LLC's losses or your interest expense

        It is likely that a member's interest in the LLC will be treated as a "passive activity" for most unit holders. In the case of unit holders who are individuals or personal services corporations, this means that a unit holder's share of any loss incurred by the LLC will be deductible only against the holder's

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income or gains from other passive activities, e.g., S corporations and partnerships that conduct a business in which the holder is not a material participant. Some closely held C corporations have more favorable passive loss limitations. Passive activity losses that are disallowed in any taxable year are



suspended and may be carried forward and used as an offset against passive activity income in future years. Upon disposition of a taxpayer's entire interest in a passive activity to an unrelated person in a taxable transaction, suspended losses with respect to that activity may then be deducted.

        Many members have borrowed to purchase their equity interest in the cooperative and have been deducting the interest expense. After the conversion, part or all of their interest expense may not be deductible in the same manner because it must be aggregated with other items of income and loss that the member has independently experienced from passive activities and subjected to the passive activity loss limitation.

Any audit of the LLC's tax returns resulting in adjustments could cause the Internal Revenue Service to audit your tax returns, which could result in additional tax liability to you.

        The Internal Revenue Service may audit the LLC's tax returns and may disagree with the positions taken on those returns. The rules regarding partnership taxation are complex. If challenged by the Internal Revenue Service, the courts may not sustain the position taken on the LLC's tax returns. An audit of the LLC's tax returns could lead to separate audits of your tax returns, especially if adjustments are required. This could result in adjustments on your tax returns and in additional tax liabilities, penalties and interest to you.

Other Risks Relating to the Conversion

The units to be issued by the LLC have no public market and no public market is expected to develop

        There is no established public trading market for the Class A units in the LLC, and we do not expect one to develop in the foreseeable future. To maintain its partnership tax status, the LLC does not intend to list the units on any stock exchange or automatic quotation system such as the Nasdaq Stock Market. As a result, you may have to hold your units for an indefinite period of time because you may not be able to readily resell your units.

The units to be issued by the LLC are subject to significant restrictions on transfer

        The ability to transfer Class A units in the LLC is restricted by the Limited Liability Company Agreement. You will be required to obtain the prior consent of the Board of Managers of the LLC before you make any transfers of your units. Certain transfersTransferability of units is restricted in part to ensure that would violate federal or state securities laws or that would have an adverse tax impact on the LLC are completely prohibited.is not deemed a "publicly traded partnership" and thus taxed as a corporation. See "Federal Income Tax Consequences—Publicly Traded Partnership Rules." As a result, you may have to hold your units for an indefinite period of time because you may not be able to readily resell your units.

The voting structure of the LLC could allow one or more members to exercise control over significant company matters

        One or more members could purchase a majority or other controlling interest in the LLC. Because members of the LLC are entitled to one vote for every Class A unit held, such member or members could exercise control over all matters requiring member approval, including election of managers and approval of significant business transactions, which may have adverse consequences to the other holders of Class A units. If such a concentration of ownership were held by the Board of Managers or management, it may also have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of the LLC, even if such change in control would be beneficial to the other holders of Class A units.

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The ability of the LLC to issue additional Class A units or other classes of units may dilute or otherwise limit your voting or economic rights in the LLC or have the effect of preventing a change in control

        The Board of Managers of the LLC has the ability to issue an unlimited number of additional Class A units or units of other classes. The Board of Managers also has the ability to establish the designations, powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions of any additional class of units, and to alter the relative economic rights of units. Such rights, powers, preferences and privileges may be greater than those associated with the Class A units. Issuances of additional units may have the effect of diluting or otherwise limiting your voting or economic rights in the LLC, particularly if the units are issued on more favorable terms than the Class A units. Issuance of additional classes of units may also have the effect of preventing changes in control of the LLC, even if such change in control would be beneficial to holders of Class A units.

Because we intend to terminate the corn delivery program as part of the conversion, the LLC will be required to acquire substantial quantities of corn in the marketplace.

        As part of the conversion, we intend to terminate the corn delivery program that has been in place since the cooperative's inception. At the current time,Historically, the corn purchased and used in the operations is obtained primarily through the delivery of corn pursuant to uniform marketing agreements between the cooperative and its members. Each member of the cooperative must enter into a marketing agreement with the cooperative. Under the marketing agreement, the member is obligated to deliver each year to the cooperative up to one bushel of No. 2 yellow corn for each share of the cooperative's common stock owned. The Board of Directors of the cooperative, in its sole discretion, establishes the purchase price to be paid for each bushel of corn delivered. Following the conversion, the LLC will continue to require the same quantities of corn for processing as are currently required. In order to fulfill those requirements, the LLC will be required to acquire substantial quantities of corn in the marketplace, based upon the then-prevailing market price of corn. The cooperative's management believes that there areIf the supplies of corn available in the vicinity of each of the cooperative's primary facilities are not adequate, to continue to meet the needs of the business at a reasonable price following the conversion. We cannot, however, assure you that the LLC willmay not be able to procure adequate supplies of corn at reasonable prices, or at all.prices.

Risks Relating to Remaining a Cooperative

The cooperative might not be able to access additional capital

        Given the competitive nature of the egg industry, the Board of Directors and management believe that the business will require significant capital resources to fund on-going activities. If the business were to remain organized as a cooperative, it may need to look to its members for a portion of its capital requirements. In recent years, several attempts have been made to raise equity capital from the cooperative's current shareholders, to no material avail. If the conversion is completed, the LLC will be able to offer its units for sale to any potential investor, not just to agricultural producers who agree to deliver corn to the cooperative each year. As a result, we believe that there will be a broader range of potential investors who can be approached for capital investment into the business.

        As a value-added cooperative, the cooperative has two primary methods of obtaining equity capital for use in its business. First, the cooperative can issue shares of its common stock. However, those shares can only be offered to, and held by, agricultural producers who are willing to enter into a uniform marketing agreement to deliver corn to the cooperative each year. Those shares cannot be sold to investors who fall outside classification as an agricultural producer. Second, the cooperative's Bylaws provide that all member patrons will, through their patronage, furnish capital to the cooperative. Such patronage may be furnished by per-unit retains or through the distribution of less than 100% of the cooperative's patronage. To date, the cooperative has distributed a significant portion of its annual patronage-based earnings to its members in cash. If the conversion is not completed, the cooperative

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may need to modify its practices in regard to per-unit retains and cash distributions to meet capital requirements.

The Internal Revenue Service may successfully challenge the cooperative's tax status

        Subchapter T of the Internal Revenue Code sets forth rules for the tax treatment of cooperatives and applies both to cooperatives exempt from tax under Section 521 of the Internal Revenue Code and to nonexempt cooperatives. The cooperative operates as an exempt cooperative. As an exempt cooperative, it is not taxed on amounts of patronage sourced income withheld from its members in the form of qualified per-unit retains or on amounts distributed to its members in the form of Qualified Written Notices of Allocation. Such amounts are instead taxed directly to the members. If the cooperative was not entitled to be taxed under Subchapter T, its revenues would be taxed when earned by the cooperative and the members would be taxed when dividends are distributed.

        From time to time, the Internal Revenue Service challenges the tax status of various cooperatives, taking the position that the challenged entities are not operating on a cooperative basis and are therefore not entitled to the tax treatment described above. Those challenges can be based on a variety of factors, including the nature of the cooperative's business, its interaction with its members and the portion of its business done for or with its members. The effect of a successful challenge is that the cooperative would be taxed as a corporation, with taxation at both the entity level and the shareholder level. The Internal Revenue Service has not challenged the cooperative's tax status, and the cooperative would vigorously defend any such challenge. However, if the Internal Revenue Service successfully challenged the cooperative's tax status, taxation at the entity level, both retroactively and going forward, could have a material, adverse impact on the cooperative and its members. If the proposed conversion is not completed and the business instead continues as a cooperative, in addition to any risk of the Internal Revenue Service seeking to retroactively impose entity-level taxation for the operations of the business to date, the cooperative might be subject to the additional risk of being subjected to entity-level taxation for its operations going forward.

You may continue to be subject to self-employment taxes that you might no longer be subject to if the conversion were completed

        As part of the conversion, we intend to eliminate the corn delivery program governed by the cooperative's uniform marketing agreement with each of its members. Following that change, any allocations of tax attributes or distributions of cash from the LLC to its members will be received in the member's new role as a passive investor. Given that role, we believe that any amounts received by a member in the LLC will not be subject to self-employment taxes. That result contrasts with the tax treatment of amounts received by a member from the cooperative in connection with the delivery of corn; such amounts are typically subject to self-employment tax for individuals.

Your investment may be less liquid than it would be if the conversion were completed

        We believe that the conversion from a cooperative to a limited liability company could improve the liquidity of your investment because the limited liability company form, unlike the cooperative form, permits a broader range of potential investors. The cooperative form currently requires the business to limit its membership to producers of agricultural products and associations of agricultural producers. These limitations make it difficult for members to sell their equity interests in the cooperative. The Board of Directors and senior management believes that the liquidity of members' equity interests may be enhanced if ownership of the business is opened up to a broader range of investors, that is, non-producers. We believe it may be easier to sell your equity interests if the potential buyers can be either agricultural producers or non-producer investors. However, we do not expect that there will be a significant improvement in liquidity immediately following the conversion to a LLC, and we cannot assure you that the conversion to a LLC will ever improve your liquidity. Under the Limited Liability

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Company Agreement of the LLC, your Class A units will still be subject to various restrictions on transfer, including the need to obtain the consent of the Board of Managers.

Procedural Risks Relating to the Vote

You will not be entitled to assert dissenters' rights, regardless of how you vote on the proposed conversion

        Under applicable Minnesota cooperative law, members of the cooperative who oppose the conversion are not entitled to demand thean appraisal of and cash payment offor the fair value of their membership interests in the transaction. Therefore, if the conversion is completed, you will be required to accept Class A units issued by the LLC rather than seek an appraisal ofcash payment for your common stock of the cooperative.

You may not revoke your ballot once you have cast it, whether by mail or in person

        No procedures exist for a member to revoke a ballot once the ballot has been received, whether cast by mail or in person. If you vote by mail or in person and later seek to change or revoke your vote, you will be unable to do so. As such, you should consider the vote you cast to be your final vote on the conversion.


CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

        This document contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions by the management of the cooperative and its successor, the LLC, as of the date of this document, including assumptions about risks and uncertainties faced by the cooperative and the LLC. When used in this document, the words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "will" and similar verbs or expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.

        If management's assumptions prove incorrect or should unanticipated circumstances arise, the cooperative's and the LLC's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated. These differences could be caused by a number of factors or combination of factors including, but not limited to, those factors described under the heading "Risk Factors." Readers are strongly urged to consider such factors when evaluating any forward-looking statement, and the cooperative and the LLC caution you not to put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Neither the cooperative nor the LLC undertakes an obligation to update any forward-looking statements in this report to reflect future events or developments.

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COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF MEMBERS

        The rights of members of the cooperative are currently governed by Minnesota law, the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the cooperative, and the Uniform Marketing Agreement entered into between the cooperative and each of its members. Upon completion of the conversion, the rights of members of the LLC will be governed by Delaware law and the Certificate of Formation and Limited Liability Company Agreement of the LLC. The rights of holders of Class A units in the LLC will be different in several respects from the rights of holders of common stock of the cooperative.

        The following is a summary of the material differences between the LLC's membership interests and the cooperative's membership interests. This summary is not intended to be a complete discussion of, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, Minnesota laws governing cooperatives and Delaware laws governing limited liability companies, and the Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and Uniform Marketing Agreement of the cooperative and the Certificate of Formation and Limited Liability Company Agreement of the LLC. Copies of the Certificate of Formation and Limited Liability Company Agreement of the LLC are attached asAppendices B and C to this document. The Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and Uniform Marketing Agreement of the cooperative have been previously provided to all of its members. You may obtain additional copies of these documents from the cooperative, without charge, by contacting Marie Staley, Vice President of Shareholder Relations, at the cooperative's offices.

 
 Membership Interests
in the LLC

 Membership Interests
in the Cooperative

Taxation We anticipate that the LLC will be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. The LLC will pay no tax on its net income. Rather, each member is subject to income tax based on the member's allocable share of income, gain, loss, deduction and credits, whether or not any cash is actually distributed to the member. Under Subchapter T of the tax code, the cooperative may deduct, and thus not pay tax at the entity level on, patronage earnings which are qualified to the members so long as the cooperative distributes at least 20% of such qualified patronage earnings to its members in cash. The cooperative has historically followed a system in which only amounts that are actually distributed to members in cash are deducted by the cooperative in determining its taxable income. Any portion of the cooperative's annual profit that is not distributed to members and deducted by the cooperative is retained in an unallocated reserve at the cooperative. The cooperative has historically paid entity-level income taxes on those amounts.

Each member is subject to income tax and self-employment taxes, based on the amount of qualified patronage deducted by the cooperative. Each member is also subject to income tax on any dividends declared and paid, in the case of individuals, on stock owned by the member.

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Limited Liability Under Delaware law and the Limited Liability Company Agreement, members will not be personally liable for the debts, obligations and liabilities of the LLC. Members are not personally liable for the debts, obligations and liabilities of the cooperative, but are obligated to deliver corn under the Uniform Marketing Agreement.
Distributions All distributions will be at the discretion of the Board of Managers. Subject to that discretion, the LLC expects to make cash distributions sufficient to discharge its members' anticipated combined federal, state and local income tax liabilities arising from allocations to them of taxable income by the LLC. The Board of Managers of the LLC may also declare further distributions from time to time. Holders of Class A units are entitled to equivalent per unit distributions. The Board of Directors of the cooperative is required to allocate its annual net income to members based on patronage, in accordance with the cooperative's Bylaws. Qualifications of patronage earnings and cash distributions of qualified patronage earnings are at the discretion of the Board of Directors of the cooperative.
Corn Delivery Obligations Under the Limited Liability Company Agreement, members will have no obligation to deliver corn, and the existinguniform marketing agreements of consenting members will be terminated as part of the conversion. Any remaining uniform marketing agreements will be terminated as partsoon as possible, under the terms of such agreements, following the conversion. For each share of common stock owned by a member, the member is obligated to deliver up to one bushel of No. 2 yellow corn to the cooperative, subject to certain adjustments more fully described under "Corn Delivery System."
Capitalization Following the conversion, based on the number of shares of common stock of the cooperative outstanding as of the ,[                        ], 2004 record date for the special meeting, the LLC will have 4,581,832 Class A units issued and outstanding, all of which will be held by the memberspersons holding common stock of the cooperative who receive Class A units inimmediately prior to the conversion. Under the Limited Liability Company Agreement, there will be no restrictions on the authority of the Board of Managers of the LLC to issue additional Class A units or units of one or more additional classes. The Board of Managers will have authority to establish the designations, powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions of each such additional class. The cooperative has the authority to issue 50,000,000 shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $.01 par value per share. As of the ,[                        ], 2004 record date for the special meeting, there were 4,581,832 shares of common stock and no shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding.

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Minimum Equity OwnershipUnder the Limited Liability Company Agreement, a member is required to hold at least 2,000 Class A units, or such number and class of units as is established by the Board of Managers of the LLC in the designation of another class. A person who holds less than the minimum member ownership requirements is a non-member unitholder.Under the cooperative's Bylaws, membership eligibility requires becoming the holder of at least 2,000 shares of common stock.
Voting Rights Under the Limited Liability Company Agreement, a member will have one vote for each Class A unit held by a member holding a required number of shares of common stock will have one vote on matters submitted to the members, for approval, and each unitholders of units of any other class will have such voting rights as are established for such class by the Board of Managers of the LLC. Cumulative voting for managers will not be allowed.

Voting at a meeting of members will be either in person or, if authorized by the Board of Managers, by ballot (such as by mail ballotballot) or by proxy.
 Under the cooperative's Bylaws, by virtue of holding a required number of shares of common stock, each individual member is entitled to one vote upon each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of the members. Cumulative voting for directors is not allowed.

Voting at a meeting of the members is either in person or, if authorized by the Board of Directors, by a mail ballot. Voting by proxy is not allowed.

Shares of preferred stock issued by the cooperative do not entitle the holder to any voting rights. Currently, there are no shares of preferred stock outstanding.
Quorum Requirements AIf mail ballots or proxies are authorized for use at a member meeting, a quorum ofnecessary for the LLC members necessary to conduct business at athe meeting will be present if at least 50%20% of the total voting power of all units outstanding is present at the meeting (in person or, if authorized bymeeting. Otherwise, the Boardquorum necessary to conduct business will be 10% of Managers, by mail ballot or by proxy).total voting power. A quorum of members necessary to conduct business at a meeting will be present if 10% or more of the total number of members is present (in person or, if authorized by the Board of Directors, by mail ballot), or 50 or more members are present if there are more than 500 members.
Annual Meetings Under the Limited Liability Company Agreement, the annual meeting of the members of the LLC will be held on a date and at a time and place fixed by the Board of Managers of the LLC. The annual meeting of the members of the cooperative is held on a date and at a time and place fixed by the Board of Directors of the cooperative.

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Termination of Membership Under the Limited Liability Company Agreement, a member's membership interestperson will terminatecease to be a member upon:

• a complete transfer of all of the member's units,
• dissolution of a non-individual member,units;
• death of an individual member, or ceasing to exist of a non-individual member, and no successor is left qualified as determined by the Board of Managers to be a member;
• failure to meet the minimum unit ownership requirements for unit ownership; ormembership, which for Class A units requires holding a minimum 2,000 units;
• a finding by the Board of Managers that the member has willfully obstructed any lawful purpose or activity of the LLC;
• a finding by the Board of Managers (in its sole discretion) that the member is a competitor of the LLC or is detrimental to the interests of the LLC;
• a finding by the Board of Managers that the member has intentionally or repeatedly violated any provision of the Limited Liability Company Agreement;
• a finding by the Board of Managers that the member has breached any agreement with or obligation to the Company;
• a finding by the Board of Managers that the member has intentionally or repeatedly taken actions that will impede the LLC from accomplishing its purposes; or
• resignation by the member as a member of the LLC.

In the event of termination for failure(other than upon a complete transfer), all non-financial rights related to meet minimum ownership requirementsunits held will be terminated and the holder will become a non-member unitholder. A terminated member has no right to require purchase or redemption of the terminated member's units. In the event of termination (other than upon a finding of willful obstruction,complete transfer), the LLC will have the option (but not the obligation) to repurchase the terminated member's units at 80% of market price.
 Membership in the cooperative may be terminated by the Board of Directors if:

• the member is ineligible for membership;
• the member breaches the uniform marketing agreement;
• a non-individual member ceases to exist;
• death of an individual member; or
• the member violates the cooperative's Articles or Bylaws, breaches a contract with the cooperative or willfully obstructs any lawful purpose or activity of the cooperative.

Upon membership termination, the cooperative has the option of purchasing the member's shares at book value or converting the shares into a nonvoting interest in the cooperative.


Amendment of Governing Documents The Limited Liability Company Agreement may be amended by the Board of Managers, with the approval of a majority of all outstandingthe voting power of the members. In addition, the Board of Managers has the authority to make amendments without member approval in connection with certain ministerial matters, class designations, unit transfer provisions and relative economic rights of LLC units. The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the cooperative may be altered, amended or repealed by vote of a majority of the members present at a meeting (in person or, if authorized by the Board of Directors, by mail ballot).
Appraisal Rights of Dissenting Members Under the Limited Liability Company Agreement, members will not have appraisal rights. UnderApplicable Minnesota cooperative law anddoes not provide appraisal rights to the cooperative's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, members do not have appraisal rights.members.
Financial Reporting The LLC will be subject to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, will file annual, quarterly and special reports with the SEC, and, following the filing of a registration statement under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, will also become subject to the proxy rules, management reporting and other requirements of a company registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act. The cooperative is not subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

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Transferability In accordance with the Limited Liability Company Agreement, units in the LLC may be transferred only with Board approval and upon satisfaction or waiver of certain requirements. However, members may pledge their units as security for debt financing. Transferability of units is restricted in part to ensure that the consent of theLLC is not deemed a "publicly traded partnership" and thus taxed as a corporation. See "Federal Income Tax Consequences—Publicly Traded Partnership Rules." Transferees may become members only with Board of Managersapproval and upon satisfaction of certain other requirements. Certain transfers that would violate federal or state securities laws or that would have an adverse tax impact on the LLCconditions. Unadmitted assignees are prohibited.deemed to be non-member unitholders. In accordance with the cooperative's Bylaws, common stock may be transferred only with the consent of the Board of Directors. In addition, common stock may be transferred only to persons eligible for membership, that is, producers of agricultural products and associations of agricultural producers.

ManagementGovernance The LLC will be managedgoverned by a Board of Managers, all of whom are elected on an at-large basis. Under the 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 of Managers of the LLC will consist of the same seven individuals who are currently serving as members of the Board of Directors of the cooperative. The cooperative is managedgoverned by a Board of Directors. Under the cooperative's Bylaws, the number of directors is currently set at seven. The number of directors may be changed, but may not be less than five. A director must either be a member or a duly elected or appointed representative of a member. Members are currently represented by a director elected in each of seven districts. District boundaries are determined by the Board of Directors to provide fair representation for members.
Indemnification of Directors and Officers The Limited Liability Company Agreement provides that the LLC generally will indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, each manager or officer of the LLC, both in connection with his or employeeher capacity as a manager or officer of the LLC and any person who serves as a manager, officerhis or directorher service of any other entity at the request of the LLC. The cooperative indemnifies, and has the power to purchase and maintain insurance to indemnify, each director or officer of the cooperative, and any person serving at the request of the cooperative as a director, officer, governor or manager of another entity, against various expenses to the extent to which such person may be indemnified under Minnesota law.
Distribution of Assets upon Liquidation Under the Limited Liability Company Agreement, on winding up of the LLC, subject to any priority distribution rights of any classes of units, other than Class A, the assets of the LLC will be distributed as follows:

• first, to cover debts, obligations and liabilities;
• second, to unit holders with respect to certain unpaid distributions of income; and
• finally,then, to unit holdersunitholders in proportion to their capital account balances in the LLC.
 On liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the cooperative, the assets of the cooperative are to be distributed as follows:

• first, in payment of debts or liabilities;
• second, in payment of the issuance price for outstanding shares on capital stock;
• third, for the retirement of patronage equities; and
• fourth,finally, to members in proportion to their historical patronage of the cooperative.

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THE SPECIAL MEETING

Date, Time, Place and Purpose

        This document is being furnished to members of the cooperative in connection with the distribution of ballots by the Board of Directors of the cooperative for use at the special meeting of the members to be held on ,[            ], 2004 at .m.[            ].m., local time, at ,            ,[                        ], [            ], Minnesota, and any adjournments or postponements of the special meeting. At the special meeting, members of the cooperative as of the close of business on ,[            ], 2004 will be eligible to vote on a proposal to approve the conversion. In the conversion, each member would obtain limited liability company "units" issued by the newly-formed Delaware limited liability company, or "LLC". Specifically, the combination of each share of common stock of the cooperative and a proportionate amount of the patronage equities to be issued by the cooperative would be converted into a Class A unit in the LLC. This will result in an initial offering of the LLC's Class A units. No public market currently exists for these securities. Each member who votes "for" the proposed conversion willis also bebeing asked to voluntarily agreeingagree to terminate his or her uniform marketing agreement with the cooperative.

        This document and the enclosed ballot form are first being mailed to members on or about ,[            ], 2004.

Matters To Be Considered

        The sole purpose of the special meeting will be to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve and ratify an Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger between the cooperative and the LLC, pursuant to which the cooperative will be merged with and into the LLC, with the LLC as the surviving entity, and the membersentity. The shareholders of the cooperative will become membersthe unitholders of the LLC and receive one Class A unit of the LLC for the combination of each share of the cooperative's common stock they hold as of the effective date of the merger and the patronage equities associated with such share. A copy of the Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger between the cooperative and the LLC is attached asAppendix A.

How You Can Vote

        You can vote on the proposed merger by completing and returning the enclosed ballot to Moore Stephens Frost, the cooperative's auditors,cooperative in the envelope provided. If you vote by mail, your ballot will not be counted unless it is received by Moore Stephens Frostthe cooperative by 10:00 a.m.[            ].m. local (            , Minnesota)(Minnesota) time on ,[            ], 2004, or prior to any applicable adjournment or postponement of the meeting. Although you are encouraged to vote by mail, you may vote in person by attending the special meeting (and any adjournments or postponements of the meeting) and submitting your vote to Moore Stephens Frost on the enclosed ballot at that time. You may vote on the proposed conversion by using the enclosed ballot whether you vote by mail or in person.No procedures exist for a member to You may revoke ayour ballot onceat any time before the ballot has been received.vote is called at the special meeting.

Quorum; Who Can Vote; Vote Required

        A quorum of members must exist at the special meeting for the transaction of business including approval of the conversion. If at least 50 members are present or are represented by mail ballot at the special meeting, a quorum will exist. Abstentions will be counted as present for the purposes of determining the presence of a quorum at the special meeting.

        Members of the cooperative of record at the close of business on ,[            ], 2004 are entitled to notice of and may vote at the special meeting. Each member has one vote. The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast, in person or by mail, at the special meeting is required to approve the conversion. Abstentions will not be counted as votes cast.

        As of the ,[            ], 2004 record date for the determination of members of the cooperative eligible to vote, there were 706698 voting members, of which eight are directorsmembers. Directors and their related parties and the chief executive officer of the cooperative and their affiliates,comprise nine of those members, representing approximately 1.1%1.3% of the total number of members and votes entitled to be cast. All of the directors and the chief executive officerthese persons have indicated that, as members, they will vote in favor of the conversion.

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THE CONVERSION

General

        The LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the cooperative. Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, the cooperative will merge with and into the LLC. The LLC will be the surviving entity. After this merger, the separate corporate existence of the cooperative will cease. All shares of common stock of the cooperative will be automatically cancelled. Upon the conversion, the directors and officers of the cooperative will bebecome the managers and officers of the LLC.

Conversion of Common Stock

        Upon completion of the merger of the cooperative with and into the LLC, each member of the cooperative will be a member of the LLC and will cease to be a member of the cooperative. All outstanding shares of the cooperative's common stock will be converted automatically into Class A units issued by the LLC with the combination of each share of common stock in the cooperative and a proportionate amount of the patronage equities to be issued by the cooperative being converted into a Class A unit in the LLC.

Termination of Uniform Marketing Agreements

        As part of the conversion, we also intend to terminate the corn delivery program that has been in place since the cooperative's inception. To that end, eachIn anticipation of the completion of the conversion, the cooperative, pursuant to its rights under the uniform marketing agreements, has suspended all deliveries under the uniform marketing agreements beginning May 2004. Each member who votes "for" the proposed conversion willis also bebeing asked as a separate matter to voluntarily agreeingagree to terminate his or her uniform marketing agreement with the cooperative, with such termination to become effective if and when the conversion becomes effective. Because thoseAny members who vote against the proposed conversionfail to so agree will not have agreed to terminate their uniform marketing agreements, their agreements will survive the conversion. However, promptly following the conversion, although all corn deliveries under those agreements will continue to be suspended, and the LLC will provide noticeproceed to formally terminate those remaining agreements as soon as practicable. If the conversion is not approved by the cooperative's members, none of termination under any remaining uniform marketing agreements, which, given the terms of the agreements, will take effect no later than            , 200 . And, pending the effectiveness of those terminations, the LLC (as the successor to the cooperative), pursuant to its rights under the uniform marketing agreements intendswill terminate and the cooperative will plan to promptly reduceresume the amountcorn delivery program in September 2004.

Background of corn to be delivered under any remaining agreements to zero.

and Reasons for the Conversion

        Over the past several years, and particularly in recent months, the Board of Directors and its management have carefully analyzed the cooperative's business and structure. The structure and terms of the conversion from a Minnesota cooperative to a Delaware limited liability company were determined by the cooperative's Board of Directors and senior management after extensive investigation of the anticipated business, tax and other impacts on the cooperative and its members of either converting to another form of entity or remaining a cooperative. As discussed below, the

        The decision to effect the conversion is a result of extensive internal discussion among the members of the Board of Directors of the cooperative.

        Overcooperative regarding the pastpossibility of a change in corporate form. This discussion began in conjunction with the consideration of several years,potential strategic business combination transactions with other egg processors in early 2002. The cooperative and particularlythe potential transaction partners were unable to agree upon terms for any of those potential transactions, in recent months,significant part due to restrictions on capital raising and business combinations faced by the cooperative due to its present structure. Detailed discussions of corporate structure were engaged in at a long range planning session held by the Board of Directors and its management have carefully analyzed the cooperative's business and structure. As a result ofin March 2003. At that analysis, it has become apparent that significant structural changes were appropriate. After carefully exploring alternatives,planning session, the Board of Directors has determined that it is inand management discussed the best interestsfuture of the cooperativeegg industry, which the Board and its membersmanagement believe will likely continue to effectfollow the proposed conversion.beef, pork and poultry industries and experience further consolidation within and between the production and processing segments of the industry. In contrast with those comparable industries, in each of which the top five producers typically



supply at least 80% of the U.S. market, the egg industry has approximately 65 producers making up approximately 80% of production. Given the competitive nature of the egg industry, the Board of Directors and management believe that the business will require significant additional capital resources to fund on-going activities.allow the business to keep pace with the growth, consolidation and cost structure within the industry. If the business were to remain organized as a cooperative, it may need to look to its members for a portion of its capital requirements. In recent years, several attempts have been made to raise equity capital from the cooperative's current shareholders, with limited success.

        Discussions with other egg processors continued throughout the summer of 2003, but the Board remained unable to no material avail. We expect thatreach agreement on terms for any potential transactions, again in significant part due to restrictions on capital raising and business combinations faced by the cooperative. In October 2003, the Board held a meeting at which corporate structure alternatives were discussed and a strategic alternatives committee was formed to study matters such as business growth, access to capital and corporate structure. With the assistance of the Board Advisor, Mark Fisler, and the cooperative's legal counsel, Lindquist & Vennum P.L.L.P., and independent accounting firm, Moore Stephens Frost, the strategic alternatives committee and management studied available alternatives, including the tax implications of those alternatives, and decided to recommend the conversion to a limited liability company will affordcompany. In addition to maintaining the business greater access to capital markets, which we believe is necessary to allow the business to keep pace with the

24



growth, consolidation and costcurrent cooperative structure within the industry. We also believe that the conversion from a cooperativeor converting to a limited liability company, the committee considered:

    converting to a Subchapter C corporation, which could improveallow for increased marketability of equity over a limited liability company, but which would impose both entity-level and member-level taxation;

    converting to a cooperative subject to the liquidityrecently-enacted Chapter 308B of your investment.

    the Minnesota Statutes, which would allow for the business to continue to be designated a cooperative for state law purposes, but would subject the business to less flexible statutory governance and distribution provisions than available to a limited liability company; and

    converting to a general or limited partnership, which would similarly be subject to less flexible statutory governance and distribution provisions and also would put at risk all assets of the general partners.

        The cooperative's Board gave consideration to these alternatives and concluded that conversion to a Delaware limited liability company would likely be the most advantageous structure for its business. In November 2003, determining that it is in the best interests of the cooperative and its members to effect the proposed conversion, the Board passed a resolution to authorize the filing of a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission in order to effect the conversion. Ultimately, the cooperative's Board of Directors based its final decision as to whether to convert to a LLClimited liability company on a number of factors, including those summarized below.

    If the conversion is completed, the LLC will be able to offer its units for sale to any potential investor, not just to agricultural producers who agree to deliver corn to the cooperative each year. As a result, we believe that there will be a broader range of potential investors who can be approached for capital investment into the business. As a value-added cooperative, the cooperative has two primary methods of obtaining equity capital for use in its business. First, the cooperative can issue shares of its common stock. However, those shares can only be offered to, and held by, agricultural producers who are willing to enter into a uniform marketing agreement to deliver corn to the cooperative each year. Those shares cannot be sold to investors who fall outside classification as an agricultural producer. (The cooperative could offer its preferred shares to non-producer investors; however, restrictions under applicable cooperative law severely restrict that option.) Second, the cooperative's Bylaws provide that all member patrons will, through their patronage, furnish capital to the cooperative. Such patronage may be furnished by per-unit retains or through the distribution of less than 100% of the cooperative's patronage. To

      date, the cooperative has distributed a significant portion of its annual patronage-based earnings to its members in cash. If the conversion is not completed, the cooperative may need to modify its practices in regard to per-unit retains and cash distributions to meet capital requirements.

    We believe that the conversion from a cooperative to a limited liability company could improve the liquidity of your investment because the limited liability company form, unlike the cooperative form, permits a broader range of potential investors. The current cooperative form currently requires the business to limit its membership to producers of agricultural products and associations of agricultural producers. These limitations make it difficult for members to sell their equity interests inproducers, while the cooperative. The Board of DirectorsLLC may have both producers and senior management believes that the liquidity of members' equity interests may be enhanced if ownership of the business is opened up to a broader range of investors, that is, non-producers. We believe it may be easier to sell your equity interests if the potential buyers can be either agricultural producers or non-producer investors.non-producers as members. However, we do not expect that there will be a significant improvement in liquidity immediately following the conversion to a LLC,limited liability company, and we cannot assure you that the conversion to a LLC will everlimited liability company may never improve your liquidity. Under the Limited Liability Company Agreement of the LLC, your Class A units will still be subject to various restrictions on transfer, including the need to obtain the consent of the Board of Managers.

    The cooperative's Board of Directors and management have examined the impact of the corn delivery system, including the uniform marketing agreement, on the cooperative and its members during the period since the cooperative's inception. The cooperative's Board of Directors and management have come to the belief that the current corn delivery arrangement subjects the cooperative's members to certain costs and risks, including the risk of being required to deliver corn at a price below the then-current market price of the corn. As the cooperative's Board of Directors and management believe that the elimination of the corn delivery program will not have a material adverse impact on the cooperative's business, the ability to reduce the members' risks under the corn delivery program is attractive. If, however, corn prices were to rise to abnormally high levels following the completion of the conversion, the business would no longer have the contractual right to reduce cash outflows by unilaterally establishing below-market prices to be paid to its members for the required corn.

    We believe that the conversion from a cooperative to a limited liability company may facilitate potential business combination transactions. One reason for this is, again, the fact that the current cooperative form requires the business to limit its membership to producers of agricultural products and associations of agricultural producers, while the LLC may have both producers and non-producers as members. In its current form, the cooperative cannot readily enter into a transaction to, for example, acquire another egg producer if the parties want to give shares in the cooperative to non-producer equityholders of the other egg producer. Another reason is that applicable Minnesota cooperative law simply does not provide a mechanism by which the cooperative can readily enter into a merger transaction unless the other party to the merger is itself operating as a cooperative.

    The Board of Directors determined that the likely tax impact of the conversion itself, and of operating as a limited liability company post-conversion, upon the cooperative and its members is acceptable. In evaluating the tax consequences of the conversion itself, the Board of Directors has relied, in part, on the valuation opinion and report prepared by Greene Holcomb & Fisher LLC.LLC and described in "Valuation Opinion" below. (Greene Holcomb & Fisher, LLC, a firm with expertise in such financial matters, had previously performed valuation and advisory work for the cooperative.) In evaluating the consequences of operating as a limited liability company post-conversion, the Board of Directors considered the fact that the LLC would expect to pay no federal income tax on its taxable income and instead pass its taxable income or loss on to its members. The Board of Directors also noted that the LLC expects to make cash distributions sufficient to discharge its members' anticipated combined federal, state and local income tax liabilities arising from allocations to them of taxable income by the LLC.

25



      The Board of Directors determined that the other anticipated costs and expenses associated with the conversion are acceptable. These include direct transaction costs such as legal, accounting, advising and printing, and the use of management and other resources towards accomplishing the conversion. Similarly, on an ongoing basis following the conversion, the LLC will face additional accounting, legal and printing expenses because it expects to operate as a partnership for tax purposes and to prepare and file quarterly, annual and other reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

      As part of the conversion, we intend to eliminate the corn delivery program governed by the cooperative's uniform marketing agreement with each of its members. Following that change, any allocations of tax attributes or distributions of cash from the LLC to its members will be received in the member's new role as a passive investor. Given that role, we believe that any amounts receivedtaxable income allocated by a member in the LLC to the members will not be subject to self-employment taxes.taxes, unless the member also is employed by the LLC. That result contrasts with the tax treatment of amounts received by a member from thepatronage dividends issued to cooperative in connection with the delivery of corn; such amounts aremembers which patronage typically is subject to self-employment tax in the case of individuals. Amounts paid for corn to LLC members who are individuals and who patronizecontinue to sell corn to the LLC will continue to be includable in their calculation of net earnings from self-employment.

      Under Subchapter T of the Internal Revenue Code, the cooperative operates as a cooperative exempt from tax under Section 521 of the Internal Revenue Code. As an exempt cooperative, it is not taxed on amounts of patronage sourced income withheld from its members in the form of qualified per-unit retains or on amounts distributed to its members in the form of Qualified Written Notices of Allocation. Such amounts are instead taxed directly or throughto the members. If the cooperative was not entitled to be taxed under Subchapter T, its revenues would be taxed when earned by the cooperative and the members would be taxed when dividends are distributed. From time to time, the Internal Revenue Service challenges the tax status of various cooperatives, taking the position that the challenged entities are not operating on a partnership.cooperative basis and are therefore not entitled to the tax treatment described above. The effect of a successful challenge is that the cooperative would be taxed as a corporation, with taxation at both the entity level and the shareholder level. The Internal Revenue Service has not challenged the cooperative's tax status, and the cooperative would vigorously defend any such challenge. However, if the proposed conversion is not completed and the business instead continues as a cooperative, in addition to any risk of the Internal Revenue Service seeking to retroactively impose entity-level taxation for the operations of the business to date, the cooperative might be subject to the additional risk of being subjected to entity-level taxation for its operations going forward.

            This discussion of factors considered by the cooperative's Board of Directors and management is not intended to be exhaustive, but is believed to include the material factors considered by them. In reaching its determination to approve and recommend the conversion, the Board of Directors considered the above issues and factors collectively without quantifying or assigning a greater weight to any one factor.

    Recommendation of the Cooperative's Board of Directors

            The Board of Directors believes that it is in the best interests of the cooperative and its members to convert from a Minnesota cooperative to a Delaware limited liability company. Accordingly, the Board of Directors has unanimously approved the Merger Agreement. The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that members of the cooperative vote "FOR" adoption of the Merger Agreement. If the conversion is not consummated for any reason, the Board of Directors intend to continue to operate the business in a cooperative form.



    Regulatory Approval

            Other than as necessary to comply with federal and state securities laws, no regulatory approvals must be obtained in connection with the proposed conversion.

    Absence of Dissenters' Rights

            Members who object to the merger of the cooperative with and into the LLC will have no appraisal or dissenters' rights under applicable Minnesota cooperative law.

    Employee Benefit Plans

            Under the Merger Agreement, the LLC will honor all benefits accrued by the cooperative under any benefit plan, policy or arrangement in accordance with the respective terms of those benefit plans and to the extent required by law. All such benefit plans, policies or arrangements will continue to be in effect under the LLC.

    Federal Securities Law Consequences

            Under the federal securities laws, units in the LLC received in the conversion by persons who are not affiliates of the LLC under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), of the LLC may be resold immediately in transactions not involving an issuer, underwriter or dealer. Units received in the conversion by "affiliates" of the LLC may be resold only in compliance with Rule 144 under the Securities Act, in transactions that are exempt from registration under the Securities Act, or pursuant to further registration under the Securities Act. These restrictions are expected to apply to the directors and executive officers of the LLC.

            This document cannot be used in connection with resales of Class A units in the LLC received in the conversion by any person who may be deemed to be an affiliate of the cooperative or the LLC under the Securities Act.

    26



    Valuation Opinion

            The cooperative retained Greene Holcomb & Fisher LLC, pursuant to a letter agreement dated December 11, 2003, to render to the Board of Directors a valuation opinion as to (a) the fair market value of the equity of the cooperative immediately prior to the merger, or the "Company Equity Value," and (b) the fair market value of a Class A unit of the LLC immediately following the merger, or the "LLC Unit Value."

            Greene Holcomb & Fisher, as a customary part of its investment banking business, is engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, private placements and valuations for corporate and other purposes. Greene Holcomb & Fisher hasfocuses on providing corporate finance services to middle-market companies. Greene Holcomb & Fisher previously performed certain other unrelated valuation and advisory work for the cooperative earlier in 2003 in connection with a potential business combination transaction with another egg processor. See "—Background of and Reasons for customary fees.the Conversion." The cooperative paid Greene Holcomb & Fisher a fee of $37,500 for this prior work, plus approximately $1,700 in out-of-pocket expenses. The cooperative retained Greene Holcomb & Fisher in connection with the conversion because of their expertise and familiarity with the cooperative and its industry.

            Pursuant to the engagement letter, on January 9, 2004, Greene Holcomb & Fisher delivered to the Board of Directors its written valuation opinion dated January 9, 2004. Based upon and subject to the assumptions, factors and limitations set forth in the valuation opinion and described below, Greene Holcomb & Fisher opined on January 9, 2004 that the Company Equity Value was estimated by Greene Holcomb & Fisher to be $30.4 million and the LLC Unit Value, assuming the issuance of 4,581,832



    Class A units upon consummation of the merger, was estimated by Greene Holcomb & Fisher to be $4.07 per Class A unit.

            Greene Holcomb & Fisher's valuation opinion is directed to the Board of Directors and is not intended to be and does not constitute a recommendation to any stockholder of the cooperative as to how to vote with respect to the merger. Greene Holcomb & Fisher conducted various analyses of the cooperative and the LLC, but was not asked to and did not opine as to the basic business decision to proceed with or effect the merger, the relative merits of the merger compared to any alternative business strategy or transaction in which the cooperative might engage, the process by which the merger was originated, negotiated, approved or consummated, or any other term, condition or aspect of the merger. Greene Holcomb & Fisher made no representation as to the sufficiency, legal or otherwise, of its valuation opinion for the cooperative's purposes.

            The valuation opinion opined as to the Company Equity Value and the LLC Unit Value as of its date only, and except as contemplated by the engagement letter, Greene Holcomb & Fisher is not obligated to update, revise or reaffirm its valuation opinion. Events could occur which could materially affect the assumptions used in preparing the valuation opinion. Greene Holcomb & Fisher assumed, with the consent of the Board of Directors of the cooperative that, for purposes of its valuation opinion concerning Company Equity Value and LLC Unit Value, the merger occurred as of January 9, 2004. In order to account for changes between the valuation date and the conversion date, the engagement letter contemplates that Greene Holcomb & Fisher will provide the Board of Directors with an update of the valuation opinion prior to completion of the conversion.

            A copy of the valuation opinion is attached to this document asAppendix D and is incorporated in this information statementdocument by reference. This summary of the valuation opinion is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the valuation opinion. Stockholders of the cooperative should read the valuation opinion in its entirety. Greene Holcomb & Fisher has consented to the inclusion of its valuation opinion in this document. Members of the cooperative are encouraged to read the valuation opinion in its entirety.

            In arriving at the valuation opinion, Greene Holcomb & Fisher's review included:

      a draft dated December 5, 2003 of a contemplated transaction agreement and the Agreement and Plan of Merger, each by and between the cooperative and the LLC;

      a draft dated December 5, 2003 of the Limited Liability Company Agreement;

      certain financial, operating and business information related to the cooperative on a stand-alone basis, including the cooperative's annual reports (with audited financial statements) for the fiscal years ended August 31, 1998-2002, the cooperative's audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003, and the cooperative's unaudited financial statements for the three months ended November 30, 2003;2003, all prior to restatement for matters related to hedge accounting and SFAS 133;

    27


        certain internal historical financial and other information of the cooperative and certain projected financial and other information of the cooperative and the LLC, prepared for financial planning purposes and furnished by the management of the cooperative, including the cooperative management's projections of the cooperative's and the LLC's financial performance for the fiscal years ending 2004-2008;

        a visit to the cooperative's facility in Renville, Minnesota;

        to the extent publicly available, financial data of selected public companies deemed comparable to the cooperative;

        to the extent publicly available, financial data of selected transactions of companies deemed comparable to the cooperative;


          a discounted cash flow analysis on the cooperative based on projections that were prepared by the cooperative's management; and

          industry news relating to transactions in the poultry and egg processing marketplace and historical egg prices.

                In addition, Greene Holcomb & Fisher had discussions with members of the management of the cooperative concerning the financial condition, current operating results and business outlook for the cooperative and the LLC.

                In delivering its valuation opinion to the Board of Directors, Greene Holcomb & Fisher prepared and delivered to the Board of Directors a written valuation report containing material analyses relating to the valuation opinion. The following is a summary of the valuation opinion and these material analyses and other information that Greene Holcomb & Fisher included in its valuation report to the Board of Directors:analyses:

        Company Equity Value

                The term "Company Equity Value" used in the valuation opinion is understood to mean an estimated amount based on the value of the equity of the cooperative as a whole as of January 9, 2004, on a going concern, as if sold basis, between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under compulsion, each having a reasonable knowledge of all relevant facts.

                Management of the cooperative, based on advice of the cooperative's tax counsel, determined that the existing net operating loss carry forwards of the cooperative will not survive the merger and therefore are not assets for which taxable gain or loss must be determined in the context of the conversion. Accordingly, at the direction of the cooperative's management, Greene Holcomb & Fisher did not, for purposes of determining Company Equity Value, ascribe any value to the net operating loss carry forwards of the cooperative.

        LLC Unit Value

                For purposes of the valuation opinion and with the consent of the Board of Directors, Greene Holcomb & Fisher estimated the LLC Unit Value by applying minority and lack of marketability discounts, as appropriate, to each holder's ratable interest in the Company Equity Value to which the LLC will succeed in the merger. Management furnished to Greene Holcomb & Fisher information concerning the number of LLC units to be outstanding following the merger.

                A minority discount accounts for the difference between the value of the cooperative's equity as a whole (which includes control) and the value of the minority interest represented by each LLC Class A unit. To measure the minority discount, Greene Holcomb & Fisher reviewed the control premium paid in 102 selected acquisitions over the prevailing public market price of target companies and selected 70 transactions which met the following criteria:

          transactions with a transaction value of less than $1 billion;

        28


            transactions completed between January 1, 2003 and December 10, 2003;

            transactions where the targets were public companies; and

            transactions with a positive premium of 70% or less. Greene Holcomb & Fisher has advised the cooperative that the 70% threshold was used because transactions with premiums in excess of 70% often involve unusual circumstances not present in typical merger and acquisition transactions.

                  This analysis produced a 29.9% median premium paid over the target'sacquired company's stock price 30 days before the announcement of the acquisition. ThisGreene Holcomb & Fisher calculated that this 29.9% control premium equates to a 23.0% minority discount. For example, a stock trading at $100.00



          per share would be worth $129.90 per share with a 29.9% control premium applied, which then requires a 23.0% discount whichto arrive back at the $100.00 trading price. The 23.0% minority discount was then applied to the results of Greene Holcomb & Fisher's discounted cash flow analysis and comparable transaction analysis described below.

                  A lack of marketability discount accounts for an individual stockholder's inability to freely sell shares in the open market. Greene Holcomb & Fisher reviewed the results of approximately 15 studies conducted on the lack of marketability discount and arrived at thedetermined, in their judgment, based upon these studies and Greene Holcomb & Fisher's mergers and acquisitions experience, that a 20.0% discount appliedwould be appropriate to apply to the discounted cash flow analysis, the comparable transaction analysis and the comparable public company analysis.

                  The financial planning data furnished by the cooperative indicated, and Greene Holcomb & Fisher assumed at the Board of Directors' direction and with the Board of Directors' consent and in accordance with the management of the cooperative's projections that, for purposes of the LLC Unit Value, immediately following the merger, no material change in the business, operations, cash flows or capital structure (including that the Class A units are entitled to the entire residual value of the LLC) of the cooperative will occur by reason of the merger.

                  Greene Holcomb & Fisher expressed no opinion regarding any potential tax or accounting consequences of the merger. Greene Holcomb & Fisher was not furnished any information concerning, nor did its analyses account for, any potential financial impact of any such tax or accounting consequences of the merger, including any such consequences arising by reason of differences in taxation of income between cooperative corporations and limited liability companies.

          Valuation Summary

                  Greene Holcomb & Fisher used three generally accepted valuation approaches in estimating the Company Equity Value and the LLC Unit Value and assigned relative weights to each analysis:

            Discounted Cash Flow Analysis (60% weight).

            Comparable Transaction Analysis (25% weight).

            Comparable Public Company Analysis (15% weight).

                  During the twelve months prior to the date of the Greene Holcomb & Fisher opinion, egg prices rose to ten-year highs. Liquid egg prices were $0.56 per whole liquid egg pound on January 5, 2004, far above the $0.31 per whole liquid egg pound one year ago and their $0.367 10-year average, yet below their peak of $0.80 reached on December 1, 2003. Management's projections of future results of operations reflect its view that recent egg prices were not sustainable over the long term. In preparing its valuation analysis, Greene Holcomb & Fisher accounted for this expectation by placing a 60% weight on the discounted cash flow analysis, which estimates value based on future projected cash flows when egg prices are assumed to have stabilized, rather than recent historical performance. In contrast, the comparable transaction analysis and the comparable public company analysis methods both rely on historical financial performance to estimate value. Greene Holcomb & Fisher placed 25% and 15% weights on these analyses, respectively. For purposes of conducting the comparable public company analysis, Greene Holcomb & Fisher selected and reviewed data from four public companies deemed comparable to the cooperative, two of which did not have sufficient valuation information. The third comparable company demonstrated volatile pricing behavior over the three months prior to the date of

          29



          its opinion. For these reasons, Greene Holcomb & Fisher placed a 25% weight on the comparable transaction analysis and a 15% weight on the comparable public company analysis.



                  Each analysis is described in detailed below. The analyses yield the following results (dollars in millions, except per unit amounts):

          Company Equity Value By Valuation Method

           Value
           Weighting
           Weighted
          Value

          Discounted Cash Flow Analysis $22.6 60.0%$13.6
          Comparable Transaction Analysis $44.1 25.0%$11.0
          Comparable Public Company Analysis $38.7 15.0%$5.8
               
           
          Company Equity Value    100.0%$30.4
          Unmarketable Minority Equity Value By Valuation Method

           Value
           Weighting
           Weighted
          Value

          Discounted Cash Flow Analysis $12.9 60.0%$7.7
          Comparable Transaction Analysis $25.1 25.0%$6.3
          Comparable Public Company Analysis $31.0 15.0%$4.6
               
           
          Company Equity Value    100.0%$18.7

          LLC Class A Units to be Outstanding

           

           

          4,581,832

          LLC Unit Value

           

          $

          4.07

          Discounted Cash Flow Analysis

                  Greene Holcomb & Fisher performed a discounted cash flow analysis for the cooperative in which it calculated the present value of the projected hypothetical future cash flows of the cooperative using internal financial planning data prepared by the cooperative's management. Greene Holcomb & Fisher estimated a range of theoretical values for the cooperative based on the net present value of the cooperative's projected annual cash flows from December 1, 2003 through August 31, 2008 and a terminal value for the cooperative in 2008 (calculated based on a multiple of 2008 operating cash flow). Greene Holcomb & Fisher applied a range of discount rates of 14% to 16% and a range of terminal value multiples of 4.0x to 5.0x forecasted 2008 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

                  Discount rates and multiples were determined by considering multiples from comparable transactions and trading multiples of comparable public companies. In addition, Greene Holcomb & Fisher also considered the commodity nature of the cooperative's business, the size of the cooperative's valuation relative to its competitors, its position in the industry, the inherent risk of improved performance in an increasingly competitive industry and Greene Holcomb & Fisher's recent experience in the mergers and acquisitions marketplace.

                  This analysis resulted in the cooperative's company value ranging from a low of $45.8 million, a midpoint of $49.9 million (discount rate of 15% and terminal value multiple of 4.5x), and a high of $54.3 million.

          30




                  Greene Holcomb & Fisher utilized the midpoint company value to derive the Company Equity Value and the adjusted LLC equity value (in millions).

          Description

           Amount
           
          Midpoint Company Value $49.9 
          Less: Debt $(35.1)
          Plus: Cash $7.8 
            
           
          Company Equity Value $22.6 

          Minority Discount (23.0%)

           

          $

          (5.2

          )
          Lack of Marketability Discount (20%) $(4.5)
            
           
          Adjusted LLC Equity Value $12.9 

          Comparable Transaction Analysis

                  Greene Holcomb & Fisher reviewed 52 transactions involving companies that it deemed comparable to the cooperative and which met the following criteria:

            target companies with selected SIC codes;

            transactions announced between January 1, 1990 and January 9, 2004;

            transactions valued at less than $200 million; and

            transactions in which the acquirer purchased 90% or more of the target.

                  This analysis produced multiples of selected valuation data as follows:

           
           Company Value to EBITDA(1)
          Low 4.4x
          Mean 5.3x
          Median 5.4x
          High 5.9x

          (1)
          Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for each target company's last twelve-month period prior to the transaction.

                  Greene Holcomb & Fisher utilized the mean resulting multiple of company value to EBITDA (5.3x) and derived an average Company Equity Value and an average adjusted LLC equity value (in

          31




          millions of dollars). References to latest twelve month's EBITDA of the cooperative are for the period ended November 30, 2003.

           
           LTM
          (A)

           Average of
          Fiscal 2001 to
          2003 (B)

           Average of
          (A) and (B)

          Cooperative EBITDA $18.3 $8.6   
          Mean Multiple of Company Value to EBITDA  5.3x  5.3x   
            
           
             
          Cooperative Value $97.0 $45.8   

          Less: Debt

           

          $

          (35.1

          )

          $

          (35.1

          )

           

           
          Plus: Cash $7.8 $7.8   
            
           
             
          Company Equity Value $69.7 $18.5   
           Average Company Equity Value $44.1

          Minority Discount (23.0%)

           

          $

          (16.0

          )

          $

          (4.3

          )

           

           
          Lack of Marketability Discount (20.0%) $(13.9)$(3.7)  
            
           
             
          Adjusted LLC Equity Value $39.7 $10.5   
           Average Adjusted LLC Equity Value $25.1

          Comparable Public Company Analysis

                  Greene Holcomb & Fisher compared financial information and valuation ratios relating to the cooperative to corresponding data and ratios from the following four publicly traded companies:

            Cagle's, Inc.

            Cal-Maine Foods, Inc.

            Lucille Farms Inc.

            Sanderson Farms, Inc.

                  Greene Holcomb & Fisher selected these public companies through discussions with the cooperative's management, by conducting industry research and by reviewing companies operating in the egg and dairy processing industry. Greene Holcomb & Fisher also consulted with the cooperative's management to confirm that the comparable company choices of Greene Holcomb & Fisher, selected through individual company research, were indeed comparable to the cooperative's operations. Due to several factors, including these companies' revenue, market breadth, and diversification of product offerings, none of these companies is directly comparable to the cooperative and, in some cases, rendered available data inadequate or not meaningful for purposes of analysis. However, these companies are similar enough to the cooperative and sufficient data was available to conclude that a comparable public company analysis was an appropriate metric to use in the valuation of the cooperative.

                  This analysis produced multiples of selected valuation data as follows:

           
           Company Value to EBITDA(1)
           
          Cagle's, Inc. N/A(2)
          Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. 5.3x 
          Lucille Farms Inc. N/M(3)
          Sanderson Farms, Inc. 4.6x 
           Average 4.9x 

          (1)
          Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for each company's last reported twelve-month period.


          (2)
          No EBITDA valuation multiple is available because Cagle's, Inc. is unprofitable.

          32


          (3)
          Not meaningful. Lucille Farms has a market capitalization under $5 million, yielding unreliable valuation information.

                  Greene Holcomb & Fisher utilized the average resulting multiple of company value to EBITDA (4.9x) and derived an average Company Equity Value and an average adjusted LLC equity value (in millions of dollars). References to latest twelve month's EBITDA of the cooperative are for the period ended November 30, 2003.

           
           LTM
          (A)

           Average of
          Fiscal 2001 to
          2003 (B)

           Average of
          (A) and (B)

          Cooperative EBITDA $18.3 $8.6   
          Average Multiple of Company Value to EBITDA  4.9x  4.9x   
            
           
             
          Cooperative Value $89.7 $42.3   

          Less: Debt

           

          $

          (35.1

          )

          $

          (35.1

          )

           

           
          Plus: Cash $7.8 $7.8   
            
           
             
          Company Equity Value $62.4 $15.0   
           Average Company Equity Value $38.7

          Minority Discount (23.0%)

           

          $

          (0

          )

          $

          (0

          )

           

           
          Lack of Marketability Discount (20.0%) $(12.5)$(3.0)  
            
           
             
          Adjusted LLC Equity Value $49.9 $12.0   
           Average Adjusted LLC Equity Value $31.0

                  For purposes of the valuation opinion, Greene Holcomb & Fisher relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of the projections, financial and other information made available to it and did not assume responsibility for independent verification of such information. Greene Holcomb & Fisher relied upon the assurances of the management of the cooperative that the information provided to Greene Holcomb & Fisher by the cooperative was prepared on a reasonable basis in accordance with industry practice and, with respect to financial planning data and other business outlook information, reflects the best currently available estimates and judgment of management, and that management was not aware of any information or facts that would make the information provided to Greene Holcomb & Fisher incomplete or misleading. Greene Holcomb & Fisher expressed no opinion as to such financial planning data and other business outlook information or the assumptions on which they are based.

                  Greene Holcomb & Fisher assumed the merger will be consummated pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement without material modifications thereto and without waiver by any party of any material conditions or obligations thereunder. In addition, in arriving at its opinion, Greene Holcomb & Fisher assumed that, in the course of obtaining any necessary regulatory approvals for the merger, no restrictions, including any divestiture requirements, will be imposed that would have a material adverse effect on the contemplated benefits of the merger.

                  In arriving at its opinion, Greene Holcomb & Fisher did not perform any appraisals or valuations of any specific assets or liabilities (contingent or other) of the cooperative, did not make any physical inspection of tangible assets, and was not furnished with any such appraisals or valuations.

                  The summary of Greene Holcomb & Fisher's analyses set forth above does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses or factors underlying Greene Holcomb & Fisher's valuation opinion. The preparation of a valuation opinion is a complex process involving subjective judgments and is not necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description. Greene Holcomb & Fisher believes that its analyses must be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses and

          33




          the factors considered by it, without considering all analyses and factors, could create a misleading or incomplete view of the processes underlying such analyses and its opinion.

                  With respect to the comparable public company analysis and the comparable transaction analysis summarized above, no company or transaction utilized as a comparison is identical to the merger, the cooperative or the LLC and such analyses necessarily involve complex considerations and judgments concerning the differences in financial and operating characteristics of the companies and other factors that could affect the acquisition or public trading values of the companies concerned. Similarly, complex considerations and judgments affect a discounted cash flow analysis. As a result, the estimated values set forth in the valuation opinion should not be considered equivalent to actual values that might be realized in the context of an actual transaction, which may be higher or lower.

                  Under the terms of the engagement letter, the cooperative has agreed to pay Greene Holcomb & Fisher a customary fee of $30,000 for rendering its valuation opinion that is not contingent upon the merger. Whether or not the merger is consummated, the cooperative has agreed to pay the reasonable attorneys fees and other out-of-pocket expenses of Greene Holcomb & Fisher, estimated at approximately $10,700 to date, and to indemnify Greene Holcomb & Fisher, against liabilities incurred. These liabilities include liabilities under the federal securities laws in connection with the engagement of Greene Holcomb & Fisher by the Board of Directors.

          Tax Treatment

                  The conversion will be a taxable event to the cooperative and its members. Please see Federal Income Tax Considerations for a discussion of important tax matters.

          Accounting Treatment

                  For financial statement purposes, the conversion will be accounted for as a merger between entities under common control. Accordingly, the LLC will record the value of the assets and the liabilities transferred at their carrying amounts on the records of the cooperative, and will recognize no goodwill or intangible asset in connection with the transaction. This accounting is in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 141, "Business Combinations," which states that the term "business combination" excludes transfers of net assets or exchanges of shares between entities under common control.

          Effect Upon Loans Secured By Common Stock

                  Upon the conversion to a limited liability company, members of the cooperative will receive Class A units in the LLC and will relinquish ownership of their shares of common stock of the cooperative. If a member of the cooperative has secured a loan with that common stock, the effect of the conversion upon that loan may vary depending on the terms of that loan and the nature and preference of the lender. Members who have secured loans using common stock may wish to consult with their lending institutions to determine if their lenders will require new assignments of security interest in the Class A units or other new collateral to support those loans.



          THE MERGER AGREEMENT

                  The following is a summary of the material terms of the Merger Agreement between the cooperative and the LLC.LLC, who are jointly referred to in this section as the "parties" to the agreement. The agreement is formally entitled the "Agreement"Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger." For more detailed information about these transactions, we encourage you to read the agreement which is included in Appendix A and incorporated by reference into this document.

          Conditions to Consummation of the Merger

                  The obligations of the parties to consummate the merger are subject to the satisfaction or waiver, where permissible, of the following conditions at or prior to the consummation of the merger:

            Approval of the Merger Agreement by each of the parties, including the approval of the members of the cooperative at the special meeting;

            Absence of any order enjoining the Merger Agreement;merger;

            The effectiveness of the registration statement of which this document constitutes a part, and noabsence of Securities and Exchange Commission proceedings to stop the effectiveness are underway;effectiveness;

            Receipt of all consents, approvals and waivers necessary in connection with the merger, including those from the cooperative's lenders;

            All actions, proceedings and documents necessary to carry out the merger shall be reasonably satisfactory to the parties.

                  Because the cooperative controls the LLC, the cooperative mayhas the ability to waive or cause to be waived any of the conditions precedent to the conversion.conversion, except as limited by law. However, the cooperative does not intend to waive or cause to be waived any condition if the failure of the condition would have a material adverse effect on the business or operations of the LLC post-conversion. For example, we do not intend to complete the conversion if the cooperative has not obtained the approval of its members, the registration statement has not been declared effective, or the cooperative has not obtained the consent of its senior lenders. Representatives of the cooperative's two largest lenders have already indicated orally that, subject to final review of the lenders at the time of the proposed conversion, they intend to consent to the conversion and amend applicable loan documents as appropriate.

          Termination

                  The Merger Agreement may be terminated and the merger may be abandoned at any time prior to its consummation by:

            The cooperative or the LLCEither party if members of the cooperative fail to approve the merger of the cooperative with and into the LLC.LLC;

            Written notice of termination delivered by either the cooperative or the LLC;party; or

            AnyEither party if the conversion has not been consummated on or before December 31, 2004.

          Amendment

                  The terms of the Merger Agreement may be amended or supplemented at any time by mutual agreement, although consent would be a formality to the extent that the cooperative controls the LLC.



          Effective TimeTiming

                  The merger of the cooperative with and into the LLC will take effect on the date on whichbe completed once articles of merger are filed with the Minnesota Secretary of State and a certificate of merger is filed with the Delaware Secretary of State. If the merger is approved, we anticipate that the closing and the filing of these documents will take place as soon as practicable followingand the member vote.conversion will take effect August 31, 2004.

          35


          Indemnification and Insurance

                  From and after the consummation of the merger, the LLC has agreed to indemnify each present and former director, officer, employee or agent of the cooperative. The LLC has also agreed to indemnify each person who, while a director or officer of the cooperative and at the request of the cooperative, serves or has served another corporation, cooperative, partnership, joint venture, or other enterprise as a director, officer or partner. This indemnification obligation covers any losses, claims, damages, liabilities, or expenses arising out of or pertaining to matters existing or occurring at or before the consummation of the merger, whether asserted or claimed before or after the consummation of the merger, to the fullest extent permitted by law. The LLC may purchase insurance coverage against these losses, claims or expenses, but is not obligated to do so.



          INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE CONVERSION

                  In considering whether to approve the conversion, members of the cooperative should be aware that the directors, officers and certain members of management of the cooperative have interests in the conversion in addition to their interests solely as members of the cooperative, as described below.

          Indemnification

                  The Merger Agreement provides that the cooperative's directors and officers will have rights to indemnification for all acts or omissions occurring at or before the conversion to the fullest extent permitted by law. The LLC may maintain insurance for such acts or omissions. TheInsofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to these directors and officers pursuant to the foregoing, the cooperative has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission advises thatsuch indemnification for securities law violations is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and may beis therefore unenforceable.

          Treatment of Member Equity

                  Since Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc. is a cooperative with voting rights arising from membership, eachEach member of the cooperative has equal voting rights of one vote per member. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, at the time the merger is completed, each outstanding share of common stock of the cooperative (in combination with the patronage equities associated with each such share) will be converted into one Class A unit in the LLC. The Limited Liability Company Agreement of the LLC provides that each member of the LLC will have voting rights in proportion to the number of Class A units held. As a result, members holding a greater number of shares of common stock of the cooperative prior to the conversion will have proportionately greater voting control in the LLC following the conversion.

                  As of the ,[                        ], 2004 record date for the determination of members of the cooperative eligible to vote, there were 706698 voting members of the cooperative. The seven directorsDirectors and their related parties and the chief executive officer of the cooperative as a group represent 1.1%comprise nine of those members, representing 1.3% of the cooperative's voting members andmembers. That group beneficially own 143,056owns a total of 149,920 shares of common stock, or approximately 3.1%3.3% of the cooperative's total issued and outstanding common stock. As a result, if the conversion had been completed on that date, these persons would beneficially own 143,056149,920 Class A units in the LLC, or approximately 3.1%3.3% of the LLC's total issued and outstanding Class A units. Because of this, these persons will have greater influence over matters submitted to a vote of the membership of the LLC than they had over matters voted upon by the membership of the cooperative. No director or executive officer owns beneficially more than 1.3% of the cooperative's issued and outstanding common stock.

          Board Representation and Management

                  The individuals serving on the Board of Directors of the cooperative and management are expected to continue to serve in substantially the same capacities for the LLC following the conversion.


          PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF THE LLC

                  Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the cooperative would merge with and into the LLC if the conversion is completed. The following table presents summary historical financial information of the cooperative and unaudited pro forma financial information of the LLC. The historical information presented as of and for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 is derived from the cooperative's financial statements, which have been audited by Moore Stephens Frost, independent auditors. The historical information presented as of and for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1999 and the threenine months ended November 30, 2002 and 2003May 31, 2004 is unaudited. The unaudited pro forma income statement information is computed as if the conversion from a cooperative to a limited liability company had been consummated on September 1, 1998.2000. The unaudited pro forma balance sheet information is computed as if the transaction had been consummated on November 30, 2003.May 31, 2004. We encourage you to read the financial information presented below along with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," as well as the financial statements and related notes included at the end of this document.

                  For financial statement purposes, the conversion will be accounted for as a merger of entities under common control. Accordingly, the LLC will record the value of the assets and the liabilities transferred at their carrying amounts on the records of the cooperative, and will recognize no goodwill or intangible asset in connection with the transaction. The unaudited pro forma financial information presented below reflects related required preliminary pro forma adjustments, and is based on available information and various assumptions which management of the cooperative believes are reasonable. Significant assumptions made in deriving the pro forma information presented below include the following:

            The cooperative would have utilized operating loss carryforwards and patronage dividends to eliminate tax expense and liability for the threenine month period ended November 30, 2003.May 31, 2004.

            The deferred tax asset would have been utilized fully in the conversion, and would not be transferable to the LLC.

            As the LLC will be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, no provision for income taxes would have been recognized for the periods presented.

            Because the cooperative has historically paid market price for the purchase of corn under its corn delivery program, the termination of that program will have a negligible impact on prices paid by the business to procure corn.

                  The unaudited pro forma financial information is provided for illustrative purposes only and does not necessarily reflect what the results of operations or financial position of the LLC would have been if the conversion had actually occurred on the dates specified. For the periods presented, no adjustments to the historical data in the income statement information are required. Therefore, the historical and pro forma presentations for the income statement information are identical for all periods presented.

          38



          Pro Forma Financial Information Of The LLC
          (in thousands, except share, per share, unit and per shareunit data)

           
           Year Ended August 31,
            
            
           
           
           Three Months Ended
          November 30, 2003

           
           
           1999
           2000
           2001
           2002
           2003
           
           
           Historical (Cooperative)
           Pro Forma (LLC)
           Historical (Cooperative)
           Pro Forma (LLC)
           Historical
          (Cooperative)

           Pro Forma
          (LLC)

           Historical
          (Cooperative)

           Pro Forma
          (LLC)

           Historical
          (Cooperative)

           Pro Forma
          (LLC)

           Historical
          (Cooperative)

           Pro Forma
          (LLC)

           
           
           (unaudited)

           (unaudited)

            
           (unaudited)

            
           (unaudited)

            
           (unaudited)

            
           (unaudited)

           (unaudited)

           (unaudited)

           
          Income Statement Data:                                     
           Revenues $20,344 $20,344 $20,737 $20,737 $35,215 $35,215 $46,169 $46,169 $53,052 $53,052 $20,471 $20,471 
           Cost of goods sold  15,638  15,638  17,294  17,294  30,658  30,658  40,535  40,535  42,437  42,437  11,983  11,983 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           Gross profit  4,706  4,706  3,443  3,443  4,557  4,557  5,634  5,634  10,615  10,615  8,488  8,488 
           Operating expenses  1,476  1,476  1,559  1,559  2,495  2,495  3,339  3,339  3,208  3,208  1,333  1,333 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           Income from Operations  3,230  3,230  1,884  1,884  2,062  2,062  2,295  2,295  7,407  7,407  7,155  7,155 
           Interest expense  (861) (861) (1,038) (1,038) (2,314) (2,314) (3,466) (3,466) (3,520) (3,520) (778) (778)
           Other income  359  359  284  284  650 ��650  385  385  509  509  119  119 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           Income (loss) before income taxes  2,728  2,728  1,130  1,130  398  398  (786) (786) 4,396  4,396  6,496  6,496 
           Income taxes  161  (1) 2  (1)                
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           Net income (loss) $2,567 $2,728 $1,128 $1,130 $398 $398 $(786)$(786)$4,396 $4,396 $6,496 $6,496 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
          Weighted average common shares or Class A units outstanding

           

           

          3,295,537

           

           

          3,295,537

           

           

          3,868,232

           

           

          3,868,232

           

           

          4,189,832

           

           

          4,189,832

           

           

          4,388,517

           

           

          4,388,517

           

           

          4,581,832

           

           

          4,581,832

           

           

          4,581,832

           

           

          4,581,832

           
           
          Net income (loss) per common share or Class A unit

           

          $

          0.78

           

          $

          0.83

          (1)

          $

          0.29

           

          $

          0.29

           

          $

          0. 09

           

          $

          0. 09

           

          $

          (0.18

          )

          $

          (0.18

          )

          $

          0.96

           

          $

          0.96

           

          $

          1.42

           

          $

          1.42

           
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
          Distributions per common share or Class A unit

           

          $

          0.55

           

          $

          0.55

           

          $

          0.07

           

          $

          0.07

           

          $

          0.04

           

          $

          0.04

           

          $


           

          $


           

          $


           

          $


           

          $

          0.40

           

          $

          0.40

           
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           Year Ended August 31,
            
            
           
           
           Nine Months Ended
          May 31, 2004

           
           
           2001
           2002
           2003
           
           
           Historical
          (Cooperative)

           Pro Forma
          (LLC)

           Historical
          (Cooperative)

           Pro Forma
          (LLC)

           Historical
          (Cooperative)

           Pro Forma
          (LLC)

           Historical
          (Cooperative)

           Pro Forma
          (LLC)

           
           
            
           (unaudited)

            
           (unaudited)

            
           (unaudited)

           (unaudited)

           (unaudited)

           
          Income Statement Data:                         
           Revenues $35,215 $35,215 $46,169 $46,169 $53,052 $53,052 $62,240 $62,240 
           Cost of goods sold  31,053  31,053  39,450  39,450  43,300  43,300  35,748  35,748 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           Gross profit  4,162  4,162  6,719  6,719  9,752  9,752  26,492  26,492 
           Operating expenses  2,495  2,495  3,339  3,339  3,208  3,208  5,026  5,026 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           Income from Operations  1,667  1,667  3,380  3,380  6,544  6,544  21,466  21,466 
           Interest expense  (2,314) (2,314) (3,466) (3,466) (3,520) (3,520) (2,292) (2,292)
           Other income  650  650  385  385  509  509  335  335 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           Income before income taxes  3  3  299  299  3,533  3,533  19,509  19,509 
           Income taxes                 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           Net income $3 $3 $299 $299 $3,533 $3,533 $19,509 $19,509 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
          Weighted average common shares or Class A units outstanding

           

           

          4,189,832

           

           

          4,189,832

           

           

          4,388,517

           

           

          4,388,517

           

           

          4,581,832

           

           

          4,581,832

           

           

          4,581,832

           

           

          4,581,832

           
           
          Net income per common share or Class A unit

           

          $


           

          $


           

          $

          0.07

           

          $

          0.07

           

          $

          0.77

           

          $

          0.77

           

          $

          4.26

           

          $

          4.26

           
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
          Distributions per common share or Class A unit

           

          $

          0.04

           

          $

          0.04

           

          $


           

          $


           

          $


           

          $


           

          $

          0.40

           

          $

          0.40

           
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           

           


           

          As of May 31, 2004

           
           Historical
          (Cooperative)

           Adjustments
           Pro Forma
          (LLC)

           
           (unaudited)

            
           (unaudited)

          Balance Sheet Data:        
           Current assets $31,640  $31,640
           Property, plant and equipment  44,823   44,823
           Other assets  7,546 (236)(1) 7,310
            
             
           Total assets $84,009 (236)$83,773
            
             
           
          Current liabilities

           

          $

          7,732

           


           

          $

          7,732
           Long-term debt, less current maturities  32,570   32,570
           Total patrons' equities $43,707 (236)$43,471
           
          Common shares or Class A units outstanding

           

           

          4,581,832

           


           

           

          4,581,832
           
          Book value per common share or Class A unit

           

          $

          9.54

           

          (.05

          )

          $

          9.49

          (1) Income taxes
          The deferred tax asset of $161 and $2 for the years ended August 31, 1999 and 2000, respectively, were$236 was adjusted to zero in accordance with the lastsecond assumption described above.

          39


           
           As of November 30, 2003
           
           Historical
          (Cooperative)

           Adjustments
           Pro Forma
          (LLC)

           
           (unaudited)

            
           (unaudited)

          Balance Sheet Data:        
           Current assets $23,932  $23,932
           Property, plant and equipment  38,529   38,529
           Other assets  8,588 (236) 8,352
            
             
           Total assets $71,049 (236)$70,813
            
             
           
          Current liabilities

           

          $

          7,146

           


           

          $

          7,146
           Long-term debt, less current maturities  32,647   32,647
           Total patrons' equities $31,256 (236)$31,020
           
          Common shares or Class A units outstanding

           

           

          4,581,832

           


           

           

          4,581,832
           
          Book value per common share or Class A unit

           

          $

          6.82

           

          (.05

          )

          $

          6.77

          40




          SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF THE COOPERATIVE

                  The following table sets forth selected financial data of Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc. (d.b.a. "Golden Oval Eggs"), which will be the predecessor of Golden Oval Eggs, LLC if the conversion is consummated. The information presented as of and for the fiscal years ended August 31, 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 is derived from the cooperative's financial statements, which have been audited by Moore Stephens Frost, independent auditors. The information presented as of and for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1999 and the threenine months ended November 30, 2002May 31, 2003 and 20032004 is unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring items) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the unaudited information. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

                  We encourage you to read the financial data presented below along with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," as well as the financial statements and related notes included at the end of this document.

          Selected Financial Data of the Cooperative
          (in thousands, except share and per share data)

           
           Year Ended August 31,
           Three Months Ended
          November 30,

           
           
           1999
           2000
           2001
           2002
           2003
           2002
           2003
           
           
           (Unaudited)

            
            
            
            
           (Unaudited)

           (Unaudited)

           
          Income Statement Data:                      
           Revenues $20,344 $20,737 $35,215 $46,169 $53,052 $12,152 $20,471 
           Cost of goods sold  15,638  17,294  30,658  40,535  42,437  10,595  11,983 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           Gross profit  4,706  3,443  4,557  5,634  10,615  1,557  8,488 
           Operating expenses  1,476  1,559  2,495  3,339  3,208  781  1,333 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           Income from Operations  3,230  1,884  2,062  2,295  7,407  776  7,155 
           Interest expense  (861) (1,038) (2,314) (3,466) (3,520) (852) (778)
           Other income  359  284  650  385  509  112  119 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           Income (loss) before income taxes  2,728  1,130  398  (786) 4,396  36  6,496 
           Income taxes  161  2           
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           Net income (loss) $2,567 $1,128 $398 $(786)$4,396 $36 $6,496 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
          Weighted average common shares outstanding

           

           

          3,295,537

           

           

          3,868,232

           

           

          4,189,832

           

           

          4,388,517

           

           

          4,581,832

           

           

          4,581,832

           

           

          4,581,832

           
           
          Net income (loss) per common share

           

          $

          0.78

           

          $

          0.29

           

          $

          0.09

           

          $

          (0.18

          )

          $

          0.96

           

          $

          0.01

           

          $

          1.42

           
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
          Distributions per common share

           

          $

          0.55

           

          $

          0.07

           

          $

          0. 04

           

          $


           

          $


           

          $


           

          $

          0.40

           
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           Year Ended August 31,
           Nine Months Ended
          May 31,

           
           
           1999
           2000
           2001
           2002
           2003
           2003
           2004
           
           
           (Unaudited)

            
            
            
            
           (Unaudited)

           (Unaudited)

           
          Income Statement Data:                      
           Revenues $20,344 $20,737 $35,215 $46,169 $53,052 $36,965 $62,240 
           Cost of goods sold  15,638  17,294  31,053  39,450  43,300  32,000  35,748 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           Gross profit  4,706  3,443  4,162  6,719  9,752  4,965  26,492 
           Operating expenses  1,476  1,559  2,495  3,339  3,208  2,426  5,026 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           Income from Operations  3,230  1,884  1,667  3,380  6,544  2,539  21,466 
           Interest expense  (861) (1,038) (2,314) (3,466) (3,520) (2,661) (2,292)
           Other income  359  284  650  385  509  371  335 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           Income before income taxes  2,728  1,130  3  299  3,533  249  19,509 
           Income taxes  161  2           
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           Net income $2,567 $1,128 $3 $299 $3,533 $249 $19,509 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
          Weighted average common shares outstanding

           

           

          3,295,537

           

           

          3,868,232

           

           

          4,189,832

           

           

          4,388,517

           

           

          4,581,832

           

           

          4,581,832

           

           

          4,581,832

           
           
          Net income per common share

           

          $

          0.78

           

          $

          0.29

           

          $


           

          $

          0.07

           

          $

          0.77

           

          $

          0.05

           

          $

          4.26

           
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
          Distributions per common share

           

          $

          0.55

           

          $

          0.07

           

          $

          0. 04

           

          $


           

          $


           

          $


           

          $

          0.40

           
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           

           
           As of August 31,
            
           
           As of
          November 30,
          2003

           
           1999
           2000
           2001
           2002
           2003
           
            
            
            
            
            
           (Unaudited)

          Balance Sheet Data:                  
           Current assets $12,796 $19,337 $15,619 $14,420 $18,211 $23,932
           Property, plant and equipment  14,926  37,967  46,346  42,537  38,118  38,529
           Other assets  5,506  5,528  5,618  9,815  8,531  8,588
            
           
           
           
           
           
           Total assets $33,228 $62,832 $67,583 $66,772 $64,860 $71,049
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
          Current liabilities

           

          $

          1,838

           

          $

          6,173

           

          $

          9,591

           

          $

          8,965

           

          $

          6,025

           

          $

          7,146
           Long-term debt, less current maturities  11,727  36,384  37,624  35,309  32,804  32,647
           Total patrons' equities $19,663 $20,275 $20,368 $22,498 $26,031 $31,256
           
          Common shares outstanding

           

           

          3,868,232

           

           

          3,868,232

           

           

          4,189,832

           

           

          4,581,832

           

           

          4,581,832

           

           

          4,581,832
           
          Book value per common share

           

          $

          5.08

           

          $

          5.24

           

          $

          4.86

           

          $

          4.91

           

          $

          5.68

           

          $

          6.82

          41


           
           As of August 31,
            
           
           As of
          May 31,
          2004

           
           1999
           2000
           2001
           2002
           2003
           
           (Unaudited)

            
            
            
            
           (Unaudited)

          Balance Sheet Data:                  
           Current assets $12,796 $19,337 $15,619 $14,420 $18,211 $31,640
           Property, plant and equipment  14,926  37,967  46,346  42,537  38,118  44,823
           Other assets  5,506  5,528  5,618  9,815  8,531  7,546
            
           
           
           
           
           
           Total assets $33,228 $62,832 $67,583 $66,772 $64,860 $84,009
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
          Current liabilities

           

          $

          1,838

           

          $

          6,173

           

          $

          9,591

           

          $

          8,965

           

          $

          6,025

           

          $

          7,732
           Long-term debt, less current maturities  11,727  36,384  37,624  35,309  32,804  32,570
           Total patrons' equities $19,663 $20,275 $20,368 $22,498 $26,031 $43,707
           
          Common shares outstanding

           

           

          3,868,232

           

           

          3,868,232

           

           

          4,189,832

           

           

          4,581,832

           

           

          4,581,832

           

           

          4,581,832
           
          Book value per common share

           

          $

          5.08

           

          $

          5.24

           

          $

          4.86

           

          $

          4.91

           

          $

          5.68

           

          $

          9.54


          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
          AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

                  We encourage you to read the following discussion in conjunction with the cooperative's financial statements, the notes thereto and the other financial data included elsewhere in this document. The following discussion contains forward-looking statements. TheseSuch statements are based on assumptions by the cooperative's management as of the date of this document and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those under the heading entitled "Risk Factors," that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Because the LLC will be the successor of the cooperative, the following discussion will generally be equally applicable to the LLC on a going-forward basis.

          Forward-Looking Statements

                  The following discussion contains forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on assumptions by the cooperative's management, as of the date of this document, and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those discussed under "Risk Factors" in this document, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. The cooperative and the LLC caution readers not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

          Overview

                  The cooperative is engaged in the production, breaking, and sale of non-pasteurized liquid whole eggs, liquid whites, and liquid yolks. The cooperative's operations are integrated from the production of eggs, processing of those eggs into liquid eggs, and the transportation of the liquid eggs. The cooperative currently ranks in the top 15 in the nation for production of shell eggs. The cooperative also obtains a relatively small portion of its eggs and infrom third parties for processing, which amount has ranged from 9.1% to 11.8% of total eggs processed for each of the top 10 for the processing of shell eggs to liquid eggs.last three fiscal years. The cooperative primarily markets its liquid eggs to further processors of egg products.

                  The cooperative's operating income or loss is significantly affected by wholesale liquid egg prices, which can fluctuate widely and are outside of the cooperative's control. Liquid eggs are a commodity product and prices fluctuate in response to supply /demand factors.

                  The cooperative's cost of production is materially affected by feed costs, which average approximately 40% of the cooperative's total costs. Changes inApproximately 60% of these feed costs result in changesare incurred in the cooperative's costsprocurement of goods sold.corn and soybeans. The cost of feedthese ingredients is affected by a number of supply and demand factors such as crop production and weather, and other factors, such as the level of grain exports, over which the cooperative has little or no control. The ratio of pounds of feed purchased to pounds of egg product processed from eggs produced "in-line" by the cooperative, or "feed efficiency," has ranged from 2.42 to 2.57 for each of the last three fiscal years.

                  One of the primary inputs for feed is corn. Historically, the corn purchased and used in operations is obtained primarily through the delivery of corn pursuant to uniform marketing agreements between the cooperative and each of its members. The Board of Directors of the cooperative, in its sole discretion, establishes the purchase price to be paid for each bushel of corn delivered. The cooperative has historically followed a policy of paying average market prices as posted at local elevators for all corn so purchased. As part of the conversion, we intend to terminate the corn delivery program. Following the conversion, the LLC will continue to require the same quantities of corn for processing as are currently required by the cooperative. In order to fulfill those requirements, the LLC will be required to acquire substantial quantities of corn in the marketplace, based upon the then-prevailing market price of corn. Because the cooperative has always paid average market prices for corn purchased in the corn delivery program, we do not expect to experience any material change in corn procurement costs as a results of the termination of the program.

                  Following several years of attractive profits (from fiscal 1996 to fiscal 1999), the cooperative experienced a period of low earnings and one net loss year infrom fiscal 2000 to fiscal 2002. The primary reason for these results was an industry wide overproduction of eggs in North America ahead of retail and food service demand. This supply/demand imbalance caused egg prices to fall to levels that made most egg producers and processors marginally profitable to unprofitable from 1998 through 2002.during this period.



                  Since the middle of 2003, however, egg prices have dramatically increased to record levels.risen dramatically. This increase is due to several factors, including: (1) shutdown of several egg production facilities for economic reasons; (2) reduction in the number of laying hens (layers) due to the implementation of animal welfare standards; (3) reduction in layers due to the outbreak of Exotic Newcastle Disease, a contagious and fatal viral disease in birds, in the Southwest and on the West Coast; and (4) increased demand for eggs and egg products due to the number of Americans switching to some form of high protein/low carbohydrate diets.

                  Presently, the egg market continues to hover around record high prices, which has sustained a high profit margin for the cooperative in the first quarterhalf of fiscal 2004. These profit margins far outstrip historical profit margins of the cooperative since inception. WhileBased on management's expertise and experience in the egg business, we believe that these pricesprofit margins are not guaranteed to stay at these levels, most industry watchers have peggedsustainable over the market to stay at levelslong term and that will sustain solid profitability for the balance of fiscal 2004. The cooperative's management believes,over time, barring new

          42



          impacts on the industry from unforeseen circumstances, that prices for eggs will return to a level closer to historical averages. The anticipated price adjustments are likely to come primarily from increases in egg production, a commodity product that is fairly easy to produce, as producers seek to capture the excess profits. Or, if supply increases are insufficient, consumer demand for eggs may begin to subside in response to continued high prices. The cooperative is at or near its current production and processing capacities. In response to the current favorable market, the cooperative has begun construction of additional production facilities at its site in Thompson, Iowa, including additional layer barns and a feed mill to meet the corresponding need for increased feed. The cooperative does not expect the construction and operation of the feed mill and related facilities to have a shell dryer.net material effect on its results of operations. In addition, the cooperative will continue to tightly manage its risk management profile by seeking ways to minimize volatility in its operating margins.

                  The cooperative sells a portion of its products under contract at non-market prices. Depending upon market circumstances, the prices generated by the cooperative's non-market volume sales tend to be either less or more than what the prevailing open market prices would generate. For the nine months ended May 31, 2004, due to record high market prices for egg products, the cooperative's revenues would have been approximately 16% higher and its gross profit would have been approximately 38% higher if it had sold all of its egg products on the open market. On this same basis, for fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, the cooperative's revenues would have been approximately 4% higher, 5% lower and 6% lower, respectively, and its gross profit approximately 21% higher, 38% lower and 54% lower, respectively.



          Results Of Operations

                  The following table presents the amounts sold and weighted average prices of those sales for liquid whole eggs, liquid egg whites and liquid egg yolks for the periods presented.

           
           Year Ended August 31,
            
          Product

           Nine Months Ended
          May 31, 2004

           2001
           2002
           2003
          Whole egg:            
           Pounds sold (in millions)  60.0  72.9  70.9  64.7
           Average price per pound $.333 $.323 $.360 $.490
          Egg whites:            
           Pounds sold (in millions)  30.1  47.6  48.8  32.5
           Average price per pound $.216 $.122 $.208 $.587
          Egg yolks:            
           Pounds sold (in millions)  16.0  25.4  26.2  17.2
           Average price per pound $.553 $.659 $.663 $.667
          Total:            
           Pounds sold (in millions)  106.0  146.0  145.9  114.4
           Average price per pound $.333 $.316 $.364 $.544

                  Revenues.    Revenues for the first threenine months of fiscal 2004 were $20.5$62.2 million, an increase of $8.3$25.3 million or 68.5%68.4% as compared to the first threenine months of fiscal 2003. ThisThe increase in revenues was due primarily to the increase in total pounds of egg products sold and egg product selling prices during the first threenine months of fiscal 2004 as compared with the first threenine months of fiscal 2003. Pounds sold for the first threenine months of fiscal 2004 were 38.2114.4 million, an increase of 2.36.3 million or 6.4%5.8% as compared to the first threenine months of fiscal 2003. While the number of layers in production was virtually unchanged between the two periods, the increase in pounds sold resulted primarily from changes in the amount and composition of feed used. Domestic demand for eggs is strong, which has resulted in higher selling prices during the first threenine months of fiscal 2004. The cooperative's average selling price per pound for the first threenine months of fiscal 2004 was $.5364,$.544, compared to $.3389$.342 for the first threenine months of fiscal 2003, an increase of 58.3%59.1%. The cooperative's average selling price is the blended price for liquid whole eggs, liquid egg whites and liquid egg yolks. The factors relating to the increase in sales prices are discussed in the overview above.

                  Cost of goods sold.    Cost of goods sold for the first threenine months of fiscal 2004 was $12.0$35.7 million, an increase of $1.4$3.7 million or 13.1%11.7% as compared to the first threenine months of fiscal 2003. The increase is due to an increase in the cost of eggs purchased from third parties for the cooperative's off-line production and an increase in the cost of feed. The cooperative buys a significant number of shell eggs from third parties for processing at its Renville egg breaking facility. The cost of these eggs for the first threenine months of fiscal 2004 increased $.9$2.8 million or 85.5%96.6% as compared to the first threenine months of fiscal 2003. This increase is due primarily to the overall rise in prices in the egg industry. Over this same period, feed costs increased by $.6$1.9 million or 12.7%14.4%. Approximately $1.4 million of the increase in feed costs is due to increased feed prices due primarily to increases in the price of soymeal and corn, and approximately $0.5 million is due to an increase in the amount of feed used.

                  Operating expenses.    Operating expenses for the first threenine months of fiscal 2004 were $1.3$5.0 million, an increase of $.6$2.6 million or 70.7%107.2% as compared to the first threenine months of fiscal 2003. Increased fringe benefit costsbonus compensation due primarily to record profitability accounts for approximately $1.8 million of the increase. Professional services relating primarily to the potential limited liability company conversion account for approximately $.5$.8 million of the increase.



                  Total other expense.    Total other expense for the first threenine months of fiscal 2004 was $.7$2.0 million, a decrease of $81,000$.3 million or 10.9%14.5% as compared to the first threenine months of fiscal 2003. This reduction was the result of lower interest expense due to lower debt balances.

                  Revenues.    For the fiscal year ended August 31, 2003, revenues were $53.1 million, an increase of $6.9 million or 14.9% as compared to the fiscal year ended August 31, 2002. While liquid pounds sold by the cooperative remained virtually unchanged between the two years, the average selling price for the eggs was $.3635 per pound for fiscal 2003, an increase of $.0473 per pound or 15% compared to an average price of $.3162 in fiscal 2002. The increase in revenues was due to the increased market price for liquid whole eggs, liquid egg whites and liquid egg yolks sold by the cooperative.

                  Cost of goods sold.    Cost of goods sold for fiscal 2003 was $42.4$43.3 million, an increase of $1.9$3.9 million or 4.7%9.8% as compared to fiscal 2002. Feed costs accounted for most of the change with a $1.1$3.0 million or 19.1% increase from fiscal 2002 to fiscal 2003. Approximately $.7 million of the increase in feed costs was due to an increase in the amount of feed used, and approximately $2.3 million due to increased feed prices. The remaining increase in costscost of goods sold came from a variety of other factors, with no one factor accounting for a meaningful component of the remaining increase.

          43



                  Operating expenses.    Operating expenses for fiscal 2003 were $3.2 million, ana decrease of $.1 million or 3.9% as compared to fiscal 2002. No one factor accounted for a meaningful amount of the decrease.

                  Total other expense.    Total other expense for fiscal 2003 was $3.0 million, a decrease of $70,000 or 2.3%, as compared to fiscal 2002. An increase of $120,000 from litter and inedible egg sales was partially offset by an increase of $50,000 in interest expense.

                  Revenues.    Revenues for fiscal 2002 were $46.2 million, an increase of $11.0 million or 31.1% as compared to fiscal 2001. Liquid pounds sold by the cooperative in fiscal 2002 were 146 million pounds, an increase of 40 million pounds, or 37.7%, compared to 106 million pounds sold in fiscal 2001. This increase in pounds sold was the result of the cooperative finishingbringing the first halfphase of the Thompson facility.facility online in stages during fiscal 2001, with seven of the nine barns completed, housed with birds and producing eggs by the end of fiscal 2001, and the bringing online of the remaining two barns towards the beginning of fiscal 2002. The cooperative's average selling price in fiscal 2002 was $.3162 per pound, a decrease of $.0161, or 4.8%, as compared to $.3323 per pound in fiscal 2001. The increase in pounds sold was offset by the reduction in selling price to account for the increased revenues.

                  Cost of goods sold.    Cost of goods sold for fiscal 2002 was $40.5,$39.5 million, an increase of $9.9$8.4 million or 32.2%27.0% as compared to fiscal 2001. Feed costs for fiscal 2002 were $16.7$15.7 million, an increase of $4.9$3.4 million or 41%28% as compared with fiscal 2001. Production costs at the Thompson, Iowa facility increased $4.2 million in fiscal 2002 as compared with fiscal 2001. Both the increase in feed costs and the increase in production costs in Thompson were primarily the result of the increased production referenced above. The remaining increase in costs came from a variety of other factors, with no one factor accounting for a meaningful component of the remaining increase.

                  Operating expenses.    Operating expenses for fiscal 2002 were $3.3 million, an increase of $0.8 million, or 33.8%, as compared fiscal 2001. The increase in operating costs were primarily the result of the increase in production referenced above.

                  Total other expense.    Total other expense for fiscal 2002 was $3.1 million, an increase of $1.4 million, or 85.2%, as compared to fiscal 2001. Interest expense accounted for $1.2 million of the



          increase. The increase in interest was due to the increase in debt taken on to complete the build out of the Thompson production and processing facility.

          Liquidity and Capital Resources

                  The cooperative's working capital at November 30, 2003May 31, 2004 was $16.8$23.9 million compared to $12.2$8.1 million at November 30, 2002.May 31, 2003. The cooperative's current ratio was 3.34.1 at November 30, 2003May 31, 2004 compared to 3.02.2 at November 30, 2002.May 31, 2003. The cooperative has established a $5.5 million working capital line of credit with US Bank. Currently, there is no amount outstanding under the line of credit. This credit line, which protects the cooperative from seasonal cash fluctuations, terminates on December 31, 2004. The cooperative expects that cash flow from operations and proceeds from its existing credit lines will be sufficient to fund operations, to provide adequate capital expenditures (excluding major expansions beyond the current expansion), and to make distributions to its members for at least the next three12 months. The cooperative may require significant additional capital resources in order to five years.proceed with potential future expansions or to otherwise respond to competitive pressures in the industry.

                  The production and processing plants were built over the course of the last ten years with completion of the Renville production and processing facility in 1996 and the phase one production and processing completed at Thompson in 2001. Capital expenditures totaled $.3 million in 2003 and $1.3 million in 2002. Capital expenditures for current projects are expected to total approximately $17 million, including approximately $15.5 million for the initial step of the phase two expansion at the Thompson facility (the three layer barns and feed mill and related facilities, as discussed in "Business" below) and approximately $1.5 million to purchase and upgrade the current year will be approximately $14 million andwastewater treatment facilities at Renville. As of May 31, 2004, the projection for next year is approximately $2 million. The cooperative has committed to contracts on the construction projects totaling approximately $10$15.3 million, with approximately $9$5 million remaining to be paid under those contracts.contracts in fiscal 2004. In addition, the cooperative's expansion will necessitate increases in

          44



          inventory of approximately $2 million, which would be financed by trade credit and amounts available for borrowing under the cooperative's credit lines. Future plans call for significant capital expenditures withPotential future expansions include the scheduled completion of the second phase of the Thompson facilities (the remaining barns needed to occurmirror phase one, and related improvements necessary to accommodate the increased egg production and processing) at an estimated additional cost of approximately $21.7 million. If the cooperative can make suitable arrangements for the sale of the additional product, the cooperative intends to proceed with these future expansions as product demand dictates and the construction of further processing facilities at either or both Renville and Thompson.its capital resources permit.

                  The cooperative's long-term debt at November 30, 2003,May 31, 2004, including current maturities, was $35.1 million compared to $39.8$37.4 million at November 30, 2002.May 31, 2003. Substantially all trade receivables and inventories collateralize the cooperative's line of credit and property, plant and equipment collateralize the cooperative's long-term debt under its loan agreements. The cooperative is required by certain provisions of its loan agreements to maintain (1) a minimum tangible net worth of not less than $16.5 million; (2) total liabilities to tangible net worth ratio of no more than 3:1; (3) working capital of no less than $3.5 million; (4) an interest coverage ratio of no less than 2:1; (5) a fixed charge coverage ratio no greater than 1:1; (6) capital expenditures not to exceed $.6 million or the amount that will create a fixed charge coverage ratio greater than 1:1; and (7) a debt to net worth ratio of no more than 2:1. In addition, these provisions restrict the cooperative's ability to make distributions, create liens, incur indebtedness and sell assets and properties. As of November 30, 2003,May 31, 2004, the cooperative was in compliance with these covenants.

                  Net cash flow from operations was $7.3$22.9 million for the first threenine months of fiscal 2004. This increased level of cash flow was primarily the result of highimproved profit margins resulting from the record high egg sales prices. The cooperative believes that these profit margins are not sustainable over the long term. See "—Overview" above. Despite the increased levels of sales revenue, outstanding accounts receivable remained unchanged. Increase in corn and soybean prices resulted in an increase in inventory levels of $1.9 million. Overall the changes in net non-cash working capital were not material.



          This cash flow has allowed the cooperative to (1) pay $1.5$9.8 million towards the Thompson expansion, (2) make a $1.8 million distribution to its shareholders, (3) to set aside $1.5$1.7 million to a restricted cash account to be used to pay the 2001 bond debt and (4) to increase its cash on hand to $4.9$12.1 million.

                  Management believes that non-cash working capital levels are appropriate in the current business environment and does not expect a significant increase or reduction of non-cash working capital in the next 12 months.

                  Net cash flow from operations improved to $6.3 million in fiscal 2003 from $3.2 million in fiscal 2002. This improvement was a result of improved gross margins.profit margins due primarily to higher sales prices. The benefit of increased cash flows from operations and flat capital expenditure requirements in fiscal 2003 allowed the cooperative to pay down the revolving line of credit by $3.0 million and to reduce long-term debt by $2.4 million.

          Hedging ActivitiesCritical Accounting Estimates

                  The cooperative followsprepares its financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The cooperative's significant accounting policies are discussed in detail in Note 1 to the financial statements included at the end of this document. Certain of these accounting policies as discussed below require management to make estimates and assumptions about future events that could materially affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Accounting estimates and assumptions discussed in this section are those that we consider to be the most critical to an understanding of the cooperative's financial statements because they inherently involve significant judgments and uncertainties. Although the cooperative has not experienced any material changes in its financial position or results of operations in connection with these matters in the past, based on management's experience there is a policyreasonable likelihood that such changes may occur from time to time in the future. For all of managingthese estimates, we caution that future events rarely develop exactly as forecast, and estimates routinely require adjustment.

                  Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.    In the normal course of business, the cooperative extends credit to its customers on a short-term basis. Although credit risks associated with its customers are considered minimal, the cooperative routinely reviews its accounts receivable balances and makes provisions for probable doubtful accounts. In circumstances where management is aware of a specific customer's inability to meet its financial obligations to the cooperative (e.g. bankruptcy filings), a specific reserve is recorded to reduce the receivable to the amount expected to be collected. For all other customers, the cooperative recognizes reserves for bad debts based on management's experience and the length of time the receivables are past due, generally the entire balance for amounts more than 90 days past due. As of May 31, 2004, the cooperative had never written off any accounts receivable and had no bad debt reserves.

                  Inventories.    Inventories of eggs, feed and supplies are valued principally at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. If market prices for eggs and feed grains move substantially lower, the cooperative would record adjustments to write-down the carrying values of eggs and feed inventories to fair market value.

                  The cost associated with flock inventories, consisting principally of chick costs, feed, labor, and overhead costs, are accumulated during the growing period of approximately 18 weeks. Capitalized flock costs are then amortized over the productive lives of the flocks, generally 18 to 24 months. High mortality from disease or extreme temperatures would result in abnormal adjustments to write-down flock inventories. As of May 31, 2004, the cooperative had only one abnormal adjustment due to high mortality. The results of this adjustment were non-material to the financial statements. Management continually monitors each flock and attempts to take appropriate actions to minimize the risk of mortality loss.



                  Long-Lived Assets.    Depreciable long-lived assets are primarily comprised of buildings and improvements and machinery and equipment. Depreciation is provided by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives based on management's experience, which are 7 to 39 years for buildings and improvements and 3 to 15 years for machinery and equipment. An increase or decrease in the estimated useful lives would result in changes to depreciation expense. As of May 31, 2004, the cooperative had never experienced any changes to asset useful lives.

                  The cooperative continually reevaluates the carrying value of its long-lived assets, for events or changes in circumstances, which indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. As part of this reevaluation, if impairment indicators are present, the cooperative estimates the future grain price and finished margin fluctuations by hedging in established commodities markets throughcash flows expected to result from the use of futuresthe asset and options.its eventual disposal. As grain is usedof May 31, 2004, the cooperative had never found impairment indicators to be present in the feed manufacturing process, realized gains or losses and option premiums on these positions are recognized as a component of that cost. Hedges are generally tied to corn and soy meal related sales contracts to establish a fixed margin on these sales contracts.its reevaluation processes.

          Recent Accounting Pronouncements

                  In August 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations." This statement applies to legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development or normal operation of a long-lived asset, except for certain obligations of lessees. The liability would be recognized in the period in which it is incurred and can be reasonably estimated. The cooperative adopted Statement No. 143 effective September 1, 2002. The cooperative has reviewed its assets and believes it has no assets which will require funds to retire in the future.

                  In April 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." This statement amends Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 to provide clarification on the financial accounting and reporting of derivative instruments and hedging activities and requires that contracts with similar characteristics be accounted for on a comparable basis. The standard is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. The

          45



          cooperative's adoption of Statement No. 149 did not have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

                  In May 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity." This statement establishes how an issuer classifies and measures certain freestanding financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity and requires that such instruments be classified as liabilities. The standard is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003. The cooperative's adoption of Statement No. 150 did not have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

                  In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51." This interpretation requires the consolidation of entities in which an enterprise absorbs a majority of the entity's expected losses, receives a majority of the entity's expected residual returns, or both, as a result of ownership, contractual or other financial interests in the entity. A variable interest entity results from interests in an entity through ownership, contractual relationships, or other pecuniary interest. Under current accounting guidance, entities are generally consolidated by an enterprise only when it has a controlling financial interest through ownership of a majority voting interest in the entity. The cooperative has interests in various affiliates established for the purpose of finished feed production, technology services and rental of real estate. The creditors of the entities do not have recourse to the cooperative. The cooperative is currently evaluating the effects of the issuance of Interpretation No. 46 on the accounting for its ownership interests in these entities.



          Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

                  Market risk is the risk of loss to future earnings, to fair values or to future cash flows that may result from changes in the price of a financial instrument. The value of a financial instrument may change as a result of changes in interest rates, commodity prices, exchange rates, equity prices and other market changes. Market risk is attributed to all market-risk sensitive financial instruments, including long-term debt.

                  The cooperative and the LLC dodoes not believe they areit is subject to any material market risk exposure with respect to interest rates, commodity prices, exchange rates, equity prices, or other market changes that would require disclosure.

                  Commodity Risk.    The cooperative is subject to market risk resulting from changes in commodity prices associated with our feed inputs, particularly corn and soybeans. The availability and price of these ingredients are subject to wide fluctuations due to unpredictable supply and demand factors such as crop production and weather. To manage the potential negative impact of these price fluctuations, the cooperative engages in various hedging and other risk management activities, including the buying and selling of option contracts.

                  A portion of the commodity price risks are effectively managed due to the fact that approximately 30% of the cooperative's egg production is under long-term contract for sale on a formula feed pricing basis, where prices automatically vary to take into account changes in feed costs. For the approximately 70% of the cooperative's egg production sold on a market basis, the cooperative manages its commodity price risks by buying and selling corn and soybean meal options through regulated commodity exchanges. The cooperative does not actually purchase commodities under these option contracts. Depending on market fluctuations, the cooperative generally sells the contract prior to maturity and purchases another contract for the same quantity at a different price. Occasionally, a worthless contract is permitted to expire unexercised and a new option purchased in its place. The cooperative does not utilize hedging instruments for speculative purposes.

                  The goal of the cooperative's hedging policy is to offset potential adverse price moves for a projected nine to twelve months by a corresponding gain in the hedging account. Gains or losses on these positions are recognized as a component of commodity costs. The cooperative's hedging strategy is designed to be effective during times of both market increases and decreases, with an objective of capturing 60-70% of market price moves. Although these instruments are economic hedges, the cooperative does not designate these contracts as hedges for accounting purposes pursuant to the requirements of SFAS 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.

                  The following table presents a sensitivity analysis to illustrate the cooperative's exposure to market risk of its option positions. The table presents the fair value of open positions as of August 31, 2003 and May 31, 2004 and the potential loss in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10% reduction in fair values as of those dates. The fair value of the cooperative's positions is a summation of the fair values calculated by valuing each net position at quoted market prices as of the applicable date.

           
           Fair Value
           Effect of Hypothetical
          Adverse Change

          August 31, 2003 $451,802 $45,180
          May 31, 2004 $320,521 $32,052

                  The following examples illustrate the hypothetical effects of changes in commodity prices upon the cooperative's net procurement costs for corn and soybeans. At the beginning of fiscal 2003, the cooperative held options on 3,000,000 bushels of corn, representing approximately 70% of the anticipated usage over the year, as described above. At that time, these contracts had an aggregate market value of $397,500 based on then current futures prices of the optioned corn of $2.4775 per



          bushel. If corn futures prices increased 10%, the procurement costs on 3,000,000 bushels would be expected to increase by approximately $743,000, which would be partially offset by an expected open position value increase of approximately $458,000, for a net cost increase of approximately $285,000. If futures prices instead decreased 10%, procurement costs would be expected to decrease by approximately $743,000, partially offset by an expected open position value decrease of approximately $270,000, for a net cost decrease of approximately $473,000.

                  Similarly, at the beginning of fiscal 2003, the cooperative held options on 20,000 tons of soybean meal with an aggregate market value of $113,000 based on then current futures prices of the optioned soybean meal of $183.40 per ton. If soybean meal futures prices increased 10%, the procurement costs on 20,000 tons would be expected to increase by approximately $366,000, which would be partially offset by an expected open position value increase of approximately $205,000, for a net cost increase of approximately $161,000. If futures prices instead decreased 10%, procurement costs would be expected to decrease by approximately $366,000, partially offset by an expected open position value decrease of approximately $91,000, for a net cost decrease of approximately $275,000.

          Contractual Obligations

           
           Payments due by period
          Contractual Obligations

           Total
           Less than
          1 year

           1-3 years
           3-5 years
           More than
          5 years

          Long-Term Debt 32,803,565 2,502,400 5,189,382 5,288,592 22,066,683
          Operating Leases 2,015,643 230,969 414,071 282,248 1,088,355
          Construction Obligations 9,358,141 9,358,141   
          Total 44,177,349 12,091,510 5,603,453 5.570.840 23.155.038

          46        The following table presents various known contractual obligations of the cooperative as of August 31, 2003:


           
           Payments due by period
          Contractual Obligations

           Total
           Less than
          1 year

           1-3 years
           3-5 years
           More than
          5 years

          Long-Term Debt 32,803,565 2,502,400 5,189,382 5,288,592 22,066,683
          Operating Leases 2,015,643 230,969 414,071 282,248 1,088,355
          Construction Obligations 9,358,141 9,358,141   
          Total 44,177,349 12,091,510 5,603,453 5,570,840 23,155,038

                  The data presented in the preceding table does not include any expected interest payments. The cooperative had no material purchase obligations as of August 31, 2003.



          BUSINESS

                  To the extent that the LLC will be the successor of the cooperative and will continue to operate the business of the cooperative, unless indicated otherwise, the following discussion of the business, as it applies to the cooperative, is equally applicable to the LLC, and vice versa.

          Overview

                  The cooperative is a member-owned Minnesota cooperative that is primarily engaged in the business of producing and processing egg products. The cooperative was incorporated on March 17, 1994. The cooperative's fiscal year is from September 1 to August 31. Its principal office is located at 340 Dupont Avenue NE, Renville, Minnesota 56284. The telephone number is 320-329-8182.

                  The cooperative's output consists of liquid whole egg, liquid egg white and liquid egg yolk. The egg products produced by the cooperative are sold on a direct basis to companies who further process the raw liquid egg into various finished egg products such as dried eggs, frozen, hard cooked, extended shelf-life liquid, pre-cooked egg patties, specialty egg products, etc. Institutional, food service, restaurants, and food manufacturers in turn purchase these further processed products.

                  The cooperative has seen its production increase from approximately 7 million liquid pounds in 1995 to approximately 146 million in 2003. WhenAssuming the current construction of additional layer barns at the Thompson facility is complete, the cooperative expects to have the capacity to produce approximately 175 million liquid pounds of products annually. When the second phase of the Thompson facility is completed, the cooperative expects to reach an annual production capacity of approximately 225 million pounds. The egg industry has been consolidating as producers and processors try to meet the needs of their large customers. We believe that these large customers are looking for a reduced number of reliable suppliers that can give them the high quality product that they need.

                  The cooperative had revenues of approximately $53.0 million during fiscal 2003 (ending August 31, 2003), approximately $46.2 million during fiscal year 2002 (ending August 31, 2002) and approximately $35.2 million during fiscal 2001 (ending August 31, 2001).

          Facilities and Production

                  The cooperative maintains production and processing facilities at both its original 60-acre site in Renville, Minnesota and a second 240-acre site northeast of Thompson, Iowa. The land on which the Thompson facilities are located is leased from Midwest Investors of Iowa, Cooperative. At each location, the cooperative maintains a large layer flock for "in-line" production of eggs.

                  The laying barns are equipped with high-rise turbo ventilation systems which are designed to promote better bird health, improved pest control, uniform temperatures and a purer environment for employees working at the facility. The turbo ventilation system dries poultry litter to approximately 15% moisture, which greatly reduces any odor. The dried poultry litter also results in less tonnage being transported to area farm fields for application. The dried poultry litter is marketed to local farmers for its nutrient value to be applied as a soil amendment to farm fields located in the vicinity of the facility.

                  After the eggs are produced, they are processed into liquid egg products at one of the cooperative's two egg breaking facilities. The in-line processing facility receives the shell eggs via a conveyor belt directly from the layer barns. At the Renville site, supplementary equipment also allows procurement of "off-line" produced shell eggs from third parties for processing. The egg breaking facilities process the eggs by washing, rinsing, sanitizing and candling the eggs prior to removing the shells. The process then extracts any inedible substances and separates the liquid into whites, yolks or whole eggs. The liquid eggs are then filtered, cooled and pumped into liquid storage tanks. The liquid egg products are then shipped via tanker trucks to customers. The egg shells are currently land applied

          47




          as crop plant food but, with construction underway on an egg shell recovery facility at the Thompson site, the cooperative expects to be able to begin drying a portion of the shells for utilization as a feed ingredient.

          Renville, Minnesota

                  Construction of an in-line production and processing layer complex in Renville, Minnesota, began in June 1994, with construction being completed and all 16 barns housed with approximately 2.0 million birds by October 1996. The Renville processing facility presently operates near its current production capacity of approximately 70 million pounds of liquid egg per year.

                  The cooperative acquires all of its baby chicks from third-party sources. The cooperative has an exclusive contract pullet growing arrangement for its needs at the Renville operation with The Pullet Connection. The Pullet Connection receives day-old birds, provides housing, labor, and utilities and delivers the pullets to the layer sight at approximately sixteen weeks of age. The cooperative owns the birds, provides all feed and supplies, and pays The Pullet Connection a fixed fee per delivered pullet along with performance incentives determined by certain quality standards. The Pullet Connection's facility has the capacity to house approximately 520,000 pullets.

                  Feed for the laying hens at the Renville facility and the pullet growing operations is manufactured at a feed mill owned and operated on a cost basis by United Mills. United Mills is a cooperative venture owned one-third each by Coop Country Farmers Elevator of Renville, Minnesota, Christensen Family Farms and the cooperative. The feed mill is capable of producing 250,000 tons of feed annually. The cooperative uses approximately 65% of the feed manufactured by United Mills. The cooperative believes that it is able to leverage United Mills' volume purchasing power and production capacity to achieve lower feed costs than the cooperative would face if it manufactured feed at its own facilities.

          Thompson, Iowa

                  In August 1999, construction of a second in-line production and processing layer complex began on the site located near Thompson, Iowa. The project is divided into two phases. Construction of phase one, the east side of the complex, which houses approximately 2.7 million layers and 650,000 pullets, was completed in December 2001. Phase one consists of eleven high-rise barns, segmented by one brooder barn, one starter barn, nine layer barns, an egg processing facility and an operations office. Phase two is the west side of the complex and is planned as a duplicate of the east side brooder, starter and layer barns.barns, as well as a feed mill and related facilities, as described below. As an initial stagephase two step, the cooperative has begunis in the construction onprocess of constructing both the feed mill and related facilities and three additional layer barns that are expected to house an additional anticipated .9 million producing hens by September 2004. If adequate resources are available,the cooperative can make suitable arrangements for the sale of the additional product, the cooperative intends to continue building out in the future as its capital resources permit in order to reach its permitted level of 5.4 million layers and 1.3 million pullets. The Thompson processing facility presently operates near its current production capacity of approximately 76 million pounds of liquid egg per year.

                  In addition, construction has begun on an egg shell recovery facility, a 400,000 ton annual production capacity feed mill and related grain receiving facilities on the site. The cooperative intends to utilize approximately half of the capacity of the feed mill for its own purposes and sell the remainder of the capacity to outside users. Currently, the cooperative is in negotiations with a local cooperative to sell 100,000 tons of annual production on a long term take or pay basis.

                  As with the Renville operations, the cooperative acquires all of its baby chicks for production at the Thompson site from third-party sources. However, the cooperative raises the baby chicks to pullets itself at the Thompson facility.

                  Feed for the laying hens at the Thompson facility is currently manufactured by and purchased from a third party, State Line Coop. However,Because the cooperative believes that the existing local feed manufacturing capacity would be insufficient to meet the requirements of the Thompson operations when the three additional layer barns are housed with birds, the cooperative is in the process of constructing a 400,000 ton annual production capacity feed mill and related egg shell recovery and grain receiving facilities on the Thompson site thatsite. The new mill is expected to be operational by July



          September 2004, with the anticipated capacity

          48


          to manufacture 400,000 tons of feed annually. Once the new Thompson feed mill is operational,at which time the cooperative expects to discontinue its purchases from State Line Coop. The cooperative intends to utilize approximately half of the capacity of the feed mill for its own purposes and contract out the remainder of the capacity to outside users.

          Sales, Marketing and Customers

                  Currently, a majority of the cooperative's egg products are sold at open market prices, although the cooperative has set up a variety of contract arrangements in an effort to reduce price and product sales risk. The cooperative has enteredregularly enters into short-term written contracts and verbal agreements that are based on formula pricing, fixed price toll milling, and open market (Urner Barry).market. The cooperative expects these agreements to continue, but due to unforeseen circumstances, customers may terminate the purchase agreements. Currently, egg products that are priced on a "non-market" basis account for approximately 30% of total sales volume.

                  As is typical in the egg products industry, the cooperative isalso a party to several multi-year written contracts to supply different customers, including some of its largest clients.clients, based on formula pricing, fixed price and toll milling. Those contracts typically involve the customer's agreement to purchase a specified quantity of egg products each year during the term of the applicable agreement, but also typically include a provision allowingand allow either party to terminate the agreementcontract upon specified notice to the other party. Currently, egg products that are priced on a "non-market" basis under these long-term contracts account for approximately 30% of total sales volume, although this percentage tends to fluctuate over time depending on the availability of and interest of the cooperative's management in entering into these types of sales arrangements. Pricing under these non-market contracts is generally reflective of historical average market prices. The current contracts expire at various times over the next five years, subject to termination by either party on from six to 24 months' notice. In the event that any such contractual arrangements were terminated, the cooperative would plan to sell the available products into the commodity markets for such products.

                  The cooperative has expanded its customer base with the additional production from the Thompson expansion. The cooperative delivers to over twenty different customers. Management believes that these companies represent in excess of 90% of the further processing capacity in the U.S. and Canada. Theycustomers, which customers regularly serve markets in Minnesota, Wisconsin, California, Iowa, Oregon, Alabama, Missouri and Canada.

                  Customers of the cooperative include the following:



          49


                  In the cooperative's most recent fiscal year, there were a number of customers who each represented more than 10% of the cooperative's total sales. Those customers include Primera Foods, Sunny Fresh Foods, Michael Foods and MOARK. Some of the cooperative's sales are made to customers in Canada. In 2001, non-U.S. sales totaled approximately $2,444,000, with sales in 2002 and 2003 increasing to approximately $3,980,000 and $4,798,000, respectively.

          Egg Industry and Markets

          Production

                  Total U.S. egg production during 20022003 was 73.1873.93 billion table eggs.

                  In 2002,2003, the average number of egg-type laying hens in the U.S. was 277.6276.1 million. Flock size on DecemberJanuary 1, 20032004 was 280 million layers.layers, an increase of 1.0 million from a year earlier. Rate of lay per day averages 73 to 75on that same date averaged 71.0 eggs per 100 layers.layers, up 2 percent from a year earlier.

          Market Segmentation

                  Of the 203.3206.9 million cases of shell eggs produced in 2002:2003:

                  The cooperative participates in the 62.360.9 million cases that are further processed into various types of egg product. Further segmentation within this category is:This equates to production of approximately 2,400 million pounds of liquid eggs.

          50



          Per Capita Consumption

                  The following table provides national "per capita consumption" data on a national basis. Note that per capita consumption is a measure of total egg production divided by the total population. It does not represent demand.

          Year:

           1991
           1992
           1993
           1994
           1995
           1996
           1997
           1998
           1999
           2000
           2001
           2002
           1994
           1995
           1996
           1997
           1998
           1999
           2000
           2001
           2002
           2003
            
          Per Capita Consumption: 233.9 234.7 234.6 236.4 233.5 234.6 235.6 239.7 249.8 251.7 252.8 253.5 236.4 233.5 234.6 235.6 239.7 249.8 251.7 252.8 253.5 254.1  

                  Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA has recently adjusted data to reflect 2000 Census figures)

          Competition

                  Currently, there are approximately 260 egg producing companies nationally with flocks of 75,000 hens or more, representing approximately 95% of all the layers in the U.S. Of these, there are approximately 6165 egg producing companies with 1 million plus layers, representing about 80% of all the layers in the U.S. And, of these, there are approximately 129 companies with greater than 5 million layers.

                  Egg Industry Magazine ranked the cooperative as the 14th largest producer nationally foras of December 31, 2003. The top twenty producers represented 57.3% of the national flock.

          Top U.S. Egg Producers
          (by millions of layers in production)

          Rank
           Company

           City
           State
           Layers
           Company

           City
           State
           Layers
          1 Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. Jackson MS 21.1 Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. Jackson MS 21.1
          2 Rose Acre Farms Seymour IN 17.5 Rose Acres Seymour IN 17.5
          3 Moark LLC Carthage MO 14.2 Moark LLC Carthage MO 14.2
          4 Michael Foods Egg Products Co. Minneapolis MN 13.8 Michael Foods Egg Products Co. Minneapolis MN 13.8
          5 Sparboe Companies Litchfield MN 12.0 Sparboe Companies Litchfield MN 12.0
          6 DeCoster Egg Farms Turner ME 10.5 DeCoster Egg Farms (Maine/Iowa) Turner ME 10.5
          7 Dutchland Farms L.P. Lancaster PA 6.9 Dutchland Farms L.P. Lancaster PA 6.9
          8 Buckeye Egg Farm Croton OH 6.7 Buckeye Egg Farm Croton OH 6.7
          9 Fort Recovery Equity Fort Recovery OH 6.7 Fort Recovery Equity Fort Recovery OH 6.7
          10 ISE America, Inc. Galena MD 6.5 ISE America, Inc. Galena MD 6.5
          11 Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. Mentone IN 5.9 Midwest Poultry Services, L.P. Mentone IN 5.9
          12 Hillandale Farms Inc. Lake City FL 5.7 Hillandale Farms Lake City FL 5.7
          13 Daybreak Foods Lake Mills WI 5.5 Daybreak Foods Lake Mills WI 5.5
          14 Golden Oval Eggs Renville MN 4.7 Golden Oval Eggs Renville MN 4.7
          15 Fremont Farms of IA Fremont IA 4.5 Fremont Farms of IA Malcom & Fremont IA 4.5
          16 National Food Co. Everett WA 4.0 National Food Co. Everett WA 4.0
          17 Wabash Valley Produce Dubois IN 3.7 Wabash Valley Produce Dubois IN 3.7
          18 Tampa Farm Service Inc. Dover FL 3.6 Tampa Farm Service Inc. Dover FL 3.6
          19 Hillandale Farms of PA North Versailles PA 3.5 Hillandale Farms of PA North Versailles PA 3.5
          20 Hickman's Egg Ranch Glendale AZ 3.4 Hickman's Egg Ranch Glendale AZ 3.4
               Total     160.4     Total     160.4

                  Source: January 2004 Egg Industry Magazine

          51




                  As stated previously, the industry converts 62.3converted 60.9 million thirty dozen cases of eggs into liquid eggs. This equates to production ofapproximately 2,400 million pounds of liquid eggs being produced.in 2003. In its most recent fiscal year, the cooperative sold 146 million pounds of liquid egg supplying approximately 6% of the market. Some of the cooperative's customers listed above break a number of their own eggs to fulfill their needs while others source all of their liquid egg from outside providers.

                  On further examination, a more meaningful evaluation of the cooperative would be to compare it to other companies that process shell eggs into liquid eggs and compete for the same customers as the cooperative. The cooperative's management estimates that the cooperative would rank in the top 5 on such a list as a manufacturer of liquid eggs sold by the tanker load to further processors.

          Corn Procurement

                  One of the primary inputs for feed is corn. Presently,Historically, the corn purchased and used in the operations is obtained primarily through the delivery of corn pursuant to uniform marketing agreements between the cooperative and each of its members. Under the marketing agreement, the member is obligated to deliver each year to the cooperative up to one bushel of No. 2 yellow corn for each share of the cooperative's common stock owned. The agreement specifies the quality standards and delivery schedule. Under the Uniform Marketing Agreement, the Board of Directors has the discretion to call for deliveries at a rate of less than one bushel of corn for each share of common stock, by providing notice of the reduced delivery requirement prior to August 1 of the applicable year. The Board of Directors of the cooperative, in its sole discretion, establishes the purchase price to be paid for each bushel of corn delivered. The term of the agreement is one year. At the end of each year, the agreement is automatically renewed for a successive one-year term, until timely notice of termination is given.

                  Currently, the cooperative has approximately 4.6 million shares of common stock issued and outstanding, representing obligations of the members to deliver up to approximately 4.6 million bushels of corn annually. In fiscal 2003, the Board of Directors called on its members to deliver a total of approximately 4.1 million bushels.bushels out of a total of approximately 4.3 million bushels used in the cooperative's operations. In fiscal 2002, approximately 3.7 million bushels were provided by members, also out of a total of approximately 4.3 million bushels used. Prior to fiscal 2002, the cooperative procured 100% of corn used from its members. The cooperative has historically followed a policy of paying average market prices as posted at local elevators for all corn so purchased.

                  As part of the conversion, we intend to terminate the corn delivery program. In anticipation of the completion of the conversion, the cooperative, pursuant to its rights under the uniform marketing agreements, has suspended all delivery requirements under the uniform marketing agreements beginning May 2004. If the conversion is not approved by the cooperative's members, the cooperative will plan to resume the corn delivery program in September 2004. Following the conversion, the LLC will continue to require the same quantities of corn for processing as are currently required by the cooperative. In order to fulfill those requirements, the LLC will be required to acquire substantial quantities of corn in the marketplace, based upon the then-prevailing market price of corn. The cooperative's management believes that there are supplies of corn available in the vicinity of each of the cooperative's primary facilities adequate to continue to meet the needs of the business at a reasonable priceprices following the conversion. Because the cooperative has always paid average market prices for corn purchased in the corn delivery program, we do not expect to experience any material change in corn procurement costs as a result of the termination of the program. If, however, corn prices were to rise to abnormally high levels following the completion of the conversion, the business would no longer have the contractual right to reduce cash outflows by unilaterally establishing below-market prices to be paid to its members for the required corn.

          Governmental Regulation and Environmental Matters

                  The cooperative is subject to federal and state regulations relating to grading, quality control, labeling, sanitary control and waste disposal. The cooperative's egg processing facilities are subject to regulation by both the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The cooperative believes that it is in material compliance with the applicable regulatory requirements.



          The cooperative maintains its own inspection program to assure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, the cooperative's standards and customer specifications.

          Environmental Matters

                  The cooperative is subject to several federal and state environmental regulations. The federal environmental regulations with which it must comply were promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The Environmental Protection Agency has delegated permitting and enforcement authority under each of these acts to Minnesota and Iowa, where the cooperative has facilities. Thus, the cooperative is required to comply with the provisions of regulations promulgated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, as well as the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, pursuant to these federal acts.

                  In Minnesota, the cooperative has obtained the following permits related to environmental regulations:

                  In Iowa, the cooperative has obtained or applied for the following permits related to environmental regulations:

                  The cooperative also manages any solid waste, such as deceased hens and waste egg shells, pursuant to Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Iowa Department of Natural Resources solid waste regulations

                  The cooperative is also subject to extensivethe federal Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and state environmental lawsLiability Act, also known as the federal "Superfund" law. This law establishes



          liability for releases of hazardous substances to the environment. Under the law, current and former owners and operators of facilities where hazardous substance releases occur are jointly and severally liable for response costs and damages to natural resources caused by the releases. Because both the Minnesota and Iowa facilities were constructed on previously undeveloped agricultural land, and because any hazardous substances utilized by the cooperative are managed according to regulations with respectpromulgated by Minnesota and Iowa pursuant to waterthe Resource Conservation and air quality, solid waste disposalRecovery Act, and odorany releases of hazardous substances are within permitted or regulatory limits, the cooperative does not believe it has any significant potential liability under the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and noise control.Liability Act.

                  The cooperative believes that it is currently in compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations and has all necessary permits for existing operations. As the cooperative expands its operations, including waste disposal.it will need to continue to obtain necessary permits and maintain compliance with regulatory reporting requirements. The cooperative conductsmaintains an on-going control program designed to ensure compliance with these environmental laws and regulations. The cooperative cannot predict whether future changes in environmental laws or

          52



          regulations might increase the cost of operating its facilities and conducting its business. Any such changes could have adversematerial financial consequences for the cooperative and its members.

                  TheAs noted above, the cooperative has permits to discharge wastewater from its Renville processing operations into the City of Renville's sewer system, and maintain ponds for storm water runoff. In the future, the cooperative may elect to own and operate the wastewater treatment facilities necessary for the treatment of waste effluent. The Thompson site is a totally self-contained operation, complete with its own water wells and water tower, processing wastewater treatment facilities and electrical generating equipment.

          Intellectual Property Rights

                  The cooperative does not hold any patents and generally uses industry-standard equipment and processing lines in its business. To the extent it develops proprietary uses of such systems, the cooperative relies on a combination of trade secrets, trademarks, nondisclosure agreements and technical measures to establish and protect its proprietary rights.

          Research and Development

                  As a commodity-based business, the cooperative does not conduct any research and development activities associated with either the development of new products or the development of new technologies for use in producing those products. Instead, as described above, the cooperative relies upon industry-standard processing and related equipment.

          Employees

                  As of the ,[                        ], 2004 record date for the special meeting, the cooperative had approximately 185220 full-time employees, none of which are covered by collective bargaining agreements. Management considers its employee relations to be good.

          Legal Proceedings

                  From time to time and in the ordinary course of its business, the cooperative is named as a defendant in legal proceedings related to various issues, including worker's compensation claims, tort claims and contractual disputes. Other than such routine litigation, the cooperative is not currently involved in any material legal proceedings. In addition, the cooperative is not aware of other potential claims that could result in the commencement of legal proceedings. The cooperative carries insurance that provides protection against certain types of claims, up to the policy limits of the cooperative's insurance.

          53




          MANAGEMENT

          Directors of the Cooperative and Managers of the LLC

                  The cooperative is managed by a Board of Directors. Under the cooperative's Bylaws, the number of directors is currently set at seven. The number of directors may be changed, but may not be less than five. A director must either be a member or a duly elected or appointed representative of a member. Approximately one-third of the directors are elected each year to serve for a three-year term. Members are currently represented by a director elected in each of seven districts. District boundaries are determined by the Board of Directors to provide fair representation for members.

                  The LLC will be managed by a Board of Managers, all of whom will be elected on an at-large basis. Under the 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 of Managers of the LLC will consist of the same seven individuals who are currently serving as members of the Board of Directors of the cooperative, who will serve for the same terms for which they would otherwise have served as directors of the cooperative. The Board of Managers will be divided into three classes for election purposes. One class of managers will be elected at each annual meeting of members to serve for a three-year term.

                  The names, addresses, ages and terms of the current directors of the cooperative and the initial managers of the LLC are as follows:

          Name and Address

           Age
           Position
           Term Expires
           Age
           Position
           Term Expires
          Marvin Breitkreutz
          74268 250th Street
          Renville, Minnesota 56284
           60 Manager, Chairman 2006 61 Manager, Chairman 2006

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

           

          43

           

          Manager, Secretary/Treasurer

           

          2004

           

          45

           

          Manager, Secretary/Treasurer

           

          2007

          Chris Edgington
          4440 Dogwood Avenue
          St. Ansgar, Iowa 50472

           

          42

           

          Manager, Vice Chairman

           

          2006

           

          42

           

          Manager, Vice Chairman

           

          2006

          Thomas Jacobs
          37408 890th Avenue
          Olivia, Minnesota 56277

           

          48

           

          Manager

           

          2005

           

          49

           

          Manager

           

          2005

          Brad Petersburg
          563 390th Street
          Hanlontown, Iowa 50444

           

          47

           

          Manager

           

          2004

           

          48

           

          Manager

           

          2007

          Randy Tauer
          22257 Skyview Avenue
          Morgan, Minnesota 56266

           

          41

           

          Manager

           

          2006

           

          42

           

          Manager

           

          2006

          Jeff Woodley
          12778 450th Street
          Thompson, Iowa 50478

           

          47

           

          Manager

           

          2005

           

          47

           

          Manager

           

          2005

                  Marvin Breitkreutz.    Mr. Breitkreutz has served as a director of the cooperative since its formation in 1994, serving as its 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

          54




          township supervisor and chairman of the Renville County Farm Bureau. He operates ahas owned and operated his farm on which hesince 1962. He raises sugar beets, corn and soybeans.

                  Mark Chan.    Mr. Chan has served as a director of the cooperative since its formation in 1994, serving as its 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 involved inan owner and manager of a family farm corporation, raising corn, soybeans, sugar beets and green peas.

                  Chris Edgington.    Mr. Edgington has served as a director of the cooperative since February 2000, serving as its Vice Chairman since April 2002. 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 served on the producer leadership committee. He has been farming since 1984. He is involved inthe owner and manager of a farrow to finish hog operation with his brother and they raise corn, soybeans, millet and alfalfa.

                  Thomas Jacobs.    Mr. Jacobs has served as a director of the cooperative since its formation in 1994. He is a past board member of the Sheep Producers. His farming operation involves raisingHe has owned and managed his farm since 1976 where he raises sheep, corn, soybeans, peas, sweet corn and sugar beets.

                  Brad Petersburg.    Mr. Petersburg has served as a director of the cooperative since February 2000. He has been active in many farmer-owned organizations and is a member and past county board director for the Iowa Farm Bureau, director of Ag Ventures Alliance, director and past president of Exol ethanol cooperative, director of Midwest Grain Processors Cooperative and chairman of U.S. Ag Producers Alliance. He raiseshas owned and managed his farm since 1979, raising corn and soybeans.

                  Randy Tauer.    Mr. Tauer has served as a director of the cooperative since March 2003. He is currently serving as a board member of the Prairie Farmers Coop and 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 and raises corn, soybeans, sweet corn and peas.

                  Jeff Woodley.    Mr. Woodley has served as a director of the cooperative since February 2000. He is chairman of Winnebago County Soil and Water Conservation District, director of Hancock and Winnebago County Cattlemen's Association and a member of Ag Ventures Alliance. His farming operation includesHe has owned and managed his farm since 1988, where he raises corn, soybeans, hay and cattle.

          Board Advisor

                  The Board of Directors of the cooperative has appointed Mark Fisler to serve the Board of Directors in an advisory capacity.capacity, attending Board meetings and providing input as appropriate, particularly on matters relating to business growth, access to capital and corporate structure. Mr. Fisler has served the cooperative in this role since January 2001.2001, and is expected to serve the Board of Managers of the LLC in substantially the same capacity after the conversion. He is President of Accretio Advisors Inc., a corporate financial advisory firm formed in early 2004. Prior to forming Accretio, Mr Fisler was a Senior Vice President in the Investment Banking group atCorporate Finance Department of Northland Securities, Inc. He joined that company insince March 2003 and is an investment banker within the corporate finance department of the firm.2003. Prior to joining Northland, Mr. Fisler was a Managing Director of US Bancorp Piper Jaffray Inc. and was employed by it and its predecessors for a span of 18 years. Mr. Fisler currently serves on the Board of Managers of Greenway Consulting, a wholly owned subsidiary of DENCO, LLC. Mr. Fisler is expected to serve the Board of Managers of the LLC in substantially the same capacity after the conversion.

          Committees of the Board of Managers of the LLC

                  In connection with the conversion, the Board of Managers of the LLC will appoint a compensation committee, an audit committee, a nomination committee and a strategic alternatives committee.

                  The compensation committee will make recommendations to the Board of Managers of the LLC regarding stock and compensation plans, approve transactions of certain officers and grant stock

          55




          options. We expect that Messrs. Breitkreutz, Edgington and Petersburg will serve as the initial members of the compensation committee.

                  The audit committee will make recommendations to the Board of Managers of the LLC regarding the selection of independent auditors, review the scope of audit and other services by the independent auditors, review the accounting principles and auditing practices and procedures to be used for the LLC's financial statements and review the results of those audits. We expect that Messrs. Breitkreutz, Chan and Edgington will serve as the initial members of the audit committee.

                  The nomination committee will recommend nominees to the Board of Managers of the LLC. We expect that Messrs. Jacobs, Tauer and Woodley will serve as the initial members of the nomination committee.

                  The strategic alternatives committee will review potential strategic alternatives for the LLC to pursue with regard to significant business transactions such as potential outside equity investments, and make recommendations to the Board of Managers of the LLC regarding these strategic alternatives. We expect that Messrs. Breitkreutz, Chan and Petersburg will serve as the initial members of the strategic alternatives committee.

          Compensation of Managers

                  The LLC will provide its managers with a per diem payment of $200 for any day on which a manager undertakes activities on the LLC's behalf, including board meetings and other functions of the LLC. The LLC will also pay each manager a monthly fee of $200, except for the Chairman and Secretary who will be paid monthly fees of $400 and $250, respectively. The LLC will also reimburse its managers for out-of-pocket expenses incurred on behalf of the LLC.

          Executive Officers

                  Upon completion of the conversion, the current executive officers of the cooperative will hold comparable offices of the LLC on a full-time basis. The table below sets forth information concerning the current executive officers of the cooperative.

          Name

           Age
           Position
          Dana Persson 4647 President/Chief Executive Officer

          Terrance Heying

           

          6263

           

          Vice President/Chief Operations Officer

          Doug Leifermann

           

          49

           

          Vice President/Chief Financial Officer

          Marie Staley

           

          4748

           

          Vice President of Shareholder Relations

                  Dana Persson.    Mr. Persson has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the cooperative since its formation in 1994. He serveshas served on a committee for United Egg Producers since 2001, and serves as Chairmanhas been a member of the Board of Directors for United Mills.Mills since 1994, serving as its Chairman of the Board since 2001. Prior to joining the cooperative,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 has served as Vice President and Chief Operations Manager of the cooperative since its formation in 1994. 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 cooperative, 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

          56



          required to process value-added products in addition to designing and constructing all supporting equipment and facilities.

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

                  Marie Staley.    Ms. Staley has served as Vice President of Shareholder Relations for the cooperative since its formation in 1994. In addition to coordinating the functions of management and the Board of Directors, she is responsible for member relations, communications, shareholder relations, and provides management leadership for the human resources department. She also administers the corn delivery program and share transfer process. She serveshas served as a board member for the Broiler & Egg Association of Minnesota.Minnesota since 2002. Prior to joining the cooperative, she was employed by the St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives.

          Executive Compensation

                  Upon completion of the conversion, the current executive officers of the cooperative will hold the comparable offices in the LLC on a full-time basis. The following table shows the compensation paid by the cooperative in the years indicated to its President and Chief Executive Officer (to be the President and Chief Executive Officer of the LLC following the conversion) and the three other individuals who were serving as executive officers of the cooperative at the end of its fiscal year 2003.

          Summary Compensation Table

           
            
           Annual Compensation
            
          Name and Principal Position

           Fiscal
          Year

           Salary
           Bonus
           Other annualAnnual
          compensationCompensation(1)

           All Other
          CompensationCompensation(2)

          Dana Persson,
          President/Chief Executive
          Officer
           2003
          2002
          2001
           $

          191,474
          164,472
          160,000
           $

          106,032

          33,133
          22,090
           $

          15,570
          15,675
          19,419
           $

          11,488
          9,868
          9,600

          Terrance Heying,
          Vice President/Chief
          Operations Officer

           

          2003
          2002
          2001

           

           

          136,894
          131,091
          120,000

           


          66,686

          14,501
          21,284

           


          14,604
          14,680
          14,680

           

          $


          7,800
          7,800
          7,200

          Doug Leifermann,
          Vice President/Chief
          Financial Officer

           

          2003
          2002
          2001

           

           

          100,000
          100,000
          79,615

           


          66,686

          14,501

           


          7,778
          7,866
          7,831

           

          $


          6,000
          6,000
          900

          Marie Staley,
          Vice President of
          Shareholder Relations

           

          2003
          2002
          2001

           

           

          80,400
          80,000
          60,000

           


          64,506

          14,501
          13,178

           


          115
          145
          145

           

          $


          4,800
          4,800
          3,600

          (1)
          Includes the following medical insurance contributions: for Mr. Persson, $7,592, $7,592 and $11,336 for 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively; for Mr. Heying, $7,592 annually; and for Mr. Leifermann, $7,592, $7,592 and $6,557 for 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Also includes the following personal vehicle usage: for Mr. Persson, $7,770 annually; and for Mr. Heying, $6,840 annually.

          (2)
          Consists of matching contributions made by the cooperative to its 401(k) plan.

          Employment Agreements

                  The cooperative is party to an employment and non-competition agreement with its President/Chief Executive Officer, Dana Persson. The agreement provides for Mr. Persson's employment for an initial period from July 1, 2002 through August 31, 2003. This employment term has been renewed through August 31, 2004 and will continue to renew automatically for successive one-year periods

          57



          unless notice is given by either party not less than 60 days before the end of the then current employment term.

                  Under the agreement, the cooperative is to pay Mr. Persson an annual base salary of $192,000 and an annual bonus based on the cooperative's return on equity for each fiscal year, capped at two times his base salary. If more than 20% of the fixed or operating assets of the cooperative 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 cooperative shall pay Mr. Persson a "liquidation" bonus of 2% of the gain on equity. If the cooperative merges or consolidates with another business entity and the asset value of the merged or consolidated business entity is at least 1.5 times the asset value of the cooperative, then Mr. Persson shall be entitled to a "merger" bonus equivalent to 50% of his base salary in the form of stock or other similar equity in the new or surviving company which shall vest over a period of up to three years. Because the proposed conversion involves a merger with a subsidiary and does not involve the acquisition of any additional assets, asset values will not increase as a result of the conversion and, accordingly, the merger bonus provisions of the agreement will not be triggered. In addition, Mr. Persson is entitled to receive matching 401(k) plan contributions of up to 6% of his base salary, the use of a vehicle and other fringe benefits under the cooperative's group benefit plans.

                  The agreement 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 cooperative without cause or due to a change in control, Mr. Persson is entitled to receive payments in an amount equal to his base salary at normal salary payment intervals for a period of 12 months following termination and group benefits for the applicable 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 cooperative will be under no further duty to make any payments of salary or bonus or provide any benefits, except to the extent of any payment obligations that accrued prior to termination.

                  The agreement provides that, for a period of 18 months after termination of the employment term, Mr. Persson 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 cooperative that competes with the cooperative for the cooperative's egg product markets or sources of egg supplies.

                  Following the conversion to an LLC, the LLC will employ Mr. Persson on the same terms as described above.



          CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

          Patronage Payments

                  All of the cooperative's directors and its chief executive officer hold common stock of the cooperative and are also agricultural producers and members of the cooperative. By virtue of their membership status and ownership of common stock, each of these individuals is 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 are 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 will be terminated, although these individuals may continue to sell corn to the LLC after the conversion on terms similar to those on which the LLC would purchase corn from others.

          Coop Country Farmers Elevator

                  Coop Country Farmers Elevator, a member holding a significant amount of the cooperative's common stock, provides various services to the cooperative, including corn handling and storage and litter removal. The cooperative also leases office space and related equipment from Coop Country. For the year ended August 31, 2003, the cooperative purchased services totaling approximately $95,000 from Coop Country. The cooperative had total sales to Coop Country of approximately $79,000 for the year ending August 31, 2003. The cooperative 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, 2003 totaled approximately $18,000. In addition, as of August 31, 2003, the cooperative had approximately $272,000 payable to Coop Country for payment for corn that was purchased by patrons but delivered directly to the cooperative.

          United Mills

                  For the year ended August 31, 2003, the cooperative purchased feed totaling approximately $5,030,000 from United Mills. The cooperative has a 331/3% ownership interest in United Mills that has been accounted for using the equity method. Since United Mills is also a cooperative, its income and capital reserves are allocated to its member-patrons on the basis of patronage. Prepaid feed purchased from United Mills totaled approximately $354,000 at August 31, 2002. The cooperative also had advanced United Mills approximately $150,000 for future purchases of feed at August 31, 2003.

          Midwest Investors of Iowa, Cooperative

                  The cooperative 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 in part of the following members of the Board of Directors of the cooperative: Messrs. Breitkreutz, Chan, Edgington, Jacobs and Petersburg. Rent expense for the year ended August 31, 2003 totaled approximately $78,000. The cooperative 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.



          PRINCIPAL EQUITYHOLDERS

                  The following table furnishes information, as of the ,[            ], 2004 record date of the special meeting, as to actual beneficial ownership of the cooperative's common stock and pro forma ownership of the LLC's Class A units post-conversion by each person known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of the cooperative's issued and outstanding common stock, each of the cooperative's directors and executive officers (who will serve as the LLC's managers and executive officers post-conversion), and all of the cooperative's directors and executive officers as a group.

           
           Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock Prior to Conversion
           Beneficial Ownership of Class A Units Following Conversion
           
          Name

           
           Number
           Percentage
           Number
           Percentage
           

          Coop Country Farmers Elevator

           

          556,993

           

          12.2

          %

          556,993

           

          12.2

          %

          Marvin Breitkreutz

           

          18,304

           

          0.4

           

          18,304

           

          0.4

           

          Mark Chan

           

          13,728

           

          0.3

           

          13,728

           

          0.3

           

          Chris Edgington

           

          8,288

           

          0.2

           

          8,288

           

          0.2

           

          Thomas Jacobs

           

          9,720

           

          0.2

           

          9,720

           

          0.2

           

          Brad Petersburg

           

          60,432

           

          1.3

           

          60,432

           

          1.3

           

          Randy Tauer

           

          7,288

           

          0.2

           

          7,288

           

          0.2

           

          Jeff Woodley

           

          20,000

           

          0.4

           

          20,000

           

          0.4

           

          Dana Persson

           

          5,296

           

          0.1

           

          5,296

           

          0.1

           

          Terrance Heying

           


           


           


           


           

          Doug Leifermann

           


           


           


           


           

          Marie Staley

           


           


           


           


           

          All directors/managers and executive officers as a group

           

          143,056

           

          3.1

           

          143,056

           

          3.1

           

          60

           
           Beneficial Ownership of Common Stock Prior to Conversion
           Beneficial Ownership of Class A Units Following Conversion
           
          Name

           
           Number
           Percentage
           Number
           Percentage
           

          Coop Country Farmers Elevator

           

          556,993

           

          12.2

          %

          556,993

           

          12.2

          %

          Marvin Breitkreutz(1)

           

          25,168

           

          0.5

           

          25,168

           

          0.5

           

          Mark Chan(2)

           

          13,728

           

          0.3

           

          13,728

           

          0.3

           

          Chris Edgington

           

          8,288

           

          0.2

           

          8,288

           

          0.2

           

          Thomas Jacobs(3)

           

          9,720

           

          0.2

           

          9,720

           

          0.2

           

          Brad Petersburg

           

          60,432

           

          1.3

           

          60,432

           

          1.3

           

          Randy Tauer

           

          7,288

           

          0.2

           

          7,288

           

          0.2

           

          Jeff Woodley(4)

           

          20,000

           

          0.4

           

          20,000

           

          0.4

           

          Dana Persson

           

          5,296

           

          0.1

           

          5,296

           

          0.1

           

          Terrance Heying

           


           


           


           


           

          Doug Leifermann

           


           


           


           


           

          Marie Staley

           


           


           


           


           

          All directors/managers and executive officers as a group

           

          149,920

           

          3.3

           

          149,920

           

          3.3

           

          (1)
          Includes 6,864 shares pre-conversion, and 6,864 Class A units post-conversion, held by Mr. Breitkreutz's wife. Also includes 18,304 shares pre-conversion, and 18,304 Class A units post-conversion, held jointly by Mr. Breitkreutz and his spouse.

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

          (3)
          Includes 9,720 shares pre-conversion, and 9,720 Class A units post-conversion, held jointly by Mr. Jacobs and his spouse.

          (4)
          Includes 20,000 shares pre-conversion, and 20,000 Class A units post-conversion, held jointly by Mr. Woodley and his spouse.


          DESCRIPTION OF MEMBERSHIP UNITS IN THE LLC

                  The LLC is governed by its Certificate of Formation and Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement and Delaware law. The following is intended to provide a summary of the material features of the units in the LLC does not purportLLC. For a more complete description of the units, we encourage you to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference toread the Certificate of Formation and Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of the LLC, attached asAppendices B and C to this document.

          Capitalization

                  Following the conversion, based on the number of shares of common stock of the cooperative outstanding as of the ,[                        ], 2004 record date for the special meeting, the LLC will have 4,581,832 Class A units issued and outstanding, all of which will be held by the memberspersons holding common stock of the cooperative who receive Class A units inimmediately prior to the conversion. The Board of Managers has the authority to issuecreate additional classes of units and to establish the powers, preferences, rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such additional classes. There are no limits on the authority of the Board of Managers to issue additional Class A units or units of any other class.class to existing or new unitholders. There are currently no outstanding units of any other class, nor are there any outstanding options or warrants for the purchase of any units.

          Class A Units

                  Class A units represent an ownership interest in the LLC. Each memberperson holding Class A units has the right to:

                  The rights and preferences of memberspersons holding Class A units are subject to the rights of the holders of units of any class the LLC may issue in the future.

          Potential Future Classes of Units

                  The LLC may, by resolution of its Board of Managers, authorize and issue ownership interests in the LLC in the form of units of classes other than Class A units. Any such other class may have voting powers, designations, preferences, limitations and special rights, including delivery or preferred return rights, conversion rights, redemption rights and liquidation rights, any of which may be different from or superior to those of the Class A units or any other class.

          Qualifications for Membership

                  The initial member of the LLC is the cooperative. Following the conversion, the members of the LLC will be the members of the cooperative who receive Class A units in the conversion. Membership is not limited to agricultural producers. Unit ownership and membershipMembership in the LLC is available to any individual,



          corporation or other entity which acquires a minimum of 2,000 Class A units.units and is approved for membership by the Board of Managers. Minimum

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          member unit ownership requirements for units of any other class may be established by the Board of Managers in the designations governing such class. If a member owns less thanunitholder fails to meet the minimum number of units of each class,member ownership requirements, all non-financial rights relating to the units held will be terminated and the holder of the units will be deemed a non-member unitholder. Furthermore, the units held by the non-member unitholder will be subject to repurchase by the LLC, at the sole discretion of the LLC.

          Voting Rights

                  Under the Limited Liability Company Agreement, a member has one vote for each Class A unit held by a member has one vote on matters submitted to the members for approval. If units of any other class are issued in the future, each unitholders of such class will have such voting rights as are established for such class by the Board of Managers. Voting at a meeting of members is either in person or, if authorized by the Board of Managers, by ballot (such as by mail ballotballot) or by proxy. Cumulative voting for managers is not allowed. Non-member unitholders have no voting rights.

          Meeting of Members

                  Under the Limited Liability Company Agreement, the annual meeting of the members of the LLC will be held on a date and at a time and place fixed by the Board of Managers. Special meetings may be called by the Board of Managers or by members holding 35%upon the request of 33% of the Class A units with voting rights. The powermembers regardless of the number of units of any other class to call special meetings may be establishedheld by the requesting members.

                  The Board of Managers in the designations governing such class.

                  At least 50% of the units with voting rights must be presentLLC will have the discretion to authorize the use of mail ballots or proxies for votes at a meeting (in personany member meeting. If mail ballots or ifproxies are so authorized, by the Board of Managers, by proxy or by mail ballot) to constitute a quorum necessary for the LLC members to conduct business at the meeting will be present if at least 20% of business.the total voting power of all units outstanding is present at the meeting. Otherwise, the quorum necessary to conduct business will be 10% of total voting power.

          Distributions

                  All distributions will be at the discretion of the Board of Managers. Subject to that discretion, the LLC expects to make cash distributions sufficient to discharge its members' anticipated combined federal, state and local income tax liabilities arising from allocations to them of taxable income by the LLC. The Board of Managers of the LLC may also declare further distributions from time to time. Holders of Class A units are entitled to equivalent per unit distributions. If units of any other class are issued in the future, each unit of such class will have such distribution rights as are established for such class by the Board of Managers.

          Capital AccountsContributions and ContributionsInitial Capital Accounts

                  Each member of the LLCunitholder who receives Class A units in the merger will be deemed to have made a capital contribution equal to the member'sunitholder's proportionate share of the money and the tax basis of other property received by the LLC in the merger. This amount will be credited to the member's Capital Account.unitholder's capital account. The LLC will be deemed to have assumed each member'sunitholder's share of the cooperative's liabilities that it becomes obligated for in the merger. This amount will be charged against the member's Capital Account.unitholder's capital account. Upon completion of the merger, each member of the LLCunitholder will have a Capital Accountcapital account balance equal to the per unit value of Class A units on the conversion date, currently estimated at $3.97.$4.28.

                  The Limited Liability Company Agreement does not require any memberunitholder to make additional capital contributions to the LLC, except to the extent that Delaware law requires the return of distributions that are made in violation of law. Interest will not accrue on capital contributions, and members



          unitholders will have no right to withdraw or be repaid any capital contribution.contribution or to have their capital accounts or units redeemed in any circumstances.

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          Allocation of Profits and Losses; Special Allocation RulesLosses

          General Allocation Rules

                  Profits allocated to a unitholder increase the unitholder's capital account while allocated losses decrease the unitholder's capital account. Because distributions of Profitscash or property to the unitholders upon liquidation are based on capital account balances, profit and Lossesloss allocations directly affect each unitholder's eventual entitlement to distributions. Except for those distributions upon liquidation, unitholders will have no right to be paid with respect to their capital accounts.

                  Except as otherwise provided for special allocations and changes in unit ownership that occur during a fiscal year, profits and losses realized by the LLC for each fiscal year initially will be allocated toamong the membersunitholders in proportion to the number of Class A units held by each member. Profits and losses will be determined byunitholder. However, if the Board of Managers on either a daily, monthly,exercises its authority to create another class or other basis permitted under the tax code and corresponding Treasury regulations. Ifclasses of units, of any other class are issued in the future, each unit of such classissued will have such allocation rights as are established for suchits class by the Board of Managers.Managers, and the definition of those rights will affect allocations with respect to the Class A units.

          Transfers of Units; Additional Units

                  If units are transferred during the fiscal year, a method and convention permitted by the tax code and the regulations will be used to take into account the interests of the transferor and transferee in making allocations with respect to the transferred units in the year of transfer. See "Federal Income Tax Considerations—Tax Consequences of Disposition of Units—Allocations and Distributions Following Unit Transfers" for a discussion of permitted methods and conventions and how they will be selected. The same concepts would apply in determining the distributive share of the LLC's profits and losses that are allocable to purchasers in the year in which additional units are issued. If additional Class A units are issued or if units of a new class are issued, the LLC and the persons acquiring the additional units may agree on which of the permissible methods and conventions will be used. If none are specified, the Board of Managers will designate a permissible method and convention.

          Special Allocation Rules

                  The general rule for profit and loss allocations is subject to a number of exceptions referred to as special allocations.allocations that are generally required by Treasury regulations. One of the special allocations will apply only if the LLC issues a capital interest in consideration of services. Another special allocation rule prevents a loss allocation to a unitholder that has a zero capital account balance at a time when other unitholders have positive capital account balances. Any losses that are reallocated under this rule are reversed by a special allocation of income at the earliest opportunity. The other special allocationsallocation rules are required by Treasury regulations andlikely to apply only if the LLC has cumulative net losses that are aimed at highly leveraged partnerships that allocate taxable losses in excess of the partner's actualgreater than net capital contributions which is highly unlikely to occur in the LLC.(capital contributions less prior distributions).

          Termination of Membership

                  Under the Limited Liability Company Agreement, a member's membership interestperson will terminatecease to be a member upon:



                  In the event of termination for failure to meet minimum ownership requirements or(other than upon a finding of willful obstruction,complete transfer) all non-financial rights relating to the units held will be terminated and the holder will become a non-member unitholder. A terminated member has no right to require purchase or redemption of the terminated member's units. In the event of termination (other than upon a complete transfer), the terminated member's units will be subject to repurchase by the LLC, at the sole discretion of the LLC, at a price equal to 80% of the average six month trailing marketsale price as reasonably determined by the Board of ManagersManagers.

          Restrictions on Transfer of Units

                  Under the Limited Liability Company Agreement, units may not be transferred without the approval ofby the Board of Managers. The BoardManagers or without compliance with or waiver of Managers has absolute discretion to approve or disapprove these transfers.

                  Certain transfers are completely prohibited.certain conditions and procedures. These include transfers that would violate federal or state securities laws or that would have an adverse tax impact on the LLC.delivery of a legal opinion and transfer instruments to the LLC, and payment of reasonable expenses incurred by the LLC in connection with the transfer.

                  Transferability of units is restricted in part to ensure that the limited liability company is not deemed a "publicly traded partnership" and thus taxed as a corporation. See "Federal Income Tax Considerations—Publicly Traded Partnership Rules."

                  The Limited Liability Company Agreement establishes other conditions and procedures for transfers of units. These include the delivery of a legal opinion and transfer instruments to the LLC, and payment of reasonable expenses incurred by the LLC in connection with the transfer.

                  The pledge of, or granting of a security interest, in, lien or other encumbrance in, or against a member's units constitutes a transferfor the purpose of securing debt financing is not restricted. However, the units. A transfer of units as a result of foreclosure or

          63



          transfer in lieu of foreclosure also constitutes to a secured party does constitute a transfer, of units, and is subject to the restrictions on transfersdescribed above.

                  A transferee may be admitted as a member of units. Thethe LLC only upon approval by the Board of Managers and upon satisfaction of certain other requirements, including the transfer not being in violation of allthe transfer restrictions described above and the transferee meeting the minimum unit ownership requirements for membership (which for Class A units requires holding a minimum 2,000 units). In the absence of a member's units tosatisfying these requirements, a transferee terminateswill be deemed a non-member unitholder with the transferring member's membership insame financial rights as other unitholders, but does not become a member of the LLC.LLC (and so will not have voting or other governance rights of members).

          Distribution of Assets Upon Liquidation

                  Under the Limited Liability Company Agreement, on winding up of the LLC, subject to any priority distributions of any classes of units, other than Class A, the assets of the LLC will be distributed as follows:


          Amendments to Limited Liability Company Agreement

                  The Limited Liability Company Agreement may be amended by the Board of Managers, with the approval of a majority of the votes attributablevoting power of the members. In addition, the Board of Managers has the authority to all outstandingmake amendments without member approval in connection with certain ministerial matters, class designations, unit transfer provisions and relative economic rights of LLC units.

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          FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

                  The following is a summary of material federal income tax considerations that may affect your decision regarding the proposed conversion of the cooperative into a LLC.limited liability company. Except as otherwise noted, this summary and the opinion of our legal counsel described below are based on current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, existing and proposed Treasury regulations and current administrative rulings and court decisions, all of which are subject to change. Subsequent changes in these authorities may cause the tax consequences to vary substantially from the consequences described below. Neither this summary nor the opinion of our legal counsel discuss all the tax considerations that may be relevant to particular members in light of their personal circumstances (including their state of residence), or to certain types of members that may be subject to special tax rules. Therefore, members are urgedencouraged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the tax consequences of the conversion to them as well as the tax consequences of subsequent operations.

          Legal Opinions and Advice

                  Lindquist & Vennum P.L.L.P., Minneapolis, MN, legal counsel to the cooperative, has rendered an opinion that for federal income tax purposes the conversion of the cooperative into the LLC will be a taxable liquidation with the following federal income tax consequences:

                  Our legal counsel's opinion has been filed as an exhibit to the securities registration statement of which this document is a part.

                  With respect to the formation of the LLC, our legal counsel has opined that, in general, neither gain nor loss will be recognized to either the LLC or to the LLC's members on the deemed contribution to the LLC of the assets that were deemed to have been received by the members in the liquidating distribution. Our legal counsel has advised the cooperative that the discussion of federal income tax consequences that will arise from the ownership and disposition of LLC units insofar as it relates to matters of law and legal conclusions is accurate in all material respects.

                  A legal opinion extends only to matters of law. However, the tax consequences to the cooperative and its members are highly dependent on matters of fact that are not addressed in our legal counsel's opinion. In particular, the tax consequences of the conversion will depend in large part on the fair market value of the cooperative's net equity and the amount of the discount applied in valuing the liquidating distribution received by the members. Both are matters of fact that are not addressed in the opinion. You should also know that if the appraisalvaluation changes prior to the closing of this transaction, our legal counsel's opinion may need to be updated as well. You should know that a legal opinion does not assure the intended tax consequences because it does not bind either the Internal Revenue Service or the courts, and the contemplated transactions are subject to certain risks of challenge by the Internal Revenue Service on both legal and factual grounds as discussed in this section.

          65




          Characterization of the Conversion for Federal Income Tax Purposes

                  For state law purposes, the conversion of the cooperative into a LLClimited liability company will occur by the merger of the cooperative into the LLC. For tax purposes, however, the cooperative will treat the conversion as (1) a complete liquidation of the cooperative consisting of the constructive distribution of its assets to its members and the assumption of its liabilities by the members, followed by (2) a constructive contribution of the distributed assets subject to those liabilities to the LLC.

          Tax Consequences of the Conversion to the Cooperative

          Taxable Liquidation

                  The merger of the cooperative into the LLC will be treated as a taxable liquidation of the cooperative. Section 336(a) of the Tax code requires a corporation to recognize gain on liquidating distributions of appreciated property as if it had sold the property to the distributees. The United States Tax Court has held that a corporation's gain on distribution of substantially all of the interests in a partnership must be measured as if the partnership's business was sold in its entirety, which means that certain factors that may bear on the value of the LLC units, such as minority discounts and lack of marketability, cannot be taken into account by the cooperative. POPE & TALBOT, INC. V. COMMISSIONER, 104 T.C. 574 (1995), affirmed 162 F.3d 1236 (9th Cir. 1999).

                  The cooperative intends to treat the conversion as a constructive distribution of its assets, subject to its liabilities, rather than as a constructive distribution of interests in the LLC. Accordingly, the cooperative will apportion the aggregate fair market value of its assets among the assets and determine gain or loss asset-by-asset. The aggregate fair market value of the cooperative's assets will be the sum of the appraised value of the cooperative's net equity, plus its liabilities, both determined as of the conversion date. The apportionment of value to specific assets will be based on management's judgment as to the values of each. The appraised net equity value of the cooperative, as determined by the valuation opinion, based in part on itsthe cooperative's unaudited balance sheet information as of November 30, 2003, was close to its net book value for financial statement purposes on that date. Accordingly, management expects to apportion the aggregate conversion date value among the assets in close proximity to their financial statement values unless specific assets are identified for which financial statement values would be inappropriate. This approach will result in gains and losses primarily with respect to those assets that have a tax basis that differ from their financial statement values. AsBased on the cooperative's estimated book values as of November 30, 2003,August 31, 2004, and the valuation opinion, this approach would have resultedresult in approximately $13$15.0 million of gain realized in the various asset categories as follows:

          Cooperative's Estimated Gain on the Conversion by Asset Category*

          Inventory $6,200,000  $8,400,000 
          Land and land improvements 300,000  300,000 
          Buildings 1,500,0000  1,400,000 
          Equipment 5,000,000  4,900,000 
           
            
           
          Gain on the conversion $13,000,000  $15,000,000 
          Less: Net operating loss carryover (11,200,000) (9,500,000)
          Less: Deduction for satisfaction of nonqualified unit retains (1,100,000) (900,000)
           
            
           
          Net taxable income before income from FY 2004 operations $700,000  $4,600,000 
           
            
           

          *
          The above amounts are based on November 30, 2003 figures and will be adjusted to conversion date values to determine the cooperative's gain or loss that the cooperative will report on each of its assets.

                  The cooperative's conversion planning makes it essential to estimate its net income (or loss) from operations for its fiscal year that will end on the conversion date. Operating earnings through the

          66



          conversion date will be added to the gain estimated above to determine patronage sourced income for the year. Patronage dividends will then be deducted to determine the cooperative's taxable income for fiscal year 2004 through the conversion date, and its resulting tax liability in its final tax return as a cooperative. Since a cooperative has eight and one-half months following the end of its taxable year in which to determine the amount of its patronage dividend, it has considerable control over the amount of its taxable income. Of course, any patronage dividend declared by the cooperative is passed through to patrons as taxable income in the full amount of income allocated as long as at least 20% is paid in cash.

                  If the conversion had occurred on November 30, 2003, the taxable income figure would have been between zero and approximately $7.2$9.1 million consisting of $700,000$2.6 million of income shown abovegain after net operating loss carryforwards plus $6.5 million of first quarter earnings, less any income that might have been allocated to its patrons as a deductible patronage dividend. For planning purposes,If the conversion occurs on August 31, 2004, the cooperative is assuming an April 30, 2004, conversion date, and is estimating itsestimates that it will incur a tax liability atof approximately $2.4$2.2 million, determined as follows:

          Cooperative's Estimated Taxable Income and Tax Liability for Conversion Year

          Estimated gain on the conversion (see schedule above) $700,000 
          Estimated operating earnings through conversion date 16,000,000 
          Estimated gain on the conversion after special deductions (see schedule above) $4,600,000 
          Estimated operating earnings through assumed conversion date 18,500,000 
           
            
           
          Estimated taxable income before patronage dividends $16,700,000  23,100,000 
          Less: Estimated allocation of patronage income to the patrons (10,800,000) (17,500,000)
           
            
           
          Cooperative's estimated taxable income for conversion year $5,900,000  $5,600,000 
          Cooperative's estimated combined state and federal tax rate 40% 40%
           
            
           
          Cooperative's estimated tax liability for conversion year $2,360,000  $2,240,000 
           
            
           

                  The cooperative's bylaws provide that it must allocate all of its net income to the patrons each year as a patronage dividend on the basis of their patronage except to the extent the Board of Directors, in its discretion, allocates income to a capital reserve. Under state law, the tax code, and the bylaws, a patronage dividend may be distributed in a number of forms, including cash, stock, debt or "written notices of allocation." This process of allocating earnings on the basis of patronage rather than invested capital is one of the characteristics that distinguishes a cooperative from a business corporation.

                  In general, a "written notice of allocation" is a written notice by a cooperative to its patrons that states in dollars the amount of the cooperative's earnings that are allocated to the account of each patron and the portion that constitutes a patronage dividend. The notice entitles the holder to be paid the dollar amount stated in the notice at such time as the cooperative's Board of Directors determines that the cooperative's resources are sufficient to pay the stated amount. A "qualified written notice of allocation" is a written notice described in Section 1388(c) of the tax code. To be "qualified," a written notice must be issued within specified time limits and accompanied by cash or check equal to 25% of the stated amount of the written notice, and the patrons must have consented to inclusion of the stated amount in their taxable income for the year in which the notice is received. Both the cash portion of a patronage dividend and the portion issued as qualified written notices may be deducted from the cooperative's taxable income as patronage dividends under Section 1382(b)(1) of the tax code, and both must be reported by the patrons as taxable income in the year the cash and/or written notice is received



                  The amount of the patronage income allocationallocated to the patrons as a patronage dividend is within the discretion of the cooperative's Board of Directors because of its power to credit patronage earnings to a capital reserve. The amount of the patronage allocationdividend that is paid in cash is also within the discretion of the Board of Directors. If the cooperative's actual taxable income before patronage dividends for the conversion year approximates the $23.1 million estimated above, estimate, the Board of Directors presently intends to allocate $10.8$17.5 million to the patrons as a patronage dividend, to distribute $8of which $10.2 million would be paid in cash to the patrons and issue$7.2 million would be issued to the patrons in the form of "qualified written notices of allocation" to the patrons for the remaining $2.8 million of allocated patronage income. A qualified written notice of allocation is a written notice described in Section 1388(c) of the tax code. Qualifying notices may be deducted from the cooperative's taxable income as patronage dividends under Section 1382(b)(1) of the tax code and must be reported by the patrons as taxable income. Accordingly, theallocation." The entire amount allocated to the patrons as a patronage dividend will be taxable to the patrons in 2004 notwithstanding that less than that amount will be distributed to them in cash. The Board's present intention is subject to change based on circumstances existing at the conversion date, including the cash resources of the cooperative.

          Potential Challenges by the Internal Revenue Service

                  The conversion has tax risks because there can be no assurance that the IRS will notmay challenge the cooperative on one or more of the following points, and a challenge would undoubtedly occur well after the end of the eight and one-half month period during which a cooperative may reduce or eliminate its taxable income by declaring a patronage dividend:

          67


                  The IRS is not bound by the appraisalvaluation or by management's apportionment of aggregate values to specific assets. The cooperative expects to have taxable income in the conversion year, so if the IRS successfully challenges the valuation, any increase in value will result in an increase in the cooperative's tax liability.

                  In addition, there are anti-netting rules that may become operative if one or more of these challenges are made by the IRS. For example, capital losses incurred by a corporation cannot be offset against any income other than capital gains. Less than $2 million (land and buildings) of the $13$15 million of conversion gain shown above is capital gain. Therefore, if a successful IRS reapportionment of values among capital gain/loss assets resulted in capital losses greater than the anticipated capital gains, the cooperative would have an increase in taxable income together with a net capital loss that it could not deduct.

                  Similarly, if the IRS were to establish that the constructive liquidation was more appropriately treated as a distribution of LLC units, anti-netting rules applicable to transfers of partnership interests would apply, and these rules are more likely to create increased ordinary income together with an unusable capital loss than is the case in the cooperative's intended asset distribution characterization. The conversion of a corporation to a member-owned LLC via a statutory merger into the corporation's wholly owned LLC is a relatively recent form of statutory transaction, and there is no precedential legal authority as to whether it should be treated as a constructive distribution of specific assets or of LLC units for federal income tax purposes. The same tax issues arise when an association that was taxed as a corporation elects to be taxed as a partnership. In that case, Treasury Regulations require the transaction to be treated as a constructive distribution of assets, not LLC units. While the Treasury Department's rationale in issuing those Regulations is helpful in supporting the cooperative's intended characterization, those Regulations address an analogous but distinguishable fact situation and they are not determinative of the proper tax treatment of the merger.



                  There can be no assurance that theThe IRS will notmay challenge the cooperative's intended tax treatment under one or more of these grounds, or on other grounds. A successful challenge would result in additional tax liability that would be owed by the LLC as the cooperative's successor in interest. A successful IRS valuation challenge would also have adverse consequences for the cooperative's members because, as discussed below, their tax treatment is dependent on the value attributed to the property they are deemed to receive in the taxable liquidation.

                  Nevertheless, the cooperative's management and its Board of Directors have evaluated the tax risks of the conversion with the valuation advice of its outside appraisers and the tax advice of its legal counsel and accountants and have concluded that the benefits of the conversion substantially outweigh the tax risks.

          Tax Consequences of the Conversion to the Members

          The Conversion is a Taxable Exchange for the Members

                  Section 331(a) of the tax code provides that amounts received by a member in complete liquidation of a corporation shall be treated as full payment in exchange for the member's stock. Accordingly, the cooperative's stockholders will recognize any gain or loss inherent in their shares in the cooperative. The amount of the gain or loss will depend on the adjusted tax basis of the members' stock and the value of the liquidating distribution. Gain or loss will be a long-term capital gain or loss if the member has held the stock for more than one year as of the conversion date. This treatment does not apply to LLC units issued in exchange for any of the 321,600 shares that were issued in 2000

          68



          in exchange for then outstanding nonqualified unit retains nor to LLC units issued in satisfaction of patronage equities issued with respect to the cooperative's final taxable year. Those items are treated differently as described below.

                  The amount of the liquidating distribution will be the fair market value of the LLC units received by each of the cooperative's members. Based on general principles of valuation, the members should be entitled to consider the depressing effect on valuation of the lack of marketability and lack of control that is inherent in a nonpublicly traded LLC unit. The appraisalvaluation opinion indicates that discounts will result in per unit values that are 38.5% less than each unit's proportionate interest in the overall appraised value of the cooperative's equity.

                  The appraisal valuedvaluation determined the net equity in the cooperative as a going concern atto be $30.4 million as of January 9, 2004. The appraisedThis equity value is then reduced to $18.7 million by application of a discounts of approximately 38.5% that reflect the recipient's minority interest in the LLC and the lack of marketability of LLC units. This produces a per unit value of $4.07 for each LLC unit that is received by a member in the conversion. The per unit value will be adjusted as of the conversion date.

                  Based on our legal counsel's conclusion that discounts for lack of marketability and lack of control (minority interest) are appropriate, and on the determination of those discounts in the appraisal,valuation, the cooperative intends to report the liquidating distribution to the members and to the IRS at $4.07 per unit, subject to adjustment to the conversion date value. There is no legal authority that expressly allows minority interest and lack of marketability discounts in this form of transaction. However, the unofficial position of the IRS is that such discounts are appropriate as expressed in its litigation position in the POPE & TALBOT case discussed above and in a private letter ruling. The IRS is not bound by the appraisal,valuation, its litigating position, the private letter ruling, nor the position of our legal counsel. Thus, the principal tax risk to the members is that the IRS challenges the valuation of the LLC units on factual grounds or by disputing the valuation methodology, the propriety of valuation discounts or the percentage discounts applied.


          Member Capital Gain, Capital Loss and Ordinary Income

                  The members will generally determine gain or loss on their shares and patronage equities by subtracting their adjusted basis in those shares and equities from the value of the LLC units received in the conversion. Members have acquired shares at different times and may have a different tax basis for some of their shares than for others. Other membersMembers also may have purchased their shares in private transfers or inherited shares with a basis different than their transferor's basis. Accordingly, members are likely to have differing tax results depending on their share tax basis as discussed below.

                  LLC units will also be issued in the merger in exchange for the 321,600 shares of stock in the cooperative that were issued in 2000 in exchange for nonqualified unit retains. That exchange was treated as a tax-free recapitalization. Accordingly, these specific shares retain their tax character as nonqualified per unit retains. Section 1385(c)(2) of the tax code provides in the case of nonqualified per unit retains that: (A) the basis of the unit retain in the hands of the patron to whom the unit retain was issued shall be zero, (B) the basis of the unit retain which was acquired from a decedent shall be its basis in the hands of the decedent, and (C) gain on the disposition of the unit retain by any member shall be ordinary income to the extent of the stated dollar amount of the unit retain. This means that the fair market value of the LLC units issued in exchange for the nonqualified per unit retains will be taxable to the recipient as ordinary income and, if the member is an individual, to self-employment tax as well.

                  Patronage equities in the form of qualified written notices of allocation are expected to be issued for the cooperative's fiscal year 2004. These written notices will be satisfied by the issuance of LLC units in the conversion having a value equal to their face amount. Therefore, those patrons of the cooperative will have reported the face amount of the patronage equities as ordinary income. This will

          69



          give them a basis equal to the fair market value of the LLC units, so they should have no gain or loss on the receipt of LLC units unless the Internal Revenue Service later successfully challenges the value of the LLC units received. See "Federal Income Tax Considerations—Tax Consequences of the Conversion to the Cooperative" for a detailed description of qualified written notices of allocation, how they are taxed to the patrons, and their exchange for Class A units in the conversion.

          Summary of Tax Treatment of Members

                  The cooperative currently has 4,581,832 shares outstanding and it will issue an identical number of LLC units in the merger. The LLC units, however, must be apportioned among patronage equities to be issued as part of the 2004 patronage dividend and common shares, because each represents a distinct equity interest in the cooperative.

                  The LLC units that will be issued in satisfaction of patronage equities will have a conversion date value equal to the face amount of the patronage equities. The balance of the LLC units will be issued among the shareholders in exchange for their shares. The division of the LLC units will depend on the amount of 2004 patronage income that is allocated to the shareholder/patrons as a patronage dividend and the portion of that allocation that will be distributed in patronage equities rather than in cash. The Board of Directors presently expects to allocate $10.8 million of patronage income to the shareholder/patrons, of which $2.8 million of will be issued in the form of qualified written notices, as discussed above. Using the same assumptions as to conversion date values for LLC Unitsunits that were used above, which are subject to change, and assuming the Board of Directors allocates $17.5 million of patronage income



          to the shareholder/patrons, of which $7.2 million is issued in the form of qualified written notices, the allocation of values among the LLC units in the merger will be as follows:

          Estimated Value of Liquidating Distribution and Apportionment of LLC Unit Values between Shares and Patronage EquitiesEquities*


           Total
           Per share
            Total
           Per share
          Unmarketable minority equity value, per appraisal $18,700,000 $4.07 
          Unmarketable minority equity value, per valuation $18,700,000 $4.07
          Estimated conversion date adjustment (appropriately discounted) (500,000) (0.11) 920,000 .20
           
           
            
           
          Estimated value of liquidating distribution 18,200,000 $3.97  $19,620,000 $4.28
           
           
            
           

          Estimated value of LLC units issued in exchange for shares

           

          $

          15,400,000

           

          $

          3.36

           

           

          $

          12,370,000

           

          $

          2.70
          Estimated value of LLC units issued in exchange for patron equities 2,800,000 0.61  7,250,000 1.58
           
           
            
           
          Estimated value of liquidating distribution $18,200,000 $3.97  $19,620,000 $4.28
           
           
            
           

          *Assumes that 2004 patronage allocation is made in proportion to shares owned

                  The cooperative has members that have acquired their shares at different times and in different amounts whose gain or loss will differ because of differing tax basis. Some members also hold shares that they received in the 2000 exchange of shares in satisfaction of nonqualified unit retains, and will have differing tax consequences upon receipt of LLC units than will the holders of shares that were purchased from the cooperative or elsewhere. The cooperative's analysis, which is based on estimates and which is subject to possible changes to current plans and for conversion date adjustments, suggests that most members who purchased their shares from the cooperative will incur a capital loss on the conversion. TheAgain assuming the conversion occurs on August 31, 2004, the following schedule illustrates some of the per share gain/loss and ordinary income

          70



          calculations relating to the cooperative's final



          taxable year, the conversion itself, and the one-time inventory adjustment passing through from the LLC:


          Estimate of Taxable Income, Gain and Loss Per Share by Shareholder Group

           
           March 1994
          Offering

           November 1994
          Offering

           1999-2001
          Offerings

           2000
          Unit Retain
          Exchange

           
          Per share value of LLC units issued for shares $3.36 $3.36 $3.36  N/A 
          Less: Tax basis (original purchasers)  (3.50) (4.00) (5.00) N/A 
            
           
           
           
           
          Capital loss per share (original purchasers) $(0.14)$(0.64)$(1.64)  
            
           
           
           
           

          Capital gain/loss on LLC Units issued for patronage equities

           

           


           

           


           

           


           

           


           
            
           
           
           
           

          Ordinary income attributable to the conversion

           

           


           

           


           

           


           

          $

          3.36

           
          Patronage dividend for 2004 (est. $10.8 million total) $2.36 $2.36 $2.36 $2.36 
          One-time deduction assuming the LLC elects to continue the cooperative's inventory accounting method (est. $5.1 million total)  (1.11) (1.11) (1.11) (1.11)
            
           
           
           
           
          Ordinary income for 2004 $1.25 $1.25 $1.25 $4.61 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           March 1994
          Offering

           November 1994
          Offering

           1999-2001
          Offerings

           2000
          Unit Retain
          Exchange

           
          Estimated per share value of LLC units issued for shares $2.70 $2.70 $2.70  N/A 
          Less: Tax basis (original purchasers)  (3.50) (4.00) (5.00) N/A 
            
           
           
           
           
          Estimated capital loss per share (original
          purchasers)
           $(0.80)$(1.30)$(2.30) N/A 
            
           
           
           
           

          Capital gain/loss on LLC units issued for patronage equities

           

           

          N/A

           

           

          N/A

           

           

          N/A

           

           


           
            
           
           
           
           

          Estimated ordinary income per share attributable to the conversion

           

           


           

           


           

           


           

          $

          2.70

           
          Patronage dividend for 2004 (est. $17.5 million total) $3.82 $3.82 $3.82 $3.82 
          One-time deduction assuming the LLC elects to continue the cooperative's inventory accounting method (est. $8.4 million total)  (1.83) (1.83) (1.83) (1.83)
            
           
           
           
           
          Estimated per share ordinary income $1.99 $1.99 $1.99 $4.69 
            
           
           
           
           

                  This summary does not include post-conversion LLC operations other than the one-time inventory adjustment that represents a partial reversal of income recognized in the cooperative on the conversion because of its inventory method. The cooperative currently uses the farm price method of valuing inventory for income tax purposes which produces an inventory basis that is substantially lower than it carries inventory in its financial statements (estimated to be $8.4 million lower at August 31, 2004). The cooperative will value inventory at the financial statement value in determining its taxable gain on inventory in the conversion which will result in a gain equal to the book-tax difference ($8.4 million subject to adjustment as of the conversion date). The LLC will also value its inventory at financial statement values in establishing the initial tax basis in its inventory. The LLC intends to adopt the farm price method in its initial income tax return which will effectively reverse the gain recognized by the cooperative in the conversion and result in a one-time deduction for the LLC in the amount of the book-tax difference.

                  The tax basis shown in the above schedule is the original issue price and is applicable to those members who acquired their shares in the original issue. The basis amounts shown will not be applicable to shares that have been subsequently transferred by sale, upon death, or as gifts. Members who acquired their shares by purchase from another membershareholder will have a basis equal to their purchase price. Members who acquired their shares from a decedent will have a basis equal to the value of the share for estate tax purposes. Members who acquired their shares by gift will have a basis equal to the donor's basis for purposes of determining gain. However, if use of the donor's basis will produce a loss, and if the fair market value at the time of the gift was less than the donor's basis, then the donee's basis will be the fair market value at the time of the gift. Many shareholders will be affected by this rule, so caution should be exercised by any member who makes gifts of shares in anticipation of the conversion.



          Utilization of Capital Losses by Non-Corporate Taxpayers

                  Noncorporate taxpayers such as individuals, trusts and estates may deduct capital losses to the extent of capital gains recognized by the taxpayer during the taxable year, plus $3,000. Unused capital losses may not be carried back but may be carried forward indefinitely until they are fully utilized or the taxpayer dies. Thus, an individual member who has no other capital gains or losses could deduct $3,000 per year until the conversion loss is fully deducted or the member dies. In addition to capital gains realized on a sale of capital assets, it also should be noted that net gains arising under Section 1231 of the Internal Revenue Code are treated as capital gains that may be offset by capital loss deductions or carry forwards.

          71



          Utilization of Capital Losses by C Corporations

                  In the case of a C corporation, capital losses are deductible only to the extent of capital gains. C corporations may not use any part of their capital losses to reduce ordinary taxable income under Section 1211(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. A C corporation deducts its capital losses against its capital gains for the taxable year. A C corporation that sustains capital losses in excess of capital gains in the taxable year has a net capital loss which, in general and subject to limitations, can be carried back three years and forward five years until it is used. The amount of net capital loss, whether long or short-term, carried back or carried forward to another year is treated as a short-term capital loss in the year to which it is carried under Section 1212(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code.

          Constructive Partnership Formation

                  The merger of the cooperative into the LLC will be treated for tax purposes as a constructive formation of the LLC as a partnership. Accordingly, the members will be treated as having contributed the assets they constructively received in the liquidation of the cooperative subject to the cooperative's liabilities. In general, neither gain nor loss is recognized to a partnership or its partners in the case of a contribution of property to the partnership in exchange for an interest in the partnership under Section 721 of the Internal Revenue Code. The LLC's initial asset basis will be the aggregate bases of those assets in the hands of the contributing members which will reflect discounts from the appraisal for minority interest and lack of marketability as shown above.

          Importance of the AppraisalValuation to the Cooperative and its Shareholders

                  As the above discussion indicates, the cooperative's tax treatment, the tax treatment of the cooperative shareholders and the initial asset basis in the hands of the LLC all depend in significant part on the accuracy of the appraisalvaluation which is not binding on the IRS or the courts. While we have no reason to believe that the appraisalvaluation will not be accepted by the IRS, there can be no assurance that the IRS will notmay challenge the values used in determining gain or loss to the cooperative or its shareholders.

          IRS Information Reporting Requirements

                  The cooperative is required to file Form 966 notifying the IRS of the taxable liquidation within 30 days of formal adoption of the plan of merger and to supplement the filing if the plan is later amended. The cooperative will be required to issue a Form 1099-DIV to each shareholder whose shares have a value of more than $600 not later than January 31, 2005, and transmit the information to the IRS before February 28, 2005.

          Tax Status of the LLC

                  The followingremaining portion of this discussion of "Federal Income Tax Considerations" is a summary of the material federal income tax considerations relating to the tax treatment of the LLC and its members is based on current law.members. The summary is not intended to represent a detailed description of the federal income tax



          consequences applicable to a particular member in view of that member's particular circumstances nor is it intended to represent a detailed description of the federal income tax consequences applicable to investors subject to special treatment under the federal income tax laws. The summary is based on current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, current and proposed Treasury regulations, court decisions, and other administrative rulings and interpretations. All of these sources are subject to change, and these changes may be applied retroactively. We cannot provide any assurance that anyAny change or future provisions of the Internal Revenue Code or other legal authorities will notmay alter significantly the tax considerations we describe in this summary. Finally, in addition to the general discussion of taxation of limited liability companies and their members, portions of the discussion that follows are specific to the LLC and its members and are subject to the risk of challenge by the Internal Revenue Service. In particular, the discussion in "Tax Treatment of the LLC's Operations" is based in part on factual matters not addressed in the opinion of our legal counsel that relate to aggregate fair market values of assets and the apportionment of those values among specific assets.

          72



                  Each member is advisedencouraged to consult his or her own tax advisor regarding the federal, state, and local tax consequences to him or her of the purchase, ownership and sale of the units and of potential changes in applicable tax laws.

                  Single-tax treatment and the ability to make cash distributions to members without incurring an entity level federal income tax depends on the treatment of the LLC as a partnership for income tax purposes. The cooperative expects that the LLC will be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. This means that the LLC will pay no federal income tax and members will pay tax on their share of the LLC's net income.

                  Under Treasury regulations known as the "check-the-box" regulations, an unincorporated entity such as a limited liability company will be taxed as a partnership unless the entity is considered a publicly traded partnership or the entity affirmatively elects to be taxed as a corporation. The LLC will not elect to be taxed as a corporation and will endeavor to take steps as are feasible and advisable to avoid classification as a publicly traded partnership.

                  If the LLC fails to qualify for partnership taxation for whatever reason, it would be treated as a "C corporation" for federal income tax purposes. As a "C corporation," it would be taxed on its taxable income at corporate rates (currently a maximum 35% federal rate), distributions would generally be taxed again to holders of units as corporate dividends (subject to rates of 5% and 15% through 2008), and the holders of units would not be required to report their share of the LLC's income, gains, losses or deductions on their tax returns. Because a tax would be imposed upon the LLC as an entity, the cash available for distribution to members would be reduced by the amount of tax paid which could cause a reduction in the value of the units.

          Publicly Traded Partnership Rules

                  A partnership that constitutes a "publicly traded partnership" as defined in Section 7704(b) of the Internal Revenue Code is generally treated as a "C corporation" for federal tax purposes. As used in Section 7704, the term "partnership" also includes a limited liability company treated as a partnership for federal tax purposes, such as the LLC. The LLC will seek to avoid being classified as a publicly traded partnership under Section 7704 by restricting transfers of units in the manner described below.

                  A partnership is classified as a publicly traded partnership if its interests are either:

                  A partnership "interest" includes any interest in capital or profits of the partnership as well as any financial instrument or contract the value of which is determined by reference to the partnership.


                  Under the Treasury regulations, an "established securities market" includes national, regional and local exchanges, foreign exchanges that satisfy regulatory requirements, and interdealer quotation systems that regularly disseminate firm buy and sell quotations. The LLC does not intend to list units on the New York Stock Exchange, the Nasdaq Stock Market, or on any other exchange or system which would be classified as an established securities market.

                  In determining whether interests are "readily tradable on a secondary market or its substantial equivalent," the Treasury regulations provide that interests in a partnership generally are so tradable if, taking into account all of the facts and circumstances, interest holders are able to buy, sell or exchange their interests in a manner that is economically comparable to trading on an established securities market, or under any of the following four circumstances:

          73


                  However, interests will not be treated as readily tradable on a secondary market or its substantial equivalent under any of these four circumstances unless the partnership participates in the establishment of the market or the inclusion of its interests in the market, or the partnership recognizes any transfers made on the market by redeeming the transferor partner, admitting the transferee as a partner or otherwise recognizing the rights of a transferee. The LLC does not intend to so participate in the establishment of any market that would qualify under any of the four circumstances listed above or the inclusion of any of the interests on such a market. Moreover, the LLC does not intend to recognize transfers of units or other interests made under any of those four circumstances.

                  Treasury regulations provide a safe harbor which shelters interests from being deemed readily tradable on a secondary market or its substantial equivalent under the general "facts and circumstances" test when there is a "lack of actual trading" of the interests. The LLC intends to allow only those transfers of interests during any taxable year that permits the LLC to qualify under this "lack of actual trading" safe harbor. This safe harbor applies where the sum of the interests in capital or profits transferred during the tax year of the partnership does not exceed 2% of the total interests in capital or profits. For purposes of testing compliance with this safe harbor, the following types of transfers, which are explained below, are ignored:

                  A private transfer includes:



          74


                  Transfers are pursuant to a qualified redemption or repurchase agreement only if:

                  Transfers are through a qualified matching service only if:


          Treatment of the LLC's Operations

          Flow-through of Taxable Income; Use of Calendar Year

                  No federal income tax will be paid by the LLC. Instead, all members will be required to report on their income tax return their allocable share of the income, gains, losses and deductions of the LLC without regard to whether corresponding cash distributions are received.

                  Because the LLC will be taxed as a partnership, it will have its own taxable year separate from the taxable years of its members. A partnership generally must use the "majority interest taxable year" which is the taxable year that conforms to the taxable year of the holders of more than 50% of its interests. In the LLC's case, the majority interest taxable year is the calendar year.

          75



          The LLC's Basis in Assets

                  Section 723 of the Internal Revenue Code provides that the basis of any property contributed to a partnership by a partner is the adjusted basis of the property in the hands of the contributor at the time of the contribution. In this case, each member of the cooperative will be deemed to contribute his or her share of the property that they are deemed to receive in the merger. Pursuant toFor example, if the appraisalnet value of the liquidating distribution is $20 million and adjustment to conversion date amounts as estimated by the cooperative's management in the calculations above,liabilities are $40 million, the aggregate basis of the contributed property is estimated at $58.0 million, which is the estimated net value of the liquidating distribution ($18.2 million, after discounts) plus the cooperative's liabilities ($39.8 million as of November 30, 2003).would be $60 million. The aggregate basis of non-cash assets must be apportioned among the categories of assets and to assets within a category for depreciation and other cost recovery purposes. The method for apportioning basis to specific assets acquired by the LLC in proportiona deemed liquidation of a predecessor cooperative is uncertain. The LLC intends to their relativeapportion basis to specific assets in accordance with procedures established by the Internal Revenue Service for acquisition of assets that collectively constitute a trade or business. This method establishes a series of asset classes to which basis is apportioned to the extent of the fair market value of assets in each class successively until all basis has been assigned. The valuation opinion does not apportion the net equity to specific assets. This will be done by management using the fair market values and future cost recovery deductions will be basedof specific assets that it used in determining the cooperative's gain on the amounts so apportioned. Itdeemed liquidation. Because the method of apportioning basis is possible thatuncertain and the fair market value of the LLC's net equity is subject to challenge, the IRS willmight challenge the allocation of basis to specific categories of assets within the LLC so as to increase the allocation to longer-livedlonger lived assets or assets that cannot be depreciated or amortized such as land.land and investments. This would defer the timing of some of the LLC's depreciation and other cost recovery deductions, including the first-year writedown of inventory described in "Federal Income Tax Considerations—Summary of Tax Treatment of Members".

          Taxable Income or Loss from Operations

                  The LLC will compute its taxable income or loss in a manner that differs materially from the way the cooperative determines its taxable income or loss. Material changes include the fact that an LLC does not issue patronage dividends and therefore does not receive a patronage dividend deduction. Accordingly, all of the taxable income of the LLC will be reported by the members. LLC losses flow-through to the members, subject to restrictions discussed below, while a cooperative's losses generally produce net operating loss carryovers.

          Tax Consequences of the LLC's Operations to the Members

          Flow-through of Taxable Income or Loss

                  Each member will be required to report on his or her income tax return for the taxable year with which or within which ends the LLC's taxable year his distributive share of the LLC's income, gains, losses and deductions without regard to whether corresponding cash distributions are received. To illustrate, a calendar year member will include his share of the LLC's 2004 taxable income or loss on



          his 2004 income tax return. A member with a June 30 fiscal year will report his share of the LLC's 2004 taxable income or loss on his income tax return for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2005. The LLC will provide each member with an annual Schedule K-1 indicating the member's share of the LLC's income, loss and their separately stated components.

          Tax Treatment of Distributions

                  Distributions by the LLC to members generally will not be taxable to the members for federal income tax purposes as long as distributions do not exceed their basis in their units immediately before the distribution. Cash distributions in excess of unit basis—which are considered unlikely—are treated as gain from the sale or exchange of the units under the rules described below for unit dispositions.

          Initial Tax Basis of Units and Periodic Basis Adjustments

                  Under Section 722 of the Internal Revenue Code, a member's initial basis in his or her membership interest in the LLC will be equal to the sum of the amount of money and the contributor's adjusted basis of any property contributed to the LLC. This amount is increased by a member's share of the LLC's debt. Since the property deemed to be contributed by each member is the property received in the constructive liquidation, each member's initial basis in the LLC units should be equal to the fair market value of those units as reported by the member in determining gain or loss on the conversion transaction as described above plus the member's share of the LLC's debt. Pursuant toThe LLC will inform the

          76



          appraisal and adjustment to members of their initial basis in LLC units when conversion date amounts as estimated by the cooperative's management in the calculations above, the initial basis of a member's LLC units is estimated at $12.66 per unit, consisting of a net property contribution of $3.97 per unit plus the $8.69 per unit share of liabilities.values and liabilities have been determined.

                  A member's initial basis in LLC units will be increased to reflect the member's distributive share of the LLC's taxable income and tax-exempt income, amounts attributable to depletion that are not likely to be relevant, and any increase in a member's share of the LLC's debt. If a member makes additional capital contributions at any time, the adjusted unit basis is increased by the amount of any cash contributed or the adjusted basis in any property contributed.

                  A member's unit basis will be decreased, but not below zero, by (1) the amount of any cash distributed to the member; (2) the basis of any other property distributed; (3) the amount of depletion deductions; (4) the member's distributive share of losses and nondeductible expenditures of the LLC that are "not properly chargeable to capital account" and (5) any reduction in that member's share of the LLC's debt.

                  The unit basis calculations are complex. A member is only required to compute unit basis if the computation is necessary to determine his or her tax liability, but accurate records should be maintained. Typically, basis computations are necessary at the following times:

                  Except in the case of a taxable sale of a unit or liquidation of the LLC, exact computations usually are not necessary. For example, a member who regularly receives cash distributions that are less than or equal to his or her share of the LLC's taxable income will have a positive unit basis at all times. Consequently, no computations are necessary to demonstrate that cash distributions are not taxable to the member under Section 731(a) (1) of the Internal Revenue Code. The purpose of the basis adjustments is to keep track of a member's "tax investment" in the LLC, with a view toward preventing double taxation or exclusion from taxation of income items upon ultimate disposition of the units.



          Deductibility of Losses; Passive Loss Limitations

                  In general, a member may deduct losses allocated to him, subject to a number of restrictions. Those restrictions include a general rule that losses cannot be deducted if they exceed a member's basis in his or her units nor to the extent they exceed the member's at-risk amount. These specific restrictions are not likely to impact the members of the LLC. However, if the LLC incurs a taxable loss or if taxable income is insufficient to cover interest expense on the member's cooperative related borrowing, the passive activity loss deduction rules are likely to have widespread effect.

                  Section 469 of the Internal Revenue Code substantially restricts the ability of taxpayers to deduct losses from passive activities. Passive activities generally include activities conducted by pass-through entities, such as the LLC and other partnerships, limited liability companies or S corporations, in which the taxpayer does not materially participate. Generally, losses from passive activities are deductible only to the extent of the taxpayer's income from other passive activities. Passive activity losses that are not deductible because of these rules may be carried forward and deducted against future passive activity income, or they may be deducted in full upon disposition of a member's entire interest in the LLC to an unrelated party in a fully taxable transaction.

                  It is important to note that "passive activities" do not include dividends and interest income that normally is considered to be "passive" in nature; nor do they include farming operations in which the

          77



          taxpayer is a material participant. A special rule allows closely held C corporations (other than a personal service corporation) to deduct passive activity losses against both passive activity income and "net activity income." Net activity income generally is taxable income exclusive of passive activities and portfolio income such as dividends and interest.

                  Members who have borrowed to purchase their equity interest in the cooperative may have been deducting the interest expense. After the conversion, this interest expense will be aggregated with other items of income and loss from passive activities and subjected to the passive activity loss limitation. To illustrate, if a member's only passive activity is the LLC, and if the LLC incurs a net loss, no interest expense on related borrowing would be deductible. If that member's share of the LLC's taxable income is less than the related interest expense, the excess would be nondeductible. In both instances, the disallowed interest would be suspended and would be deductible against future passive activity income or upon disposition of the member's entire interest in the LLC to an unrelated party in a fully taxable transaction.

          Alternative Minimum Tax

                  If the LLC adopts accelerated methods of depreciation, it is possible that taxable income for Alternative Minimum Tax purposes might exceed regular taxable income passed through to the members. No decision has been made on accelerated depreciation, but we believe that most members are unlikely to be adversely affected by excess alternative minimum taxable income.

          Tax Consequences of Disposition of Units

          Recognition of Gain or Loss

                  Gain or loss will be recognized on a sale of LLC units equal to the difference between the amount realized and the member's basis in the units sold. The amount realized includes cash and the fair market value of other property received plus the member's share of the LLC's debt. Because of the inclusion of debt in basis, it is possible that a member could have a tax liability on sale that exceeds the proceeds of sale. While this a result is common in "tax shelters," it is quite unlikely in the case of a typical business operation such as that of the LLC.

                  Gain or loss recognized by a member on the sale or exchange of a unit held for more than one year generally will be taxed as long-term capital gain or loss. A portion of this gain or loss, however,



          will be separately computed and taxed as ordinary income or loss under Section 751 of the Internal Revenue Code to the extent attributable to depreciation recapture or other "unrealized receivables" or "substantially appreciated inventory" owned by the LLC. The LLC will adopt conventions to assist those members that sell units in apportioning the gain among the various categories.

          Allocations and Distributions Following Unit Transfers

                  If any unit isThe tax code requires that profits and loss allocations with respect to units that are transferred during any accounting period in compliance with the provisions of Article 10fiscal year must take into account the varying interests of the operating agreement, then solely for purposestransferor and transferee during the year. Related regulations recognize several methods, including an interim closing of making allocations and distributions, the LLC will usebooks or the daily proration method. The interim closing of the books method (rather thanallocates profits and losses through the transfer date to the transferor and after the transfer date to the transferee. The proration method is essentially a daily prorationrule of administrative convenience that allocates the LLC's annual income between the transferor and transferee based on the portion of the year that has elapsed prior to the transfer, or under any other method that is reasonable. Although the rules on other reasonable methods and the use of conventions are not well defined, partnerships and limited liability companies with numerous transfers typically adopt reasonable methods and conventions to reduce the accounting burdens associated with unit transfers. The Limited Liability Company Agreement provides that the LLC initially will determine its profits and loss annually and will allocate the profit or loss for the entire period)year of transfer between transferors and the convention that recognizes the transfertransferees of units using a monthly proration. Unit transfers will be recognized as ofoccurring at the beginning of the calendar month following the month in which the notice, documentation and information and approval requirements of Article 10the transfer have been substantially complied with. All distributions on or before the end of the calendar month in which thesethe unit transfer requirements have been substantially complied with shall be made to the transferor and all distributions thereafter shall be made to the transferee. The Board of Managers has the authority to adopt otheranother reasonable methodsmethod and/or conventions.convention with respect to the allocations and distributions.

          78



          Effect of Tax Code Section 754 Election on Unit Transfers

                  The adjusted basis of each member in his LLC units ("outside basis") initially will equal his or her proportionate share of the adjusted basis of the LLC in its assets ("inside basis"). Over time, however, it is probable that changes in unit values and cost recovery deductions will cause the value of a unit to differ materially from the member's proportionate share of the inside basis. Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code permits a partnership to make an election that allows a transferee who acquires units either by purchase or upon the death of a member to adjust his share of the inside basis to fair market value as reflected by the unit price in the case of a purchase or the estate tax value of the unit in the case of an acquisition upon death of a member. Once the amount of the transferee's basis adjustment is determined, it is allocated among the LLC's various assets pursuant to Section 755 of the Internal Revenue Code.

                  A Section 754 election is beneficial to the transferee when his outside basis is greater than his proportionate share of the entity's inside basis. In this case, a special calculation is made solely for the benefit of the transferee that will determine his cost recovery deductions and his gain or loss on disposition of LLC property by reference to his higher outside basis. The Section 754 election will be detrimental to the transferee if his or her outside basis is less than his or her proportionate share of inside basis.

                  Section 9.4 of the operating agreementThe Limited Liability Company Agreement provides that the Board of Managers has discretionary authority to make a Section 754 election. The Board of Managers is likely to make such an election only where the tax benefits made available to affected unitholders and their transferees by the election are likely to be sufficient to justify the increased cost and administrative burden of accounting for the resulting basis adjustments. Depending on the circumstances, the value of units may be effectedaffected positively or negatively by whether or not the LLC makes a Section 754 election. Once made, a



          Section 754 election is irrevocable unless the Internal Revenue Service consents to its revocation. Section 743(b) provides that a partnership or LLC is responsible for making the basis adjustments. However, the unit transferees are required to report the basis adjustments. In the event the Board of Managers determines to make a Section 754 election, it will notify the members of the manner in which to comply with applicable rules.

          IRS Reporting Requirement

                  Article 10 of the operating agreementThe Limited Liability Company Agreement contains the requirements for a valid transfer of units, including proper documentation and Board of Managers approval. In addition, the IRS requires a taxpayer who sells or exchanges a unit to notify the LLC in writing within thirty days or, for transfers occurring on or after December 16 of any year, by January 15 of the following year. Although the IRS reporting requirement is limited to "Section 751(a) exchanges," it is likely that any transfer of an LLC unit will constitute a Section 751(a) exchange. The written notice required by the IRS must include the names and addresses of both parties to the exchange, the identifying numbers of the transferor and, if known, of the transferee and the exchange date. The IRS imposes a penalty of $50 for failure to file the written notice unless reasonable cause can be shown.

          Other Tax Matters

          Tax Information to Members; Consistent Reporting

                  The LLC will be required to provide each member with a Schedule K-1 (or authorized substitute therefore) on an annual basis. Harsh penalties are provided for failure to do so unless reasonable cause for the failure is established.

                  Each member's Schedule K-1 will set out the holder's distributive share of each item of income, gain, loss, deduction or credit that is required to be separately stated. Each member must report all

          79



          items consistently with Schedule K-1 or, if an inconsistent position is reported, must notify the IRS of any inconsistency by filing Form 8062 "Notice of Inconsistent Treatment or Administrative Adjustment Request (AAR)" with the original or amended return in which the inconsistent position is taken.

          IRS Audit Procedures

                  Unified audit rules require the tax treatment of all "partnership items" to be determined at the partnership, rather than the partner, level. Partnership items are those items that are more appropriately determined at the partnership level than at the partner level, as provided by regulations. Since the LLC will be taxed as a partnership, these rules are applicable to it and its members.

                  These rules allow the IRS to challenge the reporting position of a partnership by conducting a single administrative proceeding to resolve the issue with respect to all partners. But the IRS must still assess any resulting deficiency against each of the taxpayers who were partners in the year in which the understatement of tax liability arose. Any partner of a partnership can request an administrative adjustment or a refund for his own separate tax liability. Any partner also has the right to participate in partnership-level administrative proceedings. A settlement agreement with respect to partnership items binds all parties to the settlement.

                  IRS rules establish the "Tax Matters Partner" as the primary representative of a partnership in dealings with the IRS. The Tax Matters Partner must be a "member-manager" which is defined as an LLC member who, alone or together with others, is vested with the continuing exclusive authority to make the management decisions necessary to conduct the business for which the organization was formed. In the LLC's case, this would be a member of the Board of Managers who is also a member of the LLC. Section 9.1 of the operating agreementThe Limited Liability Company Agreement provides for Board designation of the Tax Matters Partner and for default designations if it fails to do so.Partner.



                  The IRS generally is required to give notice of the beginning of partnership-level administrative proceedings and any resulting administrative adjustment to all partners whose names and addresses are furnished to the IRS. For partnerships with more than 100 partners, however, the IRS generally is not required to give notice to any partner whose profits interest is less than one percent.

                  After the IRS makes an administrative adjustment, the Tax Matters Partner (and, in limited circumstances, other partners) may file a petition for readjustment of partnership items in the Tax Court, the district court in which the partnership's principal place of business is located, or the Claims Court.

          New Elective Procedures for Large Partnerships

                  The Internal Revenue Code allows large partnerships to elect streamlined procedures for income tax reporting and IRS audits. This election reduces the number of items that must be separately stated on the Schedules K-1 that are issued to the partners which eases the burden on their tax preparers.

                  If the election is made, IRS audit adjustments generally will flow through to the partners for the year in which the adjustment takes effect. However, the partnership may elect to pay an imputed underpayment that is calculated by netting the adjustments to the income and loss items of the partnership and multiplying that amount by the highest tax rate whether individual or corporate. A partner may not file a claim for credit or refund of his allocable share of the payment.

                  Timing adjustments are made in the year of audit in order to avoid adjustments to multiple years where possible. In addition, the partnership, rather than the partners individually, generally is liable for any interest and penalties that result from a partnership audit adjustment. Penalties, such as the accuracy and fraud penalties, are determined on a year-by-year basis, without offsets, based on an imputed underpayment. Any payment for Federal income taxes, interest, or penalties, that an electing large partnership is required to make is non-deductible.

          80



                  Under the electing large partnership audit rules, a partner is not permitted to report any partnership items inconsistently with the partnership return, even if the partner notifies the IRS of the inconsistency. The IRS may treat a partnership item that was reported inconsistently by a partner as a mathematical or clerical error and immediately assess any additional tax against that partner. The IRS is not required to give notice to individual partners of the commencement of an administrative proceeding or of a final adjustment. Instead, the IRS is authorized to send notice of a partnership adjustment to the partnership itself by certified or registered mail. An administrative adjustment may be challenged in the Tax Court, the district court in which the partnership's principal place of business is located, or the Claims Court. However, only the partnership, and not partners individually, can petition for a readjustment of partnership items.

                  The Board of Managers of the LLC will review the new large partnership procedures with its legal counsel and certified public accountants to determine whether it appears advantageous to elect to be subject to the new procedures. Because of the substantial cost and administrative burden involved in implementing IRS audit adjustments at the member level under the existing procedures, it is likely that the Board of Managers will decide to make the election.

          Self-Employment Tax

                  The IRS has held on audit that the cooperative's members who are individualsIndividuals who patronize the cooperative directly or through a partnership currently are subject to self-employment tax on patronage dividends although at least one retired member has successfully escaped self-employment tax on such payments. The Internal Revenue Code and Treasury regulations provide that general partners are subject to self-employment tax on their distributive share of partnership income and that limited partners who do not render services to the partnership are not subject to self-employment tax. Neither the Internal Revenue Code nor the Treasury regulations



          address the treatment of LLC members for self-employment tax purposes. Proposed regulations, however, were issued in 1997 that provide generally for imposition of the self-employment tax on limited liability company members only if they (1) have personal liability for limited liability company obligations, have authority to contract on behalf of the limited liability company, or participate in the limited liability company's business for more than 500 hours each year. Few, if any, of the LLC's members would be subject to self-employment tax under this test unless they are employees of the LLC. Members who are employees of the LLC are subject to self-employment taxes not only on their share of the LLC's taxable income, but also on their salary and certain fringe benefits that are not deductible in calculating taxable earnings from self-employment.

                  The status of the proposed regulations is uncertain because they were subject to a Congressional moratorium that ended July 1, 1998 and the Treasury has not taken steps to finalize them. Nevertheless, because of the similarity of limited liability company members and limited partners, it is believed to be highly likely that members of the LLC will be treated similar to limited partners, i.e., generally not subject to self-employment tax on their share of LLC earnings. This will represent a substantial saving relative to cooperative taxation for those LLC members whose FICA wages and self-employment earnings are below the maximum FICA income base which is $87,900 for 2004.

          Fringe Benefits

                  Most fringe benefits available to corporate employees also are available to LLC employees, but there are some differences, particularly if the employee also is a member.

          State Income Taxes

                  The LLC members generally are subject to tax in their state of residence as well as in those states in which the entity does business if their share of income exceeds the minimum filing requirements. Since the LLC will potentially be doing business in several states, this could create a substantial reporting burden for the members. Most states, however, allow "composite reporting" by partnerships and limited liability companies which means that the entity pays income taxes to the various states and the individual members are relieved of the reporting responsibility in states other than their state of residence and their state of residence generally will allow a tax credit for state income taxes paid by the entity for the benefit of the member. For example, a member who is a resident of Minnesota will report his entire share of the LLC's income but will receive credit on his Minnesota return for taxes paid to Minnesota and other states on his behalf. The Minnesota resident member generally will not

          81



          have to file individually in other states. This result, however, may vary depending on the state of which a particular member is a resident. Members are urgedencouraged to consult their own tax advisors on this matter.


          LEGAL MATTERS

                  The validity of the units to be issued in connection with the conversion will be passed upon by Lindquist & Vennum P.L.L.P.


          EXPERTS

                  The financial statements of Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc. (d.b.a. "Golden Oval Eggs") as of August 31, 2003 and 2002 and for the years ended August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 provided in this document have been audited by Moore Stephens Frost, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon. The financial statements have been included in this document in reliance upon that report given upon the authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.


          WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

                  Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc. does not file annual, quarterly and special reports with the SEC. The LLC has not filed any reports with the SEC, but will do so after the conversion. You may read and copy any reports that the LLC files at the SEC's public reference rooms inroom at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., New York, New York and Chicago, Illinois. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference rooms. The reports also will be available from commercial document retrieval services and at the SEC's web site(http://www.sec.gov).

                  YOU SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT TO VOTE ON THE CONVERSION. WE HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANYONE TO PROVIDE YOU WITH INFORMATION THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM WHAT IS CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT. THIS DOCUMENT IS DATED ,[                        ], 2004. YOU SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT IS ACCURATE AS OF ANY OTHER DATE, AND NEITHER THE MAILING OF THE THIS DOCUMENT TO MEMBERS NOR THE ISSUANCE OF UNITS IN THE CONVERSION SHALL CREATE ANY IMPLICATION TO THE CONTRARY.

          82




          INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

          MIDWEST INVESTORS OF RENVILLE, INC.
          (D.B.A. "GOLDEN OVAL EGGS")

           
           Page
          Independent Auditor's Report F-2

          Financial Statements as of August 31, 2003 and 2002 and for the years ended August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

           

           
           Balance Sheets F-3
           Statements of Operations F-4
           Statements of Changes in Patrons' Equity F-5
           Statements of Cash Flows F-6
           Notes to Financial Statements F-7

          Condensed Financial Statements as of November 30, 2003May 31, 2004 (unaudited) and August 31, 2003 (audited) and for the periods ended November 30,May 31, 2004 and 2003 (unaudited) and November 30, 2002 (unaudited)

           

           
           
          Balance Sheet

           

          F-20F-21
           Statement of Operations F-21F-22
           Statement of Cash Flows F-22F-23
           Notes to Condensed Financial Statements F-23F-24

          F-1




          Independent Auditor's Report

          Board of Directors
          Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.
              d/b/a Golden Oval Eggs
          Renville, Minnesota

                  We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc. d/b/a Golden Oval Eggs as of August 31, 2003 and 2002, and the related statements of operations, patrons' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2003. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

                  We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

                  In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc. d/b/a Golden Oval Eggs as of August 31, 2003 and 2002, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 2003 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

          Little Rock, Arkansas
          October 10, 2003, except for Note 17,
          as to which the date is July 26, 2004

          F-2



          MIDWEST INVESTORS OF RENVILLE, INC.
          d/b/a GOLDEN OVAL EGGS

          Balance Sheets

          August 31, 2003 and 2002

          (In Thousands, except per share data)

           
           2003
           2002
           
          Assets       
          Current assets       
           Cash and cash equivalents $2,429 $506 
           Accounts receivable  6,499  4,621 
           Inventories  7,234  7,112 
           Restricted cash  1,212  1,373 
           Prepaid insurance  193  212 
           Other current assets  644  596 
            
           
           
          Total current assets  18,211  14,420 
            
           
           
          Property, plant and equipment       
           Land and land improvements  6,819  6,781 
           Buildings  21,950  21,950 
           Equipment  34,280  34,031 
           Construction in progress  124  152 
            
           
           
              63,173  62,914 
           Accumulated depreciation  (25,055) (20,377)
            
           
           
          Total property, plant and equipment  38,118  42,537 
            
           
           
          Other assets       
           Restricted cash  3,938  4,800 
           Investments  1,770  1,962 
           Intangible assets, net  1,637  1,867 
           Note receivable  950  950 
           Deferred tax asset  236  236 
            
           
           
          Total other assets  8,531  9,815 
            
           
           
          Total assets $64,860 $66,772 
            
           
           

          Liabilities and Patrons' Equity

           

           

           

           

           

           

           
          Current liabilities       
           Revolving line of credit $20 $2,989 
           Accounts payable  1,381  2,082 
           Accrued interest  472  484 
           Accrued rent and interest-related party  306  228 
           Accrued compensation  791  438 
           Accrued property taxes  262  214 
           Other current liabilities  291  183 
           Current maturities of long-term debt  2,502  2,347 
            
           
           
          Total current liabilities  6,025  8,965 
            
           
           
          Long-term debt, less current maturities  32,804  35,309 
            
           
           
          Patrons' equity       
           Common stock, $.01 par value; 50,000 shares authorized; 4,582 shares issued and outstanding  46  46 
           Additional paid-in capital  19,923  19,923 
           Unallocated capital reserve  6,235  1,839 
           Accumulated other comprehensive income  (173) 690 
            
           
           
          Total patrons' equity  26,031  22,498 
            
           
           
          Total liabilities and patrons' equity $64,860 $66,772 
            
           
           

          (as restated)

           
           2003
           2002
           
          Assets       
          Current assets       
           Cash and cash equivalents $2,429 $506 
           Accounts receivable  6,499  4,621 
           Inventories  7,234  7,112 
           Restricted cash  1,212  1,373 
           Prepaid insurance  193  212 
           Other current assets  644  596 
            
           
           
          Total current assets  18,211  14,420 
            
           
           
          Property, plant and equipment       
           Land and land improvements  6,819  6,781 
           Buildings  21,950  21,950 
           Equipment  34,280  34,031 
           Construction in progress  124  152 
            
           
           
              63,173  62,914 
           Accumulated depreciation  (25,055) (20,377)
            
           
           
          Total property, plant and equipment  38,118  42,537 
            
           
           
          Other assets       
           Restricted cash  3,938  4,800 
           Investments  1,770  1,962 
           Intangible assets, net  1,637  1,867 
           Note receivable  950  950 
           Deferred tax asset  236  236 
            
           
           
          Total other assets  8,531  9,815 
            
           
           
          Total assets $64,860 $66,772 
            
           
           

          Liabilities and Patrons' Equity

           

           

           

           

           

           

           
          Current liabilities       
           Revolving line of credit $20 $2,989 
           Accounts payable  1,381  2,082 
           Accrued interest  472  484 
           Accrued rent and interest-related party  306  228 
           Accrued compensation  791  438 
           Accrued property taxes  262  214 
           Other current liabilities  291  183 
           Current maturities of long-term debt  2,502  2,347 
            
           
           
          Total current liabilities  6,025  8,965 
            
           
           
          Long-term debt, less current maturities  32,804  35,309 
            
           
           
          Patrons' equity       
           Common stock, $.01 par value; 50,000 shares authorized; 4,582 shares issued and outstanding  46  46 
           Additional paid-in capital  19,923  19,923 
           Unallocated capital reserve  6,062  2,529 
            
           
           
          Total patrons' equity  26,031  22,498 
            
           
           
          Total liabilities and patrons' equity $64,860 $66,772 
            
           
           

          The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

          F-3




          MIDWEST INVESTORS OF RENVILLE, INC.
          d/b/a GOLDEN OVAL EGGS

          Statements of Operations

          For the Years Ended August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

          (In Thousands, except per share data)

          (as restated)



           2003
           2002
           2001
           
           2003
           2002
           2001
           
          RevenuesRevenues $53,052 $46,169 $35,215 Revenues $53,052 $46,169 $35,215 
          Cost of goods soldCost of goods sold 42,437 40,535 30,658 Cost of goods sold 43,300 39,450 31,053 
           
           
           
             
           
           
           
          Gross profit 10,615 5,634 4,557 Gross profit 9,752 6,719 4,162 
          Operating expensesOperating expenses 3,208 3,339 2,495 Operating expenses 3,208 3,339 2,495 
           
           
           
             
           
           
           
          Income from operations 7,407 2,295 2,062 Income from operations 6,544 3,380 1,667 
          Other income (expense)Other income (expense)       Other income (expense)       
          Interest expense (3,520) (3,466) (2,314)Interest expense (3,520) (3,466) (2,314)
          Other income 509 385 650 Other income 509 385 650 
           
           
           
             
           
           
           
          Total other expenseTotal other expense (3,011) (3,081) (1,664)Total other expense (3,011) (3,081) (1,664)
           
           
           
             
           
           
           
          Income (loss) before income taxes 4,396 (786) 398 
          Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes 3,533 299 3 
          Income taxesIncome taxes    Income taxes    
           
           
           
             
           
           
           
          Net income (loss) $4,396 $(786)$398 
          Net incomeNet income $3,533 $299 $3 
           
           
           
             
           
           
           
          Basic and diluted earnings per common shareBasic and diluted earnings per common share $0.96 $(0.18)$0.09 Basic and diluted earnings per common share $0.77 $0.07 $ 
           
           
           
             
           
           
           
          Distributions per common shareDistributions per common share $ $ $0.04 Distributions per common share $ $ $0.04 
           
           
           
             
           
           
           

          The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

          F-4




          MIDWEST INVESTORS OF RENVILLE, INC.
          d/b/a GOLDEN OVAL EGGS



          Statements of Changes in Patrons' Equity



          For the Years Ended August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



          (In Thousands, except per share data)

          (as restated)

           
           Common stock
            
            
            
            
           Accumulated
          other
          comprehensive
          income

            
           Comprehensive
          income
          for the
          years ended

           
           
           Additional
          paid-in
          capital

           Per
          unit
          retainage

           Unallocated
          capital
          reserve

           Stock
          subscription
          receivable

           Total
          patrons'
          equity

           
           
           Shares
           Amount
           
          Balance—September 1, 2000 3,868 $39 $16,491 $1,608 $2,137 $(2,046)$ $18,229 $1,128 
                                   
           
           Conversion of per unit retainage to common stock 322  3  1,605  (1,608)           
           Collection of stock subscription receivable           2,046    2,046    
           Net income         398      398  398 
           Rescission of distributions declared         258      258    
           Distributions declared         (168)     (168)   
           Unrealized loss on hedging activities             (395) (395) 479 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
          Balance—August 31, 2001 4,190  42  18,096    2,625    (395) 20,368 $877 
                                   
           
           Issuance of common stock 392  4  1,827          1,831    
           Net loss         (786)     (786) (786)
           Unrealized loss on hedging activities, net of reclassification adjustment of $734 for realized losses included in net income             1,085  1,085  1,085 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
          Balance—August 31, 2002 4,582  46  19,923    1,839    690  22,498 $299 
                                   
           
           Net income         4,396      4,396  4,396 
           Unrealized loss on hedging activities, net of reclassification adjustment of $88 for realized losses included in net income             (863) (863) (863)
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
          Balance—August 31, 2003 4,582 $46 $19,923 $ $6,235 $ $(173)$26,031 $3,533 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           Common stock
            
            
            
            
            
           
           
           Additional
          paid-in
          capital

           Per
          unit
          retainage

           Unallocated
          capital
          reserve

           Stock
          subscription
          receivable

           Total
          patrons'
          equity

           
           
           Shares
           Amount
           
          Balance—September 1, 2000 3,868 $39 $16,491 $1,608 $2,137 $(2,046)$18,229 
           Conversion of per unit retainage to common stock 322  3  1,605  (1,608)      
           Collection of stock subscription receivable           2,046  2,046 
           Net income, as restated         3    3 
           Rescission of distributions declared         258    258 
           Distributions declared         (168)   (168)
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
          Balance—August 31, 2001, as restated 4,190  42  18,096    2,230    20,368 
           Issuance of common stock 392  4  1,827        1,831 
           Net income, as restated         299    299 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
          Balance—August 31, 2002, as restated 4,582  46  19,923    2,529    22,498 
           Net income, as restated         3,533    3,533 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
          Balance—August 31, 2003, as restated 4,582 $46 $19,923 $ $6,062 $ $26,031 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           

          The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

          F-5




          MIDWEST INVESTORS OF RENVILLE, INC.
          d/b/a GOLDEN OVAL EGGS

          Statements of Cash Flows

          For the Years Ended August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

          (In Thousands, except per share data)

          (as restated)



           2003
           2002
           2001
           
           2003
           2002
           2001
           
          Cash flows from operating activitiesCash flows from operating activities       Cash flows from operating activities       
          Net income (loss) $4,396 $(786)$398 Net income $3,533 $299 $3 
          Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used) by operating activities       Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities       
           Depreciation 4,695 5,117 4,338  Depreciation 4,695 5,117 4,338 
           Amortization 230 231 205  Amortization 230 231 205 
           Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated subsidiary  (35) 32  Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated subsidiary  (35) 32 
           Changes in operating assets and liabilities        Changes in operating assets and liabilities       
           Accounts receivable (1,878) (1,172) (38) Accounts receivable (1,878) (1,172) (38)
           Inventories (122) (435) (1,035) Inventories (122) (435) (1,035)
           Prepaid insurance 19 (99) (39) Prepaid insurance 19 (99) (39)
           Other current assets (911) 908 (2,087) Other current assets (48) (177) (1,692)
           Accounts payable (701) (717) (24) Accounts payable (701) (717) (24)
           Accruals and other current liabilities 575 50 (1,835) Accruals and other current liabilities 575 50 (1,835)
           Deferred income taxes  96 858  Deferred income taxes  96 858 
           
           
           
             
           
           
           
          Net cash provided (used) by operating activities 6,303 3,158 773 
          Net cash provided by operating activitiesNet cash provided by operating activities 6,303 3,158 773 
           
           
           
             
           
           
           
          Cash flows from investing activitiesCash flows from investing activities       Cash flows from investing activities       
          Purchases of property, plant and equipment (276) (1,308) (12,716)Purchases of property, plant and equipment (276) (1,308) (12,716)
          Retirement of investment in United Mills 217 242 238 Retirement of investment in United Mills 217 242 238 
          Purchase of investment in United Mills (245) (240) (236)Purchase of investment in United Mills (245) (240) (236)
          Retirement of investment in other cooperatives 230 47 1 Retirement of investment in other cooperatives 230 47 1 
           
           
           
             
           
           
           
          Net cash used by investing activitiesNet cash used by investing activities (74) (1,259) (12,713)Net cash used by investing activities (74) (1,259) (12,713)
           
           
           
             
           
           
           
          Cash flows from financing activitiesCash flows from financing activities       Cash flows from financing activities       
          Net increase (decrease) in revolving line of credit $(2,969)$(97)$3,086 Net increase (decrease) in revolving line of credit $(2,969)$(97)$3,086 
          Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt  42 3,345 Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt  42 3,345 
          Payments of long-term debt (2,350) (2,219) (643)Payments of long-term debt (2,350) (2,219) (643)
          Restricted cash 1,023 (974) (2,547)Restricted cash 1,023 (974) (2,547)
          Proceeds from sale of additional stock  1,831  Proceeds from sale of additional stock  1,831  
          Collections of stock subscription receivable   2,046 Collections of stock subscription receivable   2,046 
          Cash distributions   (168)Cash distributions   (168)
          Payment of bond issue costs   (113)Payment of bond issue costs   (113)
          Patronage dividend (10) (17) (50)Patronage dividend (10) (17) (50)
           
           
           
             
           
           
           
          Net cash provided (used) by financing activitiesNet cash provided (used) by financing activities (4,306) (1,434) 4,956 Net cash provided (used) by financing activities (4,306) (1,434) 4,956 
           
           
           
             
           
           
           
          Net increase (decrease) in cashNet increase (decrease) in cash 1,923 465 (6,984)Net increase (decrease) in cash 1,923 465 (6,984)

          Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year

          Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year

           

          506

           

          41

           

          7,025

           

          Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of year

           

          506

           

          41

           

          7,025

           
           
           
           
             
           
           
           
          Cash and cash equivalents—end of yearCash and cash equivalents—end of year $2,429 $506 $41 Cash and cash equivalents—end of year $2,429 $506 $41 
           
           
           
             
           
           
           
          Supplementary disclosures of cash flow informationSupplementary disclosures of cash flow information       Supplementary disclosures of cash flow information       

          Cash paid (received) during the period for:

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

          Cash paid (received) during the period for:

           

           

           

           

           

           

           
           Interest, net of capitalized interest of $0, $267 and $1,348 during 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively $3,593 $3,495 $2,234  Interest, net of capitalized interest of $0, $267 and $1,348 during 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively $3,593 $3,495 $2,234 
          Income taxes  (97) (218)Income taxes  (97) (218)

          Supplementary disclosures of non-cash transaction

          Supplementary disclosures of non-cash transaction

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

          Supplementary disclosures of non-cash transaction

           

           

           

           

           

           

           

          Bond issuance costs financed

           

          $


           

          $


           

          $

          105

           

          Bond issuance costs financed

           

          $


           

          $


           

          $

          105

           
          Recission of distributions declared   258 Recission of distributions declared   258 

          The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

          F-6




          MIDWEST INVESTORS OF RENVILLE, INC.
          d/b/a GOLDEN OVAL EGGS

          Notes to Financial Statements

          August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

          (In Thousands, except per share data)

          1.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

                  a.     Organization—Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc., d/b/a Golden Oval Eggs (the "Company") was incorporated as a cooperative under the laws of the state of Minnesota in March, 1994.

                  b.     Business operations and environment—The Company is an integrated poultry cooperative operation that produces and sells liquid egg products, principally in the Midwest, California and Canada.

                  The Company operates in an environment wherein the commodity nature of both its products for sale and its primary raw materials causes sales prices and purchase costs to fluctuate, often on a short-term basis, due to the worldwide supply and demand situation for those commodities. The supply and demand factors for its products for sale and the supply and demand factors for its primary raw materials correlate to a degree, but are not the same, thereby causing margins between sales price and production costs to increase, decrease, or invert, often on a short-term basis.

                  c.     Cash equivalents—The Company considers all highly liquid cash investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents.

                  d.     Accounts receivable—Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The Company reviews their customer accounts on a periodic basis and records a reserve for specific amounts that the Company feels may not be collected. The Company's management deems accounts receivable to be past due based on contractual terms. Amounts will be written off at the point when collection attempts on the accounts have been exhausted. Management uses significant judgment in estimating uncollectible amounts. In estimating uncollectible amounts, management considers factors such as current overall economic conditions, industry-specific economic conditions, historical customer performance and anticipated customer performance. While management believes the Company's processes effectively address its exposure to doubtful accounts, changes in the economy, industry or specific customer conditions may require adjustment to any allowance recorded by the Company. At August 31, 2003 and 2002, no allowance for doubtful accounts is considered necessary by the Company's management.

                  e.     Inventories—Layer flockPullet inventories are stated at the cost of production. Flockproduction which includes the costs of the chicks, feed, overhead and labor. Layer hen inventories are stated at the cost of production which includes the costs of the pullets, feed, overhead and labor. Layer hen flock costs are capitalized to the point at which the pullet goes into production or are purchased and are amortized over the productive lives of the flocks generally 18 to 24 months. Pullet inventories are stated at cost of production. Feed, supplies and liquid egg inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.

                  f.Investments—Trading Securities—The Company holds certain commodity futures contracts in the regular course of business to manage its exposure against commodity price fluctuations on anticipated purchases of raw materials. The contracts are generally for short durations of less than one year. Although these instruments are economic hedges, the Company does not designate these contracts as hedges for accounting purposes pursuant to the requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," as amended (see Note 17). As a result, the Company records these contracts as investments



          which are classified as trading securities under SFAS No. 115 "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities", as amended by SFAS 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income." Accordingly, these investments are recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices. Unrealized gains and losses are included in earnings in the periods in which they arise. At August 31, 2003, these contracts had a fair value of $452 recorded as current assets on the balance sheet. At August 31, 2002, these contracts had a fair value of $549 recorded as current assets on the balance sheet.

                  g.     Property, plant and equipment—Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided primarily by the straight-line method over the following lives:

          Land improvements 7 to 15 years
          Buildings 7 to 39 years
          Equipment 3 to 15 years

                  Costs of maintenance and repairs that do not improve or extend asset lives are expensed as incurred. Major additions and improvements of existing facilities are capitalized. For retirements or sales of property, the Company removes the original cost and the related accumulated depreciation

          F-7



          from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss is reflected in other income in the accompanying statement of operations. Depreciation and repairs and maintenance expenses are allocated to either cost of goods sold or operating expenses in the accompanying statements of operations based on the nature and use of the related asset.

                  g.h.     Long-lived assets—During 2003, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS")SFAS No. 144 "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" which superceded and amended SFAS No. 121 "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of." This statement requires that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets. Based on management's assessment, of the existing long-lived assets, no impairment loss needs to be recognizedindicators are present, and therefore no impairment testing is necessary at August 31, 2003. The factors considered by management in performing this assessment include operating results, trends, and prospects as well as the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition, and other economic factors.

                  h.i.      Investments (not in thousands)—Investments include the Company's investments in United Mills (a cooperative), St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives, and four additional cooperatives involved in activities which are similar or complementary to the Company.

                  The Company's investment in the cooperativesUnited Mills represents equities allocated to the Company by the cooperativesUnited Mills as of the cooperativesUnited Mills' most recent fiscal year-end, plus an accrual at the Company's fiscal year-end for anticipated patronage allocations. The accruals are based on the expected percentage of the Company's patronage with the various cooperativesUnited Mills in relation to the various cooperatives'United Mills' total patronage.


                  United Mills maintains a revolving capital account, funded by its patrons. The principal source of this capital account is the contribution, on a monthly basis, of $3.00 per ton of feed purchased. Revolving capital credits may be retired at any time at the discretion of the Board of Directors of United Mills. United Mills has historically followed a policy of retiring capital credits on a monthly basis at the rate of $3.00 per ton of feed purchased during the corresponding month two years prior. These payments to and from United Mills are reflected as purchase of and retirement of investment in United Mills, respectively, in the accompanying statements of cash flows.

                  i.j.      Restricted cash—Restricted cash consists of cash that is restricted as to future use by contractual agreements associated with the outstanding bonds, as well as an escrow account that is being held by the City of Renville, Minnesota in a debt service account. Interest earned on escrow amounts held are added to the account. The balance in this escrow account will be applied at the end of the bond term to pay the final interest and principal payments.

                  j.k.     Intangible assets—In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." SFAS No. 142 requires that goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets no longer be amortized; however, these assets must be tested at least annually, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise, for impairment. Separate intangible assets that have finite lives will continue to be amortized over their useful lives. The Company adopted SFAS No. 142 effective September 1, 2002. Initial adoption of SFAS No. 142 had no impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations. Based on management's assessment of the existing assets, no impairment has occurred at August 31, 2003.

                  k.l.      Income taxes—The Company is subject to Federal and certain other income taxes and operates as a cooperative that qualifies for tax treatment under Subchapter T of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, under specified conditions, the Company can exclude from taxable income amounts

          F-8



          distributed as qualified patronage refunds to its members. Provisions for income taxes are recorded only on those earnings not distributed or not expected to be distributed as patronage refunds.

                  l.m.    Fair value—The Company's financial instruments consist primarily of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, long-term receivable, accounts payable, and debt. The carrying amounts of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable approximate their fair values because of the short-term maturity of such instruments. The stated value of the Company's long-term receivables approximates their fair value based on current market rates for financial instruments of the same remaining maturities and risk characteristics. The carrying values of long-term debt instruments approximate their fair value because interest rates on such debt are periodically adjusted and approximate current market rates.

                  m.n.     Revenue recognition—Revenue is recognized by the Company when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an agreement exists; delivery has occurred (FOB shipping point or destination, depending on the customer) or services have been rendered; the Company's price to the buyer is fixed and determinable; and collectibility is reasonably assured. All of the Company's product is shipped in tanker trailers and delivered directly to its customers. Physical delivery is the point in time at which revenue is considered earned since the risks and rewards of ownership generally rest when



          title passes to the customer. Free-on-Board, or FOB terms generally designate at which point title passes to the customer. These terms are contractual between the parties involved. Products shipped FOB shipping point are recognized as revenue when the product leaves the Company's premises. Products shipped FOB destination are recognized as revenue when the product reaches the customer.

                  n.o.     Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

                  o.p.     Shipping and handling costs—All shipping and handling costs incurred during the year are included in cost of goods sold in the accompanying statement of operations.

                  p.q.     Reclassifications—Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2002 and 2001 balances in order to conform to the 2003 presentation.

                  q.r.     Recently issued accounting standards—In August 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations." This statement applies to legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development or normal operation of a long-lived asset, except for certain obligations of lessees. The liability would be recognized in the period in which it is incurred and can be reasonably estimated. The Company adopted SFAS No. 143 effective September 1, 2002. The Company has reviewed its assets and believes it has no assets which will require funds to retire in the future.

                  In April 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 149 amends SFAS No. 133 to provide clarification on the financial accounting and reporting of derivative instruments and hedging activities and requires that contracts with similar characteristics be accounted for on a comparable basis. The standard is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, and for hedging relationships designated after June 30, 2003. The company's adoption of SFAS No. 149 did not have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

          F-9



                  In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity." SFAS No. 150 establishes how an issuer classifies and measures certain freestanding financial instruments with characteristics of liabilities and equity and requires that such instruments be classified as liabilities. The standard is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003. The Company's adoption of SFAS No. 150 did not have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations.

                  In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51" (the Interpretation). The Interpretation requires the consolidation of entities in which an enterprise absorbs a majority of the entity's expected losses, receives a majority of the entity's expected residual



          returns, or both, as a result of ownership, contractual or other financial interests in the entity. A variable interest entity results from interests in an entity through ownership, contractual relationships, or other pecuniary interest. Under current accounting guidance, entities are generally consolidated by an enterprise only when it has a controlling financial interest through ownership of a majority voting interest in the entity.

                  The Company has interests in various affiliates (see Note 5 and 11) established for the purpose of finished feed production, technology services and rental of real estate. The creditors of the entities do not have recourse to the Company. The Company is currently evaluating the effects of the issuance of the Interpretation on the accounting for its ownership interests in these entities.

          2.    Net Outstanding Checks

                  The Company had outstanding checks in excess of bank balances of approximately $1,354 as of August 31, 2002 which is included in accounts payable for financial statement purposes.

          3.    Inventories

                  Inventories consist of:

           
           2003
           2002
          Hens and pullets $6,589 $6,214
          Feed and supplies  433  761
          Eggs and egg products  212  137
            
           
          Total inventories $7,234 $7,112
            
           

          4.    Investments

                  The Company's investment in United Mills, a Minnesota cooperative, represents a 33 1/3% ownership interest that has been accounted for using the equity method. Since United Mills is a

          F-10



          cooperative, the income and capital reserves are allocated to the member-patrons on the basis of patronage the Company has with the cooperative.cooperative, which was 50.0%, 59.0% and 59.3% for the years ended August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

                  United Mills reported the following financial result:

           
           2003
           2002
          Total assets $2,881 $2,983
          Total liabilities  1,175  1,311
          Sales  8,119  7,833
          Gross profit  626  698
          Net income  37  125

          5.    Intangible Assets

                  Intangible assets consist of the following at August 31:

           
           2003
           2002
           
          Bond issue cost $2,787 $2,787 
          Less: accumulated amortization  (1,150) (920)
            
           
           
          Net intangible assets $1,637 $1,867 
            
           
           

                  The amortization period for these intangible assets range from ten to fifteen years. The amortization expense is as follows:

          2004 $229
          2005  194
          2006  158
          2007  158
          2008  158
          Thereafter  740

          6.    Note Receivable

                  The note receivable of $950 at August 31, 2003 and 2002, consisted of a note receivable from a cooperative managed by a common board of directors. The note is secured by certain real estate with the principal balance due during October 2014. The note bears interest at eight percent, which is payable monthly.

          7.    Revolving Line of Credit

                  The Company has established a revolving short-term line of credit with a maximum indebtedness of the lessor of $6,500 or the limit established by the borrowing base computation with a variable interest rate (4.00% at August 31, 2003). The balance at August 31, 2003 and 2002 was $20 and $2,989,

          F-11



          respectively. The weighted average interest rates for these borrowings were 5.08%, and 5.32% for the years ending August 31, 2003 and 2002 based on average amount outstanding. The average amount outstanding on the line of credit was $1,500 and $3,674 with a maximum outstanding month end balance of $3,608 and $5,356 for the years ending August 31, 2003 and 2002. There is a quarterly non-use fee at the rate of one quarter of one percent on the daily average unused amount on the line of credit. The line of credit may be withdrawn immediately upon matured default as defined in the note agreement. The line is through December 31, 2003.

                  In accordance with the loan agreements, the Company also has a letter of credit in the amount of $22,808 in support of the corporate bonds. A quarterly letter of credit fee ranging from 1.25% to 2% based on a performance schedule as defined in the agreement.

          F-12




          8.    Long-Term Debt

                  Long-term debt consists of:

           
           2003
           2002
          Corporate bonds, series 2000, bearing variable interest (7.31% at August 31, 2003); interest payable semiannually, principal payments due in annual installments from 2002 to 2015 in amounts ranging from $1,230 to $2,470; secured by substantially all land, buildings and equipment of the Thompson, Iowa facility amounting to a net book value of $12,339. $22,470 $23,770
          Corporate bonds, series 1999, bearing interest at 8.44%; interest payable semiannually, principal payments due in annual installments from 2001 to 2014 in amounts ranging from $432 to $1,240; secured by substantially all land, buildings and equipment of the Renville, Minnesota facility amounting to a net book value of $25,322.  9,397  9,905
          Corporate bonds, series 2001, bearing interest at 8.75%; interest payable semiannually, principal payments in equal annual installments of $300 from 2002 to 2011; secured by substantially all land, buildings and equipment of the Renville, Minnesota facility amounting to a net book value of $25,322.  2,400  2,700
          Private development bonds, variable interest rate from 5.9% and 6.2%; interest payable semiannually, principal payable annually; unsecured; maturing at various times through December 1996 and December 2004.  275  420
          Note payable to a company; non-interest bearing; secured by certain equipment with a net book value of $373; payable in monthly installments of $5 beginning June 2003 through May 2011.  433  450
          Note payable to a company; variable interest rate on two-thirds of note balance (2% at August 31, 2003); with remaining one-third of note balance being non-interest bearing; unsecured; payable in annual installments of $30, plus interest, through January 2010.  210  240
          Note payable to a company; non-interest bearing; secured by certain equipment with a net book value of $84; payable in monthly installments of $3, maturing June 2006.  102  138
          Note payable to a financing company, non-interest bearing; secured by certain equipment with a net book value of $28; payable in monthly installments of $1, maturing January 2005.  19  33
            
           
             35,306  37,656
          Less current maturities  2,502  2,347
            
           
          Long-term debt, less current maturities $32,804 $35,309
            
           

          F-13



                  Aggregate maturities of long-term debt are as follows:

          2004 $2,502
          2005  2,600
          2006  2,589
          2007  2,699
          2008  2,848
          Thereafter  22,068
            
          Total $35,306
            

                  The effective interest rate on the Corporate Bonds, Series 2000 range from 8.46% to 7.31% through the date of July 10, 2010. The bonds outstanding subsequent to this date will revert to the variable interest rate effective at that time. Settlements of this agreement are accounted for by recording the net interest paid as an adjustment to interest expense on a current basis.

                  Certain of the Company's debt agreements contain restrictive covenants, which require that the Company maintain (1) a minimum tangible net worth of not less than $16,500; (2) total liabilities to tangible net worth ratio of no more than 3:1; (3) working capital of no less than $3,500; (4) an interest coverage ratio of no less than 2:1; (5) a fixed charge coverage ratio no greater than 1:1; (6) capital expenditures not to exceed $600 or the amount that will create a fixed charge coverage ratio of not greater than 1:1; and (7) a debt to net worth ratio of no more than 2:1. The Company was in compliance with these covenants at August 31, 2003.

          9.    Income Taxes

                  Income taxes consist of:

           
           2003
           2002
           2001
          Current tax benefit $ $(97)$
          Deferred tax expense    97  
            
           
           
            $ $ $
            
           
           

                  A reconciliation between income taxes (benefit) at the federal statutory rate and the Company's income taxes is as follows:

           
           2003
           2002
           2001
           
          Federal income taxes (benefit) at statutory rate $1,495 $(267)$135 
          State income taxes, net of federal taxes (benefit)  284  (51) 26 
          Effect of (utilization) generation of NOL carryforwards  (639) 1,601  1,445 
          Other  (1,140) (1,283) (1,606)
            
           
           
           
            $ $ $ 
            
           
           
           
           
           2003
           2002
           2001
           
          Federal income taxes at statutory rate $1,201 $102 $1 
          State income taxes, net of federal taxes  346  29   
          Effect of (utilization) generation of NOL carryforwards  (639) 1,601  1,445 
          Tax basis adjustment for inventory  (341) (1,232) (1,213)
          Accrued vacation  (4) 26  28 
          263a adjustment  30  27  14 
          Tax basis adjustment for depreciation  (593) (553) (275)
            
           
           
           
            $ $ $ 
            
           
           
           

          F-14


                  The Company is subject to federal income tax only on certain nondeductible expenses and any amount of net proceeds not returned to patrons in the form of cash, qualified written notices of allocation or qualified per unit retainage certificates issued within eight and one-half months after the fiscal year end.

                  Temporary differences giving rise to deferred tax assets relate to alternative minimum income tax credit carryforwards. These carryforwards can be utilized to offset the future regular income tax liabilities of the Company. These carryforwards were generated during fiscal 1998 and 1997. The Company has net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purpose totaling approximately $11,250. Management anticipates issuing future patronage dividends in amounts sufficient to minimize taxable income of the Company; therefore no consideration has been provided for these operating loss carryforwards in the accompanying financial statements.

          10.    Patrons' Equity

                  a.     Description of equities—Authorized capital as of August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, consisted of 50,000 shares of common stock, par value of one cent and 10,000 shares of revolving preferred stock, par value of one cent. As of August 31, 2003 and 2002, common shares issued and outstanding are 4,582. As of August 31, 2001, common shares issued and outstanding are 4,190. Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per common share is computed based on net income divided by the weighted average number of common and potential common shares. Common share equivalents include those related to stock options, convertible notes, and warrants, however, the Company had no such common share equivalents during the years ended August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001. The weighted average number of common shares outstanding for computing basic and diluted earnings per share was 4,582, 4,389 and 4,190 during the years ended August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001. No preferred stock was issued or outstanding as of August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.


                  b.     Per unit retains—The Company may require investment in its capital in addition to the capital raised through the sale of common and preferred stock. This investment shall be direct capital investments from a retainage on a per unit basis of the products, principally grain, purchased from its members. In addition, such retained amounts shall be made on all products delivered, in the same amount per unit and shall at no time become a part of net annual savings available for patronage.

              ��   Effective September 1, 2000, the Company converted the per unit retains into approximately 322 shares of common stock at the ratio of $5 in allocated per unit retains to one share of common stock.

                  c.     Unallocated capital reserve—The Company's net operating margin, less any amount distributed or allocated to patrons as written notices of allocations, is included in the unallocated capital reserve. In accordance with its bylaws, the Company allocates patronage margins to its patrons, as determined for income tax purposes. These allocations may be made in cash, stock or in the form of written notices of allocations in proportions determined by its Board of Directors.

          F-15



                  d.     Distributions—The Company's bylaws provide that, each year, annual savings be distributed to members and patrons on the basis of their patronage with the Company. The distribution can be made in cash, stock or written notices of allocation or any combination thereof. The distributions must be made within 81/2 months after the end of the fiscal year. Declared but unpaid distributions were approximately $168 as of August 31, 2001. During fiscal 2002, the distributions declared but unpaid at August 31, 2001 were rescinded by the Board of Directors and added to the unallocated capital reserve.

          11.    Related Party Transactions

                  The Company has entered into a grain handler agreement with a cooperative which has an ownership interest in the Company. For the years ended August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Company has purchased services totaling $95, $82 and $173, respectively, from that company, with accounts payable for these services of $11 and $11 as of August 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. In addition, the Company has $272 payable to this related party for payment for corn that was purchased by patrons but delivered directly to the Company.

                  For the years ended August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Company has purchased feed totaling $5,030, $4,832 and $4,055, respectively, from United Mills. Prepaid feed, purchased from United Mills, which is included in inventory, totaled $354 at August 31, 2002. The Company also had advanced United Mills $150 for future purchases of feed at August 31, 2003 which is included in other current assets. Included in the accompanying balance sheet are accounts receivable due from United Mills of $81 and $94 as of August 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively with accounts payable to United Mills of approximately $124 as of August 31, 2003.

                  The Company leases land from a commonly managed cooperative and the Company holds a note receivable of $950 and mortgage for that land from the cooperative. Rent expense for the years ended August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 totaled $78, $78 and $72 with $306 and $228 included in other current liabilities at August 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Interest income for the years ended August 31,



          2003, 2002 and 2001 totaled $76 with approximately $297 and $221 due from the related party included in accounts receivable at August 31, 2003 and 2002.

                  The Company had approximately $142 and $66 included in accounts receivable at August 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively for litter sales to related parties with total sales of approximately $142, $90 and $164 for the years ending August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, which are included in other income in the accompanying statement of operations.

          12.    Pension Plan

                  The Company has a defined contribution plan with a 401(k) feature which covers all full-time employees that have six months of eligible service. Employees are permitted to contribute up to their individual permissible legal limits. The Company may make, but is not required to make, a matching contribution to the plan of an amount and type determined each year. The Company may also make, but is not required to make, a discretionary contribution to the plan for a plan year. Contributions

          F-16



          made by the Company to the plan totaled approximately $208, $184 and $128 for the years ended August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

          13.    Commitments and Contingencies

                  a.     The Company has entered into an agreement with an independent contractor who will care for and raise a portion of the Company's pullet flocks until they are old enough to be transferred into a layer facility and begin production. This agreement relates to all pullets associated with the Company's Renville, Minnesota pullet flocks. This agreement had an initial term of ten years and expires in 2005. The independent contractor is paid per acceptable pullet delivered to the layer facility.

                  b.     The Company leases certain equipment and land under various lease agreements that are classified as operating leases. Rent expense for all operating leases amounted to approximately $315, $250 and $215 for the years ended August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, with $78 paid to a related party each year. At August 31, 2003, future minimum rental commitments under noncancellable operating leases are as follows:

           
           Related Party
           Other
           Total
          2004 $78 $153 $231
          2005  78  149  227
          2006  78  109  187
          2007  78  77  155
          2008  78  50  128
          Thereafter  163  925  1,088
            
           
           
            $553 $1,463 $2,016
            
           
           

                  c.     The Company uses certain future contracts to hedge the cost of corn and soybean meal purchases, which are significant components of its cost of sales. These contracts are based on the expected utilization over the next fiscal year and are used to minimize the risks associated with severe price fluctuations that periodically occur for these commodities. These contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges. In accordance with SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," as amended by SFAS No. 149 "Derivatives and Financial Instruments" which became effective for fiscal quarters beginning after June 15, 2000, the unrealized gain or loss, based on stated market values has been included as a component of other comprehensive income and will be subsequently reclassified into earnings when the contracts expire. These contracts expire at various times throughout March, 2004, therefore this entire amount is expected to be reclassified into earnings during fiscal 2004. The Company had no gains or losses due to ineffectiveness of their hedging activities during the years ended August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001. At August 31, 2000, the effect of early implementation of SFAS No. 133 would have been reclassification of unrealized losses of $874 from other current assets to accumulated other comprehensive income. The effect of the change in accumulated other comprehensive income was $690 and is included in comprehensive income for the

          F-17



          year ended August 31, 2002. Included in cost of sales in the accompanying statement of income are net losses on hedges of approximately $88, $734 and $607 for the years ended August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

                  d.     The Company has entered into negotiations for contracts for the construction of a wastewater treatment facility, a feed mill, a shell egg dryer and three layer houses. At November 26, 2003, the Company had committed to contracts for the feed mill, the shell egg dryer and the layer houses totalling approximately $10,000 with approximately $9,000 remaining on the project.

          14.    Concentrations of Credit Risk

                  Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of trade accounts receivable with customers, cash investments and other short-term investments deposited with financial institutions. The Company generally does not require collateral from its customers. Such credit risk is considered by management to be limited due to its customers' financial resources and past payment history.

                  At August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Company maintained cash balances with financial institutions in excess of the federal deposit insurance limit.

          15.    Major Customers

                  At August 31, 2003, the Company has supply agreements for liquid egg products with two of its two major customers, which expire during 2005. Sales to these two customers were as follows: 43% and 26% for the year ending August 31, 2003, 33% and 23% for the year ending August 31, 2002 and 31% and 24% for the year ending August 31, 2001. The Company had balances due from these customers of $689 and $856, $711 and $1,094, and $793 and $2,017 at August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

          F-18        Additionally, the Company has two major customers with which it does not have supply agreements. Sales to these two customers were as follows: 11% and 11% for the year ending August 31, 2003, 10% and 10% for the year ending August 31, 2002 and 10% and 7% for the year ending August 31, 2001. The Company had balances due from these customers of $905 and $965, $493 and $893, and $206 and $333 at August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.


                  The latter customer discussed above has operations in Canada. Sales to the non-U.S. subsidiary of this customer represented 9%, 10% and 7% of total sales for the years ending August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The Company had balances due from these non-U.S. sales of $735, $833 and $333 at August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.



          16.    Quarterly Financial Data, As Restated (Unaudited)

                  Quarterly financial data, as restated, is as follows:



           Net
          Sales

           Operating
          Income

           Net
          Income
          (Loss)

           Earnings
          Per Share
          (Basic and
          Diluted)

           Outstanding
          Shares


           Net
          Sales

           Operating
          Income (Loss)

           Net
          Income
          (Loss)

           Earnings
          Per Share
          (Basic and
          Diluted)

           Outstanding
          Shares

          Fiscal year 2003 quarter ended:Fiscal year 2003 quarter ended:          Fiscal year 2003 quarter ended:          
          November 30, 2002 $12,152 $776 $36 0.01 4,582November 30, 2002 $12,152 $(31)$(771)$(0.17)4,582
          February 28, 2003 11,798 845 61 0.01 4,582February 28, 2003 11,798 737 (47) (0.01)4,582
          May 31, 2003 13,015 1,687 922 0.20 4,582May 31, 2003 13,015 1,831 1,066 0.23 4,582
          August 31, 2003 16,087 4,099 3,377 0.74 4,582August 31, 2003 16,087 4,007 3,285 0.72 4,582
           
           
           
           
              
           
           
           
            
           $53,052 $7,407 $4,396 0.96    $53,052 $6,544 $3,533 $0.77  
           
           
           
           
              
           
           
           
            
          Fiscal year 2002 quarter ended:Fiscal year 2002 quarter ended:          Fiscal year 2002 quarter ended:          
          November 30, 2001 $11,677 $993 $325 0.07 4,190November 30, 2001 $11,677 $798 $130 $0.03 4,190
          February 28, 2002 11,115 125 (695)(0.15)4,582February 28, 2002 11,115 219 (601) (0.13)4,582
          May 31, 2002 11,173 68 (809)(0.18)4,582May 31, 2002 11,173 323 (554) (0.12)4,582
          August 31, 2002 12,204 1,109 393 0.08 4,582August 31, 2002 12,204 2,040 1,324 0.29 4,582
           
           
           
           
              
           
           
           
            
           $46,169 $2,295 $(786)(0.18)   $46,169 $3,380 $299 $0.07  
           
           
           
           
              
           
           
           
            
          Fiscal year 2001 quarter ended:Fiscal year 2001 quarter ended:          Fiscal year 2001 quarter ended:          
          November 30, 2000 $6,827 $17 $(434)(0.11)4,190November 30, 2000 $6,827 $(669)$(1,120)$(0.27)4,190
          February 28, 2001 8,101 383 (40)(0.01)4,190February 28, 2001 8,101 455 32 0.01 4,190
          May 31, 2001 9,904 1,267 722 0.17 4,190May 31, 2001 9,904 1,294 749 0.18 4,190
          August 31, 2001 10,383 395 150 0.04 4,190August 31, 2001 10,383 587 342 0.08 4,190
           
           
           
           
              
           
           
           
            
           $35,215 $2,062 $398 0.09    $35,215 $1,667 $3 $  
           
           
           
           
              
           
           
           
            

          F-1917.    Prior Period Adjustments


                  The Company has restated its previously issued 2003, 2002 and 2001 financial statements for matters related to hedge accounting and SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." Subsequent to year-end, the Company determined that it had not been technically compliant with the documentation aspects of SFAS No. 133 and as such, no longer qualified for hedge accounting. Management has determined that this should be treated as a correction of an error and,



          accordingly, is restating the accompanying financial statements as of and for the years ended August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, as follows:

           
           2003
           2002
           2001
           
          Adjustment to mark commodity futures contracts to market through current earnings $(863)$1,085 $(395)
          Income tax effect of restatement       
            
           
           
           
          Total reduction of net earnings $(863)$1,085 $(395)
            
           
           
           

                  The effect on the Company's previously issued 2003 and 2002 unallocated capital is summarized as follows:

           
           2003
           2002
           
           Previously
          Reported

           Increase
          (Decrease)

           As
          Restated

           Previously
          Reported

           Increase
          (Decrease)

           As
          Restated

          Patrons' equity                  
           Unallocated capital reserve—beginning of year $1,839 $690 $2,529 $2,625 $(395)$2,230
           Net income (loss)  4,396  (863) 3,533  (786) 1,085  299
            
           
           
           
           
           
           Unallocated capital reserve—end of year $6,235 $(173)$6,062 $1,839 $690 $2,529
            
           
           
           
           
           

                  The effect on the Company's previously issued statements of operations for the years ended August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 is summarized as follows:

           
           2003
           2002
           2001
           

           

           

          Previously
          Reported


           

          Increase
          (Decrease)


           

          Restated


           

          Previously
          Reported


           

          Increase
          (Decrease)


           

          Restated


           

          Previously
          Reported


           

          Increase
          (Decrease)


           

          Restated


           
          Revenue $53,052 $ $53,052 $46,169 $ $46,169 $35,215 $ $35,215 
          Cost of goods sold  42,437  863  43,300  40,535  (1,085) 39,450  30,658  395  31,053 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
          Gross profit  10,615  (863) 9,752  5,634  1,085  6,719  4,557  (395) 4,162 
          Operating expenses  3,208    3,208  3,339    3,339  2,495    2,495 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
          Income from operations  7,407  (863) 6,544  2,295  1,085  3,380  2,062  (395) 1,667 
          Total other expense  (3,011)   (3,011) (3,081)   (3,081) (1,664)   (1,664)
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
          Income (loss) before income taxes  4,396  (863) 3,533  (786) 1,085  299  398  (395) 3 
          Income taxes                   
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
          Net income (loss) $4,396 $(863)$3,533 $(786)$1,085 $299 $398 $(395)$3 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
          Basic and diluted earnings per common share $0.96 $(0.19)$0.77 $(0.18)$0.25 $0.07 $0.09 $(0.09)$ 
            
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           
           

          MIDWEST INVESTORS OF RENVILLE, INC.
          d/b/a GOLDEN OVAL EGGS

          Balance SheetSheets

          November 30, 2003May 31, 2004 and August 31, 2003

          (In Thousands, except for per share data)Thousands)



           November 30,
          2003

           August 31,
          2003

           
           May 31, 2004
           August 31,
          2003

           


           (Unaudited)

            
           
           (Unaudited)

           (Audited)

           
          AssetsAssets     Assets     
          Current assetsCurrent assets     Current assets     
          Cash and cash equivalents $4,884 $2,429 Cash and cash equivalents $12,096 $2,429 
          Accounts receivable 7,600 6,499 Accounts receivable 6,486 6,499 
          Inventories 8,169 7,234 Inventories 9,184 7,234 
          Restricted cash 2,516 1,212 Restricted cash 3,185 1,212 
          Other current assets 551 644 Prepaid insurance 175 193 
          Prepaid insurance 212 193 Other current assets 514 644 
           
           
             
           
           
          Total current assetsTotal current assets 23,932 18,211 Total current assets 31,640 18,211 
           
           
             
           
           
          Property, plant and equipmentProperty, plant and equipment     Property, plant and equipment     
          Land and land improvements 6,819 6,819 Land and land improvements 6,821 6,819 
          Buildings 21,950 21,950 Buildings 23,090 21,950 
          Equipment 34,293 34,280 Equipment 35,836 34,280 
          Construction in progress 1,582 124 Construction in progress 7,333 124 
           
           
             
           
           
            64,644 63,173   73,080 63,173 
          Accumulated depreciation (26,115) (25,055)Accumulated depreciation (28,257) (25,055)
           
           
             
           
           
          Total property, plant and equipmentTotal property, plant and equipment 38,529 38,118 Total property, plant and equipment 44,823 38,118 
           
           
             
           
           
          Other assetsOther assets     Other assets     
          Restricted cash 4,121 3,938 Restricted cash 3,241 3,938 
          Investments 1,700 1,770 Investments 1,651 1,770 
          Intangible assets, net 1,581 1,637 Intangible assets, net 1,468 1,637 
          Note receivable 950 950 Note receivable 950 950 
          Deferred tax asset 236 236 Deferred tax asset 236 236 
           
           
             
           
           
          Total other assetsTotal other assets 8,588 8,531 Total other assets 7,546 8,531 
           
           
             
           
           
          Total assetsTotal assets $71,049 $64,860 Total assets $84,009 $64,860 
           
           
             
           
           

          Liabilities and Patrons' Equity

          Liabilities and Patrons' Equity

           

           

           

           

           

          Liabilities and Patrons' Equity

           

           

           

           

           
          Current liabilitiesCurrent liabilities     Current liabilities     
          Revolving line of credit $ $20 Revolving line of credit $ $20 
          Accounts payable 1,830 1,381 Accounts payable 1,705 1,381 
          Other current liabilities 455 291 Other current liabilities 252 553 
          Accrued interest 672 472 Accrued interest 625 472 
          Accrued rent and interest—related party 325 306 Accrued rent and interest—related party 718 306 
          Accrued compensation 1,199 791 Accrued compensation 1,951 791 
          Accrued property taxes 178 262 Current maturities of long-term debt 2,481 2,502 
          Current maturities of long-term debt 2,487 2,502   
           
           
           
           
           
          Total current liabilitiesTotal current liabilities 7,146 6,025 Total current liabilities 7,732 6,025 
           
           
             
           
           
          Long-term debt, less current maturitiesLong-term debt, less current maturities 32,647 32,804 Long-term debt, less current maturities 32,570 32,804 
           
           
             
           
           
          Patrons' equityPatrons' equity     Patrons' equity     
          Common stock, $.01 par value; 50,000 shares authorized; 4,582 shares issued and outstanding in 2003 and 2002 46 46 Common stock, $.01 par value; 50,000 shares authorized; 4,582 shares issued and outstanding at May 31, 2004 and August 31, 2003 46 46 
          Additional paid-in capital 19,923 19,923 Additional paid-in capital 19,923 19,923 
          Unallocated capital reserve 10,907 6,235 Unallocated capital reserve 23,738 6,062 
          Accumulated other comprehensive income 380 (173)  
           
           
           
           
           
          Total patrons' equityTotal patrons' equity 31,256 26,031 Total patrons' equity 43,707 26,031 
           
           
             
           
           
          Total liabilities and patrons' equityTotal liabilities and patrons' equity $71,049 $64,860 Total liabilities and patrons' equity $84,009 $64,860 
           
           
             
           
           

          The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

          F-20




          MIDWEST INVESTORS OF RENVILLE, INC.
          d/b/a GOLDEN OVAL EGGS

          StatementStatements of Operations

          For the PeriodsNine Months Ended November 30,May 31, 2004 and 2003 and November 30, 2002

          (In Thousands, except per share data)



           November 30,
          2003

           November 30,
          2002

           
           May 31, 2004
           May 31, 2003
           


           (Unaudited)

           (Unaudited)

           
           (Unaudited)

           (Unaudited)

           
          RevenuesRevenues $20,471 $12,152 Revenues $62,240 $36,965 
          Cost of goods soldCost of goods sold 11,983 10,595 Cost of goods sold 35,748 32,000 
           
           
             
           
           
          Gross profit 8,488 1,557 Gross profit 26,492 4,965 
          Operating expensesOperating expenses 1,333 781 Operating expenses 5,026 2,426 
           
           
             
           
           
          Income from operations 7,155 776 Income from operations 21,466 2,539 
          Other income (expense)Other income (expense)     Other income (expense)     
          Interest expense (778) (852)Interest expense (2,292) (2,661)
          Other income 119 112 Other income 335 371 
           
           
             
           
           
          Total other expenseTotal other expense (659) (740)Total other expense (1,957) (2,290)
           
           
             
           
           
          Income before income taxesIncome before income taxes 6,496 36 Income before income taxes 19,509 249 
          Income taxesIncome taxes   Income taxes   
           
           
             
           
           
          Net incomeNet income $6,496 $36 Net income $19,509 $249 
           
           
             
           
           
          Weighted average shares outstandingWeighted average shares outstanding 4,582 4,582 Weighted average shares outstanding 4,582 4,582 
           
           
             
           
           
          Net income per share basic and dilutedNet income per share basic and diluted $1.42 $0.01 Net income per share basic and diluted $4.26 $0.05 
           
           
             
           
           
          Dividends per shareDividends per share $0.40 $ Dividends per share $0.40 $ 
           
           
             
           
           

          The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

          F-21




          MIDWEST INVESTORS OF RENVILLE, INC.
          d/b/a GOLDEN OVAL EGGS

          StatementStatements of Cash Flows

          For the PeriodsNine Months Ended November 30,May 31, 2004 and 2003 and November 30, 2002

          (In Thousands, except per share data)Thousands)



           November 30,
          2003

           November 30,
          2002

           
           May 31, 2004
           May 31, 2003
           


           (Unaudited)

           (Unaudited)

           
           (Unaudited)

           (Unaudited)

           
          Cash flows from operating activitiesCash flows from operating activities     Cash flows from operating activities     
          Net income $19,509 $249 
          Net income $6,496 $36 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities     
          Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities      Depreciation 3,276 3,620 
           Depreciation 1,060 1,201  Amortization 169 172 
           Amortization 56 103  Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment 61  
           Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated subsidiary (17)   Equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated subsidiary (92)  
           Changes in operating assets and liabilities      Changes in operating assets and liabilities     
           Accounts receivable (1,101) 741  Accounts receivable 13 183 
           Inventories (935) 117  Inventories (1,950) (66)
           Other current assets 646 (811) Prepaid insurance 18 68 
           Prepaid insurance (19) 149  Other current assets 130 (156)
           Accounts payable 449 (944) Accounts payable 324 (463)
           Accruals and other current liabilities 707 443  Accruals and other current liabilities 1,424 357 
           
           
             
           
           
          Net cash provided by operating activitiesNet cash provided by operating activities 7,342 1,035 Net cash provided by operating activities 22,882 3,964 
           
           
             
           
           
          Cash flows from investing activitiesCash flows from investing activities     Cash flows from investing activities     
          Purchases of property, plant and equipment (1,471) (33)Purchases of property, plant and equipment (10,046) (201)
          Purchase of investment in United Mills (62) (60)Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 4  
          Retirement of investment in United Mills 60 59 Purchase of investment in United Mills (204) (179)
          Retirement of investment in other coops 89 24 Retirement of investment in United Mills 180 177 
           
           
           Retirement of investment in other coops 235 132 
           
           
           
          Net cash used by investing activitiesNet cash used by investing activities (1,384) (10)Net cash used by investing activities (9,831) (71)
           
           
             
           
           
          Cash flows from financing activitiesCash flows from financing activities     Cash flows from financing activities     
          Net decrease in revolving line of credit (20) (695)Net decrease in revolving line of credit (20) (2,335)
          Payments of long-term debt (172) (161)Payments of long-term debt (255) (217)
          Restricted cash (1,487) (430)Increase in restricted cash (1,276) (1,847)
          Distributions to patrons (1,824)  Distributions to patrons (1,833)  
           
           
             
           
           
          Net cash used by financing activitiesNet cash used by financing activities (3,503) (1,286)Net cash used by financing activities (3,384) (4,399)
           
           
             
           
           
          Net increase (decrease) in cash 2,455 (261)
          Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalentsNet increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 9,667 (506)
          Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of periodCash and cash equivalents—beginning of period 2,429 506 Cash and cash equivalents—beginning of period 2,429 506 
           
           
           
          Cash and cash equivalents—end of periodCash and cash equivalents—end of period $4,884 $245 Cash and cash equivalents—end of period $12,096 $ 
           
           
             
           
           
          Supplementary disclosures of cash flow informationSupplementary disclosures of cash flow information     Supplementary disclosures of cash flow information     

          Cash paid during the period

           

           

           

           

           

          Cash paid during the period for

           

           

           

           

           
           Interest $578 $605  Interest $2,139 $2,383 
           Taxes   

          The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

          F-22




          MIDWEST INVESTORS OF RENVILLE, INC.
          d/b/a GOLDEN OVAL EGGS

          Notes to Condensed Financial StatementsSelected Information—Substantially all Disclosures Required by
          Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States of America
          are not Included

          November 30, 2003May 31, 2004 and August 31, 20022003

          (In Thousands)

                  1.     In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited financial statements contain all adjustments which are of a normal and recurring nature necessary to present fairly the financial position of Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc., d/b/a Golden Oval Eggs (the "Company") as of November 30, 2003May 31, 2004 and August 31, 2003 and the results of theirits operations for the periods ended November 30, 2003May 31, 2004 and November 30, 2002.2003.

                  2.     The results of operations for the periods ended November 30,May 31, 2004 and 2003 and November 30, 2002 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year.

                  3.     Layer flockPullet inventories are stated at the cost of production. Flockproduction which includes the costs of the chicks, feed, overhead and labor. Layer hen inventories are stated at the cost of production which includes the costs of the pullets, feed, overhead and labor. Layer hen flock costs are capitalized to the point at which the pullet goes into production or are purchased and are amortized over the productive lives of the flocks generally 18 to 24 months. Pullet inventories are stated at cost of production. Feed, supplies and liquid egg inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Inventories consisted of the following:


           November 30,
          2003

           August 30,
          2003

           May 31,
          2004

           August 31,
          2003


           (Unaudited)

            
           (Unaudited)

           (Audited)

          Hens and pullets $6,748 $6,589 $8,095 $6,589
          Feed and supplies 1,108 433 789 433
          Eggs and egg products 313 212 300 212
           
           
           
           
          Total inventories $8,169 $7,234 $9,184 $7,234
           
           
           
           

                  4.     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

                  5.     In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51" (the Interpretation). The Interpretation requires the consolidation of entities in which an enterprise absorbs a majority of the entity's expected losses, receives a majority of the entity's expected residual returns, or both, as a result of ownership, contractual or other financial interests in the entity. A variable interest entity results from interests in an entity through ownership, contractual relationships, or other pecuniary interest. Under current accounting guidance, entities are generally consolidated by an enterprise only when it has a controlling financial interest through ownership of a majority voting interest in the entity.

                  The Company has interests in various affiliates established for the purpose of finished feed production, technology services and rental of real estate. The creditors of the entities do not have recourse to the Company. The Company is currently evaluating the effects of the issuance of the Interpretation on the accounting for its ownership interests in these entities.



          PART II
          INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

          Item 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

                  The Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement of the registrant authorizes the registrant to indemnify any present or former director or officer to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law. The Delaware Limited Company Act authorizes a limited liability company to indemnify its directors, officers, employees or agents in terms sufficiently broad to permit such indemnification under certain circumstances for liabilities (including provisions permitting advances for expenses incurred) arising under the Securities Act of 1933.

                  The registrant has agreed that if the merger is completed, all rights to indemnification (including payment of litigation expenses) of current or former directors, officers and employees of the cooperative and its subsidiaries arising from actions taken before the consummation of the merger, under Minnesota law and in the cooperative's articles of incorporation and bylaws, will be assumed by the registrant, continue in full force and effect for six years from the effective date of the merger and be guaranteed by the registrant.

                  In addition, the registrant will maintain directors' and officers' liability insurance under which the registrant's directors and officers are insured against loss (as defined in the policy) resulting from claims brought against them for their wrongful acts in such capacities.


          Item 21. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules


          Number

          Description
          2.1Agreement and Plan of Merger between Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc. and Golden Oval Eggs, LLC (included as Appendix A to the Information Statement—Prospectus)

          3.1


          Certificate of Formation of Golden Oval Eggs, LLC (included as Appendix B to the Information Statement—Prospectus)

          3.2


          Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement of Golden Oval Eggs, LLC (included as Appendix C to the Information Statement—Prospectus)

          5.1


          Opinion of Lindquist & Vennum P.L.L.P regarding legality

          8.1


          Opinion of Lindquist & Vennum P.L.L.P regarding tax matters*

          10.1


          Employment and Non-Competition Agreement between Dana Persson and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.

          10.2


          Feed Supply Agreement between State Line Cooperative and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.

          10.3


          Grain Handler Operating Agreement between Co-op Country Farmers Elevator and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.

          10.4


          Grain Handler Operating Agreement between Farmers Cooperative Company and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.

          10.5


          Litter Handling Agreement between Farmers Cooperative Company and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.**

          10.6


          Litter Handling Agreement between Co-op Country Farmers Elevator and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.**

          II-1



          10.7


          Independent Contractor Agreement for Pullet Production among Pullet Connection, Inc., Barbara Frank and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.**

          10.8


          Joint Venture Agreement between Midwest Investors of Iowa, Cooperative and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.

          10.9


          Land Lease Agreement Between Midwest Investors of Iowa, Cooperative and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.

          23.1


          Consent of Moore Stephens Frost PLC

          23.2


          Consent of Lindquist & Vennum P.L.L.P. (included in exhibit 5.1)

          23.3


          Consent of Greene Holcomb & Fisher LLC

          24.1


          Power of Attorney (included on signature page)

          99.1


          Form of Mail Ballot of Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.

          99.2


          Articles of Incorporation of Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.

          99.3


          Bylaws of Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.

          *
          To be filed by amendment.

          **
          Certain portions of this exhibit have been deleted and filed separately with the Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment under Rule 406 under the Securities Act.

          (b)
          Financial Statement Schedules.

          Not applicable.

          (c)
          Report, Opinion or Appraisal.

          Not applicable.


          Item 22. Undertakings

          II-2


          II-3



          SIGNATURES

                  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement on Form S-4 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Renville, State of Minnesota on February 5, 2004.



          GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC



              /s/  
          DANA PERSSON      
              Dana Persson
              President and Chief Executive Officer


          POWER OF ATTORNEY

                  Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Dana Persson such person's true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent with full power of substitution and resubstitution for such person and in such name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Golden Oval Eggs, LLC and any or all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement (or to any other registration statement for the same offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act), and to file the same, with all exhibits hereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as such person might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or either of them, or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

                  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement on Form S-4 has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on February 5, 2004.



          /s/  DANA PERSSON      
          Dana Persson
          President/Chief Executive Officer
          (principal executive officer)

          /s/  
          DOUG LEIFERMANN      
          Doug Leifermann
          Vice President/Chief Financial Office
          (principal financial and accounting officer)



          /s/  
          MARVIN BREITKREUTZ      
          Marvin Breitkreutz
          Manager, Chairman



          /s/  
          MARK CHAN      
          Mark Chan
          Manager, Secretary/Treasurer



          /s/  
          CHRIS EDGINGTON      
          Chris Edgington
          Manager, Vice Chairman




          /s/  
          THOMAS JACOBS      
          Thomas Jacobs
          Manager



          /s/  
          BRAD PETERSBURG      
          Brad Petersburg
          Manager



          /s/  
          RANDY TAUER      
          Randy Tauer
          Manager



          /s/  
          JEFF WOODLEY      
          Jeff Woodley
          Manager




          INDEX TO EXHIBITS

          Number

          Description
          2.1Agreement and Plan of Merger between Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc. and Golden Oval Eggs, LLC (included as Appendix A to the Information Statement—Prospectus)

          3.1


          Certificate of Formation of Golden Oval Eggs, LLC (included as Appendix B to the Information Statement—Prospectus)

          3.2


          Limited Liability Company Operating Agreement of Golden Oval Eggs, LLC (included as Appendix C to the Information Statement—Prospectus)

          5.1


          Opinion of Lindquist & Vennum P.L.L.P regarding legality

          8.1


          Opinion of Lindquist & Vennum P.L.L.P regarding tax matters*

          10.1


          Employment and Non-Competition Agreement between Dana Persson and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.

          10.2


          Feed Supply Agreement between State Line Cooperative and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.

          10.3


          Grain Handler Operating Agreement between Co-op Country Farmers Elevator and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.

          10.4


          Grain Handler Operating Agreement between Farmers Cooperative Company and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.

          10.5


          Litter Handling Agreement between Farmers Cooperative Company and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.**

          10.6


          Litter Handling Agreement between Co-op Country Farmers Elevator and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.**

          10.7


          Independent Contractor Agreement for Pullet Production among Pullet Connection, Inc., Barbara Frank and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.**

          10.8


          Joint Venture Agreement between Midwest Investors of Iowa, Cooperative and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.

          10.9


          Land Lease Agreement Between Midwest Investors of Iowa, Cooperative and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.

          23.1


          Consent of Moore Stephens Frost PLC

          23.2


          Consent of Lindquist & Vennum P.L.L.P. (included in exhibit 5.1)

          23.3


          Consent of Greene Holcomb & Fisher LLC

          24.1


          Power of Attorney (included on signature page)

          99.1


          Form of Mail Ballot of Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.

          99.2


          Articles of Incorporation of Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.

          99.3


          Bylaws of Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.

          *
          To be filed by amendment.

          **
          Certain portions of this exhibit have been deleted and filed separately with the Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment under Rule 406 under the Securities Act.


          Appendix A

          AMENDED AND RESTATED

          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

          by and between

          MIDWEST INVESTORS OF RENVILLE, INC. (d.b.a. Golden Oval Eggs),
          a Minnesota cooperative

          and

          GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC,
          a Delaware limited liability company

          Dated as of February 3, [            ],2004



          AMENDED AND RESTATED

          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER

                  THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER (the(this "Merger Agreement") is made and entered into as of February 3,[            ], 2004, by and amongbetween MIDWEST INVESTORS OF RENVILLE, INC. (d.b.a. Golden Oval Eggs), a Minnesota cooperative (the "Cooperative"), and GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the "LLC") (collectively the "Constituent Entities"). This Merger Agreement replaces and supercedes both the Transaction Agreement and the Plan of Merger that were made and entered into December 5, 2003 by and amongbetween the Constituent Entities and the Agreement and Plan of Merger that was made and entered into as of February 3, 2004 by and between the Constituent Entities. Such Transaction Agreement, Plan of Merger and Agreement and Plan of Merger shall have no further force and effect as of the date of this Merger Agreement, as first written above.

                  WHEREAS, the Cooperative and the LLC are each organized to benefit and serve their respective members; and

                  WHEREAS, the Constituent Entities believe their members interests will best be benefited and served if the parties reorganize their business operations and structure whereby the Cooperative will merge with and into the LLC, with the LLC being the surviving entity (the "Merger"); and

                  WHEREAS, the parties have now agreed on the finalrevised terms and conditions of the Merger, and wish to: (i) memorialize these agreementstheir agreement as more particularly described herein; and (ii) enter into this Merger Agreement for the purpose of effecting the Merger;

                  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual representations, warranties and covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

          ARTICLE I
          OVERVIEW OF THE TRANSACTIONS

                  SECTION 1.01    PURPOSE.    The purpose of the transactions contemplated by this Merger Agreement is to reorganize the structure of the Cooperative from a cooperative association into a Delaware limited liability company. This reorganization will be accomplished through a merger process, whereby the Cooperative shall merge with and into a newly formed wholly-owned subsidiary of the Cooperative, the LLC. Upon completion of the Merger, the Cooperative will cease to exist and the LLC will continue as the sole surviving entity.

                  SECTION 1.02    THE MERGER.    Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Merger Agreement the Cooperative will merge with and into the LLC. The LLC shall be the surviving entity.

                  SECTION 1.03    CERTIFICATE AND ARTICLES OF MERGER.    As soon as practicable following satisfaction or waiver of all conditions toAt the consummation of the Merger,Closing, a certificate of merger ("Certificate of Merger") and the articles of merger (the "Articles of Merger") shall be executed in compliance with Title 6, Chapter 18Section 18-209 of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act and Chapter 308B, Section 801308B.801 of the Minnesota Cooperative Associations Act, respectively (the "Acts"). The Certificate of Merger attached hereto as "Exhibit A," shall be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and the Articles of Merger attached hereto as "Exhibit B," shall be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Minnesota, or as otherwise required by the Acts.

                  SECTION 1.04    EFFECT OF THE MERGER.    From and after the Effective Time, without any further action by the Constituent Entities or any of their respective members: (a) the LLC, as the surviving entity in the Merger, shall have all of the rights, privileges, immunities and powers, and shall be subject to all the duties and liabilities, of a limited liability company organized under the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act; (b) the LLC, as the surviving entity in the Merger, shall possess all of the rights, privileges, immunities and franchises, of a public as well as private nature, of the



          Cooperative, and all property, real, personal and mixed and all debts due on whatever accounts including all choses in action, and each and every other interest of or belonging to the Cooperative,

          A-1



          shall be deemed to be and hereby is vested in the LLC, without further act or deed, and the title to any property, or any interest therein vested in the Cooperative shall not revert or be in any way impaired by reason of the Merger; and (c) the Merger shall have any other effect set forth in the Acts.

                  (a)Articles    Certificate of OrganizationFormation and Limited Liability Company AgreementAgreement..    The Certificate of Formation of the LLC and the Limited Liability Company Agreement of the LLC in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall survive the Merger (the "Surviving Entity Certificate" and the "Surviving Entity OperatingLLC Agreement" respectively). A copy of the Surviving Entity Certificate and Surviving Entity Operating Agreement was provided to the respective members of each Constituent Entity in connection with their consideration of the Merger.

                  (b)Directors and OfficersOfficers..    From and after the Effective Time, without any further action by the Constituent Entities or any of their respective members, the officers and directors of the Cooperative at the Effective Time shall become the directors and officers of the LLC as the surviving entity in the Merger (the "LLC Directors and Officers") to serve until their respective terms have expired and their successors have been duly elected and qualified in accordance with the terms of LLC'sSurviving Entity Certificate of Organization and Limited Liability Companythe Surviving Entity LLC Agreement. The terms of the LLC's Directors and Officers shall [be as set forth in the Limited Liability Company Agreement. At the Effective Time, the initial directors and officers of the Cooperative immediately prior to the Effective Time shall resign as directors and officers of the Cooperative.

                  (c)Exchange and Conversion of Cooperative SharesShares..    At the Effective Time, without any further action by the Constituent Entities or any of their respective members or shareholders, the Cooperative as the sole shareholder of the LLC, shall cease to exist by operation of the Merger and shall cease to be a shareholdermember of the LLC and all Units and any other interests of the LLC owned by the Cooperative shall be cancelled without payment of any consideration therefor. Taxable gain realized by the Cooperative as a result of the Merger shall constitute proceeds received by the Cooperative from business with or for members and patrons for purposes of Bylaw 7 of the Cooperative's bylaws. The combination of the common stock held by each member of the Cooperative and a proportionate amount of the patronage equities issued by the cooperative shall be automatically converted into an equala number of "Class A" Units of the LLC.LLC equal to the number of shares of common stock held. Each holder of Cooperative membership interestscommon stock and the associated patronage equities shall take such action or cause to be taken such action as the LLC may reasonably deem necessary or appropriate to effect the exchange of the interests hereunder, including, without limitation, the execution and delivery of instruments representing or otherwise relating to the equity interests being cancelledconverted hereunder. OwnershipAll Units and any other interests in the LLC and all LLC Member Units, shall in all instances be governed by the provisions of the Surviving Entity Certificate and the Surviving Entity OperatingLLC Agreement.

                  SECTION 1.05    FURTHER ASSURANCES.    At any time after the Effective Time, LLC as the Surviving Entity may take any action (including executing and delivering any document) in the name and on behalf of any party to this Merger Agreement in order to carry out and effectuate the transactions contemplated by this Merger Agreement.

                  SECTION 1.06    THE CLOSING.    The closing of the Merger (the "Closing") will take place on the date the Effective Time occurs at the office of the Cooperative or on such other date and/or at such other place as the Constituent Entities may agree.

                  SECTION 1.07    ACTIONS AT THE CLOSING.    At the Closing, the Cooperative and the LLC shall (i) execute the Merger Agreement, (ii) execute and deliver to each other the various certificates, instruments, and documents referred to in thethis Merger Agreement, and (iii)(ii) execute and file with the Secretary of State of the States of Minnesota and Delaware articlesthe Articles of Merger and a certificateCertificate of merger, respectively, as required by the laws of the States of Minnesota and Delaware to effectuate the Merger, in accordance with the terms of this Merger Agreement.respectively.

                  SECTION 1.08    EFFECTIVE TIME.    The Merger shall become effective at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on August 31, 2004, or at such other date and time as the date on which the Articles of Merger and Certificate of Merger have been duly filed in the respective offices of the Minnesota and Delaware Secretary of States as required by lawConstituent entities may agree (the "Effective Time").

          A-2



                  SECTION 109.1.09    GOVERNING LAW.    This Merger Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota.



          ARTICLE II
          CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

                  SECTION 2.01    CONDITIONS TO OBLIGATIONS OF EACH PARTY TO THE MERGER.    The respective obligations of the Cooperative and the LLC to consummate the Merger and other matters described in this Merger Agreement, are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of each of the following conditions on or before the Effective Time, except that condition (f) must be satisfied and cannot be waived by either party:Time:

          ARTICLE III
          POST CLOSING AGREEMENTS

                  SECTION 3.01    EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS.    The employee benefit plans of the Cooperative shall remain in effect following the merger, but the plans shall be amended to reflect the new name of the employer. No participant in the employee benefit plan shall accrue any additional gains, no participant's vested percentage shall increase and no participant shall become entitled to a distribution of his or her account solely as a result of the change contemplated by this Merger Agreement. Nothing in this Section 3.01 shall be interpreted as preventing the LLC from amending, modifying or terminating any employee benefit plan of the Cooperative or other contracts, arrangements, commitments or understandings, in accordance with their terms and applicable law.

          A-3


                  SECTION 3.02    INDEMNIFICATION; DIRECTORS' AND OFFICERS; INSURANCE.    From and after the Effective Time, the Surviving Entity shall indemnify each present and former director, officer, employee or agent of the Cooperative and each person who, while a director or officer of the Cooperative and at the request of the Cooperative, serves or has served another corporation, Cooperative, partnership, joint venture or any other enterprise as a director, officer or partner, against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses (including legal fees) arising out of or pertaining to matters existing or occurring at or before the Effective Time, whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or after the Effective Time, to the fullest extent permitted by law and as permitted by the Limited Liability Company Agreement of the LLC. The Surviving Entity may obtain insurance coverage against any such loss, claim or expense, subject to standard exclusions and exceptions to coverage, but is not obligated to do so.



          ARTICLE IV
          TERMINATION

                  SECTION 4.01    TERMINATION OF MERGER AGREEMENT.    This Merger Agreement shallmay be terminated and the Merger abandoned if at any time prior to Closing:Closing by:

                  SECTION 4.02    EFFECT OF TERMINATION.    If this Merger Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 4.01 above, all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall terminate without any liability of either party to the other (except for any liability of a party then in breach).

          ARTICLE V
          MISCELLANEOUS

                  SECTION 5.01    WAIVER.    Before the Effective Time, any provision of this Merger Agreement may, to the extent legally allowed, be waived by the party benefited by the provision by an agreement in writing between the parties hereto executed in the same manner as this Merger Agreement, except that after approval of the Merger contemplated by this Merger Agreement by the respective members of the Cooperative and the LLC, there may not be any waiver of any provision of this Merger Agreement which would reduce the amount or form of consideration to be received by members in the Merger.Agreement.

                  SECTION 5.02    AMENDMENT.    The parties by mutual consent may amend, modify or supplement this Merger Agreement in such manner as may be agreed upon in writing.

                  SECTION 5.03    BINDING NATURE.    This Merger Agreement shall be binding upon and inure only to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, provided that neither this Merger Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder shall be assigned or delegated by any of the parties hereto without the prior written consent of the other partiesparty hereto.

                  SECTION 5.04    COUNTERPARTS.    This Merger Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

                  SECTION 5.05    ENTIRE AGREEMENT.    This Merger Agreement and the other documents referred to herein and therein, set forth the entire understanding of the parties hereto with respect to

          A-4



          the matters provided for herein and therein and supersede all prior agreements, covenants, arrangements, communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any officer, employee or representative of either party.

                  SECTION 5.06    NOTICES.    All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered personally, telecopied (with confirmation) or mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested (documents are deemed to be delivered 3 days after they are mailed), to the parties at the following addresses (or such other address as such party may specify by like notice):

                  If to the Cooperative: Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc. (d.b.a. Golden Oval Eggs)


                  If to the LLC: Golden Oval Eggs, LLC

                  SECTION 5.07    CAPTIONS.    The article and section headings of this Merger Agreement are for convenience only and shall not affect the meaning or construction of this Merger Agreement.

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Merger Agreement as of the date first set forth above.


           

           

          MIDWEST INVESTORS OF RENVILLE, INC.
          (d.b.a. Golden Oval Eggs), a Minnesota cooperative association

           

           

          /s/ Marvin Breitkreutz

            By: Marvin Breitkreutz
          Its: Chairman, Board of Directors

           

           

          GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC,
          a Delaware limited liability company

           

           

          /s/ Dana Persson

            By: Dana Persson
          Its: President and Chief Executive Officer

          A-5




          Appendix B


          CERTIFICATE OF FORMATION
          OF
          GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC

                  The undersigned, being a natural person 18 years of age or older and for the purpose of forming a limited liability company for general business purposes under the Delaware Limited Liability Act, hereby adopts the following Certificate of Formation:

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate of Formation of Golden Oval Eggs, LLC this 24th day of November, 2003.


           

          /s/  
          GRETCHEN M. RANDALL      
           
           Name: Gretchen M. Randall
          Authorized Person

          B-1




          Appendix C


          GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC
          AMENDED AND RESTATED

          LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

          DATED AS OF FEBRUARY 3, 2004



          TABLE OF CONTENTS

          1.DEFINITIONSC-1
          2.FORMATION AND PURPOSEC-3
          2.1FormationC-3
          2.2Rights and Obligations of MembersC-3
          2.3NameC-3
          2.4Registered Office/AgentC-3
          2.5Period of ExistenceC-3
          2.6PurposeC-3
          2.7PowersC-4
          2.8Principal OfficeC-4
          3.MEMBERSC-5
          3.1Members; Unit LedgerC-5
          3.2Member Interests and UnitsC-5
          3.3Minimum Required HoldingC-5
          3.4Additional Members and UnitsC-5
          3.5Capital ContributionsC-5
          3.6VotingC-6
          3.7Annual MeetingsC-6
          3.8Special MeetingsC-6
          3.9Notice of MeetingsC-6
          3.10QuorumC-6
          3.11Proxies; Mail BallotsC-6
          3.12Telephonic MeetingsC-6
          3.13Limited LiabilityC-6
          3.14Termination of MembershipC-7
          3.15Continuation of the CompanyC-7
          3.16Return of Distributions of CapitalC-7
          3.17No Management or ControlC-7
          3.18Specific LimitationsC-8
          3.19Contractual Appraisal RightsC-8
          3.20Member Compensation; Expenses; LoansC-8
          4.CAPITAL ACCOUNTSC-8
          4.1AllocationsC-8
          4.2Capital AccountsC-8
          4.3Revaluations of Assets and Capital Account AdjustmentsC-8
          4.4Additional Capital Account AdjustmentsC-9
          4.5Additional Capital Account ProvisionsC-9
          5.DISTRIBUTIONS AND ALLOCATIONS OF PROFIT AND LOSSC-9
          5.1DistributionsC-9
          5.2No ViolationC-9
          5.3WithholdingsC-9
          5.4Property Distributions and Installment SalesC-9
          5.5Net Profit or Net Loss.C-10
          5.6Regulatory AllocationsC-11
          5.7Tax Allocations: Code Section 704(c) and Unrealized Appreciation or Depreciation.C-11
          6.BOARD OF MANAGERSC-11
          6.1Board of ManagersC-11
          6.2Initial ManagersC-12

          iEFFECTIVE UPON ADOPTION


          6.3Number and Election of ManagersC-12
          6.4Voting and Act of the Board; Action Without a MeetingC-12
          6.5ResignationC-12
          6.6Removal of ManagersC-12
          6.7VacanciesC-12
          6.8MeetingsC-12
          6.9NoticeC-13
          6.10WaiverC-13
          6.11QuorumC-13
          6.12CompensationC-13
          6.13Authority of Board of ManagersC-13
          6.14Duties of Board of ManagersC-14
          6.15Interested TransactionsC-14
          6.16Reliance by Third PartiesC-14
          7.OFFICERS AND AGENTSC-14
          7.1Officers, AgentsC-14
          7.2ElectionC-14
          7.3TenureC-15
          7.4VacanciesC-15
          7.5Resignation and RemovalC-15
          7.6CompensationC-15
          7.7DelegationC-15
          8.BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTSC-15
          8.1Books and RecordsC-15
          8.2Examination of RecordsC-15
          8.3Accounting; Fiscal YearC-16
          8.4Books and Records; ReportsC-16
          8.5FilingsC-16
          8.6Non-DisclosureC-16
          9.TAX MATTERSC-16
          9.1Tax Matters MemberC-16
          9.2Indemnity of Tax Matters MemberC-17
          9.3Tax ReturnsC-17
          9.4Tax MattersC-17
          10.TRANSFER OF INTERESTSC-17
          10.1Restricted TransferC-17
          10.2Complete Prohibition on Certain TransfersC-17
          10.3Transfer RequirementsC-18
          10.4Admission of Transferee as MemberC-18
          10.5Withdrawal of MemberC-18
          10.6Noncomplying Transfers VoidC-18
          11.DISSOLUTION OF COMPANYC-18
          11.1Events of DissolutionC-18
          11.2LiquidationC-18
          11.3No Action for DissolutionC-19
          11.4No Further ClaimC-19
          12.INDEMNIFICATIONC-19
          12.1GeneralC-19
          12.2ExculpationC-20
          12.3Persons Entitled to IndemnityC-20
          12.4Procedure AgreementsC-20

          ii


          12.5Fiduciary and Other DutiesC-20
          13.AMENDMENTS TO AGREEMENTC-20
          13.1AmendmentsC-20
          13.2Corresponding Amendment of CertificateC-20
          13.3Binding EffectC-20
          14.GENERALC-20
          14.1Successors; Delaware Law; EtcC-20
          14.2Notices, EtcC-21
          14.3Execution of DocumentsC-21
          14.4Consent to JurisdictionC-21
          14.5Waiver of Jury TrialC-22
          14.6SeverabilityC-22
          14.7Table of Contents, HeadingsC-22
          14.8No Third Party RightsC-22

          iii



          GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC
          AMENDED AND RESTATED
          LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

                  This Limited Liability Company AgreementTABLE OF CONTENTS




          Page
          OPERATION, MANAGEMENT, AND INTERESTS IN THE COMPANYC-1

          ARTICLE 1. DEFINITIONS


          C-1
          SECTION 1.1REFERENCE TO CERTAIN TERMS.C-1
          SECTION 1.2DEFINITIONS.C-1

          ARTICLE 2. FORMATION, PURPOSE, POWERS


          C-4
          SECTION 2.1FORMATION.C-4
          SECTION 2.2NAME.C-4
          SECTION 2.3PURPOSE; POWERS.C-4
          SECTION 2.4PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS.C-4
          SECTION 2.5TERM.C-5
          SECTION 2.6FILINGS; AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS.C-5
          SECTION 2.7TITLE TO PROPERTY.C-5
          SECTION 2.8NO PAYMENTS OF INDIVIDUAL OBLIGATIONS.C-5
          SECTION 2.9INDEPENDENT NON-COMPETITIVE ACTIVITIES.C-5
          SECTION 2.10LIMITED LIABILITY.C-6
          SECTION 2.11MEMBERS AND UNITHOLDERS BOUND WITHOUT EXECUTION.C-6

          ARTICLE 3. UNITS, UNITHOLDERS, FINANCIAL RIGHTS


          C-6
          SECTION 3.1RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF UNITHOLDERS.C-6
          SECTION 3.2UNITS.C-6
          SECTION 3.3CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS.C-7
          SECTION 3.4NO CERTIFICATE FOR UNITS.C-8
          SECTION 3.5UNIT LEDGER.C-8
          SECTION 3.6ALLOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTIONS.C-8
          SECTION 3.7UNITHOLDER CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS.C-8
          SECTION 3.8RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERS.C-10

          ARTICLE 4. MEMBERS AND MEMBER VOTING


          C-11
          SECTION 4.1RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS.C-11
          SECTION 4.2MINIMUM REQUIRED UNIT HOLDING BY MEMBERS.C-12
          SECTION 4.3ADMISSION OF MEMBERS.C-13
          SECTION 4.4MEMBER VOTING.C-13
          SECTION 4.5MEMBER MEETINGS.C-14
          SECTION 4.6TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP.C-16
          SECTION 4.7RESIGNATION.C-17
          SECTION 4.8CONTINUATION OF THE COMPANY.C-17

          ARTICLE 5. MANAGEMENT OF COMPANY


          C-17
          SECTION 5.1GOVERNANCE BY BOARD, CEO.C-17
          SECTION 5.2ACTIONS BY BOARD; COMMITTEES; RELIANCE ON AUTHORITY.C-19
          SECTION 5.3THE BOARD.C-19
          SECTION 5.4BOARD MEETINGS.C-21
          SECTION 5.5OFFICERS.C-22
          SECTION 5.6LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION OF MANAGERS AND OFFICERS.C-24
          SECTION 5.7.CONTRACTS WITH MANAGERS OR THEIR AFFILIATES.C-24

          i



          ARTICLE 6. AMENDMENTS


          C-25
          SECTION 6.1AMENDMENTS.C-25

          ARTICLE 7. DISSOLUTION AND WINDING UP


          C-26
          SECTION 7.1DISSOLUTION COMMENCEMENT.C-26
          SECTION 7.2WINDING UP.C-26
          SECTION 7.3RIGHTS OF UNITHOLDERS.C-26
          SECTION 7.4NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION.C-27
          SECTION 7.5ALLOCATIONS DURING PERIOD OF LIQUIDATION.C-27
          SECTION 7.6THE LIQUIDATOR.C-27
          SECTION 7.7.FORM OF LIQUIDATING DISTRIBUTIONS.C-28

          ARTICLE 8. MISCELLANEOUS


          C-28
          SECTION 8.1NOTICES.C-28
          SECTION 8.2BINDING EFFECT.C-28
          SECTION 8.3CONSTRUCTION.C-28
          SECTION 8.4TIME.C-28
          SECTION 8.5HEADINGS.C-28
          SECTION 8.6SEVERABILITY.C-29
          SECTION 8.7INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE.C-29
          SECTION 8.8VARIATION OF TERMS.C-29
          SECTION 8.9GOVERNING LAW.29
          SECTION 8.10SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE.C-29
          SECTION 8.11CONSENT TO JURISDICTION.C-29
          SECTION 8.12WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.C-30

          APPENDICES


          APPENDIX APRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS OF GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLCC-A-1
          APPENDIX BAGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS OF GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLCC-B-1
          APPENDIX CUNIT TRANSFER POLICY OF GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLCC-C-1
          APPENDIX DBOARD OF MANAGERS OF GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLCC-D-1
          APPENDIX EALLOCATIONS, DISTRIBUTIONS, TAX MATTERS, AND ACCOUNTINGC-E-1

          ii



          GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC
          AMENDED AND RESTATED
          LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

          THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT of Golden Oval Eggs, LLC (the "Company""Company") is adopted and made effective asupon adoption by the Board of February 3, 2004, byManagers of the Company with the approval of Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc. (the "Cooperative") as the sole initial member of the Company (the "Cooperative").Company.

          RECITALS

                  WHEREAS, the        The Cooperative has caused the Company to be formed to acquire all of the business and assets of the Cooperative by merger of the Cooperative with and into the Company (the "Merger""Merger"); and

                  WHEREAS, the. The Cooperative is adopting this Agreement to provide for, among other things, the management of the business and affairsas sole member of the Company the allocation of profits and losses among the Members, the respective rights and obligationspreviously adopted a Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Members to each otherCompany dated as of February 3, 2004 (the "Original Agreement"). The Cooperative hereby amends and torestates the Company,Original Agreement in its entirety effective as of the date of this Agreement and certain other matters.adopts this Agreement as the limited liability company agreement of the Company.

          AGREEMENTOPERATION, MANAGEMENT, AND INTERESTS
          IN THE COMPANY

                  NOW, THEREFORE, the Members agree as follows:

          SECTION 1.1    REFERENCE TO CERTAIN TERMS.

                  For purposes of this Agreement: (a)(1) references to "Articles," "Exhibits""Articles" and "Sections""Sections" are to those Articles Exhibits and Sections ofappearing in this Agreement unless explicitly indicated otherwise; and (b)(2) references to statutes include all rules and regulations thereunder,under those statutes, and all amendments and successors thereto from time to time.those statutes.


          SECTION 1.2    DEFINITIONS.

                  The definitions in this Section 1.2 (and the definitions in Section 1.10 of Appendix E) apply throughout this Agreement unless the context requires otherwise.

          "Act"Act" means the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act (6 Del. C.as set forth in the Delaware Code (commencing with Section 18-101 et seq.)of the Delaware Code), as amended from time to time (or any corresponding provision or provisions of any succeeding law).

          "Affiliate"Affiliate" means, with respect to any specified Person, any Person thatPerson: (1) a Business Entity directly or through one or more intermediaries Controls or isindirectly Controlling, Controlled by or is under common Control with the specified Person.Person; (2) an officer, director, general partner, or trustee of a Person that is a Business Entity; or (3) a Person or a representative who is an officer, director, general partner, or trustee of the Business Entity described in clauses (1) or (2) of this sentence.

          "Agreement"Agreement" means this Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Company, as amended, modified, or restated from time to time.

          "Board" "Asset Valueor"Board of Managers" means the individuals who are named, appointed or elected as Managers of this Company under Section 5.3 acting collectively pursuant to this Agreement.

          "Business Entity" means a partnership (whether general or limited), joint venture, association, cooperative, corporation, trust, estate, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, unincorporated association, governmental entity, or any propertyother legal entity, including an individual acting as a sole proprietorship or as a business.



          "CEO" means the Chief Executive Officer of the Company including property acquired in the Merger, means its adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes unless:

                  Property acquired by the Company in the Merger shall be accepted by the Company as a Capital Contribution of property having a value equal to its initial adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes.

                  As of any date, references to the "then prevailing Asset Value" of any property shall mean the Asset Value last determined for such property less the depreciation, amortization and cost recovery deductions taken into account in computing Net Profit or Net Loss in fiscal periods subsequent to such prior determination date.

          C-1



                  "Board of Managers" or "Board" means the board of managers elected and determined in accordance with Article 6.

                  "Capital Account" is defined in Section 4.2.

                  "Capital Contribution" means with respect to any Member, the amount of any money and the initial Asset Value of any other property contributed to the Company with respect to the Interest held by such Member pursuant to this Agreement. Each Person who becomes a Member as a result of the Merger shall be deemed to have made a Capital Contribution consisting of such Person's share, determined in proportion to Units issued in the Merger, of any money and the initial Asset Value of any other property received by the Company in the Merger.

                  "Certificate of FormationFormation"" means the certificate of formation of the Company as amended or restated and any amendments thereto and restatements thereof, filed on behalf of the Company with the Delaware Secretary of State pursuant to Sections 18-214 and 18-201 of the Act.

          "Class" "Class" is definedthe designated division in Interests as provided in Section 3.2.3.2(a).

          "Class A Member" "means a Person who holds Class A Units, meets the requirements of Section 4.2(a), is admitted as a Class A Member" means any Member who is the holder of one or more and has not ceased to be a Class A Units. "Member."Class A Members" mean all Persons who hold Class A Units, meet the requirements of Section 4.2(a), are admitted as Class A Members" means all such Members. Unless the context otherwise requires, references and have not ceased to Members of any Class shall be applied without regard to whether the Member also holds Units of any other Class.

                  "Class A UnitMembers.

          "Class A Units"" means a Unit mean Units that isare designated as suchClass A Units pursuant to Section 3.2.3.2(a).

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

                  "Company" meansGolden Oval Eggs, LLC, the limited liability company formed by the filing of the Certificate of Formation in accordance with the Act and the limited liability company continuing the business of this Company in the event of dissolution of the Company as provided in this Agreement and the Act.

          "Confidential Information"Confidential Information" is defined in Section 8.6.4.1(c).

          "Control"Control,", "Controlling"Controlling,", "Controlled by"Controlled by and" and "under common Control withwith"" mean the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person,Business Entity, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise.otherwise, or the power to elect at least fifty percent (50%) of the Board of Directors, or persons exercising similar authority with respect to the Business Entity.

          "Cooperative"Cooperative" means Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc., a Minnesota cooperative.

          "Dissolution Event" has the meaning given in Section 7.1(a).

          "Distribution"Distribution" means moneya payment of cash or property distributed to a MemberUnitholder based on the Unitholder's Interest in the Company as provided in this Agreement.

          "Effective Date" is the date this Agreement is adopted as provided in the introductory paragraph.

          "Event of Disassociation" has the meaning given in Section 4.6(a).

          "Interest" means, collectively, the Unitholders' financial rights to Profits, Losses and other allocation items, and to receive Distributions and, with respect to Members, the right of the Member's Interest.Members to vote on matters and to receive information concerning the business and affairs of the Company as provided for in this Agreement.

          "Lien" means a security interest, lien or other encumbrance in Units pledged or granted for the purpose of securing debt financing.

                  "Event of DisassociationLiquidator" has the meaning given in Section 7.6(a).

          "Managers" is defined in Section 3.14.5.3.

          "Member" "Fiscal Year" means the fiscal year of the Company for tax purposes, which shall be the Company's taxable yeara Person who is admitted as determined under Regulations Section 1.441-1 or Section 1.441-2 and the Regulationsa Member under Section 706 of the Code; provided that the Fiscal Year need not be the same as the GAAP Fiscal Year of the Company.

                  "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in effect in the United States of America from time to time.

                  "GAAP Fiscal Year" means the fiscal year of the Company for GAAP purposes, as determined by the Board from time to time; provided that the GAAP Fiscal Year need not be the same as the Fiscal Year of the Company.

                  "Indemnified Persons" means each Manager, each officer4.3, and employee of the Company, and any other individual who serves as a manager, officer or director of any other Legal Entity at the request of the Company.

                  "Interest" means, with respect to any Member as of any time, such Member's limited liability company interest in the Company.

          C-2



                  "Legal Entity" means a partnership, joint venture, association, cooperative, corporation, trust, estate, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, unincorporated entity of any kind, governmental entity, or any other legal entity.

                  "Managers" is defined in Section 6.1.

                  "Member" means any Person (i) who is referred to as such on Exhibit A or who becomes a Member pursuant to the terms of Section 3.4 or 10.4, and (ii) who has not ceased to be a Member."Members"mean all Persons who are Members.

          "Merger"Merger" is defined in the recitalsRecitals to this Agreement.

          "Original Agreement" "Net Profit" and "Net Loss" areis defined in Section 5.5.the Recitals to this Agreement.

          "Person"Person" means any individual natural person, or Legala Business Entity.

          "Property" means all real and personal property acquired by the Company, including cash and any improvements to the Property, and includes both tangible and intangible property.



          "Securities Act"Regulations" means the Treasury regulations, including (without limitation) temporary regulations, promulgated under the Code.

                  "Regulatory Allocations" is defined in Section 5.6.

                  "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933,1933.

          "Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Business Entity, any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, association or other entity Controlled by the Business Entity.

          "Transfer" means, as amended, and the rules, regulations and interpretations promulgated pursuant thereto.

                  "Tax Matters Member" is defined in Section 9.1.

                  "Transfer" means a noun, any voluntary or involuntary transfer, sale, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, abandonment,or other disposition or other transfer, whether voluntary or by operation of law.law (e.g., pursuant to a merger) or otherwise, and, as a verb, voluntarily or involuntarily to convey, sell, or otherwise dispose of, but does not include a pledge or grant of a Lien.

          "Transfer Restrictions" means the restrictions on Transfer of Units in Section 3.8 and the Unit Transfer Policy attached as Appendix C.

          "Unit" means the unit of measurement within a Class into which Interests in the Company are divided as provided in Section 3.2(a).

          "Unit Ledger" has the meaning given in Section 3.5.

                  "Unit Transfer Policy" is defined in Section 3.2.the policy for Transferring Units attached as Appendix C.

          "Unitholder" means a Person who holds Units, whether or not the Person is a Member."Unitholders" mean all Persons holding Units. Unitholders may be designated with respect to specific types or classes of Units held.

                  "Unit Ledger" is defined in Section 3.1.

          SECTION 2.1    FORMATION.
              Formation.

                  The Company was formed as a Delaware limited liability company in accordance with the Act by the filing of the Certificate of Formation with the Delaware Secretary of State pursuant to Sections 18-214 and 18-201 of the Act.

                  2.2    Rights and Obligations of Members.    The rights and obligations of the Members shall be determined pursuant to the Act and this Agreement. To the extent that any right or obligation of any Member is different by reason of any provision of this Agreement than it would be in the absence of such provision, this Agreement shall, to the extent permitted by the Act, control.Act.


          SECTION 2.2    NAME.

                  2.3    Name.        The businessname of the Company may be conducted under its name as set forthis stated in the Certificate of Formation or, upon compliance with applicable laws, under any other name that the Board of Managers deems appropriate. The Board of Managers shall file, or shall cause to be filed, any fictitious name certificates and similar filings, and any amendments thereto, that the Board of Managers considers appropriate.

                  2.4    Registered Office/Agent.    The registered office required to be maintained by the Company in the State of Delaware pursuant to the Act shall initially be c/o The Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. The name and address of the registered agent of the Company pursuant to the Act shall initially be The Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. The Company may, upon compliance with the applicable provisions of the Act, change its registered office or registered agent from time to time in the discretion of the Board of Managers.

                  2.5    Period of Existence.    The period of existenceall business of the Company shall be perpetual unlessconducted in that name or under other names as the Board, without Member approval, may determine. The Board, without Member approval, may change the name of the Company is sooner dissolved as provided in this Agreement.accordance with the Act.


          SECTION 2.3    PURPOSE; POWERS.

          C-3



          (a)    2.6Purpose.    The Company ishas been formed for the purpose of, and the nature of the business to be conducted by the Company is, engaging in any lawful act or activity for which limited liability companies may be formed under the Act and engaging in any activities necessary, convenient or incidental thereto.to this purpose.

                  2.7    Powers.(b)    Without limiting the generality of Section 2.6, thePowers.    The Company shall have the powerpossess and authority to take any actions necessary, convenient or incidental to or for the furtherance of the purposes set forth in Section 2.6, including (without limitation) the power:

                  2.8    Principal Office.        The principal executive officeplace of business of the Company shall be located at 340 Dupont Avenue, Renville, MN 56284.the place or places stated in the Principal Place of Business attached as Appendix A and incorporated as part of this Agreement. The BoardPrincipal Place of Business may from time to time change the locationbe amended or changed by resolution of the principal executive office of the Company to any other place within orBoard without the State of Delaware. The Board may establish and maintain such additional offices and places of business of the Company, either within or without the State of Delaware, as it deems appropriate.Member approval. The records required to be

          C-4


          maintained by the Act shall be maintained at one of the Company's principal offices, exceptoffices.




          SECTION 2.5    TERM.

                  The term of the Company shall continue until the winding up and liquidation of the Company and its business is completed following a Dissolution Event as provided in this Agreement.


          SECTION 2.6    FILINGS; AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS.

          (a)    Maintenance of Delaware Status.    The Board shall take any actions reasonably necessary to perfect and maintain the status of the Company as a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Delaware. The Board shall cause amendments to the Certificate of Formation to be filed whenever required by the Act.

                  3.1    Members; Unit Ledger.    Maintenance of Status in Other Jurisdictions.    The MembersBoard shall take any and all other actions as may be reasonably necessary to perfect and maintain the status of the Company as a limited liability company or similar type of entity under the laws of any other jurisdictions in which the Company engages in business.

          (c)    Agent For Service of Process.    The name and address of the agent for service of process on the Company in the State of Delaware shall be stated in the Agent for Service of Process attached as Appendix B and incorporated as part of this Agreement, which shall be amended by the Board, without Member approval, to reflect the appointment of any successor.

          (d)    Filings Upon Dissolution.    Upon the dissolution and completion of the winding up and liquidation of the Company, the Board shall cause to be filed a Certificate of Cancellation in accordance with the Act and cause similar filings as necessary to be made under the laws of any other jurisdictions.


          SECTION 2.7    TITLE TO PROPERTY.

                  All Property owned by the Company is owned by the Company as an entity, and a Unitholder, Member, or Manager does not have any ownership interest in the Property in their individual name. The Company shall hold title to all of its Property in the name of the Company and not in the numbername of any Unitholder, Member, or Manager.


          SECTION 2.8    NO PAYMENTS OF INDIVIDUAL OBLIGATIONS.

                  The Company's credit and Class of Units held by each Memberassets shall be listed on a Unit ledger (the "used solely for the benefit of the Company, and an asset of the Company shall not be Transferred or encumbered for, or in payment of, any individual obligation of any Unitholder, Member, or Manager.


          Unit LedgerSECTION 2.9    INDEPENDENT NON-COMPETITIVE ACTIVITIES.
          "), which Unit Ledger shall, initially, read as set forth onExhibit A. The Unit Ledger shall from time to time be amended and supplemented in accordance with

                  Neither this Agreement sonor any activity under this Agreement shall prevent a Unitholder, Member, or Manager or any of their Affiliates, acting on their own behalf, from engaging in whatever activities they choose, unless the activities are competitive with the Company or the Company's Affiliates as determined by the Board. Activities, other than activities that it sets forthare competitive with the then-current listCompany, or the Company's Affiliates, may be undertaken by a Unitholder, Member, or Manager without having or incurring any obligation to: (1) offer any interest in the activities to the Company or any other Unitholder or Member; or (2) require the Unitholder, Member, or Manager undertaking the activity to allow the Company, the Company's Affiliates, or other Unitholders, Members, Managers, or their Affiliates to participate in any of those activities. As a material part of the consideration for becoming a Unitholder, Member, or Manager, each Unitholder, Member, or Manager shall not have any right or claim of participation in another Unitholder's, Member's or Manager's activities.




          SECTION 2.10    LIMITED LIABILITY.

                  Except as otherwise expressly provided by the Act, this Agreement, or agreed to under another written agreement, the debts, obligations, and liabilities of the Company, whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise, are solely the debts, obligations, and liabilities of the Company, and a Unitholder, Member, or Manager of the Company is not obligated personally for any debt, obligation, or liability of the Company solely by reason of being a Unitholder or Member or by acting as a Manager of the Company. The failure of the Company to observe any formalities or requirements relating to the exercise of its powers or management of its business or affairs under this Agreement or the Act shall not be grounds for imposing liability on the Unitholders, Members, andor Managers for any debt, obligation, or liability of the numberCompany.


          SECTION 2.11    MEMBERS AND UNITHOLDERS BOUND WITHOUT EXECUTION.

                  A Member or Unitholder who has Interests in the Company shall be bound by this Agreement without the necessity of Units held by such Member.executing a physical copy of this Agreement.


          ARTICLE 3.
          UNITS, UNITHOLDERS, FINANCIAL RIGHTS

          SECTION 3.1    RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF UNITHOLDERS.

                  The respective rights and obligations of the Unitholders will be determined pursuant to the Act and this Agreement. To the extent that any right or obligation of any Unitholder is different by reason of any provision of this Agreement than it would be in the absence of that provision, this Agreement, to the extent permitted by the Act, will control.


          SECTION 3.2    UNITS.

          (a)    Member    Unitholder Interests and Units.    The Interests of the Members shallUnitholders will be divided into one or more classes ("Classes"Classes"), with the initial Class designated as Class A, and with subsequent Classes hereafteras may be established by the Board to be designated as Class B, Class C and sequentially lettered thereafter.lettered. Interests within each Class shallwill be divided into units (the "Units""Units") designated as Class A Units (with respect to Class A), Class B Units (with respect to Class B), Class C Units (with respect to Class C), and sequentially lettered thereafter.lettered. With respect to the Class B and subsequent Classes of Units, the Board of Managers without Member approval is hereby granted the express authority, from time to time, by resolution and without the necessity of approval by the Members,conforming amendments to this Agreement, to fix and establish the designations, powers, preferences, and governance and veto rights including Member voting rights and other rights to appoint or elect Managers to the Board, qualifications, limitations or restrictions of each such additional Class of Units (and the corresponding obligation to fix and establish suchthese designations, powers, preferences, votinggovernance and other rights, qualifications, limitationlimitations and restrictionrestrictions whenever any such additional Class is established). SuchThe power of the Board shall extendextends to and shall includeincludes the express authority to create Classes and issue Classes of Units, (without the need forwithout Member approval)approval, which have terms granting suchthe additional Class and the Units (and the holders thereof)of the Units) rights, powers, preferences and privileges greater than the rights, powers, preferences and privileges associated with any previously established and designated Class or issued Units. The rights, powers, preferences and privileges are the same for all Units and the creation of any additional Classes shall have the effect of amendingwithin a Class except as expressly provided otherwise in this Agreement, (without the need for Member approval).

                  3.3    Minimum Required Holding.    Each Class A Member shall hold not less than 2,000 Class A Units. Each Member holding Units of any other Class shall hold such minimum numbers of Units of such other Class as may be stipulated in the designations governing the Class or Classes of Units helddesignation approved by such other Member.

                  3.4    Additional Members and Units.    Each Person who is entitled to receive Units as consideration in the Merger shall be issued such Units and admitted as a Member with no further action required on the part of the Board, of Managers.or the subscription or other agreement regarding the Units approved by the Board.

          (b)    Additional Units.    The Board of Managers may in its sole discretion, admit non-Members as Members of the Company (and in connection therewith issue Units to such Persons), or issue additional Units without Member approval, including Class A Units, to existing Members in either caseor new Unitholders in exchange for such consideration (including, without limitation, past or future services), upon executionCapital Contributions as provided in Section 3.3(b).



          (c)    Adjustment of such documentsBooks and on such other termsRecords and conditions (including, without limitation, in the caseAmendment of Units issued to employees and consultants such vesting and forfeiture provisions) as the Board determines to be appropriate. Promptly followingthis Agreement.    Upon acceptance of Capital Contributions under Section 3.3, the issuance of additional Units, or any change in Unitholders or Members, the Board shall cause the books and records of the Company including an amendedand the Unit Ledger to be appropriately adjusted, and the Board shall amend this Agreement, without Member approval, to reflect the numberterms and Classconditions of the Capital Contributions and the issuance of Units, issued,including any Memberschanges to the percentages of allocations and Distributions to different Classes or additional Members holding such Units and the Capital Contribution per Unit, if any.Units.

                  3.5
              Capital Contributions.SECTION 3.3    CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS.

          (a)    By Unitholders Through the Merger.    Each Member'sPerson who becomes a Unitholder as a result of the Merger shall be deemed to have made a Capital Contribution consisting of the Person's share of the initial Gross Asset Value (as defined in Appendix E, Section 1.10) of any Property that is owned by the Company immediately after the effective time of the Merger. Each Person's share of the initial Gross Asset Value shall be determined by apportioning the aggregate initial Gross Asset Value entirely to the initial holders of Class A Units in proportion to Class A Units acquired by each Person in the Merger.

          (b)    By Unitholders For Additional Units.    Each Unitholder's Capital Contribution, if any, may be any consideration, whether in cash or in a form other than cash (including past or future services), upon execution of any documents and on any other terms and conditions (including, in the number and Classcase of Units issued to such Member, shall be as set forth in the writing pursuant to which such Units are issued to such Member. Any Capital Contributions in a form other than cash shall be effected by a written assignment or such other documentsemployees and consultants, any vesting and forfeiture provisions) as the Board of Managers shall direct. Anydetermines to be appropriate, without Member making a Capital Contribution in a form other than cash agrees from timeapproval.

          (c)    Additional Contributions Not Required.    A Unitholder is not obligated to time to do such further acts and execute such further documents as the Board may direct

          C-5



          to complete the Company's interest in such Capital Contribution. The Company may not require Members to make any additional Capital Contributions to the Company or to pay any assessment to the Company, other than the unpaid portion of a Unitholder's written agreement to make Capital Contributions. Units and their holders are not subject to any mandatory assessment, requests or demands for any reason.capital.


          SECTION 3.4    NO CERTIFICATE FOR UNITS.

                  The Units of the Company are not certificated Units unless otherwise determined by the Board. If the Board determines that the Units shall be certificated, the Board shall have the power and authority to make rules and regulations, not inconsistent with this Agreement or the Act, as the Board deems appropriate relating to the issuance, Transfer, conversion, and registration of certificates of the Company, including legend requirements or the appointment or designation of one or more transfer agents and one or more registrars. The Company may act as its own transfer agent and registrar.


          SECTION 3.5    UNIT LEDGER.

                  The Board shall prepare, amend, and supplement a Unit Ledger without approval of the Members that states the Unitholders and the Class and number of Units held by each Unitholder, the Capital Contribution of the Unitholder, and those Unitholders who are Members of each Class.


          SECTION 3.6    ALLOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTIONS.

          (a)    Voting.    Generally.    The provisions relating to allocations of Profits, Losses and other allocation items of profit and loss, and Distributions are provided in this Section 3.6 and Article 7; Appendix C as to Transfers; and in Article III, Article IV, and Article XII of Appendix E. The provisions of this Section 3.6 may be amended by the Board, without Member approval, to conform with Class designations under Section 3.2(a). Appendix E is attached and incorporated as part of this Agreement. Appendix E may be amended by the Board without Member approval.


          (b)    Distributions.    Distributions other than Liquidating Distributions will be made on a Class Percentage and then unitary basis in proportion to the Units held in any Class, subject to Section 3.6(a).

          (c)    Liquidating Distributions.    Liquidating Distributions will be made to the Unitholders in accordance with their positive Capital Account balances, subject to Section 3.6(a), after payment of any obligations.

          (d)    Offset.    The Company may offset any debts, liabilities, or amounts owed by a Unitholder to the Company in amounts and at times determined by the Board in their discretion against Distributions or other amounts owed or to be paid to a Unitholder.


          SECTION 3.7    UNITHOLDER CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS.

          (a)    Interests Are Personal Property.    The interests of a Unitholder (whether or not a Member) in the Company are personal property for all purposes.

          (b)    No Compensation or Reimbursement.    Except as otherwise provided in Section 3.3 of this Agreement, each Member shall be entitled to one (1) vote for each Class A Unit held by such Member and such additional voting rights as may be stipulated in the designations governing other Classes of Units held by such Member. Cumulative voting is not permitted.

                  3.7    Annual Meetings.    The Annual Meeting of the Members shall be held at such time and place as determined by the Board of Managers; provided however, that if an Annual Meeting has not been held within six (6) months after the end of each GAAP Fiscal Year of the Company, any Member may demand an Annual Meeting of the Members bya written demand to the Board of Managers.

                  3.8    Special Meetings.    Special meetings of the Members may be called by (a) the Board of Managers, (b) by Class A Members representing not less than thirty five percent (35%) of the total possible number of votes that may be cast with respect to Class A Units,agreement or (c) by Members holding Units of any other Class if and to the extent permitted by the designations governing such other Class. The business transacted at a special meeting of the Members is limited to the purposes stated in the notice of the meeting.

                  3.9    Notice of Meetings.    Written notice of each meeting of the Members, stating the date, time and place, and in the case of a special meeting, the purpose of the meeting, shall be given in writing at least fourteen (14) days and not more than sixty (60) days prior to the meeting to each Member at such Member's address of record. A Member may waive the notice of the meeting required under this Section 3.9. A written notice of waiver signed by the Member entitled to notice is effective whether given before, during or after the meeting. Attendance by a Member at a meeting is waiver of notice of that meeting, unless the Member objects at the beginning of the meeting to the transaction of business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened and thereafter does not participate in the meeting.

                  3.10    Quorum.    The presence (in person or by proxy or mail ballot) of Members holding at least fifty percent (50%) of the total possible number of votes that may be cast by Members is required for the transaction of business at a meeting of the Members.

                  3.11    Proxies; Mail Ballots.    Voting by proxy or by mail ballot shall be permitted on any matter if authorized by the Board of Managers.

                  3.12    Telephonic Meetings.    Ifpolicy approved by the Board of Managers, any regular or special meeting of the Members may be held by telephonic or electronic conference or any other means of communication through which the Members can simultaneously hear each other during the conference, if the same notice is given of the conference to each Member, and if the Members participating in the conference would be sufficient to constitute a quorum at a meeting. Participation in a telephonic, electronic, or other conference of such means constitutes presence at the meetingexcept for all purposes of this Agreement and the Act.

                  3.13    Limited Liability.    Exceptcompensation employees receive as otherwise provided by the Act, the debts, obligations and liabilitiesemployees of the Company, a Unitholder, whether arisingor not a Member, in contract, tortthe status as Unitholder or otherwise,Member shall be solely the debts, obligations and liabilitiesnot receive any salary, fee, or draw for services rendered to or on behalf of the Company and no Member or Indemnified Person shall not be obligated personallyreimbursed for any such debt, obligationexpenses incurred by the Unitholder or liabilityMember on behalf of the Company.

          (c)    Advances to Company.    A Unitholder or Affiliate of the Unitholder may, with the consent of the Board, lend or advance money to the Company. If any Unitholder or Affiliate of the Unitholder loans or advances money to the Company on its behalf, the amount of any loan or advance shall not be treated as a contribution to the capital of the Company solelybut shall be a debt due from the Company. The amount of the loan or advance by reasona lending Unitholder or Affiliate shall be repayable out of beingthe Company's cash and shall bear interest at a Memberrate agreed upon by the Board and the Unitholder. The Unitholders or Indemnified Person. All Persons dealing with the Company shall have recourse solelytheir Affiliates are not obligated to make any loan or advance to the assets of the Company for the payment of the debts, obligations or liabilities of the Company. In no event shall any Member be required to make up any deficit balance in such Member's Capital Account upon the liquidation of such Member's Interest or otherwise.

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                  3.14    Termination of Membership.(d)    A Member's Interest shall terminate and such Person shall cease to be a Member of the Company on and following the occurrence of any of the following events (each an "Event of Disassociation"):

                  A Person who has ceased to be a Member but who continues to hold Units shall be considered a non-member Unit holder only, and shall have no voting or other rights under the Act or this Agreement other than financial rights applicable to Members under Articles 4 and 5 of this Agreement. The Units held by such Unit holder shall be excluded in determining the aggregate number of Units with voting rights held by Members for all purposes of this Agreement. Notwithstanding that such Unit holder is no longer a Member, the Units in the hands of such Unit Holder shall continue to be subject to all the applicable provisions of this Agreement, including (without limitation) the restrictions on Transfer set forth in Article 10 of this Agreement.

                  In the event a Unit holder has ceased to be a Member pursuant to Section 3.14(d), such Unit holder shall be reinstated as a Member without any further action by the Members or the Board upon a showing to the Board that a Unit holder meets the minimum requirements required by Section 3.3 of this Agreement. In the event a Unit holder has ceased to be a Member pursuant to Section 3.14(d) or (e), the Company shall have the option, at its sole discretion, to purchase the Unit holder's Units at a price equal to eighty percent (80%) of the average trailing market price of such Units (as reasonably determined by the Board), measured over the six (6) month period immediately preceding the earliest time at which the Company became eligible to purchase such Units pursuant to this sentence.

                  3.15    Continuation of the Company.    The Company shall not be dissolved upon the occurrence of an Event of Disassociation or any other event which is deemed to terminate the continued membership of a Member. In such event, the Company's affairs shall not be required to be wound up and the Company shall continue without dissolution.

                  3.16No Return of Distributions of Capital.Distributions.    Except as required by law, no Member shall bea Unitholder (whether or not a Member) is not obligated by this Agreement to return any Distribution to the Company or pay the amount of any Distribution for the account of the Company or to any creditor of the Company; provided, however, that if any court of competent jurisdiction holds that, notwithstanding this Agreement, any MemberUnitholder is obligated to return or pay any part of any Distribution, suchthe obligation shallwill bind such Memberthe Unitholder alone and not any other Member or any Manager.Unitholder. The provisions of the immediately preceding sentence are solely for the benefit of the MembersUnitholders and shallwill not be construed as benefiting any third party. The amount of any Distribution returned to the Company by a MemberUnitholder or upon approval of the Board paid by a MemberUnitholder for the account of the Company or to a creditor of the Company shallwill be added to the account or accounts from which it was subtracted when it was distributed to such Member.the Unitholder.

                  3.17    No Management or Control.(e)    ExceptRedemption.    The Company, by resolution of the Board, may redeem the Units of a Class of a Unitholder that are not held by a Member of that Class. Unless otherwise provided by resolution of the Board, a Unitholder (whether or not a Member), or any transferee of a Unitholder, does not have a right to: demand, withdraw or receive a return of the Unitholder's (or transferee's) Capital Contributions or Capital Account; to require the purchase or redemption of the Unitholder's (or transferee's) Units or Interest; or to receive a Distribution in partial or complete redemption of the fair value of the Unitholder's Units or Interest in the Company, (except in all cases a redemption authorized by the resolution of the Board under this Section 3.7(e) or as expressly provided in Appendix E, Article XII, or Article 7 of this Agreement following a Dissolution Event), notwithstanding any provisions of the Act or any other provision of law. The other Unitholders and the Company do not have any obligation to purchase or redeem the Units or Interest of any Unitholder or transferee. Each



          Unitholder (whether or not a Member) as a condition of becoming a Unitholder has no right, to receive a Distribution in partial or complete redemption of the fair value of the Units or Interest of any Unitholder upon an Event of Disassociation or otherwise which, in the absence of the provisions in this Agreement, or in the designations covering any Class of Units other than Class A, no Member (in such Member's capacity as such) shall take part in or interfere in any manner with the managementit would otherwise be afforded by Section 18-604 of the businessAct or any other provision of the Act.

          (f)    Rights of Unitholders Who Are Not Members.    Unless admitted as a Member pursuant to Section 4.3, a Person who acquires Units, or a Person who holds Units and affairsceases to be a Member, has only the rights of

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          an "unadmitted assignee" and is only entitled to allocations and Distributions with respect to the Company orUnits in accordance with this Agreement, and does not have any right to any information or authority to act for or bindaccounting of the affairs of the Company, notwithstanding Section 18-402and is not entitled to inspect the books or records of the Act.Company, and does not have any of the rights of a Member under the Act or this Agreement. Units held by a Person who is not a Member are subject to the Transfer Restrictions.

                  3.18(g)    Specific Limitations.    No Member shallA Unitholder (whether or not a Member) does not have the right, power or powerauthority to: (a) withdraw or(1) reduce such Member'sthe Unitholder's Capital ContributionAccount, except as a result of the dissolution of the Company or as otherwise provided by law or in this Agreement; (b)(2) make voluntary Capital Contributions to the Company; (c)Company except when authorized by the Board; (3) bring an action for partition against the Company or any Company assets; (d)(4) cause the termination and dissolution of the Company, except as set forth in this Agreement; or (e) upon(5) require that any Distribution to the DistributionUnitholder be made in the form of its Capital Contribution require that property other than cash be distributedcash; (6) (in the Unitholder's capacity as a Unitholder or Member) take part in returnor interfere in any manner with the management of the business and affairs of the Company; (7) (in the Unitholder's capacity as a Unitholder or Member) act for its Capital Contribution. Each Member hereby irrevocably waives any such rights.

                  3.19    Contractual Appraisal Rights.    No Member shallor bind the Company notwithstanding Section 18-402 of the Act; and (8) have any contractual appraisal rights under Section 18-210 of the Act, andAct. Each Unitholder (whether or not a Member) by becoming a Unitholder shall have irrevocably waived each Member hereby irrevocably waives any such rights.of the rights contained in clauses (1) through (8) of this Section 3.7(g).

                  3.20
              Member Compensation; Expenses; Loans.SECTION 3.8    RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERS.

          (a)    Except as otherwise provided in a written agreementGeneral Restrictions.    The Board shall not approve, and the Company shall not recognize for any purpose, any purported Transfer of Units unless and until the Transfer Restrictions, consisting of the provisions of this Section and the Unit Transfer Policy, have been satisfied or the Board has by resolution specifically waived any unsatisfied provision, condition or restriction. A Transfer of Units approved by the Board that satisfies the provisions and conditions of Managers,the Transfer Restrictions (or if any unsatisfied condition is waived), shall be referred to in this Agreement as a "Permitted Transfer".

          (b)    Not Binding Until Entered in Company Books.    A Transfer of Units is not binding on the Company without the approval of the Board and not until the Transfer is entered in the books and records of the Company.

          (c)    Pledge of Units Allowed.    Notwithstanding the Transfer Restrictions, a Unitholder may pledge, grant a Lien on all or any portion of its Units as security for the payment of debt, provided that a subsequent foreclosure or transfer to the secured party in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise shall be considered a Transfer.

          (d)    Unless Permitted, Transfers Void.    A purported Transfer of Units that is not a Permitted Transfer is null and void and of no force or effect whatsoever; provided that, if the Company is required to recognize a Transfer that is not a Permitted Transfer (or if the Board, in its sole discretion, elects to recognize a Transfer that is not a Permitted Transfer), the Units Transferred shall be strictly limited to the transferor's rights to allocations and Distributions as provided by this Agreement with respect to the transferred Units, which allocations and Distributions may be applied or set off against (without limiting any other legal or equitable rights of the Company) to satisfy any debts, obligations, or liabilities for damages that the transferor or transferee of the Units may have to the Company.



          (e)    Indemnification of Company.    If a Transfer or attempted Transfer of Units is not a Permitted Transfer, the Unitholder and the prospective transferee engaging or attempting to engage in the Transfer is liable to and shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company and the other Unitholders from all cost, liability, and damage that the Company and any of the other Unitholders may incur (including incremental tax liabilities, lawyers' fees and expenses) as a result of the Transfer or attempted Transfer and efforts to prohibit the transfer or enforce the indemnity.

          (f)    Transferee Subject to Transfer Restrictions.    Units held by a transferee are subject to the Transfer Restrictions.

          (g)    Unit Transfer Policy.    The Unit Transfer Policy shall be consistent with this Agreement and impose conditions and restrictions on Transfers to: (1) preserve the tax status of the Company; (2) comply with state or federal securities laws; (3) require appropriate information from the transferor and transferee regarding the transfer; (4) require representations from the transferor and/or transferee regarding the Transfer; and (5) allow the Board to determine whether or not the transferee is a competitor of the Company or the Company's Affiliates. The Unit Transfer Policy also shall state the permitted method and conventions that shall be used in allocating Profits, Losses, and each item of Profits, and Losses and all other items attributable between the transferor and the transferee. The Unit Transfer Policy is attached as Appendix C, and incorporated as part of this Agreement. The Unit Transfer Policy may be amended by the Board without Member (in such Person'sapproval.


          ARTICLE 4.
          MEMBERS AND MEMBER VOTING

          SECTION 4.1    RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS.

          (a)    Authority.    The respective rights and obligations of Members will be determined pursuant to the Act and this Agreement. To the extent that the rights or obligations of any Member are different by reason of any provision of this Agreement than they would be in the absence of any provision of this Agreement, to the extent permitted by the Act, this Agreement shall control. A Member, other than a Member acting in his or her capacity as such) shall receive any salary, fee,an officer of the Board or drawan officer of the Company pursuant to delegated authority, does not have the power or authority to act for services rendered to or on behalf of the Company.Company, to bind the Company by any act, or to incur any expenditures on behalf of the Company, except with the prior consent of the Board.

          (b)    Access to Records.    The Company shall provide to a Member upon written request of the Member: (1) the Class and Number of Units held by the Member; (2) the percentage or share of annual Distributions to which the Member is entitled based upon the Units held by the Member; (3) the voting rights of the Member for each Class of Units held; (4) the most recent audited financial statements of the Company; and (5) copies or internet access to any annual, quarterly, and special reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Board shall prescribe the form and format in which the information in clauses (1) to (5) is transmitted to the Member. For all other information, upon the request of a Member for a proper purpose related to the Member's Interest as determined by the Board, the Board will allow the Member and its designated representatives or agents, upon at least ten (10) business days prior written notice to the Board and during reasonable business hours, to examine the Company's books and records to the extent required by the Act for the proper purpose at the Member's sole cost and expense. Each Member and Unitholder has an expectation of privacy that information about them or their Interests in the Company will not be shared with other Members for an improper purpose. The Member's request for information and right to inspect information is subject to any reasonable standards as may be established by the Board on a case by case basis or from time to time and the inspection rights will be restricted by the Board to protect the rights of other Members and the Company from damage by the requesting Member. The Board has the authority and shall restrict access to and protect Confidential Information of the Company in a manner consistent with this Section 4.1(b) and Section 4.1(c) as deemed appropriate by the Board.


          (c)    Nondisclosure.    Except as otherwise approved, permitted or contemplatedconsented to by orthe Board, all non-public information furnished to the Member pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise regarding the Company or its business that is not generally available to the public ("Confidential Information") will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed by the Member, or by any of the Member's agents, representatives or employees, in any manner, in whole or in part, except that: (1) a policyMember will be permitted to disclose Confidential Information to those of the Member's agents, representatives and employees who need to be familiar with the information in connection with the Member's investment in the Company and who are charged with an obligation of confidentiality and nondisclosure to other Persons; (2) a Member will be permitted to disclose Confidential Information to the Member's partners and equity holders so long as they agree to keep the information confidential on the terms set forth in this Agreement; (3) a Member will be permitted to disclose Confidential Information to the extent required by law, so long as the Member will have first provided the Company a reasonable opportunity to contest the necessity of disclosing the information; and (4) a Member will be permitted to disclose Confidential Information with prior written notice to the Company regarding the Persons and the nature of and restrictions on the Confidential Information to be disclosed, only to the Persons and to the extent necessary for the enforcement of any right of the Member arising under this Agreement.


          SECTION 4.2    MINIMUM REQUIRED UNIT HOLDING BY MEMBERS.

          (a)    Class A Members.    Class A Members must hold at least two thousand (2,000) Class A Units.

          (b)    Other Classes.    A Unitholder must hold the minimum number and Class of Units required for membership as stipulated in the designation of another Class.


          SECTION 4.3    ADMISSION OF MEMBERS.

          (a)    Members Through Merger.    Each Person who receives Units as consideration in the Merger and who satisfies the requirements of Section 4.2 is admitted as a Class A Member with no further action on the part of the Board, the Members, or the Company.

          (b)    Additional Members.    Additional Persons may, upon the approval of the Board, be admitted as Members of the Company with respect to any Class of Units: (1) by meeting the requirements for membership with respect to any Class under Section 4.2 and otherwise under this Agreement including any subscription and payment for Units as determined by the Board; (2) by submitting documents required by the Board to evaluate membership approval; and (3) by submitting an executed document approved by the Board agreeing to be bound by this Agreement. A Person is not admitted as a Member of any Class by the Board unless and until an officer of the Company, acting under authority from the Board, has countersigned the Person's application, subscription agreement, or other document required by the Board for admission as a Member of any Class. The Board in its sole discretion may refuse to admit any Person as a Member of any Class.

          (c)    Admission of Transferees as Members.    A transferee of Units will be admitted as a Member with respect to a Class of Units (if not already a Member) if: (1) the Transfer Restrictions are satisfied with respect to the applicable Transfer; (2) the requirements of Section 4.2 are satisfied with respect to the transferee and the Class of Units, (3) the Board approves the membership of the transferee (which approval may be granted, delayed, considered or withheld in the sole discretion of the Board); and (4) the transferee executes any instruments and satisfies any other requirements that the Board deems reasonably necessary or desirable for admission of the transferee as a Member. In the absence of satisfying the foregoing requirements, the transferee will be a non-member Unitholder with only the rights of an unadmitted assignee as provided in Section 3.7(f).




          SECTION 4.4    MEMBER VOTING.

          (a)    Voting Rights Restricted.    A Member does not have any voting rights except with respect to those matters requiring a Member vote or approval for: (1) the election and removal of Managers; (2) approval of certain mergers or consolidations as provided in Section 5.1(c); (3) approval of certain dispositions of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company under Section 5.1(c); (4) approval of the dissolution of the Company under Article 7; and (5) approval of certain amendments to this Agreement under Article 6, or as specifically provided for in this Agreement.

          (b)    Class A Member Voting Rights.    A Class A Member will be entitled to one (1) vote for each Class A Unit held by the Member. Cumulative voting of the votes for Class A Units is not permitted. A Member of any other Class will be entitled to any additional voting rights as may be stipulated in the designations governing other Classes of Units held.

          (c)    Voting Method for Classes.    Subject to the governance rights of the designation of any other Class of Units, Members shall vote by Class, and the Members shall take action by the affirmative vote of the majority of voting power of each Class authorized to vote as provided in this Agreement for: (1) approval of certain mergers or consolidations as provided in Section 5.1(c); (2) approval of certain dispositions of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company under Sections 5.1(c); (3) approval of dissolution of the Company under Article 7; and (4) approval of certain amendments of this Agreement under Article 6. In the election (or removal) of Managers noby the Members under Section 5.3(b), Members shall take action by the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of the Class or Classes electing (or removing) the Manager, present either in person, by proxy, or by mail ballot, at a duly held meeting of the Members at which a quorum is present for the transaction of business.

          (d)    Voting on Procedural and Other Matters.    Except for Class voting matters in Section 4.4(c), the Members shall take action at a Members meeting on procedural and other matters as determined by the Chair by the affirmative vote of the Members (each Member (in such Person's capacity as such)with one vote), without regard to the Class or the Units held, unless objected to by the majority of the voting power of any Class present at the meeting.


          SECTION 4.5    MEMBER MEETINGS.

          (a)    Place and Manner of Meeting.    All meetings of Members shall be reimbursedheld at a time and place, within or without the State of Delaware, as stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice. Presence in person, or by proxy or mail ballot, constitutes participation in a meeting, except where a person participates in the meeting for any expenses incurredthe express purpose of objecting to the transaction of business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully convened.

          (b)    Conduct of Meetings.    The meetings of the Members shall be presided over by such Memberthe Chair and shall be conducted in general accordance with the most recent edition ofRoberts' Rules of Order, or other rules and procedures as may be determined by the Board in its discretion. Resolutions to be voted on behalfby the Members shall be limited to those that have been approved by the Board for presentation to the Members and contained in the notice of the meeting.

          (c)    Annual Meeting.    The annual meeting of the Members shall be held on a date determined by the Board. Failure to hold the annual meeting at the designated time is not grounds for dissolution of the Company.



          law, the Board in its discretion may determine whether a special meeting request contains a proper purpose. If the Board determines the purpose is not proper, the Board shall notify the Person requesting the special meeting in writing of the reasons that the requestor's purpose was not proper, and may either revise the purpose and proceed with the procedures to call a special meeting or decline to call a special meeting until a proper purpose is requested.

          (e)    4.1    Allocations.Notice.    The Net ProfitsSecretary shall cause a written or printed notice, reviewed by the Company's legal counsel, stating the place, day and Net Losstime of the meeting and, in the case of a special meeting, the proper purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called. The notice shall be delivered not less than ten (10) nor more than sixty (60) days before the date of the meeting either personally or by mail, to each Member entitled to vote at the meeting. If mailed, the notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the Member at the Member's address as it appears on the records of the Company, with postage prepaid. If the purpose of the meeting is to consider any item requiring Class voting of Members under Section 4.4(c), the notice shall be in a form that is approved by the Board and shall state the purpose, identify the Manager if the purpose is removal, and a summary of the transaction to be considered or a verbatim statement of the amendment to be considered must accompany the notice.

          (f)    Quorum.    At any annual or special meeting of the Members, a quorum necessary for the transaction of business is present if: (1) when the Board has authorized the use of mail ballot or proxies, Members with twenty percent (20%) or more of the voting power are present; and (2) in any other case, Members with ten percent (10%) or more of the voting power are present. If a vote of more than one Class is required, the quorum requirement will be applied to the Members of each Class. The Members present at a duly organized meeting at which a quorum is present may transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the departure or withdrawal of Members leaving less than a quorum, provided however, if the question of a quorum is called and the Chair determines a quorum is not present, the meeting shall be adjourned. The registration of Members eligible to vote shall be verified by the Secretary and shall be reported in the minutes of the meeting.

          (g)    Record Date.    For the purpose of determining Members entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of Members or to make a determination of Members for any other proper purpose, the Board may designate a record date or provide that the record books shall be closed for a stated period not exceeding sixty (60) days. If the record books shall be closed for the purpose of determining Members entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of Members, the books shall be closed for a period not exceeding the period immediately preceding the meeting starting on the date when the notice is mailed or transmitted from the Company and the date of the meeting. In lieu of closing the record books, the Board may fix in advance a date as the record date for determination of Members. Unless otherwise determined by the Board, if the record books are not closed and a record date is not fixed for the determination of Members entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of Members, the date on which notice of the meeting is first mailed or transmitted from the Company, as the case may be, shall be the record date for the determination of Members. When a determination of Members entitled to vote at any meeting of Members has been made as provided in this Section, the determination applies to the reconvening of an adjournment, except where the determination has been made through the closing of record books and the stated period of closing has expired.

          (h)    Ballots; Proxies.    If and to the extent authorized by the Board, a Member may vote at a meeting of Members by alternative ballot (mail or otherwise) or by proxy granted by the Member or by the Member's duly authorized attorney-in-fact. If authorized by the Board, a proxy may be granted in writing, by means of electronic transmission, or as otherwise permitted by applicable law. A proxy shall be filed with the Secretary of the Company before the meeting is convened, as determined by the Board. A proxy shall be considered filed with the Company when received by the Company at its executive offices or other place designated by the Board, unless later revoked. A proxy is not valid after eleven months from the date of its execution, unless otherwise provided in the proxy. A proxy is



          revocable at the discretion of the Member executing the proxy. While the right to vote can be exercised by proxy, only a Member has the right to be recognized in a meeting of the Members unless otherwise determined by the Chair in the Chair's sole discretion.


          SECTION 4.6    TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP.

          (a)    Termination Events.    Membership as to any Class may be terminated by the Board upon a determination by the Board that the requirements to be a Member of that Class are not met. Membership in the Company (membership in all Classes) is terminated if any of the following events occur (any of the events are referred to as an "Event of Disassociation"):

          (b)    Company's Right of Redemption.    Upon membership termination under clauses (1), (4) or (5) in Section 4.6(a), the Company may, at its option purchase the terminated Member's Units at eighty percent (80%) of the trailing sale price of the Units (as reasonably determined by the Board), measured over the six (6) month period immediately preceding the date the Board determines by resolution to purchase the terminated Member's Units. The Company may exercise the right to purchase the terminated Member's Units at any time after the membership termination. The Board by resolution may waive the Company's right to purchase the terminated Member's Units.


          SECTION 4.7    RESIGNATION.

                  A Member may resign as a Member of any Class or all Classes at any time. A resignation must be made in writing delivered to the Secretary of the Company, and any itemswill take effect at the time specified in the resignation or, if no time is specified, upon receipt. The acceptance of income, gain, deduction or loss that are specially allocated in any fiscal period shalla resignation will not be allocated among the Members asnecessary to make it effective, unless expressly so provided in Article 5.

                  4.2    Capital Accounts.    A separate account (eachthe resignation. The resignation as a "Capital Account") shall be established and maintained for each Member which:

          (d)    Duty to the Company.    The Board shall cause the Company to conduct its business and operations separate and apart from that of any Member, Manager, or any of their Affiliates. The Board shall take all actions which may be maintainednecessary or appropriate: (1) for the continuation of the Company's valid existence as a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Delaware and each other jurisdiction in which the existence is necessary to protect the limited liability of Members and Unitholders or to enable the Company to conduct the business in which it is engaged; and (2) for the accomplishment of the Company's purposes, including the acquisition, development, maintenance, preservation, and operation of Company property in accordance with the provisions of Section 704(b)this Agreement and applicable laws and regulations. Each Manager shall have the duty to discharge the foregoing duties in good faith, in a manner the Manager reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the CodeCompany, and with the care an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would exercise under similar circumstances. A Manager is not under any other duty to the Company or the Members to conduct the affairs of the Company in a particular manner.


          (e)    Duty of Care and Loyalty.    Without limiting the applicability of Section 5.1(d) or any other provision of this Agreement, the following provisions will be applicable to the Board and to the Managers in their capacity as Managers:


          SECTION 5.2    ACTIONS BY BOARD; COMMITTEES; RELIANCE ON AUTHORITY.

                  4.3    Revaluations of Assets and Capital Account Adjustments.(a)    Unless otherwise determinedBoard Action.    In taking any action under this Agreement, the Managers shall act: (1) collectively through meetings of the Board held and conducted pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement or by written action taken pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement; (2) through committees established pursuant to Section 5.2(b); and (3) through officers of the Board, and through the CEO by resolutions of delegated and reserved authorities and employment agreement. The Board shall take action by the affirmative vote of the Managers present at a duly held meeting of the Board at which a quorum is present.

          (b)    Committees.    The Board, by resolution approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Managers then holding office, may from time to time establish one or more committees, each of which shall be comprised of one or more natural persons who may but need not be Managers or Members, provided that a majority of committee members on each committee must be a Manager or Member. Any committee shall have and may only exercise the authority and duties to the extent provided by the Board of Managers, immediately precedingin the issuance of additional Unitsresolution establishing the committee, subject at all times to the limitations set forth in exchange for cash, property or servicesthe Act, this Agreement and to a new or existing Memberthe direction and upon the redemptioncontrol of the InterestBoard. Unless otherwise provided by the Board, the presence of a Member,majority of the then prevailing Asset Valuesmembers of the committee constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business at a meeting of the committee, and the committee shall act by the affirmative vote of a majority of committee members present at a duly held meeting. In other matters of procedure the provisions of this Agreement shall apply to committees and their members to the same extent they apply to the Board and Managers, including the provisions with respect to meetings and notice, absent members, written actions, and valid acts. Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its proceedings and report the same to the Board. The Board may dissolve any committee at any time.

          (c)    Reliance on Authority.    A Person dealing with the Company, may rely on the authority of an officer of the Board or an officer of the Company in taking an action in the name of the Company without inquiry into the provisions of this Agreement or compliance with this Agreement, regardless of whether the action is actually taken in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, unless the Person dealing with the Company has actual knowledge that the officer lacks authority to act or the Act establishes that the officer lacks authority to act.


          SECTION 5.3    THE BOARD.

          (a)    Manager Election and Appointment.    The Board shall consist of individuals appointed or elected under this Section ("Managers") who are the "managers" of the Company for all purposes under the Act. Managers shall be adjusted to equal their respective gross fair market values, as determined in good faithappointed by the Board and any increaseMembers and elected by the Members at the times, in the net equity valuemanner, and for the terms as prescribed by this Agreement. At least five (5) Managers shall be elected by the Members. The initial Managers comprising the initial Board, who shall serve in the manner and as prescribed by this Agreement consists of the Company (Asset Values less liabilities) shall be credited to the Capital Accounts of the Membersindividuals, terms, and


          classification as provided in the same mannerBoard attached as Net Profits are credited under Section 5.5.2 (or any decrease in the net equity value of the Company shall be charged in the same mannerAppendix D and incorporated as Net Losses are charged under Section 5.5.3). Accordingly, as of the date of issuance of additional Units or the redemption of all or a portion of a Member's Interest in the Company, the Capital Accounts of Members will reflect both

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          realized and unrealized gains and losses through such date and the net fair market value of the equity of the Company as of such date.

                  4.4    Additional Capital Account Adjustments.    Any income of the Company that is exempt from federal income tax shall be credited to the Capital Accounts of the Members in the same manner as Net Profits are credited under Section 5.5.2 when such income is realized. Any expenses or expenditures of the Company which may neither be deducted nor capitalized for tax purposes (or are so treated for tax purposes) shall be charged to the Capital Accounts of the Members in the same manner as Net Losses are charged under Section 5.5.3. If the Company is subject to an election under Section 754 of the Code to provide a special basis adjustment upon the transfer of an Interest in the Company or the distribution of property by the Company, Capital Accounts shall be adjusted to the limited extent required by the Regulations under Section 704 of the Code following such transfer or distribution.

                  4.5    Additional Capital Account Provisions.    No Member shall have the right to demand a return of all or any part of such Member's Capital Contributions. Any return of the Capital Contributions of any Member shall be made solely from the assets of the Company and only in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. No interestThe Board may appoint Advisory Managers as provided in Section 5.3(d). The Board or Members may appoint or elect Managers as provided in any Class designation as provided in Section 3.2(a). Other than the initial appointment (which may only be for a term that ends with the next election of Managers by the Members), Managers and Advisory Managers appointed by the Board or Members shall have one year terms beginning and ending at the Annual Members meeting, Managers and Advisory Managers appointed by Members, shall be paidappointed by Members at the Annual Meeting of Members, and for Managers and Advisory Managers appointed by the Board, shall be appointed by the Board within 30 days after the Annual Meeting of Members. The Board may adopt written procedures for determining the qualification and nomination of Directors. The Board, without Member approval, shall amend Appendix D to comply with any Member with respect to such Member's Capital Contributions or Capital Account. In the event that all or a portionchange in Managers. For purposes of the Units of a Member are transferred in accordance with this Agreement, the transferee of such Units shall also succeed to all or the relevant portion of the Capital Account of the transferor. Units held by a Member may not be transferred independently of the Interest to which the Units relate.

                  5.1    Distributions.    The Board ofinitial Managers may make Distributions to the Members in such amounts and at such times as the Board of Managers may determine in its sole discretion. Distributions shall be made only after allocating the Net Profit or Net Loss of the Company through the date of the Distribution, and shall be made in proportion to the Capital Accounts of the Members.

                  5.2    No Violation.    Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Company shall not make a Distribution to any Member on account of such Member's Interest in the Company if such Distribution would violate Section 18-607 of the Act or other applicable law.

                  5.3    Withholdings.    All amounts withheld pursuant to the Code or any federal, state, local or foreign tax law with respect to any payment, distribution or allocation to the Company) shall be treated as amounts paid to the Company. The Board of Managers is authorized to withhold from Distributions to Members, or with respect to allocations to Members and in each case to pay over to the appropriate federal, state, local or foreign government any amounts required to be so withheld. The Board shall allocate any such amounts to the Members in respect of whose Distribution or allocation the tax was withheld and shall treat such amounts as actually distributed to such Members.

                  5.4    Property Distributions and Installment Sales.    If any assets of the Company shall be distributed in kind pursuant to this Article 5, such assets shall be distributed to the Members entitled thereto in the same proportions as the Members would have been entitled to cash Distributions. The amount by which the fair market value of any property to be distributed in kind to the Members exceeds or is less than the then prevailing Asset Value of such property shall, to the extent not otherwise recognized by the Company, be taken into account in determining Net Profit and Net Loss and determining the Capital Accounts of the Members as if such property had been sold at its fair market value immediately prior to such Distribution. If any assets are sold in transactions in which, by reason of Section 453 of the Code, gain is realized but not recognized, such gain shall be taken into account when realized in computing gain or loss of the Company for purposes of allocation of Net Profit or Net Loss under this Article 5 and, if such sales shall involve substantially all the assets of the Company, the

          C-9



          CompanyAppendix D shall be deemed to have been dissolved and terminated notwithstanding any election by the Members to continue the Company for purposes of collecting the proceeds of such sales.

                  5.5    Net Profit or Net Loss.

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                  5.6    Regulatory Allocations.    Although the Members do not anticipate that events will arise that will require application of this Section 5.6, provisions governing the allocation of taxable income, gain, loss, deduction and credit (and items thereof) are included in this Agreement as may be necessary to provide that the Company's allocation provisions contain a so-called "Qualified Income Offset" and comply with all provisions relating to the allocation of so-called "Nonrecourse Deductions" and "Member Nonrecourse Deductions" and the chargeback thereof as set forth in the Regulations under Section 704(b) of the Code (the "Regulatory Allocations"); provided, however, that the Members intend that all Regulatory Allocations that may be required shall be offset by other Regulatory Allocations or special allocations of items so that each Member's share of the Net Profit, Net Loss and capital of the Company will be the same as it would have been had the events requiring the Regulatory Allocations not occurred. For this purpose the Board of Managers, based on the advice of the Company's auditors or tax counsel, is hereby authorized to make such special curative allocations of tax items as may be necessary to minimize or eliminate any economic distortions that may result from any required Regulatory Allocations.

                  5.7    Tax Allocations: Code Section 704(c) and Unrealized Appreciation or Depreciation.

                  6.1    Board of Managers.    The businessterms of the Company shall be managed by the Board of Managers, and the Persons constituting the Board ofinitial Managers shall be the "managers"staggered as stated on Appendix D, with all subsequent terms for elected Managers to be for a period of the Company (the "Managers") for all purposes under the Act.three years. The Board shall initially be the individuals set forth in Section 6.2. Thereafter, the individuals constituting the Board shall be elected by the Members in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.3. Decisions of the Board shall be carried out by officers or agents ofadopt nomination, reporting, and other election procedures and policies for the Company designatedin its sole discretion and which may be amended or modified by the Board in the resolution in question or in one or more standing resolutions or with the power and authority to do so under Article 7.its sole discretion.

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                  6.2    Initial Managers.(c)    The initial Board of Managers of the Company shall consist of seven (7) persons. The initial Board of Managers, the members of which shall serve for such terms and in such manner as prescribed by this Article 6, are the following Persons:

          Manager Name:

          Term Expires:
          Mark Chan2004
          Brad Petersburg2004
          Thomas Jacobs2005
          Jeff Woodley2005
          Marvin Breitkreutz2006
          Chris Edgington2006
          Randy Tauer2006

                  6.3    Number and Election of Managers.Number.    The Board of Managers shall consist of not less than five (5) Managers withelected by the exact number to be establishedMembers. The Board by resolution may establish additional Managers elected by the Members. The designations for any Class under Section 3.2(a) may establish additional Managers on the Board elected by the Members or appointed by the Board from timeor by one or more Members. At each Annual Meeting of the Members, elections will be held to time.fill all vacancies on the Board for elected Managers.

          (d)    Advisory Managers.    The Board may also appoint Advisory Managers"Advisory Managers" (who may be invited by the Board to serve the Board in an advisory capacity and attend meetings of the Board, but who shallwill not be members of the Board or "Managers" as such term is used in this Agreement or the Act and who shallwill have no voting rights)rights on the Board). At each Annual Meeting

          (e)    Independent Non-Competitive Activities.    A Manager is only required to devote the time to the affairs of the Members, electionsCompany as are necessary to govern the business and affairs of the Company in accordance with this Agreement, and shall be heldfree to fill all vacancies onserve any other Business Entity or enterprise in any capacity that the BoardManager deems appropriate in his or her discretion, provided that the other Business Entity or enterprise or one of Managers. Managers shall be elected for staggered terms of three (3) years and untiltheir Affiliates is not a successor is elected and qualified.

                  6.4    Voting and Actcompetitor of the Board; Action Without a Meeting.    Each Manager shall haveCompany or one vote on the Board of Managers. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the Board of Managers shall take action by the affirmative vote of a majority of Managers present at a duly held meeting at which a quorum is present, and references in this Agreement to actions by the Board shall be read accordingly. Any action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the Board of Managers may be takenCompany's Affiliates as determined by written action signed by all of the Managers comprising the Board and such writing or writings shall be filed with the records of the meetings of the Board. Such written actions shall be treated for all purposes as the act of the Board.

                  6.5    Resignation.(f)    AnyResignation.    A Manager may resign at any time. SuchThe resignation shallmust be made in writing and shall take effect at the time specified thereinin the written resignation or, if noa time beis not specified then at the time of its receipt by the Chairman of the Board of ManagersChair or the Secretary of the Company. The acceptance of a resignation shallis not be necessary to make it effective, unless expressly so provided in the written resignation.

                  6.6    Removal of Managers.(g)    The Board of Managers or any individualRemoval.    A Manager elected by the Members may be removed from office, with cause,for any reason at any special meeting of Members by the affirmative vote of Members holding Units representing not less than athe majority of the total possible numbervoting power of votes thatthe class of Members who elected the Manager. A Manager appointed by one or more Members pursuant to a Class designation may be castremoved at any time by the appointing Member or Members or as otherwise provided in the Class designation. A Manager appointed by the Board may be removed by the affirmative majority vote of the Managers excluding the Manager to be removed. A Manager elected or appointed by the Members may be removed at any special meeting of the Board by the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Managers who are not subject to removal for an act or failure to act in a manner that constitutes any of the following: (1) a willful failure to deal fairly with respectthe Company or its



          Members in connection with a matter in which the Manager or officer has a material conflict of interest; (2) a violation of criminal law, unless the Board determines the Manager had reasonable cause to Units with voting rights. Inbelieve that the eventManager's or officer's conduct was lawful or no reasonable cause to believe that the conduct was unlawful; (3) a transaction from which the Manager is so removed, successor Managersderived an improper personal profit; or (4) willful misconduct. The notice of the meeting shall be elected atstate that the same meeting. Notice of a meeting at which any Membersremoval will be voting to remove a director must state removal of directors as an item to be voteddiscussed and acted upon at the meeting, and must also be provided to the Manager in question at least 10 days in advance of the meeting. The Manager in question has a right to be heard at the meeting.

                  6.7    Vacancies.(h)    AnyVacancies.    A vacancy occurring on the Board (whether by reason of Managers shall be filled by the remaining Managers (until the next scheduled meeting of the Members). The Board shall have and may exercise all its powers notwithstanding the existence of one or more vacancies on the Board, subject to any requirements of law or of this Agreement as toan increase in the number of Managers requiredor by reason of a vacancy in an existing Manager seat) may be filled by appointment through an affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining Managers, though less than a quorum. A Manager appointed by the Board to fill a vacancy for an elected Manager shall serve until a quorumsuccessor is elected and qualified at the next annual or special meeting of the Members held for any votethe purpose of electing Managers. At the next annual meeting or other action.special meeting of the Members called for the purpose of electing a Manager, the Members shall elect a Manager to fill the unexpired term of the vacant Manager's position.

                  6.8
          SECTION 5.4    BOARD MEETINGS.

          (a)    Meetings.    Regular meetings of the Board of Managers shall be held from time to time as determined by the Board of Managers.Board. Special meetings of the Board shall be held upon the call of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive OfficerChair or twothree (3) or more Managers. Board meetings shall be held at the principal office of the Company or at such otheranother place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as shall be designated by the person calling the meeting and stated in the notice of the

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          meeting or a duly executed waiver of notice of the meeting. Managers may participate in a Board of Managers meeting by means of video or audio conferencing or similar communications equipment whereby all Managers participating in the meeting can hear each other.

          (b)    6.9Notice.    Notice of each meeting of the Board, of Managers, in writing or by electronic mail, stating the place, day and hour of the meeting, shall be given to each Manager at least five (5) businessthree (3) days before the day on which the meeting is to be held. The notice may be given orally, in writing, by facsimile transmission, by electronic mail or by any other form or means of communication that provides reasonable assurances of effective communication. Except as expressly required in this Agreement, the notice or waiver of notice of any special or regular meeting of the Board of Managersdoes not need notto specify the business to be transacted or the purpose of the meeting.

          (c)    6.10Waiver.    Whenever anya notice is required to be given to a Manager under the provisions of this Agreement, a waiver thereofof the notice in writing signed by the Manager, whether before or after the meeting time stated therein,in the notice, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of suchthe notice. Attendance of a Manager at anya meeting of the Board of Managers shall constituteconstitutes a waiver of notice of suchthe meeting by the Manager, except where the Manager attends a meeting for the express purpose of stating anhis or her objection to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

                  6.11    Quorum.(d)    Not less than halfQuorum.    One-half of the Managers then in office shall constitute a quorum necessary for the transaction of business at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Managers.Board. If less than a quorum is present, those Managers present may adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum shall be present.

          (e)    6.12Voting and Act of the Board.    Each Manager has one (1) vote, without regard to the Class or Classes of Members that elected or appointed the Manager, unless otherwise provided in a Class designation. The Board shall take action by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Managers present at a duly held meeting at which a quorum is present. Provided that a quorum is present, there is no requirement that any action of the Board be approved by Managers elected or appointed by a certain Class of Members, unless otherwise provided in a Class designation.



          (f)    Action Without a Meeting.    An action required or permitted to be taken at a meeting of the Board may be taken by written action signed by the Managers with a majority of the voting power of the Managers comprising the Board, unless this Agreement prescribes a greater Manager approval for the action to be taken.

          (g)    Compensation.    The Board of Managers may fix the compensation, if any, of Managers who are not employees of the Company.Managers. Managers shall also be entitled to reimbursement for actual expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board or in connection withconducting other business of the Company.

                  6.13
              AuthoritySECTION 5.5    OFFICERS.

          (a)    Qualification; Election.    Officers of the Board, and the CEO must be natural persons, and shall be elected or appointed by the Board. The officers of Managers.the Company shall consist of the following persons:

          (b)    Bonds and Insurance.    The Board may require all officers, agents and employees charged by this Company with responsibility for the custody of Managersits funds or property to give bonds. Bonds shall havebe furnished by a responsible bonding company and approved by the exclusive powerBoard, and authoritythe cost shall be paid by the Company. The Board shall cause the Company to manageprovide for insurance of the business and affairsproperty of the Company, or property which may be in the possession of the Company and to make all decisions with respect thereto, including (without limitation) the power and authority to establish the terms of and to issue additional Classes of Units as provided in Section 3.2 and the power and authority to issue and grant options, warrants or other contractual rights for the purchase of any Class of Units. Except asnot otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the Board or Persons designatedadequately insured by the Board, including (without limitation) officers and agents appointed by the Board, shall be the only Persons authorized to execute documents which shall be binding on the Company. To the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, but subject to any specific provisions of this Agreement granting rights to Members, the Board shall have the power to perform any acts, statutory or otherwise, with respect to the Company or this Agreement, which would otherwise be possessed by the Members under Delaware law, and the Members shall have no power whatsoever with respect to the managementowner of the business and affairs of the Company.

                  Notwithstanding the foregoing and notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement:

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                  6.14    Duties of Board of Managers.    Without limiting the applicability of any other provision of this Agreement, the following provisions shall be applicable to the Board of Managers and to the Managers in their capacity as such:

                  6.15    Interested Transactions.    To the fullest extent permitted by law, no member of the Board of Managers shall be deemed to have breached any duty of loyalty to the Company or the Members (and such member of the Board of Managers shall not be liable to the Company or to the Members for breach of any duty of loyalty or analogous duty) with respect to any action or inaction in connection with or relating to any transaction that was approved by a majority vote of disinterested Managers.

                  6.16    Reliance by Third Parties.    Any person or entity dealing with the Company or the Members may rely upon a certificate signed by a member of the Board of Managers as to: (a) the identity of the Members, (b) the existence or non-existence of any fact or facts which constitute a condition precedent to acts by Members or are in any other manner germane to the affairs of the Company, (c) the Persons which are authorized to execute and deliver any instrument or document of or on behalf of the Company, (d) the authorization of any action by or on behalf of the Company by the Board or any officer or agent acting on behalf of the Company or (e) any act or failure to act by the Company or as to any other matter whatsoever involving the Company or the Members.

                  7.1    Officers, Agents.    The Board of Managers by vote or resolution shall have the power to appoint officers and agents to act for the Company with such titles, if any, as the Board deems appropriate and to delegate to such officers or agents such of the powers as are granted to the Board hereunder, including (without limitation) the power to execute documents on behalf of the Company, as the Board may in its sole discretion determine;provided,however, that no such delegation byproperty. In addition, the Board shall cause the Persons constituting the Board of ManagersCompany to cease to be the "managers"provide for insurance covering liability of the Company withinto all employees and the meaningpublic, in a commercially reasonable amount as is customary for businesses similar to the Company.

          (c)    Term of Office.    An officer appointed by the Board, other than the CEO, shall hold office for a term of one year and until a successor is duly elected or appointed, unless prior to the end of the Act. The officers soterm the officer has resigned, deceased or has been removed from office.

          (d)    Removal and Vacancies.    Any officer elected or appointed by the Board may include persons holding titles such as Chairmanbe removed, with or without cause, at any time by a resolution of the Board; provided that the removal is subject to the termination procedures of any written employment agreement with the Company. A vacancy in an office of the Board of Managers, Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Controller and Secretary. Unlessor the authorityCEO shall be filled by a resolution of the Board. The CEO may remove any officer in questionappointed by the CEO. An officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Company. The resignation is limited oreffective without acceptance when the notice is given to the Company, unless a later effective date is specified in the document appointing such officer ornotice.

          (e)    Chief Executive Officer.    The CEO shall have direct and general charge and supervision of all business and administrative operations of the Company and all other duties, responsibilities, authorities and privileges as are set forth in such officer'sthe CEO's employment agreement, or is otherwise specified or limitedif any, as amended from time to time, in addition to those duties, responsibilities, authorities and privileges as are delegated to the CEO by the Board any officer so appointed shall have the same authority to act for the Company asby resolution, or that a corresponding officerCEO of a Delaware corporation would have to act forin respect of a Delaware corporation in the absence of a specific delegation of authoritythe duties, responsibilities, authorities and as more specifically set forthprivileges. The CEO may be an officer of any Business Entity in this Article 7;provided,however, that without the required consent, no officer shall take any action for which the consent of Members is required pursuant to Section 6.13.

                  7.2    Election.Company owns an interest. The officersCEO shall also perform other duties that may be electedassigned by the Board to the extent consistent with this Agreement and the CEO's employment agreement, if any, as amended from time to time.


          (f)    Duties of Managers atOther Officers.    Unless provided otherwise by a resolution adopted by the Board, the officers of the Company, other than the CEO, shall have the duties as are customarily associated with their first meeting or at anyrespective offices and shall perform other time. At any time orduties as may from time to time the Board may delegate tobe prescribed by any officer their power to elect or appoint any other officer or any agents. Officers must be natural persons.

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                  7.3    Tenure.    Each officer shall hold office until his or her respective successor is chosen and qualified unless a different period shall have been specified by the terms of its election or appointment, or in each case until he or she sooner dies, resigns, is removed or becomes disqualified. Each agent shall retain his or her authority at the pleasure of the Board of Managers, orwhom the officer by whom he or she was appointed or by the officer who then holds agent appointive power.reports.

                  7.4    Vacancies.(g)    If the office of any officer becomes vacant, the Board of Managers may choose a successor. Each such successor shall hold office for the unexpired term, and until its successor is chosen and qualified or in each case until he or she sooner dies, resigns, is removed or becomes disqualified.

                  7.5    Resignation and Removal.    The Board of Managers may at any time remove any officer either with or without cause. The Board may at any time terminate or modify the authority of any agent. Any officer may resign at any time by delivering its resignation in writing to the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the Secretary or to a meeting of the Board. Such resignation shall be effective upon receipt unless specified to be effective at some other time, and without in either case the necessity of its being accepted unless the resignation shall so state.

                  7.6    Compensation.    Officers shall receive such compensation as may be determined from time to time by resolution of the Board of Managers or as otherwise provided in a written employment agreement.

                  7.7Delegation.    Unless prohibited by a resolution of the Board, of Managers, an officer elected or appointed by the Board may delegate in writing some or all of the duties and powers of suchthe person's management position to other persons. An officer who delegates the duties or powers of an office remains subject to the standard of conduct for an officer with respect to the discharge of all duties and powers so delegated.

                  8.1    Required Records.(a)    The books and recordsLiability Limitation.    A Manager or officer of the Company is not personally liable to the Company or its Members for monetary damages for a breach of fiduciary duty by the Manager or officer; provided that this provision does not eliminate or limit the liability of a Manager or officer for an act or failure to act in a manner that constitutes any of the following: (1) a willful failure to deal fairly with the Company or its Members in connection with a matter in which the Manager or officer has a material conflict of interest; (2) a violation of criminal law, unless the Manager had reasonable cause to believe that the Manager's or officer's conduct was lawful and had no reasonable cause to believe that the conduct was unlawful; (3) a transaction from which the Manager derived an improper personal benefit or profit; or (4) willful misconduct.

          (b)    Indemnification.    To the fullest extent permitted or required by law, the Company, its receiver, or its trustee (in the case of its receiver or trustee, to the extent of Company Property) shall reflectindemnify, defend, save harmless, and pay all judgments and claims against, and reasonable expenses of, each present and former Manager or officer relating to any liability or damage or reasonable expenses incurred with respect to a proceeding if the Manager or officer (or former Manager or officer) was a party to the proceeding as a result of or in connection with (1) his or her capacity as a Manager or officer of the Company (which reasonable expenses including reasonable attorneys' fees may be paid as incurred); or (2) his or her service of any other Person at the request of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, the Company shall not indemnify, defend, save harmless, or pay any portion of any judgments or claims against, or any expenses of, a Manager or officer (or former Manager or officer) under the foregoing provisions where the judgments and claims or proceedings arise out of or are related to an act or failure to act of the Manager or officer in a manner that constitutes any of the following: (1) a willful failure to deal fairly with the Company or its Members in connection with a matter in which the Manager or officer has a material conflict of interest; (2) a violation of criminal law, unless the Manager or officer had reasonable cause to believe that the Manager's conduct was lawful or no reasonable cause to believe that the conduct was unlawful; (3) a transaction from which the Manager or officer derived an improper personal profit; or (4) willful misconduct.

          (c)    Insurance.    The Company may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of a person in the person's official capacity against any liability or expense asserted against or incurred by the person in or arising from that capacity, whether or not the Company would be required to indemnify the person against the liability.


          SECTION 5.7.    CONTRACTS WITH MANAGERS OR THEIR AFFILIATES.

                  A contract or transaction between the Company or an Affiliate of the Company and a Manager or the Manager's Affiliate or between the Company and the Company's transactionsAffiliate and shall be appropriateany other entity in which a Manager or the Manager's Affiliate has a material financial interest, is not void or voidable and adequatedoes not require the Manager to account to the Company and hold as trustee for the Company's business. The Company shall maintain



          any profit or benefit derived from the contract or transaction solely for this reason, or solely because the Manager is present at its principal office or such other office asparticipates in the Board meeting at which the contract or transaction is authorized, if: (1) the material facts of Managers shall determinethe Manager's material financial interest are disclosed to the Board; and (2) the contract or transaction is authorized or approved by two-thirds of all of the following:

                  8.2    Examination of Records.(b)    Upon the request of any Member for any purpose related to such Member's Interest, the Board of Managers shall allow the Member and its designated representatives or agents, upon at least five (5) business days prior written notice to the Board and during reasonable business hours, to examine the Company's books and records for such purpose at the Member's soleAmendments By Board.

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          cost and expense. The foregoing rights shall be subject to such reasonable standards as    This Agreement may be establishedamended by the Board, without Member approval, to the extent provided in: Section 2.4 for the Principal Place of Managers from timeBusiness; Section 2.6(c) for the Agent for Service of Process; Section 3.2(a), 3.2(b) and Section 3.2(c) for designations of Classes and issuance of Units; Section 3.6 as to time.Class designations under Section 3.2(a) and Appendix E; Section 3.8(g) for the Unit Transfer Policy; Section 5.3(a) as to the change in Managers; and Section 7.2 as to liquidating Distributions conforming to Class designations under Section 3.2(a) and Appendix E which includes the authority of the Board to amend Appendices A, B, C, D, and E without Member approval.

          (c)    Amendments Of Sections By Specified Percentage.    A provision of this Agreement that requires the approval or consent of a specified percentage or number in interest of the Members or any Class of Members may not be amended without the affirmative vote of Members holding at least the specified percentage or number of voting rights of all of the Members or of the specified Class.

          (d)    Amendment Of This Section.    This Section shall not be amended without the approval or consent of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the voting power of Members holding each Class of Units.

                  8.3
              Accounting; Fiscal Year.ARTICLE 7.
          DISSOLUTION AND WINDING UP

          SECTION 7.1    DISSOLUTION COMMENCEMENT.

          (a)    Dissolution Event.    The Company shall use the accrual method of accounting in preparing its financial reports and for tax purposesdissolve and shall keep its bookscommence winding up and records accordingly. The Boardliquidating upon the first to occur of Managers may, without any further consenteither of the Members (except as specifically required byfollowing (each a "Dissolution Event"): (1) the Code), apply for Internal Revenue Service consent to, and otherwise effect, a change in the Fiscal Year.

                  8.4    Books and Records; Reports.    The books and records of the Company shall be kept, and the financial position and the results of its operations recorded, in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied, provided, that the financial provisions in this Agreement relating to Capital Contributions, Profits and Losses, Distributions and Capital Accounts shall be construed and determined in accordance with this Agreement without regard to whether such provisions are consistent with GAAP. The Chief Financial Officer of the Company shall be responsible for causing the preparation of financial reports of the Company and the coordination of financial matters of the Company with the Company's accountants. The Board of Managers shall cause to be delivered promptly to Members such information that is required by law to be provided to the Members.

                  8.5    Filings.    At the Company's expense, the Board of Managers shall cause the income tax returns for the Company to be prepared and timely filed with the appropriate authorities and to have prepared and to furnish to each Member such information with respect to the Company (including, without limitation, a Schedule setting forth such Member's distributive share of the Company's income, gain, loss, deduction and credit as determined for federal income tax purposes) as is necessary to enable such Member to prepare such Member's federal and state income tax returns. The Board of Managers, at the Company's expense, shall also cause to be prepared and timely filed, with appropriate federal and state regulatory and administrative authorities, all reports required to be filed by the Company with those authorities under then current applicable laws, rules and regulations.

                  8.6    Non-Disclosure.    Each Member agrees that, except as otherwise consented to by the Board of Managers, all non-public information furnished to such Member pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise regarding the Company or its business that is not generally available to the public ("Confidential Information") will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed by such Member, or by any of such Member's agents, representatives or employees, in any manner, in whole or in part, except that (a) each Member shall be permitted to disclose such Confidential Information to those of such Member's agents, representatives and employees who need to be familiar with such information in connection with such Member's investment in the Company and who are charged with an obligation of confidentiality, (b) each Member shall be permitted to disclose such Confidential Information to such Member's partners and equity holders so long as they agree to keep such information confidential on the terms set forth in this Agreement, (c) each Member shall be permitted to disclose Confidential Information to the extent required by law, so long as such Member shall have first provided the Company a reasonable opportunity to contest the necessity of disclosing such information and (d) each Member shall be permitted to disclose Confidential Information to the extent necessary for the enforcement of any right of such Member arising under this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Member (and each employee, representative or other agent of the Member) may disclose to any and all Persons, without limitation of any kind, the tax treatment and tax structure of the transaction and all materials of any kind (including, without limitation, opinions or other tax analyses) that are provided to the Member relating to such tax treatment and tax structure.

                  9.1    Tax Matters Member.    The Board of Managers shall have the authority to designate, remove and replace a qualifying Member to act as the tax matters partner (theTax Matters Member") within

          C-16


          the meaning of and pursuant to Regulations Sections 301.6231(a)(7)-1 and -2 or any similar provision under state or local law.

                  9.2    Indemnity of Tax Matters Member.    The Company shall indemnify and reimburse the Tax Matters Member for all expenses (including, without limitation, legal and accounting fees) incurred as Tax Matters Member pursuant to this Article 9 in connection with any administrative or judicial proceeding with respect to the tax liability of the Members attributable to interest in the Company.

                  9.3    Tax Returns.    Unless otherwise agreed by the Board of Managers, all returns of the Company shall be prepared by the Company's accountants.

                  9.4    Tax Matters.    The Board of Managers shall have the power and authority, without any further consent of the Members being required, to cause the Company to make any and all elections for federal, state, local, and foreign tax purposes including (without limitation), any election, if permitted by applicable law: (a) to take any action necessary or appropriate to make, continue or revoke an election pursuant to Code Section 754, and to adjust the basis of Property pursuant to Code Sections 734(b) and 743(b), or comparable provisions of state, local or foreign law, in connection with Transfers of Interests and Company distributions; (b) to extend the statute of limitations for assessment of tax deficiencies against the Members with respect to adjustments to the Company's federal, state, local or foreign tax returns; (c) to the extent provided in Code Sections 6221 through 6231 and similar provisions of federal, state, local, or foreign law, to represent the Company and the Members before taxing authorities or courts of competent jurisdiction in tax matters affecting the Company or the Members in their capacities as Members; and (d) to file any tax returns and execute any agreements or other documents relating to or affecting tax matters, including (without limitation) agreements or other documents that bind the Members with respect to tax matters.

                  10.1    Restricted Transfer.    No Member shall Transfer all or any part of its Units, or any portion of the financial, governance or other rights that comprise such Member's Interest, unless (a) such Transfer does not violate Section 10.2, (b) such Transfer complies with Section 10.3,and (c) such Transfer and the proposed transferee are approved by the Board of Managers (unless, in the case of Units of any Class other than Class A, such approval is not required under the designations applicable to Units of such Class). Where required hereunder, Board approval to any proposed Transfer may be granted, delayed, conditioned or withheld in the sole discretionaffirmative vote of the Board of Managers. Subject to compliance with the restrictions on the transferability of Units as set forth in this Agreement, Units shall be transferred by delivery to the Company of an instruction by the registered holder ofand a Unit requesting registration of transfer of such Units and the recording of such transfer in the recordsmajority of the Company.

                  10.2    Complete Prohibition on Certain Transfers.    Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the following Transfers shall be prohibited and the Board of Managers shall have no authority to approve any such Transfer:

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                  10.3    Transfer Requirements.    No Person to whom any of a Member's Units are Transferred shall be admitted to the Company as a Member unless the following conditions are satisfied or such conditions are waived for good reason by the Board of Managers (with only Managers unaffiliated with the transferor having a vote thereon):

                  10.4    Admission of Transferee as Member.    Upon satisfaction of the terms and conditions of this Article 10 with respect to any proposed Transfer, and provided that the requirements of Section 3.3 of this Agreement are also satisfied, the Person proposed to be such transferee shall be admitted as a Member.

                  10.5    Withdrawal of Member.    If a Member Transfers all of its Units in compliance with Section 10.1, immediately following such Transfer the transferor Member shall cease to be a Member of the Company. Upon the transferor Member's withdrawal from the Company, the withdrawing Member shall not be entitled to any Distributions, or any other rights associated with an Interest in the Company, from and after the date of such withdrawal or transfer.

                  10.6    Noncomplying Transfers Void.    Any Transfer in contravention of this Article 10 shall be void and of no effect, and shall neither bind nor be recognized by the Company.

                  11.1    Events of Dissolution.    The Company shall be dissolved upon the happening of any of the following events: (a)(2) the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution under Section 18-802pursuant to the Act.


          (b)    No Dissolution Prior To Dissolution Event.    The Members agree that, notwithstanding any provision of the Act, (b) the approvalCompany shall not dissolve prior to the occurrence of a Dissolution Event.


          SECTION 7.2    WINDING UP.

                  Upon the occurrence of a Dissolution Event, the Company shall continue solely for the purposes of winding up its affairs in an orderly manner, liquidating its assets, and satisfying the claims of its creditors, Unitholders and Members, holding Units representingand no Unitholder or Member shall take any action that is inconsistent with, or not less than two-thirdsnecessary to or appropriate for, the winding up of the total possible numberCompany's business and affairs, provided that all covenants contained in this Agreement and obligations provided for in this Agreement shall continue to be fully binding upon the Unitholders and Members until the time as the Property has been distributed pursuant to this Section and the Certificate of votes that mayFormation has been canceled pursuant to the Act. The Liquidator shall be cast with respectresponsible for overseeing the prompt and orderly winding up and dissolution of the Company. The Liquidator appointed under Section 7.6 shall take full account of the Company's liabilities and Property and shall cause the Property or the proceeds from the sale of the Property, to be applied and distributed, to the maximum extent permitted by law, in the following order (subject to any priority Distributions applicable to Units with voting rights,of any specific Class or (c)Classes and Appendix E):

                  (1)   first, to creditors (including Managers, Unitholders, Members and Affiliates of Unitholders and Members who are creditors, to the dispositionextent otherwise permitted by law) in satisfaction of all of the Company's assets.debts, obligations and liabilities (whether by payment or making of reasonable provision for payment of the liabilities); and

                  (2)   second, the excess of the amount paid in Section 7.2(1) above, subject to any priorities in the designation of Unit Classes, to the Unitholders in accordance with the positive balance in their Capital Accounts, as provided in Appendix E, Article XII.


          SECTION 7.3    RIGHTS OF UNITHOLDERS.

                  11.2    Liquidation.    Upon dissolution        Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, in winding up under Section 7.2 each Unitholder shall look solely to the Property of the Company for any reason, the Company shall immediately commenceDistribution and has no right or power to wind up its affairs. A reasonable period of time shall be allowed for the orderly termination of the Company's business, discharge of its liabilities, and distributiondemand or liquidation of the remaining assets so as to enable the Company to minimize the normal losses attendant to the liquidation process. Subject to any priority distributions or liquidation preferences of any Units of any Classreceive Property other than Class A, the Company's property and assets or the proceedscash from the liquidation thereof shall be distributed as follows:

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                  A full accounting of the assets and liabilities of the Company shall be taken and a statement thereof shall be made available to each Member promptly after the distribution of all ofCompany. If the assets of the Company. Such accounting and statements shall be prepared under the direction of the Board of Managers.

                  11.3    No Action for Dissolution.    The Members acknowledge that irreparable damage would be done to the goodwill and reputation of the Company if any Member should bring an action in court to dissolve the Company under circumstances where dissolution is not required by Section 11.1. This Agreement has been drafted carefully to provide fair treatment of all parties and equitable payment in liquidation of the Interests of all Members. Accordingly, except where the Board of Managers has failed to liquidate the Company as required by Section 11.2 and except as specifically provided in Section 18-802 of the Act, each Member hereby waives and renounces its right to initiate legal action to seek dissolution or to seek the appointment of a receiver or trustee to liquidate the Company.

                  11.4    No Further Claim.    Upon dissolution, each Member shall have recourse solely to the assets of the Company for the return of such Member's capital, and if the Company's property remaining after payment or discharge of the debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company including (without limitation) debts and liabilities owed to one or more of the Members, isare insufficient to return the aggregate Capital Contributions, of each Member, such Memberthe Unitholders shall have no recourse against the Company the Board of Managers or any other Member.Unitholder or Unitholders.

                  12.1    General.(a)    ToNotice to Unitholders and Claimants.    Within thirty (30) days after the fullest extent permitted by law,occurrence of a Dissolution Event, the Board shall provide written notice of the Dissolution Event to each of the Members and any Unitholders who are not Members, and the Board may notify its known claimants and/or publish notice as further provided in the Act.

          (b)    Certificate of Cancellation.    Upon completion of the distribution of the Company's Property as provided in this Article 7, the Company shall indemnify, defendbe terminated, and hold harmless each Indemnified Person from any liability, loss or damage incurred by such Indemnified Personthe Liquidator shall cause the filing of a Certificate of Cancellation in connectionaccordance with the businessAct and shall take all other actions as may be necessary to terminate the Company.


          SECTION 7.5    ALLOCATIONS DURING PERIOD OF LIQUIDATION.

                  During the period commencing on the first day of the Company (orFiscal Year during which a Dissolution Event occurs and ending on the date on which all of any other Legal Entity which such Indemnified Person is serving at the request of the Company) to the maximum extent to which such indemnification, defense and hold harmless is mandated or permissible under the laws of the State of Delaware;provided,however, that if the liability, loss, damage or claim arises out of any action or inaction of an Indemnified Person, indemnification under this Section 12.1 shall be available only if (a) either (i) the Indemnified Person, at the time of such action or inaction, determined in good faith that its course of conduct was in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Company or (ii) in the case of inaction by the Indemnified Person, the Indemnified Person did not intend its inaction to be harmful or opposed to the best interests of the Company and (b) the action or inaction did not constitute fraud or willful misconduct by the Indemnified Person;provided,further,however, that indemnification under this Section 12.1 shall be recoverable only from the assets of the Company have been distributed to the Unitholders pursuant to Section 7.2 (the "Liquidation Period"), the Unitholders shall continue



          to share Profits, Losses, gain, loss and not from any assetsother items of Company income, gain, loss or deduction in the Members or any other Person.manner provided in Article 3 and Appendix E.


          SECTION 7.6    THE LIQUIDATOR.

          (a)    Definition.    The Company "Liquidator"shall pay or reimburse reasonable attorneys' fees of an Indemnifiedmean a Person as incurred, provided that such Indemnified Person executes an undertaking, with appropriate security if requestedappointed by the Board to repayoversee the amount so paidliquidation of the Company. The Liquidator may be the Board or reimbursed ina committee of three or more Managers appointed by the event ofBoard.

          (b)    Fees.    The Company is authorized to pay a final non-appealable determination by a court of competent jurisdiction that such Indemnified Person is not entitledreasonable fee to indemnification underthe Liquidator for its services performed pursuant to this Article 12.7 and to reimburse the Liquidator for its reasonable costs and expenses incurred in performing those services.

          (c)    Indemnification.    The Company mayshall indemnify, save harmless, and pay for insurance covering liabilityall judgments and claims against the Liquidator or any officers, directors, agents or employees of the Indemnified Persons in connection with the business of the Company.

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                  12.2    Exculpation.    No Indemnified Person shall be liable, in damages or otherwise, to the Company orLiquidator relating to any Member for any loss that arises outliability or damage incurred by reason of any act performed or omitted to be performed by it, himthe Liquidator, or her pursuant to the authority granted by this Agreement if (a) either (i) the Indemnified Person, at the time of such actionany officers, directors, agents or inaction, determined in good faith that such Indemnified Person's course of conduct was in, or not opposed to, the best interestsemployees of the Company, or (ii) in the case of inaction by the Indemnified Person, the Indemnified Person did not intend such Indemnified Person's inaction to be harmful or opposed to the best interests of the Company and (b) the conduct of the Indemnified Person did not constitute fraud or willful misconduct by such Indemnified Person.

                  12.3    Persons Entitled to Indemnity.    Any Person who is within the definition of "Indemnified Person" at the time of any action or inactionLiquidator in connection with the businessliquidation of the Company, including reasonable attorneys' fees incurred by the Liquidator, officer, director, agent or employee in connection with the defense of any action based on any act or omission, which attorneys' fees may be paid as incurred, except to the extent the liability or damage is caused by the fraud, intentional misconduct of, or a knowing violation of the laws by the Liquidator which was material to the cause of action.


          SECTION 7.7.    FORM OF LIQUIDATING DISTRIBUTIONS.

                  For purposes of making Distributions required by Section 7.2, the Liquidator may determine whether to distribute all or any portion of the Property in kind or to sell all or any portion of the Property and distribute the proceeds from the sale.


          ARTICLE 8.
          MISCELLANEOUS

          SECTION 8.1    NOTICES.

                  A notice, payment, demand, or communication required or permitted to be given by any provision of this Agreement shall be entitledin writing, facsimile or electronic communication, as determined by the Board, and shall be deemed to have been delivered, given, and received for all purposes: (1) if delivered personally to the benefitsPerson or to an officer of this Article 12the Business Entity to whom the same is directed; or (2) when the same is actually delivered to the recipient's address on record with the Company. Notices, payments and demands shall be transmitted or sent: (1) if to the Company, to the address determined pursuant to Section 2.4; and (2) if to the Unitholders or Members, to the address of the Unitholder or Member on record with the Company.


          SECTION 8.2    BINDING EFFECT.

                  Except as an "Indemnified Person" with respect thereto, regardless of whether such Person continues to be within the definition of "Indemnified Person" at the time of such Indemnified Person's claim for indemnification or exculpation hereunder.

                  12.4    Procedure Agreements.    The Company may enter into an agreement with any of its Managers, officers, employees, consultants, counsel and agents, setting forth procedures consistent with applicable law for implementing the indemnitiesotherwise provided in this Article 12.

                  12.5    FiduciaryAgreement, every covenant, term, and Other Duties.    An Indemnified Person acting under this Agreement shall not be liable to the Company or to any other Indemnified Person for his, her or its good faith reliance on the provisionsprovision of this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement to the extent that they restrict the duties (including, without limitation, fiduciary duties) and liabilities of an Indemnified Person otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the parties hereto to replace such other duties and liabilities of such Indemnified Person.

                  13.1    Amendments.    Except for amendments described in Section 3.2 (which may be made by the Board of Managers acting without Member approval), this Agreement may be modified or amended by the Board of Managers with the approval of Members holding Units representing not less than a majority of the total possible number of votes that may be cast with respect to Units with voting rights;provided that amendments to this Section 13.1 shall require the approval of all Members holding Units with voting rights. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 13.1, this Agreement may not be amended without the approval of each Member affected if the amendment (a) would reduce any such Member's Interests or (b) would reduce the allocation to such Member of Net Profit or Net Loss or would reduce the Distributions of cash or property to such Member from that which is provided or contemplated in this Agreement, except for amendments which treat all Members of the same Class ratably based on their Interests.

                  13.2    Corresponding Amendment of Certificate.    The Board of Managers shall cause to be prepared and filed any amendment to the Certificate that may be required to be filed under the Act as a consequence of any amendment to this Agreement.

                  13.3    Binding Effect.    Any modification or amendment to this Agreement pursuant to this Article 13 shall be binding on all Members.

                  14.1    Successors; Delaware Law; Etc.    This Agreement: (a) shall be binding upon and inure to the executors, administrators, estates, heirs and legal successorsbenefit of the Members (b)and Unitholders and their respective successors, transferees, and assigns, without the necessity of physical execution of this Agreement.


          SECTION 8.3    CONSTRUCTION.

                  Every covenant, term, and provision of this Agreement shall be governedconstrued simply according to its fair meaning and not strictly for or against any Member or Unitholder.




          SECTION 8.4    TIME.

                  In computing any period of time pursuant to this Agreement, the day of the act, event or default from which the designated period of time begins to run shall not be included, but the time shall begin to run on the next succeeding day. The last day of the period so computed shall be included, unless it is a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, in which event the period shall run until the end of the next day which is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday.


          SECTION 8.5    HEADINGS.

                  Section and other headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and are not intended to describe, interpret, define, or limit the scope, extent, or intent of this Agreement or any provision of this Agreement.


          SECTION 8.6    SEVERABILITY.

                  Every provision of this Agreement is intended to be severable, and, if any term or provision of this Agreement is illegal or invalid for any reason whatsoever, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the validity or legality of the remainder of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the illegality or invalidity would be to cause the Members to lose the material benefit of their economic bargain, then the Members agree to negotiate in good faith to amend this Agreement in order to restore the lost material benefit.


          SECTION 8.7    INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE.

                  Every exhibit, schedule, and other appendix attached to this Agreement and referred to in this Agreement is not incorporated in this Agreement by reference unless this Agreement expressly provides that the exhibit, schedule or appendix is to be incorporated as part of this Agreement.


          SECTION 8.8    VARIATION OF TERMS.

                  All terms and construed in accordance withany variations of the terms shall be deemed to refer to masculine, feminine, or neuter, singular or plural, as the identity of the term may require.


          SECTION 8.9    GOVERNING LAW.

                  The laws of the State of Delaware (c) may be executed in more than one counterpart, all of which together shall constitute one agreement, and (d) containsgovern the entire contract

          C-20


          among the Members as to the subject mattervalidity of this Agreement, the construction of its terms, and the interpretation of the rights and duties arising under this Agreement. The waiver of


          SECTION 8.10    SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE.

                  Each Member and Unitholder agrees that the other Members and Unitholders would be irreparably damaged if any of the provisions terms or conditions contained in this Agreement shall not be considered as a waiver of any of the other provisions, terms or conditions of this Agreement.

                  14.2    Notices, Etc.    All notices and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed effectively given upon personal delivery or receipt (which may be evidenced by a return receipt if sent by registered mail or by signature if delivered by courier or delivery service), addressed (a) if to any Member, at the address of such Member set forth in the records of the Company or at such other address as such Member shall have furnished to the Company in writing as the address to which notices are to be sent hereunder and (b) if to the Company or to the Board of Managers to it at 340 Dupont Avenue NE, Renville, MN 56284.

                  14.3    Execution of Documents.    From time to time after the date of this Agreement upon the request of the Board of Managers, each Member shall perform, or causeare not performed in accordance with their specific terms and that monetary damages would not provide an adequate remedy. Accordingly, it is agreed that, in addition to be performed, all such additional acts, and shall execute and deliver, or causeany other remedy to be executed and delivered, all such additional instruments and documents, as may be required to effectuate the purposes of this Agreement. Each Member, including (without limitation) each new and substituted Member, by being a Member or by agreeing in writing to be bound by this Agreement, irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Board of Managers or any Person designated by the Board to act on such Member's behalf for purposes of this Section 14.3 as such Member's true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full power and authority in such Member's name and stead to execute, deliver, swear to, file and record at the appropriate public offices such documents as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out this Agreement, including (without limitation):

                  The appointment by each Manager or any Person designated by the Board to act on its behalf for purposes of this Section 14.3 as such Member's attorney-in-fact shall be deemed to be a power coupled with an interest, in recognition of the fact that each of the Members under this Agreement will be relying upon the power of the Board to act as contemplated by this Agreement in any filing and other action by him, her or it on behalfinstituted in any court of the Company, and shall survive the bankruptcy, dissolution, death, adjudication of incompetence or insanity of any Member giving such power and the transfer or assignment of allUnited States or any part of such Member's Interests;state having subject matter jurisdiction.


          provided,however, that in the event of a Transfer by a Member of all of its Interest, the power of attorney given by the transferor shall survive such assignment only until such time as the transferee shall have been admitted to the Company as a substituted Member and all required documents and instruments shall have been duly executed, filed, and recorded to effect such substitution.SECTION 8.11    CONSENT TO JURISDICTION.

                  14.4    Consent to Jurisdiction.        All actions, suits or proceedings arising out of or based upon this Agreement or the subject matter of this Agreement if brought by a person other than the Company shall be brought and maintained exclusively in the federal courts located in the State of Minnesota.Minnesota, provided that upon determination by



          the Board of Directors, the Company has the right to bring, maintain, or remove any action, suit, or proceeding arising out of or based on this Agreement or the subject matter of this Agreement to any state or federal court located in the State of Delaware. Each of the parties hereby by execution of this Agreement (a) herebyUnitholders and Members: (1) shall irrevocably submitsbe subject to the jurisdiction of the federal courts located in the State of Minnesota (or Delaware as applicable) for the purpose of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement or the subject matter of this AgreementAgreement; and (b) hereby(2) waives to the extent not prohibited

          C-21



          by applicable law, and agreesshall not be entitled to assert, by way of motion, as a defense or otherwise, in any such action, suit or proceeding, any claim that he, she, or it is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of one of the above-named courtcourts, that he, she, or it is immune from extraterritorial injunctive relief or other injunctive relief, that he, she, or its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that any such action, suit or proceeding may not be brought or maintained in one of the above-named courts and should be dismissed on the grounds of forum non conveniens, should be transferred to any court other than one of the above-named courts, should be stayed by virtue of the pendency of any other action, suit or proceeding in any court other than one of the above-named courts, or that this Agreement or the subject matter of this Agreement may not be enforced in or by any one of the above-named courts. Each of the parties hereto hereby consentsUnitholder, Member, or other party to this Agreement shall be subject to service of process in any such suit, action or proceeding in any manner permitted by the laws of the State of Minnesota agrees that(or Delaware as applicable), shall be subject to service of process by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, at the address specified in or pursuant to Section 14.2this Agreement on the records of this Agreementthe Company (on grounds that it is reasonably calculated to give actual noticenotice) and waives and agreesshall not be entitled to assert by way of motion, as a defense or otherwise, in any such action, suit or proceeding any claim that service of process made in accordance with Section 14.2 of this Agreement does not constitute good and sufficient service of process. The provisions of this Section 14.4 shall not restrict the ability of any party to enforce in any court any judgment obtained in the federal courts located in the Statestates of Minnesota.Minnesota or Delaware.

                  14.5
              Waiver of Jury Trial.SECTION 8.12    WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.

                  To the extent not prohibited by applicable law which cannot be waived, the Company and each Member hereby waives,of the Unitholders and covenants that they willMembers waive and shall not be entitled to assert (whether as plaintiff, defendant or otherwise), any right to trial by jury in any forum in respect of any issue, claim, demand, action or cause of action arising out of or based upon this agreementAgreement or the subject matter of this Agreement, whether now existing or hereafter arising later and whether sounding in tort or contract or otherwise.

                  14.6    Severability.    If any provision of this Agreement is determined by a court to be invalid or unenforceable, that determination shall not affect the other provisions of this Agreement, each of which shall be construed and enforced as if the invalid or unenforceable portion were not contained in this Agreement. Such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any valid and enforceable application thereof, and each such provision shall be deemed to be effective, operative, made, entered into or taken in the manner and to the full extent permitted by law.

                  14.7    Table of Contents, Headings.    The table of contents and headings used in this Agreement are used for administrative convenience only and do not constitute substantive matters to be considered in construing this Agreement.

                  14.8    No Third Party Rights.    Except as provided in Section 6.16, the provisions of this Agreement are for the benefit of the Company, the Board of Managers and the Members, and no other Person, including (without limitation) creditors of the Company, shall have any right or claim against the Company, the Board or any Member by reason of this Agreement or any provision of this Agreement or be entitled to enforce any provision of this Agreement.

          [REMAINDERREMAINING PART OF THIS PAGE BLANK]IS

          C-22INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]



                  THIS AGREEMENT IS HEREBY ADOPTED BY THE UNDERSIGNED MEMBER AS OF THE DATE FIRST SET FORTH ABOVE.


          MEMBER:GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC


          MIDWEST INVESTORS OF RENVILLE, INC.
          LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT



          By:


          /s/  
          DANA PERSSON      
            Its:President and Chief Executive OfficerAPPENDIX A

          C-23



          ExhibitAPPENDIX A

          INITIAL MEMBERPRINCIPAL PLACE OF THE COMPANYBUSINESS
          OF
          GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC

                  The principal place of business of Golden Oval Eggs, LLC is 340 Dupont Avenue NE, Renville, Minnesota 56284, and other places as determined by the Board of Managers of Golden Oval
          Eggs, LLC.

          C-A-1


          GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLCLIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT
          APPENDIX B


          APPENDIX B


          AGENT FOR SERVICE
          OF PROCESS
          OF
          GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC

                  The name and address of the agent for service of process on Golden Oval Eggs, LLC in the State of Delaware is Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, Delaware 19801.

          C-B-1


          GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLCLIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT
          APPENDIX C


          APPENDIX C

          UNIT TRANSFER POLICY
          OF
          GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC

          SECTION 1.1.    DEFINITIONS, APPLICABILITY.

          (a)    Definitions.    The definitions of the Limited Liability Company Agreement (the "Agreement") of Golden Oval Eggs, LLC (the "Company") and Appendix E of the Agreement apply to this Unit Transfer Policy (the "Policy").

          (b)    Applicability.    This Policy and Section 3.8 of the Agreement and the other applicable provisions of the Agreement apply to all Transfers of Units of the Company.

          (c)    Intent of Policy.    It is the intent of this Policy as it relates to any Transfers that: (1) the tax status of the Company is the same as for a partnership; (2) this Company preserve its partnership tax status by complying with Regulations, Section 1.7704-1, et seq., and any amendments; and (3) to the extent possible, this Policy shall be read and interpreted to prohibit the free transferability of Units.

          SECTION 2.1.    COMPLETE PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN TRANSFERS OF UNITS.

                  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Policy, the following Transfers will be prohibited and the Board of Managers will have no authority to approve any of the following Transfers:

                  (1)   a Transfer in violation of the Securities Act or any state securities or blue sky laws applicable to the Company or the Interest to be transferred;

                  (2)   a Transfer that would cause the Company to be considered a publicly traded partnership under Section 7704(b) of the Code;

                  (3)   a Transfer that would cause the Company to lose its status as a partnership for federal income tax purposes; or

                  (4)   a Transfer that would cause a termination of the Company for federal income tax purposes.

          SECTION 3.1.    CONDITIONS TO PERMITTED TRANSFERS.

          (a)    Requirement.    A Transfer shall not be treated as a Permitted Transfer unless and until the conditions in this Section are satisfied.

          (b)    Conveyance Documents.    Except in the case of a Transfer involuntarily by operation of law, the transferor and transferee shall execute and deliver to the Company documents and instruments of conveyance as may be necessary or appropriate in the opinion of legal counsel to the Company to effect such Transfer. In the case of a Transfer of Units involuntarily by operation of law, the Transfer shall be confirmed by presentation to the Company of legal evidence of the Transfer, in form and substance satisfactory to legal counsel to the Company. In all cases, the Company shall be reimbursed by the transferor and/or transferee for all costs and expenses that it reasonably incurs in connection with the Transfer.

          (c)    Tax Information.    The transferor and transferee shall furnish the Company with the transferee's taxpayer identification number, sufficient information to determine the transferee's initial tax basis in the Units transferred, and any other information reasonably necessary to permit the Company to file all required federal and state tax returns and other legally required information

          C-C-1



          statements or returns. In addition, the transferee must consent to the use of the method and convention of allocating Profits and Losses and each item of profit and loss for the year of the transfer that is specified in the Unit Transfer Policy. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company shall not be required to make any Distribution otherwise provided for in the Agreement with respect to any Transferred Units until it has received this information.

          (d)    Securities Compliance.    Except in the case of a Transfer of Units involuntarily by operation of law, either (1) the Units are registered under the Securities Act, and any applicable state securities laws, or (2) if requested by the Board of Managers in its discretion, the transferor provides an opinion of legal counsel, which opinion and legal counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Board of Managers, to the effect that the Transfer is exempt from all applicable registration requirements and that the Transfer will not violate any applicable laws regulating the Transfer of securities.

          (e)    Does Not Cause Company To Be Investment Company.    Except in the case of a Transfer of Units involuntarily by operation of law, if requested by the Board of Managers in its sole discretion, the transferor shall provide an opinion of legal counsel, which opinion and legal counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Board of Managers, to the effect that the Transfer will not cause the Company to be deemed to be an "investment company" under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

          (f)    Does Not Cause Company To Be Publicly Traded Partnership.    Except in the case of a Transfer of Units involuntarily by operation of law, if requested by the Board of Managers in its discretion, the transferor shall provide an opinion of legal counsel, which opinion and legal counsel shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Board of Managers, to the effect that such Transfer will not cause the Company to be deemed to be a "publicly-traded limited partnership" under applicable provisions of the Code.

          (g)    Transferee Is Not A Competitor Of The Company.    Except in the case of a Transfer of Units involuntarily by operation of law, the Board must determine (in its sole discretion) that the transferee is not a competitor of the Company or the Company's Affiliates, or an Affiliate of a competitor of the Company or a Person who as a Unitholder or Member would or may be detrimental to the interests of the Company. The Unitholder and proposed transferee shall submit information requested by the Board to make the determination.

          (h)    Tax Status Compliance.    Unless otherwise approved by the Board of Managers, a Transfer of Units shall not be made except upon terms which would not, in the opinion of legal counsel chosen by and mutually acceptable to the Board and the transferor, result in the termination of the Company within the meaning of Section 708 of the Code or cause the application of the rules of Sections 168(g)(1)(B) and 168(h) of the Code or similar rules to apply to the Company. In determining whether a particular proposed Transfer will result in a termination of the Company, legal counsel to the Company shall take into account the existence of prior written commitments to Transfer and the commitments shall always be given precedence over subsequent proposed Transfers.

          (i)    Suspension Of Transfers After Dissolution Event.    No notice or request initiating the procedures contemplated by this Section may be given by Unitholder after a Dissolution Event has occurred.

          (j)    Board May Waive Conditions.    Subject to Section 2.1 of this Policy, the Board of Managers shall have the authority to waive any legal opinion or other condition required in this Section.

          SECTION 3.2.    DISTRIBUTIONS AND ALLOCATIONS IN RESPECT TO TRANSFERRED UNITS.

                  If any Unit is transferred in compliance with the Transfer Restrictions, then Profits and Losses, each item of profit and loss, and all other items attributable to the Units for the fiscal year of the Transfer shall be divided and allocated between the transferor and the transferee by taking into account their varying interests during the fiscal year in accordance with Code Section 706(d). Solely for

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          purposes of making the allocations, the Company shall use a monthly proration method and convention that divides and allocates the Profits, Losses and items between the transferor and transferee based on the portion of the year that has elapsed prior to the Transfer determined by recognizing the Transfer as of the beginning of the calendar month following the calendar month in which the notice, documentation and information and approval requirements of the Transfer have been substantially complied with. All Distributions on or before the end of the calendar month in which the requirements have been substantially complied with shall be made to the transferor and all Distributions thereafter shall be made to the transferee. The Board shall have the power and authority to adopt another reasonable method and/or convention with respect to the allocations and Distributions by resolution or by amending this Section; provided, that reasonable notice of any change is given to the Unitholders in advance of the change. Neither the Company, the Board, any Manager nor any Unitholder shall incur any liability for making allocations and Distributions in accordance with the provisions of this Section, whether or not the Board or any Manager or the Company or any Unitholder has knowledge of any Transfer of ownership of any interest in the Company. The Unitholders acknowledge that the method and convention designated herein constitutes an "agreement among the partners" within the meaning of Regulations, Section 1.706-1.

          SECTION 3.3. OTHER RULES REGARDING TRANSFERS.

          (a)    Market Of Units Not Made.    A Unitholder may not: (1) make a market in Units; (2) Transfer its Units on an established securities market, a secondary market (or the substantial equivalent of those markets) within the meaning of Code Section 7704(b) (and any Regulations, proposed Regulations, revenue rulings, or other official pronouncements of the Internal Revenue Service or Treasury Department that may be promulgated or published); and (3) in the event the Regulations, revenue rulings, or other pronouncements treat any or all arrangements which facilitate the selling of Company interests and which are commonly referred to as "matching services" as being a secondary market or substantial equivalent of a secondary market, Transfer any Units through a matching service that is not approved in advance by the Company. A Unitholder may not Transfer any Units to any Person unless the Person agrees to be bound by the Transfer Restrictions and to Transfer the Units only to Persons who agree to be similarly bound.

          (b)    Units Acquired For Unitholder's Account.    The acquisition of Units by a Unitholder shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty to the Company and the other Unitholders, that the Unitholder's acquisition of Units is made as principal for the Unitholder's own account and not for resale or distribution of the Units to others in violation of securities laws as determined by the Company and its legal counsel.

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          GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLCLIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT
          APPENDIX D


          APPENDIX D

          BOARD OF MANAGERS
          OF
          GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC

          MemberManager and Address

           UnitsPosition
          Classification
          Term
          Expires

          Marvin Breitkreutz
          74268 250th Street
          Renville, Minnesota 56284


          Manager, Chairman
          Class A Elected2006

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



          Manager,
          Secretary/Treasurer


          Class A Elected


          2007

          Chris Edgington
          4440 Dogwood Avenue
          St. Ansgar, Iowa 50472



          Manager,
          Vice Chairman


          Class A Elected


          2006

          Thomas Jacobs
          37408 890th Avenue
          Olivia, Minnesota 56277




          Manager


          Class A Elected


          2005

          Brad Petersburg
          563 390th Street
          Hanlontown, Iowa 50444




          Manager


          Class A Elected


          2007

          Randy Tauer
          22257 Skyview Avenue
          Morgan, Minnesota 56266




          Manager


          Class A Elected


          2006

          Jeff Woodley
          12778 450 Street
          Thompson, Iowa 50478




          Manager


          Class A Elected


          2005

          C-D-1


          GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLCLIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT
          APPENDIX E


          APPENDIX E

          ALLOCATIONS, DISTRIBUTIONS, TAX MATTERS,
          AND ACCOUNTING

          CONTENTS

          ARTICLE I. THE COMPANYE-2
          SECTION 1.10.DEFINITIONS.E-2

          ARTICLE II. CAPITAL AND INTERESTS


          E-6
          SECTION 2.4.CAPITAL ACCOUNTS.E-6

          ARTICLE III. ALLOCATIONS


          E-7
          SECTION 3.1.PROFITS.E-7
          SECTION 3.2.LOSSES.E-7
          SECTION 3.3.SPECIAL ALLOCATIONS.E-7
          SECTION 3.4.CURATIVE ALLOCATIONS.E-9
          SECTION 3.5.LOSS LIMITATION.E-9
          SECTION 3.6.OTHER ALLOCATION RULES.E-9
          SECTION 3.7.TAX ALLOCATIONS: CODE SECTION 704(C).E-10

          ARTICLE IV. DISTRIBUTIONS


          E-11
          SECTION 4.1.NET CASH FLOW.E-11
          SECTION 4.2.AMOUNTS WITHHELD.E-11
          SECTION 4.3.LIMITATIONS OF DISTRIBUTIONS.E-11

          ARTICLE V. [RESERVED]


          E-11

          ARTICLE VI. [RESERVED]


          E-11

          ARTICLE VII. [RESERVED]


          E-11

          ARTICLE VIII. ACCOUNTING, BOOKS AND RECORDS


          E-12
          SECTION 8.1.ACCOUNTING, BOOKS AND RECORDS.E-12
          SECTION 8.2.REPORTS.E-12
          SECTION 8.3.TAX MATTERS.E-13

          ARTICLE IX. [RESERVED]


          E-14

          ARTICLE X. [RESERVED]


          E-14

          ARTICLE XI. [RESERVED]


          E-14

          ARTICLE XII. DISSOLUTION AND WINDING UP


          E-14
          SECTION 12.1.COMPLIANCE WITH CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS OF REGULATIONS; DEFICIT CAPITAL ACCOUNTS.E-14
          SECTION 12.2.DEEMED DISTRIBUTION AND RECONTRIBUTION.E-14
          SECTION 12.3.CHARACTER OF LIQUIDATING DISTRIBUTIONS.E-15

          C-E-1



          ALLOCATIONS, DISTRIBUTIONS, TAX MATTERS,
          AND ACCOUNTING

                  The Sections in this Appendix E relate to allocations, distributions, tax matters, accounting, dissolution and other related matters. The numbering of the Sections is not sequential but the Sections are numbered to reflect the numbering conventions of certain forms.


          ARTICLE I.
          THE COMPANY

          SECTION 1.10.    DEFINITIONS.

                  The definitions in this section (and the definitions in Section 1.2 of the Agreement) apply to this Appendix E. References to Articles and Sections refer to Articles and Sections in this Appendix E unless the context implies or it is stated otherwise.

          "Adjusted Capital Account Deficit" means, with respect to any Unitholder, the deficit balance, if any, in the Unitholder's Capital Account as of the end of the relevant Fiscal Year, after giving effect to the following adjustments:

          (a)   Credit to the Capital Account any amounts which the Unitholder is deemed to be obligated to restore pursuant to the next to the last sentences in Regulations, Sections 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5); and

          (b)   Debit to the Capital Account the items described in Regulations, Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(5) and 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(6).

                  The foregoing definition is intended to comply and shall be interpreted consistently with the provisions of Regulations, Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d).

          "Capital Account" means the capital account maintained for each Unitholder in accordance with Section 2.4.

          "Capital Contributions" means, with respect to any Unitholder, the amount of cash, property, services rendered, or a promissory note or other obligation to contribute cash or property or to perform services contributed to the Company with respect to the Units in the Company held or purchased by the Unitholder.

          "Class Percentage" is Class A Units 100%.

          "Code" means the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

          "Company Minimum Gain" has the meaning given the term "partnership minimum gain" in Sections 1.704-2(b)(2) and 1.704-2(d) of the Regulations.

          "Depreciation" means, for each Fiscal Year, an amount equal to the depreciation, amortization, or other cost recovery deduction allowable with respect to an asset for the Fiscal Year, except that if the Gross Asset Value of an asset differs from its adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes at the beginning of the Fiscal Year, Depreciation shall be an amount which bears the same ratio to the beginning Gross Asset Value as the federal income tax depreciation, amortization, or other cost recovery deduction for the Fiscal Year bears to the beginning adjusted tax basis; provided, however, that if the adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes of an asset at the beginning of the Fiscal Year is zero, Depreciation shall be determined with reference to the beginning Gross Asset Value using any reasonable method selected by the Board.

          "Fiscal Year" means, subject to a change in Fiscal Year pursuant to Section 8.1(b), the fiscal year of the Company, which shall be the Company's taxable year as determined under Regulations, Section 1.441-1 or Section 1.441-2 and the Regulations under Section 706 of the Code or, if the context

          C-E-2



          requires, any portion of a fiscal year for which an allocation of Profits, Losses or other allocation items or a Distribution is to be made; provided that the Board may designate a different fiscal year for GAAP reporting purposes but that designation shall not affect the taxable year of the Company or the provisions of this Agreement relating to Capital Accounts, allocations of Profits, Losses or other allocation items, or Distributions.

          "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in effect in the United States of America from time to time.

          "Gross Asset Value" means with respect to any asset, the asset's adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes, except as follows:

                  (a)   The initial Gross Asset Value of any asset contributed by a Unitholder to the Company shall be the gross fair market value of such asset, as determined by the Board,provided that Property owned by the Company immediately after the effective time of the Merger shall be deemed to have been accepted by the Company as a Capital Contribution of Property having an aggregate gross fair market value, net of minority interest and marketability discounts, to be determined by appraisal to be obtained by the Cooperative and approved by the Board shortly before the Merger;

                  (b)   The Gross Asset Values of all Company assets shall be adjusted to equal their respective gross fair market values (taking Code Section 7701(g) into account) as determined by the Board as of the following times: (i) the acquisition of an additional interest in the Company by any new or existing Unitholder in exchange for more than ade minimis Capital Contribution; (ii) the Distribution by the Company to a Unitholder of more than ade minimis amount of Company property as consideration for an interest in the Company; (iii) the liquidation of the Company within the meaning of Regulations, Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g); and (iv) other times as the Regulations may permit; provided that an adjustment described in clauses (i), (ii), and (iv) of this subparagraph shall be made only if the Board determines that such adjustment is necessary to reflect the relative economic interests of the Unitholders in the Company;

                  (c)   The Gross Asset Value of any item of Company assets distributed to any Unitholder shall be adjusted to equal the gross fair market value (taking Code Section 7701(g) into account) of such asset on the date of Distribution as determined by the Board; and

                  (d)   The Gross Asset Values of Company assets shall be increased (or decreased) to reflect any adjustments to the adjusted basis of such assets pursuant to Code Section 734(b) or Code Section 743(b), but only to the extent that such adjustments are taken into account in determining Capital Accounts pursuant to Regulations, Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m) and subparagraph (d) of the definition of "Profits" and "Losses" or Section 3.3(g); provided, however, that Gross Asset Values shall not be adjusted pursuant to this subparagraph (d) to the extent that an adjustment pursuant to subparagraph (b) is required in connection with a transaction that would otherwise result in an adjustment pursuant to this subparagraph (d).

                  If the Gross Asset Value of an asset has been determined or adjusted pursuant to subparagraph (b) or (d), the Gross Asset Value shall thereafter be adjusted by the Depreciation taken into account with respect to such asset, for purposes of computing Profits, Losses and other allocation items.

          "Liquidation Period" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5 of the Agreement.

                  "Liquidation Provisions" means the provisions of Article XII of this Appendix E and Article 7 of the Agreement.

          "Liquidator" has the meaning set forth in Section 7.6 of the Agreement.

          "Losses" has the meaning set forth in the definition of "Profits" and "Losses."

          C-E-3



          "Net Cash Flow" means the gross cash proceeds of the Company less the portion thereof used to pay or establish reserves for all Company expenses, debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company, including capital improvements, replacements, and contingencies, all as reasonably determined by the Board. "Net Cash Flow" shall not be reduced by depreciation, amortization, cost recovery deductions, or similar allowances, but shall be increased by any reductions of reserves previously established.

          "Nonrecourse Deductions" has the meaning set forth in Regulations, Sections 1.704-2(b)(1) and 1.704-2(c).

          "Nonrecourse Liability" has the meaning in Regulations, Section 1.704-2(b)(3).

          "Profits" and"Losses" mean, for each Fiscal Year, an amount equal to the Company's taxable income or loss for the Fiscal Year, determined in accordance with Code Section 703(a) (for this purpose, all items of income, gain, loss, or deduction required to be stated separately pursuant to Code Section 703(a)(1) shall be included in taxable income or loss), with the following adjustments (without duplication):

          (a)   Any income of the Company that is exempt from federal income tax and not otherwise taken into account in computing Profits or Losses pursuant to this definition of "Profits" and "Losses" shall be added to the taxable income or loss;

          (b)   Any expenditures of the Company described in Code Section 705(a)(2)(B) or treated as Code Section 705(a)(2)(B) expenditures pursuant to Regulations, Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(i), and not otherwise taken into account in computing Profits or Losses pursuant to this definition of "Profits" and "Losses" shall be subtracted from the taxable income or loss;

          (c)   In the event the Gross Asset Value of any Company asset is adjusted pursuant to subparagraphs (b) or (c) of the definition of Gross Asset Value, the amount of the adjustment shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the Gross Asset Value of the asset) or an item of loss (if the adjustment decreases the Gross Asset Value of the asset) from the disposition of the asset and shall be taken into account for purposes of computing Profits or Losses;

          (d)   Gain or loss resulting from any disposition of Property with respect to which gain or loss is recognized for federal income tax purposes shall be computed by reference to the Gross Asset Value of the Property disposed of, notwithstanding that the adjusted tax basis of the Property differs from its Gross Asset Value;

          (e)   In lieu of the depreciation, amortization, and other cost recovery deductions taken into account in computing such taxable income or loss, there shall be taken into account Depreciation for such Fiscal Year, computed in accordance with the definition of Depreciation;

          (f)    To the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Company asset pursuant to Code Section 734(b) is required, pursuant to Regulations, Section 1.704-(b)(2)(iv)(m)(4), to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts as a result of a Distribution other than in liquidation of a Unitholder's interest in the Company, the amount of the adjustment shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases such basis) from the disposition of the asset and shall be taken into account for purposes of computing Profits or Losses; and

          (g)   Notwithstanding any other provision of this definition, any items which are specially allocated pursuant to Section 3.3 and Section 3.4 shall not be taken into account in computing Profits or Losses.

                  The amounts of the items of Company income, gain, loss or deduction available to be specially allocated pursuant to Sections 3.3 and Section 3.4 shall be determined by applying rules analogous to those set forth in subparagraphs (a) through (f) above.

          C-E-4



          "Regulations" means the Income Tax Regulations, including Temporary Regulations, promulgated under the Code, as the regulations are amended from time to time.

          "Regulatory Allocations" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4.

          "Unitholder Nonrecourse Debt" has the same meaning as the term "partner nonrecourse debt" in Regulations, Section 1.704-2(b)(4).

          "Unitholder Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain" means an amount, with respect to each Unitholder Nonrecourse Debt, equal to the Company Minimum Gain that would result if such Unitholder Nonrecourse Debt were treated as a Nonrecourse Liability, determined in accordance with Regulations, Section 1.704-2(i)(3).

          "Unitholder Nonrecourse Deductions" has the same meaning as the term "partner nonrecourse deductions" in Regulations, Sections 1.704-2(i)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(2).


          ARTICLE II.
          CAPITAL AND INTERESTS

          SECTION 2.4.    CAPITAL ACCOUNTS.

                  A Capital Account shall be maintained for each Unitholder in accordance with the following provisions. To facilitate the accounting for acquisitions, ownership and transfers of more than one Class of Units by a Unitholder, each Unitholder's Capital Account shall be subdivided into separate Capital Accounts for each Class of Units owned, and the following adjustments to Capital Accounts shall be made by reference to Units of each Class of Units owned:

          (a)   To each Unitholder's Capital Account there shall be credited (i) the initial Gross Asset Value of any Property, including money contributed to the Company as a Capital Contribution with respect to the Units in the Company held by the Unitholder, (ii) the Unitholder's distributive share of Profits and any items in the nature of income or gain which are specially allocated pursuant to Section 3.3 and Section 3.4, and (iii) the amount of any Company liabilities assumed by the Unitholder or which are secured by any Property distributed to the Unitholder. The principal amount of a promissory note which is not readily traded on an established securities market and which is contributed to the Company by the maker of the note (or a Unitholder related to the maker of the note within the meaning of Regulations, Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c)) shall not be included in the Capital Account of any Unitholder until the Company makes a taxable disposition of the note or until (and to the extent) principal payments are made on the note, all in accordance with Regulations, Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(d)(2);

          (b)   To each Unitholder's Capital Account there shall be debited (i) the Gross Asset Value of any Property including money distributed to the Unitholder pursuant to any provision of this Agreement, (ii) the Unitholder's distributive share of Losses and any items in the nature of expenses or losses which are specially allocated pursuant to Section 3.3 and Section 3.4, and (iii) the amount of any liabilities of the Unitholder assumed by the Company or which are secured by any Property contributed by the Unitholder to the Company including the Unitholder's share, determined in proportion to Class A Units issued in the Merger, of liabilities for which the Company is obligated immediately after the effective time of the Merger;

          (c)   In the event Units are Transferred in accordance with the terms of Article 3 of the Agreement, the transferee shall succeed to the Capital Account of the transferor to the extent it relates to the Transferred Units; and

          (d)   In determining the amount of any liability for purposes of subparagraphs (a) and (b) above there shall be taken into account Code Section 752(c) and any other applicable provisions of the Code and Regulations.

          C-E-5



                  The foregoing provisions and the other provisions of this Agreement relating to allocation of Profits, Losses and other allocation items, nonliquidating Distributions, liquidating Distributions, and the maintenance of Capital Accounts, including and subject to Section 12.1 of this Appendix E, are intended to comply with Regulations, Section 1.704-1(b), and shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with the Regulations. In the event the Board shall determine that it is prudent, the Board may modify the manner in which the Capital Accounts, or any debits or credits thereto (including debits or credits relating to liabilities which are secured by contributed or distributed property or which are assumed by the Company or any Unitholders), are computed in order to comply with the Regulations. The Board also shall (i) make any adjustments that are necessary or appropriate to maintain equality between the Capital Accounts of the Unitholders and the amount of capital reflected on the Company's balance sheet, as computed for book purposes, in accordance with Regulations, Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(q), and (ii) make any appropriate modifications in the event unanticipated events might otherwise cause the Agreement not to comply with Regulations, Section 1.704-1(b).


          ARTICLE III.
          ALLOCATIONS

          SECTION 3.1.    PROFITS.

                  After giving effect to the special allocations in Section 3.3 and Section 3.4 of this Appendix E, Profits for any Fiscal Year shall be allocated to Classes according to the Class Percentage and then to Unitholders of the Class in proportion to Units held. The Class Percentages are subject to change if the Company issues additional Units pursuant to Section 3.2 of the Agreement.


          SECTION 3.2.    LOSSES.

                  After giving effect to the special allocations in Section 3.3 and Section 3.4 of this Appendix E, and except as otherwise provided in Section 3.5 of this Appendix E, Losses for any Fiscal Year shall be allocated to Classes according to the Class Percentage and then to Unitholders of the Class in proportion to Units held. The Class Percentages are subject to change if the Company issues additional Units pursuant to Section 3.2 of the Agreement.


          SECTION 3.3.    SPECIAL ALLOCATIONS.

                  The following special allocations shall be made in the following order:

          (a)    Minimum Gain Chargeback.    Except as otherwise provided in Section 1.704-2(f) of the Regulations, notwithstanding any other provision of this Article III, if there is a net decrease in Company Minimum Gain during any Fiscal Year, each Unitholder shall be specially allocated items of Company income and gain for the Fiscal Year (and, if necessary, subsequent Fiscal Years) in an amount equal to the Unitholder's share of the net decrease in Company Minimum Gain, determined in accordance with Regulations, Section 1.704-2(g). Allocations pursuant to the previous sentence shall be made in proportion to the respective amounts required to be allocated to each Unitholder pursuant thereto. The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Regulations, Sections 1.704-2(f)(6) and 1.704-2(j)(2). This Section 3.3(a) is intended to comply with the minimum gain chargeback requirement in Regulations, Section 1.704-2(f) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

          (b)    Unitholder Minimum Gain Chargeback.    Except as otherwise provided in Regulations, Section 1.704-2(i)(4), notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, if there is a net decrease in Unitholder Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain attributable to a Unitholder Nonrecourse Debt during any Fiscal Year, each Unitholder who has a share of the Unitholder Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain attributable to the Unitholder Nonrecourse Debt, determined in accordance with Regulations,

          C-E-6



          Section 1.704-2(i)(5), shall be specially allocated items of Company income and gain for the Fiscal Year (and, if necessary, subsequent Fiscal Years) in an amount equal to the Unitholder's share of the net decrease in Unitholder Nonrecourse Debt, determined in accordance with Regulations, Section 1.704-2(i)(4). Allocations pursuant to the previous sentence shall be made in proportion to the respective amounts required to be allocated to each Unitholder pursuant thereto. The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Regulations, Sections 1.704-2(i)(4) and 1.704-2(j)(2). This Section 3.3(b) is intended to comply and shall be interpreted consistently with the minimum gain chargeback requirement in Regulations, Section 1.704-2(i)(4).

          (c)    Qualified Income Offset.    In the event any Unitholder unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations, or Distributions described in Regulations, Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(5), or 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(6), items of Company income and gain shall be specially allocated to the Unitholder in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate, to the extent required by the Regulations, the Adjusted Capital Account Deficit of the Unitholder as quickly as possible, provided that an allocation pursuant to this Section 3.3(c) shall be made only if and to the extent that the Unitholder would have an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit after all other allocations provided for in this Article III have been tentatively made as if this Section 3.3(c) were not in this Appendix E.

          (d)    Gross Income Allocation.    In the event any Unitholder has a deficit Capital Account at the end of any Fiscal Year which is in excess of the sum of (i) the amount such Unitholder is obligated to restore pursuant to the penultimate sentences of Regulations, Sections 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5), each Unitholder shall be specially allocated items of Company income and gain in the amount of the excess as quickly as possible, provided that an allocation pursuant to this Section 3.3(d) shall be made only if and to the extent that such Unitholder would have a deficit Capital Account in excess of such sum after all other allocations provided for in this Article III have been made as if Section 3.3(c) and this Section 3.3(d) were not in this Appendix E.

          (e)    Nonrecourse Deductions.    Nonrecourse Deductions for any Fiscal Year shall be specially allocated to the Unitholders in the manner which Profits would be allocated under Section 3.1 determined without regard to the other provisions of this Article III.

          (f)    Unitholder Nonrecourse Deductions.    Any Unitholder Nonrecourse Deductions for any Fiscal Year shall be specially allocated to the Unitholder who bears the economic risk of loss with respect to the Unitholder Nonrecourse Debt to which such Unitholder Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable in accordance with Regulations, Section 1.704-2(i)(1).

          (g)    Section 754 Adjustments.    To the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Company asset, pursuant to Code Section 734(b) or Code Section 743(b) is required, pursuant to Regulations, Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(2) or 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(4), to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts as the result of a Distribution to a Unitholder in complete liquidation of the Unitholder's interest in the Company, the amount of the adjustment to Capital Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases such basis) and such gain or loss shall be specially allocated to the Unitholders in accordance with their interests in the Company in the event Regulations, Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(2) applies, or to the Unitholder to whom the Distribution was made in the event Regulations, Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(4) applies.

          (h)    Issuance of a Capital Interest for Services.    If the Company issues Units in consideration of services that would entitle the recipient to share in liquidation proceeds if the Company were hypothetically liquidated immediately following the issuance (a capital interest for federal income tax purposes), gross receipts of the Company shall be specially allocated to the recipient in the amount of the entitlement.

          C-E-7




          SECTION 3.4.    CURATIVE ALLOCATIONS.

                  The allocations set forth in Sections 3.3(a) through (g) and 3.5 (the "Regulatory Allocations") are intended to comply with certain requirements of the Regulations. It is the intent that, to the extent possible, all Regulatory Allocations shall be offset either with other Regulatory Allocations or with special allocations of other items of Company income, gain, loss or deduction pursuant to this Section 3.4. Therefore, notwithstanding any other provision of this Article III (other than the Regulatory Allocations), the Board shall make the offsetting special allocations of Company income, gain, loss or deduction in whatever manner it determines appropriate so that, after the offsetting allocations are made, each Unitholder's Capital Account balance is, to the extent possible, equal to the Capital Account balance such Unitholder would have had if the Regulatory Allocations were not part of the Agreement.


          SECTION 3.5.    LOSS LIMITATION.

                  Losses allocated pursuant to Section 3.2 shall not exceed the maximum amount of Losses that can be allocated without causing any Unitholder to have an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit at the end of any Fiscal Year. In the event some but not all of the Unitholders would have Adjusted Capital Account Deficits as a consequence of an allocation of Losses pursuant to Section 3.2, the limitation set forth in this Section 3.5 shall be applied on a Unitholder by Unitholder basis among the Units, so as to allocate the maximum permissible Losses to each Unitholder under Regulations, Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d).


          SECTION 3.6.    OTHER ALLOCATION RULES.

          (a)   For purposes of determining the Profits, Losses, or any other items allocable to any period, Profits, Losses, and any such other items shall be determined by the Board using any permissible method under Code Section 706 and the Regulations under Code Section 706.

          (b)   If additional Units are issued pursuant to Section 3.2(c) of the Agreement during a Fiscal Year, the Profits, Losses and other items allocated with respect to the Class of Units issued for that Fiscal Year will be allocated among the Unitholders of that Class in a manner that takes into account their varying interests in the Company during the Fiscal Year using any permissible methods under Code Section 706 and the Regulations under Code Section 706 and any conventions permitted by law as may be specified in the terms governing the issuance of the Units or, if not specified, as directed by the Board.

          (c)   The Unitholders agree to be bound by the provisions of this Article III in reporting their shares of Company income and loss for income tax purposes.

          (d)   Solely for purposes of determining a Unitholder's proportionate share of the "excess nonrecourse liabilities" of the Company within the meaning of Regulations, Section 1.752-3(a) (3), the Unitholders' aggregate interests in Company profits shall be deemed to be as provided in the capital accounts.

          (e)   To the extent permitted by Regulations, Section 1.704-2(h) (3), the Unitholders shall endeavor to treat Distributions as having been made from the proceeds of a Nonrecourse Liability or a Unitholder Nonrecourse Debt only to the extent that the Distributions would cause or increase an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit for any Unitholder.


          SECTION 3.7.    TAX ALLOCATIONS: CODE SECTION 704(C).

          (a)   In accordance with Code Section 704(c) and the Regulations under Code Section 704(c), income, gain, loss, and deduction with respect to any Property contributed to the capital of the Company shall, solely for tax purposes, be allocated among the Unitholders so as to take into account any variation between the adjusted basis of such Property to the Company for federal income tax

          C-E-8


          purposes and its initial Gross Asset Value (computed in accordance with the definition of Gross Asset Value).

          (b)   In the event the Gross Asset Value of any Company asset is adjusted pursuant to subparagraph (b)(ii) of the definition of Gross Asset Value, subsequent allocations of income, gain, loss, and deduction with respect to such asset shall take account of any variation between the adjusted basis of such asset for federal income tax purposes and its Gross Asset Value in the same manner as under Code Section 704(c) and the Regulations under Code Section 704(c).

          (c)   Allocations pursuant to this Section shall be made as required or permitted by Regulations, Section 1.704-3 pursuant to such method provided therein as may reasonably be designated by the Board. Any elections or other decisions relating to allocations under this Section will be made in any manner that the Board reasonably determines to reflect the purpose and intention of this Agreement. Allocations under this Section are solely for purposes of federal, state and local taxes and shall not affect, or in any way be taken into account in computing, any Unitholder's Capital Account or share of Profits, Losses and other allocation items or Distributions under any provision of this Appendix E or the Agreement.


          ARTICLE IV.
          DISTRIBUTIONS

          SECTION 4.1.    NET CASH FLOW.

                  The Board may make Distributions of Net Cash Flow at times and in aggregate amounts determined by the Board in its sole discretion. When the Board determines that a Distribution is to be made, except as otherwise provided in the Liquidation Provisions, Net Cash Flow, if any, shall be distributed to each Class by Class Percentage and then to Unitholders of a Class in proportion to Units held. The Class Percentages are subject to change if additional Units are issued pursuant to Section 3.2 of the Agreement.


          SECTION 4.2.    AMOUNTS WITHHELD.

                  All amounts withheld pursuant to the Code or any provision of any state, local or foreign tax law with respect to any payment, Distribution or allocation to the Company or the Unitholders shall be treated as amounts paid or distributed, as the case may be, to the Unitholders with respect to which the amount was withheld pursuant to this Section for all purposes under this Agreement. The Company is authorized to withhold from payments and Distributions, or with respect to allocations to the Unitholders, and to pay over to any federal, state and local government or any foreign government, any amounts required to be so withheld pursuant to the Code or any provisions of any other federal, state or local law or any foreign law, and shall allocate any such amounts to the Unitholders with respect to which such amount was withheld.


          SECTION 4.3.    LIMITATIONS OF DISTRIBUTIONS.

          (a)   The Company shall make no Distributions to the Unitholders except as provided in this Article IV, Article XII, Article 7 of the Agreement, and Section 3.6 of the Agreement.

          (b)   A Unitholder may not receive a Distribution from the Company to the extent that, after giving effect to the Distribution, all liabilities of the Company, other than liability to Unitholders on account of their Capital Contributions, would exceed the Gross Asset Value of the Company's assets.

          C-E-9




          ARTICLE V.
          [RESERVED]

          ARTICLE VI.
          [RESERVED]

          ARTICLE VII.
          [RESERVED]

          ARTICLE VIII.
          ACCOUNTING, BOOKS AND RECORDS

          SECTION 8.1.    ACCOUNTING, BOOKS AND RECORDS.

          (a)   The books and records of the Company shall be kept, and the financial position and the results of its operations recorded, in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied; provided, that the financial provisions in the Agreement relating to Capital Contributions, Profits, Losses and other allocation items, Distributions and Capital Accounts shall be construed and determined in accordance with this Agreement without regard to whether such provisions are inconsistent with GAAP. The books and records shall reflect all the Company's transactions and shall be appropriate and adequate for the Company's business. The Company shall maintain all of the following:

          (b)   The Company shall use the accrual method of accounting in preparing its financial reports and for tax purposes and shall keep its books and records accordingly. The Board may, without any further consent of the Unitholders (except as specifically required by the Code), apply for IRS consent to, and otherwise effect a change in, the Company's Fiscal Year.


          SECTION 8.2.    REPORTS.

          (a)    In General.    The chief financial officer of the Company (or other officer determined by the Board or the CEO) shall be responsible for causing the preparation of financial reports of the Company and the coordination of financial matters of the Company with the Company's accountants.

          (b)    Financial Statements.    The Company shall maintain the financial statements listed in clauses (i) and (ii) below, prepared, in each case (other than with respect to Unitholder's Capital Accounts,

          C-E-10



          which shall be prepared in accordance with this Agreement) in accordance with GAAP consistently applied (and file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, if required, for purposes of reporting under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Regulation S-X).


          SECTION 8.3.    TAX MATTERS.

                  (a)    Generally.    The Board shall have the power and authority, without any further consent of the Members being required: (i) to cause the Company to make or revoke any and all elections for federal, state, local, and foreign tax purposes including an election pursuant to Code Section 754; (ii) to extend the statute of limitations for assessment of tax deficiencies against the Unitholders with respect to adjustments to the Company's federal, state, local or foreign tax returns; (iii) to the extent provided in Code Sections 6221 through 6231 and similar provisions of federal, state, local, or foreign law, to represent the Company and the Unitholders before taxing authorities or courts of competent jurisdiction in tax matters affecting the Company or the Unitholders in their capacities as Unitholders; and (iv) to file or amend any tax returns and execute any agreements or other documents relating to or affecting tax matters, including agreements or other documents that bind the Unitholders with respect to tax matters. The Board shall designate a qualifying Member to act as the tax matters partner within the meaning of and pursuant to Regulations, Sections 301.6231(a)(7)-1 and -2 or any similar provision under state or local law.

          (b)    Tax Information.    Necessary tax information shall be delivered to each Unitholder as soon as practicable after the end of each Fiscal Year of the Company but not later than five (5) months after the end of each Fiscal Year.

          C-E-11




          ARTICLE IX.
          [RESERVED]

          ARTICLE X.
          [RESERVED]

          ARTICLE XI.
          [RESERVED]

          ARTICLE XII.
          DISSOLUTION AND WINDING UP

          SECTION 12.1.    COMPLIANCE WITH CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS OF REGULATIONS; DEFICIT CAPITAL ACCOUNTS.

                  In the event the Company is "liquidated" within the meaning of Regulations, Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g), Distributions shall be made pursuant to the Liquidation Provisions to the Unitholders who have positive Capital Accounts in compliance with Regulations, Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(b)(2). If any Unitholder has a deficit balance in his Capital Account (after giving effect to all Capital Contributions, Distributions and allocations of Profits, Losses and other allocation items for all Fiscal Years, including the Fiscal Year during which such liquidation occurs), such Unitholder shall have no obligation to make any contribution to the capital of the Company with respect to such deficit, and such deficit shall not be considered a debt owed to the Company or to any other Person for any purpose whatsoever. In the discretion of the Liquidator, a pro rata portion of the Distributions that would otherwise be made to the Unitholders pursuant to the Liquidation Provisions may be:

          (a)   Distributed to a trust established for the benefit of the Unitholders for the purposes of liquidating Company assets, collecting amounts owed to the Company, and paying any contingent or unforeseen liabilities or obligations of the Company. The assets of any such trust shall be distributed to the Unitholders from time to time, in the reasonable discretion of the Liquidator, in the same proportions as the amount distributed to the trust by the Company would otherwise have been distributed to the Unitholders pursuant to Section 7.2 of the Agreement; or

          (b)   Withheld to provide a reasonable reserve for Company liabilities (contingent or otherwise) and to reflect the unrealized portion of any installment obligations owed to the Company, provided that the withheld amounts shall be distributed to the Unitholders as soon as practicable.


          SECTION 12.2.    DEEMED DISTRIBUTION AND RECONTRIBUTION.

                  Notwithstanding any other provision of the Liquidation Provisions, in the event the Company is liquidated within the meaning of Regulations, Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g) but no Dissolution Event has occurred, the Property shall not be liquidated, the debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company shall not be paid or discharged, and the Company's affairs shall not be wound up. Instead, solely for federal income tax purposes, the Company shall be deemed to have contributed all of its Property and liabilities to a new limited liability company in exchange for an interest in the new company, and immediately thereafter, the Company will be deemed to liquidate by distributing the interest in the new company to the Unitholders.


          SECTION 12.3.    CHARACTER OF LIQUIDATING DISTRIBUTIONS.

                  All payments made in liquidation of the interest of a Unitholder in the Company shall be made in exchange for the interest of such Unitholder in Property pursuant to Section 736(b)(1) of the Code, including the interest of the Unitholder in Company goodwill.

          C-E-12



          Appendix D

          January 9, 2004

          Board of Directors
          Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.
          (d.b.a. Golden Oval Eggs)
          340 Dupont Avenue N.E.
          P.O. Box 615
          Renville, MN 56284

          Members of the Board:

                  We understand that Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc. (d.b.a. Golden Oval Eggs), a Minnesota cooperative corporation (the "Company"), proposes to reorganize (the "Reorganization") the structure of the Company by merger (the "Merger") of the Company into Golden Oval Eggs, LLC, a newly formed Delaware limited liability company ("Newco"). In the Merger, each holder of shares of Company common stock would be issued one Class A unit of Newco (each a Unit and collectively, the "Units") for each share of Company common stock. Upon completion of the Merger, the Company will cease to exist and Newco will continue as the sole surviving entity. The Reorganization will be effected pursuant to a Transaction Agreement and related Agreement and Plan of Merger (collectively, the "Agreement") each by and between the Company and Newco. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meaning as in the Agreement.

                  For purposes of evaluating the potential gain or loss for tax and accounting reporting to the Company and its members arising in the Reorganization, you have requested our opinion as to (a) the fair market value of the equity of the Company immediately prior to the Merger (the "Company Equity Value") and (b) the fair market value of a Unit of Newco immediately following the Merger (the "Newco Unit Value"). Management of the Company, based on advice of Company tax counsel, has determined that the existing net operating loss carry forwards will not survive the Merger and therefore are not assets for which taxable gain or loss must be determined in the context of the Reorganization. Accordingly, at management's direction, we have not, for purposes of determining Company Equity Value, ascribed any value to the net operating loss carry forwards of the Company.

                  For purposes of this opinion and with your consent, (i) Company Equity Value is understood to mean an estimated amount based on the value of the equity of the Company as a whole as of January 9, 2004, on a going concern, as if sold basis, between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under compulsion, each having a reasonable knowledge of all relevant facts, and (ii) we have estimated the Newco Unit Value by applying minority and lack of marketability discounts, as appropriate, to each holder's ratable interest in the Company Equity Value to which Newco will succeed in the Merger. We make no representation as to the sufficiency, legal or otherwise, of our opinion for your purposes. Greene Holcomb & Fisher LLC ("GH&F"), as a customary part of its investment banking business, is engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with mergers and acquisitions, private placements and valuations for corporate and other purposes. We will receive a fee for providing this opinion. This opinion fee is not contingent upon the consummation of the Merger. The Company has also agreed to indemnify us against certain liabilities in connection with our services. We have furnished other valuation services to the Company in the last 12 months for which we have received customary fees.

                  In arriving at our opinion, we have undertaken the following review, analyses and inquiries:


                  We have had discussions with members of the management of the Company concerning the financial condition, current operating results and business outlook for the Company and Newco.

                  We have relied upon and assumed the accuracy and completeness of the financial statements and other information provided to us by the Company, or otherwise made available to us, and have not assumed responsibility for the independent verification of such information. We have relied upon the assurances of the management of the Company that the information provided to us as set forth above by the Company has been prepared on a reasonable basis in accordance with industry practice and, with respect to financial planning data and other business outlook information, reflects the best currently available estimates and judgment of management, and that they are not aware of any information or facts that would make the information provided to us incomplete or misleading. We express no opinion as to such financial planning data and other business outlook information or the assumptions on which they are based. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the financial planning data furnished by the Company indicates, and we assume at your direction and with your consent and in accordance with Company management's projections that, for purposes of this opinion, immediately following the Merger, no material change in the business, operations, cash flows or capital structure (including that the Units are entitled to the entire residual value of Newco) of the Company will occur by reason of the Merger. GH&F expresses no opinion regarding any potential tax or accounting consequences of the Merger. We have not been furnished any information concerning, nor have our analyses accounted for, any potential financial impact of any such tax or accounting consequences of the Merger, including any such consequences arising by reason of differences in taxation of income between cooperative corporations and limited liability companies.

                  We have also assumed the Merger will be consummated pursuant to the terms of the Agreement without material modifications thereto and without waiver by any party of any material conditions or obligations thereunder. In addition, in arriving at our opinion, we have assumed that, in the course of obtaining any necessary regulatory approvals for the Merger, no restrictions, including any divestiture requirements, will be imposed that would have a material adverse effect on the contemplated benefits of the Merger.


                  In arriving at our opinion, we have not performed any appraisals or valuations of any specific assets or liabilities (contingent or other) of the Company, have not made any physical inspection of tangible assets, and have not been furnished with any such appraisals or valuations.

                  This opinion is necessarily based upon the information available to us and facts and circumstances as they exist and are subject to evaluation on the date hereof; events occurring after the date hereof could materially affect the assumptions used in preparing this opinion. In this regard, we have assumed with your consent that for purposes of our opinion concerning Company Equity Value and Newco Unit Value, the Merger occurred as of January 9, 2004. Except as contemplated by the engagement letter between us, we have not undertaken to reaffirm or revise this opinion or otherwise comment upon any events occurring after the date hereof and do not have any obligation to update, revise or reaffirm this opinion.

                  This opinion is directed to the Board of Directors of the Company and is not intended to be and does not constitute a recommendation to any shareholder of the Company as to how to vote with respect to the Reorganization. Except as contemplated by the engagement letter between us, this opinion shall not be published or used, nor shall any public references to us be made, without our prior written approval. We were not requested to opine as to, and this opinion does not address, the basic business decision to proceed with or effect the Reorganization or structure thereof, the relative merits of the Reorganization compared to any alternative business strategy or transaction in which the Company might engage, the process by which the Reorganization was originated, negotiated, approved or consummated, or any other term, condition or aspect of the Reorganization.

                  Based upon and subject to the foregoing and based upon such other factors as we consider relevant, it is our opinion that, as of the date hereof, the Company Equity Value is estimated to be $30.4 million and the Newco Unit Value, assuming the issuance of 4,581,832 Units upon consummation of the Merger, is estimated to be at $4.07 per Unit.


          Sincerely,



          /s/  
          GREENE HOLCOMB & FISHER LLC      
          GREENE HOLCOMB & FISHER LLC




          PART II
          INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

          Item 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

                  The Limited Liability Company Agreement of the registrant authorizes the registrant to indemnify any present or former director or officer to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law. The Delaware Limited Company Act authorizes a limited liability company to indemnify its directors, officers, employees or agents in terms sufficiently broad to permit such indemnification under certain circumstances for liabilities (including provisions permitting advances for expenses incurred) arising under the Securities Act of 1933.

                  The registrant has agreed that if the merger is completed, all rights to indemnification (including payment of litigation expenses) of current or former directors, officers and employees of the cooperative and its subsidiaries arising from actions taken before the consummation of the merger, under Minnesota law and in the cooperative's articles of incorporation and bylaws, will be assumed by the registrant, continue in full force and effect for six years from the effective date of the merger and be guaranteed by the registrant.

                  In addition, the registrant will maintain directors' and officers' liability insurance under which the registrant's directors and officers are insured against loss (as defined in the policy) resulting from claims brought against them for their wrongful acts in such capacities.


          Item 21. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules


          Number

          Description
          2.1Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger between Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc. and Golden Oval Eggs, LLC (included as Appendix A to the Disclosure Statement—Prospectus)

          3.1


          Certificate of Formation of Golden Oval Eggs, LLC (included as Appendix B to the Disclosure Statement—Prospectus)

          3.2


          Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Golden Oval Eggs, LLC (included as Appendix C to the Disclosure Statement—Prospectus)

          5.1


          Opinion of Lindquist & Vennum P.L.L.P regarding legality*

          8.1


          Opinion of Lindquist & Vennum P.L.L.P regarding tax matters*

          10.1


          Employment and Non-Competition Agreement between Dana Persson and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.*

          10.2


          Feed Supply Agreement between State Line Cooperative and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.*

          10.3


          Grain Handler Operating Agreement between Co-op Country Farmers Elevator and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.*

          10.4


          Grain Handler Operating Agreement between Farmers Cooperative Company and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.*

          10.5


          Litter Handling Agreement between Farmers Cooperative Company and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.* **
             

          II-1



          10.6


          Litter Handling Agreement between Co-op Country Farmers Elevator and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.* **

          10.7


          Independent Contractor Agreement for Pullet Production among Pullet Connection, Inc., Barbara Frank and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.* **

          10.8


          Joint Venture Agreement between Midwest Investors of Iowa, Cooperative and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.*

          10.9


          Land Lease Agreement Between Midwest Investors of Iowa, Cooperative and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.*

          23.1


          Consent of Moore Stephens Frost PLC

          23.2


          Consent of Lindquist & Vennum P.L.L.P. (included in exhibit 5.1)

          23.3


          Consent of Greene Holcomb & Fisher LLC*

          24.1


          Power of Attorney*

          99.1


          Form of Mail Ballot of Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.

          99.2


          Articles of Incorporation of Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.*

          99.3


          Bylaws of Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.*

          99.4


          Form of Consent to Termination of Uniform Marketing Agreement

          99.5


          Form of Ballot/Consent Instructions

          *
          Previously filed.

          **
          Certain portions of this exhibit have been deleted and filed separately with the Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment under Rule 406 under the Securities Act.

          (b)
          Financial Statement Schedules.

          Not applicable.

          (c)
          Report, Opinion or Appraisal.

          Not applicable.


          Item 22. Undertakings

          II-2


          II-3



          SIGNATURES

                  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement on Form S-4 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Renville, State of Minnesota on August 5, 2004.



           One Class A UnitGOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC



              /s/  
          DANA PERSSON      
              Dana Persson
              President and Chief Executive Officer

                  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement on Form S-4 has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated on August 5, 2004.






          /s/  DANA PERSSON      
          Dana Persson
          President/Chief Executive Officer
          (principal executive officer)

          *

          Doug Leifermann
          Vice President/Chief Financial Office
          (principal financial and accounting officer)



          *

          Marvin Breitkreutz
          Manager, Chairman



          *

          Mark Chan
          Manager, Secretary/Treasurer



          *

          Chris Edgington
          Manager, Vice Chairman



          *

          Thomas Jacobs
          Manager



          *

          Brad Petersburg
          Manager




          *

          Randy Tauer
          Manager



          *

          Jeff Woodley
          Manager



          *By:/s/  
          DANA PERSSON      
          Dana Persson, Attorney-In-Fact



          '


          INDEX TO EXHIBITS

          Number

          Description
          2.1Amended and Restated Agreement and Plan of Merger between Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc. and Golden Oval Eggs, LLC (included as Appendix A to the Disclosure Statement—Prospectus)

          3.1


          Certificate of Formation of Golden Oval Eggs, LLC (included as Appendix B to the Disclosure Statement—Prospectus)

          3.2


          Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Golden Oval Eggs, LLC (included as Appendix C to the Disclosure Statement—Prospectus)

          5.1


          Opinion of Lindquist & Vennum P.L.L.P regarding legality*

          8.1


          Opinion of Lindquist & Vennum P.L.L.P regarding tax matters*

          10.1


          Employment and Non-Competition Agreement between Dana Persson and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.*

          10.2


          Feed Supply Agreement between State Line Cooperative and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.*

          10.3


          Grain Handler Operating Agreement between Co-op Country Farmers Elevator and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.*

          10.4


          Grain Handler Operating Agreement between Farmers Cooperative Company and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.*

          10.5


          Litter Handling Agreement between Farmers Cooperative Company and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.* **

          10.6


          Litter Handling Agreement between Co-op Country Farmers Elevator and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.* **

          10.7


          Independent Contractor Agreement for Pullet Production among Pullet Connection, Inc., Barbara Frank and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.* **

          10.8


          Joint Venture Agreement between Midwest Investors of Iowa, Cooperative and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.*

          10.9


          Land Lease Agreement Between Midwest Investors of Iowa, Cooperative and Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.*

          23.1


          Consent of Moore Stephens Frost PLC

          23.2


          Consent of Lindquist & Vennum P.L.L.P. (included in exhibit 5.1)

          23.3


          Consent of Greene Holcomb & Fisher LLC*

          24.1


          Power of Attorney*

          99.1


          Form of Mail Ballot of Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.

          99.2


          Articles of Incorporation of Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.*

          99.3


          Bylaws of Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc.*

          99.4


          Form of Consent to Termination of Uniform Marketing Agreement

          99.5


          Form of Ballot/Consent Instructions

          *
          Previously filed.

          **
          Certain portions of this exhibit have been deleted and filed separately with the Commission pursuant to a request for confidential treatment under Rule 406 under the Securities Act.



          QuickLinks

          PROPOSED CONVERSION of Midwest Investors of Renville, Inc., a Minnesota cooperative (d.b.a. "Golden Oval Eggs") to a Delaware limited liability company
          INFORMATIONDISCLOSURE STATEMENT—PROSPECTUS TABLE OF CONTENTS
          QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE CONVERSION
          SUMMARY
          SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
          RISK FACTORS
          CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
          COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF MEMBERS
          THE SPECIAL MEETING
          THE CONVERSION
          THE MERGER AGREEMENT
          INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE CONVERSION
          SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF THE COOPERATIVE
          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
          BUSINESS
          MANAGEMENT
          CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
          PRINCIPAL EQUITYHOLDERS
          DESCRIPTION OF MEMBERSHIP UNITS IN THE LLC
          FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
          Estimate of Taxable Income, Gain and Loss Per Share by Shareholder Group
          LEGAL MATTERS
          EXPERTS
          WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
          INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MIDWEST INVESTORS OF RENVILLE, INC. (D.B.A. "GOLDEN OVAL EGGS")
          Independent Auditor's Report
          MIDWEST INVESTORS OF RENVILLE, INC. d/b/a GOLDEN OVAL EGGS Statements of Operations For the Years Ended August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 (In Thousands, except per share data) (as restated)
          MIDWEST INVESTORS OF RENVILLE, INC. d/b/a GOLDEN OVAL EGGS Statements of Changes in Patrons' Equity For the Years Ended August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 (In Thousands, except per share data) (as restated)
          MIDWEST INVESTORS OF RENVILLE, INC. d/b/a GOLDEN OVAL EGGS Statements of Cash Flows For the Years Ended August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 (In Thousands, except per share data) (as restated)
          MIDWEST INVESTORS OF RENVILLE, INC. d/b/a GOLDEN OVAL EGGS Notes to Financial Statements August 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 (In Thousands, except per share data)
          MIDWEST INVESTORS OF RENVILLE, INC. d/b/a GOLDEN OVAL EGGS StatementStatements of Operations For the PeriodsNine Months Ended November 30,May 31, 2004 and 2003 and November 30, 2002 (In Thousands, except per share data)
          MIDWEST INVESTORS OF RENVILLE, INC. d/b/a GOLDEN OVAL EGGS StatementStatements of Cash Flows For the PeriodsNine Months Ended November 30,May 31, 2004 and 2003 and November 30, 2002 (In Thousands, except per share data)Thousands)
          MIDWEST INVESTORS OF RENVILLE, INC. d/b/a GOLDEN OVAL EGGS Notes to Condensed Financial Statements November 30, 2003Selected Information—Substantially all Disclosures Required by Accounting Principles Generally Accepted in the United States of America are not Included May 31, 2004 and August 31, 20022003 (In Thousands)
          AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
          CERTIFICATE OF FORMATION OF GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC
          GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT
          GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT
          TABLE OF CONTENTS
          GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT
          ARTICLE 1. DEFINITIONS
          ARTICLE 2. FORMATION, PURPOSE, POWERS
          ARTICLE 3. UNITS, UNITHOLDERS, FINANCIAL RIGHTS
          ARTICLE 4. MEMBERS AND MEMBER VOTING
          ARTICLE 5. MANAGEMENT OF COMPANY
          ARTICLE 6. AMENDMENTS
          ARTICLE 7. DISSOLUTION AND WINDING UP
          ARTICLE 8. MISCELLANEOUS
          APPENDIX A
          PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS OF GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC
          APPENDIX B
          AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS OF GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC
          APPENDIX C
          UNIT TRANSFER POLICY OF GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC
          APPENDIX D
          BOARD OF MANAGERS OF GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC
          APPENDIX E
          ALLOCATIONS, DISTRIBUTIONS, TAX MATTERS, AND ACCOUNTING
          ALLOCATIONS, DISTRIBUTIONS, TAX MATTERS, AND ACCOUNTING
          ARTICLE I. THE COMPANY
          ARTICLE II. CAPITAL AND INTERESTS
          ARTICLE III. ALLOCATIONS
          ARTICLE IV. DISTRIBUTIONS
          ARTICLE V. [RESERVED]
          ARTICLE VI. [RESERVED]
          ARTICLE VII. [RESERVED]
          ARTICLE VIII. ACCOUNTING, BOOKS AND RECORDS
          ARTICLE IX. [RESERVED]
          ARTICLE X. [RESERVED]
          ARTICLE XI. [RESERVED]
          ARTICLE XII. DISSOLUTION AND WINDING UP
          PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
          SIGNATURES
          POWER OF ATTORNEY
          INDEX TO EXHIBITS
          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
          CERTIFICATE OF FORMATION OF GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC
          GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT DATED AS OF FEBRUARY 3, 2004
          TABLE OF CONTENTS
          GOLDEN OVAL EGGS, LLC LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT
          INITIAL MEMBER OF THE COMPANY