Table of Contents



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
x
Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
 
 
For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2019
 
 
 
OR
 
 
o
Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
 
 
For the transition period from               to               .
 
 
 
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 000-52033
 
RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
North Dakota
 
76-0742311
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
3682 Highway 8 South, P.O. Box 11, Richardton, ND 58652
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(701) 974-3308
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
 
 
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
x Yes     o No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
x Yes     o No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Large Accelerated Filer o
Accelerated Filer  o
Non-Accelerated Filer x
Smaller Reporting Company o
 
Emerging Growth Company o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
o Yes     x No

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 

As of February 14, 2020, there were 40,148,160 Class A Membership Units outstanding.

1

Table of Contents



INDEX

 
Page Number
3
3
15
20
21
21
21
21
21
21
21
21
22
22
 
 


2

Table of Contents



PART I.        FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC
Condensed Balance Sheets

 ASSETS
 
December 31, 2019
 
September 30, 2019

 
 (Unaudited)
 

Current Assets
 

 

Cash and equivalents
 
$
6,999,650

 
$
8,565,038

Restricted cash - margin account
 
2,121,853

 
1,957,031

Accounts receivable,net, primarily related party
 
4,157,139

 
3,910,384

Inventory
 
8,220,612

 
6,962,825

Prepaid expenses
 
593,814

 
109,500

Total current assets
 
22,093,068

 
21,504,778


 

 

Property, Plant and Equipment
 

 

Land
 
1,333,681

 
1,333,681

Land improvements
 
4,465,311

 
4,465,311

Buildings
 
8,111,074

 
8,111,074

Plant and equipment
 
88,061,649

 
88,038,476

Construction in progress
 
1,163,627

 
455,825


 
103,135,342

 
102,404,367

Less accumulated depreciation
 
64,290,297

 
63,092,175

Net property, plant and equipment
 
38,845,045

 
39,312,192


 

 

Other Assets
 

 

Right of use operating lease assets, net
 
1,304,657

 

Investment in RPMG
 
605,000

 
605,000

Patronage equity
 
4,119,151

 
4,119,151

Deposits
 
40,000

 
40,000

Total other assets
 
6,068,808

 
4,764,151


 

 

Total Assets
 
$
67,006,921

 
$
65,581,121


Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of this Statement.

3




RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC
Condensed Balance Sheets

LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY
 
December 31, 2019
 
September 30, 2019

 
 (Unaudited)
 

Current Liabilities
 

 

Accounts payable
 
$
3,674,470

 
$
4,331,521

Accrued expenses
 
2,498,302

 
598,209

Commodities derivative instruments, at fair value (see note 3)
 
40,865

 
8,875

Accrued loss on firm purchase commitments (see notes 4 and 8)
 
144,000

 
68,000

Current maturities of notes payable
 
4,483

 
252

Current portion of operating leases
 
390,454

 

Total current liabilities
 
6,752,574

 
5,006,857

 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 4, 5, 7 and 8)
 

 

Long-Term Liabilities
 

 

Notes payable
 
17,793

 

Long-term operating lease liabilities
 
914,203

 

Total long-term liabilities
 
931,996

 


 

 

Members’ Equity 40,148,160 Class A Membership Units issued and outstanding
 
59,322,351

 
60,574,264

 
 
 
 
 
Total Liabilities and Members’ Equity
 
$
67,006,921

 
$
65,581,121


Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of this Statement.

4




RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC
Condensed Statements of Operations (Unaudited)


Three Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended
 

December 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 

(Unaudited)
 
(Unaudited)
 
Revenues, primarily related party
$
26,340,913

 
$
25,909,136

 


 

 
Cost of Goods Sold

 

 
Cost of goods sold
26,740,778

 
24,856,341

 
Lower of cost or net realizable value adjustment
22,705

 

 
Loss on firm purchase commitments
76,000

 
5,000

 
Total Cost of Goods Sold
26,839,483

 
24,861,341

 


 

 
Gross Profit (Loss)
(498,570
)
 
1,047,795

 


 

 
General and Administrative Expenses
799,505

 
674,885

 


 

 
Operating Income (Loss)
(1,298,075
)
 
372,910

 


 

 
Other Income (Expense)

 

 
Interest income
39,277

 
27,443

 
Other income, net
6,976

 
2,496

 
Interest expense
(91
)
 
(5
)
 
Total other income, net
46,162

 
29,934

 


 

 
Net Income (Loss)
$
(1,251,913
)
 
$
402,844

 


 

 
Weighted Average Units Outstanding
 
 
 
 
  Basic
40,148,160

 
40,148,160

 


 

 
  Diluted
40,148,160

 
40,148,160

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income (Loss) Per Unit

 
 
 
  Basic
$
(0.03
)
 
$
0.01

 


 

 
  Diluted
$
(0.03
)
 
$
0.01

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of this Statement.



5




RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

Three Months Ended
 
Three Months Ended

December 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

Net income (loss)
$
(1,251,913
)
 
$
402,844

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

Depreciation and amortization
1,198,122

 
1,189,514

Loss on disposal of fixed assets

 
13,254

Change in fair value of derivative instruments
31,990

 
(2,123,150
)
Lower of cost of net realizable value adjustment
22,705

 

Loss on firm purchase commitments
76,000

 
5,000

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

Accounts receivable, net, primarily related party
(246,755
)
 
(231,671
)
Inventory
(1,356,492
)
 
141,450

Prepaid expenses
(484,314
)
 
(228,582
)
Accounts payable
(657,051
)
 
20,831

Accrued expenses
1,900,093

 
(371,472
)
Accrued loss on firm purchase commitments
76,000

 
5,000

Net cash used in operating activities
(691,615
)
 
(1,176,982
)
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities

 

Capital expenditures
(707,802
)
 
(80,306
)
   Net cash used in investing activities
(707,802
)
 
(80,306
)
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 

Payments on notes payable
(1,149
)
 
(657
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(1,149
)
 
(657
)


 

Net Decrease in Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
(1,400,566
)
 
(1,257,945
)
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash - Beginning of Period
10,522,069

 
10,873,339

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash - End of Period
$
9,121,503

 
$
9,615,394

 
 
 
 
Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
6,999,650

 
$
3,370,561

Restricted cash
2,121,853

 
6,244,833

Total Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash
$
9,121,503

 
$
9,615,394



 

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information

 

Interest paid
$
91

 
$
5

Noncash Investing and Financing Activities
 
 
 
Finance lease asset acquired
23,173

 

Capital expenditures in accounts payable
$

 
$
10,176


Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements are an integral part of this Statement.


6


RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019


The accompanying condensed unaudited financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted as permitted by such rules and regulations. These financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019, contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In the opinion of management, the interim condensed unaudited financial statements reflect all adjustments considered necessary for fair presentation. The adjustments made to these statements consist only of normal recurring adjustments. Operating results for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2020.

1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Business

Red Trail Energy, LLC, a North Dakota limited liability company (the “Company”), owns and operates a 50 million gallon annual name-plate production ethanol plant near Richardton, North Dakota (the “Plant”).

Accounting Estimates

Management uses estimates and assumptions in preparing these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Those estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported revenues and expenses. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the useful lives of property, plant and equipment, inventory and allowance for doubtful accounts. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Net Income Per Unit

Net income per unit is calculated on a basic and fully diluted basis using the weighted average units outstanding during the period.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” which supersedes the guidance in “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605)” and requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. ASC 606 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period and is to be applied retrospectively, with early application not permitted. Effective October 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC 606 for all of its contracts using the modified retrospective approach. See note 2.

Statement of Cash Flows; Restricted Cash

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash" which requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. ASU No. 2016-18 is effective for annal periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those annual periods. Effective October 1, 2018 the Company retrospectively adopted ASU No. 2016-18.

Lease Accounting Standards

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (topic 842)" which requires a lessee to recognize a right to use asset and a lease liability on its balance sheet for all leases with terms of twelve months or greater. This guidance is effective for

7


RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019


fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, included interim periods within those years with early adoption permitted. Effective October 1, 2019 the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-02 using the modified retrospective approach. See note 7 for current operating and financing lease commitments.

2. REVENUE

Adoption of ASC 606

Effective October 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC 606 using the modified retrospective approach for all of its contracts. Following the adoption of ASC 606, the Company continues to recognize revenue at a point-in-time when control of goods transfers to the customer. This is consistent with the Company's previous revenue recognition accounting policy under which the Company recognized revenue when title and risk of loss pass to the customer and collectability was reasonably assured. ASC 606 did not impact the Company's presentation of revenue on a gross or net basis. The Company recognizes revenue primarily from sales of ethanol and its related co-products.

Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes revenue from sales of ethanol and co-products at the point in time when the performance obligations in the contract are met, which is when the customer obtains control of such products and typically occurs upon shipment depending on the terms of the underlying contracts. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. In some instances, the Company enters into contracts with customers that contain multiple performance obligations to deliver volumes of co-products over a contractual period of less than 12 months. The Company allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation identified in the contract based on relative standalone selling prices and recognizes the related revenue as control of each individual product is transferred to the customer in satisfaction of the corresponding performance obligation.

Revenue by Source

The following table disaggregates revenue by major source for the three months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Revenues
 
For the three months ended December 31, 2019 (unaudited)
 
For the three months ended December 31, 2018 (unaudited)
Ethanol and E85
 
$
20,420,028

 
$
19,539,168

Distillers Grains
 
4,814,637

 
5,616,777

Syrup
 
92,359

 
92,009

Corn Oil
 
965,372

 
605,140

Other
 
48,517

 
56,042

Total revenue from contracts with customers
 
$
26,340,913

 
$
25,909,136


Shipping and Handling Costs

We account for shipping and handling activities related to contracts with customers as costs to fulfill our promise to transfer the associated products. Accordingly, we record customer payments associated with shipping and handling costs as a component of revenue, and classify such costs as a component of cost of goods sold.

3. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

Commodity Contracts

As part of its hedging strategy, the Company may enter into ethanol, soybean, soybean oil, natural gas and corn commodity-based derivatives in order to protect cash flows from fluctuations caused by volatility in commodity prices in order to protect gross profit margins from potentially adverse effects of market and price volatility on ethanol sales, corn oil sales, and corn purchase commitments where the prices are set at a future date. These derivatives are not designated as effective hedges for accounting

8


RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019


purposes. For derivative instruments that are not accounted for as hedges, or for the ineffective portions of qualifying hedges, the change in fair value is recorded through earnings in the period of change. Ethanol derivative fair market value gains or losses are included in the results of operations and are classified as revenue and corn derivative changes in fair market value are included in cost of goods sold.
As of:
 
December 31, 2019 (unaudited)
 
September 30, 2019
Contract Type
 
# of Contracts
Notional Amount (Qty)
Fair Value
 
# of Contracts
Notional Amount (Qty)
Fair Value
Corn futures
 
10

50,000

bushels
$
4,625

 


bushels
$

Corn options
 
270

1,350,000

bushels
$
(30,750
)
 
30

150,000

bushels
$
(8,875
)
Natural gas futures
 
35

350,000

dk
$
(6,900
)
 


dk
$

Natural gas options
 
7

70,000

dk
$
(7,840
)
 


dk
$

Total fair value
 
 
 
 
$
(40,865
)
 
 
 
 
$
(8,875
)
Amounts are combined on the balance sheet - negative numbers represent liabilities

The following tables provide details regarding the Company's derivative financial instruments at December 31, 2019 and September 30, 2019:
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet - as of December 31, 2019 (unaudited)
 
Asset
 
Liability
Commodity derivative instruments, at fair value
 
$

 
$
40,865

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes
 
$

 
$
40,865

 
 
 
 
 
Balance Sheet - as of September 30, 2019
 
Asset
 
Liability
Commodity derivative instruments, at fair value
 
$

 
$
8,875

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes
 
$

 
$
8,875


Statement of Operations Income/(Expense)
 
Location of gain (loss) in fair value recognized in income
 
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income during the three months ended December 31, 2019 (unaudited)
 
Amount of gain (loss) recognized in income during the three months ended December 31, 2018 (unaudited)
Corn derivative instruments
 
Cost of Goods Sold
 
$
104,683

 
$
2,068,502

Natural gas derivative instruments
 
Cost of Goods Sold
 
(27,850
)
 

Total
 
 
 
$
76,833

 
$
2,068,502


4. INVENTORY
Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Inventory values as of December 31, 2019 and September 30, 2019 were as follows:
As of
 
December 31, 2019
(unaudited)
 
September 30, 2019
Raw materials, including corn, chemicals and supplies
 
$
4,249,606

 
$
2,679,126

Work in process
 
877,881

 
956,509

Finished goods, including ethanol and distillers grains
 
1,150,551

 
1,459,561

Spare parts
 
1,942,574

 
1,867,629

Total inventory
 
$
8,220,612

 
$
6,962,825



9


RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019


Lower of cost or net realizable value adjustments for the three months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:
 
 
For the three months ended December 31, 2019 (unaudited)
 
For the three months ended December 31, 2018 (unaudited)
Loss on firm purchase commitments
 
$
76,000

 
$
5,000

Loss on lower of cost or net realizable value adjustment for inventory on hand
 
$
22,705

 
$

Total loss on lower of cost or net realizable value adjustments
 
$
98,705

 
$
5,000


The Company has entered into forward corn purchase contracts under which it is required to take delivery at the contract price. At the time the contracts were created, the price of the contract approximated market price. Subsequent changes in market conditions could cause the contract prices to become higher or lower than market prices. As of December 31, 2019, the average price of corn purchased under certain fixed price contracts, that had not yet been delivered, was greater than approximated market price. Based on this information, the Company has a $76,000 estimated loss on firm purchase commitments for the three months ended December 31, 2019. The loss is recorded in “Loss on firm purchase commitments” on the statement of operations. The amount of the potential loss was determined by applying a methodology similar to that used in the impairment valuation with respect to inventory. Given the uncertainty of future ethanol prices, further losses on the outstanding purchase commitments could be recorded in future periods.

5. BANK FINANCING

On October 1, 2019, we terminated our $7 million Revolving Loan with U.S. Bank National Association ("U.S. Bank"). The maturity date of the Revolving Loan was May 31, 2020. Our ability to draw funds on the Revolving Loan was subject to a borrowing base calculation as set forth in the Credit Agreement.

On January 22, 2020 we entered into a new $10 million revolving loan (the "Revolving Loan") with Cornerstone Bank ("Cornerstone"). The Revolving Loan replaced a similar revolving loan we had with U.S. Bank National Association. The maturity date of the Revolving Loan is January 21, 2021. The variable interest rate on December 31, 2019 will be 3.55%.

On January 22, 2020, we entered into a new $7 million construction loan (the "Construction Loan") with Cornerstone. The maturity date of the Construction Loan is June 1, 2021. The variable interest rate on December 31, 2019 will be 3.55%.
        
The Company's loans are secured by a lien on substantially all of the assets of the Company.

6. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The following table provides information on those liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2019 and September 30, 2019, respectively.

10


RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019


 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurement Using
 
Carrying Amount as of December 31, 2019 (unaudited)
 
Fair Value as of December 31, 2019 (unaudited)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodities derivative instruments
$
40,865

 
$
40,865

 
$
40,865

 
$

 
$

Total
$
40,865

 
$
40,865

 
$
40,865

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurement Using
 
Carrying Amount as of September 30, 2019
 
Fair Value as of September 30, 2019
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodities derivative instruments
$
8,875

 
$
8,875

 
$
8,875

 
$

 
$

Total
$
8,875

 
$
8,875

 
$
8,875

 
$

 
$


The fair value of the corn, ethanol, soybean oil and natural gas derivative instruments is based on quoted market prices in an active market.

7. LEASES

Effective October 1, 2019, the Company adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (topic 842)" using the modified retrospective approach which applies the provisions of ASU No. 2016-02 upon adoption, with no change to prior periods. This adoption resulted in the Company recognizing initial right of use assets and lease liabilities of $1,418,000. The adoption did not have a significant impact on the Company's statement of operations.

Upon the initial adoption of ASU No. 2016-02, the Company elected the following practical expedients allowable under the guidance: not to reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases; not to reassess the lease classification for any expired or existing leases; not to reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases; not to separately identify lease and nonlease components; and not to evaluate historical land easements. Additionally, the Company elected the short-term lease exemption policy, applying the requirements of ASU No. 2016-02 to only long-term (greater than 1 year) leases.

The Company leases railcar and plant equipment. Operating lease right of use assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The Company uses its estimated incremental borrowing rate, unless an implicit rate is readily determinable, as the discount rate for each lease in determining the present value of lease payments. For the three months ended December 31, 2019, the Company's estimated discount rate was 3.55%. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease or contains a lease at inception. The Company's leases have remaining lease terms of approximately 1 year to 4 years, which may include options to extend the lease when it is reasonably certain the Company will exercise those options. At December 31, 2019 the weighted average remaining lease term is 3.5 years. The Company does not have lease arrangements with residual value guarantees, sale leaseback terms or material restrictive covenants. The Company does not have any sublease agreements.

The Company is generally responsible for maintenance, taxes, and utilities for leased equipment. Rent expense for operating leases was approximately $205,000 and $161,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Equipment under financing leases consists of office equipment and plant equipment. Equipment under financing leases is as follows at:

11


RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019


As of
 
December 31, 2019
 
September 30, 2019
Equipment
 
$
506,661

 
$
483,488

Less accumulated amortization
 
(168,613
)
 
(162,940
)
Net equipment under financing lease
 
$
338,048

 
$
320,548


At December 31, 2019, the Company had the following minimum commitments, which at inception had non-cancelable terms of more than one year. Amounts shown below are for the 12 month periods ending December 31:
 
 
Operating Leases
 
Financing Leases
2020
 
$
390,454

 
$
4,483

2021
 
350,349

 
4,517

2022
 
326,349

 
4,551

2023
 
215,493

 
4,585

2024
 
22,012

 
4,140

Thereafter
 

 

Total minimum lease commitments
 
$
1,304,657

 
22,276

Less amount representing interest
 
 
 

Present value of minimum lease commitments included in notes payable on the balance sheet
 
 
 
$
22,276


8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Firm Purchase Commitments for Corn

To ensure an adequate supply of corn to operate the Plant, the Company enters into contracts to purchase corn from local farmers and elevators. At December 31, 2019, the Company had various fixed price contracts for the purchase of approximately 1.3 million bushels of corn. Using the stated contract price for the fixed price contracts, the Company had commitments of approximately $4.7 million related to the 1.3 million bushels under contract.

Water

To meet the plant's water requirements, we entered into a ten-year contract with Southwest Water Authority to purchase raw water. Our contract requires us to purchase a minimum of 160 million gallons of water per year. The minimum estimated liability for this contract is $424,000 per year.

Profit and Cost Sharing Agreement

The Company has entered into a Profit and Cost Sharing Agreement with Bismarck Land Company, LLC which became effective on November 1, 2016. The Profit and Cost Sharing Agreement provides that the Company will share 70% of the net revenue generated by the Company from business activities which are brought to the Company by Bismarck Land Company, LLC and conducted on the real estate purchased from the Bismarck Land Company, LLC. The real estate was initially purchased in exchange for 2 million membership units at $1.66 per unit. This obligation will terminate ten years after the real estate closing date of October 11, 2016 or after Bismarck Land Company, LLC receives $10 million in proceeds from the agreement. In addition, the Company will pay Bismarck Land Company, LLC 70% of any net proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the subject real estate if a sale were to occur in the future, subject to the $10 million cap and the 10 year termination of this obligation. The Company has paid Bismarck Land Company, LLC $28,315 as of December 31, 2019.

Carbon Capture and Storage Project

The Company has entered into a research agreement with the University of North Dakota Energy and Environmental Research Center to explore the feasibility of injecting CO2 from the fermentation process into a saline formation to lower the carbon intensity

12




value of our ethanol. The Company has committed to fund up to $950,000 for this research. The Company has paid $612,140 as of December 31, 2019.

9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company has balances and transactions in the normal course of business with various related parties for the purchase of corn, sale of distillers grains and sale of ethanol. The related parties include unit holders, members of the board of governors of the Company, and RPMG, Inc. (“RPMG”). Significant related party activity affecting the financial statements is as follows:
 
 
December 31, 2019
(unaudited)
 
September 30, 2019
Balance Sheet
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
$
3,757,314

 
$
3,695,462

Accounts Payable
 
6,825

 
298,638

Accrued Expenses
 
580,975

 
41,643

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
For the three months ended December 31, 2019 (unaudited)
 
For the three months ended December 31, 2018 (unaudited)
Statement of Operations
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
$
24,561,170

 
$
24,188,143

Cost of goods sold
 
602,869

 
14,104

General and administrative
 
41,304

 
30,910

Inventory Purchases
 
$
2,671,939

 
$
3,703,065


10. UNCERTAINTIES IMPACTING THE ETHANOL INDUSTRY AND OUR FUTURE OPERATIONS

The Company has certain risks and uncertainties that it experiences during volatile market conditions, which can have a severe impact on operations. The Company's revenues are derived from the sale and distribution of ethanol and distillers grains to customers primarily located in the United States. Corn for the production process is supplied to the Plant primarily from local agricultural producers and from purchases on the open market. The Company's operating and financial performance is largely driven by prices at which the Company sells ethanol and distillers grains and by the cost at which it is able to purchase corn for operations. The price of ethanol is influenced by factors such as prices, supply and demand, weather, government policies and programs, and unleaded gasoline and the petroleum markets, although since 2005 the prices of ethanol and gasoline began a divergence with ethanol selling for less than gasoline at the wholesale level. Excess ethanol supply in the market, in particular, puts downward pressure on the price of ethanol. The Company's largest cost of production is corn. The cost of corn is generally impacted by factors such as supply and demand, weather, government policies and programs. The Company's risk management program is used to protect against the price volatility of these commodities.

The Company's financial performance is highly dependent on the Federal Renewable Fuels Standard ("RFS") which requires that a certain amount of renewable fuels must be used each year in the United States. Corn based ethanol, such as the ethanol the Company produces, can be used to meet a portion of the RFS requirement. In November 2013, the EPA issued a proposed rule which would reduce the RFS for 2014, including the RFS requirement related to corn based ethanol. The EPA proposed rule was subject to a comment period which expired in January 2014. On November 30, 2015, the EPA released its final ethanol use requirements for 2014, 2015 and 2016 which were lower than the statutory requirements in the RFS. However, the final RFS for 2017 equaled the statutory requirement which was also the case for the 2018, 2019 and 2020 RFS final rules.

The Company anticipates that the results of operations during the remainder of fiscal year 2020 will continue to be affected by volatility in the commodity markets. The volatility is due to various factors, including uncertainty with respect to the availability and supply of corn, increased demand for grain from global and national markets, speculation in the commodity markets and demand for corn from the ethanol industry.


13


RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019


11. MEMBER'S EQUITY

Changes in member's equity for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 and the three months ended December 31, 2019.
 
 
Class A Member Units
 
Additional Paid in Capital
 
Accumulated Deficit/Retained Earnings
 
Treasury Units
 
Total Member Equity
Balances - September 30, 2018
 
$
39,044,595

 
$
75,541

 
$
25,358,139

 
$
(159,540
)
 
$
64,318,735

Net income (loss)
 

 

 
402,844

 

 
402,844

Balances - December 31, 2018
 
39,044,595

 
75,541

 
25,760,983

 
(159,540
)
 
64,721,579

Distribution
 

 

 
(1,782
)
 

 
(1,782
)
Net income
 

 

 
(1,423,308
)
 

 
(1,423,308
)
Balances - March 31, 2019
 
$
39,044,595

 
$
75,541

 
$
24,335,893

 
$
(159,540
)
 
$
63,296,489

Net income
 

 

 
817,986

 

 
817,986

Balances - June 30, 2019
 
$
39,044,595

 
$
75,541

 
$
25,153,879

 
$
(159,540
)
 
$
64,114,475

Net income
 
 
 
 
 
$
(3,540,211
)
 
 
 
$
(3,540,211
)
Balances - September 30, 2019
 
$
39,044,595

 
$
75,541

 
$
21,613,668

 
$
(159,540
)
 
$
60,574,264


 
 
Class A Member Units
 
Additional Paid in Capital
 
Accumulated Deficit/Retained Earnings
 
Treasury Units
 
Total Member Equity
Balances - September 30, 2019
 
$
39,044,595

 
$
75,541

 
$
21,613,668

 
$
(159,540
)
 
$
60,574,264

Net income (loss)
 

 

 
(1,251,913
)
 

 
(1,251,913
)
Balances December 31, 2019
 
39,044,595

 
75,541

 
20,361,755

 
(159,540
)
 
59,322,351


12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On January 22, 2020 the Company entered into a new revolving loan and new construction loan with Cornerstone Bank. See Note 5.


14




Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

We prepared the following discussion and analysis to help you better understand our financial condition, changes in our financial condition, and results of operations for the three month period ended December 31, 2019, compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements, notes and information contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019. Unless otherwise stated, references in this report to particular years, quarters, months, or periods refer to our fiscal years ended in September and the associated quarters, months, or periods of those fiscal years.

Forward Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements that involve future events, our future performance and our future operations and actions.  In some cases you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "may," "should," "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "plan," "future," "intend," "could," "estimate," "predict," "hope," "potential," "continue," or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are only our predictions and involve numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Our actual results or actions may differ materially from these forward-looking statements for many reasons, including the following factors:

Reductions in the corn-based ethanol use requirement in the Federal Renewable Fuels Standard;
Small refinery exemptions from the RFS granted by the EPA;
Lower oil prices which result in lower ethanol prices;
Negative operating margins which result from lower ethanol prices;
Lower distillers grains prices which result from the Chinese anti-dumping and countervailing duty tariffs;
Lower ethanol prices due to the Chinese ethanol tariff and the Brazilian ethanol tariff;
Logistics difficulties preventing us from delivering our products to our customers;
Fluctuations in the price and market for ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil;
Availability and costs of products and raw materials, particularly corn and natural gas;
Changes in the environmental regulations that apply to our plant operations and our ability to comply with such regulations;
Ethanol supply exceeding demand and corresponding ethanol price reductions impacting our ability to operate profitably and maintain a positive spread between the selling price of our products and our raw material costs;
Our ability to generate and maintain sufficient liquidity to fund our operations and meet our necessary capital expenditures;
Our ability to continue to meet our loan covenants;
Limitations and restrictions contained in the instruments and agreements governing our indebtedness;
Results of our hedging transactions and other risk management strategies;
Changes and advances in ethanol production technology; and
Competition from alternative fuels and alternative fuel additives.

Overview
 
Red Trail Energy, LLC, a North Dakota limited liability company (the "Company," "Red Trail," or "we," "our," or "us"), owns and operates a 50 million gallon annual name-plate production ethanol plant near Richardton, North Dakota. Our revenues are derived from the sale and distribution of our ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil primarily in the continental United States. Corn is our largest cost component and our profitability is highly dependent on the spread between the price of corn and the price of ethanol.

On January 22, 2020, following the end of our quarter ended December 31, 2019, we entered into two loans with Cornerstone Bank ("Cornerstone"). We entered into a $10,000,000 revolving line of credit (the "Revolving Loan") and a $7,000,000 construction line of credit (the "Construction Loan") for our carbon dioxide capture and storage project. The details of these loans are described in more detail below in the section entitled "Capital Resources."

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018
 
The following table shows the results of our operations and the percentages of revenues, cost of goods sold, general and administrative expenses and other items to total revenues in our unaudited statements of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:

15




 
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2019 (Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2018 (Unaudited)
Statement of Operations Data
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
Revenues
$
26,340,913

 
100.00

 
$
25,909,136

 
100.00
Cost of Goods Sold
26,839,483

 
101.89

 
24,861,341

 
95.96
Gross Profit (Loss)
(498,570
)
 
(1.89
)
 
1,047,795

 
4.04
General and Administrative Expenses
799,505

 
3.04

 
674,885

 
2.60
Operating Income (Loss)
(1,298,075
)
 
(4.93
)
 
372,910

 
1.44
Other Income, net
46,162

 
0.18

 
29,934

 
0.12
Net Income (Loss)
$
(1,251,913
)
 
(4.75
)
 
$
402,844

 
1.55
        
The following table shows additional data regarding production and price levels for our primary inputs and products for the three months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
 
 
Three Months Ended December 31, 2019 (unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
December 31, 2018
(unaudited)
Production:
 
 
 
 
  Ethanol sold (gallons)
 
15,014,837

 
16,629,602

  Dried distillers grains sold (tons)
 
22,889

 
28,115

  Modified distillers grains sold (tons)
 
30,293

 
34,024

Corn oil sold (pounds)
 
3,834,090

 
2,700,300

Revenues:
 
 
 
 
  Ethanol average price per gallon (net of hedging)
 
$
1.36

 
$
1.18

  Dried distillers grains average price per ton
 
129.90

 
136.95

  Modified distillers grains average price per ton
 
60.79

 
51.92

Corn oil average price per pound
 
0.25

 
0.22

Primary Inputs:
 
 
 
 
  Corn ground (bushels)
 
5,330,858

 
6,040,959

Natural gas (MMBtu)
 
357,329

 
432,265

Costs of Primary Inputs:
 
 
 
 
  Corn average price per bushel (net of hedging)
 
$
3.53

 
$
3.20

Natural gas average price per MMBtu (net of hedging)
 
2.30

 
2.84

Other Costs (per gallon of ethanol sold):
 
 
 
 
  Chemical and additive costs
 
$
0.091

 
$
0.108

  Denaturant cost
 
0.036

 
0.037

  Electricity cost
 
0.050

 
0.046

  Direct labor cost
 
0.072

 
0.061


Revenue

Our revenue was greater in the first quarter of our 2020 fiscal year compared to the same period of our 2019 fiscal year due to increased prices for our products, partially offset by decreased sales of our products during the 2020 period. During the first quarter of our 2020 fiscal year, approximately 79.3% of our total revenue was derived from ethanol sales, approximately 18.2% was from distillers grains sales and approximately 1.9% was from corn oil sales. During the first quarter of our 2019 fiscal year, approximately 76.2% of our total revenue was derived from ethanol sales, approximately 20.5% was from distillers grains sales and approximately 2.8% was from corn oil sales.


16




Ethanol

The average price we received for our ethanol was higher during the first quarter of our 2020 fiscal year compared to the first quarter of our 2019 fiscal year. Management attributes the increase in the price we received for our ethanol during the first quarter of our 2020 fiscal year to decreased demand reductions from small refinery exemptions from the RFS along with higher corn prices which typically results in higher ethanol prices. In addition, ethanol exports have supported domestic ethanol prices, however, export demand is more volatile than domestic demand which can result in additional volatility. If ethanol export demand slows in the future, it could negatively impact ethanol demand, especially due to increased production capacity in the United States. Management anticipates that ethanol prices will remain at current levels unless domestic ethanol demand increases. Management believes that domestic ethanol demand will only increase through increased usage of higher level blends of ethanol, such as E15, used in the United States. During 2019, the Trump administration passed rules which allow the year-round use of E15. Management believes that this may lead the way for increased domestic availability of E15 which could lead to increased domestic demand, especially if ethanol prices are lower compared to the price of gasoline.
 
We sold fewer gallons of ethanol during the first quarter of our 2020 fiscal year compared to the first quarter of our 2019 fiscal year. Management attributes this decreased production to slower production rates during the beginning of the quarter due to lower new crop corn availability from our producers. Management anticipates that our ethanol production and sales will be comparable during the rest of our 2020 fiscal year compared to our 2019 fiscal year provided we do not encounter any plant production issues which prevent us from operating at capacity during our 2020 fiscal year.

From time to time we enter into forward sales contracts for our products. At December 31, 2019, we had no open ethanol futures contracts. We also had no ethanol futures contracts for the first quarter of our 2020 fiscal year.
    
Distillers Grains

Previously, we sold a majority of our distillers grains in the dried form due to market conditions which favored that product. However, due to the Chinese anti-dumping and countervailing duty tariffs which have decreased export demand for distillers grains, we increased the amount of modified distillers grains we produced and sold. Modified distillers grains are used in our local market and are less impacted by world distillers grains markets. The average price we received for our modified distillers grains were higher during the first quarter of our 2020 fiscal year compared to the first quarter of our 2019 fiscal year due to higher corn prices which impacted local demand for modified distillers grains. The average price we received for our dried distillers grains were lower during the first quarter of our 2020 fiscal year compared to the first quarter of our 2019 fiscal year due to lower export demand. Management anticipates distillers grains prices will be higher for the rest of our 2020 fiscal year due to anticipated increases in export demand from China provided recent tariff negotiations between the United States and China continue.

We produced and sold fewer total tons of distillers grains during the first quarter of our 2020 fiscal year compared to the first quarter of our 2019 fiscal year due to decreased overall production during the first quarter of our 2020 fiscal year. Management anticipates relatively consistent distillers grains production going forward provided we can maintain favorable operating margins.
    
Corn Oil

The total pounds of corn oil we sold was significantly greater during the first quarter of our 2020 fiscal year compared to the first quarter of our 2019 fiscal year due to improved corn oil yields which increased the amount of corn oil we have available to sell. Management anticipates that our corn oil production will remain at current levels for the remaining quarters of our 2020 fiscal year. The average price we received for our corn oil during the first quarter of our 2020 fiscal year was approximately 13.6% greater compared to the first quarter of our 2019 fiscal year due to increased biodiesel demand. Recently, the biodiesel blenders' tax credit was renewed retroactively from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2022. This extension of the tax credit has created greater certainty in the biodiesel industry which has resulted in increased demand for corn oil which is frequently used as a feedstock to produce biodiesel.
    
Cost of Goods Sold

Our cost of goods sold is primarily made up of corn and natural gas expenses. Our cost of goods sold was greater for the first quarter of our 2020 fiscal year as compared to the first quarter of our 2019 fiscal year due primarily to increased corn costs per bushel during the 2020 period.


17




Corn Costs

Our cost of goods sold related to corn was greater for the first quarter of our 2020 fiscal year compared to the first quarter of our 2019 fiscal year due to higher corn costs per bushel, without taking derivative instrument positions into account, partially offset by decreased corn consumption. We also had an adjustment to our cost of goods sold based on forward purchase contracts we had in place during the 2020 period. For the first quarter of our 2020 fiscal year, we used approximately 11.8% fewer bushels of corn compared to the first quarter of our 2019 fiscal year due to decreased production at the plant. The average price we paid per bushel of corn, without taking into account our derivative instruments, was approximately 10.3% greater for the first quarter of our 2020 fiscal year compared to the first quarter of our 2019 fiscal year due to higher market corn prices and less favorable basis during the 2020 period. In addition, during the first quarter of our 2020 fiscal year, we had a realized gain of approximately $105,000 for our corn derivative instruments which decreased our cost of goods sold related to corn. For the first quarter of our 2019 fiscal year, we had a realized gain of approximately $2.1 million for our corn derivative instruments which decreased our cost of goods sold related to corn. Management anticipates comparable corn prices during the rest of our 2020 fiscal year unless unfavorable weather conditions and late planting negatively impact the 2020 growing season which could result in higher corn prices. In addition, if China reenters the market if trade disputes between China and the United States are resolved, this may lead to additional demand for corn which may increase local prices.

Natural Gas Costs

We consumed approximately 17.3% less MMBtu of natural gas during the first quarter of our 2020 fiscal year compared to the first quarter of our 2019 fiscal year, due to decreased production during the 2020 period. Our average cost per MMBtu of natural gas was approximately 19.0% less during the first quarter of our 2020 fiscal year compared to the first quarter of our 2019 fiscal year due to plentiful natural gas supply.

General and Administrative Expenses

Our general and administrative expenses were greater for the first quarter of our 2020 fiscal year compared to the first quarter of our 2019 fiscal year primarily due to increased labor and consulting costs during the 2020 period.

Other Income/Expense

We had more interest income during the first quarter of our 2020 fiscal year compared to the first quarter of our 2019 fiscal year due to having more cash on hand during our 2020 fiscal year.

Changes in Financial Condition for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2019

Current Assets. We had less cash and equivalents at December 31, 2019 compared to September 30, 2019 primarily due to the timing of our quarter end compared to when we received payments from our marketer. We had more restricted cash at December 31, 2019 compared to September 30, 2019 because we had more cash in our margin account associated with our hedging transactions. Due to the timing of payments from our marketers, we had more accounts receivable at December 31, 2019 compared to September 30, 2019. We had more inventory on hand at December 31, 2019 compared to September 30, 2019 due primarily to having more corn and ethanol inventory at December 31, 2019.

Property, Plant and Equipment. The value of our property, plant and equipment was lower at December 31, 2019 compared to September 30, 2019 due to the regular depreciation of our assets partially offset by capital projects which were underway during our first quarter of 2020.

Current Liabilities. Our accounts payable were lower at December 31, 2019 compared to September 30, 2019 due to having more deferred corn payments at December 31, 2019. Our accrued expenses were higher at December 31, 2019 compared to September 30, 2019 because we had more deferred payments for corn deliveries at December 31, 2019 compared to September 30, 2019. We also had a larger accrued loss on our deferred corn purchase commitments at December 31, 2019 compared to September 30, 2019.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Based on financial forecasts performed by our management, we anticipate that we will have sufficient cash from our current credit facilities and cash from our operations to continue to operate the ethanol plant for the next 12 months. Should we experience unfavorable operating conditions in the future, we may have to secure additional debt or equity sources for working capital or other purposes.

18




    
The following table shows cash flows for the three months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
 
December 31, 2019 (unaudited)
 
December 31, 2018 (unaudited)
Net cash (used in) operating activities
 
$
(691,615
)
 
$
(1,176,982
)
Net cash (used in) investing activities
 
(707,802
)
 
(80,306
)
Net cash (used in) financing activities
 
(1,149
)
 
(657
)
Net decrease in cash
 
$
(1,400,566
)
 
$
(1,257,945
)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period
 
$
9,121,503

 
$
9,615,394


Cash Flow from Operations

Our operations provided less cash during the three months ended December 31, 2019 compared to the same period of our 2019 fiscal year due to decreased net income along with changes in our derivative instrument positions and inventory which resulted in less cash being generated by our operations.

Cash Flow From Investing Activities

We used more cash for capital expenditures during the three months ended December 31, 2019 compared to the same period of our 2019 fiscal year. During the 2019 period, our primary capital expenditures were for our Carbon Capture and Storage Project research.
    
Cash Flow from Financing Activities

We used more cash for financing activities during the three months ended December 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2019 due to a new copier financing lease.

Our liquidity, results of operations and financial performance will be impacted by many variables, including the market price for commodities such as, but not limited to, corn, ethanol and other energy commodities, as well as the market price for any co-products generated by the facility and the cost of labor and other operating costs.  Assuming future relative price levels for corn, ethanol and distillers grains remain consistent, we expect operations to generate adequate cash flows to maintain operations.

Capital Expenditures
 
The Company had approximately $1.2 million in construction in progress as of December 31, 2019 primarily relating to the carbon capture and storage project research.

Capital Resources

Revolving Loan

On January 22, 2020, we entered into a new $10 million revolving loan (the "Revolving Loan") with Cornerstone Bank ("Cornerstone"). Interest accrues on any outstanding balance on the Revolving Loan at a rate of 1.2% less than the prime rate as published by the Wall Street Journal, adjusted monthly. The Revolving Loan has a minimum interest rate of 3.0%. The maturity date of the Revolving Loan is January 21, 2021. The Revolving Loan is secured by a lien on all of our assets.

Construction Loan

On January 22, 2020, we entered into a new $7 million construction loan (the "Construction Loan") with Cornerstone to finance our carbon capture and storage project. Interest accrues on any outstanding balance on the Construction Loan at a rate of 1.2% less than the prime rate as published by the Wall Street Journal, adjusted monthly. The maturity date of the Construction Loan is June 1, 2021. The Construction Loan is secured by a lien on all of our assets.

Significant Accounting Policies and Estimates

We describe our significant accounting policies in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the Notes to Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019. We discuss our

19




critical accounting estimates in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019. There has been no significant change in our critical accounting estimates since the end of our 2019 fiscal year. Effective October 1, 2019 the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-02 using the modified retrospective approach. Effective October 1, 2018, the Company has adopted ASC 606 using the modified retrospective approach for all of its contracts. The Company also retrospectively adopted ASU No. 2016-18 on October 1, 2018.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

We are exposed to the impact of market fluctuations associated with commodity prices as discussed below. We use derivative financial instruments as part of an overall strategy to manage market risk. We use cash, futures and option contracts to hedge changes to the commodity prices of corn and ethanol. We do not enter into these derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes, nor do we designate these contracts as hedges for accounting purposes pursuant to the requirements of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP"). 

Commodity Price Risk
 
We expect to be exposed to market risk from changes in commodity prices.  Exposure to commodity price risk results from our dependence on corn and natural gas in the ethanol production process and the sale of ethanol.
 
We enter into fixed price contracts for corn purchases on a regular basis.  It is our intent that, as we enter into these contracts, we will use various hedging instruments (puts, calls and futures) to maintain a near even market position.  For example, if we have 1 million bushels of corn under fixed price contracts we would generally expect to enter into a short hedge position to offset our price risk relative to those bushels we have under fixed price contracts. Because our ethanol marketing company (RPMG) is selling substantially all of the gallons it markets on a spot basis we also include the corn bushel equivalent of the ethanol we have produced that is inventory but not yet priced as bushels that need to be hedged.
 
Although we believe our hedge positions will accomplish an economic hedge against our future purchases, they are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes, which would match the gain or loss on our hedge positions to the specific commodity purchase being hedged.  We use fair value accounting for our hedge positions, which means as the current market price of our hedge positions changes, the gains and losses are immediately recognized in our cost of sales.  The immediate recognition of hedging gains and losses under fair value accounting can cause net income to be volatile from quarter to quarter and year to year due to the timing of the change in value of derivative instruments relative to the cost of the commodity being hedged.  However, it is likely that commodity cash prices will have the greatest impact on the derivatives instruments with delivery dates nearest the current cash price.
 
As of December 31, 2019, we had fixed corn purchase contracts for approximately 1.30 million bushels of corn and we had corn futures and option contracts for approximately 1.40 million bushels of corn.  As of December 31, 2019 we had an unrealized gain of approximately $26,000 related to our corn futures and option contracts.
 
It is the current position of our ethanol marketing company, RPMG, that under current market conditions, selling ethanol in the spot market will yield the best price for our ethanol.  RPMG will, from time to time, contract a portion of the gallons they market with fixed price contracts.  
 
We estimate that our corn usage will be between 21 million and 23 million bushels per calendar year for the production of approximately 59 million to 64 million gallons of ethanol.  As corn prices move in reaction to market trends and information, our income statement will be affected depending on the impact such market movements have on the value of our derivative instruments.
 
A sensitivity analysis has been prepared to estimate our exposure to corn, natural gas and ethanol price risk. Market risk related to our corn, natural gas and ethanol prices is estimated as the potential change in income resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in the average cost of our corn and natural gas, and our average ethanol sales price as of December 31, 2019, net of the forward and future contracts used to hedge our market risk for corn, natural gas and ethanol. The volumes are based on our expected use and sale of these commodities for a one year period from December 31, 2019. The results of this analysis, which may differ from actual results, are as follows:

20




 
Estimated Volume Requirements for the next 12 months (net of forward and futures contracts)
 
Unit of Measure
 
Hypothetical Adverse Change in Price
 
Approximate Adverse Change to Income
Ethanol
63,900,000

 
Gallons
 
10
%
 
$
(7,668,000
)
Corn
22,821,000

 
Bushels
 
10
%
 
$
(7,069,000
)
Natural gas
1,664,000

 
MMBtu
 
10
%
 
$
(96,000
)

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

Our management, including our President and Chief Executive Officer (the principal executive officer), Gerald Bachmeier, along with our Chief Financial Officer, (the principal financial officer), Jodi Johnson, have reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2019. Based on this review and evaluation, these officers believe that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that material information related to us is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods required by the forms and rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2019, the Company worked to remediate a material weakness identified at the end of the Company's 2019 fiscal year by: (a) performing a review and updating month-end standard operating procedures; (b) assuring operating procedures will include specific instructions for the payment of invoices that crossover into the following month; and (c) providing an additional step for the CFO to review the posting date of all checks issued the first week after month-end prior to financial statement preparation.

PART II.     OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time in the ordinary course of business, we may be named as a defendant in legal proceedings related to various issues, including without limitation, workers' compensation claims, tort claims, or contractual disputes. We are not currently involved in any material legal proceedings.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously discussed in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

None.

Item 5. Other Information

None.


21




Item 6. Exhibits.

(a)
The following exhibits are filed as part of this report.
Exhibit No.
 
Exhibits
10.1

 
10.2

 
10.3

 
10.4

 
31.1

 
31.2

 
32.1

 
32.2

 
101

 
The following financial information from Red Trail Energy, LLC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2019, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2019 and September 30, 2019, (ii) Statements of Operations for the three months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, (iii) Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, and (iv) the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Financial Statements.**

(*)    Filed herewith.
(**)    Furnished herewith.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC
 
 
 
 
Date:
February 14, 2020
 
/s/ Gerald Bachmeier
 
 
 
Gerald Bachmeier
 
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
 
Date:
February 14, 2020
 
/s/ Jodi Johnson
 
 
 
Jodi Johnson
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

22



COPY
*HLP0412*
PROMISSORY NOTE
Principal
$10,000,000.00
Loan Date
01-22-2020
Maturity
01-21-2021
Loan No
50019597
Call / Coll
203
Account
122423-01
Officer
506
Initials
References in the boxes above are for Lender's use only and do not limit the applicability of this document to any particular loan or item.
Any item above containing "***" has been omitted due to text length limitations.

Borrower:    RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC    Lender:    Cornerstone Bank
PO BOX 11    Fargo Main Office
RICHARDTON, ND 58652    2280 45th St S
Fargo, ND 58104
Principal Amount: $10,000,000.00    Date of Note: January 22, 2020
PROMISE TO PAY. RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC ("Borrower") promises to pay to Cornerstone Bank ("Lender"), or order, in lawful money of the United States of America, the principal amount of Ten Million & 00/100 Dollars ($10,000,000.00) or so much as may be outstanding, together with interest on the unpaid outstanding principal balance of each advance. Interest shall be calculated from the date of each advance until repayment of each advance.
PAYMENT. Borrower will pay this loan in one payment of all outstanding principal plus all accrued unpaid interest on January 21, 2021. In addition, Borrower will pay regular monthly payments of all accrued unpaid interest due as of each payment date, beginning February 22, 2020, with all subsequent interest payments to be due on the same day of each month after that. Unless otherwise agreed or required by applicable law, payments will be applied first to any accrued unpaid interest; then to principal; and then to any late charges. Borrower will pay Lender at Lender's address shown above or at such other place as Lender may designate in writing.
VARIABLE INTEREST RATE. The interest rate on this Note is subject to change from time to time based on changes in an independent index which is the Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal. When a range of rates has been published, the higher of the rates will be used (the "Index"). The Index is not necessarily the lowest rate charged by Lender on its loans. If the Index becomes unavailable during the term of this loan, Lender may designate a substitute index after notifying Borrower. Lender will tell Borrower the current Index rate upon Borrower's request. The interest rate change will not occur more often than each month with the change effective on the first day of the month and based on the immediate prior month end Index. Borrower understands that Lender may make loans based on other rates as well. The Index currently is 4.750% per annum. Interest on the unpaid principal balance of this Note will be calculated as described in the "INTEREST CALCULATION METHOD" paragraph using a rate of 1.200 percentage points under the Index, adjusted if necessary for any minimum and maximum rate limitations described below, resulting in an initial rate of 3.550% per annum based on a year of 360 days, NOTICE: Under no circumstances will the interest rate on this Note be less than 3.000% per annum or more than the maximum rate allowed by applicable law.
INTEREST CALCULATION METHOD. Interest on this Note is computed on a 365/360 basis; that is, by applying the ratio of the interest rate over a year of 360 days, multiplied by the outstanding principal balance, multiplied by the actual number of days the principal balance is outstanding. All interest payable under this Note is computed using this method.
PREPAYMENT. Borrower agrees that all loan fees and other prepaid finance charges are earned fully as of the date of the loan and will not be
subject to refund upon early payment (whether voluntary or as a result of default), except as otherwise required by law.    Except for the
foregoing, Borrower may pay without penalty all or a portion of the amount owed earlier than it is due. Early payments will not, unless agreed to by Lender in writing, relieve Borrower of Borrower's obligation to continue to make payments of accrued unpaid interest. Rather, early payments will reduce the principal balance due. Borrower agrees not to send Lender payments marked "paid in full", "without recourse", or similar language. If Borrower sends such a payment, Lender may accept it without losing any of Lender's rights under this Note, and Borrower will remain obligated to pay any further amount owed to Lender. All written communications concerning disputed amounts, including any check or other payment instrument that indicates that the payment constitutes "payment in full" of the amount owed or that is tendered with other conditions or limitations or as full satisfaction of a disputed amount must be mailed or delivered to: Cornerstone Bank, Fargo Main Office, 2280 45th St S, Fargo, ND 58104.
LATE CHARGE. If a payment is 10 days or more late, Borrower will be charged 5.000% of the regularly scheduled payment or $100.00, whichever is greater.
INTEREST AFTER DEFAULT. Upon default, including failure to pay upon final maturity, the total sum due under this Note will continue to accrue interest at the interest rate under this Note. However, in no event will the interest rate exceed the maximum interest rate limitations under applicable law.
DEFAULT. Each of the following shall constitute an event of default ("Event of Default") under this Note:
Payment Default. Borrower fails to make any payment when due under this Note.
Other Defaults. Borrower fails to comply with or to perform any other term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in this Note or in any of the related documents or to comply with or to perform any term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in any other agreement between Lender and Borrower.
Default in Favor of Third Parties. Borrower or any Grantor defaults under any loan, extension of credit, security agreement, purchase or sales agreement, or any other agreement, in favor of any other creditor or person that may materially affect any of Borrower's property or Borrower's ability to repay this Note or perform Borrower's obligations under this Note or any of the related documents.
False Statements. Any warranty, representation or statement made or furnished to Lender by Borrower or on Borrower's behalf under this Note or the related documents is false or misleading in any material respect, either now or at the time made or furnished or becomes false or misleading at any time thereafter.
PROMISSORY NOTE
Loan No: 50019597    (Continued)    Page 2
Death or Insolvency. The dissolution of Borrower (regardless of whether election to continue is made), any member withdraws from Borrower, or any other termination of Borrower's existence as a going business or the death of any member, the insolvency of Borrower, the appointment of a receiver for any part of Borrower's property, any assignment for the benefit of creditors, any type of creditor workout, or the commencement of any proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws by or against Borrower.





Creditor or Forfeiture Proceedings. Commencement of foreclosure or forfeiture proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self-help, repossession or any other method, by any creditor of Borrower or by any governmental agency against any collateral securing the loan. This includes a garnishment of any of Borrower's accounts, including deposit accounts, with Lender. However, this Event of Default shall not apply if there is a good faith dispute by Borrower as to the validity or reasonableness of the claim which is the basis of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and if Borrower gives Lender written notice of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and deposits with Lender monies or a surety bond for the creditor or forfeiture proceeding, in an amount determined by Lender, in its sole discretion, as being an adequate reserve or bond for the dispute.
Events Affecting Guarantor. Any of the preceding events occurs with respect to any guarantor, endorser, surety, or accommodation party of any of the indebtedness or any guarantor, endorser, surety, or accommodation party dies or becomes incompetent, or revokes or disputes the validity of, or liability under, any guaranty of the indebtedness evidenced by this Note.
Adverse Change. A material adverse change occurs in Borrower's financial condition, or Lender believes the prospect of payment or performance of this Note is impaired.
Insecurity. Lender in good faith believes itself insecure.
CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP. Any change in ownership of twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the membership units of Borrower shall constitute an event of default ("Event of Default") under this Note.
LENDER'S RIGHTS. Upon default, Lender may declare the entire unpaid principal balance under this Note and all accrued unpaid interest immediately due, and then Borrower will pay that amount.
ATTORNEYS' FEES; EXPENSES. Lender may hire or pay someone else to help collect this Note if Borrower does not pay. Borrower will pay Lender that amount. This includes, subject to any limits under applicable law, Lender's reasonable attorneys' fees and Lender's legal expenses, whether or not there is a lawsuit, including reasonable attorneys' fees, expenses for bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction), and appeals. If not prohibited by applicable law, Borrower also will pay any court costs, in addition to all other sums provided by law.
JURY WAIVER. Lender and Borrower hereby waive the right to any jury trial in any action, proceeding, or counterclaim brought by either Lender or Borrower against the other.
GOVERNING LAW. This Note will be governed by federal law applicable to Lender and, to the extent not preempted by federal law, the laws of the State of North Dakota without regard to its conflicts of law provisions. This Note has been accepted by Lender in the State of North Dakota.
CHOICE OF VENUE. If there is a lawsuit, Borrower agrees upon Lender's request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of STARK County, State of North Dakota.
RIGHT OF SETOFF. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Lender reserves a right of setoff in all Borrower's accounts with Lender (whether checking, savings, or some other account). This includes all accounts Borrower holds jointly with someone else and all accounts Borrower may open in the future. However, this does not include any IRA or Keogh accounts, or any trust accounts for which setoff would be prohibited by law. Borrower authorizes Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to charge or setoff all sums owing on the indebtedness against any and all such accounts, and, at Lender's option, to administratively freeze all such accounts to allow Lender to protect Lender's charge and setoff rights provided in this paragraph.
COLLATERAL. Borrower acknowledges this Note is secured by
(A)Security Agreement dated January 22, 2020 and all Security Agreements executed prior, concurrently or subsequent to this Note
(B)a Mortgage dated January 22, 2020, to Lender on real property located in STARK County, State of North Dakota
(C)an Assignment of Rents dated January 22, 2020, to Lender on real property located in STARK County, State of North Dakota.
LINE OF CREDIT. This Note evidences a revolving line of credit. Advances under this Note may be requested either orally or in writing by Borrower or by an authorized person. Lender may, but need not, require that all oral requests be confirmed in writing. All communications, instructions, or directions by telephone or otherwise to Lender are to be directed to Lender's office shown above. Borrower agrees to be liable for all sums either: (A) advanced in accordance with the instructions of an authorized person or (B) credited to any of Borrower's accounts with Lender. The unpaid principal balance owing on this Note at any time may be evidenced by endorsements on this Note or by Lender's internal records, including daily computer print-outs. Lender will have no obligation to advance funds under this Note if: (A) Borrower or any guarantor is in default under the terms of this Note or any agreement that Borrower or any guarantor has with Lender, including any agreement made in connection with the signing of this Note; (B) Borrower or any guarantor ceases doing business or is insolvent; (C) any guarantor seeks, claims or otherwise attempts to limit, modify or revoke such guarantor's guarantee of this Note or any other loan with Lender; (D) Borrower has applied funds provided pursuant to this Note for purposes other than those authorized by Lender; or (E) Lender in good faith believes itself insecure.
SUCCESSOR INTERESTS. The terms of this Note shall be binding upon Borrower, and upon Borrower's heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of Lender and its successors and assigns.
GENERAL PROVISIONS. If any part of this Note cannot be enforced, this fact will not affect the rest of the Note. Lender may delay or forgo enforcing any of its rights or remedies under this Note without losing them. Borrower and any other person who signs, guarantees or endorses this Note, to the extent allowed by law, waive presentment, demand for payment, and notice of dishonor. Upon any change in the terms of this Note, and unless otherwise expressly stated in writing, no party who signs this Note, whether as maker, guarantor, accommodation maker or endorser, shall be released from liability. All such parties agree that Lender may renew or extend (repeatedly and for any length of time) this loan or release any party or guarantor or collateral; or impair, fail to realize upon or perfect Lender's security interest in the collateral; and take any other action deemed necessary by Lender without the consent of or notice to anyone. All such parties also agree that Lender may modify this loan without the consent of or notice to anyone other than the party with whom the modification is made. The obligations under this Note are joint and several.
PROMISSORY NOTE
Loan No: 50019597    (Continued)    Page 3
PRIOR TO SIGNING THIS NOTE, BORROWER READ AND UNDERSTOOD ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS NOTE, INCLUDING THE VARIABLE INTEREST RATE PROVISIONS. BORROWER AGREES TO THE TERMS OF THE NOTE.
BORROWER ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF A COMPLETED COPY OF THIS PROMISSORY NOTE.
BORROWER:
RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC
By:     By:     
JODI M JOHNSON, Chief Financial Officer of RED    GERALD M BACHMEIER, Chief Executive Officer of
TRAIL ENERGY, LLC    RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC
By:
RONALD D ABERLE, Independent Governor of RED





TRAIL ENERGY, LLC
LaserPro. Ver. 19.1.10.016 Cope, Finestre USA Corporation 1997, 2020. All Rights Reserved. - ND F: \ APRLICATIONS1HARLAND1CFRLPL1D20.FC TR-32016 PR-10






COPY
PROMISSORY NOTE
Principal
$7,000,000.00
Loan Date
01-22-2020
Maturity
06-01-2021
Loan No
50019590
Call / Coll
203
Account
122423-01
Officer
506
Initials
References in the boxes above are for Lender's use only and do not limit the applicability of this document to any particular loan or item.
Any item above containing "***" has been omitted due to text length limitations.

Borrower:    RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC    Lender:    Cornerstone Bank
PO BOX 11    Fargo Main Office
RICHARDTON, ND 58652    2280 45th St S
Fargo, ND 58104
Principal Amount: $7,000,000.00    Date of Note: January 22, 2020
PROMISE TO PAY. RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC ("Borrower") promises to pay to Cornerstone Bank ("Lender"), or order, in lawful money of the United States of America, the principal amount of Seven Million & 00/100 Dollars ($7,000,000.00) or so much as may be outstanding, together with interest on the unpaid outstanding principal balance of each advance. Interest shall be calculated from the date of each advance until repayment of each advance.
PAYMENT. Borrower will pay this loan in one payment of all outstanding principal plus all accrued unpaid interest on June 1, 2021. In addition, Borrower will pay regular monthly payments of all accrued unpaid interest due as of each payment date, beginning February 11, 2020, with all subsequent interest payments to be due on the same day of each month after that. Unless otherwise agreed or required by applicable law, payments will be applied first to any accrued unpaid interest; then to principal; and then to any late charges. Borrower will pay Lender at Lender's address shown above or at such other place as Lender may designate in writing.
VARIABLE INTEREST RATE. The interest rate on this Note is subject to change from time to time based on changes in an independent index which is the Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal. When a range of rates has been published, the higher of the rates will be used (the "Index"). The Index is not necessarily the lowest rate charged by Lender on its loans. If the Index becomes unavailable during the term of this loan, Lender may designate a substitute index after notifying Borrower. Lender will tell Borrower the current Index rate upon Borrower's request. The interest rate change will not occur more often than each month with the change effective on the first day of the month and based on the immediate prior month end Index. Borrower understands that Lender may make loans based on other rates as well. The Index currently is 4.750% per annum. Interest on the unpaid principal balance of this Note will be calculated as described in the "INTEREST CALCULATION METHOD" paragraph using a rate of 1.200 percentage points under the Index, resulting in an initial rate of 3.550% per annum based on a year of 360 days. NOTICE: Under no circumstances will the interest rate on this Note be more than the maximum rate allowed by applicable law.
INTEREST CALCULATION METHOD. Interest on this Note is computed on a 365/360 basis; that is, by applying the ratio of the interest rate over a year of 360 days, multiplied by the outstanding principal balance, multiplied by the actual number of days the principal balance is outstanding. All interest payable under this Note is computed using this method.
PREPAYMENT. Borrower agrees that all loan fees and other prepaid finance charges are earned fully as of the date of the loan and will not be
subject to refund upon early payment (whether voluntary or as a result of default), except as otherwise required by law.    Except for the
foregoing, Borrower may pay without penalty all or a portion of the amount owed earlier than it is due. Early payments will not, unless agreed to by Lender in writing, relieve Borrower of Borrower's obligation to continue to make payments of accrued unpaid interest. Rather, early payments will reduce the principal balance due. Borrower agrees not to send Lender payments marked "paid in full", "without recourse", or similar language. If Borrower sends such a payment, Lender may accept it without losing any of Lender's rights under this Note, and Borrower will remain obligated to pay any further amount owed to Lender. All written communications concerning disputed amounts, including any check or other payment instrument that indicates that the payment constitutes "payment in full" of the amount owed or that is tendered with other conditions or limitations or as full satisfaction of a disputed amount must be mailed or delivered to: Cornerstone Bank, Fargo Main Office, 2280 45th St S, Fargo, ND 58104.
LATE CHARGE. If a payment is 10 days or more late, Borrower will be charged 5.000% of the regularly scheduled payment or $100.00, whichever is greater.
INTEREST AFTER DEFAULT. Upon default, including failure to pay upon final maturity, the total sum due under this Note will continue to accrue interest at the interest rate under this Note. However, in no event will the interest rate exceed the maximum interest rate limitations under applicable law.
DEFAULT. Each of the following shall constitute an event of default ("Event of Default") under this Note:
Payment Default. Borrower fails to make any payment when due under this Note.
Other Defaults. Borrower fails to comply with or to perform any other term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in this Note or in any of the related documents or to comply with or to perform any term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in any other agreement between Lender and Borrower.
Default in Favor of Third Parties. Borrower or any Grantor defaults under any loan, extension of credit, security agreement, purchase or sales agreement, or any other agreement, in favor of any other creditor or person that may materially affect any of Borrower's property or Borrower's ability to repay this Note or perform Borrower's obligations under this Note or any of the related documents.
False Statements. Any warranty, representation or statement made or furnished to Lender by Borrower or on Borrower's behalf under this Note or the related documents is false or misleading in any material respect, either now or at the time made or furnished or becomes false or misleading at any time thereafter.
Death or Insolvency. The dissolution of Borrower (regardless of whether election to continue is made), any member withdraws from
PROMISSORY NOTE
Loan No: 50019590    (Continued)    Page 2
Borrower, or any other termination of Borrower's existence as a going business or the death of any member, the insolvency of Borrower, the appointment of a receiver for any part of Borrower's property, any assignment for the benefit of creditors, any type of creditor workout, or the commencement of any proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws by or against Borrower.
Creditor or Forfeiture Proceedings. Commencement of foreclosure or forfeiture proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self-help, repossession or any other method, by any creditor of Borrower or by any governmental agency against any collateral securing the loan. This includes a garnishment of any of Borrower's accounts, including deposit accounts, with Lender. However, this Event of Default shall not apply if there is a good faith dispute by Borrower as to the validity or





reasonableness of the claim which is the basis of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and if Borrower gives Lender written notice of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and deposits with Lender monies or a surety bond for the creditor or forfeiture proceeding, in an amount determined by Lender, in its sole discretion, as being an adequate reserve or bond for the dispute.
Events Affecting Guarantor. Any of the preceding events occurs with respect to any guarantor, endorser, surety, or accommodation party of any of the indebtedness or any guarantor, endorser, surety, or accommodation party dies or becomes incompetent, or revokes or disputes the validity of, or liability under, any guaranty of the indebtedness evidenced by this Note.
Adverse Change. A material adverse change occurs in Borrower's financial condition, or Lender believes the prospect of payment or performance of this Note is impaired.
Insecurity. Lender in good faith believes itself insecure.
CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP. Any change in ownership of twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the membership units of Borrower shall constitute an event of default ("Event of Default") under this Note.
LENDER'S RIGHTS. Upon default, Lender may declare the entire unpaid principal balance under this Note and all accrued unpaid interest immediately due, and then Borrower will pay that amount.
ATTORNEYS' FEES: EXPENSES. Lender may hire or pay someone else to help collect this Note if Borrower does not pay. Borrower will pay Lender that amount. This includes, subject to any limits under applicable law, Lender's reasonable attorneys' fees and Lender's legal expenses, whether or not there is a lawsuit, including reasonable attorneys' fees, expenses for bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction), and appeals. If not prohibited by applicable law, Borrower also will pay any court costs, in addition to all other sums provided by law.
JURY WAIVER. Lender and Borrower hereby waive the right to any jury trial in any action, proceeding, or counterclaim brought by either Lender or Borrower against the other.
GOVERNING LAW. This Note will be governed by federal law applicable to Lender and, to the extent not preempted by federal law, the laws of the State of North Dakota without regard to its conflicts of law provisions. This Note has been accepted by Lender in the State of North Dakota.
CHOICE OF VENUE. If there is a lawsuit, Borrower agrees upon Lender's request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of STARK County, State of North Dakota.
RIGHT OF SETOFF. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Lender reserves a right of setoff in all Borrower's accounts with Lender (whether checking, savings, or some other account). This includes all accounts Borrower holds jointly with someone else and all accounts Borrower may open in the future. However, this does not include any IRA or Keogh accounts, or any trust accounts for which setoff would be prohibited by law. Borrower authorizes Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to charge or setoff all sums owing on the indebtedness against any and all such accounts, and, at Lender's option, to administratively freeze all such accounts to allow Lender to protect Lender's charge and setoff rights provided in this paragraph.
COLLATERAL. Borrower acknowledges this Note is secured by
(A)Security Agreement dated January 22, 2020 and all Security Agreements executed prior, concurrently or subsequent to this Note
(B)a Mortgage dated January 22, 2020, to Lender on real property located in STARK County, State of North Dakota
(C)an Assignment of Rents dated January 22, 2020, to Lender on real property located in STARK County, State of North Dakota.
LINE OF CREDIT. This Note evidences a straight line of credit. Once the total amount of principal has been advanced, Borrower is not entitled to further loan advances. Advances under this Note may be requested either orally or in writing by Borrower or by an authorized person. Lender may, but need not, require that all oral requests be confirmed in writing. All communications, instructions, or directions by telephone or otherwise to Lender are to be directed to Lender's office shown above. Borrower agrees to be liable for all sums either: (A) advanced in accordance with the instructions of an authorized person or (B) credited to any of Borrower's accounts with Lender. The unpaid principal balance owing on this Note at any time may be evidenced by endorsements on this Note or by Lender's internal records, including daily computer print-outs.
SUCCESSOR INTERESTS. The terms of this Note shall be binding upon Borrower, and upon Borrower's heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of Lender and its successors and assigns.
GENERAL PROVISIONS. If any part of this Note cannot be enforced, this fact will not affect the rest of the Note. Lender may delay or forgo enforcing any of its rights or remedies under this Note without losing them. Borrower and any other person who signs, guarantees or endorses this Note, to the extent allowed by law, waive presentment, demand for payment, and notice of dishonor. Upon any change in the terms of this Note, and unless otherwise expressly stated in writing, no party who signs this Note, whether as maker, guarantor, accommodation maker or endorser, shall be released from liability. All such parties agree that Lender may renew or extend (repeatedly and for any length of time) this loan or release any party or guarantor or collateral; or impair, fail to realize upon or perfect Lender's security interest in the collateral; and take any other action deemed necessary by Lender without the consent of or notice to anyone. All such parties also agree that Lender may modify this loan without the consent of or notice to anyone other than the party with whom the modification is made. The obligations under this Note are joint and several.
PROMISSORY NOTE
Loan No: 50019590    (Continued)    Page 3
PRIOR TO SIGNING THIS NOTE, BORROWER READ AND UNDERSTOOD ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS NOTE, INCLUDING THE VARIABLE INTEREST RATE PROVISIONS. BORROWER AGREES TO THE TERMS OF THE NOTE.
BORROWER ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF A COMPLETED COPY OF THIS PROMISSORY NOTE.
BORROWER:

RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC

By: __________________________________________

Jodi
By:
By:
By:
JODI M JOHNSON, Chief Financial Officer of REDGERALD M BACHMEIER, Chief Executive Officer of
TRAIL ENERGY, LLCRED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC
 





 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COMMERCIAL SECURITY AGREEMENT
Principal
$7,000,000.00
Loan Date
01-22-2020
Maturity
06-01-2021
Loan No
50019590
Call / Coll
203
Account
122423-01
Officer
506
Initials
References in the boxes above areor Lender's use only and do not limit the applicability of this document to any particular loan or item.
Any item above containing "***" has been omitted due to text length limitations.

Grantor:    RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC    Lender:    Cornerstone Bank
PO BOX 11    Fargo Main Office
RICHARDTON, ND 58652    2280 45th St S
Fargo, ND 58104
THIS COMMERCIAL SECURITY AGREEMENT dated January 22, 2020, is made and executed between RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC ("Grantor") and Cornerstone Bank ("Lender").
GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST. For valuable consideration, Grantor grants to Lender a security interest in the Collateral to secure the Indebtedness and agrees that Lender shall have the rights stated in this Agreement with respect to the Collateral, in addition to all other rights which Lender may have by law.
COLLATERAL DESCRIPTION. The word "Collateral" as used in this Agreement means the following described property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, whether now existing or hereafter arising, and wherever located, in which Grantor is giving to Lender a security interest for the payment of the Indebtedness and performance of all other obligations under the Note and this Agreement:
All Inventory, Chattel Paper, Accounts, Deposit Accounts, Contract Rights, Instruments, Proceeds and Products, Equipment, Vehicles, Goods, General Intangibles and Fixtures; whether any of the foregoing is owned now or acquired later; all accessions, additions, replacements, and substitutions relating to any of the foregoing; all records of any kind relating to any of the foregoing
In addition, the word "Collateral" also includes all the following, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, whether now existing or hereafter arising, and wherever located:
(A)All accessions, attachments, accessories, tools, parts, supplies, replacements of and additions to any of the collateral described herein, whether added now or later.
(B)All products and produce of any of the property described in this Collateral section.
(C)All accounts, general intangibles, instruments, rents, monies, payments, and all other rights, arising out of a sale, lease, consignment or other disposition of any of the property described in this Collateral section.
(D)All proceeds (including insurance proceeds) from the sale, destruction, loss, or other disposition of any of the property described in this Collateral section, and sums due from a third party who has damaged or destroyed the Collateral or from that party's insurer, whether due to judgment, settlement or other process.
(E)All records and data relating to any of the property described in this Collateral section, whether in the form of a writing, photograph, microfilm, microfiche, or electronic media, together with all of Grantor's right, title, and interest in and to all computer software required to utilize, create, maintain, and process any such records or data on electronic media.
CROSS-COLLATERALIZATION. In addition to the Note, this Agreement secures all obligations, debts and liabilities, plus interest thereon, of Grantor to Lender, or any one or more of them, as well as all claims by Lender against Grantor or any one or more of them, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether related or unrelated to the purpose of the Note, whether voluntary or otherwise, whether due or not due, direct or indirect, determined or undetermined, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, whether Grantor may be liable individually or jointly with others, whether obligated as guarantor, surety, accommodation party or otherwise, and whether recovery upon such amounts may be or hereafter may become barred by any statute of limitations, and whether the obligation to repay such amounts may be or hereafter may become otherwise unenforceable.
FUTURE ADVANCES. In addition to the Note, this Agreement secures all future advances made by Lender to Grantor regardless of whether the advances are made a) pursuant to a commitment or b) for the same purposes.
RIGHT OF SETOFF. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Lender reserves a right of setoff in all Grantor's accounts with Lender (whether checking, savings, or some other account►. This includes all accounts Grantor holds jointly with someone else and all accounts Grantor may open in the future. However, this does not include any IRA or Keogh accounts, or any trust accounts for which setoff would be prohibited by law. Grantor authorizes Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to charge or setoff all sums owing on the Indebtedness against any and all such accounts, and, at Lender's option, to administratively freeze all such accounts to allow Lender to protect Lender's charge and setoff rights provided in this paragraph.





GRANTOR'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE COLLATERAL. With respect to the Collateral, Grantor represents and promises to Lender that:
Perfection of Security Interest. Grantor agrees to take whatever actions are requested by Lender to perfect and continue Lender's security interest in the Collateral. Upon request of Lender, Grantor will deliver to Lender any and all of the documents evidencing or constituting the Collateral, and Grantor will note Lender's interest upon any and all chattel paper and instruments if not delivered to Lender for possession by Lender. This is a continuing Security Agreement and will continue in effect even though all or any part of the Indebtedness is paid in full and even though for a period of time Grantor may not be indebted to Lender.
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Notices to Lender. Grantor will promptly notify Lender in writing at Lender's address shown above (or such other addresses as Lender may designate from time to time) prior to any (1) change in Grantor's name; (2) change in Grantor's assumed business name(s); (3) change in the management or in the members or managers of the limited liability company Grantor; (4) change in the authorized signer(s); (5) change in Grantor's principal office address; (6) change in Grantor's state of organization; (7) conversion of Grantor to a new or different type of business entity; or (8) change in any other aspect of Grantor that directly or indirectly relates to any agreements between Grantor and Lender. No change in Grantor's name or state of organization will take effect until after Lender has received notice.
No Violation. The execution and delivery of this Agreement will not violate any law or agreement governing Grantor or to which Grantor is a party, and its membership agreement does not prohibit any term or condition of this Agreement.
Enforceability of Collateral. To the extent the Collateral consists of accounts, chattel paper, or general intangibles, as defined by the Uniform Commercial Code, the Collateral is enforceable in accordance with its terms, is genuine, and fully complies with all applicable laws and regulations concerning form, content and manner of preparation and execution, and all persons appearing to be obligated on the Collateral have authority and capacity to contract and are in fact obligated as they appear to be on the Collateral. At the time any account becomes subject to a security interest in favor of Lender, the account shall be a good and valid account representing an undisputed, bona fide indebtedness incurred by the account debtor, for merchandise held subject to delivery instructions or previously shipped or delivered pursuant to a contract of sale, or for services previously performed by Grantor with or for the account debtor. So long as this Agreement remains in effect, Grantor shall not, without Lender's prior written consent, compromise, settle, adjust, or extend payment under or with regard to any such Accounts. There shall be no setoffs or counterclaims against any of the Collateral, and no agreement shall have been made under which any deductions or discounts may be claimed concerning the Collateral except those disclosed to Lender in writing.
Location of the Collateral. Except in the ordinary course of Grantor's business, Grantor agrees to keep the Collateral (or to the extent the Collateral consists of intangible property such as accounts or general intangibles, the records concerning the Collateral) at Grantor's address shown above or at such other locations as are acceptable to Lender. Upon Lender's request, Grantor will deliver to Lender in form satisfactory to Lender a schedule of real properties and Collateral locations relating to Grantor's operations, including without limitation the following: (1) all real property Grantor owns or is purchasing; (2) all real property Grantor is renting or leasing; (3) all storage facilities Grantor owns, rents, leases, or uses; and (4) all other properties where Collateral is or may be located.
Removal of the Collateral. Except in the ordinary course of Grantor's business, including the sales of inventory, Grantor shall not remove the Collateral from its existing location without Lender's prior written consent. To the extent that the Collateral consists of vehicles, or other titled property, Grantor shall not take or permit any action which would require application for certificates of title for the vehicles outside the State of North Dakota, without Lender's prior written consent. Grantor shall, whenever requested, advise Lender of the exact location of the Collateral.
Transactions Involving Collateral. Except for inventory sold or accounts collected in the ordinary course of Grantor's business, or as otherwise provided for in this Agreement, Grantor shall not sell, offer to sell, or otherwise transfer or dispose of the Collateral. While Grantor is not in default under this Agreement, Grantor may sell inventory, but only in the ordinary course of its business and only to buyers who qualify as a buyer in the ordinary course of business. A sale in the ordinary course of Grantor's business does not include a transfer in partial or total satisfaction of a debt or any bulk sale. Grantor shall not pledge, mortgage, encumber or otherwise permit the Collateral to be subject to any lien, security interest, encumbrance, or charge, other than the security interest provided for in this Agreement, without the prior written consent of Lender. This includes security interests even if junior in right to the security interests granted under this Agreement. Unless waived by Lender, all proceeds from any disposition of the Collateral (for whatever reason) shall be held in trust for Lender and shall not be commingled with any other funds; provided however, this requirement shall not constitute consent by Lender to any sale or other disposition. Upon receipt, Grantor shall immediately deliver any such proceeds to Lender.
Title. Grantor represents and warrants to Lender that Grantor holds good and marketable title to the Collateral, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances except for the lien of this Agreement. No financing statement covering any of the Collateral is on file in any public office other than those which reflect the security interest created by this Agreement or to which Lender has specifically consented. Grantor shall defend Lender's rights in the Collateral against the claims and demands of all other persons.
Repairs and Maintenance. Grantor agrees to keep and maintain, and to cause others to keep and maintain, the Collateral in good order, repair and condition at all times while this Agreement remains in effect. Grantor further agrees to pay when due all claims for work done on, or services rendered or material furnished in connection with the Collateral so that no lien or encumbrance may ever attach to or be filed against the Collateral.
Inspection of Collateral. Lender and Lender's designated representatives and agents shall have the right at all reasonable times to examine and inspect the Collateral wherever located.
Taxes, Assessments and Liens. Grantor will pay when due all taxes, assessments and liens upon the Collateral, its use or operation, upon this Agreement, upon any promissory note or notes evidencing the Indebtedness, or upon any of the other Related Documents. Grantor may withhold any such payment or may elect to contest any lien if Grantor is in good faith conducting an appropriate proceeding to contest the obligation to pay and so long as Lender's interest in the Collateral is not jeopardized in Lender's sole opinion. If the Collateral is subjected to a lien which is not discharged within fifteen (15) days, Grantor shall deposit with Lender cash, a sufficient corporate surety bond or other security satisfactory to Lender in an amount adequate to provide for the discharge of the lien plus any interest, costs, reasonable attorneys' fees or other charges that could accrue as a result of foreclosure or sale of the Collateral. In any contest Grantor shall defend itself and Lender and shall satisfy any final adverse judgment before enforcement against the Collateral. Grantor shall name Lender as an additional obligee under any surety bond furnished in the contest proceedings. Grantor further agrees to furnish Lender with evidence that such taxes, assessments, and governmental and other charges have been paid in full and in a timely manner. Grantor may withhold any such payment or may elect to contest any lien if Grantor is in good faith conducting an appropriate proceeding to contest the obligation to pay and so long as Lender's interest in the Collateral is not jeopardized.
Compliance with Governmental Requirements. Grantor shall comply promptly with all laws, ordinances, rules and regulations of all governmental authorities, now or hereafter in effect, applicable to the ownership, production, disposition, or use of the Collateral, including all laws or regulations relating to the undue erosion of highly-erodible land or relating to the conversion of wetlands for the production of an agricultural product or commodity. Grantor may contest in good faith any such law, ordinance or regulation and withhold compliance during any proceeding, including appropriate appeals, so long as Lender's interest in the Collateral, in Lender's opinion, is not jeopardized.
Hazardous Substances. Grantor represents and warrants that the Collateral never has been, and never will be so long as this Agreement remains a lien on the Collateral, used in violation of any Environmental Laws or for the generation, manufacture, storage, transportation, treatment, disposal, release or threatened release of any Hazardous Substance. The representations and warranties contained herein are based on Grantor's due diligence in investigating the Collateral for Hazardous Substances. Grantor hereby (1) releases and waives any future claims against Lender for indemnity or contribution in the event Grantor becomes liable for cleanup or other costs under any Environmental Laws, and (2) agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Lender against any and all claims and losses resulting from a breach of this provision of this Agreement. This obligation to indemnify and defend shall survive the payment of the Indebtedness and the
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satisfaction of this Agreement.
Maintenance of Casualty Insurance. Grantor shall procure and maintain all risks insurance, including without limitation fire, theft and liability coverage together with such other insurance as Lender may require with respect to the Collateral, in form, amounts, coverages and basis reasonably acceptable to Lender and issued by a company or companies reasonably acceptable to Lender. Grantor, upon request of Lender, will deliver to Lender from time to time the policies or certificates of insurance in form satisfactory to Lender, including stipulations that coverages will not be cancelled or diminished without at least thirty (30) days' prior written notice to Lender and not including any disclaimer of the insurer's liability for failure to give such a notice. Each insurance policy also shall include an endorsement providing that coverage in favor of Lender will not be impaired in any way by any act, omission or default of Grantor or any other person. In connection with all policies covering assets in which Lender holds or is offered a security interest, Grantor will provide Lender with such loss payable or other endorsements as Lender may require. If Grantor at any time fails to obtain or maintain any insurance as required under this Agreement, Lender may (but shall not be obligated to) obtain such insurance as Lender deems appropriate, including if Lender so chooses "single interest insurance," which will cover only Lender's interest in the Collateral.
Application of Insurance Proceeds, Grantor shall promptly notify Lender of any loss or damage to the Collateral, whether or not such casualty or loss is covered by insurance. Lender may make proof of loss if Grantor fails to do so within fifteen (15) days of the casualty. All proceeds of any insurance on the Collateral, including accrued proceeds thereon, shall be held by Lender as part of the Collateral. If Lender consents to repair or replacement of the damaged or destroyed Collateral, Lender shall, upon satisfactory proof of expenditure, pay or reimburse Grantor from the proceeds for the reasonable cost of repair or restoration. If Lender does not consent to repair or replacement of the Collateral, Lender shall retain a sufficient amount of the proceeds to pay all of the Indebtedness, and shall pay the balance to Grantor. Any proceeds which have not been disbursed within six (6) months after their receipt and which Grantor has not committed to the repair or restoration of the Collateral shall be used to prepay the Indebtedness.
Insurance Reserves. Lender may require Grantor to maintain with Lender reserves for payment of insurance premiums, which reserves shall be created by monthly payments from Grantor of a sum estimated by Lender to be sufficient to produce, at least fifteen (15) days before the premium due date, amounts at least equal to the insurance premiums to be paid. If fifteen (15) days before payment is due, the reserve funds are insufficient, Grantor shall upon demand pay any deficiency to Lender. The reserve funds shall be held by Lender as a general deposit and shall constitute a non-interest-bearing account which Lender may satisfy by payment of the insurance premiums required to be paid by Grantor as they become due. Lender does not hold the reserve funds in trust for Grantor, and Lender is not the agent of Grantor for payment of the insurance premiums required to be paid by Grantor. The responsibility for the payment of premiums shall remain Grantor's sole responsibility.
Insurance Reports. Grantor, upon request of Lender, shall furnish to Lender reports on each existing policy of insurance showing such information as Lender may reasonably request including the following: (1) the name of the insurer; (2) the risks insured; (3) the amount of the policy; (4) the property insured; (5) the then current value on the basis of which insurance has been obtained and the manner of determining that value; and (6) the expiration date of the policy. In addition, Grantor shall upon request by Lender (however not more often than annually) have an independent appraiser satisfactory to Lender determine, as applicable, the cash value or replacement cost of the Collateral.
Financing Statements. Grantor authorizes Lender to file a UCC financing statement, or alternatively, a copy of this Agreement to perfect Lender's security interest. At Lender's request, Grantor additionally agrees to sign all other documents that are necessary to perfect, protect, and continue Lender's security interest in the Property. This includes making sure Lender is shown as the first and only security interest holder on the title covering the Property. Grantor will pay all filing fees, title transfer fees, and other fees and costs involved unless prohibited by law or unless Lender is required by law to pay such fees and costs. Grantor irrevocably appoints Lender to execute documents necessary to transfer title if there is a default. Lender may file a copy of this Agreement as a financing statement.
GRANTOR'S RIGHT TO POSSESSION AND TO COLLECT ACCOUNTS. Until default and except as otherwise provided below with respect to accounts, Grantor may have possession of the tangible personal property and beneficial use of all the Collateral and may use it in any lawful manner not inconsistent with this Agreement or the Related Documents, provided that Grantor's right to possession and beneficial use shall not apply to any Collateral where possession of the Collateral by Lender is required by law to perfect Lender's security interest in such Collateral. Until otherwise notified by Lender, Grantor may collect any of the Collateral consisting of accounts. At any time and even though no Event of Default exists, Lender may exercise its rights to collect the accounts and to notify account debtors to make payments directly to Lender for application to the Indebtedness. If Lender at any time has possession of any Collateral, whether before or after an Event of Default, Lender shall be deemed to have exercised reasonable care in the custody and preservation of the Collateral if Lender takes such action for that purpose as Grantor shall request or as Lender, in Lender's sole discretion, shall deem appropriate under the circumstances, but failure to honor any request by Grantor shall not of itself be deemed to be a failure to exercise reasonable care. Lender shall not be required to take any steps necessary to preserve any rights in the Collateral against prior parties, nor to protect, preserve or maintain any security interest given to secure the Indebtedness.
LENDER'S EXPENDITURES. If any action or proceeding is commenced that would materially affect Lender's interest in the Collateral or if Grantor fails to comply with any provision of this Agreement or any Related Documents, including but not limited to Grantor's failure to discharge or pay when due any amounts Grantor is required to discharge or pay under this Agreement or any Related Documents, Lender on Grantor's behalf may (but shall not be obligated to) take any action that Lender deems appropriate, including but not limited to discharging or paying all taxes, liens, security interests, encumbrances and other claims, at any time levied or placed on the Collateral and paying all costs for insuring, maintaining and preserving the Collateral. All such expenditures incurred or paid by Lender for such purposes will then bear interest at the rate charged under the Note from the date incurred or paid by Lender to the date of repayment by Grantor. All such expenses will become a part of the Indebtedness and, at Lender's option, will (A) be payable on demand; (B) be added to the balance of the Note and be apportioned among and be payable with any installment payments to become due during either (1) the term of any applicable insurance policy; or (2) the remaining term of the Note; or (C) be treated as a balloon payment which will be due and payable at the Note's maturity. The Agreement also will secure payment of these amounts. Such right shall be in addition to all other rights and remedies to which Lender may be entitled upon Default.
DEFAULT. Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement:
Payment Default. Grantor fails to make any payment when due under the Indebtedness.
Other Defaults. Grantor fails to comply with or to perform any other term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in this Agreement or in any of the Related Documents or to comply with or to perform any term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in any other agreement between Lender and Grantor.
Default in Favor of Third Parties. Grantor defaults under any loan, extension of credit, security agreement, purchase or sales agreement, or any other agreement, in favor of any other creditor or person that may materially affect any of Grantor's property or ability to perform Grantor's obligations under this Agreement or any of the Related Documents.
COMMERCIAL SECURITY AGREEMENT
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False Statements. Any warranty, representation or statement made or furnished to Lender by Grantor or on Grantor's behalf under this Agreement or the Related Documents is false or misleading in any material respect, either now or at the time made or furnished or becomes false or misleading at any time thereafter.
Defective Collateralization. This Agreement or any of the Related Documents ceases to be in full force and effect (including failure of any collateral document to create a valid and perfected security interest or lien) at any time and for any reason.
Insolvency. The dissolution of Grantor (regardless of whether election to continue is made), any member withdraws from the limited liability company, or any other termination of Grantor's existence as a going business or the death of any member, the insolvency of Grantor, the appointment of a receiver for any part of Grantor's property, any assignment for the benefit of creditors, any type of creditor workout, or the commencement of any proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws by or against Grantor.
Creditor or Forfeiture Proceedings. Commencement of foreclosure or forfeiture proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self-help, repossession or any other method, by any creditor of Grantor or by any governmental agency against any collateral securing the Indebtedness. This includes a garnishment of any of Grantor's accounts, including deposit accounts, with Lender. However, this Event of Default shall not apply if there is a good faith dispute by Grantor as to the validity or reasonableness of the claim which is the basis of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and if Grantor gives Lender written notice of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and deposits with Lender monies or a surety bond for the creditor or forfeiture proceeding, in an amount determined by Lender, in its sole discretion, as being an adequate reserve or bond for the dispute.
Events Affecting Guarantor. Any of the preceding events occurs with respect to any guarantor, endorser, surety, or accommodation party of any of the Indebtedness or guarantor, endorser, surety, or accommodation party dies or becomes incompetent or revokes or disputes the validity of, or liability under, any Guaranty of the Indebtedness.





Adverse Change. A material adverse change occurs in Grantor's financial condition, or Lender believes the prospect of payment or performance of the Indebtedness is impaired.
Insecurity. Lender in good faith believes itself insecure.
RIGHTS AND REMEDIES ON DEFAULT. If an Event of Default occurs under this Agreement, at any time thereafter, Lender shall have all the rights of a secured party under the North Dakota Uniform Commercial Code. In addition and without limitation, Lender may exercise any one or more of the following rights and remedies:
Accelerate Indebtedness. Lender may declare the entire Indebtedness, including any prepayment penalty which Grantor would be required to pay, immediately due and payable, without notice of any kind to Grantor.
Assemble Collateral. Lender may require Grantor to deliver to Lender all or any portion of the Collateral and any and all certificates of title and other documents relating to the Collateral. Lender may require Grantor to assemble the Collateral and make it available to Lender at a place to be designated by Lender. Lender also shall have full power to enter upon the property of Grantor to take possession of and remove the Collateral. If the Collateral contains other goods not covered by this Agreement at the time of repossession, Grantor agrees Lender may take such other goods, provided that Lender makes reasonable efforts to return them to Grantor after repossession.
Sell the Collateral. Lender shall have full power to sell, lease, transfer, or otherwise deal with the Collateral or proceeds thereof in Lender's own name or that of Grantor. Lender may sell the Collateral at public auction or private sale. Unless the Collateral threatens to decline speedily in value or is of a type customarily sold on a recognized market, Lender will give Grantor, and other persons as required by law, reasonable notice of the time and place of any public sale, or the time after which any private sale or any other disposition of the Collateral is to be made. However, no notice need be provided to any person who, after Event of Default occurs, enters into and authenticates an agreement waiving that person's right to notification of sale. The requirements of reasonable notice shall be met if such notice is given at least ten (10) days before the time of the sale or disposition. All expenses relating to the disposition of the Collateral, including without limitation the expenses of retaking, holding, insuring, preparing for sale and selling the Collateral, shall become a part of the Indebtedness secured by this Agreement and shall be payable on demand, with interest at the Note rate from date of expenditure until repaid.
Appoint Receiver. Lender shall have the right to have a receiver appointed to take possession of all or any part of the Collateral, with the power to protect and preserve the Collateral, to operate the Collateral preceding foreclosure or sale, and to collect the rents from the Collateral and apply the proceeds, over and above the cost of the receivership, against the Indebtedness. The receiver may serve without bond if permitted by law. Lender's right to the appointment of a receiver shall exist whether or not the apparent value of the Collateral exceeds the Indebtedness by a substantial amount. Employment by Lender shall not disqualify a person from serving as a receiver.
Collect Revenues, Apply Accounts. Lender, either itself or through a receiver, may collect the payments, rents, income, and revenues from the Collateral. Lender may at any time in Lender's discretion transfer any Collateral into Lender's own name or that of Lender's nominee and receive the payments, rents, income, and revenues therefrom and hold the same as security for the Indebtedness or apply it to payment of the Indebtedness in such order of preference as Lender may determine. Insofar as the Collateral consists of accounts, general intangibles, insurance policies, instruments, chattel paper, choses in action, or similar property, Lender may demand, collect, receipt for, settle, compromise, adjust, sue for, foreclose, or realize on the Collateral as Lender may determine, whether or not Indebtedness or Collateral is then due. For these purposes, Lender may, on behalf of and in the name of Grantor, receive, open and dispose of mail addressed to Grantor; change any address to which mail and payments are to be sent; and endorse notes, checks, drafts, money orders, documents of title, instruments and items pertaining to payment, shipment, or storage of any Collateral. To facilitate collection, Lender may notify account debtors and obligors on any Collateral to make payments directly to Lender.
Obtain Deficiency. If Lender chooses to sell any or all of the Collateral, Lender may obtain a judgment against Grantor for any deficiency remaining on the Indebtedness due to Lender after application of all amounts received from the exercise of the rights provided in this Agreement. Grantor shall be liable for a deficiency even if the transaction described in this subsection is a sale of accounts or chattel paper.
Other Rights and Remedies. Lender shall have all the rights and remedies of a secured creditor under the provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code, as may be amended from time to time. In addition, Lender shall have and may exercise any or all other rights and remedies it may have available at law, in equity, or otherwise.
Election of Remedies. Except as may be prohibited by applicable law, all of Lender's rights and remedies, whether evidenced by this Agreement, the Related Documents, or by any other writing, shall be cumulative and may be exercised singularly or concurrently. Election by Lender to pursue any remedy shall not exclude pursuit of any other remedy, and an election to make expenditures or to take action to perform an obligation of Grantor under this Agreement, after Grantor's failure to perform, shall not affect Lender's right to declare a default and exercise its remedies.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are a part of this Agreement:
Amendments. This Agreement, together with any Related Documents, constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties
COMMERCIAL SECURITY AGREEMENT
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as to the matters set forth in this Agreement. No alteration of or amendment to this Agreement shall be effective unless given in writing and signed by the party or parties sought to be charged or bound by the alteration or amendment.
Attorneys' Fees; Expenses. Grantor agrees to pay upon demand all of Lender's costs and expenses, including Lender's reasonable attorneys' fees and Lender's legal expenses, incurred in connection with the enforcement of this Agreement. Lender may hire or pay someone else to help enforce this Agreement, and Grantor shall pay the costs and expenses of such enforcement. Costs and expenses include Lender's reasonable attorneys' fees and legal expenses whether or not there is a lawsuit, including reasonable attorneys' fees and legal expenses for bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction►, appeals, and any anticipated post-judgment collection services. Grantor also shall pay all court costs and such additional fees as may be directed by the court.
Caption Headings. Caption headings in this Agreement are for convenience purposes only and are not to be used to interpret or define the provisions of this Agreement.
Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by federal law applicable to Lender and, to the extent not preempted by federal law, the laws of the State of North Dakota without regard to its conflicts of law provisions. This Agreement has been accepted by Lender in the State of North Dakota.
Choice of Venue. If there is a lawsuit, Grantor agrees upon Lender's request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of STARK County, State of North Dakota.
No Waiver by Lender. Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this Agreement unless such waiver is given in writing and signed by Lender. No delay or omission on the part of Lender in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver by Lender of a provision of this Agreement shall not prejudice or constitute a waiver of Lender's right otherwise to demand strict compliance with that provision or any other provision of this Agreement. No prior waiver by Lender, nor any course of dealing between Lender and Grantor, shall constitute a waiver of any of Lender's rights or of any of Grantor's obligations as to any future transactions. Whenever the consent of Lender is required under this Agreement, the granting of such consent by Lender in any instance shall not constitute continuing consent to subsequent instances where such consent is required and in all cases such consent may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of Lender.
Notices. Any notice required to be given under this Agreement shall be given in writing, and shall be effective when actually delivered, when actually received by telefacsimile (unless otherwise required by law), when deposited with a nationally recognized overnight courier, or, if mailed, when deposited in the United States mail, as first class, certified or registered mail postage prepaid, directed to the addresses shown near the beginning of this Agreement. Any party may change its address for notices under this Agreement by giving formal written notice to the other parties, specifying that the purpose of the notice is to change the party's address. For notice purposes, Grantor agrees to keep Lender informed at all times of Grantor's current address. Unless





otherwise provided or required by law, if there is more than one Grantor, any notice given by Lender to any Grantor is deemed to be notice given to all Grantors.
Power of Attorney. Grantor hereby appoints Lender as Grantor's irrevocable attorney-in-fact for the purpose of executing any documents necessary to perfect, amend, or to continue the security interest granted in this Agreement or to demand termination of filings of other secured parties. Lender may at any time, and without further authorization from Grantor, file a carbon, photographic or other reproduction of any financing statement or of this Agreement for use as a financing statement. Grantor will reimburse Lender for all expenses for the perfection and the continuation of the perfection of Lender's security interest in the Collateral.
Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of this Agreement to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable as to any circumstance, that finding shall not make the offending provision illegal, invalid, or unenforceable as to any other circumstance. If feasible, the offending provision shall be considered modified so that it becomes legal, valid and enforceable. If the offending provision cannot be so modified, it shall be considered deleted from this Agreement. Unless otherwise required by law, the illegality, invalidity, or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the legality, validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.
Successors and Assigns. Subject to any limitations stated in this Agreement on transfer of Grantor's interest, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties, their successors and assigns. If ownership of the Collateral becomes vested in a person other than Grantor, Lender, without notice to Grantor, may deal with Grantor's successors with reference to this Agreement and the Indebtedness by way of forbearance or extension without releasing Grantor from the obligations of this Agreement or liability under the Indebtedness.
Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations, warranties, and agreements made by Grantor in this Agreement shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement, shall be continuing in nature, and shall remain in full force and effect until such time as Grantor's Indebtedness shall be paid in full.
Time is of the Essence. Time is of the essence in the performance of this Agreement.
DEFINITIONS. The following capitalized words and terms shall have the following meanings when used in this Agreement. Unless specifically stated to the contrary, all references to dollar amounts shall mean amounts in lawful money of the United States of America. Words and terms used in the singular shall include the plural, and the plural shall include the singular, as the context may require. Words and terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings attributed to such terms in the Uniform Commercial Code:
Agreement. The word "Agreement" means this Commercial Security Agreement, as this Commercial Security Agreement may be amended or modified from time to time, together with all exhibits and schedules attached to this Commercial Security Agreement from time to time.
Borrower. The word "Borrower" means RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC and includes all co-signers and co-makers signing the Note and all their successors and assigns.
Collateral. The word "Collateral" means all of Grantor's right, title and interest in and to all the Collateral as described in the Collateral Description section of this Agreement.
Default. The word "Default" means the Default set forth in this Agreement in the section titled "Default".
Environmental Laws. The words "Environmental Laws" mean any and all state, federal and local statutes, regulations and ordinances relating to the protection of human health or the environment, including without limitation the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 9601, et seq. ("CERCLA"), the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-499 ("SARA"), the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. Section 1801, et seq., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901, et seq., or other applicable state or federal laws, rules, or regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
Event of Default. The words "Event of Default" mean any of the events of default set forth in this Agreement in the default section of this Agreement.
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Loan No: 50019590    (Continued)    Page 6
Grantor. The word "Grantor" means RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC.
Guaranty. The word "Guaranty" means the guaranty from guarantor, endorser, surety, or accommodation party to Lender, including without limitation a guaranty of all or part of the Note.
Hazardous Substances. The words "Hazardous Substances" mean materials that, because of their quantity, concentration or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics, may cause or pose a present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly used, treated, stored, disposed of, generated, manufactured, transported or otherwise handled. The words "Hazardous Substances" are used in their very broadest sense and include without limitation any and all hazardous or toxic substances, materials or waste as defined by or listed under the Environmental Laws. The term "Hazardous Substances" also includes, without limitation, petroleum and petroleum by-products or any fraction thereof and asbestos.
Indebtedness. The word "Indebtedness" means the indebtedness evidenced by the Note or Related Documents, including all principal and interest together with all other indebtedness and costs and expenses for which Grantor is responsible under this Agreement or under any of the Related Documents. Specifically, without limitation, Indebtedness includes the future advances set forth in the Future Advances provision, together with all interest thereon and all amounts that may be indirectly secured by the Cross-Collateralization provision of this Agreement.
Lender. The word "Lender" means Cornerstone Bank, its successors and assigns.
Note. The word "Note" means the Promissory Note dated January 22, 2020, in the original principal amount of $7,000,000.00 and the Promissory Note dated January 22, 2020, in the original principal amount of $10,000,000.00 from Grantor to Lender, together with all
renewals of, extensions of, modifications of, refinancing of, consolidations of, and substitutions for the promissory note or agreement.
Property. The word "Property" means all of Grantor's right, title and interest in and to all the Property as described in the "Collateral Description" section of this Agreement.
Related Documents. The words "Related Documents" mean all promissory notes, credit agreements, loan agreements, environmental agreements, guaranties, security agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, security deeds, collateral mortgages, and all other instruments, agreements and documents, whether now or hereafter existing, executed in connection with the Indebtedness.
GRANTOR HAS READ AND UNDERSTOOD ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS COMMERCIAL SECURITY AGREEMENT AND AGREES TO ITS TERMS. THIS AGREEMENT IS DATED JANUARY 22, 2020.
GRANTOR:
RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC
By:    By:    





JODI M JOHNSON, Chief Financial Officer of RED    GERALD M BACHMEIER, Chief Executive Officer of
TRAIL ENERGY, LLC    RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC
By:
RONALD D ABERLE, Independent Governor of RED
TRAIL ENERGY, LLC
Leal:II:4o, Ver. 19.1.10,016 Copr. Fineman, USA Corporation 1997, 2020. All Rights Reserved.    ND k1APPLICATIONSVIARLAN01CF11LPL1E40.fC TF1-32016 PR.13





 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*HLP0040*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT

Principal
$7,000,000.00
Loan Date
01-22-2020
Maturity
06-01-2021
Loan No
50019590
Call / Coll
203
Account
122423-01
Officer
506
Initials
References in the boxes above are for Lender's use only and do not limit the applicability of this document to any particular loan or item.
Any item above containing "***" has been omitted due to text length limitations.

Borrower:    RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC    Lender:    Cornerstone Bank
PO BOX 11    Fargo Main Office
RICHARDTON, ND 58652    2280 45th St S
Fargo, ND 58104
THIS BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT dated January 22, 2020, is made and executed between RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC ("Borrower") and Cornerstone Bank ("Lender") on the following terms and conditions. Borrower has received prior commercial loans from Lender or has applied to Lender for a commercial loan or loans or other financial accommodations, including those which may be described on any exhibit or schedule attached to this Agreement. Borrower understands and agrees that: (A) in granting, renewing, or extending any Loan, Lender is relying upon Borrower's representations, warranties, and agreements as set forth in this Agreement; (B) the granting, renewing, or extending of any Loan by Lender at all times shall be subject to Lender's sole judgment and discretion; and (C) all such Loans shall be and remain subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
TERM. This Agreement shall be effective as of January 22, 2020, and shall continue in full force and effect until such time as all of Borrower's Loans in favor of Lender have been paid in full, including principal, interest, costs, expenses, attorneys' fees, and other fees and charges, or until such time as the parties may agree in writing to terminate this Agreement.
LINE OF CREDIT. The Indebtedness contemplates multiple loan advances.
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EACH ADVANCE. Lender's obligation to make the initial Advance and each subsequent Advance under this Agreement shall be subject to the fulfillment to Lender's satisfaction of all of the conditions set forth in this Agreement and in the Related Documents.
Loan Documents. Borrower shall provide to Lender the following documents for the Loan: (1) the Note; (2) Security Agreements granting to Lender security interests in the Collateral; (3) financing statements and all other documents perfecting Lender's Security Interests; (4) evidence of insurance as required below; (5) together with all such Related Documents as Lender may require for the Loan; all in form and substance satisfactory to Lender and Lender's counsel.
Borrower's Authorization. Borrower shall have provided in form and substance satisfactory to Lender properly certified resolutions, duly authorizing the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Note and the Related Documents. In addition, Borrower shall have provided such other resolutions, authorizations, documents and instruments as Lender or its counsel, may require.
Payment of Fees and Expenses. Borrower shall have paid to Lender all fees, charges, and other expenses which are then due and payable as specified in this Agreement or any Related Document.
Representations and Warranties. The representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement, in the Related Documents, and in any document or certificate delivered to Lender under this Agreement are true and correct.
No Event of Default. There shall not exist at the time of any Advance a condition which would constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement or under any Related Document.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Borrower represents and warrants to Lender, as of the date of this Agreement, as of the date of each disbursement of loan proceeds, as of the date of any renewal, extension or modification of any Loan, and at all times any Indebtedness exists:
Organization. Borrower is a limited liability company which is, and at all times shall be, duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under and by virtue of the laws of the State of North Dakota. Borrower is duly authorized to transact business in all other states in which Borrower is doing business, having obtained all necessary filings, governmental licenses and approvals for each state in which Borrower is doing business. Specifically, Borrower is, and at all times shall be, duly qualified as a foreign limited liability company in all states in which the failure to so qualify would have a material adverse effect on its business or financial condition. Borrower has the full power and authority to own its properties and to transact the business in which it is presently engaged or presently proposes to engage. Borrower maintains an office at 3682 HWY 8 SOUTH, RICHARDTON, ND 58652. Unless Borrower has designated otherwise in writing, the principal office is the office at which Borrower keeps its books and records including its records concerning the Collateral. Borrower will notify Lender prior to any change in the location of Borrower's state of organization or any change in Borrower's name. Borrower shall do all things necessary to preserve and to keep in full force and effect its existence, rights and privileges, and shall comply with all regulations, rules, ordinances, statutes, orders and decrees of any governmental or quasi-governmental authority or court applicable to Borrower and Borrower's business activities.
Assumed Business Names. Borrower has filed or recorded all documents or filings required by law relating to all assumed business names used by Borrower. Excluding the name of Borrower, the following is a complete list of all assumed business names under which Borrower does business: None.
Authorization. Borrower's execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement and all the Related Documents have been duly authorized by all necessary action by Borrower and do not conflict with, result in a violation of, or constitute a default under (1) any provision of (a) Borrower's articles of organization or membership agreements, or (b) any agreement or other instrument binding upon Borrower or (2) any law, governmental regulation, court decree, or order applicable to Borrower or to Borrower's properties.
BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT
Loan No: 50019590    (Continued)    Page 2





Financial Information. Each of Borrower's financial statements supplied to Lender truly and completely disclosed Borrower's financial condition as of the date of the statement, and there has been no material adverse change in Borrower's financial condition subsequent to the date of the most recent financial statement supplied to Lender. Borrower has no material contingent obligations except as disclosed in such financial statements.
Legal Effect. This Agreement constitutes, and any instrument or agreement Borrower is required to give under this Agreement when delivered will constitute legal, valid, and binding obligations of Borrower enforceable against Borrower in accordance with their respective terms.
Properties. Except as contemplated by this Agreement or as previously disclosed in Borrower's financial statements or in writing to Lender and as accepted by Lender, and except for property tax liens for taxes not presently due and payable, Borrower owns and has good title to all of Borrower's properties free and clear of all Security Interests, and has not executed any security documents or financing statements relating to such properties. All of Borrower's properties are titled in Borrower's legal name, and Borrower has not used or filed a financing statement under any other name for at least the last five (5) years.
Hazardous Substances. Except as disclosed to and acknowledged by Lender in writing, Borrower represents and warrants that: (1) During the period of Borrower's ownership of the Collateral, there has been no use, generation, manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release or threatened release of any Hazardous Substance by any person on, under, about or from any of the Collateral. (2) Borrower has no knowledge of, or reason to believe that there has been (a) any breach or violation of any Environmental Laws; (b) any use, generation, manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release or threatened release of any Hazardous Substance on, under, about or from the Collateral by any prior owners or occupants of any of the Collateral; or (c) any actual or threatened litigation or claims of any kind by any person relating to such matters. (3) Neither Borrower nor any tenant, contractor, agent or other authorized user of any of the Collateral shall use, generate, manufacture, store, treat, dispose of or release any Hazardous Substance on, under, about or from any of the Collateral; and any such activity shall be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances, including without limitation all Environmental Laws. Borrower authorizes Lender and its agents to enter upon the Collateral to make such inspections and tests as Lender may deem appropriate to determine compliance of the Collateral with this section of the Agreement. Any inspections or tests made by Lender shall be at Borrower's expense and for Lender's purposes only and shall not be construed to create any responsibility or liability on the part of Lender to Borrower or to any other person. The representations and warranties contained herein are based on Borrower's due diligence in investigating the Collateral for hazardous waste and Hazardous Substances. Borrower hereby (1) releases and waives any future claims against Lender for indemnity or contribution in the event Borrower becomes liable for cleanup or other costs under any such laws, and (2) agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Lender against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, penalties, and expenses which Lender may directly or indirectly sustain or suffer resulting from a breach of this section of the Agreement or as a consequence of any use, generation, manufacture, storage, disposal, release or threatened release of a hazardous waste or substance on the Collateral. The provisions of this section of the Agreement, including the obligation to indemnify and defend, shall survive the payment of the Indebtedness and the termination, expiration or satisfaction of this Agreement and shall not be affected by Lender's acquisition of any interest in any of the Collateral, whether by foreclosure or otherwise.
Litigation and Claims. No litigation, claim, investigation, administrative proceeding or similar action (including those for unpaid taxes) against Borrower is pending or threatened, and no other event has occurred which may materially adversely affect Borrower's financial condition or properties, other than litigation, claims, or other events, if any, that have been disclosed to and acknowledged by Lender in writing.
Taxes. To the best of Borrower's knowledge, all of Borrower's tax returns and reports that are or were required to be filed, have been filed, and all taxes, assessments and other governmental charges have been paid in full, except those presently being or to be contested by Borrower in good faith in the ordinary course of business and for which adequate reserves have been provided.
Lien Priority. Unless otherwise previously disclosed to Lender in writing, Borrower has not entered into or granted any Security Agreements, or permitted the filing or attachment of any Security Interests on or affecting any of the Collateral directly or indirectly securing repayment of Borrower's Loan and Note, that would be prior or that may in any way be superior to Lender's Security Interests and rights in and to such Collateral.
Binding Effect. This Agreement, the Note, all Security Agreements (if any), and all Related Documents are binding upon the signers thereof, as well as upon their successors, representatives and assigns, and are legally enforceable in accordance with their respective terms.
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that, so long as this Agreement remains in effect, Borrower will:
Notices of Claims and Litigation. Promptly inform Lender in writing of (1) all material adverse changes in Borrower's financial condition, and (2) all existing and all threatened litigation, claims, investigations, administrative proceedings or similar actions affecting Borrower or any Guarantor which could materially affect the financial condition of Borrower or the financial condition of any Guarantor.
Financial Records. Maintain its books and records in accordance with GAAP, applied on a consistent basis, and permit Lender to examine and audit Borrower's books and records at all reasonable times.
Financial Statements. Furnish Lender with the following:
Additional Requirements.
1.Borrower agrees to provide Lender with Annual Audited Financial Statements.
2.Borrower is required to maintain their operating checking account at Cornerstone Bank in a satisfactory condition for the life of the loan.
3.Distributions covenant to be determined by banker and borrower based on borrowers policies.
4.Borrower is required to provide Lender Company prepared quarterly financial statements to be presented with-45 days of month end.
All financial reports required to be provided under this Agreement shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP, applied on a consistent basis, and certified by Borrower as being true and correct.
Additional Information. Furnish such additional information and statements, as Lender may request from time to time.
Insurance. Maintain fire and other risk insurance, public liability insurance, and such other insurance as Lender may require with respect to Borrower's properties and operations, in form, amounts, coverages and with insurance companies acceptable to Lender. Borrower, upon request of Lender, will deliver to Lender from time to time the policies or certificates of insurance in form satisfactory to Lender, including stipulations that coverages will not be cancelled or diminished without at least thirty (30) days prior written notice to Lender. Each
BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT
Loan No: 50019590    (Continued)    Page 3
insurance policy also shall include an endorsement providing that coverage in favor of Lender will not be impaired in any way by any act, omission or default of Borrower or any other person. In connection with all policies covering assets in which Lender holds or is offered a security interest for the Loans, Borrower will provide Lender with such lender's loss payable or other endorsements as Lender may require.
Insurance Reports. Furnish to Lender, upon request of Lender, reports on each existing insurance policy showing such information as Lender may reasonably request, including without limitation the following: (1) the name of the insurer; (2) the risks insured; (3) the amount of the policy; (4) the properties insured; (5) the then current property values on the basis of which insurance has been obtained, and the manner of determining those values; and (6) the expiration date of the policy. In addition, upon request of Lender (however not more often than annually), Borrower will have an independent appraiser satisfactory to Lender determine, as applicable, the actual cash value or replacement cost of any Collateral. The cost of such appraisal shall be paid by Borrower.
Other Agreements. Comply with all terms and conditions of all other agreements, whether now or hereafter existing, between Borrower and any other party and notify Lender immediately in writing of any default in connection with any other such agreements.
Loan Proceeds. Use all Loan proceeds solely for Borrower's business operations, unless specifically consented to the contrary by Lender in writing.
Taxes, Charges and Liens. Pay and discharge when due all of its indebtedness and obligations, including without limitation all assessments, taxes, governmental charges, levies and liens, of every kind and nature, imposed upon Borrower or its properties, income, or profits, prior to the date on which penalties would attach, and all lawful





claims that, if unpaid, might become a lien or charge upon any of Borrower's properties, income, or profits. Provided however, Borrower will not be required to pay and discharge any such assessment, tax, charge, levy, lien or claim so long as (11 the legality of the same shall be contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, and (2) Borrower shall have established on Borrower's books adequate reserves with respect to such contested assessment, tax, charge, levy, lien, or claim in accordance with GAAP.
Performance. Perform and comply, in a timely manner, with all terms, conditions, and provisions set forth in this Agreement, in the Related Documents, and in all other instruments and agreements between Borrower and Lender. Borrower shall notify Lender immediately in writing of any default in connection with any agreement.
Operations. Maintain executive and management personnel with substantially the same qualifications and experience as the present executive and management personnel; provide written notice to Lender of any change in executive and management personnel; conduct its business affairs in a reasonable and prudent manner.
Environmental Studies. Promptly conduct and complete, at Borrower's expense, all such investigations, studies, samplings and testings as may be requested by Lender or any governmental authority relative to any substance, or any waste or by-product of any substance defined as toxic or a hazardous substance under applicable federal, state, or local law, rule, regulation, order or directive, at or affecting any property or any facility owned, leased or used by Borrower.
Compliance with Governmental Requirements. Comply with all laws, ordinances, and regulations, now or hereafter in effect, of all governmental authorities applicable to the conduct of Borrower's properties, businesses and operations, and to the use or occupancy of the Collateral, including without limitation, the Americans With Disabilities Act. Borrower may contest in good faith any such law, ordinance, or regulation and withhold compliance during any proceeding, including appropriate appeals, so long as Borrower has notified Lender in writing prior to doing so and so long as, in Lender's sole opinion, Lender's interests in the Collateral are not jeopardized. Lender may require Borrower to post adequate security or a surety bond, reasonably satisfactory to Lender, to protect Lender's interest.
Inspection. Permit employees or agents of Lender at any reasonable time to inspect any and all Collateral for the Loan or Loans and Borrower's other properties and to examine or audit Borrower's books, accounts, and records and to make copies and memoranda of Borrower's books, accounts, and records. If Borrower now or at any time hereafter maintains any records (including without limitation computer generated records and computer software programs for the generation of such records) in the possession of a third party, Borrower, upon request of Lender, shall notify such party to permit Lender free access to such records at all reasonable times and to provide Lender with copies of any records it may request, all at Borrower's expense.
Compliance Certificates. Unless waived in writing by Lender, provide Lender at least annually, with a certificate executed by Borrower's chief financial officer, or other officer or person acceptable to Lender, certifying that the representations and warranties set forth in this Agreement are true and correct as of the date of the certificate and further certifying that, as of the date of the certificate, no Event of Default exists under this Agreement.
Environmental Compliance and Reports. Borrower shall comply in all respects with any and all Environmental Laws; not cause or permit to exist, as a result of an intentional or unintentional action or omission on Borrower's part or on the part of any third party, on property owned and/or occupied by Borrower, any environmental activity where damage may result to the environment, unless such environmental activity is pursuant to and in compliance with the conditions of a permit issued by the appropriate federal, state or local governmental authorities; shall furnish to Lender promptly and in any event within thirty (30) days after receipt thereof a copy of any notice, summons, lien, citation, directive, letter or other communication from any governmental agency or instrumentality concerning any intentional or unintentional action or omission on Borrower's part in connection with any environmental activity whether or not there is damage to the environment and/or other natural resources.
Additional Assurances. Make, execute and deliver to Lender such promissory notes, mortgages, deeds of trust, security agreements, assignments, financing statements, instruments, documents and other agreements as Lender or its attorneys may reasonably request to evidence and secure the Loans and to perfect all Security Interests.
LENDER'S EXPENDITURES. If any action or proceeding is commenced that would materially affect Lender's interest in the Collateral or if Borrower fails to comply with any provision of this Agreement or any Related Documents, including but not limited to Borrower's failure to discharge or pay when due any amounts Borrower is required to discharge or pay under this Agreement or any Related Documents, Lender on Borrower's behalf may (but shall not be obligated to) take any action that Lender deems appropriate, including but not limited to discharging or paying all taxes, liens, security interests, encumbrances and other claims, at any time levied or placed on any Collateral and paying all costs for insuring, maintaining and preserving any Collateral. All such expenditures incurred or paid by Lender for such purposes will then bear interest at the rate charged under the Note from the date incurred or paid by Lender to the date of repayment by Borrower. All such expenses will become a part of the Indebtedness and, at Lender's option, will (A) be payable on demand; (B) be added to the balance of the Note and be apportioned among and be payable with any installment payments to become due during either (1) the term of any applicable insurance policy; or (2) the remaining term of the Note; or (C) be treated as a balloon payment which will be due and payable at the Note's maturity.
NEGATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that while this Agreement is in effect, Borrower shall not, without the prior written consent of Lender:
Continuity of Operations. (1) Engage in any business activities substantially different than those in which Borrower is presently engaged, (2) cease operations, liquidate, merge or restructure as a legal entity (whether by division or otherwise), consolidate with or acquire any
BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT
Loan No: 50019590    (Continued)    Page 4
other entity, change its name, convert to another type of entity or redomesticate, dissolve or transfer or sell Collateral out of the ordinary course of business, or (3) make any distribution with respect to any capital account, whether by reduction of capital or otherwise.
Agreements. Enter into any agreement containing any provisions which would be violated or breached by the performance of Borrower's obligations under this Agreement or in connection herewith.
CESSATION OF ADVANCES. If Lender has made any commitment to make any Loan to Borrower, whether under this Agreement or under any other agreement, Lender shall have no obligation to make Loan Advances or to disburse Loan proceeds if: (A) Borrower or any Guarantor is in default under the terms of this Agreement or any of the Related Documents or any other agreement that Borrower or any Guarantor has with Lender; (B) Borrower or any Guarantor dies, becomes incompetent or becomes insolvent, files a petition in bankruptcy or similar proceedings, or is adjudged a bankrupt; (C) there occurs a material adverse change in Borrower's financial condition, in the financial condition of any Guarantor, or in the value of any Collateral securing any Loan; or (D) any Guarantor seeks, claims or otherwise attempts to limit, modify or revoke such Guarantor's guaranty of the Loan or any other loan with Lender; or (E) Lender in good faith deems itself insecure, even though no Event of Default shall have occurred.
RIGHT OF SETOFF. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Lender reserves a right of setoff in all Borrower's accounts with Lender (whether checking, savings, or some other account►. This includes all accounts Borrower holds jointly with someone else and all accounts Borrower may open in the future. However, this does not include any IRA or Keogh accounts, or any trust accounts for which setoff would be prohibited by law. Borrower authorizes Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable law, to charge or setoff all sums owing on the Indebtedness against any and all such accounts, and, at Lender's option, to administratively freeze all such accounts to allow Lender to protect Lender's charge and setoff rights provided in this paragraph.
DEFAULT. Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement:
Payment Default. Borrower fails to make any payment when due under the Loan.
Other Defaults. Borrower fails to comply with or to perform any other term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in this Agreement or in any of the Related Documents or to comply with or to perform any term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in any other agreement between Lender and Borrower.
Default in Favor of Third Parties. Borrower or any Grantor defaults under any loan, extension of credit, security agreement, purchase or sales agreement, or any other agreement, in favor of any other creditor or person that may materially affect any of Borrower's or any Grantor's property or Borrower's or any Grantor's ability to repay the Loans or perform their respective obligations under this Agreement or any of the Related Documents.
False Statements. Any warranty, representation or statement made or furnished to Lender by Borrower or on Borrower's behalf under this Agreement or the Related Documents is false or misleading in any material respect, either now or at the time made or furnished or becomes false or misleading at any time thereafter.





Death or Insolvency. The dissolution of Borrower (regardless of whether election to continue is made), any member withdraws from Borrower, or any other termination of Borrower's existence as a going business or the death of any member, the insolvency of Borrower, the appointment of a receiver for any part of Borrower's property, any assignment for the benefit of creditors, any type of creditor workout, or the commencement of any proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws by or against Borrower.
Defective Collateralization. This Agreement or any of the Related Documents ceases to be in full force and effect (including failure of any collateral document to create a valid and perfected security interest or lien) at any time and for any reason.
Creditor or Forfeiture Proceedings. Commencement of foreclosure or forfeiture proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self-help, repossession or any other method, by any creditor of Borrower or by any governmental agency against any collateral securing the Loan. This includes a garnishment of any of Borrower's accounts, including deposit accounts, with Lender. However, this Event of Default shall not apply if there is a good faith dispute by Borrower as to the validity or reasonableness of the claim which is the basis of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and if Borrower gives Lender written notice of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and deposits with Lender monies or a surety bond for the creditor or forfeiture proceeding, in an amount determined by Lender, in its sole discretion, as being an adequate reserve or bond for the dispute.
Events Affecting Guarantor. Any of the preceding events occurs with respect to any Guarantor of any of the Indebtedness or any Guarantor dies or becomes incompetent, or revokes or disputes the validity of, or liability under, any Guaranty of the Indebtedness.
Adverse Change. A material adverse change occurs in Borrower's financial condition, or Lender believes the prospect of payment or performance of the Loan is impaired.
Insecurity. Lender in good faith believes itself insecure.
EFFECT OF AN EVENT OF DEFAULT. If any Event of Default shall occur, except where otherwise provided in this Agreement or the Related Documents, all commitments and obligations of Lender under this Agreement or the Related Documents or any other agreement immediately will terminate (including any obligation to make further Loan Advances or disbursements), and, at Lender's option, all Indebtedness immediately will become due and payable, all without notice of any kind to Borrower, except that in the case of an Event of Default of the type described in the "Insolvency" subsection above, such acceleration shall be automatic and not optional. In addition, Lender shall have all the rights and remedies provided in the Related Documents or available at law, in equity, or otherwise. Except as may be prohibited by applicable law, all of Lender's rights and remedies shall be cumulative and may be exercised singularly or concurrently. Election by Lender to pursue any remedy shall not exclude pursuit of any other remedy, and an election to make expenditures or to take action to perform an obligation of Borrower or of any Grantor shall not affect Lender's right to declare a default and to exercise its rights and remedies.
CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP. Any change in ownership of twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the membership units of Borrower shall constitute an event of default ("Event of Default") under this Note.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are a part of this Agreement:
Amendments. This Agreement, together with any Related Documents, constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties as to the matters set forth in this Agreement. No alteration of or amendment to this Agreement shall be effective unless given in writing and signed by the party or parties sought to be charged or bound by the alteration or amendment.
Attorneys' Fees; Expenses. Borrower agrees to pay upon demand all of Lender's costs and expenses, including Lender's reasonable attorneys' fees and Lender's legal expenses, incurred in connection with the enforcement of this Agreement. Lender may hire or pay someone else to help enforce this Agreement, and Borrower shall pay the costs and expenses of such enforcement. Costs and expenses include Lender's reasonable attorneys' fees and legal expenses whether or not there is a lawsuit, including reasonable attorneys' fees and legal expenses for bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction), appeals, and any anticipated post-judgment collection services. Borrower also shall pay all court costs and such additional fees as may be directed by the
BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT
Loan No: 50019590    (Continued)    Page 5
court.
Caption Headings. Caption headings in this Agreement are for convenience purposes only and are not to be used to interpret or define the provisions of this Agreement.
Consent to Loan Participation. Borrower agrees and consents to Lender's sale or transfer, whether now or later, of one or more participation interests in the Loan to one or more purchasers, whether related or unrelated to Lender. Lender may provide, without any limitation whatsoever, to any one or more purchasers, or potential purchasers, any information or knowledge Lender may have about Borrower or about any other matter relating to the Loan, and Borrower hereby waives any rights to privacy Borrower may have with respect to such matters. Borrower additionally waives any and all notices of sale of participation interests, as well as all notices of any repurchase of such participation interests. Borrower also agrees that the purchasers of any such participation interests will be considered as the absolute owners of such interests in the Loan and will have all the rights granted under the participation agreement or agreements governing the sale of such participation interests. Borrower further waives all rights of offset or counterclaim that it may have now or later against Lender or against any purchaser of such a participation interest and unconditionally agrees that either Lender or such purchaser may enforce Borrower's obligation under the Loan irrespective of the failure or insolvency of any holder of any interest in the Loan. Borrower further agrees that the purchaser of any such participation interests may enforce its interests irrespective of any personal claims or defenses that Borrower may have against Lender.
Governing Law. This Agreement will be governed by federal law applicable to Lender and, to the extent not preempted by federal law, the laws of the State of North Dakota without regard to its conflicts of law provisions. This Agreement has been accepted by Lender in the State of North Dakota.
Choice of Venue. If there is a lawsuit, Borrower agrees upon Lender's request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of STARK County, State of North Dakota.
No Waiver by Lender. Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this Agreement unless such waiver is given in writing and signed by Lender. No delay or omission on the part of Lender in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver by Lender of a provision of this Agreement shall not prejudice or constitute a waiver of Lender's right otherwise to demand strict compliance with that provision or any other provision of this Agreement. No prior waiver by Lender, nor any course of dealing between Lender and Borrower, or between Lender and any Grantor, shall constitute a waiver of any of Lender's rights or of any of Borrower's or any Grantor's obligations as to any future transactions. Whenever the consent of Lender is required under this Agreement, the granting of such consent by Lender in any instance shall not constitute continuing consent to subsequent instances where such consent is required and in all cases such consent may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of Lender.
Notices. Any notice required to be given under this Agreement shall be given in writing, and shall be effective when actually delivered, when actually received by telefacsimile (unless otherwise required by law), when deposited with a nationally recognized overnight courier, or, if mailed, when deposited in the United States mail, as first class, certified or registered mail postage prepaid, directed to the addresses shown near the beginning of this Agreement. Any party may change its address for notices under this Agreement by giving formal written notice to the other parties, specifying that the purpose of the notice is to change the party's address. For notice purposes, Borrower agrees to keep Lender informed at all times of Borrower's current address. Unless otherwise provided or required by law, if there is more than one Borrower, any notice given by Lender to any Borrower is deemed to be notice given to all Borrowers.
Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of this Agreement to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable as to any circumstance, that finding shall not make the offending provision illegal, invalid, or unenforceable as to any other circumstance. If feasible, the offending provision shall be considered modified so that it becomes legal, valid and enforceable. If the offending provision cannot be so modified, it shall be considered deleted from this Agreement. Unless otherwise required by law, the illegality, invalidity, or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the legality, validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.





Subsidiaries and Affiliates of Borrower. To the extent the context of any provisions of this Agreement makes it appropriate, including without limitation any representation, warranty or covenant, the word "Borrower" as used in this Agreement shall include all of Borrower's subsidiaries and affiliates. Notwithstanding the foregoing however, under no circumstances shall this Agreement be construed to require Lender to make any Loan or other financial accommodation to any of Borrower's subsidiaries or affiliates.
Successors and Assigns. All covenants and agreements by or on behalf of Borrower contained in this Agreement or any Related Documents shall bind Borrower's successors and assigns and shall inure to the benefit of Lender and its successors and assigns. Borrower shall not, however, have the right to assign Borrower's rights under this Agreement or any interest therein, without the prior written consent of Lender.
Survival of Representations and Warranties. Borrower understands and agrees that in extending Loan Advances, Lender is relying on all representations, warranties, and covenants made by Borrower in this Agreement or in any certificate or other instrument delivered by Borrower to Lender under this Agreement or the Related Documents. Borrower further agrees that regardless of any investigation made by Lender, all such representations, warranties and covenants will survive the extension of Loan Advances and delivery to Lender of the Related Documents, shall be continuing in nature, shall be deemed made and redated by Borrower at the time each Loan Advance is made, and shall remain in full force and effect until such time as Borrower's Indebtedness shall be paid in full, or until this Agreement shall be terminated in the manner provided above, whichever is the last to occur.
Time is of the Essence. Time is of the essence in the performance of this Agreement.
Waive Jury. All parties to this Agreement hereby waive the right to any jury trial in any action, proceeding, or counterclaim brought by any party against any other party.
DEFINITIONS. The following capitalized words and terms shall have the following meanings when used in this Agreement. Unless specifically stated to the contrary, all references to dollar amounts shall mean amounts in lawful money of the United States of America. Words and terms used in the singular shall include the plural, and the plural shall include the singular, as the context may require. Words and terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings attributed to such terms in the Uniform Commercial Code. Accounting words and terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as in effect on the date of this Agreement:
Advance. The word "Advance" means a disbursement of Loan funds made, or to be made, to Borrower or on Borrower's behalf on a line of credit or multiple advance basis under the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
Agreement. The word "Agreement" means this Business Loan Agreement, as this Business Loan Agreement may be amended or modified from time to time, together with all exhibits and schedules attached to this Business Loan Agreement from time to time.
Borrower. The word "Borrower" means RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC and includes all co-signers and co-makers signing the Note and all their successors and assigns.
BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT
Loan No: 50019590    (Continued)    Page 6
Collateral. The word "Collateral" means all property and assets granted as collateral security for a Loan, whether real or personal property, whether granted directly or indirectly, whether granted now or in the future, and whether granted in the form of a security interest, mortgage, collateral mortgage, deed of trust, assignment, pledge, crop pledge, chattel mortgage, collateral chattel mortgage, chattel trust, factor's lien, equipment trust, conditional sale, trust receipt, lien, charge, lien or title retention contract, lease or consignment intended as a security device, or any other security or lien interest whatsoever, whether created by law, contract, or otherwise.
Environmental Laws. The words "Environmental Laws" mean any and all state, federal and local statutes, regulations and ordinances relating to the protection of human health or the environment, including without limitation the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 9601, et seq. ("CERCLA"), the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-499 ("SARA"), the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. Section 1801, et seq., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901, et seq., or other applicable state or federal laws, rules, or regulations adopted pursuant thereto.
Event of Default. The words "Event of Default" mean any of the events of default set forth in this Agreement in the default section of this Agreement.
GAAP. The word "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles.
Grantor. The word "Grantor" means each and all of the persons or entities granting a Security Interest in any Collateral for the Loan, including without limitation all Borrowers granting such a Security Interest.
Guarantor. The word "Guarantor" means any guarantor, surety, or accommodation party of any or all of the Loan.
Guaranty. The word "Guaranty" means the guaranty from Guarantor to Lender, including without limitation a guaranty of all or part of the Note.
Hazardous Substances. The words "Hazardous Substances" mean materials that, because of their quantity, concentration or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics, may cause or pose a present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly used, treated, stored, disposed of, generated, manufactured, transported or otherwise handled. The words "Hazardous Substances" are used in their very broadest sense and include without limitation any and all hazardous or toxic substances, materials or waste as defined by or listed under the Environmental Laws. The term "Hazardous Substances" also includes, without limitation, petroleum and petroleum by-products or any fraction thereof and asbestos.
Indebtedness. The word "Indebtedness" means the indebtedness evidenced by the Note or Related Documents, including all principal and interest together with all other indebtedness and costs and expenses for which Borrower is responsible under this Agreement or under any of the Related Documents.
Lender. The word "Lender" means Cornerstone Bank, its successors and assigns.
Loan. The word "Loan" means any and all loans and financial accommodations from Lender to Borrower whether now or hereafter existing, and however evidenced, including without limitation those loans and financial accommodations described herein or described on any exhibit or schedule attached to this Agreement from time to time.
Note. The word "Note" means the Promissory Note dated January 22, 2020, in the original principal amount of $7,000,000.00 and the Promissory Note dated January 22, 2020, in the original principal amount of $10,000,000.00 from Grantor to Lender, together with all renewals of, extensions of, modifications of, refinancing of, consolidations of, and substitutions for the promissory note or agreement.
Related Documents. The words "Related Documents" mean all promissory notes, credit agreements, loan agreements, environmental agreements, guaranties, security agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, security deeds, collateral mortgages, and all other instruments, agreements and documents, whether now or hereafter existing, executed in connection with the Loan.
Security Agreement. The words "Security Agreement" mean and include without limitation any agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements, understandings or other agreements, whether created by law, contract, or otherwise, evidencing, governing, representing, or creating a Security Interest.
Security Interest. The words "Security Interest" mean, without limitation, any and all types of collateral security, present and future, whether in the form of a lien, charge, encumbrance, mortgage, deed of trust, security deed, assignment, pledge, crop pledge, chattel mortgage, collateral chattel mortgage, chattel trust, factor's lien, equipment trust, conditional sale, trust receipt, lien or title retention contract, lease or consignment intended as a security device, or any other security or lien interest whatsoever whether created by law, contract, or otherwise.
BORROWER ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT AND BORROWER AGREES TO ITS TERMS. THIS BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT IS DATED JANUARY 22, 2020.
BORROWER:





RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC
By:     By:    
JODI M JOHNSON, Chief Financial Officer of RED    GERALD M BACHMEIER, Chief Executive Officer of
TRAIL ENERGY, LLC    RED TRAIL ENERGY, LLC
By:
RONALD D ABERLE, Independent Governor of RED
TRAIL ENERGY, LLC
BUSINESS LOAN AGREEMENT
Loan No: 50019590    (Continued)    Page 7
LENDER:
CORNERSTONE BANK
By:
GEORGE B SINNER, SVP-BUSINESS BANKING
LaserPro, Var. 19.1.10.016 Cop, Fines. USA Corporation 1997, 2020. All Rights Reaarvad. - ND NIAPPL





CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 17 CFR 240.15(d)-14(a)
(SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION)
 
I, Jodi Johnson, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Red Trail Energy, LLC;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant, as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.


 Date:
February 14, 2020
 
 /s/ Jodi Johnson
 
 
Jodi Johnson
Chief Financial Officer





CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 17 CFR 240.15(d)-14(a)
(SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION)
 
I, Gerald Bachmeier, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Red Trail Energy, LLC;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant, as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

 
Date:
February 14, 2020
 
/s/ Gerald Bachmeier
 
 
Gerald Bachmeier
Chief Executive Officer





CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


In connection with the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Red Trail Energy, LLC (the “Company”) for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2019, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Gerald Bachmeier, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1.
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2.
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 
 
 
 
Dated:
February 14, 2020
 
/s/ Gerald Bachmeier
 
 
 
Gerald Bachmeier
 
 
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 







CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

    
In connection with the quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Red Trail Energy, LLC (the “Company”) for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2019, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Jodi Johnson, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1.
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

2.
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

 
 
 
 
Dated:
February 14, 2020
 
/s/ Jodi Johnson
 
 
 
Jodi Johnson
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer