UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K
xAnnual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019
OR
OR
oTransition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
For the transition period from               to               .
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER
000-53588

HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Minnesota20-4798531
(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

24500 US Highway 14,Lamberton,MN56152
(Address of principal executive offices)
(507) 752-6160
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)Zip Code)

 (507) 752-6160
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Membership Units


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
o Yes     x No


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.
o Yes     x No


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 FileroAccelerated Filero
Non-Accelerated FilerxSmaller Reporting Company
Large Accelerated Filer o
Accelerated Filer  o
Non-Accelerated Filer x
Smaller Reporting Company o
Emerging Growth Companyo
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


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 has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.                        

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


As of April 30, 2018,2022, the aggregate market value of the membership units held by non-affiliates (computed by reference to the most recent offering price of such membership units of $10,000) was $41,550,000.$40,520,000. The Company is a limited liability company whose outstanding common equity is subject to significant restrictions on transfer under its Operating Agreement. No public market for common equity of Highwater Ethanol, LLC is established and it is unlikely in the foreseeable future that a public market for its common equity will develop.


Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:  As of January 23, 2020,19, 2023, there were 4,8074,762 membership units outstanding.


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE


The registrant has incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K portions of its definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year covered by this Annual Report.




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INDEX


Page Number
Page Number
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance





2


CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS


This report contains forward-looking statements that involve future events, our future financial performance and our expected future operations and actions. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “future,” “intend,” “could,” “hope,” “predict,” “target,” “potential,” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are only our predictions based on current information and involve numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to those listed below and those business risks and factors described elsewhere in this report and our other Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
ŸChanges in the availability and price of corn and natural gas;
ŸReduction, delay or elimination of the Renewable Fuel Standard;
ŸOur ability to comply with the financial covenants contained in our credit agreements with our lenders;
ŸOur ability to profitably operate the ethanol plant and maintain a positive spread between the selling price of our products and our raw material costs;
ŸResults of our hedging activities and other risk management strategies;
ŸEthanol and distillers grains supply exceeding demand and corresponding price reductions;
ŸOur ability to generate cash flow to invest in our business and service our debt;
ŸChanges in the environmental regulations that apply to our plant operations and changes in our ability to comply with such regulations;
ŸChanges in our business strategy, capital improvements or development plans;
ŸChanges in plant production capacity or technical difficulties in operating the plant;
ŸChanges in general economic conditions or the occurrence of certain events causing an economic impact in the agriculture, oil or automobile industries;
ŸLack of transportation, storage and blending infrastructure preventing ethanol from reaching high demand markets;
ŸChanges in federal and/or state laws or policies impacting the ethanol industry;
ŸChanges and advances in ethanol production technology and the development of alternative fuels and energy sources and advanced biofuels;
ŸCompetition from alternative fuel additives;
ŸChanges in interest rates and lending conditions;
ŸDecreases in the price we receive for our ethanol and distillers grains;
ŸVolatile financial or commodity markets;
ŸOur inability to secure credit or obtain additional equity financing we may require in the future;
ŸOur ability to retain key employees and maintain labor relations; and
ŸDecreases in export demand due to the imposition of tariffs by foreign governments on ethanol and distillers grains produced by the the United States.States;
A slowdown in global and regional economic activity, demand for our products and the potential for labor shortages and shipping disruptions resulting from pandemics including COVID-19;
Competition from the increased use of electric vehicles;
Use by the EPA of small refinery exemptions; and
Global economic uncertainty, inflation, market disruptions, and increased volatility in commodity prices caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine and resulting sanctions by the United States and other countries.



The cautionary statements referred to in this section also should be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that may be issued by us or any persons acting on our behalf. We undertake no duty to update these forward-looking statements, even though our situation may change in the future. Furthermore, we cannot guarantee future results, events, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. We caution you not to put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report.  You should read this report and the documents that we reference in this report and have filed as exhibits, completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we currently expect.  We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.


AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
Information is also available at our website at www.highwaterethanol.com, under “SEC Compliance,”Compliance”, which includes links to reports we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The contents of our website are not incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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PART I


ITEM 1. BUSINESS


Business Development


Highwater Ethanol, LLC (“we,” “our,” “Highwater Ethanol” or the “Company”) was formed as a Minnesota limited liability company on May 2, 2006 for the purpose of constructing, owning, and operating a 50 million gallon per year nameplate ethanol plant near Lamberton, Minnesota. Since August 2009, we have been engaged in the production of ethanol and distillers grains at the plant. We have been operating at an annual rate of approximately 59.5 million gallons for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019. However, inOn October 2019, our air permit application to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to allow for 70.2 million gallons of denatured ethanol per 12-month rolling average was approved. As such,Our ethanol production levels for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022 were at an annual rate of approximately 68 million gallons.

On August 26, 2020, we anticipate that we may increase our productionentered into an agreement with Nelson Baker BioTech, Inc. to install a system which will allow us to produce USP grade high purity alcohol for use in the future.sanitizer market. We commenced construction in November, 2020. The project was completed in October 2021. We expect to commence the production of high purity alcohol if current positive ethanol margins worsen and we determine that high purity alcohol sales would result in greater profitability for our business than ethanol sales. We have executed an agreement with RPMG, Inc. ("RPMG") to be the exclusive marketer of our high purity alcohol. RPMG is currently our exclusive marketer and distributor of ethanol and corn oil and will market our distillers grains beginning January 1, 2023. We are also an owner of Renewable Products Marketing Group, LLC, the parent entity of RPMG.


On February 8, 2022, we executed a First Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "First Amendment"), which amends the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated March 15, 2021 with Compeer Financial, PCA f/k/a AgStar Financial Services, PCA, as administrative agent ("Compeer"). The primary purpose of the First Amendment was to modify the interest rate for the Term Revolving Loan and the Revolving Line of Credit, effective March 1, 2022. The First Amendment removed references to the LIBOR rate and provided that the Term Revolving Loan and the Revolving Line of Credit Loan will each accrue interest at a variable interest rate based on the Wall Street Journal's Prime Rate plus ten basis points with a minimum interest rate of 2.10%. The Revolving Line of Credit Loan, which was set to mature on March 15, 2022, was also extended until January 22, 2023.

On May 23, 2022, we received an award from the USDA Biofuel Producer Program in the amount of approximately $4,100,000. The Biofuel Producer Program was created as part of the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act. The USDA announced that the funds were made available to provide economic relief to biofuels producers who face unexpected losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and support a significant market for agricultural producers who supply products used in biofuels production.
On August 8, 2022, we executed a Second Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Second Amendment"), which amends the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated March 15, 2021 with Compeer. The Second Amendment extends the maturity date of the Term Revolving Loan from January 22, 2023 to November 1, 2027. The Second Amendment also extends the maturity date of the Revolving Line of Credit Loan from January 22, 2023 to November 1, 2023. The Second Amendment provides that the maturity date of the Revolving Line of Credit Loan may be extended for up to four additional one year terms upon written request of the Company which will be deemed automatically granted by Compeer upon receipt of the request and written certification that there is no event of default. The Second Amendment also amends certain financial covenants that restrict distributions and require minimum debt service coverage and working capital requirements. The Second Amendment provides that the Company is allowed to make distributions to members as frequently as monthly in an amount equal to 75% of net income if working capital is greater than or equal to $9,000,000, or an unlimited amount if working capital is greater than or equal to $12,000,000. The Second Amendment eliminates the requirement to maintain a minimum debt service coverage ratio and raises the the minimum working capital requirement from $8,250,000 to $9,000,000, which is calculated as current assets plus the amount available for drawing under the Term Revolving Loan and undrawn amounts on outstanding letters of credit, less current liabilities, and is measured quarterly.

On August 26, 2022, we gave written notice of our election to terminate the Distiller's Grain Marketing Agreement with CHS, Inc. (the "CHS Agreement"). Pursuant to the terms of the CHS Agreement, CHS purchased all of the distillers grains produced at the plant. The CHS Agreement can be terminated by either party upon not less than 120 days written notice. The termination of the CHS Agreement became effective on January 1, 2023.

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On August 26, 2022, we entered into a marketing agreement with RPMG pursuant to which RPMG began purchasing and marketing all of the distillers grains produced at the plant beginning January 1, 2023. We pay RPMG a fee to market distillers grains to third party end purchasers and reimburse RPMG for certain charges paid to third parties. RPMG agrees to market our distillers grains using commercially reasonable efforts and endeavor to maximize price and minimize freight and other costs but does not guarantee the price that will be obtained from the sale. Following an initial term, the agreement will be automatically extended for additional terms unless either party gives proper notice of non-extension. We may immediately terminate the agreement upon written notice if: (1) RPMG fails on three separate occasions within a 12-month period to purchase distillers grains or market distillers grains, as not otherwise excused under the RPMG Agreement; or (2) upon RPMG's insolvency. RPMG may immediately terminate the agreement upon written notice if the variance of our actual distillers grains inventory when compared to monthly production and inventory estimates exceeds certain threshold amounts.

Financial Information


Please refer to “ITEM 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for information about our revenue, profit and loss measurements and total assets and liabilities and “ITEM 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for our financial statements and supplementary data.

Principal Products


The principal products we currently produce at the ethanol plant are fuel-grade ethanol and distillers grains. In addition, we are extracting corn oil for sale. The table below shows the approximate percentage of our total revenue which is attributed to each of our products for each of our last three fiscal years.
ProductFiscal Year 2022Fiscal Year 2021Fiscal Year 2020
Ethanol78 %78 %77 %
Distillers Grains15 %16 %19 %
Corn Oil%%%
Product Fiscal Year 2019 Fiscal Year 2018 Fiscal Year 2017
Ethanol 78% 77% 82%
Distillers Grains 19% 20% 15%
Corn Oil 3% 3% 3%


Ethanol


Our primary product is ethanol. Ethanol is ethyl alcohol, a fuel component made primarily from corn and various other grains. The ethanol we produce is manufactured from corn. Although the ethanol industry continues to explore production technologies employing various feedstocks, such as biomass, corn-based production technologies remain the most practical and
provide the lowest operating risks. Corn produces large quantities of carbohydrates, which convert into glucose more easily than most other kinds of biomass. The Renewable Fuels Association estimates current capacity for domestic ethanol production at approximately 16.6 billion gallons with approximately 7% of that capacity idled.


An ethanol plant is essentially a fermentation plant. Ground corn and water are mixed with enzymes and yeast to produce a substance called “beer,” which contains about 10% alcohol and 90% water. The “beer” is boiled to separate the water, resulting in ethyl alcohol, which is then dehydrated to increase the alcohol content. This product is then mixed with a certified denaturant to make the product unfit for human consumption and commercially saleable.



Ethanol can be used as: (i) an octane enhancer in fuels; (ii) an oxygenated fuel additive for the purpose of reducing ozone and carbon monoxide emissions; and (iii) a non-petroleum-based gasoline substitute. Approximately 95% of all ethanol is used in its primary form for blending with unleaded gasoline and other fuel products. Used as a fuel oxygenate, ethanol provides a means to control carbon monoxide emissions in large metropolitan areas. The principal purchasers of ethanol are generally the wholesale gasoline marketer or blender.


Distillers Grains


The principal co-product of the ethanol production process is distillers grains, a high protein, high-energy animal feed supplement primarily marketed to the dairy, poultry, swine and beef industries. Dry mill ethanol processing creates three forms of distiller grains: Distillers Wet Grains with Solubles (“DWS”), Distillers Modified Wet Grains with Solubles (“DMWS”) and Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (“DDGS”). DWS is processed corn mash that contains approximately 70% moisture. DWS has a shelf life of approximately three days and can be sold only to farms within the immediate vicinity of an ethanol plant. DMWS is DWS that has been dried to approximately 50% moisture. DMWS has a slightly longer shelf life of approximately ten days and is often sold to nearby markets. DDGS is DWS that has been dried to between 10% and 12% moisture. DDGS has an almost indefinite shelf life and may be sold and shipped to any market regardless of its vicinity to an ethanol plant.



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Corn Oil
    
Since April 2014, we have been separating    We separate some of the corn oil contained in our distillers grains for sale. The corn oil that we produce is not food grade corn oil and therefore cannot be used for human consumption. However, corn oil can be used as the feedstock to produce biodiesel, as a feed ingredient and has other industrial uses.


Ethanol, Distillers Grains and Corn Oil Markets


As described below in “Distribution Methods” we market and distribute a majority of our ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil through professional third party marketers. Our ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil marketers make decisions with regard to where our products are marketed.


Our ethanol and distillers grains are primarily sold in the domestic market, however, as domestic production of ethanol and distillers grains continue to expand, we anticipate increased international sales of ethanol and distillers grains. However, due to high transportation costs, and the fact that we are not located near a major international shipping port, we expect a majority of our products to continue to be marketed and sold domestically.


Over the past fiscal year, exports of ethanol have increased with Brazil receiving the largest percentage of ethanol produced in the United States and Canada, in second place. India the Philippines and South Korea were top destinations for ethanol exports. Exports of ethanol for this period have also been top destinations. However, tariffsincreased significantly when compared to the same period in 2021. Ethanol export demand is more unpredictable than domestic demand and tends to fluctuate over time as it is subject to monetary and political forces in other nations. Tariffs implemented by Brazil and China on ethanol imported from the United States have reduced demand from these countries and the potential for the imposition of tariffs by other countries due to trade disputes with the United States, may further reduce overall ethanol export demand which could havehad a negative effect on domestic ethanol prices. In addition, export demand is more unpredictable than domesticfrom those markets. Tariffs imposed by Chain remain unchanged. In March 2022, Brazil suspended its tariff through the end of 2022 on ethanol imported from the United States following a 10% reduction on the tariff in November 2021. However, despite this suspension, Brazil has not become a leading player in the export market in recent months. Trade barriers with key markets may continue to negatively affect export demand.


Historically, the United States ethanol industry has exported a significant amount of distillers grains to China. The imposition of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties by China over the past threefive years has resulted in a significant decline in demand from China requiring United States producers to seek out alternative markets. Over the past year, Mexico has beenthe United States exported a top destination with Canada, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkey and Vietnam receiving notable amountssignificant amount of distillers grains producedto Mexico, South Korea, and Vietnam. Exports of distillers grains increased during 2021 due to increases in supply for the United States. However recent trade disputes with foreign governments have created additional uncertainty asperiod compared to future2020. The export demand.market has remained strong in 2022.


All of the corn oil we produce is marketed and distributed in the domestic market.


Distribution Methods


Ethanol


We have an exclusive marketing agreement with RPMG, Inc. (“RPMG”) for the purposes of marketing and distributing our ethanol. Because we are an owner of Renewable Products Marketing Group, LLC (“RPMG LLC”), the parent entity of RPMG, our ethanol marketing fees are based on RPMG's cost to market our ethanol. Further, as an owner, we share in the profits and losses generated by RPMG when it markets products for other producers who are not owners of RPMG LLC. Our marketing agreement provides that we can sell our ethanol either through an index arrangement or at an agreed upon fixed price. The term


of our marketing agreement is perpetual until terminated according to its terms. The primary reasons for termination would be if we cease to be an owner of RPMG LLC, if there is a breach which is not cured, or if we give advance notice to RPMG that we wish to terminate. Notwithstanding our right to terminate, we may be obligated to continue to market our ethanol through RPMG for a period of time after termination. Further, following termination, we agree to accept an assignment of certain railcar leases which RPMG has secured to service us. If the marketing agreement is terminated, it would trigger a redemption of our ownership interest in RPMG LLC.


Distillers Grains


We have a distillers grains marketing agreement with CHS, Inc. ("CHS") to market all the dried distillers grains we produce at the plant. Under the agreement, CHS chargescharged a maximum of $2.00 per ton and a minimum of $1.50 per ton price using 2% of the FOB plant price actually received by CHS for all dried distillers grains removed by CHS from our plant. The agreement will remainremained in effect unless otherwise terminated by either party with 120 days notice. Under the agreement, CHS iswas responsible for all transportation arrangements for the distribution of our dried distillers grains. On August 26, 2022, we gave written notice of our election to terminate the agreement with CHS, Inc. The termination was effective on January 1, 2023.


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On August 26, 2022, we entered into a marketing agreement with RPMG pursuant to which RPMG began purchasing and marketing all of the distillers grains produced at the plant beginning January 1, 2023. We pay RPMG a fee to market distillers grains to third party end purchasers and reimburse RPMG for certain charges paid to third parties. RPMG agrees to market our distillers grains using commercially reasonable efforts and endeavor to maximize price and minimize freight and other costs but does not guarantee the price that will be obtained from the sale. Following an initial term, the agreement will be automatically extended for additional terms unless either party gives proper notice of non-extension. We may immediately terminate the agreement upon written notice if: (1) RPMG fails on three separate occasions within a 12-month period to purchase distillers grains or market distillers grains, as not otherwise excused under the RPMG Agreement; or (2) upon RPMG's insolvency. RPMG may immediately terminate the agreement upon written notice if the variance of our actual distillers grains inventory when compared to monthly production and inventory estimates exceeds certain threshold amounts.

We market and sell our own distillers modified wet grains with solubles without the assistance of a third-party marketer.


Corn Oil


We previously had a corn oilhave an exclusive marketing agreement with CHS wherein CHS purchasedRPMG for the purposes of marketing and marketed all crudedistributing our corn oil produced at the plant. Our agreement with CHS terminated on November 19, 2018 and we have transitioned to RPMG as our exclusive corn oil marketer.oil. We pay RPMG a marketing fee. We may immediately terminate our agreement with RPMG upon written notice if: (1) RPMG fails on three separate occasions within a 12-month period to purchase corn oil or market corn oil, as not otherwise excused under the Agreement; or (2) upon RPMG's insolvency. RPMG may immediately terminate the agreement upon written notice if: (A) during any consecutive three (3) monthsif the actual production or inventoryvariance of anyour actual corn oil product at the plant varies by twenty (20%) or more from theinventory when compared to monthly production and inventory estimates providedexceeds certain threshold amounts.

New Products and Services

We began limited production of USP grade high purity alcohol for use in the hand sanitizer, sanitizer and other markets during our 2021 fiscal year. We expect to commence the production of high purity alcohol if current positive ethanol margins worsen and we determine that high purity alcohol sales would result in greater profitability for our business than ethanol sales. We have executed an agreement with RPMG (other than for reasons permitted underto be the RPMG Agreement); or (B) uponexclusive marketer of our insolvency.high purity alcohol.


Sources and Availability of Raw Materials


Corn Feedstock Supply


The major raw material required for our ethanol plant to produce ethanol and distillers grains is corn. To produce 59.570.2 million gallons of ethanol per year, our ethanol plant needs approximately 20.523.5 million bushels of corn, or approximately 56,00065,000 bushels of corn per day, as the feedstock for its dry milling process.


Since July 2016, we procured corn from CHS pursuant to a grain origination agreement (the "CHS Agreement"). In that agreement, we agreed to buy from CHS all of our requirements for feedstock grain meeting certain specifications. The CHS Agreement was for an initial five-year term which commenced on July 27, 2016. The CHS Agreement automatically renewed for successive one-year terms unless otherwise terminated in accordance with its terms. The CHS Agreement could also be terminated in the event of a breach by either party after a thirty-day notice of the breach and opportunity to cure. Under the CHS Agreement, we notified CHS of our grain requirements, including volume and delivery dates, on or before the first and fifteenth day of each month. We then provide to CHS a daily bid sheet for grain to be sold to the Company and CHS purchased the grain by separate purchase contracts at the basis prices, quantities and guidelines identified in the bid sheet using commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the lowest price available. All sales of grain by CHS were done by separate sales contracts requiring delivery of grain to the Company at the facility. We paid CHS the CBOT futures price less the weighted average of the basis prices plus a fixed fee per bushel of grain purchased. On January 3, 2019, we mutually agreed to terminate the CHS Agreement effective as of midnight January 31, 2019. In exchange for termination of the CHS Agreement, we agreed not to contract with another entity or company for grain procurement services until after July 26, 2021 and granted CHS a right of first refusal to serve as the Company's procurement agent until July 1, 2021. We have procured our own corn following termination of our arrangement with CHS.

The price at which we purchase corn depends on prevailing market prices. Increases in the price of corn significantly increase our cost of goods sold. If these increases in cost of goods sold are not offset by corresponding increases in the prices we receive from the sale of our products, these increases in cost of goods sold can have a significant negative impact on our financial performance.




Corn prices were higher during the fiscal year ended October 31, 20192022 compared to the same period in 2018,2021, primarily due to concerns that the wet spring experienced in the upper Midwest could have a significant impact on corn prices if the delayed planting due to wet conditions resulted in less corn bushels harvested this fall.increased demand which outpaced supply. On November 8, 2019,9, 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture ("USDA") released a report estimating the 20192022 national corn crop at approximately 13.713.9 billion bushels, down 5%8% from last year's production, with yields averaging 167172.3 bushels per acre. The USDA also reported area harvested for grain at 81.880.8 million acres, down less than 1%5% from 2018. However, the corn crop in our local area has been better than expected. As a result, management expects that corn prices will be steady during the winter of 2020. However, weather,2021. Weather conditions, world supply and demand, current and anticipated corn stocks, agricultural policy and other factors can all contribute to volatility in corn prices.


Utilities


Natural Gas


Natural gas is an important input to our manufacturing process. We use natural gas to dry our distillers grains products to moisture contents at which they can be stored for longer periods. This allows the distillers grains we produce to be transported greater distances to serve broader livestock markets.
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We have access to an existing Northern Natural Gas Company ("NNG") interstate natural gas pipeline located approximately one half mile from our ethanol plant. On July 30, 2018, we entered into an Amendmentamendment to TFX Throughput Service Agreementour agreement with Northern Natural Gas Company. The amendmentNNG which has an effective date of November 1, 2019 and extends the term through October 31, 2024. Under the amendment, we will pay NNG the tariff rate in effect from time to time for natural gas. NNG has allocated a minimum quantity of 5,000 dekatherms ("dth") of natural gas per day.


We entered into a natural gas service agreement with CenterPoint Energy Resources Corp., d.b.a. CenterPoint Energy Minnesota Gas (“CenterPoint”). CenterPoint constructed a pipeline for us from the Northern Natural Gas Company Town Border Station. We purchase all of our natural gas requirements from CenterPoint's pipeline. Under the agreement, CenterPoint will continue to operate and maintain the pipeline to deliver natural gas to us under applicable tariffs.  In addition, for all natural gas volumes delivered, we will pay certain delivery charges per dth delivered during each contract year subject to annual adjustments as permitted by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to match actual costs with the value recovered in the rates. In the event we do not purchase the minimum volume of 1,400,000 dth during each contract year, we will pay the difference between the actual delivery volume for the period and the minimum volume multiplied by the applicable rate. The initial term of the agreement will continue until October 31, 2029 and will automatically renew for additional five year terms unless terminated by either party upon written notice given at least 12 months prior to the end of the term upon an occurrence of certain events of default as set forth therein.


We also have an energy management agreement with World Kinect Energy Group f/k/a U.S. Energy Services, Inc. (“Kinect”) pursuant to which Kinect is providing us with the necessary natural gas management services. Some of their services may include an economic comparison of distribution service options, negotiation and minimization of interconnect costs, submission of the necessary pipeline “tap” request, supplying the plant with and/or negotiating the procurement of natural gas, development and implementation of a price risk management plan targeted at mitigating natural gas price volatility and maintaining profitability, providing consolidated monthly invoices that reflect all natural gas costs. In addition, Kinect is responsible for reviewing and reconciling all invoices. In exchange for these services, we pay Kinect a monthly retainer fee.


We do not anticipate any problems securing the natural gas we need to operate our ethanol plant during our 20202023 fiscal year.


Electricity


On June 28, 2007, we entered into an agreement for electric service with Redwood Electric Cooperative, Inc., (the "Cooperative") for the purchase and delivery of electric power and energy necessary to operate our ethanol plant. Upon execution of the agreement, we became a member of the Cooperative and are bound by its articles of incorporation and bylaws. This agreement remained in effect until September 19, 2017, when our new agreement with the Cooperative to purchase all of the electric power that we require for our ethanol plant became effective. The new agreement remains in effect until January 1, 2023. The agreement automatically renews for additional five year periods unless we give at least one year's written notice of termination prior to the expiration of the then current term or if the agreement is otherwise terminated in accordance with its terms. For the electric power provided, in addition to certain penalties and adjustments, we will pay the following rates: (i) a facility charge based on the then current net plant value; (ii) a per KWh energy charge at the then current wholesale rate including distribution losses and margin requirements; (iii) an additional demand charge for the entire monthly demand (kW) that is coincident to the peak demand; and (iv) an additional delivery charge for the entire monthly demand (kW) that is coincident to the peak demand. The


rates are updated annually. The rates set forth in the agreement terminate in the event that our firm non-coincident peak demand is less that 2,000 kW for twelve consecutive months or our rolling twelve month non-coincident load factor is less than 60% for twelve consecutive months. Upon termination of the agreement by either party for any reason, we remain responsible for payment of the facility charge for what would have been the remaining portion of the term.


We do not anticipate any problems securing the electricity we need to operate our ethanol plant during our 20202023 fiscal year.


Water


We require a significant supply of water. We currently obtain water from a high capacity well and through a pipeline that pipes water from a nearby rock quarry. We acquired all of the necessary permits required for our water usage. Much of the water used in an ethanol plant is recycled back into the process. There are, however, certain areas of production where fresh water is needed. Those areas include the boiler makeup water and cooling tower water. Boiler makeup water is treated on-site to minimize all elements that will harm the boiler and recycled water cannot be used for this process. Cooling tower water is deemed non-contact water because it does not come in contact with the mash, and, therefore, can be regenerated back into the
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cooling tower process. The makeup water requirements for the cooling tower are primarily a result of evaporation. This has the effect of lowering wastewater treatment costs. We have assessed our water needs and determined we have an adequate supply.    


Patents, Trademarks, Licenses, Franchises and Concessions


We do not currently hold any patents, trademarks, franchises or concessions. We were granted a license by ICM, Inc. to use certain ethanol production technology necessary to operate our ethanol plant. The cost of the license granted by ICM, Inc. was included in the amount we paid to Fagen, Inc. to design and build our ethanol plant. We were granted a license by Butamax Advanced Biofuels, LLC ("Butamax") to use certain corn oil separation technology in exchange for payment of certain license feesfees. We amended our license arrangement with Butamax to provide for a one-time fee which are subject to being reduced under the termswas paid in December of the agreements if the corn oil separation system does not meet certain performance goals.2020.


Seasonality Sales


We experience some seasonality of demand for our ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil. Since ethanol is predominantly blended with gasoline for use in automobiles, ethanol demand tends to shift in relation to gasoline demand. As a result, we experience some seasonality of demand for ethanol in the summer months related to increased driving and, as a result, increased gasoline demand. In addition, we experience some increased ethanol demand during holiday seasons related to increased gasoline demand. We also experience decreased distillers grains demand during the summer months due to natural depletion in the size of herds at cattle feed lots and when the animals are turned out to pasture or are slaughtered. Further, we expect some seasonality of demand for our corn oil since a major corn oil user is biodiesel plants which typically reduce production during the winter months.


Working Capital


We primarily use our working capital for purchases of raw materials necessary to operate the ethanol plant. Our primary sources of working capital are cash generated by our operations and our Term Revolving Loan and our Revolving Line of Credit Loan with Compeer Financial, PCA ("Compeer"). At October 31, 2019,2022, we had approximately $13,500,000$20,000,000 available to draw on our Term Revolving Loan.Loan and approximately $0 available to draw on our Revolving Line of Credit Loan, respectively.
    
Dependence on One or a Few Major Customers


As discussed above, we have a marketing agreement with RPMG for the marketing, sale and distribution of our ethanol and corn oil and have engaged CHS forwill begin marketing, selling and distributing our distillers dried grains with solubles.solubles with RPMG beginning on January 1, 2023. We expect to rely on RPMG for the sale and distribution of our ethanol, and corn oil and CHS for the sale and distribution of our distillers dried grains with solubles. Therefore, although there are other marketers in the industry, we are highly dependent and will continue to be highly dependent on RPMG and CHS for the successful marketing of our products. Any loss of RPMG or CHS as our marketing agentsagent could have a significant negative impact on our revenues. We market and sell our own distillers modified wet grains.




Federal Ethanol Supports and Governmental Regulation


Federal Ethanol Supports


The ethanol industry is dependent on economic incentives to produce ethanol. One significant federal ethanol support is the Federal Renewable Fuels Standard (the “RFS”). The RFS requires that in each year, a certain amount of renewable fuels must be used in the United States. The RFS is a national program that does not require that any renewable fuels be used in any particular area or state, allowing refiners to use renewable fuel blends in those areas where it is most cost-effective. The RFS statutory volume requirement increases incrementally each year until the United States is required to use 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels byin 2022. Starting in 2009, the RFS required that a portion of the RFS must be met by certain “advanced” renewable fuels. These advanced renewable fuels include ethanol that is not made from corn, such as cellulosic ethanol and biomass based biodiesel. The use of these advanced renewable fuels increases each year as a percentage of the total renewable fuels required to be used in the United States.


The United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") has the authority to waive the RFS statutory volume requirement, in whole or in part, provided one of the following two conditions have been met: (1) there is inadequate domestic renewable fuel supply; or (2) implementation of the requirement would severely harm the economy or environment of a state, region or the United States. Annually, the EPA is required by statute to pass a rule that establishes the number of gallons of
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different types of renewable fuels that must be used in the United States which is called the renewable volume obligations.obligation ("RVO"). The statutory volumes and the EPA's volumesRVOs for 20192020, 2021 and 20202022 (in billion gallons) are as follows:
Total Renewable FuelPortion of Volume Requirement That Can Be Met By Corn-based Ethanol
Statutory30.0015.00
2020EPA Rule 12/201920.0915.00
EPA Rule 7/202217.1312.50
2021Statutory33.0015.00
EPA Rule 7/202218.8413.79
2022Statutory36.0015.00
EPA Rule 7/202220.63 (+0.25)15.00
  Total Renewable Fuel Volume RequirementPortion of Volume Requirement That Can Be Met By Corn-based Ethanol
2019Statutory28.0015.00
EPA Rule 11/30/1819.9215.00
2020Statutory30.0015.00
EPA Rule 12/19/1920.0915.00


On    In July 5, 2019,2022, the EPA released a proposed ruleretroactively reduced the RVO for total renewable fuel for 2020 to 17.13 billion gallons. The portion that could be met by corn-based ethanol was reduced to 12.50 billion for 2020. The EPA indicated that the reason for this retroactive change was due to program and market challenges, including those related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the EPA set the RVO for total renewable volumefuel for 2021 at 18.84 billion gallons and for 2022 at 20.63 billion gallons. The portion that could be met by corn-based ethanol was 13.79 billion for 2021 and 15 billion gallons for 2022. The EPA also added a 250 million gallon supplemental obligation in 2022 and stated its intention to do the same for 2020. The2023. On December 1, 2022, the EPA proposed to set the RVO for total volume obligation at 20.04renewable fuel for 2023 to 20.82 billion gallons, of which 15.0for 2024 to 21.87 billion gallongallons and for 2025 to 22.68 billion gallons. The portion that could be met by corn-based ethanol. On Octoberethanol would be 15 2019,billion gallons for 2023 and would then increase to 15.25 billion gallons in 2024 and 2025. The EPA also proposed to add a 250 million gallon supplemental obligation in 2023. Public hearings for the proposed rules will be held in January 2023.

Small refineries can petition the EPA released a supplemental notice seeking additional comment on a proposed rule on adjustments to the way that annual renewable fuel percentages are calculated. The supplemental notice was issued in response toannually for an announcement on October 4, 2019, by President Trump of a proposed plan to require refiners not exemptexemption from the rules to blend additional gallons oftheir ethanol to make upuse requirements for the prior compliance year. The EPA granted significantly more small refinery waivers in 2018 and 2019 than in past years and did not reallocate the waived gallons exemptedto other refiners. These actions resulted in decreased ethanol demand which led to reduced market ethanol prices and negative operating margins in the ethanol industry. In January 2020, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that small refinery exemptions may only be granted to refineries that had secured them continuously each year since 2010. Consistent with this ruling, in September 2020, the EPA denied certain small refinery exemption petitions filed by oil refineries in 2020 seeking retroactive relief from their ethanol use requirements for prior years. However, in June 2021, the EPA's expanded useU.S. Supreme Court partially reversed the decision finding that a small refinery may obtain a hardship exemption even if its earlier exemption had lapsed in one or more previous years. In June 2022, the EPA announced the denial of waivers to69 small refineries. The effect of these waivers isrefinery exemption petitions for one or more compliance years between 2016 and 2021 on the grounds that the refinery is no longer requiredpetitioners had failed to earn or purchase blending credits, known as RINs, negatively affecting ethanol demand and resulting in lower ethanol prices. The proposed plan was expected to calculate the volumeshow that refiners were required to blend by using a three-year average of exempted gallons. However, the EPA instead proposedhad a basis to use a three-year average to account for the reduction in demand resulting from the waivers using the number of gallons of relief recommended by the United States Department of Energy. A public hearing on the proposed rule was held October 30 and the public comment period expired on November 30, 2019. The final rule was released on December 19, 2019.approve them.


In February 2010, the EPA issued additional regulations governing the RFS. These additional regulations have been called RFS2. The most controversial part of RFS2 involves what is commonly referred to as the lifecycle analysis of greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, the EPA adopted rules to determine which renewable fuels provided sufficient reductions in greenhouse gases, compared to conventional gasoline, to qualify under the RFS program. RFS2 establishes a tiered approach, where regular renewable fuels are required to accomplish a 20% greenhouse gas reduction compared to gasoline, advanced biofuels and biomass-based biodiesel must accomplish a 50% reduction in greenhouse gases, and cellulosic biofuels must accomplish a 60% reduction in greenhouse gases. Any fuels that fail to meet this standard cannot be used by fuel blenders to satisfy their obligations under the RFS program. The scientific method of calculating these greenhouse gas reductions has been a contentious issue. Many in the ethanol industry were concerned that corn based ethanol would not meet the 20% greenhouse gas reduction requirement based on certain parts of the environmental impact model that many in the ethanol industry believed was scientifically suspect. However, RFS2 as adopted by the EPA provides that corn-based ethanol from modern ethanol production processes does meet the definition of a renewable fuel under the RFS program. Our ethanol plant was grandfathered into the RFS due to the fact that it was constructed prior to the effective date of the lifecycle greenhouse gas requirement and is not required to prove compliance with the lifecycle greenhouse gas reductions. Certain provisions of RFS2 as adopted may disproportionately benefit ethanol produced from


sugarcane. This could make sugarcane based ethanol, which is primarily produced in Brazil, more competitive in the United States ethanol market. If this were to occur, it could reduce demand for the ethanol that we produce.
Most ethanol that is used in the United States is sold in a blend called E10. E10 is a blend of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. E10 is approved for use in all standard vehicles. Estimates indicate that the 2019In 2021, gasoline demand in the United States will bewas approximately 143135 billion gallons.gallons which is a significant increase over 2020. Assuming that all gasoline in the United States is blended at a rate of 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline, the maximum demand for ethanol isdomestically would then be approximately 14.313.5 billion gallons per year.year for 2021. This is commonly referred to as the “blending wall,” which represents a theoretical limit where more
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ethanol cannot be blended into the national gasoline pool. This is a theoretical limit because it is believed that it would not be possible to blend ethanol into every gallon of gasoline that is being used in the United States and it discounts the possibility of additional ethanol used in higher percentage blends such as E85 used in flex fuel vehicles. TheseGasoline demand is predicted to rise for 2022 but remain shy of pre-COVID-19 levels due in part to higher percentage blends may lead to additional ethanol demand if they become more widely available and accepted by the market.gasoline prices.


In June 2012, the EPA gave final approval for the sale of E15, gasoline which is blended at a rate of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline, for use in vehicles manufactured in the model year 2001 and later. Although there have been significant steps towards introduction of E15 in the marketplace, there are still obstacles to meaningful market penetration by E15. Many states still have regulatory issues that hamper or prevent the sale of E15. In addition, sales of E15 may be limited because E15 is not approved for use in all vehicles, the EPA requires a label that may discourage consumers from using E15, and retailers may choose not to sell E15 due to concerns regarding liability. Previously, different gasoline blendstocks were required at certain times of the year in order to use E15 due to federal regulations related to fuel evaporative emissions which may prevent E15 from being used during certain times of the year in various states. In May of 2019, the EPA issued a final rule allowing the year-round sale of E15. However, in June of 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia struck down this rule finding that the EPA had exceeded its authority. In May 2022, the EPA issued an emergency waiver to allow sales of E-15 during the summer months. The reason given for this temporary waiver was that it was an effort to counteract rising gasoline prices. It appears that the EPA may be considering enacting a rule to allow year-round sales before next summer. However, it is unclear whether that will occur.


A blender pump is a gasoline pump that can dispense a variety of different ethanol/gasoline blends. Blender pumps typically can dispense E10, E20, E30, E40, E50, and E85. These blender pumps accomplish these different blends by internally mixing ethanol and gasoline which are held in separate tanks at retail stations. The increased use of blender pumps may increase demand for ethanol by allowing gasoline retailers to provide various mid-level ethanol blends in a cost-effective manner and allowing consumers with flex-fuel vehicles to purchase more ethanol through these mid-level blends. However, the expense of blender pumps has delayed their availability in the market.


In May 2020, the United States Department of Agriculture ("USDA") announced the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program which consists of up to $100 million in funding for grants to be used to increase the availability of higher blends of ethanol and biodiesel fuels. Funds may be awarded to retailers such as fueling stations and convenience stores to assist in the cost of installation or upgrading of fuel pumps and other infrastructure. To date, the USDA has awarded approximately $74 million to eligible projects.

On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which has several provisions that may benefit the ethanol industry, was signed into law. There is, however, considerable uncertainty as to how the newly required provisions will be implemented in future regulatory guidance. The Inflation Reduction Act maintains the 12-year credit period for the existing Section 45Q tax credit for carbon capture and storage ("CCS"). However, the Act extends eligibility for the credit to facilities that have commenced construction by December 31, 2032, and substantially lowers the minimum annual capture requirements to 12,500 tons for qualifying facilities. In addition, the potential credit rate is increased five times for industrial facilities and power plants that capture their carbon emissions to $85 per metric ton of carbon oxide stored in secure geologic formations, $60 per ton for the beneficial utilization of captured carbon emissions, and $60 per ton for carbon oxide stored in oil and gas fields. Prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements must be met by the facility to claim the full amount of the higher credit. In addition, projects will now be eligible to be directly paid for the credit by the Internal Revenue Service for the first five years with no direct pay for many projects for the final seven years of the credit, and, as an alternative to direct pay, projects will now be allowed to sell their credits to unrelated third parties for cash without adverse tax consequences. The Act also creates a Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit for the production of low-emissions transportation fuel produced and sold in 2025, 2026 and 2027, subject to certain requirements as to prevailing wage and apprenticeship. However, the Act provides that the Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit is not available for a facility that qualifies for the Section 45Q tax credit. Additional incentives for production of sustainable aviation fuel and $500 million in funding for biofuels infrastructure funding are also included in the Act.

Effect of Governmental Regulation


The government's regulation of the environment changes constantly. We are subject to extensive air, water and other environmental regulations and we have been required to obtain a number of environmental permits to construct and operate the plant. It is possible that more stringent federal or state environmental rules or regulations could be adopted, which could require us to obtain additional or new permits or spend considerable resources in complying with such regulations and increase our operating costs and expenses. It also is possible that federal or state environmental rules or regulations could be adopted that could have an adverse effect on the use of ethanol. For example, changes in the environmental regulations regarding the required oxygen content of automobile emissions could have an adverse effect on the ethanol industry. Additionally, any changes that are made to the ethanol plant or its operations must be reviewed to determine if amended permits need to be
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obtained in order to implement these changes. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, we incurred costs and expenses of approximately $332,000 complying with environmental laws.

Plant operations are governed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. We are also subject to regulation by several other federal and state agencies including the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, the Federal Railroad Administration, (“OSHA”). OSHAthe Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Federal and state regulations may change such that the costs of operating the plant may increase. Any of these regulatory factors may result in higher costs or other adverse conditions effecting our operations, cash flows and financial performance.


In late 2009, California passed a Low Carbon Fuels Standard ("LCFS"). The California LCFS requires that renewable fuels used in California must accomplish certain reductions in greenhouse gases which is measured using a lifecycle analysis, similar to the RFS. On December 29, 2011, a federal district court in California ruled that the California LCFS was unconstitutional which halted implementation of the California LCFS. However, the California Air Resources Board ("CARB") appealed this court ruling and on September 18, 2013, the federal appellate court reversed the federal district court finding the LCFS constitutional and remanding the case back to federal district court to determine whether the LCFS imposes a burden on interstate commerce that is excessive in light of the local benefits. On June 30, 2014, the United States Supreme Court declined to hear the appeal of the federal appellate court ruling and CARB recently re-adopted the LCFS with some slight modifications. The LCFS could have a negative impact on demand for corn-based ethanol and result in decreased ethanol prices affecting our ability to operate profitably. However, during our 2021 fiscal year we received approval from CARB for our cellulosic pathway which has allowed us to receive a premium on certain ethanol shipped to California. This pathway does not guarantee a premium for ethanol shipped into California.    


Competition


Ethanol


We are in direct competition with numerous ethanol producers, many of whom have greater resources than we do. Following the significant growth during 2005 and 2006, the ethanol industry has grown at a much slower pace. The ethanol industry was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in fiscal year 2020, which resulted in decreased demand. The ethanol industry rebounded in 2021. As of December 5, 2022, the Renewable Fuels Association estimates that there are approximately 208204 ethanol production facilities in the U.S. with capacity to produce


approximately 16.617.5 billion gallons of ethanol. However, the Renewable Fuels Association estimates that approximately 7% of the ethanol production capacity in the United States was currently idled.


Since ethanol is a commodity product, competition in the industry is predominantly based on price. We have also experienced increased competition from oil companies who have purchased ethanol production facilities. These oil companiesfacilities and are required to blend a certain amount of ethanol each year. Therefore, the oil companies may be able to operate their ethanol production facilities at times when it is unprofitable for us to operate. LargerIn addition, larger ethanol producers may be able to realize economies of scale that we are unable to realize. This could put us at a competitive disadvantage to other ethanol producers. The ethanol industry is continuing to consolidate where a few larger ethanol producers are increasing their production capacities and are controlling a larger portion of the United States ethanol production. Further, some ethanol producers own multiple ethanol plants which may allow them to compete more effectively by providing them flexibility to run certain production facilities while they have other facilities shut down. This added flexibility may allow these ethanol producers to compete more effectively, especially during periods when operation margins are unfavorable in the ethanol industry.


TheFollowing the acquisition of several plants by POET Biorefining from Flint Hill Resources in 2021, the largest ethanol producers now include Archer Daniels Midland, Flint Hill Resources, Green Plains Renewable Energy, POET Biorefining and Valero Renewable Fuels, each of which are capable of producing significantly more ethanol than we produce. The following table identifies the majority of the largest ethanol producers in the United States along with their approximate production capacities.


U.S. FUEL ETHANOL PRODUCTION CAPACITY
BY TOP PRODUCERS
Producers of Approximately 750
million gallons per year (mmgy) or more
Company
Approximate Capacity

(mmgy)

POET Biorefining
2,811
Valero Renewable Fuels1,747
Archer Daniels Midland

1,7161,613
POET Biorefining1,711
Valero Renewable Fuels1,697
Green Plains Renewable Energy1,111958
Flint Hill Resources840
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We face competition from ethanol produced outside of the United States, particularly from Brazil. Ethanol imports have been lower in recent years due to the increase by Brazil in 2013 of its domestic ethanol use requirement from 20% to 25% and the institution in 2017 of a quota and tariff on ethanol produced in the United States and exported to Brazil which have likely decreased the amount of ethanol Brazil has available for export. However, increasedThe effect of this has recently been mitigated by the suspension of the tariff in March 2022 through the end of the year following a 10% reduction on the tariff in November 2021. If competition from ethanol produced in foreign countries,imports were to increase again that could have a negativenegatively impact on demand for ethanol produced in the United States in the future which could result in lower operating margins.

We also anticipate increased competition from renewable fuels that do not use corn as the feedstock. Many of the current ethanol production incentives are designed to encourage the production of renewable fuels using raw materials other than corn. One type of ethanol production feedstock is cellulose. Cellulose is the main component of plant cell walls and is the most common organic compound on earth. Cellulose is found in wood chips, corn stalks, rice and straw, amongst other common plants. Cellulosic ethanol is ethanol produced from cellulose. Several companies and researchers have commenced pilot projects to study the feasibility of commercially producing cellulosic ethanol and are producing cellulosic ethanol on a small scale and a few companies in the United States have produced on a commercial scale. Additional commercial scale cellulosic ethanol plants could be completed in the near future. If this technology can be profitably employed on a commercial scale, it could potentially lead to ethanol that is less expensive to produce than corn based ethanol. Cellulosic ethanol may also capture more government subsidies and assistance than corn based ethanol. This could decrease demand for our product or result in competitive disadvantages for our ethanol production process.


Our ethanol plant also competes with producers of other gasoline additives having similar octane and oxygenate values as ethanol. Alternative fuels, gasoline oxygenates and alternative ethanol production methods are also continually under development. The major oil companies have significantly greater resources than we have to market other additives, to develop alternative products, and to influence legislation and public perception of ethanol. These companies also have sufficient resources to begin production of ethanol should they choose to do so.




A number of automotive, industrial and power generation manufacturers are developing alternative clean power systems using fuel cells, plug-in hybrids, electric cars or clean burning gaseous fuels. Electric car technology has grown in popularity, especially in urban areas. While in the past there were a limited number of vehicle recharging stations, making electric cars not feasible for all consumers, there has been increased focus on developing these recharging stations which have made electric car technology more widely available. This additional competition from alternate sources could reduce the demand for ethanol, which would negatively impact our profitability.
Many ethanol producers are increasing production capacities through expansion projects. This may lead to an excess supply of ethanol in the market which could negatively impact ethanol prices.


Distillers Grains


Our ethanol plant competes with other ethanol producers in the production and sales of distillers grains. Distillers grains are primarily used as animal feed which replaces corn and soybean meal. As a result, distillers grains prices are impacted by corn and soybean prices. In addition, increased exports of distillers grains have positively affected demand and distillers grains prices. If distillers grains exports decline, it could result in an oversupply in the market causing distillers grains prices in the United States to decrease.


Corn Oil Competition


We compete with many ethanol producers for the sale of corn oil. Many ethanol producers have installed the equipment necessary to separate corn oil from the distillers grains they produce which has increased competition for corn oil sales and has resulted in lower market corn oil prices.


Cost of Compliance with Environmental LawsEmployees


We are subjectdepend on our employees to extensive air, wateroperate our plant. While we face competition to attract and other environmental regulationsretain personnel with the necessary skills, we believe that we compete favorably on the basis of wages and we were requiredbenefits and our commitment to obtain a numbertraining and development. In addition, the safety of environmental permits to constructour employees is our highest priority. We have developed and operate the plant. Although we have been successful in obtaining all of the permits currently required, any retroactive change in environmental regulations, either at the federal or state level, could require us to obtain additional or new permits or spend considerable resources in complying with such regulations. Additionally, any changes that are made to the ethanol plant or its operations must be reviewed to determine if amended permits need to be obtainedenforce workplace safety policies and programs in order to implement these changes.

Duringmaintain a high standard for performance in our operations and ensure the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, we incurred costs and expensessafety of approximately $491,000 complying with environmental laws.

Employees

our workers. As of October 31, 2019,2022, we had 43 full-time employees. We do not expect the number of employees to materially change in the next twelve months.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS


You should carefully read and consider the risks and uncertainties below and the other information contained in this report. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. The following risks, together with additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial could impair our financial condition and results of operations.


Risks Relating to Our Business


A decrease in the spread between the price we receive for our products and the price we pay for raw materials will have an adverse effect on our profitability. Our ability to profitably operate the ethanol plant is primarily dependent on the spread between the price we pay for corn and natural gas and the price we receive for our ethanol. While the price of ethanol typically changes in relation to corn prices, this correlation has not always been reliable historically and may not always exist. In the event that the spread between the price for our products and the costs associated with our raw materials becomes
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negative, we may be unable to maintain our liquidity which may adversely impact our ability to profitably operate which could negatively impact the value of our units.




Declines in the price of ethanol or distillers grains would reduce our revenues. The sale prices of ethanol and distillers grains can be volatile as a result of a number of factors such as overall supply and demand, the price of gasoline and corn, levels of government support, and the availability and price of competing products. Any lowering of ethanol or distillers grains prices, especially if it is associated with increases in corn and natural gas prices, may affect our ability to operate profitably. We anticipate the price of ethanol and distillers grains to continue to be volatile in our 20202023 fiscal year. Declines in the prices we receive for our ethanol and distillers grains will lead to decreased revenues and may result in our inability to operate the ethanol plant profitably for an extended period of time which could decrease the value of our units.


Increases in the price of corn or natural gas would reduce our profitability.Our primary source of revenue is from the sale of ethanol and distillers grains. Our results of operations and financial condition are significantly affected by the cost and supply of corn and natural gas. Changes in the price and supply of corn and natural gas are subject to and determined by market forces over which we have no control including weather and general economic factors. Generally, higher corn prices will produce lower profit margins and, therefore, negatively affect our financial performance. If a period of high corn prices were to be sustained for some time, such pricing may reduce our ability to operate profitably because of the higher cost of operating our plant. We may not be able to offset any increase in the price of corn by increasing the price of our products. If we cannot offset increases in the price of corn, our financial performance may be negatively affected.


The prices for and availability of natural gas are subject to volatile market conditions.  These market conditions often are affected by factors beyond our control such as higher prices as a result of colder than average weather conditions or natural disasters, overall economic conditions and foreign and domestic governmental regulations and relations.  Significant disruptions in the supply of natural gas could impair our ability to manufacture ethanol and more significantly, distillers grains for our customers.  Furthermore, increases in natural gas prices or changes in our natural gas costs relative to natural gas costs paid by competitors may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
We engage in hedging transactions which involve risks that could harm our business. We are 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, along with sales of ethanol and distillers grains. We seek to minimize the risks from fluctuations in the prices of corn and natural gas through the use of derivative instruments. The effectiveness of our hedging strategies is dependent on the price of corn and natural gas and our ability to sell sufficient products to use all of the products for which we have futures contracts. Our hedging activities may not successfully reduce the risk caused by price fluctuation which may leave us vulnerable to high prices. Alternatively, we may choose not to engage in hedging transactions in the future and our operations and financial conditions may be adversely affected during periods in which prices increase. Utilizing cash for margin calls has an impact on the cash we have available for operations which could result in liquidity problems. Price movements in corn contracts are highly volatile and are influenced by many factors that are beyond our control. There are several variables that could affect the extent to which our derivative instruments are impacted by price fluctuations in the cost of corn. We may incur such costs and they may be significant which could impact our ability to profitably operate the plant and may reduce the value of our units.


Our business is not diversified. Our success depends almost entirely on our ability to profitably operate our ethanol plant. We do not have any other lines of business or other sources of revenue if we are unable to operate our ethanol plant and manufacture ethanol and distillers grains. If economic or political factors adversely affect the market for ethanol or distillers grains, we have no other line of business to fall back on. Our business would also be significantly harmed if the ethanol plant could not operate at full capacity for any extended period of time.


If RPMG, which markets all of our ethanol and corn oil and will soon market our distillers grains, fails it may negatively impact our ability to profitably operate the ethanol plant. All of our Our ethanol and corn oil is marketed by RPMG. RPMG began marketing our distillers grains on Janury 1, 2023. Therefore, nearly all of our revenue is or will be derived from sales that are secured by RPMG. If RPMG is unable to market our ethanol and corn oil, it may negatively impact our ability to profitably operate the ethanol plant. While management believes that we could secure an alternative marketer if RPMG were to fail, switching marketers may negatively impact our cash flow and our ability to continue to operate profitably, which may decrease the value of our units.


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We depend on our management and key employees, and the loss of these relationships could negatively impact our ability to operate profitably. We are highly dependent on our management team to operate our ethanol plant. We may not be able to replace these individuals should they decide to cease their employment with us, or if they become unavailable for any other reason. While we seek to compensate our management and key employees in a manner that will encourage them to continue their employment with us, they may choose to seek other employment. Any loss of these executive officers and key employees may prevent us from operating the ethanol plant profitably and could decrease the value of our units.

    


Our existing debt financing agreements contain, and our future debt financing agreements may contain, restrictive covenants that limit distributions and impose restrictions on the operation of our business. The use of debt financing makes it more difficult for us to operate because we must make principal and interest payments on the indebtedness and abide by covenants contained in our debt financing agreements. AlthoughIf we have significantly reducedwere to borrow against our level ofexisting debt facilities, the restrictive covenants contained in our financing agreements may have important implications on our operations, including, among other things: (a) limiting our ability to obtain additional debt or equity financing; (b) placing us at a competitive disadvantage because we may be more leveraged than some of our competitors; (c) subjecting all or substantially all of our assets to liens, which means that there may be no assets left for unit holders in the event of a liquidation; and (d) limiting our ability to make business and operational decisions regarding our business, including, among other things, limiting our ability to pay dividends to our unit holders, make capital improvements, sell or purchase assets or engage in transactions we deem to be appropriate and in our best interest.
    

We may violate the terms of our credit agreements, including the financial covenants, which could result in our lenders demanding immediate repayment. Our credit agreements include various financial loan covenants. We are currently in compliance with our loan covenants andBased on management projections, predictwe believe that we will be in compliance with our financial loan covenants for at least the next 12 months. However, unforeseen circumstances may develop which could result in us violatingif we were to borrow against our loan covenants. If weexisting debt facilities and then violate the terms of our credit agreements, including our financial loan covenants, our lenders could deem us to be in default of our loans and require us to immediately repay the entire outstanding balance of our loans. If we do not have the funds available to repay the loans or we cannot find another source of financing, we may fail which could decrease or eliminate the value of our units.


Our inability to secure credit facilities we may require in the future could negatively impact our liquidity. While we do not currently require more financing than we have, in the future we may need additional financing. If we require financing in the future and are unable to secure such financing, or we are unable to secure the financing we require on reasonable terms, it may have a negative impact on our liquidity which could negatively impact the value of our units.


Our operations may be negatively impacted by natural disasters, severe weather conditions, and other unforeseen plant shutdowns which can negatively impact our operations. Our operations may be negatively impacted by events outside of our control such as natural disasters, severe weather including flooding and droughts, strikes, train derailments and other unforeseen events which may negatively impact our operations. If we experience any of these unforeseen circumstances which could negatively impact our operations, it may affect our cash flow and negatively impact the value of our business.


We may incur casualty losses that are not covered by insurance which could negatively impact the value of our units. We have purchased insurance which we believe adequately covers our losses from foreseeable risks. However, there are risks that we may encounter for which there is no insurance or for which insurance is not available on terms that are acceptable to us. If we experience a loss which materially impairs our ability to operate the ethanol plant which is not covered by insurance, the value of our units could be reduced or eliminated.

Failures of our information technology infrastructure could have a material adverse effect on operations. We utilize various software applications and other information technology that are critically important to our business operations. We rely on information technology networks and systems, including the Internet, to process, transmit and store electronic and financial information, to manage a variety of business processes and activities, including production, manufacturing, financial, logistics, sales, marketing and administrative functions. We depend on our information technology infrastructure to communicate internally and externally with employees, customers, suppliers and others. We also use information technology networks and systems to comply with regulatory, legal and tax requirements. These information technology systems, some of which are managed by third parties, may be susceptible to damage, disruptions or shutdowns due to failures during the process of upgrading or replacing software, databases or components thereof, power outages, hardware failures, computer viruses, attacks by computer hackers or other cybersecurity risks, telecommunication failures, user errors, natural disasters, terrorist attacks or other catastrophic events. If any of our significant information technology systems suffer severe damage, disruption or shutdown, and our disaster recovery and business continuity plans do not effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner, our product sales, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.            
    
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A cyber attack or other information security breach could have a material adverse effect on our operations and result in financial losses. We are regularly the target of attempted cyber and other security threats and must continuously monitor and develop our information technology networks and infrastructure to prevent, detect, address and mitigate the risk of unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses and other events that could have a security impact. If we are unable to prevent cyber attacks and other information security breaches, we may encounter significant disruptions in our operations which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations or result in the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. Such breaches may also harm our reputation, result in financial losses or subject us to litigation or other costs or penalties.


We are subject to global and regional economic downturns, inflation, rising interest rates and related risks. Our business is affected by global and regional demographic and macroeconomic conditions. A significant downturn in global economic growth, or recessionary conditions in major geographic regions for prolonged periods, may lead to a variety of adverse consequences for our business including reduced demand for our products, increases in our corn and natural gas costs and rising interest rates on our variable rate loans. These and other adverse consequences could result in our inability to operate profitably and reduce our earnings. 

The effects of COVID-19 have materially and adversely affected demand and the market price for our products in the past and could do so again in the future. The level of demand for our products is affected by global and regional demographic and macroeconomic conditions. In December 2019, a novel coronavirus surfaced in Wuhan, China (“COVID-19”).  The spread of COVID-19 worldwide resulted in businesses suspending or substantially curtailing global operations and travel, quarantines, and an overall substantial slowdown of economic activity impacting consumer and business confidence. Transportation fuels in particular, including ethanol, experienced significant price declines and reduced demand. The effects of COVID-19 have in the past and may again in the future materially and adversely affect the market price for our products, our business, results of operations and liquidity.

    COVID-19 or another pandemic could negatively impact our ability to operate our business which could decrease or eliminate the value of our units. COVID-19 has disrupted the operations of many businesses in the U.S. and globally. The effects of COVID-19 or another pandemic could result in our experiencing labor shortages, delays in delivery of supplies or shipping disruptions of our products which could force us to suspend operations or reduce production.  Any shut down of operations or reduction in production, especially for an extended period of time, could reduce or eliminate the value of our units. 

The invasion of Ukraine by Russia and resulting sanctions by the United States, European Union and other countries could result in a slowdown in global economic growth, rising inflation, market disruptions and increased volatility in commodity prices in the United States. On February 24, 2022, a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops was reported. In response to the attacks on Ukraine, sanctions and other penalties have been levied by the United States, European Union and other countries and additional sanctions and penalties have been proposed. The invasion by Russia and resulting sanctions have created global economic uncertainty and have resulted in significant market disruptions and increased volatility in commodity prices such as corn, oil and natural gas. Although the duration and extent of the ongoing military conflict is highly unpredictable and the magnitude of the potential economic impact is currently unknown, Russian military actions and resulting sanctions could have a negative effect on our financial condition and operating results.

Investor sentiment towards climate change, fossil fuels, and other ESG matters could adversely affect our business, cost of capital, and the price of our stock and other securities. There have been efforts in recent years, which have intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, aimed at the investment community, to promote the divestment of securities of energy companies, as well as to pressure lenders and other financial services companies to limit or curtail activities with energy companies. As a result, some financial intermediaries, investors, and other capital markets participants have reduced or ceased lending to, or investing in, companies that operate in industries with higher perceived environmental exposure, such as the energy industry. If this or similar divestment efforts are continued, the value of our units may be negatively impacted.

Members of the investment community are also increasing their focus on ESG practices and disclosures, including practices and disclosures related to GHGs and climate change in the energy industry in particular, and diversity and inclusion initiatives and governance standards among companies more generally. As a result, we may face increasing pressure regarding our ESG practices and disclosures. Additionally, members of the investment community may screen companies such as ours for ESG performance. If we are unable to meet the ESG standards or investment or lending criteria set by these investors and funds, we may lose investors, investors may allocate a portion of their capital away from us, our cost of capital may increase, the price of our units may be negatively impacted, and our reputation may also be negatively affected.


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Risks Related to Ethanol Industry


    An increase in foreign ethanol imports to the United Stated could have a negative impact on ethanol prices. We face competition from ethanol produced outside of the United States. If ethanol imports were to increase that could impact demand for ethanol produced in the United States which could negatively impact the market price of ethanol and our ability to profitably operate the ethanol plant.

Increases in exports of corn produced in the United States could result in higher corn prices which could reduce our profitability.Our results of operations and financial condition are significantly affected by the cost and supply of corn. If exports of corn produced in the United States to other countries were to increase, this could result in decreased domestic supply and higher corn prices in the United States. Higher corn prices could lead to lower profit margins, negatively affecting our financial performance.

Lack of rail transportation infrastructure and delayed rail shipments have resulted in rail logistical problems which could negatively impact our financial performance. The ethanol industry has experienced difficulty transporting the ethanol which is produced. Ethanol is typically shipped by rail. Increased shipments of coal and oil by rail, decreased shipment capacity by the railroads due to fewer railroad crews, and poor weather conditions can result in slowed rail travel and loading times and delays in returning rail cars resulting in ethanol storage capacity constraints. If rail logistical problems were to occur, this could negatively impact our ability to operate the ethanol plant profitably which could reduce the value of our units.

Decreasing gasoline prices could negatively impact our ability to operate profitably. Discretionary blending is an important secondary market which is often determined by the price of ethanol versus the price of gasoline. In periods when discretionary blending is financially unattractive, the demand for ethanol may be reduced. Lower oil prices reduce the spread between the price of gasoline and the price of ethanol which can discourage discretionary blending, dampen the export market and result in a downwards market adjustment in the price of ethanol. If oil and gasoline prices were to remain low for a significant period of time, it could hurt our ability to profitably operate the ethanol plant which could decrease the value of our units.


The ethanol industry is an industry that is changing rapidly which can result in unexpected developments that could negatively impact our operations and the value of our units. The ethanol industry has grown significantly in the last decade. This rapid growth has resulted in significant shifts in supply and demand of ethanol over a very short period of time. As a result, past performance by the ethanol plant or the ethanol industry generally might not be indicative of future performance. We may experience a rapid shift in the economic conditions in the ethanol industry which may make it difficult to operate the ethanol plant profitably. If changes occur in the ethanol industry that make it difficult for us to operate the ethanol plant profitably, it could result in the reduction in the value of our units.

Demand for ethanol may not continue to grow unless ethanol can be blended into gasoline in higher percentage blends for all conventional automobiles. Currently, ethanol is primarily blended with gasoline for use in standard (non-flex fuel) vehicles to create a blend which is 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline. In order to expand ethanol demand, higher percentage blends of ethanol must be utilized in standard vehicles. The EPA has approved the use of E15 for standard vehicles produced in the model year 2001 and later. However, the fact that E15 has not been approved for use in all vehicles and the labeling requirements associated with E15 may result in many gasoline retailers refusing to carry E15. As a result, the approval of E15 may not significantly increase demand for ethanol.

Changes and advances in ethanol production technology could require us to incur costs to update our plant or could otherwise hinder our ability to compete in the ethanol industry or operate profitably. Advances and changes in the technology of ethanol production are expected to occur. Such advances and changes may make the ethanol production technology installed in our plant less desirable or obsolete. These advances could also allow our competitors to produce ethanol at a lower costs than we are able. If we are unable to adopt or incorporate technological advances, our ethanol production methods and processes could be less efficient than our competitors, which could cause our plant to become uncompetitive or completely obsolete. If our competitors develop, obtain or license technology that is superior to ours or that makes our technology obsolete, we may be required to incur significant costs to enhance or acquire new technology so that our ethanol production remains competitive. Alternatively, we may be required to seek third-party licenses, which could also result in significant expenditures. These third-party licenses may not be available or, once obtained, they may not continue to be available on commercially reasonable terms. These costs could negatively impact our financial performance by increasing our operating costs and reducing our net income.
    
Technology advances in the commercialization of cellulosic ethanol may decrease demand for corn based ethanol which may negatively affect our profitability. The current trend in ethanol production research is to develop an efficient method of producing ethanol from cellulose-based biomass, such as agricultural waste, forest residue, municipal solid waste and energy crops. This trend is driven by the fact that cellulose-based biomass is generally cheaper than corn, and producing ethanol from cellulose-based biomass would create opportunities to produce ethanol in areas which are unable to grow corn. There are several government initiatives that offer a strong incentive to develop commercial scale cellulosic ethanol. Although subject to possible reduction by the EPA, the statutory volume requirement of the RFS provides for 16 billion gallons per year of advanced bio-fuels to be consumed in the United States by 2022. Some companies have reportedly produced cellulosic ethanol on a commercial scale and other companies may be constructing commercial scale plants in the United States. If an efficient method of producing ethanol from cellulose-based biomass on a commercial scale is successful, we may not be able to compete effectively. If we are unable to produce ethanol as cost-effectively as cellulose-based producers, our ability to generate revenue will be negatively impacted.


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We operate in an intensely competitive industry and compete with larger, better financed companies which could impact our ability to operate profitably. There is significant competition among ethanol producers. There are numerous producer-owned and privately-owned ethanol plants planned and operating through the United States. In addition, in the past we have seen increased


competition from oil companies that have purchased ethanol production facilities. We also face competition from ethanol producers located outside the United States. The largest ethanol producers include Archer Daniels Midland, Flint Hills Resources, Green Plains Renewable Energy, POET, and Valero Renewable Fuels, each of which is capable of producing significantly more ethanol than we produce. Further, many believe that there will be further consolidation occurring in the ethanol industry in the future which will likely lead to a few companies that control a significant portion of the ethanol production market. We may not be able to compete with these larger producers and our inability to compete could negatively impact our financial performance.


Competition from the advancement of alternative fuels and clean power systems using fuel cells, plug-in hybrids and electric cars may lessen the demand forethanol.Alternative fuels, gasoline oxygenates and ethanol production methods are continually under development. A number of automotive, industrial and power generation manufacturers are developing alternative clean power systems using fuel cells, plug-in hybrids, electric cars or clean burning gaseous fuels. Like ethanol, these emerging technologies offer an option to address worldwide energy costs, the long-term availability of petroleum reserves and environmental concerns. If these alternative technologies continue to expand and gain broad acceptance and become readily available to consumers for motor vehicle use, we may not be able to compete effectively. This additional competition could reduce the demand for ethanol, resulting in lower ethanol prices that might adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Increased use of fuel cells, plug-in hybrids and electric cars may lessen the demand for ethanol. Automotive, industrial and power generation manufacturers have developed alternative clean power systems using fuel cells, plug-in hybrids, electric cars or clean burning gaseous fuels. Electric car technology has recently grown in popularity, especially in urban areas, which has led to an increase in recharging stations which has made electric car technology more widely available. This additional competition from alternate energy sources could reduce the demand for ethanol, resulting in lower ethanol prices which could negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition.
Consumer resistance to the use of ethanol based on the belief that ethanol is expensive, uses too much corn, adds to air pollution, harms engines, and/or takes more energy to produce than it contributes may affect the demand for ethanol. Certain individuals believe that the use of ethanol will have a negative impact on gasoline prices and that ethanol production uses too much of the available corn supply. Many also believe that ethanol adds to air pollution and harms vehicle engines. Still other consumers believe that the process of producing ethanol actually uses more fossil energy, such as oil and natural gas, than the amount of energy that is produced. These consumer beliefs could potentially be wide-spread. If consumers choose not to buy ethanol based on these beliefs, it would affect the demand for the ethanol we produce which could negatively affect our profitability.


Risks Related to Regulation and Governmental Action


Government incentives for ethanol production may be eliminated in the future, which could hinder our ability to operate at a profit. The ethanol industry is assisted by various federal ethanol incentives, including the RFS set forth in the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The RFS helps support a market for ethanol that might disappear without this incentive. The United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") has the authority to waive the RFS statutory volume requirement, in whole or in part, provided certain conditions have been met. Annually, the EPA is supposed to pass a rule that establishes the number of gallons of different types of renewable fuels that must be used in the United States which is called the renewable volume obligations. In the past, the EPA has set the renewable volume obligations below the statutory limits.limits and the EPA has recently proposed to do so again. Any future reduction of the volume requirements under the RFS by the EPA could decrease the market price and demand for ethanol which will negatively impact our financial performance.


The EPA's small refinery exemptions significantly reduced ethanol demand. TheIn the past the EPA issued exemptions fromexpanded its use of its waiver authority granting waivers to small refineries allowing those refineries to avoid their ethanol use requirements under the RFS to certain small refiners which reduced the corn-based RFS requirement, resultedresulting in significant decreases indecreased ethanol demand and severely impacted ethanol prices. On October 15, 2019, the EPA released a supplemental notice seeking additional comment on a proposed rule on adjustments to the way that annual renewable fuel percentages are calculated. The supplemental notice was issued in response to an announcement by President Trump of a proposed plan to require refiners not exempt from the rules to blend additional gallons of ethanol to make up for the gallons exempted by the EPA's expanded use of waivers to small refineries. The proposed plan was expected to calculate the volume that refiners were required to blend by using a three-year average of exempted gallons. However, the EPA proposed to use a three-year average to account for the reduction in demand resulting from the waivers using the number of gallons of relief recommended by the United States Department of Energy. This rule was made final on December 19, 2019. If the EPA were to significantly reduce the volume requirements under the RFS or if the RFS wereresume granting waivers to be otherwise reduced or eliminated by the exercise of the EPA waiver authority or by Congress,small refineries, the market price and demand for ethanol could decrease which will negatively impact our financial performance.
    
Changes in environmental regulations or violations of these regulations could be expensive and reduce our profitability. We are subject to extensive air, water and other environmental laws and regulations. In addition, some of these laws require our plant to operate under a number of environmental permits. These laws, regulations and permits can often require expensive pollution control equipment or operational changes to limit actual or potentials impacts to the environment. A violation of these laws and regulations or permit conditions can result in substantial fines, damages, criminal sanctions, permit revocations and/or plant shutdowns. In the future, we may be subject to legal actions brought by environmental
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advocacy groups and other parties for actual or alleged violations of environmental laws or our permits. Additionally, any changes in environmental laws and regulations could require us to spend considerable resources to comply with future environmental regulations. The expense of compliance could be significant enough to reduce our profitability and negatively affect our financial condition.



The California Low Carbon Fuel Standard may decrease demand for corn based ethanol which could negatively impact our profitability. California passed a Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) requiring that renewable fuels used in California must accomplish certain reductions in greenhouse gases which are measured using a lifecycle analysis. California represents a significant ethanol market and if we are unable to supply ethanol to California, it could significantly reduce demand for the ethanol we produce. Any decrease in ethanol demand as a result of the California LCFS could negatively impact ethanol prices which could reduce our revenues and negatively impact our ability to profitably operate the ethanol plant.
    
Government Policiespolicies and Regulations, Particularly Those Affectingregulations, particularly those affecting the Agricultural Sectoragricultural sector and Related Industries, Could Adversely Affect Our Operationsrelated industries, could adversely affect our operations and Profitability.  profitability.  Agricultural commodity production and trade flows are significantly affected by government policies and regulations. Governmental policies affecting the agricultural industry, such as taxes, trade tariffs, duties, subsidies, import and export restrictions on agricultural commodities and commodity products can influence industry profitability, the planting of certain crops versus other uses of agricultural resources, the location and size of crop production, whether unprocessed or processed commodity products are traded and the volume and types of imports and exports. In addition, international trade disputes can adversely affect agricultural commodity trade flows by limiting or disrupting trade between countries or regions. We may experience negative impacts of higher ethanol tariffs and other disruptions to international agricultural trade related to current tradeFuture governmental policies, regulations or actions announced by the Trump administration and responsive actions announced by trading partners, including by China. These actionsaffecting our industry may adversely affect the supply of, demand for and prices of our products, restrict our ability to do business and cause our financial results to suffer.


A reduction in distillers grains exports to China has in the past and could continue in the future to have a negative effect on the price of distillers grains in the U.S. and negatively affect our profitability. Historically, China was the world's largest buyer of distillers grains produced in the United States. On January 12, 2016, the Chinese government began an anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigation related to distillers grains imported from the United States which contributed to a decline in distillers grains shipped to China. In 2016,However, China has implemented anti-dumptng and anti-subsidy duties as a result of preliminary rulings on its investigation. On January 10, 2017, China announced a final ruling imposing increased anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties which have significantly decreased demand and prices from China and negatively impacted the price of distillers grains produced in the United States. ThisIf this reduction in export demand were to continue it could negatively impact our ability to profitably operate the ethanol plant.


A reduction in ethanol exports to China due to the imposition of a tariff on U.S. ethanol could have a negative impact on ethanol prices. China imposed a tariff on ethanol which is produced in the United States and exported to China which has negatively impacted exports of ethanol to China. The decrease has and could continue to negatively impact the market price of ethanol in the United States and our ability to profitably operate the ethanol plant.

A reduction in ethanol exports to Brazil due to the imposition by the Brazilian government of a tariff on U.S. ethanol could have a negative effect on ethanol prices. Brazil haswas historically been a top destination for ethanol produced in the United States. However, Brazil has imposed a tariff on ethanol which is produced in the United States and exported to Brazil. ThisThe tariff has resulted in a decline in demand for ethanol from Brazil and could negatively affectimpact the market price of ethanol in the United States and our ability to profitably operate the ethanol plant. The effect of this has been mitigated by the suspension of the tariff in March 2022 through the end of the year following a 10% reduction on the tariff in November 2021. However, if competition from ethanol imports were to increase again that could negatively impact demand for ethanol produced in the United States which could result in lower operating margins.

New, stricter environmental laws and other industry-related regulations or environmental litigation could significantly impact our operations and/or increase our costs, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Our operations are subject to federal, state, and municipal laws and regulations regulating environmental matters. Climate change continues to attract considerable public and scientific attention and the trend in environmental regulation has been towards more restrictions and limitations on activities that may affect the environment over time. There can be no assurances as to the timing and type of such changes in existing laws or the promulgation of new laws or the amount of any required expenditures associated therewith. If we were unable in the future to renew the environmental permits necessary for our operations, or were forced to accept terms in future permits that limit our operations or result in additional compliance costs, it could restrict our ability to do business and cause our financial results to suffer. In addition, in recent years, environmental interest groups have filed suit against companies in the energy industry related to climate change. Should such suits be successful, we could face additional compliance costs or other related litigation risk that could negatively affect our financial performance.
    

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES


Our plant site is made up of two adjacent parcels which together total approximately 125 acres in southwest Minnesota near Lamberton. The plant's address is 24500 U.S. Highway 14, Lamberton, Minnesota 56152. We produce all of our ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil at this site. Our plant is in excellent condition and is capable of functioning at over 100% of its 50 million gallons per year nameplate production capacity.


All of our tangible and intangible property, real and personal, serves as the collateral for our credit with Compeer. Our credit facility is discussed in more detail under “ITEM 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources.”


ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS


None.



ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES


None.





PART II


ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED MEMBER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES


As of January 23, 2020,19, 2023, we have 4,8074,762 membership units outstanding and 1,4181,357 unit holders of record.

There is no public trading market for our membership units.

We have, however, established a Unit Trading Bulletin Board, a private online matching service, through Farmers National Company Agstock, LLC in order to facilitate trading among our members. The Unit Trading Bulletin Board has been designed to comply with federal tax laws and Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") regulations establishing a “qualified matching service,” as well as state and federal securities laws. Our Unit Trading Bulletin Board consists of an electronic bulletin board that provides a list of interested buyers with a list of interested sellers, along with their non-firm price quotes. The Unit Trading Bulletin Board does not automatically affect matches between potential sellers and buyers and it is the sole responsibility of sellers and buyers to contact each other to make a determination as to whether an agreement to transfer units may be reached. We do not become involved in any purchase or sale negotiations arising from our Unit Trading Bulletin Board and have no role in effecting the transactions beyond approval, as required under our member control agreement, and the issuance of new certificates. We do not give advice regarding the merits or shortcomings of any particular transaction. We do not receive, transfer or hold funds or securities as an incident of operating the Unit Trading Bulletin Board. We do not receive any compensation for creating or maintaining the Unit Trading Bulletin Board. In advertising our Unit Trading Bulletin Board, we do not characterize the Company as a broker or dealer or an exchange. We do not use the Unit Trading Bulletin Board to offer to buy or sell securities other than in compliance with the securities laws, including any applicable registration requirements.


There are detailed timelines that must be followed under the Unit Trading Bulletin Board Rules and Procedures with respect to offers and sales of membership units. All transactions must comply with the Unit Trading Bulletin Board Rules, our member control agreement, and are subject to approval by our board of governors.


As a limited liability company, we are required to restrict the transfers of our membership units in order to preserve our partnership tax status. Our membership units may not be traded on any established securities market or readily traded on a secondary market (or the substantial equivalent thereof). All transfers are subject to a determination that the transfer will not cause the Company to be deemed a publicly traded partnership.



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The following table contains historical information by fiscal quarter for the fiscal years ended October 31, 20192022 and 20182021 regarding the actual unit transactions that were completed by our unit-holders during the periods specified. We believe this most accurately represents the current trading value of the Company's units. The information was compiled by reviewing the completed unit transfers that occurred on our Unit Trading Bulletin Board during the quarters indicated.
QuarterLow PriceHigh PriceAverage Price# of Units Traded
2022 4th
$13,200 $13,200 $13,200 2
2022 3rd
$9,250 $11,100 $9,981 44
2022 2nd
$9,000 $9,250 $9,130 25
2022 1st
$7,000 $8,600 $7,815 13
2021 4th
$6,500 $7,501 $7,139 92
2021 3rd
$6,000 $6,700 $6,400 5
2021 2nd
$5,600 $6,250 $5,966 8
2021 1st
$5,600 $5,650 $5,625 6
QuarterLow PriceHigh PriceAverage Price# of Units Traded
2019 4th
$7,300
$7,300
$7,300
1
2019 3rd
$7,600
$8,200
$7,960
5
2019 2nd
$8,200
$8,750
$8,584
9
2019 1st
$9,200
$9,200
$9,200
3
2018 4th
$9,000
$9,517
$9,295
12
2018 3rd
$8,500
$9,551
$9,006
31
2018 2nd
$8,100
$9,000
$8,516
28
2018 1st
$8,200
$8,850
$8,581
13


The following table contains the asked prices that were posted on the Company's Unit Trading Bulletin Board and includes some transactions that were not completed. The Company believes the table above more accurately describes the trading value of its units as the asked prices below include some offers that never resulted in completed transactions. The information was compiled by reviewing postings that were made on the Company's Unit Trading Bulletin Board.

QuarterLow PriceHigh PriceAverage Price# of Units Listed
2022 4th
$13,200 $13,200 $13,200 2
2022 3rd
$9,250 $11,100 $9,981 44
2022 2nd
$9,000 $9,250 $9,130 25
2022 1st
$7,000 $8,600 $7,815 13
2021 4th
$6,500 $7,501 $7,139 92
2021 3rd
$6,000 $6,700 $6,400 5
2021 2nd
$5,600 $6,250 $5,966 8
2021 1st
$5,600 $5,650 $5,625 6

QuarterLow PriceHigh PriceAverage Price# of Units Listed
2019 4th
$7,250
$8,000
$7,636
7
2019 3rd
$7,590
$8,600
$8,216
27
2019 2nd
$8,000
$9,250
$8,617
12
2019 1st
$8,500
$9,300
$8,900
13
2018 4th
$9,000
$9,500
$9,133
12
2018 3rd
$9,000
$9,500
$9,113
24
2018 2nd
$8,000
$9,000
$8,335
31
2018 1st
$8,100
$9,000
$8,638
21


Distributions


Our expectations with respect to our ability to make future distributions are discussed in greater detail in “ITEM 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” In addition, distributions are restricted by certain loan covenants in our construction term loan and revolving credit financing agreements. These loan covenants and restrictions are described in greater detail under “ITEM 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources.”


Performance Graph


The following graph shows a comparison of cumulative total member return since October 31, 2014,2017, calculated on a dividend reinvested basis, for the Company, the NASDAQ Composite Index (the "NASDAQ") and an index of other companies that have the same SIC codes as the Company (the "Industry Index"). The graph assumes $100 was invested in each of our units, the NASDAQ, and the Industry Index on October 31, 2014.2017. Note that historic stock price performance is not necessarily indicative of future unit price performance.
comparegraph.jpg

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highwater-20221031_g1.jpg

Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the performance graph and the information set forth therein shall not be deemed to be filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.



ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
PeriodTotal Number of Units PurchasedAverage Price Paid per Unit $Total Number of Units Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or ProgramsMaximum Number of Units that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
August 1, 2019 - August 31, 2019



September 1, 2019 - September 30, 2019



October 1, 2019 - October 31, 20191
7,200


Total1
$7,200






ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA[RESERVED]


The following table presents selected financial and operating data as of the dates and for the periods indicated. The selected balance sheet financial data as of October 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 and the selected statements of operations data and other financial data for the years ended October 31, 2016 and 2015 have been derived from our audited financial statements that are not included in this Form 10-K. The selected balance sheet financial data as of October 31, 2019 and 2018 and the selected statements of operations data and other financial data for each of the years in the three year period ended October 31, 2019 have been derived from the audited financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. You should read the following table in conjunction with "ITEM 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the financial statements and the accompanying notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Among other things, those financial statements include more detailed information regarding the basis of presentation for the following financial data.
Statement of Operations Data: 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 
Revenues $97,249,109
 $94,943,746
 $100,225,143
 $110,237,009
 $139,597,173
 
            
Cost of Goods Sold 101,759,731
 97,723,069
 93,476,303
 102,331,749
 111,405,819
 
            
Gross Profit (Loss) (4,510,622) (2,779,323) 6,748,840
 7,905,260
 28,191,354
 
            
Operating Expenses 3,200,285
 2,891,093
 2,739,770
 2,411,439
 2,210,637
 
            
Operating Profit (Loss) (7,710,907) (5,670,416) 4,009,070
 5,493,821
 25,980,717
 
            
Other Income (Expense) (563,329) (489,008) (489,758) (440,283) (4,046,541) 
            
Net Income (Loss) $(8,274,236) $(6,159,424) $3,519,312
 $5,053,538
 $21,934,176
 
            
Weighted Average Units Outstanding 4,809
 4,814
 4,834
 4,953
 4,953
 
            
Basic and Diluted Net Income (Loss) Per Unit $(1,720.57) $(1,279.48) $728.03
 $1,020.30
 $4,428.46
 
            
Cash Distributions Per Unit $
 $345
 $345
 $400
 $1,125
 
            
Balance Sheet Data: 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 
Current Assets $12,604,430
 $10,850,002
 $11,847,401
 $17,887,759
 $24,502,735
 
            
Net Property and Equipment 58,474,504
 65,730,225
 72,051,447
 77,458,142
 77,484,018
 
            
Other Assets 2,943,723
 2,966,714
 2,833,212
 2,850,523
 2,826,256
 
            
Total Assets $74,022,657
 $79,546,941
 $86,732,060
 $98,196,424
 $104,813,009
 
            
Current Liabilities $10,794,082
 $8,026,683
 $6,655,688
 $6,920,569
 $7,231,283
 
            
Long-Term Debt 7,244,124
 7,222,371
 7,942,403
 18,663,726
 24,315,010
 
            
Members' Equity 55,984,451
 64,297,887
 72,133,969
 72,612,129
 73,266,716
 
            
Total Liabilities & Members' Equity $74,022,657
 $79,546,941
 $86,732,060
 $98,196,424
 $104,813,009
 
See "ITEM 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for further discussion of our financial results.

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of Operations for the Fiscal Years Ended October 31, 2019 and 2018

The following table shows the results of our operations and the percentage of revenues, cost of goods sold, gross profit (loss), operating expenses, operating loss and other items to total revenues in our statements of operations for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2019 and 2018:
 2019 2018
Statements of Operations DataAmount % Amount %
Revenues$97,249,109
 100.00 % $94,943,746
 100.00 %
Cost of Goods Sold101,759,731
 104.64 % 97,723,069
 102.93 %
Gross Loss(4,510,622) (4.64)% (2,779,323) (2.93)%
Operating Expenses3,200,285
 3.29 % 2,891,093
 3.05 %
Operating Loss(7,710,907) (7.93)% (5,670,416) (5.97)%
Other Income (Expense), Net(563,329) (0.58)% (489,008) (0.52)%
Net Loss$(8,274,236) (8.51)% $(6,159,424) (6.49)%

The following table shows the sources of our revenues for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2019 and 2018.
  2019 2018
Revenue Sources Amount 
Percentage of
Total Revenues
 Amount 
Percentage of
Total Revenues
Ethanol Sales $75,541,437
 77.68% $72,664,310
 76.53%
Modified Wet Distillers Grains Sales 3,874,384
 3.98% 3,323,857
 3.50%
Dried Distillers Grains Sales 14,700,718
 15.12% 15,641,622
 16.48%
Corn Oil Sales 3,132,570
 3.22% 3,313,957
 3.49%
Total Revenues $97,249,109
 100.00% $94,943,746
 100.00%

Revenues

Ethanol

Our total revenues were higher for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018. Revenue from ethanol sales increased by approximately 3.96% during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018 primarily due to higher ethanol prices and an increase in gallons sold during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 compared to the fiscal year end October 31, 2018. The average ethanol sales price per gallon we received for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 was approximately 1.6% higher than the average price received for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018. In addition, we experienced an increase in the gallons of ethanol sold during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018. The gallons of ethanol we sold during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 increased by 2.3% as compared to the number of gallons of ethanol sold for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018.

Ethanol prices have been negatively affected by record levels of domestic production coupled with a decline in ethanol exports due to trade disputes with foreign governments and the institution of a tariff by China on ethanol produced in the United States. In addition, the EPA's continued use of the small refinery exemption could also have a negative impact on ethanol prices unless refiners are required to blend additional gallons of ethanol to make up for the gallons exempted. However, a positive outcome of trade talks between the United States and China could lead to an increase in ethanol demand from China and higher ethanol prices. In addition, approval of the year-round sale of E15 could contribute to higher ethanol prices. Ethanol prices will also likely continue to generally be directionally consistent with changes in corn and energy prices.

The increase in ethanol gallons sold for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, as compared to the number of gallons of ethanol we sold for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018, was mainly due to less gallons in inventory at October 31, 2019. Management anticipates that overall ethanol production may increase in the future as compared with the amounts produced for

the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 due to our receipt of our new air permit which allows us to increase gallons of denatured ethanol produced per 12-month rolling average.

In the ordinary course of business, we enter into forward contracts for our commodity purchases and sales. At October 31, 2019, we had no forward fixed price ethanol sales contracts. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2019 and 2018, we recorded losses due to changes in the fair value of our outstanding ethanol derivative positions of approximately $240,000 and $81,000, respectively.

Distillers Grains

Revenue from distillers grains decreased by approximately 2.1% during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018, primarily due to lower distillers grains prices during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 compared to same period of 2018. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, the average price per ton that we received for our dried distillers grains was approximately 0.5% lower than the average price we received during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018 due to price decreases in the protein market that correlate to the price of soybean meal and lower export demand due to the recent swine flu outbreak in China, Vietnam and other foreign countries. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, the average price per ton that we received for our modified distillers grains was approximately 6.3% higher than during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018 due to increased demand and reduced production in our local area.

Distillers grains prices typically change in proportion to corn prices and availability of corn. Domestic demand for distillers grains could decrease if corn prices decline and end-users switch to lower priced alternatives or if there is a swine flu outbreak in the U.S. Changes in foreign demand also impact distillers grains prices. If the swine flu outbreak continues in or spreads to other foreign countries that could have a negative effect on distillers grains prices. The imposition by China of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on distillers grains produced in the U.S. have also had a negative effect on export demand from China resulting in lower distillers grains prices. In addition, trade actions by the Trump administration and foreign governments have created additional uncertainty as to future agricultural export demand from China and other countries. However, a positive outcome of trade talks between the United States and China could lead to an increase in distillers grains demand from China.

The tons of dried distillers grains we sold during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 decreased by approximately 5.6% as compared to the tons of dried distillers grains we sold during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018. The tons of modified distillers grains we sold during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, increased by approximately 9.7% as compared to the same period for 2018 due to an increase in the demand for our product in our area. Overall, the number of tons of distillers grains sold decreased during our fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018 due to increased efficiencies in ethanol production which resulted in our producing less distillers grains. Management anticipates that the overall amount of distillers grains produced may increase in the future as compared with the amounts produced for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, due to our receipt of our new air permit which allows us to increase gallons of ethanol produced and which would also increase our distillers grains production.
Corn Oil

Revenue from corn oil sales decreased by approximately 5.5% for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, as compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018, primarily due to a decrease in pounds of corn oil sold during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018. The pounds of corn oil we sold during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 decreased by approximately 11.7% as compared to the pounds of corn oil we sold for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018 due to our corn oil extraction equipment running less efficiently. Management anticipates that the overall amount of corn oil produced may increase in the future as compared with the amounts produced for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, due to our receipt of our new air permit which allows us to increase gallons of ethanol produced and which would also increase our corn oil production.

The average price per pound of corn oil sold increased during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 compared to the same period of 2018. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, the average price per pound of corn oil we received was approximately 4.3% higher than during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018 due to increased demand from the corn oil feed market. Management anticipates that corn oil prices in the future will be affected by changes in corn and energy prices and the recent renewal of the biodiesel blenders' tax credit.    


Cost of Goods Sold

Our two largest costs of production are corn (65.1% of cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019) and natural gas (4.7% of cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019). Our total cost of goods sold was approximately 4.1% more during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018 due to increased corn costs and depreciation.
Corn

Our average price per bushel of corn for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 increased by approximately 2.2% as compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018 primarily due to increased market value for corn. We used approximately 2.1% less bushels of corn in the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 as compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018 due to improved efficiencies in ethanol production.
Management expects there to be an adequate corn supply available in our area to operate the ethanol plant. However, corn prices have been volatile and are likely to remain so in the future depending on weather conditions, supply and demand, stocks and other factors which could significantly impact our costs of production.

Management anticipates corn consumption may increase in the future as compared with the amounts produced for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, due to our receipt of our new air permit which allows us to increase gallons of ethanol produced and which would also increase our corn consumption.

At October 31, 2019, we had approximately 190,000 bushels of forward fixed basis corn purchase contracts and 453,000 bushels of forward fixed price corn purchase contracts valued at approximately $1,725,000 for various delivery periods through July 2021. We recorded losses due to changes in the fair value of our outstanding corn derivative positions for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2019 and 2018 of approximately $835,000 and $149,000, respectively.
Natural Gas

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, we purchased approximately 5.6% less natural gas as compared to the same period of 2018. This decrease in natural gas usage is primarily due to the decrease in dried distillers grains production. Our average price per MMBTU of natural gas was approximately 4.2% lower for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018.

Natural gas prices were lower on average for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 due to an increased supply and our locking in prices for the majority of our natural gas requirements. Management anticipates that natural gas prices will increase if the natural gas industry experiences production problems or if there are large increases in natural gas demand which will likely depend on the severity of the winter weather conditions experienced during our 2020 fiscal year.

At October 31, 2019, we had approximately 2,968,000 MMBTUs of forward natural gas fixed price purchase contracts valued at approximately $7,497,000 for delivery periods through March 2021. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2019 and 2018, we recorded gains due to the change in fair value of our outstanding natural gas derivative positions of approximately $22,000 and $38,000, respectively.

Operating Expenses

We had operating expenses for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 of $3,200,285 compared to operating expenses of $2,891,093 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018. Management attributes this increase in operating expenses to an increase in licenses and permit fees, payment of a civil penalty to the Environmental Protection Agency and also an increase in IT fees and advertising costs. We continue to pursue strategies to optimize efficiencies and maximize production. These efforts may result in a decrease in our operating expenses on a per gallon basis. However, because these expenses do not vary with the level of production at the plant, we expect our operating expenses to remain relatively steady.

Operating Loss

We had an operating loss for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 of $7,710,907 compared to an operating loss of $5,670,416 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018. This decrease in our profitability for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, was due primarily to the increase in the price we paid for corn relative to the price we received for ethanol.


Other Income (Expense), Net
We had total other expense for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019 of $563,329 compared to other expense of $489,008 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018. Our other expense for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, consisted primarily of interest expense which was offset in part by income from investments.


Results of Operations for the Fiscal Years Ended October 31, 20182022 and 20172021


The following table shows the results of our operations and the percentage of revenues, cost of goods sold, gross profit, (loss), operating expenses, operating profit (loss) and other items to total revenues in our statements of operations for the fiscal years ended October 31, 20182022 and 2017:2021:
 20222021
Statements of Operations DataAmount%Amount%
Revenues$221,373,253 100.00 %$158,717,536 100.00 %
Cost of Goods Sold188,444,980 85.13 %143,172,419 90.21 %
Gross Profit32,928,273 14.87 %15,545,117 9.79 %
Operating Expenses3,988,371 1.80 %3,234,524 2.03 %
Operating Profit28,939,902 13.07 %12,310,593 7.76 %
Other Income (Expense), Net4,385,503 1.98 %1,430,335 0.90 %
Net Income$33,325,405 15.05 %$13,740,928 8.66 %


22

 2018 2017
Statements of Operations DataAmount % Amount %
Revenues$94,943,746
 100.00 % $100,225,143
 100.00 %
Cost of Goods Sold97,723,069
 102.93 % 93,476,303
 93.27 %
Gross Profit (Loss)(2,779,323) (2.93)% 6,748,840
 6.73 %
Operating Expenses2,891,093
 3.05 % 2,739,770
 2.73 %
Operating Profit (Loss)(5,670,416) (5.97)% 4,009,070
 4.00 %
Other Income (Expense), Net(489,008) (0.52)% (489,758) (0.49)%
Net Income (Loss)$(6,159,424) (6.49)% $3,519,312
 3.51 %


The following table shows the sources of our revenues for the fiscal years ended October 31, 20182022 and 2017.2021.
20222021
Revenue SourcesAmountPercentage of
Total Revenues
AmountPercentage of
Total Revenues
Ethanol Sales$172,742,300 78.03 %$122,902,729 77.43 %
Modified Wet Distillers Grains Sales8,979,383 4.06 %4,899,649 3.09 %
Dried Distillers Grains Sales24,712,352 11.16 %21,090,325 13.29 %
Corn Oil Sales14,939,218 6.75 %9,824,833 6.19 %
Total Revenues$221,373,253 100.00 %$158,717,536 100.00 %
  2018 2017
Revenue Sources Amount 
Percentage of
Total Revenues
 Amount 
Percentage of
Total Revenues
Ethanol Sales $72,664,310
 76.53% $81,765,292
 81.58%
Modified Wet Distillers Grains Sales 3,323,857
 3.50% 2,285,156
 2.28%
Dried Distillers Grains Sales 15,641,622
 16.48% 12,463,304
 12.44%
Corn Oil Sales 3,313,957
 3.49% 3,711,391
 3.70%
Total Revenues $94,943,746
 100.00% $100,225,143
 100.00%


Revenues


Ethanol


Our total revenues were lowerhigher for the fiscal year ended October 31, 20182022, compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017.2021. Revenue from ethanol sales decreasedincreased by approximately 11.1%40.6% during the fiscal year ended October 31, 20182022 compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 20172021 primarily due to loweran increase in the average price per gallon and number of gallons of ethanol prices and a decrease in gallons sold during the fiscal year ended October 31, 20182022 compared to the fiscal year end October 31, 2017. 2021.

The average ethanol sales price per gallon we received for the fiscal year ended October 31, 20182022 was approximately 10.9% lower30.9% higher than the average price received for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017.2021. Ethanol sales prices were higher for the current period due to higher corn and energy prices, increases in ethanol demand, global economic uncertainty and rising inflation and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Factors likely to affect ethanol prices in the future include changes in domestic corn prices and corn supply, changes in energy prices, trade disputes with foreign governments, changes in domestic and foreign ethanol demand and our ability to receive a premium on ethanol shipped to California pursuant to the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (the "LCFS"). In addition, we experiencedglobal economic uncertainty, rising inflation, market disruptions and increased volatility in commodity prices resulting in part from the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the lingering effects of the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic could continue to impact the market price of ethanol. Any actions by the Environmental Protection Agency or Congress which result in reduction of the renewable volume obligations under the Renewable Fuels Standard or the granting of exemptions from those obligations could also have a slight decrease in thenegative effect on ethanol prices.

The number of gallons of ethanol sold increased by approximately 7.7% during the fiscal year ended October 31, 20182022, as compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017. The gallons2021. Our ethanol production levels for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022 are at an annual rate of approximately 68 million gallons. Management anticipates that the amount of ethanol sold may decrease in the future if current positive operating conditions worsen and we soldreduce ethanol production levels. Ethanol production could also decrease if delayed rail car shipments affect our ability to get sufficient rail cars to transport our ethanol.
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022 and October 31, 2021, we recorded gains due to changes in the fair value of our outstanding ethanol derivative positions of approximately $79,000 and $1,000, respectively. These gains increased our ethanol revenue during these periods.

Distillers Grains

    Revenue from distillers grains sales increased by approximately 29.6% during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018 decreased by less than 1% as compared to the number of gallons of ethanol sold for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017.

Ethanol prices were lower on average during our 2018 fiscal year due to record levels of domestic production. In addition, ethanol prices were negatively affected by trade disputes with foreign governments and the institution of a tariff by China on ethanol produced in the United States resulting in decreased export demand from China.

The decrease in ethanol gallons sold for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018, as compared to the number of gallons of ethanol we sold for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017, was mainly due to a slight decrease in ethanol production.


In the ordinary course of business, we enter into forward contracts for our commodity purchases and sales. At October 31, 2018, we had no forward fixed price ethanol sales contracts. We recorded a loss related to ethanol based derivative instruments of approximately $81,000 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018. We recorded a gain related to ethanol based derivative instruments of approximately $569,000 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017.
Distillers Grains

Revenue from distillers grains increased by approximately 28.6% during the fiscal year ended October 31, 20182022, compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017, primarily2021, due to higheran increase in the price of distillers grains pricesand tons of distillers grains sold during the period.

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, the average price per ton that we received for our dried distillers grains was approximately 14.5% higher than the average price we received during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018 compared2021, due primarily to same periodincreases in the domestic prices of 2017.corn and soybeans for the period. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018,2022, the average price per ton that we received for our modified distillers grains was approximately 16.2%26.6% higher than during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018, the average price per ton that we received2021, due to increased demand in our local area.

Distillers grains prices typically change in proportion to domestic corn and soybean prices. Domestic demand for our dried distillers grains was approximately 32.4% higher than the average price we received during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017.could decrease if corn or soybean prices decline and end-users switch to lower priced alternatives or if cattle

23


Management attributes the increasenumbers decrease due to droughts in the average price we received for driedwestern and southern United States. Other factors likely to affect distillers grains forprices include prices and availability of other commodities, the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018, as compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017, to price increases in the protein market that correlate to the price of soybean meal, thecontinued imposition by China of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on distillers grains produced in the U.S.United States and other trade actions by the Trump administrationUnited States and foreign governments which created additional uncertainty as to future agricultural export demand from China and other countries.governments.


The tons of dried distillers grains we sold during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018 decreased by approximately 5% as compared to the tons of dried distillers grains we sold during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017. The tons of modified distillers grains we sold during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018, increased by approximately 25.1% as compared to the same period for 2017 due to an increase in the demand for our product in our area. Overall, the number of tons of distillers grains sold increased during our fiscal year ended October 31, 2018 compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017 due to the increase in modified distillers grain production which has a higher moisture content.
Corn Oil

Revenue from corn oil sales decreased by approximately 10.7% for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018,2022, as compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017,2021, due primarily to increased corn grind offset by higher corn oil production levels for the period which led to higher distillers grains production levels for the period. Management anticipates that the amount of distillers grains produced may decrease in the future if current positive operating conditions worsen and there is a reduction in ethanol production levels which would then have a corresponding effect on distillers grains. In addition, an increase in ethanol or corn oil yields could have a negative effect of distillers grains production levels.

Corn Oil

Revenue from corn oil sales increased by approximately 52.1% for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, as compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 primarily due to lowerincreases in the price of corn oil pricesand pounds of corn oil sold during the fiscal year ended October 31, 20182022, compared to the same period of 2017. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018, the2021.

The average price per pound of corn oil we received was approximately 20.7% lower thansold during the fiscal year ended October 31, 20172022 increased 43.8% due to decreased demand froman increase in the domestic prices of corn and soybeans and increased biodiesel production for the period. Factors likely to affect corn oil feed market.prices include biodiesel demand, prices of corn and soybeans, the status of the biodiesel blenders' tax credit and new crop corn oil content.


The pounds of corn oil we sold during the fiscal year ended October 31, 20182022 increased by approximately 7.6%6.8% as compared to the pounds of corn oil we sold for the fiscal year ended October 31, 20172021, due to ourincreased corn grind and improved efficiencies leading to increased production for the period.

Management anticipates that the amount of corn oil extraction equipment running more efficiently.produced may decrease in the future if there is a reduction in ethanol production levels which would then have a corresponding effect on corn oil. However, an increase in corn oil yields due to improved efficiencies or a corn crop with higher oil content could contribute to higher corn oil production levels.


Cost of Goods Sold


Our two largest costs of production are corn (67.7%(80.9% of cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018)2022) and natural gas (5.4%(3.1% of cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018)2022). Our total cost of goods sold was approximately 4.5%31.6% more during the fiscal year ended October 31, 20182022, compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017 due to increased corn costs and depreciation.2021.
    
Corn


Our average price per bushel of corn for the fiscal year ended October 31, 20182022 increased by approximately 4.2% as27% compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 20172021 primarily due to increasedhigher market value for corn.corn as a result of increased demand which outpaced supply and volatility in commodity prices. We also used approximately 0.6% less8.9% more bushels of corn in the fiscal year ended October 31, 20182022 as compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 20172021 due to a slight decrease in gallons produced.increased ethanol production.
    
    Management expects there to be an adequate corn supply available in our area to operate the ethanol plant. However, yields in our local area may be lower due to wet weather which delayed planting coupled with dry growing conditions which could have a negative affect on the price we pay for our corn. Corn prices are dependent on weather conditions, supply and demand, stocks and other factors which could contribute to price volatility and significantly impact our costs of production. In addition, corn prices could continue to be impacted in the future by the Russian invasion of Ukraine which has contributed to global economic uncertainty, rising inflation, market disruptions and increased volatility in commodity prices.

At October 31, 2018,2022, we had approximately 40,0003,502,000 bushels of forward fixed basis corn purchase contracts and 998,0001,918,000 bushels of forward fixed price corn purchase contracts valued at approximately $3,554,000$12,558,000 for various delivery periods through November 2020. We recorded losses related to corn derivative instruments of approximately $149,000 and gains of approximately $1,751,000 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2018 and October 31, 2017, respectively.December 2025.

Natural Gas


For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018,2022 and October 31, 2021, we recorded gains due to changes in the fair value of our outstanding corn derivative positions of approximately $1,018,000 and $353,000, respectively. These gains reduced our cost of goods sold during these periods.
24


Natural Gas

    For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, we purchased approximately 1.8% less5.6% more natural gas as compared to the same period of 2017.2021. This decreaseincrease in natural gas usage is primarily due to the decreasean increase in dried distillers grains production. corn grind.

Our average price per MMBTU of natural gas wasincreased by approximately 4.0% lower for the fiscal year ended October 31, 201811.3% compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017.

Natural2021 due primarily to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, because we have sufficient forward natural gas purchase contracts in place for our current needs, we paid below market prices for our natural gas. Management anticipates that natural gas prices were lower on average during our 2018 fiscal year due to an increased supply resulting primarily from a relatively mild winter during our 2018 fiscal year and our lockingwill continue at current levels as long as the Russian war in prices for the majority of ourUkraine continues. Other factors such as industry production problems or large increases in natural gas requirements.demand could have a negative effect on natural gas prices.


At October 31, 2018,2022, we had approximately 2,493,0003,396,000 MMBTUs of forward natural gas fixed price purchase contracts valued at approximately $6,268,000$11,167,000 for delivery periods through December 2020. We recorded gains related to natural gas based derivative instruments of approximately $38,000 and $11,000 forOctober 2024.

For the fiscal yearsyear ended October 31, 2018 and2022, we recorded losses of approximately $77,000 due to the change in fair value of our outstanding natural gas derivative positions which increased our cost of goods sold during this period. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017, respectively.2021, we recorded gains of approximately $24,000 due to the change in fair value of our outstanding natural gas derivative positions which reduced our cost of goods sold during this period.


Operating Expenses


We had operating expenses for the fiscal year ended October 31, 20182022 of $2,891,093$3,988,371 compared to operating expenses of $2,739,770$3,234,524 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017.2021. Management attributes a portion of this increase in operating expenses to licensesan increase in professional fees and permit fees.consulting. We continue to pursue strategies to optimize efficiencies and maximize production. These efforts may result in a decrease in our operating expenses on a per gallon basis. However, because these expenses do not vary with the level of production at the plant, we expect our operating expenses to remain relatively steady.


Operating LossOther Income, Net

We had an operating losstotal other income for the fiscal year ended October 31, 20182022 of $5,670,416,$4,385,503 compared to operating profittotal other income of $4,009,070$1,430,335 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017. This decrease in our profitability2021. Our other income for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018,2022, was higher due primarily to the decreaseaward of approximately $4,100,000 received from the USDA Biofuel Producer Program.

Results of Operations for the Fiscal Years Ended October 31, 2021 and 2020

The following table shows the results of our operations and the percentage of revenues, cost of goods sold, gross loss, operating expenses, operating loss and other items to total revenues in our statements of operations for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020:
 20212020
Statements of Operations DataAmount%Amount%
Revenues$158,717,536 100.00 %$97,256,146 100.00 %
Cost of Goods Sold143,172,419 90.21 %99,813,857 102.63 %
Gross Profit (Loss)15,545,117 9.79 %(2,557,711)(2.63)%
Operating Expenses3,234,524 2.03 %3,552,328 3.65 %
Operating Profit (Loss)12,310,593 7.76 %(6,110,039)(6.28)%
Other Income (Expense), Net1,430,335 0.90 %(256,127)(0.27)%
Net Income (Loss)$13,740,928 8.66 %$(6,366,166)(6.55)%


25


The following table shows the sources of our revenues for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020.
20212020
Revenue SourcesAmountPercentage of
Total Revenues
AmountPercentage of
Total Revenues
Ethanol Sales$122,902,729 77.43 %$75,161,967 77.28 %
Modified Wet Distillers Grains Sales4,899,649 3.09 %4,163,426 4.28 %
Dried Distillers Grains Sales21,090,325 13.29 %14,123,366 14.52 %
Corn Oil Sales9,824,833 6.19 %3,807,387 3.92 %
Total Revenues$158,717,536 100.00 %$97,256,146 100.00 %

Revenues

Ethanol

    Our total revenues were higher for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020. Revenue from ethanol sales increased by approximately 63.5% during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020 primarily due to an increase in the average price per gallon and number of gallons of ethanol sold during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 compared to the fiscal year end October 31, 2020. The average ethanol sales price per gallon we received for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 was approximately 56.6% higher than the average price received for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020 due to higher corn prices and increases in demand during the during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021. Ethanol prices were lower during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020 due to restrictions put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, we received a premium on ethanol shipped to California during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 due to approval from CARB for our cellulosic pathway pursuant to the LCFS. The LCFS requires renewable fuels to meet certain standards in order to be sold into California. However, this pathway does not guarantee a premium for ethanol shipped into California.

The number of gallons of ethanol sold increased by approximately 4.2% during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, as compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020. Our ethanol production levels for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 are at an annual rate of approximately 64 million gallons.
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, we recorded gains due to changes in the fair value of our outstanding ethanol derivative positions of approximately $1,000 which increased our ethanol revenue during this period. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, we recorded losses due to changes in the fair value of our outstanding ethanol derivative positions of approximately $623,000 which reduced our ethanol revenue during this period.

Distillers Grains

    Revenue from distillers grains sales increased by approximately 42.1% during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, due to an increase in the price of distillers grains and tons of dried distillers grains sold during the period.

For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the average price per ton that we received for ethanol relativeour dried distillers grains was approximately 44.2% higher than the average price we received during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, due primarily to increases in the domestic prices of corn and soybeans for the period. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the average price per ton that we received for our modified distillers grains was approximately 18.5% higher than during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, due to increases in the domestic prices of corn and soybeans.
The tons of dried distillers grains sold during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, increased by approximately 3.6% as compared to the tons of dried distillers grains we sold during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020. The tons of modified distillers grains we sold during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, were similar when compared to the same period for 2020. Overall, the number of tons of distillers grains sold increased during our fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, as compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, due primarily to increased corn grind offset by higher corn oil production levels for the period which led to higher production levels for the period.

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Corn Oil

Revenue from corn oil sales increased by approximately 158.0% for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, as compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020 primarily due to increases in the price of corn oil and pounds of corn oil sold during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020.

The average price per pound of corn oil sold during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 increased 100% due to increases in the price of corn and soybeans and increased biodiesel production for the period. The pounds of corn oil we paidsold during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 increased by approximately 29.7% as compared to the pounds of corn oil we sold for corn.the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, due to increased corn grind and improved efficiencies leading to increased production for the period.


Cost of Goods Sold

    Our two largest costs of production are corn (77.1% of cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021) and natural gas (3.5% of cost of goods sold for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021). Our total cost of goods sold was approximately 43.4% more during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020.
Corn

    Our average price per bushel of corn for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 increased by approximately 55.4% compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020 primarily due to higher market value for corn as a result of increased demand which outpaced supply. We also used approximately 3.8% more bushels of corn in the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 as compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020 due to increased ethanol production.
    At October 31, 2021, we had approximately 1,824,000 bushels of forward fixed basis corn purchase contracts and 1,188,000 bushels of forward fixed price corn purchase contracts valued at approximately $6,100,000 for various delivery periods through January 2023.

We recorded gains due to changes in the fair value of our outstanding corn derivative positions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 of approximately $353,000 which reduced our cost of goods sold during this period. We recorded losses due to changes in the fair value of our outstanding corn derivative positions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020 of approximately $845,000 which increased our cost of goods sold during this period.
.
Natural Gas
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, we purchased approximately 4.7% more natural gas as compared to the same period of 2020. This increase in natural gas usage is primarily due to the increase in dried distillers grains production.

Our average price per MMBTU of natural gas was approximately the same for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020. At October 31, 2021, we had approximately 3,349,000 MMBTUs of forward natural gas fixed price purchase contracts valued at approximately $9,631,000 for delivery periods through October 2024.

For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2021 and 2020, we recorded gains due to the change in fair value of our outstanding natural gas derivative positions of approximately $24,000 and $11,000, respectively. These gains reduced our cost of goods sold during these periods.

Operating Expenses

    We had operating expenses for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 of $3,234,524 compared to operating expenses of $3,552,328 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020. Management attributes this decrease in operating expenses to a decrease in professional fees and consulting. We continue to pursue strategies to optimize efficiencies and maximize production. These efforts may result in a decrease in our operating expenses on a per gallon basis. However, because these expenses do not vary with the level of production at the plant, we expect our operating expenses to remain relatively steady.


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Other Income (Expense), Net
    
We had total other expenseincome for the fiscal year ended October 31, 20182021 of $489,008$1,430,335 compared to total other expense of $489,758$256,127 for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017.2020. Our other expenseincome for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018,2021, consisted primarily of interest expense which was offset in part by income from investments.gain on extinguishment of debt related to the forgiveness of the PPP loan and the resale of natural gas.


Changes in Financial Condition for the Fiscal Years Ended October 31, 20192022 and 20182021


The following table highlights the changes in our financial condition for the fiscal year ended October 31, 20192022 from our previous fiscal year ended October 31, 2018:2021:


October 31, 2019 October 31, 2018October 31, 2022October 31, 2021
Current Assets$12,604,430
 $10,850,002
Current Assets$54,690,546 $31,173,692 
Current Liabilities10,794,082
 8,026,683
Current Liabilities21,872,751 21,322,079 
Long-Term Liabilities7,244,124
 7,222,371
Long-Term Liabilities1,022,030 1,803,610 
    
Current Assets. The increase in current assets was primarily the result of increases in cash and cash equivalents and inventories at October 31, 20192022, as compared to October 31, 2021. This was partially offset by a decrease in accounts receivable.
Current Liabilities. The increase in current liabilities was primarily the result of increases in accounts receivable and cash and cash equivalents. These increases were partially offset by decreases in inventories and derivative instruments.
Current Liabilities. The increase in current liabilitiespayable at October 31, 2019 was primarily the result of increases in accounts payable.

Long-Term Liabilities. Long-term debt increased at October 31, 2019,2022, as as compared to October 31, 2018,2021. This was partially offset by a decreases in current maturities of long-term due to our having no borrowings at October 31, 2022.

Long-Term Liabilities. Long-term debt decreased at October 31, 2022, as compared to October 31, 2021, primarily due to increased borrowings on ourthe 2020 Term Revolving Loan.Loan being paid off in December, 2021.



Liquidity and Capital Resources


Our primary sources of liquidity are our Term Revolving Loan and cash generated from operations. Based on financial forecasts performedprepared by our management, we anticipate that we will have sufficient cash on hand, cash from our current credit facilities, and cash from our operations to continue to operate the ethanol plant at capacity for the next 12 months. We do not currently anticipate seeking additional equity or debt financing in the near term.term in order to fund operations. However, high corn prices significantly increase our cost of goods sold. If increases in cost of goods sold are not offset by corresponding increases in the prices we receive from the sale of our products, these increases in cost of goods sold can have a significant negative impact on our financial performance. If we experience unfavorable operatingif market conditions in the ethanol industry that prevent us from profitably operating the ethanol plant,worsen, we could have difficulty maintaining our liquidity and we may have to secure additional debt or equity financing for working capital or other purposes. We do not currently anticipate that we will need to secure additional capital resources for any other significant purchasesrely on our revolving lines of property and equipment in the next 12 months.credit or seek increases.


The following table shows cash flows for the fiscal years ended October 31, 20192022 and 2018:2021:

October 31, 2022October 31, 2021
Net cash provided by operating activities$45,466,441 $22,409,864 
Net cash used in investing activities(1,360,170)(6,827,516)
Net cash used in financing activities(21,865,021)(8,700,657)

 October 31, 2019 October 31, 2018
    
Net cash provided by operating activities$2,957,651
 $4,393,981
Net cash used in investing activities(1,709,039) (2,274,830)
Net cash used in financing activities(40,200) (2,426,658)

Cash Flow From Operations


We experienced a decrease in ourhad more cash provided by operating activitiesfrom operations for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019,2022, as compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018. This decrease was primarily2021 due to an increase in our net lossincome and changes in accounts receivables and accounts payable during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019.2022.


Cash Flow From Investing Activities


We used less cash for investing activities during the fiscal year ended October 31, 20192022, as compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018.2021. This change was primarily due to a decrease in capital expenditures duringdue to the fiscal year endedcompletion of our high purity alcohol system installation in October, 31, 2019.2021.


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Cash Flow From Financing Activities


We used lessmore cash forin financing activities during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019,2022, as compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018. This decrease was2021. Our cash used in financing activities resulted primarily a result of increased borrowings on long-term debt and a decrease in the amount we paid towards the principal balance on our loan and decreasedfrom member distributions to members during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019,2022, as compared to net proceeds from long-term debt during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018.2021.


The following table shows cash flows for the fiscal years ended October 31, 20182021 and 2017:2020:


October 31, 2021October 31, 2020
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities$22,409,864 $(247,864)
Net cash used in investing activities(6,827,516)(3,275,201)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(8,700,657)2,551,268 
 October 31, 2018 October 31, 2017
    
Net cash provided by operating activities$4,393,981
 $12,450,713
Net cash used in investing activities(2,274,830) (5,119,398)
Net cash used in financing activities(2,426,658) (8,722,906)


Cash Flow From Operations


We experienced a decrease in our cash provided by (used in) operating activities for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018,2021, as compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017.2020. This decrease was primarily due to a decreasechanges in our net incomeaccounts receivables, inventories and accrued expense during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018.2021.



Cash Flow From Investing Activities


We used lessmore cash for investing activities during the fiscal year ended October 31, 20182021, as compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017.2020. This change was primarily due to a decreasean increase in capital expenditures during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018.2021.


Cash Flow From Financing Activities


We used lessexperienced an increase in our cash for financing activities during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018,2021, as compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017.2020. This decreaseincrease was primarily a result of increased net borrowings on long-term debt a decrease in the amount we paid towards the principal balance on our loan and decreased member unit repurchases during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2018,2021, as compared to the fiscal year ended October 31, 2017.2020.
    
Short-Term and Long-Term Debt Sources
    
On January 22, 2016, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement    Our loan facility with Compeer Financial f/k/a AgStar Financial Services, PCA ("Compeer"). In connection therewith, as of the same date, we executed includes a Second Amended and Restated Term Notes, Second Amended and Restated$20,000,000 Term Revolving Notes, an Amended and Restated Security AgreementLoan and a Second AmendedRevolving Line of Credit Loan. On February 8, 2022, we amended the loan facility to modify the interest rates for the Term Revolving Loan and Restated Mortgage, Security Agreement, Assignmentthe Revolving Line of LeasesCredit, effective March 1, 2022, and Fixture Financing Statement. The Second Amended and Restatedextend the Revolving Line of Credit Agreement decreased the Variable Rate Term Loan to $15,000,000, increasedJanuary 22, 2023. On August 8, 2022, we amended the loan facility to extend the maturity date of the Term Revolving Loan to $15,000,000 and eliminatedNovember 1, 2027. The amendment also extends the maturity date of the Revolving Line of Credit. Effective April 20, 2018, we executed a First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with Compeer which increased the availability under the Term Revolving Loan to $20,000,000.November 1, 2023 and provides that the maturity date may be extended for up to four additional one year terms upon written request which will be deemed automatically granted by Compeer upon written certification that there is no event of default. In connection therewith,addition, as ofexplained in more detail below, the same date, we executed a Third Amendedamendment amends certain financial covenants that restrict distributions and Restated Term Revolving Noteworking capital requirements and a Third Amended and Restated Mortgage, Security Agreement, Assignment of Leases and Fixture Financing Statement. Subsequent to our fiscal year end, on December 17, 2019, Compeer waived our violation at October 31, 2019, ofeliminates the minimum debt service coverage ratio set forth inrequirement.

Our loan facility with Compeer is secured by substantially all business assets and also subjects the Second AmendedCompany to various financial and Restated Credit Agreement.non-financial covenants.


Variable Rate Term Loan
The Variable Rate Term Loan is for $15,000,000 with a variable interest rate based on the 30-day LIBOR rate plus 325 basis points with no minimum interest rate. The applicable interest rate at October 31, 2019 was 5.30%. Monthly principal payments are due on the Term Loan of approximately $250,000 plus accrued interest. Payments are based upon a five year amortization. Payments of all amounts outstanding are due on January 22, 2021. The outstanding balance on this note was $3,500,000 at October 31, 2019. We may convert the Term Loan to a fixed rate loan, subject to certain conditions as described in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and with the consent of Compeer.

Term Revolving Loan


The Term Revolving Loan is for up to $20,000,000 with a variable interest rate that is based on the 30-day LIBOR rateWall Street Journal's Prime Rate plus 32510 basis points with noa minimum interest rate.rate of 2.10%. The applicable interest rate at October 31, 20192022 was 5.30%5.60%. The Term Revolving Loan may be advanced, repaid and re-borrowed during the term. Monthly interest payments are due on the Term Revolving Loan with payment of all amounts outstanding due on January 22, 2023.November 1, 2027. The outstanding balance on this note was $6,499,000$0 at October 31, 2019.2022. We pay interest at a rate of 1.50% on amounts outstanding for letters of credit which also reduce the amount available under the Term Revolving Loan. We had no letters of credit outstanding at October 31, 2022. We are also required to pay unused commitment fees for the Term Revolving Loan.
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Revolving Line of Credit Loan

The Revolving Line of Credit Loan as defined inis for an amount equal to the Second Amendedborrowing base, with a maximum limit of $10,000,000 with a variable interest rate based on the Wall Street Journal's Prime Rate plus 10 basis points with a minimum interest rate of 2.10%. The amount available to borrow per the borrowing base calculations at October 31, 2022 was approximately $0. The applicable interest rate at October 31, 2022 was 5.60%. The Revolving Line of Credit Loan may be advanced, repaid and Restatedre-borrowed during the term. Monthly interest payments are due on the Revolving Line of Credit Agreement.Loan with payment of all amounts outstanding due on November 1, 2023. The outstanding balance on this note was $0 at October 31, 2022. We are also required to pay unused commitment fees for the Revolving Line of Credit Loan.


Covenants and otherOther Miscellaneous Financing Agreement Terms
    
The loan facility with Compeer is secured by substantially all business assets. We executed a mortgage in favor of Compeer creating a first lien on our real estate and plant and a security interest in all personal property located on the premises and assigned in favor of Compeer, all rents and leases to our property, our marketing contracts, our risk management services contract, and our natural gas, electricity, water service and grain procurement agreements.


We are also subject to various financial and non-financial covenants that limit distributions and new debt and require minimum debt service coverage tangible net worth, and working capital requirements. Our debt service coverage ratio is to be no less than 1.25:1.00 measured annually by comparing our adjusted EBITDA to our scheduled payments of principal and interest. Our minimum working capital is $8,250,000, which is calculated as current assets plus the amount available for drawing under our Term Revolving Loan and undrawn amounts on outstanding letters of credit, less current liabilities, and is measured quarterly.


We are limited to annual capital expenditures of $5,000,000 without prior approval, incurring additional debt over certain amounts without prior approval, and making additional investments as described in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement without prior approval.approval of Compeer. We are required to maintain a minimum working capital requirement of $9,000,000, which is calculated as current assets plus the amount available for drawing under the Term Revolving Loan and undrawn amounts on outstanding letters of credit, less current liabilities, and is measured quarterly. We are allowed to make cash distributions to members as frequently as monthly in an amount equal to 75% of net income if working capital is greater than or equal to $8,250,000, or 100% of net income if working capital is greater than or equal to $11,000,000,$9,000,000, or an unlimited amount if working capital is greater than or equal to $11,000,000 and there is$12,000,000. We are no outstanding balance on the Term Loan.longer required to maintain a minimum debt service coverage ratio.


Presently, we are meeting our liquidity needs and complying with our financial covenants and the other terms of our loan agreements with Compeer except as to our violation, at October 31, 2019, of the minimum debt service coverage ratio requirement of 1.25:1.00 which was waived by Compeer on December 17, 2019.agreements. We will continue to work with Compeer to try to ensure that the terms of our loan agreements are met going forward. However, we cannot provide any assurance that our actions will result in sustained profitable operations or that we will not be in violation of our loan covenants or in default on our principal payments in the future. Should unfavorable market conditions result in our violation of the terms or covenants of our loan and we fail to obtain a waiver of any such term or covenant, Compeer could deem us in default of our loans and require us to immediately repay a significant portion or possibly the entire outstanding balance of our loans. In the event of a default, Compeer could also elect to proceed with a foreclosure action on our plant.


Contractual Cash Obligations


In addition to our long-term debt obligations, we have certain other contractual cash obligations and commitments. The following tables provide information regarding our contractual obligations and approximate commitments as of October 31, 2019:2022:

Payment Due By Period
TotalLess than One YearOne to Three YearsThree to Five YearsAfter Five Years
Long-Term Debt Obligations$— $— $— $— $— 
Operating Lease Obligations280,800 168,480 112,320 — — 
Finance Lease Obligations1,251,600 178,800 357,600 357,600 357,600 
Purchase Obligations24,293,569 17,843,094 6,450,475 — — 
Total Contractual Obligations$25,825,969 $18,190,374 $6,920,395 $357,600 $357,600 
 Payment Due by Period
 TotalLess than One YearOne to Three YearsThree to Five YearsAfter Five Years
Long-Term Debt Obligations$9,999,000
$2,750,000
$750,000
$6,499,000

Operating Lease Obligations786,240
168,480
336,960
280,800

Purchase Obligations8,510,005
5,753,360
2,756,645


Total Contractual Obligations$19,295,245
$8,671,840
$3,843,605
$6,779,800
$


Critical Accounting Estimates


Management uses various estimates and assumptions in preparing our financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and expenses. Accounting estimates that are the most important to the presentation of our results of operations and financial condition, and which require the greatest use of
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judgment by management, are designated as our critical accounting estimates. We have the following critical accounting estimates:


Long-Lived Assets
         
We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable.  Impairment testing for assets requires various estimates and assumptions, including an allocation of cash flows to those assets and, if required, an estimate of the fair value of those assets.  Our estimates are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. These valuations require the use of management's assumptions, which do not reflect unanticipated events and circumstances that may occur.  Given the significant assumptions required and the possibility that actual conditions will differ, we consider the assessment of carrying value of property and equipment to be a critical accounting estimate.


Inventory Valuation


We value our inventory at lower of cost or net realizable value. Our estimates are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. These valuations require the use of management's assumptions which do not reflect unanticipated events and circumstances that may occur. In our analysis, we consider corn costs and ethanol prices, break-even points for our plant and our risk management strategies in place through our derivative instruments. Given the significant assumptions required and the possibility that actual conditions will differ, we consider the valuation of the lower of cost or net realizable value on inventory to be a critical accounting estimate.



Derivatives


We are exposed to market risks from changes in interest rates, corn, natural gas, and ethanol prices. We may seek to minimize these commodity price fluctuation risks through the use of derivative instruments. In the event we utilize derivative instruments, we will attempt to link these instruments to financing plans, sales plans, market developments, and pricing activities. Such instruments in and of themselves can result in additional costs due to unexpected directional price movements.

We have entered into ethanol, corn and natural gas derivatives in order to protect cash flows from fluctuations caused by volatility in commodity prices. In practice, as markets move, we actively attempt to manage our risk and adjust hedging strategies as appropriate. We do not use hedge accounting which would match the gain or loss on our hedge positions to the specific commodity contracts being hedged. Instead, we use fair value accounting for our hedge positions, which means that as the current market price of our hedge position changes, the gains and losses are immediately recognized in our coststatement of goods sold.operations. The immediate recognition of hedging gains and losses under fair value accounting can cause net income (loss) to be volatile from quarter to quarter due to the timing of the change in value of the derivative instruments relative to the cost and use of the commodity being hedged.


As of October 31, 2019,2022, the fair values of our commodity-based derivative instruments are a net liability of $651,818.approximately $1,102,000. As the prices of the hedged commodity moves in reaction to market trends and information, our statement of operations will be affected depending on the impact such market movements have on the value of our derivative instruments. Depending on market movements, crop prospects and weather, these price protection positions may cause immediate adverse effects, but are expected to protect the Company over the term of the contracts for the hedged amounts.


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK


We are exposed to the impact of market fluctuations associated with interest rates and commodity prices as discussed below. We have no exposure to foreign currency risk as all of our business is conducted in U.S. Dollars. We use derivative financial instruments as part of an overall strategy to manage market risk. We may use cash, futures and option contracts to hedge changes to the commodity prices of corn and natural gas. 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.



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Interest Rate Risk


We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates. Exposure to interest rate risk results primarily from our Variable Rate Term Revolving Loan and our Term Revolving Line of Credit Loan, each bearing a variable interest rate.  As of October 31, 2019,2022, interest accrues on these loans at a variable interest rate based on the Wall Street Journal's Prime Rate plus 10 basis points with a minimum interest rate of 2.10% and the applicable interest rate was 5.60%. As of October 31, 2022, we had $3,500,000 outstanding on the Variable Term Loan and $6,499,000$0 outstanding on the Term Revolving Loan. Interest will accrue at the 30-day LIBOR rate plus 325 basis points. The applicable interest rate on these loans at October 31, 2019 was 5.30%. If we were to experience a 10% adverse change in LIBOR, the annual effect such change would have on our statement of operations, basedLoan and $0 outstanding on the amount we had outstanding on our Term Loan and Term Revolving Loan at October 31, 2019, would be approximately $53,000.

Line of Credit Loan. The specifics of each note are discussed in greater detail in “Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources.”


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, distillers grains and corn oil. We may seek to minimize the risks from fluctuations in the prices of raw material inputs through the use of corn commodity-based and natural gas derivatives. These derivatives are not designated as effective hedges for accounting 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. Corn and natural gas derivative changes in fair market value are included in costs of goods sold.



In the ordinary course of business, we enter into forward contracts for our commodity purchases. At October 31, 2019,2022, we have approximately 190,0003,502,000 bushels of forward fixed basis corn contracts and 453,0001,918,000 bushels of forward fixed price corn contracts valued at approximately $1,725,000.$12,558,000. These purchase contracts are for various delivery periods through July 2021.December 2025. At October 31, 2019,2022, we have approximately 2,968,0003,396,000 MMBTUs of forward natural gas fixed price purchase contracts valued at approximately $7,497,000$11,167,000 for delivery periods through March 2021.October 2024. In addition, at October 31, 2019,2022, we have approximately 101,000296,000 gallons of forward fixed price denaturant purchase contracts valued at approximately $137,000$568,000 for delivery periods through December 2019.2022.


In the ordinary course of business, we enter into forward contracts for our commodity sales. At October 31, 20192022 we have no forward fixed price ethanol sales contracts. At October 31, 2019,2022, we have approximately 8,80010,200 tons of forward fixed price dried distillers grains sales contracts valued at approximately $1,177,000$2,362,000 for delivery periods through January 2020.March 2023. At October 31, 2019,2022, we have approximately 29,6004,600 tons of forward fixed price modified distillers grains sales contracts valued at approximately $2,226,000$566,000 for delivery periods through July 2020.April 2023. In addition, at October 31, 2019,2022, we have approximately 1,056,0002,952,000 pounds of forward fixed price corn oil sales contracts valued at approximately $248,000$2,260,000 for delivery periods through November 2019.December 2022.
We recorded lossesgains due to changes in the fair value of our outstanding corn derivative positions for the fiscal yearsyear ended October 31, 2019 and 20182022 of approximately $835,000 and $149,000, respectively.$1,018,000. We recorded gains due to changes in the fair value of our outstanding corn derivative future positions for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021 of approximately $353,000. For the fiscal yearsyear ended October 31, 2019 and 2018,2022, we recorded lossesgains due to changes in the fair value of our outstanding ethanol derivative future positions of approximately $240,000 and $81,000, respectively.$79,000. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, we recorded gains due to changes in the fair value of our outstanding ethanol derivative future positions of approximately $1,000. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 2019 and 2018,2022, we recorded losses due to the change in fair value of our outstanding natural gas derivative future positions of approximately $77,000. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, we recorded gains due to the change in fair value of our outstanding natural gas derivative future positions of approximately $22,000 and $38,000, respectively.$24,000.


As commodity 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. Depending on market movements, crop prospects and weather, these price protection positions may cause immediate adverse effects, but are expected to produce long-term positive growth for us.


A sensitivity analysis has been prepared to estimate our exposure to ethanol, distillers grains, corn and natural gas price risk. Market risk related to these factors 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 prices and average ethanol and distillers grains prices as of October 31, 20192022 net of the forward and future contracts used to hedge our market risk for corn and natural gas usage requirements. The volumes are based on our expected use and sale of these commodities for a one year period from October 31, 2019. 2022.


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The results of this analysis, which may differ from actual results, are approximately as follows:
Estimated Volume Requirements for the next 12 months (net of forward and futures contracts)Unit of MeasureHypothetical Adverse Change in Price as of
10/31/2022
Approximate Adverse Change to Income
Natural Gas38,000 MMBTU10 %$24,000 
Ethanol69,000,000 Gallons10 %$16,146,000 
Corn21,083,000 Bushels10 %$14,442,000 
DDGs110,000 Tons10 %$2,684,000 
 Estimated Volume Requirements for the next 12 months (net of forward and futures contracts)Unit of Measure
Hypothetical Adverse Change in Price as of
10/31/19
Approximate Adverse Change to Income
Natural Gas1,591,950
MMBTU10% $543,000
Ethanol66,056,000
Gallons10% $8,257,000
Corn22,621,918
Bushels10% $7,488,000
DDGs131,207
Tons10% $1,728,000

For comparison purposes, the results of our sensitivity analysis for October 31, 2018,2021, were as follows:
Estimated Volume Requirements for the next 12 months (net of forward and futures contracts)Unit of MeasureHypothetical Adverse Change in Price as of
10/31/2021
Approximate Adverse Change to Income
Natural Gas33,000 MMBTU10 %$18,000 
Ethanol66,000,000 Gallons10 %$16,104,000 
Corn20,890,000 Bushels10 %$11,824,000 
DDGs108,000 Tons10 %$2,041,000 



33


 Estimated Volume Requirements for the next 12 months (net of forward and futures contracts)Unit of Measure
Hypothetical Adverse Change in Price as of
10/31/18
Approximate Adverse Change to Income
Natural Gas1,443,173
MMBTU10% $470,000
Ethanol59,500,000
Gallons10% $6,783,000
Corn20,517,241
Bushels10% $6,689,000
DDGs139,415
Tons10% $1,812,000





ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA






REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM




highwater-20221031_g2.jpg



To the Members and the Board of Governors of Highwater Ethanol, LLC


Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Highwater Ethanol, LLC (the Company) as of October 31, 20192022 and 2018,2021, the related statements of operations, changes in members’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2019,2022, and the related notes to the financial statements (collectively, the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of October 31, 20192022 and 2018,2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2019,2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company'sCompany’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.


Critical Audit Matters
Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective or complex judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.

/s/ RSM US LLP


We have served as the Company'sCompany’s auditor since 2013.


Sioux Falls, South Dakota
January 23, 202019, 2023





34


Table of Contents

HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC
Balance Sheets
 ASSETSOctober 31, 2022October 31, 2021
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents$29,790,258 $7,549,008 
Derivative instruments743,514 368,269 
Accounts receivable3,970,064 7,788,574 
Inventories19,197,522 14,748,142 
Prepaids and other989,188 719,699 
Total current assets54,690,546 31,173,692 
Property and Equipment
Land and land improvements13,152,403 12,836,332 
Buildings38,848,218 38,848,218 
Office equipment1,223,869 1,171,866 
Plant and process equipment87,235,438 86,425,155 
Vehicles123,779 123,779 
Construction in progress426,294 193,244 
141,010,001 139,598,594 
Less accumulated depreciation(100,585,625)(90,919,014)
Net property and equipment40,424,376 48,679,580 
Other Assets
Investments3,823,638 3,452,027 
Right of use asset - operating leases267,731 417,001 
Right of use asset - finance leases961,057 1,098,351 
Other708,232 1,208,232 
Deposits312,269 312,269 
Total other assets6,072,927 6,487,880 
Total Assets$101,187,849 $86,341,152 

35

Table of Contents

 ASSETS October 31, 2019 October 31, 2018

 
 
Current Assets 
 
Cash and cash equivalents $1,639,114
 $430,702
Derivative instruments 469,740
 942,885
Accounts receivable 2,961,977
 1,316,129
Inventories 7,367,356
 8,068,691
Prepaids and other 166,243
 91,595
Total current assets 12,604,430
 10,850,002

 
 
Property and Equipment 
 
Land and land improvements 12,836,332
 12,647,512
Buildings 38,818,532
 38,818,532
Office equipment 1,151,330
 1,151,330
Plant and process equipment 78,050,785
 76,467,906
Vehicles 123,779
 74,094
Construction in progress 278,333
 445,455

 131,259,091
 129,604,829
Less accumulated depreciation (72,784,587) (63,874,604)
Net property and equipment 58,474,504
 65,730,225

 
 
Other Assets 
 
Investments 2,752,266
 2,775,257
Deposits 191,457
 191,457
Total other assets 2,943,723
 2,966,714

 
 
Total Assets $74,022,657
 $79,546,941
     

LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY October 31, 2019 October 31, 2018LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITYOctober 31, 2022October 31, 2021

 
 
Current Liabilities 
 
Current Liabilities
Accounts payable $6,908,305
 $4,149,907
Accounts payable$20,068,351 $16,790,834 
Accrued expenses 1,156,038
 1,161,340
Accrued expenses1,521,820 1,272,463 
Current maturities of long-term debt 2,729,739
 2,715,436
Current maturities of long-term debt— 2,991,291 
Current portion of operating lease liabilityCurrent portion of operating lease liability157,691 149,271 
Current portion of finance lease liabilityCurrent portion of finance lease liability124,889 118,220 
Total current liabilities 10,794,082
 8,026,683
Total current liabilities21,872,751 21,322,079 

 
 
Long-Term Debt 7,244,124
 7,222,371
Long-Term LiabilitiesLong-Term Liabilities
Long term debtLong term debt— 499,000 
Operating lease liabilityOperating lease liability110,040 267,730 
Finance lease liabilityFinance lease liability911,990 1,036,880 
Total Long-Term LiabilitiesTotal Long-Term Liabilities1,022,030 1,803,610 

 
 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 11) 
 
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10)Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10)

 
 
Members' Equity 
 
Members' Equity
Members' equity, 4,807 and 4,812 units outstanding, respectively 55,984,451
 64,297,887
Members' equity, 4,764 and 4,782 units outstanding, respectivelyMembers' equity, 4,764 and 4,782 units outstanding, respectively78,293,068 63,215,463 
Total Liabilities and Members’ Equity $74,022,657
 $79,546,941
Total Liabilities and Members’ Equity$101,187,849 $86,341,152 
    
Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this Statement.


36

Table of Contents



HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC
Statements of Operations


Fiscal Year EndedFiscal Year EndedFiscal Year Ended
October 31, 2022October 31, 2021October 31, 2020
Revenues$221,373,253 $158,717,536 $97,256,146 
Cost of Goods Sold188,444,980 143,172,419 99,813,857 
Gross Profit (Loss)32,928,273 15,545,117 (2,557,711)
Operating Expenses3,988,371 3,234,524 3,552,328 
Operating Profit (Loss)28,939,902 12,310,593 (6,110,039)
Other Income (Expense)
Interest income51,714 4,763 3,301 
Other income4,336,119 1,015,720 288,518 
Interest expense(281,791)(516,338)(687,101)
Gain on debt extinguishment— 712,200 — 
Income from equity method investments279,461 213,990 139,155 
Total other income (expense), net4,385,503 1,430,335 (256,127)
Net Income (Loss)$33,325,405 $13,740,928 $(6,366,166)
Weighted Average Units Outstanding4,762 4,788 4,803 
Net Income (Loss) Per Unit, basic and diluted$6,998.20 $2,869.87 $(1,325.46)
Distributions Per Unit$3,800 $— $— 

Fiscal Year Ended Fiscal Year Ended Fiscal Year Ended

October 31, 2019 October 31, 2018 October 31, 2017


 
 
Revenues$97,249,109
 $94,943,746
 $100,225,143


 
 
Cost of Goods Sold101,759,731
 97,723,069
 93,476,303


 
 
Gross Profit (Loss)(4,510,622) (2,779,323) 6,748,840


 
 
Operating Expenses3,200,285
 2,891,093
 2,739,770


 
 
Operating Profit (Loss)(7,710,907) (5,670,416) 4,009,070


 
 
Other Income (Expense)
 
 
Interest income8,720
 3,173
 1,389
Other income181,172
 66,091
 111,945
Interest expense(872,491) (713,386) (700,493)
Income from equity method investments119,270
 155,114
 97,401
Total other expense, net(563,329) (489,008) (489,758)


 
 
Net Income (Loss)$(8,274,236) $(6,159,424) $3,519,312
   
 
Weighted Average Units Outstanding4,809
 4,814
 4,834
Net Income (Loss) Per Unit$(1,720.57) $(1,279.48) $728.03
Distributions Per Unit$
 $345
 $345

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

HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC
Statements of Changes in Members' Equity

Members' Equity
Balance - October 31, 201670,852,397
Net income3,519,312
Member distributions(1,687,740)
Member unit repurchase, 78.5 units(550,000)
Balance - October 31, 201772,133,969
Net loss(6,159,424)
Member distributions(1,660,658)
Member unit repurchase, 2 units(16,000)
Balance - October 31, 201864,297,887
Net loss(8,274,236)
Member unit repurchase, 5 units(39,200)
Balance - October 31, 201955,984,451


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

37



HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC
Statements of Cash Flows
Changes in Members' Equity

Fiscal Year Ended Fiscal Year Ended Fiscal Year Ended

October 31, 2019 October 31, 2018 October 31, 2017


 
  
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
  
Net income (loss)$(8,274,236) $(6,159,424) $3,519,312
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operations
 
  
Depreciation and amortization8,947,039
 8,649,702
 8,114,306
Distributions in excess of earnings from equity method investments272,049
 232,353
 244,183
Gain on sale of asset
 
 (11,793)
Non-cash patronage income(249,058) (365,854) (192,094)
Change in working capital components
 
  
Accounts receivable(1,645,848) 1,522,025
 1,301,533
Inventories701,335
 (687,985) (421,803)
Derivative instruments473,146
 (142,686) (259,913)
Prepaids and other(74,648) (1,462) (32,152)
Accounts payable2,813,174
 1,361,072
 28,171
Accrued expenses(5,302) (13,760) 160,963
Net cash provided by operating activities2,957,651
 4,393,981
 12,450,713


 
  
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
 
  
Capital expenditures(1,709,039) (2,274,830) (5,137,921)
Proceeds from sale of asset
 
 18,523
   Net cash used in investing activities(1,709,039) (2,274,830) (5,119,398)


 
  
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 
  
Payments on long-term debt(14,001,000) (3,250,000) (6,485,166)
Advances on long-term debt14,000,000
 2,500,000
 
Member unit repurchases(39,200) (16,000) (550,000)
Member distributions
 (1,660,658) (1,687,740)
Net cash used in financing activities(40,200) (2,426,658) (8,722,906)


 
  
Net Increase (decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents1,208,412
 (307,507) (1,391,591)


 
  
Cash and cash equivalents – Beginning of Period430,702
 738,209
 2,129,800


 
  
Cash and cash equivalents – End of Period$1,639,114
 $430,702
 $738,209
      
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
  
Cash paid for interest expense$761,920
 $568,345
 $585,348


 
  
Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Financing and Investing Activities
 
  
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable$13,214
 $67,990
 $44,216
Members' Equity
Balance - October 31, 201955,984,451 
Net loss(6,366,166)
Member unit repurchase, 9 units(55,000)
Balance - October 31, 202049,563,285 
Net income13,740,928 
Member unit repurchase, 16 units(88,750)
Balance - October 31, 2021$63,215,463 
Net income33,325,405 
Member Distributions(18,130,900)
Member unit repurchase, 18 units(116,900)
Balance - October 31, 2022$78,293,068 


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

38


HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC
Statements of Cash Flows
Fiscal Year EndedFiscal Year EndedFiscal Year Ended
October 31, 2022October 31, 2021October 31, 2020
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income (loss)$33,325,405 $13,740,928 $(6,366,166)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operations
Depreciation and amortization10,312,613 9,751,569 9,215,642 
Earnings in excess of distributions (distributions in excess of earnings) from equity method investments(177,460)(108,990)74,891 
Gain on debt extinguishment— (712,200)— 
Non-cash patronage income(194,151)(229,959)(435,703)
Change in working capital components
Accounts receivable3,818,510 (3,990,669)(835,928)
Inventories(4,449,380)(4,070,172)(3,310,614)
Derivative instruments(375,245)(107,872)209,343 
Prepaids and other(269,489)(320,938)(353,330)
Accounts payable3,226,281 8,233,490 1,662,253 
Accrued expenses249,357 224,677 (108,252)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities45,466,441 22,409,864 (247,864)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Capital expenditures(1,360,170)(6,827,516)(3,275,201)
   Net cash used in investing activities(1,360,170)(6,827,516)(3,275,201)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Payments on long-term debt(11,699,000)(45,500,000)(16,500,000)
Proceeds from long-term debt8,200,000 37,000,000 19,212,200 
Payments on finance lease liability(118,221)(111,907)(105,932)
Member unit repurchases(116,900)(88,750)(55,000)
Member distributions(18,130,900)— — 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities(21,865,021)(8,700,657)2,551,268 
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents22,241,250 6,881,691 (971,797)
Cash and cash equivalents – Beginning of Period7,549,008 667,317 1,639,114 
Cash and cash equivalents – End of Period$29,790,258 $7,549,008 $667,317 
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for interest expense$102,454 $478,473 $568,205 
Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Financing and Investing Activities
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable$51,238 $— $56,370 
Establishment of lease liability and right of use asset$— $— $2,064,994 

Notes to Financial Statements are an integral part of this Statement.
39

HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC
Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 20192022 and 2018
2021


1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES


Nature of Business


Highwater Ethanol, LLC, (a Minnesota Limited Liability Company) operates an ethanol plant near Lamberton, Minnesota. The ethanol plant was constructed as a 50 million gallon per year nameplate ethanol plant. The plant currently operates in Lamberton, Minnesota.excess of its nameplate capacity due to the approval of air permit by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency which allows for 70.2 million gallons of denatured ethanol per 12-month rolling average. The Company produces and sells, primarily through third-party professional marketers, fuel ethanol and co-products of the fuel ethanol production process in the continental United States.


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. The Company uses estimates and assumptions in accounting for significant matters, among others, the carrying value of property and equipment and related impairment testing, inventory valuation, and derivative instruments. Actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences may be material to the financial statements. The Company periodically reviews estimates and assumptions and the effects of revisions are reflected in the period in which the revision is made.


Revenue Recognition


Effective November 1, 2018, the Company adopted the new guidance required by ASU No. 2014-09 as issued by the FASB, using the modified retrospective approach. ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, further details the Company’s requirement to recognize revenue of transferred goods or services to customers in an amount which is expected to be received in exchange for those goods or services. Five steps wereare required as part of the new guidance: 1. Identify the contract 2. Identify the performance obligations 3. Determine the transaction price 4. Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligation 5. Recognize revenue when each performance obligation is satisfied. The adoption of this new guidance did not result in any material changes to our revenue recognition.
The Company generally sells ethanol and related products pursuant to marketing agreements. The Company’s products are shipped FOB shipping point. Upon adoption of ASC Topic 606, theThe Company recognizes revenue when control of goods is transferred, which is consistent with the Company's previous policy where revenues were recognized when the customer has taken titlecontrol and has assumed the risks and rewards of ownership, prices are fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. For ethanol sales by single manifest railcars and trucks, and distillers grains sales, control transfers when loaded into the rail carcar.Beginning December 15, 2020, for ethanol sales by unit trains, control transfers once the last railcar of the unit train has loaded and for distiller’s grains when the loaded rail cars leaveshipping documentation transferred to the plant facility.marketer.

In accordance with the Company’s agreements for the marketing and sale of ethanol and related products, marketing fees and freight due to the marketers are deducted from the gross sales price at the time incurred. Revenue is recorded net of these marketing fees and freight as they do not provide an identifiable benefit that is sufficiently separable from the sale of ethanol and related products.


The following is a description of principal activities from which we generate revenue. Revenues from contracts with customers are recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration that we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services.


ethanol sales
modified distillers grains sales
dried distillers grains sales
corn oil sales


Disaggregation of revenue:


All revenue recognized in the income statement is considered to be revenue from contracts with customers. The following table depicts the disaggregation of revenue according to product line for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2019,2022, 2021 and 2018:2020:
40

HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC
Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 20192022 and 20182021


Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2022Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2021Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2020
Revenue SourcesAmountAmountAmount
Ethanol Sales$172,742,300 $122,902,729 $75,161,967 
Modified Distillers Grains Sales8,979,383 4,899,649 4,163,426 
Dried Distillers Grains Sales24,712,352 21,090,325 14,123,366 
Corn Oil Sales14,939,218 9,824,833 3,807,387 
Total Revenues$221,373,253 $158,717,536 $97,256,146 

 Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2019 Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2018
Revenue SourcesAmount Amount
    
Ethanol Sales$75,541,437
 $72,664,310
Modified Distillers Grains Sales3,874,384
 3,323,857
Dried Distillers Grains Sales14,700,718
 15,641,622
Corn Oil Sales3,132,570
 3,313,957
Total Revenues$97,249,109
 $94,943,746

Contract assets and contract liabilities:

The following table provides information about receivables and contract liabilities from contracts with customers:
 October 31, 2019 October 31, 2018
    
Accounts receivable$2,643,352
 $1,061,970
Short term contract liabilities4,947
 


The Company receives payments from customers based upon contractual billing schedules; accounts receivable are recorded when the right to consideration becomes unconditional. Contract liabilities include payments received in advance of performance under the contract, and are realized with the associated revenue recognized under the contract.


The Company had no short term contract liabilities from contracts with customers at October 31, 2022 and October 31, 2021.

Shipping Costs


Shipping costs incurred by the Company in the sale of ethanol, dried distillers grains and corn oil are not specifically identifiable and as a result, revenue from the sale of those products is recorded based on the net selling price reported to the Company from the marketer.


Cash and Cash Equivalents


The Company maintains its accounts primarily at one financial institution. The cash balances regularly exceed amounts insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The Company has not experienced any historical losses related to their concentration.


Derivative Instruments


Derivatives are recognized in the balance sheets and the measurement of these instruments are at fair value. In order for a derivative to qualify as a hedge, specific criteria must be met and appropriate documentation maintained. Gains and losses from derivatives that do not qualify as hedges, or are undesignated, must be recognized immediately in earnings. If the derivative does qualify as a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative will be either offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through earnings or recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings.


Contracts are evaluated to determine whether the contracts are derivatives. Certain contracts that literally meet the definition of a derivative may be exempted as “normal purchases or normal sales”. Normal purchases and normal sales are contracts that provide for the purchase or sale of something other than a financial instrument or derivative instrument that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period in the normal course of business. Contracts that meet the requirements of normal purchases or sales are documented as normal and exempted from accounting as derivatives, therefore, are not marked to market in our financial statements.

HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC
Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2019 and 2018


The Company entered into ethanol, corn commodity-based and natural gas derivatives in order to protect cash flows from fluctuations caused by volatility in prices. These derivatives are not designated as effective hedges for accounting 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 changes in fair market value are included in revenue. Corn and natural gas derivative changes in fair market value are included in costs of goods sold.

41

HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC
Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2022 and 2021

Accounts Receivable


Credit terms are extended to customers in the normal course of business. The Company routinely monitors accounts receivable and customer balances are generally kept current at 30 days or less. The Company generally requires no collateral.


Accounts receivable are recorded at their estimated net realizable value. Accounts are considered past due if payment is not made on a timely basis in accordance with the Company’s credit terms. Accounts considered uncollectible are written off. The Company’s estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts is based on historical experience, its evaluation of the current status of receivables, and unusual circumstances, if any. At October 31, 20192022 and 2018,2021, the Company has determined that amounts are collectible and an allowance was not considered necessary.


Inventories


Inventories consist of raw materials, spare parts and supplies, work in process and finished goods. Raw materials and spare parts and supplies are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value. Work in process and finished goods are stated at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.


Property and Equipment


Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is provided over an estimated useful life by use of the straight line method. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred; major improvements and betterments are capitalized.
Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
Minimum YearsMaximum Years
Land improvements1520
Buildings1020
Office equipment55
Plant and process equipment720
Vehicles77
 Minimum YearsMaximum Years
Land improvements1520
Buildings1020
Office equipment55
Plant and process equipment1020
Vehicles77


Carrying Value of Long-Lived Assets


Long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset group be tested for possible impairment, the Company first compares undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by an asset group to the carrying value of the asset group. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset group is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third-party independent appraisals, as considered necessary.


In accordance with the Company’s policy for evaluating impairment of long-lived assets described above, when a triggering event occurs management evaluates the recoverability of the facilities based on projected future cash flows from operations over the facilities’ estimated useful lives. In determining the projected future undiscounted cash flows, the Company makes significant assumptions concerning the future viability of the ethanol industry, the future price of corn in relation to the future price of ethanol and the overall demand in relation to production and supply capacity. The Company identified a triggering event during the year ended October 31, 2020 and performed an impairment test. The Company's analysis concluded there was no impairment. The Company has not recorded any impairment as of October 31, 20192022 and 2018.2021.



42

HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC
Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 20192022 and 2018
2021


Fair Value of Financial Instruments


The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable, and other working capital items approximate fair value at October 31, 20192022 and 20182021 due to the short maturity nature of these instruments (Level 2).


Commodities contractsDerivative instruments are carried at fair value, based on dealer quotes and live trading levels (Note 5).


The Company believes the carrying amount of the long-term debt approximates fair value due to a significant portion of total indebtedness containing variable interest rates and this rate is a market interest rate for these borrowings (Level 2).


Equity Method Investments


The Company has a 5.55%5.26% investment interest in an unlisted company, Renewable Fuels Marketing Group, LLC (RPMG), which markets the Company’s ethanol. The Company also has a 7% ownership interest in Lawrenceville Tank, LLC (LT), which owns and operates a trans load/tank facility near Atlanta, Georgia. These investments are flow-through entities and are being accounted for by the equity method of accounting under which the Company’s share of net income is recognized as income in the Company’s statements of operations and added to the investment account. Distributions or dividends received from the investments are treated as a reduction of the investment account. The Company consistently follows the practice of recognizing the net income (loss) from equity method investments based on a one month lag. the most recent reliable data.Therefore, the net income related to RPMG and LT(loss) which is reported in the Company’s statements of operations for the years ended October 31, 2019, 20182022, 2021 and 20172020 is based on theirthe investee's results of operations for the twelve month periods ended September 30, 2019, 20182022, 2021 and 2017.2020, respectively.


The Company has cost method of investments in cooperatives. The corresponding patronage income is recorded in cost of goods sold.

Net Income (Loss) per Unit


Basic net income (loss)loss per unit is computed by dividing net income (loss)loss by the weighted average number of members’ units outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss)loss per unit is computed by dividing net income (loss)loss by the weighted average number of members’ units and members’ unit equivalents outstanding during the period. There were no member unit equivalents outstanding during the periods presented; accordingly, for all periods presented, the Company’s basic and diluted net income (loss)loss per unit are the same.


Income Taxes


The Company is treated as a partnership for federal and state income tax purposes and generally does not incur income taxes. Instead, their income or losses are included in the income tax returns of the members. Accordingly, no provision or liability for federal or state income taxes has been included in these financial statements.


The Company recognizes and measures tax benefits when realization of the benefits is uncertain under a two-step approach. The first step is to determine whether the benefit meets the more-likely-than-not condition for recognition and the second step is to determine the amount to be recognized based on the cumulative probability that exceeds 50%. The Company has not recognized any liability for unrecognized tax benefits and has not identified any uncertain tax positions.


The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal and Minnesota state jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state income tax examinations by tax authorities beyond three years.years for jurisdictions in which it files.


Railcar Damages Accrual


In accordance with the railcar lease agreements, the Company is required to pay for damages considered to be in excess of normal wear and tear at the termination of the lease. The Company accrues the estimated cost for railcar damages over the term of the lease.



43

HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC
Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2022 and 2021

Environmental Liabilities


The Company’s operations are subject to environmental laws and regulations adopted by various governmental entities in the jurisdiction in which it operates. These laws require the Company to investigate and remediate the effects of the release or disposal of materials at its location. Accordingly, the Company has adopted policies, practices, and procedures in the areas of pollution
HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC
Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2019 and 2018

control, occupational health, and the production, handling, storage, and use of hazardous materials to prevent material environmental or other damage, and to limit the financial liability, which could result from such events. Environmental liabilities are recorded when the liability is probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated.


Segment Reporting


Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker or decision making group in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company has determined that it has one reportable business segment, the manufacturemanufacturing and marketing of fuel-grade ethanol and the co-products of the ethanol production process. The Company's chief operating decision maker reviews financial information of the Company as a whole for purposes of assessing financial performance and making operating decisions. Accordingly, the Company considers itself to be operating in a single industry segment.


Recent Accounting PronouncementsGrants


In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This ASU requires lessees to recognize a lease liability and a right-to-use asset for all leases, including operating leases, with a term greater than twelve months on its balance sheet. This ASU is effective in annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and requires a modified retrospective transition method. The Company has evaluatedreceived an award from the impact that this new guidance will have on the Financial Statements. As a result, the Company will recognize right-of-use assetsUnited States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Biofuel Producer Program of approximately $2,100,000$4,100,000. The Biofuel Producer Program was created as part of November 1, 2019 using the modified cumulative-effect adjustment transition method.Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act. The USDA announced that the funds were made available to provide economic relief to biofuels producers who faced unexpected market losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and support a significant market for agricultural producers who supply products used in biofuel production. The award was recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2022 in other income.


2. UNCERTAINTIES


The Company derives substantially all of its revenues from the sale of ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil. These products are commodities and the market prices for these products display substantial volatility and are subject to a number of factors which are beyond the control of the Company. The Company’s most significant manufacturing inputs are corn and natural gas. The price of these commodities is also subject to substantial volatility and uncontrollable market factors. In addition, these input costs do not necessarily fluctuate with the market prices for ethanol and distillers grains. As a result, the Company is subject to significant risk that its operating margins can be reduced or eliminated due to the relative movements in the market prices of its products and major manufacturing inputs. As a result, market fluctuations in the price of or demand for these commodities can have a significant adverse effect on the Company’s operations, profitability, and availability of cash flows to make loan payments and maintain compliance with the loan agreement.


3. INVENTORIES


Inventories consisted of the following at:
October 31, 2022October 31, 2021
Raw materials$11,103,311 $8,471,843 
Spare parts and supplies4,800,511 4,093,108 
Work in process1,342,412 1,074,341 
Finished goods1,951,288 1,108,850 
 Total$19,197,522 $14,748,142 
  October 31, 2019 October 31, 2018
     
Raw materials $2,801,255
 $2,339,767
Spare parts and supplies 3,384,360
 3,118,195
Work in process 743,850
 752,454
Finished goods 437,891
 1,858,275
 Total $7,367,356
 $8,068,691


The Company recordeddid not record a lower of cost or net realizable value write-down on inventory of approximately $21,000 and $239,000 for the fiscal years ended October 31, 20192022 and 2018, respectively.2021.



44

HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC
Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2022 and 2021

4. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS


As of October 31, 2019, theThe Company had enteredenters into corn, ethanol and natural gas derivative instruments, which are required to be recorded as either assets or liabilities at fair value in the balance sheet. The Company uses these instruments to manage risks from changes in market rates and prices. Derivatives qualify for treatment as hedges when there is a high correlation between the change in fair value of the derivative instrument and the related change in value of the underlying hedged item. The Company
HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC
Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2019 and 2018

may designate the hedging instruments based upon the exposure being hedged as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge or a hedge against foreign currency exposure. The derivative instruments outstanding at October 31, 2019 are not designated as effective hedges for accounting purposes.


Commodity Contracts


Management expects all open positions outstanding as of October 31, 20192022 to be realized within the next twelve months.


The following tables provide details regarding the Company's derivative instruments at October 31:
          InstrumentBalance Sheet location
20222021
Corn, natural gas and ethanol contracts
In loss position(1,101,594)(915,027)
Deposits with broker1,845,108 1,283,296 
Derivative instruments$743,514 $368,269 
          InstrumentBalance Sheet location  
   20192018
   

Corn, natural gas and ethanol contracts    
In gain position  $124,069
$
In loss position  (775,887)(2,280,280)
Deposits with broker  1,121,558
3,223,165
 Current assets $469,740
$942,885


These contracts and related deposits are subject to a master netting arrangements and, therefore, are presented on a net basis on the balance sheet.

The following tables provide details regarding the gains (losses) from the Company's derivative instruments in the statements of operations, none of which are designated as hedging instruments:
 Statement of Year Ended October 31
 Operations location 202220212020
Ethanol contractsRevenues78,966 953 (622,585)
Corn contractsCost of goods sold1,017,973 352,596 (845,013)
Natural gas contractsCost of goods sold(76,890)24,428 11,240 
  Statement of Year Ended October 31
  Operations location 201920182017
Ethanol contracts Revenues (240,284)(81,032)568,715
Corn contracts Cost of goods sold (835,456)(149,323)1,751,018
Natural gas contracts Cost of goods sold 21,833
38,137
11,267


5. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS


Various inputs are considered when determining the value of financial instruments. The inputs or methodologies used for valuing financial instruments are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in these instruments. These inputs are summarized in the three broad levels listed below:


Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.


Level 2 inputs include the following:
Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities.
Quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar assets or liabilities.
Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability.
Inputs that are derived primarily from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities.
Quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar assets or liabilities.
Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability.
Inputs that are derived primarily from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

45

HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC
Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2022 and 2021

The following table provides information on those assets (liabilities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
  Fair Value as of Fair Value Measurement Using
  October 31, 2022 Level 1Level 2Level 3
Derivative instrument - commodities
In loss position$(1,101,594)$(45,075)$(1,056,519)$— 
  Fair Value as of Fair Value Measurement Using
  October 31, 2019 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Derivative instrument - commodities 

 

 

 

In gain position $124,069
 $4,538
 $119,531
 $
In loss position $(775,887) $(4,375) $(771,512) $

HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC
  Fair Value as of Fair Value Measurement Using
  October 31, 2021 Level 1Level 2Level 3
Derivative instrument - commodities
In loss position$(915,027)$(72,129)$(842,898)$— 
Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2019 and 2018

  Fair Value as of Fair Value Measurement Using
  October 31, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Derivative instrument - commodities 

 

 

 

In gain position $
 $
 $
 $
In loss position $(2,280,280) $(37,485) $(2,242,795) $


The Company determines the fair value of the commodities contracts by obtaining the fair value measurements from an independent pricing service based on dealer quotes and live trading levels from the Chicago Board of Trade.


6. INVESTMENT IN RPMG


The financial statements of RPMG are summarized as of and for the years ended September 30 as follows:
September 30, 2022September 30, 2021
Current assets$291,967,299 $279,168,444 
Other assets627,836 680,119 
Current liabilities252,599,209 248,510,431 
Long-term liabilities— — 
Members' equity40,013,410 31,365,670 
Revenue6,691,027,262 4,782,836,390 
Net income2,743,338 3,371,185 
 September 30, 2019September 30, 2018
   
Current assets$181,920,147
$165,666,359
Other assets876,852
1,068,488
Current liabilities152,492,824
135,448,249
Long-term liabilities14,000
31,000
Members' equity30,290,175
31,255,598
Revenue3,244,543,605
3,070,802,183
Net income1,677,577
2,099,285


7. DEBT FINANCING


Long-term debt consists of the following at:


October 31, 2022October 31, 2021
Term Revolving Loan— 499,000 
2020 Term Loan— 3,000,000 
Total— 3,499,000 
Less debt issuance costs— (8,709)
Less amounts due within one year— (2,991,291)
Net long-term debt$— $499,000 


46
 October 31, 2019 October 31, 2018
Variable Rate Term Loan (Compeer)$3,500,000
 $6,500,000
    
Term Revolving Loan (Compeer)6,499,000
 3,500,000
    
Total9,999,000
 10,000,000
    
Less debt issuance costs(25,137) (62,193)
    
Less amounts due within one year(2,729,739) (2,715,436)
    
Net long-term debt$7,244,124
 $7,222,371

Bank Financing
On January 22, 2016, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with Compeer, as administrative agent for several financial institutions which amended the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated September 22, 2014. The Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement decreased the Term Loan to $15,000,000, increased the Term Revolving Loan to $15,000,000 and eliminated the Revolving Line of Credit. Effective April 20, 2018, the Company executed a First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with Compeer which increased the availability under the Term Revolving Loan to $20,000,000.


HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC
Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 20192022 and 20182021


Variable Rate Term Loan

Bank Financing
The Variable RateCompany has a loan facility with Compeer Financial f/k/a AgStar Financial Services, PCA ("Compeer") that includes a $20,000,000 Term Revolving Loan isand a Revolving Line of Credit Loan. On February 8, 2022, the Company amended the loan facility to modify the interest rates for $15,000,000 with a variable interest rate based on the greaterTerm Revolving Loan and the the Revolving Line of Credit, effective March 1, 2022, and extend the Revolving Line of Credit Loan to January 22, 2023. On August 8, 2022, the Company amended the loan facility to extend the maturity date of the 30-day LIBOR rate plus 325 basis points with no minimum interest rate. The applicable interest rate at October 31, 2019 was 5.30%. Monthly principal payments are due on the Term Loan of approximately $250,000 plus accrued interest. Payments of all amounts outstanding are due on January 22, 2021. The outstanding balance on this note was $3,500,000 at October 31, 2019. The Company may convert the TermRevolving Loan to a fixed rateNovember 1, 2027. The amendment also extends the maturity date of the Revolving Line of Credit Loan to November 1, 2023 and provides that the maturity date may be extended for up to four additional one year terms upon written request of the Company which will be deemed automatically granted by Compeer upon written certification that there is no event of default. In addition, as explained in more detail below, the amendment amends certain financial covenants that restrict distributions and working capital requirements and eliminates the minimum debt service coverage requirement.
The loan subjectfacility with Compeer is secured by substantially all business assets and also subjects the Company to certain conditions as described in the Amendedvarious financial and Restated Credit Agreement and with the consent of Compeer.

non-financial covenants.
Term Revolving Loan


The Term Revolving Loan was for up to $15,000,000 with$20,000,000 and has a variable interest rate that is based on the 30-day LIBOR rateWall Street Journal's Prime Rate plus 32510 basis points with noa minimum interest rate.rate of 2.10%. The applicable interest rate at October 31, 20192022 was 5.30%5.60%. Effective April 20, 2018, the availability under the Term Revolving Loan was increased to $20,000,000. The Term Revolving Loan may be advanced, repaid and re-borrowed during the term. Monthly interest payments are due on the Term Revolving Loan. Payment of all amounts outstanding is due on January 22, 2023.November 1, 2027. The outstanding balance was $6,499,000$0 at October 31, 2019.2022. The Company pays interest at a rate of 1.50% on amounts outstanding for letters of credit which also reduce the amount available under the Term Revolving Loan. The Company had no letters of credit outstanding at October 31, 2022. The Company is also required to pay unused commitment fees for the Term Revolving Loan.

Revolving Line of Credit Loan

The Revolving Line of Credit Loan as defined inis for an amount equal to the Second Amendedborrowing base, with a maximum limit of $10,000,000, with a variable interest rate based on the Wall Street Journal's Prime Rate plus 10 basis points with a minimum interest rate of 2.10%. The amount available to borrow per the borrowing base calculations at October 31, 2022 was approximately $0. The applicable interest rate at October 31, 2022 was 5.60%. The Revolving Line of Credit Loan may be advanced, repaid and Restatedre-borrowed during the term. Monthly interest payments are due on the Revolving Line of Credit Agreement.Loan with payment of all amounts outstanding due on November 1, 2023. The outstanding balance on this note was $0 at October 31, 2022. The Company is also required to pay unused commitment fees for the Revolving Line of Credit Loan.


Debt Issuance Costs


Costs associated with the issuance of debt are recorded as debt issuance costs and are amortized over the term of the related debt by use of the effective interest method.


Covenants and other Miscellaneous Terms
    
The loan facility is secured by substantially all business assets. The Company executed a mortgage creating a first lien on its real estate and plant and a security interest in all personal property located on the premises and assigned all rents and leases to property, marketing contracts, risk management services contract, and natural gas, electricity, water service and grain procurement agreements.


The Company is also subject to various financial and non-financial covenants that limit distributions and debt and require minimum debt service coverage and working capital requirements. The debt service coverage ratio is no less than 1.25:1.00 and is measured annually by comparing adjusted EBITDA to scheduled payments of principal and interest. The minimum working capital is $8,250,000, which is calculated as current assets plus the amount available for drawing under our Term Revolving Loan, and undrawn amounts on outstanding letters of credit less current liabilities, and is measured quarterly.

The Company is limited to annual capital expenditures of $5,000,000 without prior approval, incurring additional debt over certain amounts without prior approval, and making additional investments as described in the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement without prior approval. The minimum working capital is $9,000,000, which is calculated as current assets plus the amount available for drawing under our Term Revolving Loan, and undrawn amounts on outstanding letters of credit less current liabilities, and is measured quarterly. The Company is allowed to make distributions to members as frequently as monthly in an amount equal to 75% of net income
47

HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC
Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2022 and 2021

if working capital is greater than or equal to $8,250,000,$9,000,000, or 100%or an unlimited amount of net income if working capital is greater than or equal to $11,000,000, or an unlimited amount if working capital is greater than or equal$12,000,000. The requirement to $11,000,000 and the outstanding balance on the Term Loan is $0. As of October 31, 2019, the Company violated themaintain a minimum debt service coverage ratio requirementhas been eliminated.

The Company believes that it will be in compliance with its financial covenants for at least the next 12 months.

8. LEASES

The Company leases rail cars for its facility to transport dried distillers grains to its end customers. We classified these identified assets as operating leases after assessing the terms of 1.25:1.00. Subsequentthe leases under lease classification guidance.

The Company has a contract for use of a natural gas pipeline which transports natural gas from the Northern Natural Gas pipeline to the fiscal year end,Company’s facility. This natural gas line has no alternate use and is specifically for the benefit of the Company. The contract has minimum volume requirements as well as a fixed monthly fee. This contract meets the definition of a lease and is classified as a finance lease. Right of use assets and lease liabilities are recognized based on December 17, 2019, Compeer waivedthe present value of lease payments over the lease term.

The discount rate used in determining the lease liability for each individual lease is the Company's violation, at October 31, 2019,estimated incremental borrowing rate. An incremental borrowing rate of 5.5% was utilized for each of the minimum debt services coverage ratio requirement of 1.25:1.00.Company's leases.


The estimatedCompany determines if an arrangement is a lease or contains a lease at inception. The Company’s operating and finance leases have remaining lease terms of approximately 2 years and 7 years, respectively. These leases include options to extend the lease. When it is reasonably certain the Company will exercise those options, the Company will update the remaining terms of the leases. The Company does not have lease arrangements with residual value guarantees, sale leaseback terms or material restrictive covenants.

The following tables summarizes the remaining maturities of the long-term debt atCompany's operating and financing lease liabilities as of October 31, 2019 are as follows:2022:

For the Period Ending October 31,Operating LeasesFinance Leases
2023$168,480 $178,800 
2024112,320 178,800 
2025— 178,800 
2026— 178,800 
2027— 178,800 
Thereafter357,600 
Totals280,800 1,251,600 
Amount representing interest(13,069)(214,720)
Lease liability$267,731 $1,036,880 

Lease CostOctober 31, 2022
Operating lease cost$168,480 
Short term lease cost68,942 
Finance lease cost
Amortization of leased assets137,292 
Interest on lease liabilities60,579 
Net lease cost$435,293 

48

HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC
Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 20192022 and 20182021



Fiscal YearPrincipal Debt Issuance Costs Total
2020$2,750,000
 $(20,261) $2,729,739
2021750,000
 (4,876) 745,124
2022
 
 
20236,499,000
 
 6,499,000
      
     Long-term debt$9,999,000
 $(25,137) $9,973,863

8. LEASES

The Company leases rail cars and equipment under operating leases. Rail car leases include additional payments for usage beyond specified levels. Total lease expense for the years ending October 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $276,151, $295,920 and $295,920, respectively.

Future minimum lease payments under operating leases are as follows at October 31, 2019:
  
2020168,480
2021168,480
2022168,480
2023168,480
2024112,320
     Total$786,240

9. MEMBERS' EQUITY


The Company has one class of membership units, and is authorized to issue up to 10,000 units, which include certain transfer restrictions as specified in the operating agreement and pursuant to applicable tax and securities law, with each unit representing a pro rata ownership in the Company’s capital, profits, losses and distributions. Income and losses are allocated to all members based upon their respective percentage of units held.


Unit Repurchases


During the first quarter of our fiscal year ended October 31, 2022, the Company repurchased 12 of its membership units at a price of $6,292 per unit for a total purchase price of $75,500. During the second quarter of our fiscal year ended October 31, 2019,2022, the Company repurchased 4 of its membership units at a price of $8,000$6,750 per unit for a total purchase price of $32,000.$27,000. During the fourththird quarter of our fiscal year ended October 31, 2019,2022, the Company repurchased 12 of its membership units at a price of $7,200 per unit for a total purchase price of $7,200. $14,400.

During the fourthfirst quarter of our fiscal year ended October 31, 2018,2021, the Company repurchased 6 of its membership units at a price of $5,500 per unit for a total purchase price of $33,000. During the second quarter of our fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Company repurchased 5 of its membership units at a price of $5,500 per unit for a total purchase price of $27,500. During the third quarter of our fiscal year ended October 31, 2021, the Company repurchased 2 of its membership units at a price of $8,000$5,500 per unit for a total purchase price of $16,000.

10. INCOME TAXES

The Company has adopted an$11,000. During the fourth quarter of our fiscal year ended October 31, fiscal year end, but has2021, the Company repurchased 3 of its membership units at a tax year endprice of December 31. The differences between financial statement basis and tax basis$5,750 per unit for a total purchase price of assets are estimated as follows:$17,250.
HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC
Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2019 and 2018

  October 31, 2019 October 31, 2018
     
Financial statement basis of total assets $74,022,657
 $79,546,941
     
Derivative instruments - commodities 651,819
 2,280,280
Organizational and start-up costs 1,255,034
 1,519,252
Book to tax depreciation (42,331,766) (46,287,191)
     
Income tax basis of total assets $33,597,744
 $37,059,282

The differences between the financial statement basis and tax basis of the Company's liabilities are estimated as follows:
  October 31, 2019 October 31, 2018
     
Financial statement basis of total liabilities $18,038,206
 $15,249,054
     
    Less: Accrued Expenses 403,200
 403,200
     
Income tax basis of total liabilities $17,635,006
 $14,845,854

11.10. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND CONCENTRATIONS


Marketing Agreements


The Company has an ethanol marketing agreement with a marketer (RPMG) to purchase, market, and distribute all the ethanol produced by the Company. The Company also entered into a member control agreement with the marketer whereby the Company made capital contributions and became a minority owner of the marketer. The member control agreement became effective on February 1, 2011 and provides the Company a membership interest with voting rights. The marketing agreement will terminate if the Company ceases to be a member. The Company will assume certain of the member’s rail car leases if the agreement is terminated. The Company can sell its ethanol either through an index arrangement or at an agreed upon fixed price. The marketing agreement is perpetual until terminated according to the agreement.  The Company may be obligated to continue to market its ethanol through the marketer for a period of time. The amended agreement requires minimum capital amounts invested as required under the agreement. Revenue recognized under this agreement for the years ended October 31, 2019, 20182022, 2021 and 20172020 was $75,781,721, $72,745,341 and $81,196,577$173,065,875, $123,344,552, $69,682,187 respectively. Accounts receivable under the agreement as of October 31, 20192022 and 20182021 were $2,217,594$1,524,912 and $236,763$6,353,103 respectively.


The Company has a distillers grains marketing agreement with a marketer to market all the dried distillers grains produced at the plant. Under the agreement the marketer charges a maximum of $2.00$2.00 per ton and a minimum of $1.50$1.50 per ton price using 2% of the FOB plant price actually received by them for all dried distillers grains removed. The agreement will remain in effect unless otherwise terminated by either party with 120 days notice. Under the agreement, the marketer is responsible for all transportation arrangements for the distribution of the dried distillers grains. The Company markets and sells its modified distillers grains. Revenue recognized under this agreement for the years ended October 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $24,715,843 and $21,108,135, $14,123,366 respectively. Accounts receivable under the agreement as of October 31, 2022 and 2021 were $680,623 and $520,821 respectively.


The Company has a crude corn oil marketing agreement with a marketer (RPMG) to market all corn oil to be produced at the plant for an initial term. Under the agreement, the Company must provide estimates of production and inventory of corn oil. The marketer may execute sales contracts with buyers for future delivery of corn oil. The Company receives a percentage of the F.O.B. sale price less a marketing fee, actual freight and transportation costs and certain taxes and other charges related to the purchase, delivery or sale. The Company is required to provide corn oil meeting certain specifications as provided in the agreement and the agreement provides for a process for rejection of nonconforming corn oil. The agreement automatically renews for successive terms unless terminated in accordance with the agreement. Revenue recognized under this agreement for

Grain Procurement Contract

The Company had a grain origination agreement with a marketer to provide all of the corn needed for operation of the ethanol plant. Underyears ended October 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $14,980,721, $9,867,789 and $3,836,751 respectively. Accounts receivable under the agreement the Company purchased corn at the CBOT futures price less the weighted average of the basis prices plus a fixed fee per bushel of corn purchased. The agreement was for an initial five-year term which commenced on July 27, 2016 and automatically renewed for successive one-year terms unless otherwise terminated in accordance with its terms. On January 3, 2019, the Company and the marketer mutually agreed to terminate the grain origination agreement effective as of JanuaryOctober 31, 2019.2022 and 2021 were $479,918 and $317,966 respectively.


Regulatory Agencies


The Company is subject to oversight from regulatory agencies regarding environmental concerns which arise in the ordinary course of its business.


Forward Contracts


In the ordinary course of business, we enter into forward contracts for our commodity purchases and sales. Forward contracts are as follows at October 31, 2019:2022:
QuantityAverage PriceDelivery Date
Purchase of corn (in bushels):
    Basis Contracts3,502,151 by 12/31/25
    Priced Contracts1,917,788 $6.55 by 12/31/23
        Total5,419,939 
Purchase of natural gas (in dekatherms):
    Priced contracts3,396,300 $3.29 by 10/31/24
        Total3,396,300 
Purchase of denaturant (in gallons):
    Priced contracts296,000 $1.92 by 12/31/22
        Total296,000 
Sales of dry distillers grains (in tons):
    Priced contracts10,200 $231.61 by 3/31/23
        Total10,200 
Sales of modified distillers grains (in tons)
    Priced contracts4,600 $123.00 by 4/30/23
        Total4,600 
Sales of corn oil (in pounds)
    Priced contracts2,952,000 $0.77 by 12/31/22
        Total2,952,000 


 QuantityAverage PriceDelivery Date
    
Purchase of corn (in bushels):   
    Basis Contracts190,000
 By 7/31/21
    Priced Contracts453,000
$3.81
By 11/30/20
        Total643,000
  
    
Purchase of natural gas (in dekatherms):   
    Index contracts
  
    Priced contracts2,968,000
$2.53
By 3/31/21
        Total2,968,000
  
    
Purchase of denaturant (in gallons):   
    Index contracts
  
    Priced contracts101,000
$1.35
By 12/31/19
        Total101,000
  
    
Sales of dry distillers grains (in tons):   
    Index contracts
  
    Priced contracts8,800
$133.70
By 1/31/20
        Total8,800
  
    
Sales of modified distillers grains (in tons)   
    Index contracts
  
    Priced contracts29,600
$75.22
By 7/31/20
        Total29,600
  
    
Sales of corn oil (in pounds)   
    Index contracts
  
    Priced contracts1,056,000
$0.24
By 11/20/19
        Total1,056,000
  


HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC
Notes to Financial Statements
October 31, 2019 and 2018

12.11. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)


First QuarterSecond QuarterThird QuarterFourth Quarter
Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2022
Revenues$58,643,436 $45,433,629 $64,060,657 $53,235,531 
Gross Profit17,161,096 5,690,539 7,353,786 2,722,852 
Operating Profit16,039,396 4,682,488 6,484,750 1,733,268 
Net Income16,101,488 4,687,081 10,602,705 1,934,131 
Basic and diluted earnings per unit3,374.87 983.44 2,225.59 405.99 
First QuarterSecond QuarterThird QuarterFourth Quarter
Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2021
Revenues$28,435,747 $34,864,344 $46,988,806 $48,428,639 
Gross Profit288,818 4,515,280 6,923,891 3,817,128 
Operating profit (Loss)(537,092)3,718,220 6,097,163 3,032,302 
Net income163,638 4,344,633 6,074,771 3,157,886 
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per unit34.14 907.21 1,269.28 660.37 
First QuarterSecond QuarterThird QuarterFourth Quarter
Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2020
Revenues$27,184,024 $20,257,229 $24,238,999 $25,575,894 
Gross Profit (Loss)(1,475,324)(2,817,586)1,275,198 460,001 
Operating Profit (Loss)(2,495,845)(3,883,393)497,484 (228,285)
Net Income (Loss)(2,616,683)(3,951,590)366,274 (164,167)
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per unit(544.35)(822.22)76.29 (34.22)
 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter
Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2019       
Revenues$22,688,410
 $22,939,711
 $25,605,525
 $26,015,463
Gross loss(1,798,887) (1,616,624) (175,483) (919,628)
Operating loss(2,560,218) (2,428,181) (1,078,065) (1,644,443)
Net loss(2,719,712) (2,579,501) (1,248,542) (1,726,481)
Basic and diluted loss per unit(565.19) (536.28) (259.68) (359.08)
        
 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter
Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2018       
Revenues$22,980,047
 $24,262,577
 $25,888,608
 $21,812,514
Gross profit (loss)(51,696) 2,283,325
 (1,527,385) (3,483,567)
Operating income (loss)(794,645) 1,492,581
 (2,186,352) (4,182,000)
Net income (loss)(953,195) 1,335,482
 (2,330,905) (4,210,806)
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per unit(198.02) 277.42
 (484.19) (874.69)
        
 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter
Fiscal Year Ended October 31, 2017       
Revenues$27,058,613
 $23,718,623
 $25,368,884
 $24,079,023
Gross profit4,191,810
 591,457
 1,195,537
 770,036
Operating income (loss)3,467,790
 (162,585) 596,246
 107,619
Net income (loss)3,290,175
 (308,283) 503,476
 33,944
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per unit672.56
 (64.04) 104.59
 7.05


The above quarterly financial data is unaudited, but in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the selected data for these periods presented have been included.



12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS.


On December 21, 2022, the board of governors declared a cash distribution of $3,200 per membership unit to unit holders of record at the close of business on December 21, 2022, for a total distribution of $15,240,000. The distribution was paid on December 22, 2022.


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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE


None.


ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES


Disclosure Controls and Procedures


Our management is responsible for maintaining disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. In addition, the disclosure controls and procedures must ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required financial and other required disclosures.


Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (the principal executive officer), Brian Kletscher, along with our Chief Financial Officer (the principal financial officer), Lucas Schneider, have reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of October 31, 2019.2022.  Based on this review and evaluation, these officers have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods required by the forms and rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission; and to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.


Internal Control Over Financial Reporting


Inherent Limitations Over Internal Controls


Our internal control over financial reporting is designed 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. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
    (i)    pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;
    (ii)    provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and
    (iii)    provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.


Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our internal controls will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of internal controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. Also, any evaluation of the effectiveness of controls in future periods are subject to the risk that those internal controls may become inadequate because of changes in business conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.



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Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting


Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control-Integrated Framework


issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 2013 (“COSO”). Based on this evaluation, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of October 31, 2019.2022.


This annual report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. As we are a non-accelerated filer, management's report is not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 that permits us to provide only management's report in this annual report.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting


There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of our 20192022 fiscal year, which were identified in connection with management’s evaluation required by paragraph (d) of rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 under the Exchange Act, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
    
None.


ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS

Not applicable.

PART III


ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE


The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy statement for our 20202023 annual meeting of members to be filed with the Securities Exchange Commission within 120 days after the end of our 20192022 fiscal year. This proxy statement is referred to in this report as the 20202023 Proxy Statement.


ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION


The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the 20202023 Proxy Statement.


ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED MEMBER MATTERS


The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the 20202023 Proxy Statement.


ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE


The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference from the 20202023 Proxy Statement.


ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES


The information required by this Item, including aggregate fees billed to us by the Company's principal accountant, RSM US LLP (PCAOB ID: 49), is incorporated by reference from the 20202023 Proxy Statement.


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PART IV


ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
    
Exhibits Filed as Part of this Report and Exhibits Incorporated by Reference.
    
The following exhibits and financial statements are filed as part of, or are incorporated by reference into, this report:


(1)
Financial Statements

(1)Financial Statements

The financial statements appear beginning at page 35 of this report.

(2)
Financial Statement Schedules



(2)Financial Statement Schedules


All supplemental schedules are omitted as the required information is inapplicable or the information is presented in the financial statements or related notes.
 
(3)Exhibits
(3)Exhibits
Exhibit No.ExhibitFiled HerewithIncorporated by Reference
3.1Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant's registration statement on Form SB-2 (Commission File 333-137482).
3.2Exhibit 3.2 to the registrant's registration Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on March 22, 2011.
4.13.3Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on June 7, 2018
4.1Exhibit 4.2 to the registrant's registration statement on Form SB-2 (Commission File 333-137482).
10.14.2Exhibit 10.6 to the registrant's registration statementDescription of Membership Units contained within Registrant's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (Commission File 33-137482).333-137482) filed on March 26, 2007Registrant's registration statement on Form SB-2/A (Commission File 333-137482) filed on March 26, 2007
10.210.1Exhibit 10.9 to the registrant's registration statement on Form SB-2 (Commission File 33-137482).
10.310.2Exhibit 99.1 to the registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 3, 2007.
10.410.3Exhibit 10.4 to the registrant's Form 10-KSB filed with the Commission on January 29, 2008.
10.510.4Exhibit 10.26 to the registrant's Form 10-QSB filed with the Commission on September 15, 2008.
10.610.5Exhibit 10.2 to the registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on June 15, 2009.
10.710.6Exhibit 10.50 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on February 3, 2011.
10.8Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on September 14, 2012.
10.910.7Exhibit 10.85 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 16, 2014
10.10Exhibit 99.1 to the registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 28, 2014
52


10.1110.8Exhibit 99.2 to the registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 28, 2014
10.1210.9Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on March 5, 2014
10.1310.10Exhibit 10.2 to the registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on March 5, 2014
10.14Exhibit 10.3 to the registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on March 5, 2014
10.15Exhibit 10.4 to the registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on March 5, 2014


10.16Exhibit 10.5 to the registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on March 5, 2014
10.17Exhibit 10.6 to the registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on March 5, 2014
10.18Exhibit 10.7 to the registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on March 5, 2014
10.19Exhibit 10.8 to the registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on March 5, 2014
10.20Exhibit 10.9 to the registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on March 5, 2014
10.21Exhibit 10.10 to the registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on March 5, 2014
10.22Exhibit 10.11 to the registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on March 5, 2014
10.23Exhibit 10.12 to the registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on March 5, 2014
10.24Exhibit 10.13 to the registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on March 5, 2014
10.25Exhibit 10.14 to the registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on March 5, 2014
10.2610.11Exhibit 10.79 to the registrant's Form 10-K/A filed with the Commission on May 22, 2014
10.2710.12Exhibit 10.80 to the registrant's Form 10-K/A filed with the Commission on May 22, 2014
10.2810.13Exhibit 10.81 to the registrant's Form 10-K/A filed with the Commission on May 22, 2014
10.2910.14Exhibit 10.82 to the registrant's Form 10-K/A filed with the Commission on May 22, 2014
10.3010.15Exhibit 10.83 to the registrant's Form 10-K/A filed with the Commission on May 22, 2014
10.3110.16Exhibit 10.84 to the registrant's Form 10-K/A filed with the Commission on May 22, 2014
10.3210.17Exhibit 10.102 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 28, 2015
10.33Exhibit 10.103 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 28, 2015


10.34Exhibit 10.104 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 28, 2015
10.35Exhibit 10.105 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 28, 2015
10.36Exhibit 10.106 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 28, 2015
10.37Exhibit 10.107 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 28, 2015
10.38Exhibit 10.108 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 28, 2015
10.39Exhibit 10.109 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 28, 2015
10.40Exhibit 10.110 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 28, 2015
10.41Exhibit 10.111 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 28, 2015
10.42Exhibit 10.112 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 28, 2015
10.43Exhibit 99.1 to the registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 27, 2015
10.44Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on June 11, 2015
10.45Exhibit 10.45 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 28, 2016
10.4610.18Exhibit 10.46 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 28, 2016
10.47Exhibit 10.47 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 28, 2016
10.48Exhibit 10.48 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 28, 2016
10.49Exhibit 10.49 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 28, 2016
10.5010.19Exhibit 10.50 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 28, 2016
10.5110.20Exhibit 10.51 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 28, 2016
10.5210.21Exhibit 10.52 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 28, 2016
10.53Exhibit 10.53 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 28, 2016
10.54Exhibit 10.54 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 28, 2016
10.55Exhibit 10.55 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 25, 2017
10.56Exhibit 99.1 to the registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 2, 2017


10.5710.22Exhibit 10.57 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 24, 2018
10.58Exhibit 99.1 to the registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 27, 2018
10.59Exhibit 99.2 to the registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 27, 2018
10.6010.23Exhibit 99.3 to the registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 27, 2018
10.61Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on June 7, 2018
10.6210.24Exhibit 99.1 to the registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 1, 2018
10.6310.25Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on September 11, 2018
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10.6410.26Exhibit 10.2 to the registrant's Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on September 11, 2018
10.6510.27
Exhibit 10.65 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 23, 2019


10.6610.28XExhibit 10.66 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 23, 2020
14.110.29Exhibit 99.1 to the registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 1, 2020
10.30Exhibit 99.2 to the registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 24, 2020
10.31Exhibit 99.3 to the registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 24, 2020
10.32Exhibit 99.4 to the registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission on September 24, 2020
10.33Exhibit 99.1 to the registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 29, 2020
10.34Exhibit 10.74 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 21, 2021
10.35Exhibit 10.75 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 21, 2021
10.36Exhibit 99.1 to the registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 22, 2021
10.37Exhibit 99.2 to the registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 22, 2021
10.38Exhibit 99.3 to the registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 22, 2021
10.39Exhibit 10.39 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 19, 2022
10.40Exhibit 99.1 to the registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 10, 2022
10.41Exhibit 99.1 to the registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 11, 2022
10.42Exhibit 99.1 to the registrant's Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 30, 2022
10.43X
14.1Exhibit 14.1 to the registrant's Form 10-K filed with the Commission on January 29, 2013.
31.1X
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31.2X
32.1X
32.2X
101101.INSThe following financial information from Highwater Ethanol, LLC's Annual ReportInline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2019, formattedInteractive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL documentX
101.SCHInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema DocumentX
101.CALInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase DocumentX
101.DEFInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase DocumentX
101.LABInline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase DocumentX
101.PREInline XBRL Presentation Linkbase DocumentX
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Balance Sheetsthe Interactive Data Files submitted as of October 31, 2019 and October 31, 2018, (ii) Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, (iii) Statements of Changes in Members' Equity; (iv) Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, and (v) the Notes to Financial Statements.**Exhibit 101).X
(+)     Confidential Treatment Requested.information redacted
(X)    Filed herewith
**     Furnished herewith.herewith


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ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY


None.




SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.


HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC
Date:January 19, 2023HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC
Date:January 23, 2020/s/ Brian Kletscher
Brian Kletscher
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date:January 23, 202019, 2023/s/ Lucas Schneider
Lucas Schneider
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
    
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.


.
Date:January 19, 2023/s/ David Moldan
David Moldan, Chairman and Governor
Date:January 23, 202019, 2023/s/ David Moldan
David Moldan, Chairman and Governor
Date:January 23, 2020/s/ Ronald Jorgenson
Ronald Jorgenson, Vice Chairman and Governor
Date:January 23, 202019, 2023/s/ David Eis
David Eis, Secretary and Governor
Date:January 23, 202019, 2023/s/ Mark Pankonin
Mark Pankonin, Treasurer and Governor
Date:January 23, 202019, 2023/s/ Russell Derickson
Russell Derickson, Governor
Date:January 23, 202019, 2023/s/ William Garth
William Garth, Governor
Date:January 23, 2020/s/ George Goblish
George Goblish, Governor
Date:January 23, 202019, 2023/s/ Luke Spalj
Luke Spalj, Governor
Date:January 23, 202019, 2023/s/ Gerald Forsythe
Gerald Forsythe, Governor
Date:January 19, 2023/s/ Michael Landuyt
Michael Landuyt, Governor



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