MORTGAGE

Exhibit 10.22

MORTGAGE

RECORDATION REQUESTED BY:

GRANITE FALLS BANK

000 XXXXXXXX XXXXXX, XX XXX
0 XXXXXXX XXXXX, XX 00000

WHEN RECORDED MAIL TO:

GRANITE FALLS BANK

000 XXXXXXXX XXXXXX, XX XXX
0 XXXXXXX XXXXX, XX 00000

SEND TAX NOTICES TO:
HIGHWATER ETHANOL. LLC
000 XXXX XXXXXX, XX XXX 00
XXXXXXXXX, XX 00000

THIS MORTGAGE dated March 13, 2007, is made and executed between HIGHWATER ETHANOL. LLC, A MINNESOTA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (referred to below as “Grantor”) and GRANITE FALLS BANK, whose address is 000 XXXXXXXX XXXXXX, XX XXX 0, XXXXXXX XXXXX, XX 00000 (referred to below as “Lender”).

GRANT OF MORTGAGE. For valuable consideration, Grantor mortgages and conveys to Lender all of Grantor’s right, title, and interest in and to the following described real property, together with all existing or subsequently erected or affixed buildings, improvements and fixtures; all easements, rights of way, and appurtenances; all water, water rights, watercourses and ditch rights (including stock in utilities with ditch or irrigation rights); and all other rights, royalties, and profits relating to the real property, including without limitation all minerals, oil, gas, geothermal and similar matters, (the “Real Property”) located in REDWOOD County, State of Minnesota:

That part of the Southwest Quarter (SW1/4) of Section Twenty-one (21), Township One Hundred Nine (109) North, Range Thirty-seven (37) West, Redwood County, Minnesota, lying north of the northerly right-of-way line of the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad EXCEPTING THEREFROM that part of Tract A described below: Tract A: The North Half of the Southwest Quarter of Section 21, Township 109 North, Range 37 West, Redwood County, Minnesota which lies northwesterly of “Line 1” described below, and southerly of a line run parallel with an distant 50 feet southerly of “Line 2” described below, and easterly of the easterly right-of-way line of Township Road T-190, as now located and established. “Line 1”: Beginning at the intersection of the easterly right-of-way line of said township road with a line run parallel with and distant 180 feet southerly of “Line 2” described below; thence northeasterly to a point distant 50 feet southerly (measured at right angles) of a point on said “Line 2”, distant 167.4 feet easterly of its point of beginning, and there terminating. “Line 2”: Beginning at a point on the west line of the Northwest Quarter of Section 21, distant 1.0 foot north of the southwest corner thereof; thence run northeasterly at an angle of 92°05’00” (as measured from south to east) from said west line for 1,521.8 feet; thence deflect to the right at an angle of 01°03’00” for 1,100 feet and there terminating. Together with that part of Tract A hereinbefore described, which lies within a distance of 35 feet southerly of a line run parallel with and distant 50 feet southerly of the following described line: Beginning at a point on “Line 2” hereinbefore described, distant 484.4 feet westerly of its point of termination; thence easterly on said “Line 2” for 484.4 feet and there terminating; containing 0.57 acres more or less. Subject to township road right-of-way over the westerly 33 feet of said Southwest Quarter; also subject to Trunk Highway 14 right-of-way. All that part of the Southeast Quarter (SE1/4) of Section Twenty-one (21), Township One Hundred Nine (109) North, Range Thirty-seven (37) West, Redwood County, Minnesota, lying north of the northerly right-of-way line of the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad, subject to Trunk Highway 14 right-of-way and EXCEPTING THEREFROM the following described parcel: That part of Tract A described below: Tract A, The Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 21, Township 000 Xxxxx, Xxxxx 00 Xxxx, Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxx; which lies within a distance of 35 feet southerly of the following described line: Beginning at a point on the westerly boundary of said Tract A, distant 40 feet southerly of the northwest corner thereof; thence run easterly for 345.6 feet along a line that intersects the easterly boundary of the Southeast Quarter of said Section 21, distant 64.4 feet southerly of the northeast corner thereof and there terminating; containing: 0.27 acre, more or less; together with all right of access, being the right of ingress to and egress from that part of Tract A hereinbefore described not acquired herein, to the above described strip; except that the abutting owner shall retain the right of access to the westerly 34.7 feet of said Tract A. together with all hereditaments and appurtenances belonging thereto. Subject to mineral rights and utility easements of record, if any.

CROSS-COLLATERALIZATION. In addition to the Note, this Mortgage secures all obligations, debts and liabilities, plus interest thereon, of Grantor to Lender, or any one or more of them, as well as all claims by Lender against Grantor or any one or more of them, whether now existing or hereafter arising, whether related or unrelated to the purpose of the Note, whether voluntary or otherwise, whether due or not due, direct or indirect, determined or undetermined, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, whether Grantor may be liable individually or jointly with others, whether obligated as guarantor, surety, accommodation party or otherwise, and whether recovery upon such amounts may be or hereafter may become barred by any statute of limitations, and whether the obligation to repay such amounts may be or hereafter may become otherwise unenforceable.

Grantor presently assigns to Lender all of Grantor’s right, title, and interest in and to all present and future leases of the Property and all Rents from the Property. In addition, Grantor grants to Lender a Uniform Commercial Code security interest in the Personal Property and Rents.

THIS MORTGAGE, INCLUDING THE ASSIGNMENT OF RENTS AND THE SECURITY INTEREST IN THE RENTS AND PERSONAL PROPERTY. IS GIVEN TO SECURE (A) PAYMENT OF THE INDEBTEDNESS AND (B) PERFORMANCE OF ANY AND ALL OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE NOTE AND THIS MORTGAGE. THIS MORTGAGE IS GIVEN AND ACCEPTED ON THE FOLLOWING TERMS:

PAYMENT AND PERFORMANCE. Except as otherwise provided in this Mortgage, Grantor shall pay to Lender all amounts secured by this Mortgage as they become due and shall strictly perform all of Grantor’s obligations under this Mortgage.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF THE PROPERTY. Grantor agrees that Grantor’s possession and use of the Property shall be governed by the following provisions:

Possession and Use. Until the occurrence of an Event of Default, Grantor may (1) remain in possession and control of the Property; (2) use, operate or manage the Property; and (3) collect the Rents from the Property.

Duty to Maintain. Grantor shall maintain the Property in tenantable condition and promptly perform all repairs, replacements, and maintenance necessary to preserve its value.

Compliance With Environmental Laws. Grantor represents and warrants to Lender that: (1) During the period of Grantor’s ownership of the Property, there has been no use, generation, manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release or threatened release of any Hazardous Substance by any person on, under, about or from the Property; (2) Grantor has no knowledge of, or reason to believe that there has been, except as previously disclosed to and acknowledged by Lender in writing, (a) any breach or violation of any Environmental Laws, (b) any use, generation, manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release or threatened release of any Hazardous Substance on, under, about or from the Property by any prior owners or occupants of the Property, or (c) any actual or threatened litigation or claims of any kind by any person relating to such matters; and (3) Except as previously disclosed to and acknowledged by Lender in writing, (a) neither Grantor nor any tenant, contractor, agent or other authorized user of the Property shall use, generate, manufacture, store, treat, dispose of or release any Hazardous Substance on, under, about or from the Property; and (b) any such activity shall be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations and ordinances, including without limitation all Environmental Laws. Grantor authorizes Lender and its agents to enter upon the Property to make such inspections and tests, at Grantor’s expense, as Lender may deem appropriate to determine compliance of the Property with this section of the Mortgage. Any inspections or tests made by Lender shall be for Lender’s purposes only and shall not be construed to create any responsibility or liability on the part of Lender to Grantor or to any other person. The representations and warranties contained herein are based on Grantor’s due diligence in investigating the Property for Hazardous Substances. Grantor hereby (1) releases and waives any future claims against Lender for indemnity or contribution in the event Grantor becomes liable for cleanup or other costs under any such laws; and (2) agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Lender against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, penalties, and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, consultants’ fees, and costs which Lender may directly or indirectly sustain or suffer resulting from a breach of this section of the Mortgage or as a consequence of any use, generation, manufacture, storage, disposal, release or threatened release occurring prior to Grantor’s ownership or interest in the Property, whether or not the same was or should have been known to Grantor. The provisions of this section of the Mortgage, including the obligation to indemnify, shall survive the payment of the Indebtedness and the satisfaction and reconveyance of the lien of this Mortgage and shall not be affected by Lender’s acquisition of any interest in the Property, whether by foreclosure or otherwise.

Without otherwise limiting Grantor’s covenants as provided herein, Grantor shall not without Lender’s prior written consent, remove or permit the removal of sand, gravel or topsoil, or engage in borrow pit operations, or use or permit the use of the Property as a land fill or dump, or store, burn or bury or permit the storage, burning or burying of any material or product which may result in contamination of the Property or the groundwater or which may require the issuance of a permit by the Environmental Protection Agency or any state or local government agency governing the issuance of hazardous or toxic waste permits, or request or permit a change in zoning or land use classification, or cut or remove or suffer the cutting or removal of any trees or timber from the Property.

At its sole cost and expense, Grantor shall comply with and shall cause all occupants of the Property to comply with all Environmental Laws with respect to the disposal of industrial refuse or waste, and/or the discharge, processing, manufacture, generation, treatment, removal, transportation, storage and handling of Hazardous Substances, and pay immediately when due the cost of removal of any such wastes or substances from, and keep the Property free of any lien imposed pursuant to such laws, rules, regulations and orders.

Grantor shall not install or permit to be installed in or on the Property, friable asbestos or any substance containing asbestos and deemed hazardous by federal, state or local laws, rules, regulations or orders respecting such material. Grantor shall further not install or permit the installation of any machinery, equipment or fixtures containing polychlorinated biphemyls (PCBs) on or in the Property. With respect to any such material or materials currently present in or on the Property, Grantor shall promptly comply with all applicable Environmental Laws regarding the safe removal thereof, at Grantor’s expense.

Grantor shall indemnify Lender and hold Lender harmless from and against all loss, cost, damage and expense (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in the investigation, defense and settlement of claims) that Lender may incur as a result of or in connection with the assertion against Lender of any claim relating to the presence or removal of any Hazardous Substance, or compliance with any Environmental Law. No notice from any governmental body has ever been served upon Grantor or, to Grantor’s knowledge after due inquiry, upon any prior owner of the Property, claiming a violation of or under any Environmental Law or concerning the environmental state, condition or quality of the Property, or the use thereof, or requiring or calling attention to the need for any work, repairs, construction, removal, cleanup, alterations, demolition, renovation or installation on, or in connection with, the Property in order to comply with any Environmental Law; and upon receipt of any such notice, Grantor shall take any and all steps, and shall perform any and all actions necessary or appropriate to comply with the same, at Grantor’s expense. In the event Grantor fails to do so, Lender may declare this Mortgage to be in default.

Nuisance, Waste. Grantor shall not cause, conduct or permit any nuisance nor commit, permit, or suffer any stripping of or waste on or to the Property or any portion of the Property. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Grantor will not remove, or grant to any other party the right to remove, any timber, minerals (including oil and gas), coal, clay, scoria, soil, gravel or rock products without Lender’s prior written consent.

Removal of Improvements. Grantor shall not demolish or remove any Improvements from the Real Property without Lender’s prior written consent. As a condition to the removal of any Improvements, Lender may require Grantor to make arrangements satisfactory to Lender to replace such Improvements with Improvements of at least equal value.

Lender’s Right to Enter. Lender and Lender’s agents and representatives may enter upon the Real Property at all reasonable times to attend to Lender’s interests and to inspect the Real Property for purposes of Grantor’s compliance with the terms and conditions of this Mortgage.

Compliance with Governmental Requirements. Grantor shall promptly comply with all laws, ordinances, and regulations, now or hereafter in effect, of all governmental authorities applicable to the use or occupancy of the Property, including without limitation, the Americans With Disabilities Act. Grantor may contest in good faith any such law, ordinance, or regulation and withhold compliance during any proceeding, including appropriate appeals, so long as Grantor has notified Lender in writing prior to doing so and so long as, in Lender’s sole opinion, Lender’s interests in the Property are not jeopardized. Lender may require Grantor to post adequate security or a surety bond, reasonably satisfactory to Lender, to protect Lender’s interest.

Duty to Protect. Grantor agrees neither to abandon or leave unattended the Property. Grantor shall do all other acts, in addition to those acts set forth above in this section, which from the character and use of the Property are reasonably necessary to protect and preserve the Property.

TAXES AND LIENS. The following provisions relating to the taxes and liens on the Property are part of this Mortgage:

Payment. Grantor shall pay when due (and in all events prior to delinquency) all taxes, payroll taxes, special taxes, assessments, water charges and sewer service charges levied against or on account of the Property, and shall pay when due all claims for work done on or for services rendered or material furnished to the Property. Grantor shall maintain the Property free of any liens having priority over or equal to the interest of Lender under this Mortgage, except for those liens specifically agreed to in writing by Lender, and except for the lien of taxes and assessments not due as further specified in the Right to Contest paragraph.

Right to Contest. Grantor may withhold payment of any tax, assessment, or claim in connection with a good faith dispute over the obligation to pay, so long as Lender’s interest in the Property is not jeopardized. If a lien arises or is filed as a result of nonpayment, Grantor shall within fifteen (15) days after the lien arises or, if a lien is filed, within fifteen (15) days after Grantor has notice of the filing, secure the discharge of the lien, or if requested by Lender, deposit with Lender cash or a sufficient corporate surety bond or other security satisfactory to Lender in an amount sufficient to discharge the lien plus any costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees, or other charges that could accrue as a result of a foreclosure or sale under the lien. In any contest, Grantor shall defend itself and Lender and shall satisfy any adverse judgment before enforcement against the Property. Grantor shall name Lender as an additional obligee under any surety bond furnished in the contest proceedings.

Evidence of Payment. Grantor shall upon demand furnish to Lender satisfactory evidence of payment of the taxes or assessments and shall authorize the appropriate governmental official to deliver to Lender at any time a written statement of the taxes and assessments against the Property.

Notice of Construction. Grantor shall notify Lender at least fifteen (15) days before any work is commenced, any services are furnished, or any materials are supplied to the Property, if any mechanic’s lien, materialmen’s lien, or other lien could be asserted on account of the work, services, or materials. Grantor will upon request of Lender furnish to Lender advance assurances satisfactory to Lender that Grantor can and will pay the cost of such improvements.

PROPERTY DAMAGE INSURANCE. The following provisions relating to insuring the Property are a part of this Mortgage:

Maintenance of Insurance. Grantor shall procure and maintain policies of fire insurance with standard extended coverage endorsements on a replacement basis for the full insurable value covering all Improvements on the Real Property in an amount sufficient to avoid application of any coinsurance clause, and with a standard mortgagee clause in favor of Lender. Grantor shall also procure and maintain comprehensive general liability insurance in such coverage amounts as Lender may request with Lender being named as additional insureds in such liability insurance policies. Additionally, Grantor shall maintain such other insurance, including but not limited to hazard, business interruption and boiler insurance as Lender may require. Policies shall be written by such insurance companies and in such form as may be reasonably acceptable to Lender. Grantor shall deliver to Lender certificates of coverage from each insurer containing a stipulation that coverage will not be cancelled or diminished without a minimum of fifteen (15) days’ prior written notice to Lender and not containing any disclaimer of the insurer’s liability for failure to give such notice. Each insurance policy also shall include an endorsement providing that coverage in favor of Lender will not be impaired in any way by any act, omission or default of Grantor or any other person. Should the Real Property be located in an area designated by the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency as a special flood hazard area, Grantor agrees to obtain and maintain Federal Flood Insurance, if available, for the full unpaid principal balance of the loan and any prior liens on the property securing the loan, up to the maximum policy limits set under the National Flood Insurance Program, or as otherwise required by Lender, and to maintain such insurance for the term of the loan.

Application of Proceeds. Grantor shall promptly notify Lender of any loss or damage to the Property. Lender may make proof of loss if Grantor fails to do so within fifteen (15) days of the casualty. Whether or not Lender’s security is impaired, Lender may, at Lender’s election, receive and retain the proceeds of any insurance and apply the proceeds to the reduction of the Indebtedness, payment of any lien affecting the Property, or the restoration and repair of the Property. If Lender elects to apply the proceeds to restoration and repair, Grantor shall repair or replace the damaged or destroyed Improvements in a manner satisfactory to Lender. Lender shall, upon satisfactory proof of such expenditure, pay or reimburse Grantor from the proceeds for the reasonable cost of repair or restoration if Grantor is not in default under this Mortgage. Any proceeds which have not been disbursed within 180 days after their receipt and which Lender has not committed to the repair or restoration of the Property shall be used first to pay any amount owing to Lender under this Mortgage, then to pay accrued interest, and the remainder, if any, shall be applied to the principal balance of the Indebtedness. If Lender holds any proceeds after payment in full of the Indebtedness, such proceeds shall be paid to Grantor as Grantor’s interests may appear.

Unexpired Insurance at Sale. Any unexpired insurance shall inure to the benefit of, and pass to, the purchaser of the Property covered by this Mortgage at any trustee’s sale or other sale held under the provisions of this Mortgage, or at any foreclosure sale of such Property.

Grantor’s Report on Insurance. Upon request of Lender, however not more than once a year, Grantor shall furnish to Lender a report on each existing policy of insurance showing: (1) the name of the insurer; (21 the risks insured; (3) the amount of the policy; (4) the property insured, the then current replacement value of such property, and the manner of determining that value; and (5) the expiration date of the policy. Grantor shall, upon request of Lender, have an independent appraiser satisfactory to Lender determine the cash value replacement cost of the Property.

LENDER’S EXPENDITURES. If any action or proceeding is commenced that would materially affect Lender’s interest in the Property or if Grantor fails to comply with any provision of this Mortgage or any Related Documents, including but not limited to Grantor’s failure to discharge or pay when due any amounts Grantor is required to discharge or pay under this Mortgage or any Related Documents, Lender on Grantor’s behalf may (but shall not be obligated to) take any action that Lender deems appropriate, including but not limited to discharging or paying all taxes, liens, security interests, encumbrances and other claims, at any time levied or placed on the Property and paying all costs for insuring, maintaining and preserving the Property. All such expenditures incurred or paid by Lender for such purposes will then bear interest at the rate charged under the Note from the date incurred or paid by Lender to the date of repayment by Grantor. All such expenses will become a part of the Indebtedness and, at Lender’s option, will (A) be payable on demand; (B) be added to the balance of the Note and be apportioned among and be payable with any Installment payments to become due during either (1) the term of any applicable insurance policy; or (2) the remaining term of the Note; or (C) be treated as a balloon payment which will be due and payable at the Note’s maturity. The Mortgage also will secure payment of these amounts. Such right shall be in addition to all other rights and remedies to which Lender may be entitled upon Default.

WARRANTY; DEFENSE OF TITLE. The following provisions relating to ownership of the Property are a part of this Mortgage:

Title. Grantor warrants that: (a) Grantor holds good and marketable title of record to the Property in fee simple, free and clear of all

liens and encumbrances other than those set forth in the Real Property description or in any title insurance policy, title report, or final title opinion issued in favor of, and accepted by, Lender in connection with this Mortgage, and (b) Grantor has the full right, power, and authority to execute and deliver this Mortgage to Lender.

Defense of Title. Subject to the exception in the paragraph above, Grantor warrants and will forever defend the title to the Property against the lawful claims of all persons. In the event any action or proceeding is commenced that questions Grantor’s title or the interest of Lender under this Mortgage, Grantor shall defend the action at Grantor’s expense. Grantor may be the nominal party in such proceeding, but Lender shall be entitled to participate in the proceeding and to be represented in the proceeding by counsel of Lender’s own choice, and Grantor will deliver, or cause to be delivered, to Lender such Instruments as Lender may request from time to time to permit such participation.

Compliance With Laws. Grantor warrants that the Property and Grantor’s use of the Property complies with all existing applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations of governmental authorities.

Survival of Representations and Warranties. All representations, warranties, and agreements made by Grantor in this Mortgage shall survive the execution and delivery of this Mortgage, shall be continuing in nature, and shall remain in full force and effect until such time as Grantor’s Indebtedness shall be paid in full.

CONDEMNATION. The following provisions relating to condemnation proceedings are a part of this Mortgage:

Notice of Proceedings. Grantor shall immediately notify Lender in writing should all or any part of the Property become subject to any condemnation or expropriation proceedings or other similar proceedings, including without limitation, any condemnation, confiscation, eminent domain, inverse condemnation or temporary requisition or taking of the mortgaged Property, or any part or parts of the Property. Grantor further agrees to promptly take such steps as may be necessary and proper within Lender’s sole judgment and at Grantor’s expense, to defend any such condemnation or expropriation proceedings end obtain the proceeds derived from such proceedings. Grantor shall not agree to any settlement or compromise or any condemnation or expropriation claim without Lender’s prior written consent.

Lender’s Participation. Lender may, at Lender’s sole option, elect to participate in any such condemnation or expropriation proceedings and be represented by counsel of Lender’s choice. Grantor agrees to provide Lender with such documentation as Lender may request to permit Lender to so participate and to reimburse Lender for Lender’s costs associated with Lender’s participation, including Lender’s reasonable attorneys’ fees.

Conduct of Proceedings. If Grantor fails to defend any such condemnation or expropriation proceedings to Lender’s satisfaction, Lender may undertake the defense of such a proceeding for and on behalf of Grantor. To this end, Grantor irrevocably appoints Lender as Grantor’s agent and attorney-in-fact, such agency being coupled with an interest, to bring, defend, adjudicate, settle, or otherwise compromise such condemnation or expropriation claims; it being understood, however, that, unless one or more Events of Default (other than the condemnation or expropriation of the Property) then exists under this Mortgage, Lender will not agree to any final settlement or compromise of any such condemnation or expropriation claim without Grantor’s prior approval, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.

Application of Net Proceeds. Lender shall have the right to receive all proceeds derived or to be derived from the condemnation, expropriation, confiscation, eminent domain, inverse condemnation, or any permanent or temporary requisition or taking of the Property, or any part or parts of the Property (“condemnation proceeds”). In the event that Grantor should receive any such condemnation proceeds, Grantor agrees to immediately turn over and to pay such proceeds to Lender. All condemnation proceeds, which are received by, or which are payable to either Grantor or Lender, shall be applied, at Lender’s sole option and discretion, and in such manner as Lender may determine (after payment of all reasonable costs, expenses and attorneys’ fees necessarily paid or incurred by Grantor and/or Lender), for the purpose of: (a) replacing or restoring the condemned, expropriated, confiscated, or taken Property; or (b) reducing the then outstanding balance of the Indebtedness, together with interest thereon, with such payments being applied in the manner provided in this Mortgage. Lender’s receipt of such condemnation proceeds and the application of such proceeds as provided in this Mortgage shall not affect the lien of this Mortgage.

IMPOSITION OF TAXES, FEES AND CHARGES BY GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITIES. The following provisions relating to governmental taxes, fees and charges are a part of this Mortgage:

Current Taxes, Fees and Charges. Upon request by Lender, Grantor shall execute such documents in addition to this Mortgage and take whatever other action is requested by Lender to perfect and continue Lender’s lien on the Real Property. Grantor shall reimburse Lender for all taxes, as described below, together with all expenses incurred in recording, perfecting or continuing this Mortgage, including without limitation all taxes, fees, documentary stamps, and other charges for recording or registering this Mortgage.

Taxes. The following shall constitute taxes to which this section applies: (1) a specific tax upon this type of Mortgage or upon all or any part of the Indebtedness secured by this Mortgage; (2) a specific tax on Grantor which Grantor is authorized or required to deduct from payments on the Indebtedness secured by this type of Mortgage; (3) a tax on this type of Mortgage chargeable against the Lender or the holder of the Note; and (4) a specific tax on all or any portion of the Indebtedness or on payments of principal and interest made by Grantor.

Subsequent Taxes. If any tax to which this section applies is enacted subsequent to the date of this Mortgage, this event shall have the same effect as an Event of Default, and Lender may exercise any or all of its available remedies for an Event of Default as provided below unless Grantor either (1) pays the tax before it becomes delinquent, or (2) contests the tax as provided above in the Taxes and Liens section and deposits with Lender cash or a sufficient corporate surety bond or other security satisfactory to Lender.

SECURITY AGREEMENT; FINANCING STATEMENTS. The following provisions relating to this Mortgage as a security agreement are a part of this Mortgage:

Security Agreement. This instrument shall constitute a Security Agreement to the extent any of the Property constitutes fixtures, and Lender shall have all of the rights of a secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code as amended from time to time.

Security Interest. Upon request by Lender, Grantor shall take whatever action is requested by Lender to perfect and continue Lender’s security interest in the Rents and Personal Property. In addition to recording this Mortgage in the real property records, Lender may, at any time and without further authorization from Grantor, file executed counterparts, copies or reproductions of this

Mortgage as a financing statement. Grantor shall reimburse Lender for all expenses incurred in perfecting or continuing this security interest. Upon default, Grantor shall not remove, sever or detach the Personal Property from the Property. Upon default, Grantor shall assemble any Personal Property not affixed to the Property in a manner and at a place reasonably convenient to Grantor and Lender and make it available to Lender within three (3) days after receipt of written demand from Lender to the extent permitted by applicable law.

Addresses. The mailing addresses of Grantor (debtor) and Lender (secured party) from which information concerning the security interest granted by this Mortgage may be obtained (each as required by the Uniform Commercial Code) are as stated on the first page of this Mortgage.

FURTHER ASSURANCES; ATTORNEY-IN-FACT. The following provisions relating to further assurances and attorney-in-fact are a part of this Mortgage:

Further Assurances. At any time, and from time to time, upon request of Lender, Grantor will make, execute and deliver, or will cause to be made, executed or delivered, to Lender or to Lender’s designee, and when requested by Lender, cause to be filed, recorded, refiled, or rerecorded, as the case may be, at such times and in such offices and places as Lender may deem appropriate, any and all such mortgages, deeds of trust, security deeds, security agreements, financing statements, continuation statements, instruments of further assurance, certificates, and other documents as may, in the sole opinion of Lender, be necessary or desirable in order to effectuate, complete, perfect, continue, or preserve (1) Grantor’s obligations under the Note, this Mortgage, and the Related Documents, and (2) the liens and security interests created by this Mortgage as first and prior liens on the Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired by Grantor. Unless prohibited by law or Lender agrees to the contrary in writing, Grantor shall reimburse Lender for all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the matters referred to in this paragraph.

Attorney-in-Fact. If Grantor fails to do any of the things referred to in the preceding paragraph, Lender may do so for and in the name of Grantor and at Grantor’s expense. For such purposes, Grantor hereby irrevocably appoints Lender as Grantor’s attorney-in-fact for the purpose of making, executing, delivering, filing, recording, and doing all other things as may be necessary or desirable, in Lender’s sole opinion, to accomplish the matters referred to in the preceding paragraph.

FULL PERFORMANCE. If Grantor pays all the Indebtedness when due, and otherwise performs all the obligations imposed upon Grantor under this Mortgage, Lender shall execute and deliver to Grantor a suitable satisfaction of this Mortgage and suitable statements of termination of any financing statement on file evidencing Lender’s security interest in the Rents and the Personal Property. Grantor will pay, if permitted by applicable law, any reasonable termination fee as determined by Lender from time to time.

EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Each of the following, at Lender’s option, shall constitute an Event of Default under this Mortgage: Payment Default. Grantor fails to make any payment when due under the Indebtedness.

Default on Other Payments. Failure of Grantor within the time required by this Mortgage to make any payment for taxes or insurance, or any other payment necessary to prevent filing of or to effect discharge of any lien.

Other Defaults. Grantor fails to comply with or to perform any other term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in this Mortgage or in any of the Related Documents or to comply with or to perform any term, obligation, covenant or condition contained in any other agreement between Lender and Grantor.

Default in Favor of Third Parties. Should Grantor default under any loan, extension of credit, security agreement, purchase or sales agreement, or any other agreement, in favor of any other creditor or person that may materially affect any of Grantor’s property or Grantor’s ability to repay the Indebtedness or Grantor’s ability to perform Grantor’s obligations under this Mortgage or any related document.

False Statements. Any warranty, representation or statement made or furnished to Lender by Grantor or on Grantor’s behalf, or made by Guarantor, or any other guarantor, endorser, surety, or accommodation party, under this Mortgage or the Related Documents in connection with the obtaining of the Indebtedness evidenced by the Note or any security document directly or indirectly securing repayment of the Note is false or misleading in any material respect, either now or at the time made or furnished or becomes false or misleading at any time thereafter.

Defective Collateralization. This Mortgage or any of the Related Documents ceases to be in full force and effect (including failure of any collateral document to create a valid and perfected security interest or lien) at any time and for any reason.

Death or Insolvency. The dissolution of Grantor’s (regardless of whether election to continue is made), any member withdraws from the limited liability company, or any other termination of Grantor’s existence as a going business or the death of any member, the insolvency of Grantor, the appointment of a receiver for any part of Grantor’s property, any assignment for the benefit of creditors, any type of creditor workout, or the commencement of any proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws by or against Grantor.

Creditor or Forfeiture Proceedings. Commencement of foreclosure or forfeiture proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self-help, repossession or any other method, by any creditor of Grantor or by any governmental agency against any property securing the Indebtedness. This includes a garnishment of any of Grantor’s accounts, including deposit accounts, with Lender. However, this Event of Default shall not apply if there is a good faith dispute by Grantor as to the validity or reasonableness of the claim which is the basis of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and if Grantor gives Lender written notice of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding and deposits with Lender monies or a surety bond for the creditor or forfeiture proceeding, in an amount determined by Lender, in its sole discretion, as being an adequate reserve or bond for the dispute.

Execution; Attachment. Any execution or attachment is levied against the Property, and such execution or attachment is not set aside, discharged or stayed within thirty (30) days after the same is levied.

Change in Zoning or Public Restriction. Any change in any zoning ordinance or regulation or any other public restriction is enacted, adopted or implemented, that limits or defines the uses which may be made of the Property such that the present or Intended use of the Property, as specified in the Related Documents, would be in violation of such zoning ordinance or regulation or public restriction, as changed.

Default Under Other Lien Documents. A default occurs under any other mortgage, deed of trust or security agreement covering

all or any portion of the Property.

Judgment. Unless adequately covered by insurance in the opinion of Lender, the entry of a final judgment for the payment of money involving more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) against Grantor and the failure by Grantor to discharge the same, or cause it to be discharged, or bonded off to Lender’s satisfaction, within thirty (30) days from the data of the order, decree or process under which or pursuant to which such judgment was entered.

Breach of Other Agreement. Any breach by Grantor under the terms of any other agreement between Grantor and Lender that is not remedied within any grace period provided therein, including without limitation any agreement concerning any indebtedness or other obligation of Grantor to Lender, whether existing now or later.

Events Affecting Guarantor. Any of the preceding events occurs with respect to any Guarantor, or any other guarantor, endorser, surety, or accommodation party of any of the Indebtedness or any Guarantor, or any other guarantor, endorser, surety, or accommodation party dies or becomes incompetent, or revokes or disputes the validity of, or liability under, any Guaranty of the Indebtedness.

Adverse Change. A material adverse change occurs in Grantor’s financial condition, or Lender believes the prospect of payment or performance of the Indebtedness is impaired.

Insecurity. Lender in good faith believes itself insecure.

RIGHTS AND REMEDIES ON DEFAULT. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and at any time thereafter, Lender, at Lender’s option, may exercise any one or more of the following rights and remedies, in addition to any other rights or remedies provided by law:

Accelerate Indebtedness. Lender shall have the right at its option without notice to Grantor to declare the entire Indebtedness immediately due and payable, including any prepayment penalty which Grantor would be required to pay.

UCC Remedies. With respect to all or any part of the Personal Property, Lender shall have all the rights and remedies of a secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code. If notice to Grantor of the intended disposition of the Personal Property is required by law in a particular instance, such notice shall be deemed commercially reasonable if given to Grantor at least ten (10) calendar days prior to the date of intended disposition. Grantor shall pay on demand all costs and expenses, including but not limited to reasonable attorneys’ fees and legal expenses, incurred by Lender in exercising these rights and remedies.

Appoint Receiver. Lender shall have the right to have a receiver appointed to take possession of all or any part of the Property, with the power to protect and preserve the Property, to operate the Property preceding foreclosure or sale, and to collect the Rents from the Property and apply the proceeds, over and above the cost of the receivership, against the Indebtedness. The receiver may serve without bond if permitted by law. Lender’s right to the appointment of a receiver shall exist whether or not the apparent value of the Property exceeds the Indebtedness by a substantial amount. Employment by Lender shall not disqualify a person from serving as a receiver.

Foreclosure and Sale. Lender may, and is hereby authorized and empowered to, foreclose this Mortgage by action or advertisement pursuant to the statutes of the State of Minnesota providing for such foreclosure. Power is expressly granted to Lender (1) to sell the Property at public auction and to convey the Property, in fee simple, to the purchasers at such sale, and (2) to pay, out of the proceeds of the sale, all of the Indebtedness secured by this Mortgage, with interest, and all legal costs and charges of the foreclosure including the maximum attorneys’ fees permitted by law and Grantor agrees to pay all such costs, and charges and fees.

Other Remedies. Lender shall have all other rights and remedies provided in this Mortgage or the Note or available at law or in equity.

Sale of the Property. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Grantor hereby waives any and all right to have the Property marshalled. In exercising its rights and remedies, Lender shall be free to sell all or any part of the Property together or separately, in one sale or by separate sales. Lender shall be entitled to bid at any public sale on all or any portion of the Property.

Notice of Sale. Lender shall give Grantor reasonable notice of the time and place of any public sale of the Personal Property or of the time after which any private sale or other intended disposition of the Personal Property is to be made. Reasonable notice shall mean notice given at least ten (10) days before the time of the sale or disposition. Any sale of the Personal Property may be made in conjunction with any sale of the Real Property.

Election of Remedies. Election by Lender to pursue any remedy shall not exclude pursuit of any other remedy, and an election to make expenditures or to take action to perform an obligation of Grantor under this Mortgage, after Grantor’s failure to perform, shall not affect Lender’s right to declare a default and exercise its remedies. Nothing under this Mortgage or otherwise shall be construed so as to limit or restrict the rights and remedies available to Lender following an Event of Default, or in any way to limit or restrict the rights and ability of Lender to proceed directly against Grantor and/or against any other co-maker, guarantor, surety or endorser and/or to proceed against any other collateral directly or indirectly securing the Indebtedness.

Attorneys’ Fees: Expenses. If Lender institutes any suit or action to enforce any of the terms of this Mortgage, Lender shall be entitled to recover such sum as the court may adjudge reasonable as attorneys’ fees at trial and upon any appeal. Whether or not any court action is involved, and to the extent not prohibited by law, all reasonable expenses Lender incurs that In Lender’s opinion are necessary at any time for the protection of its interest or the enforcement of its rights shall become a part of the Indebtedness payable on demand and shall bear interest at the Note rate from the date of the expenditure until repaid. Expenses covered by this paragraph include, without limitation, however subject to any limits under applicable law, Lender’s reasonable attorneys’ fees and Lender’s legal expenses, whether or not there is a lawsuit, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses for bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction), appeals, and any anticipated post-judgment collection services, the cost of searching records, obtaining title reports (including foreclosure reports), surveyors’ reports, and appraisal fees and title insurance, to the extent permitted by applicable law. Grantor also will pay any court costs, in addition to all other sums provided by law.

NOTICES. Any notice required to be given under this Mortgage, including without limitation any notice of default and any notice of sale shall be given in writing, and shall be effective when actually delivered, when actually received by telefacsimile (unless otherwise

required by law), when deposited with a nationally recognized overnight courier, or, if mailed, when deposited in the United States mail, as first class, certified or registered mail postage prepaid, directed to the addresses shown near the beginning of this Mortgage. All copies of notices of foreclosure from the holder of any lien which has priority over this Mortgage shall be sent to Lender’s address, as shown near the beginning of this Mortgage. Any party may change its address for notices under this Mortgage by giving formal written notice to the other parties, specifying that the purpose of the notice is to change the party’s address. For notice purposes, Grantor agrees to keep Lender informed at all times of Grantor’s current address. Unless otherwise provided or required by law, if there is more than one Grantor, any notice given by Lender to any Grantor is deemed to be notice given to all Grantors.

READVANCE CLAUSE. It is understood that the Indebtedness secured by this Mortgage may be rewritten or reduced and later additional advances made and secured hereby up to the principal amount of $800,000.00. To the extent that occurs, the parties intend that the later additional advances will be “readvances” as that term is used in Minnesota Statutes Section 287.05. However, nothing herein contained shall imply an obligation on the part of the lender to make any additional advances. Grantor consents and agrees that Lender may, at its sole discretion, automatically advance on the said Mortgage Note and secured hereby to reduce any obligation(s) of Grantor to Lender.

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are a part of this Mortgage:

Amendments. This Mortgage, together with any Related Documents, constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties as to the matters set forth in this Mortgage. No alteration of or amendment to this Mortgage shall be effective unless given in writing and signed by the party or parties sought to be charged or bound by the alteration or amendment.

Annual Reports. If the Property is used for purposes other than Grantor’s residence, Grantor shall furnish to Lender, upon request, a certified statement of net operating income received from the Property during Grantor’s previous fiscal year in such form and detail as Lender shall require. “Net operating income” shall mean all cash receipts from the Property less all cash expenditures made in connection with the operation of the Property.

Caption Headings. Caption headings in this Mortgage are for convenience purposes only and are not to be used to interpret or define the provisions of this Mortgage.

Grantor’s Copy of Documents. Lender agrees to provide Grantor with a conformed copy of both the Note and this Mortgage at the time they are executed or within a reasonable time after request.

Choice of Venue. If there is a lawsuit, Grantor agrees upon Lender’s request to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of YELLOW MEDICINE County, State of Minnesota.

No Waiver by Lender. Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this Mortgage unless such waiver is given in writing and signed by Lender. No delay or omission on the part of Lender in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver by Lender of a provision of this Mortgage shall not prejudice or constitute a waiver of Lender’s right otherwise to demand strict compliance with that provision or any other provision of this Mortgage. No prior waiver by Lender, nor any course of dealing between Lender and Grantor, shall constitute a waiver of any of Lender’s rights or of any of Grantor’s obligations as to any future transactions. Whenever the consent of Lender is required under this Mortgage, the granting of such consent by Lender in any instance shall not constitute continuing consent to subsequent instances where such consent is required and in all cases such consent may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of Lender.

Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of this Mortgage to be illegal, invalid, or unenforceable as to any circumstance, that finding shall not make the offending provision illegal, invalid, or unenforceable as to any other circumstance. If feasible, the offending provision shall be considered modified so that it becomes legal, valid and enforceable. If the offending provision cannot be so modified, it shall be considered deleted from this Mortgage. Unless otherwise required by law, the illegality, invalidity, or unenforceability of any provision of this Mortgage shall not affect the legality, validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Mortgage.

Non-Liability of Lender. The relationship between Grantor and Lender created by this Mortgage is strictly a debtor and creditor relationship and not fiduciary in nature, nor is the relationship to be construed as creating any partnership or joint venture between Lender and Grantor. Grantor is exercising Grantor’s own judgement with respect to Grantor’s business. All information supplied to Lender is for Lender’s protection only and no other party is entitled to rely on such information. There is no duty for Lender to review, inspect, supervise or inform Grantor of any matter with respect to Grantor’s business. Lender and Grantor intend that Lender may reasonably rely on all information supplied by Grantor to Lender, together with all representations and warranties given by Grantor to Lender, without investigation or confirmation by Lender and that any investigation or failure to investigate will not diminish Lender’s right to so rely.

Merger. There shall be no merger of the interest or estate created by this Mortgage with any other interest or estate in the Property at any time held by or for the benefit of Lender in any capacity, without the written consent of Lender.

Sole Discretion of Lender. Whenever Lender’s consent or approval is required under this Mortgage, the decision as to whether or not to consent or approve shall be in the sole and exclusive discretion of Lender and Lender’s decision shall be final and conclusive.

Successors and Assigns. Subject to any limitations stated in this Mortgage on transfer of Grantor’s interest, this Mortgage shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties, their successors and assigns. If ownership of the Property becomes vested in a person other than Grantor, Lender, without notice to Grantor, may deal with Grantor’s successors with reference to this Mortgage and the Indebtedness by way of forbearance or extension without releasing Grantor from the obligations of this Mortgage or liability under the Indebtedness.

Time is of the Essence. Time is of the essence in the performance of this Mortgage.

DEFINITIONS. The following capitalized words and terms shall have the following meanings when used in this Mortgage. Unless specifically stated to the contrary, all references to dollar amounts shall mean amounts in lawful money of the United States of America. Words and terms used in the singular shall include the plural, and the plural shall include the singular, as the context may require. Words and terms not otherwise defined in this Mortgage shall have the meanings attributed to such terms in the Uniform Commercial Code:

Borrower. The word “Borrower” means HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC and includes all co-signers and co-makers signing the Note

and all their successors and assigns.

Default. The word “Default” means the Default set forth in this Mortgage in the section titled “Default”.

Environmental Laws. The words “Environmental Laws” mean any and all state, federal and local statutes, regulations and ordinances relating to the protection of human health or the environment, including without limitation the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, 42 U.S.C. Section 9601, et seq. (“CERCLA”), the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-499 (“XXXX”), the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. Section 1801, et seq., the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901, et seq., or other applicable state or federal laws, rules, or regulations adopted pursuant thereto or common law, and shall also include pollutants, contaminants, polychlorinated biphenyls, asbestos, urea formaldehyde, petroleum and petroleum products, and agricultural chemicals.

Event of Default. The words “Event of Default” mean individually, collectively, and interchangeably any of the events of default set forth in this Mortgage in the events of default section of this Mortgage.

Grantor. The word “Grantor” means HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC.

Guarantor. The word “Guarantor” means any guarantor, surety, or accommodation party of any or all of the Indebtedness, and, in each case, the successors, assigns, heirs, personal representatives, executors and administrators of any guarantor, surety, or accommodation party.

Guaranty. The word “Guaranty” means the guaranty from Guarantor, or any other guarantor, endorser, surety, or accommodation party to Lender, including without limitation a guaranty of all or part of the Note.

Hazardous Substances. The words “Hazardous Substances” mean materials that, because of their quantity, concentration or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics, may cause or pose a present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly used, treated, stored, disposed of, generated, manufactured, transported or otherwise handled. The words “Hazardous Substances” are used in their very broadest sense and Include without limitation any and all hazardous or toxic substances, materials or waste as defined by or listed under the Environmental Laws. The term “Hazardous Substances” also includes, without limitation, petroleum and petroleum by-products or any fraction thereof and asbestos.

Improvements. The word “Improvements” means all existing and future improvements, buildings, structures, mobile homes affixed on the Real Property, facilities, additions, replacements and other construction on the Real Property.

Indebtedness. The word “Indebtedness” means all principal, interest, and other amounts, costs and expenses payable under the Note or Related Documents, together with all renewals of, extensions of, modifications of, consolidations of and substitutions for the Note or Related Documents and any amounts expended or advanced by Lender to discharge Grantor’s obligations or expenses incurred by Lender to enforce Grantor’s obligations under this Mortgage, together with interest on such amounts as provided in this Mortgage. Specifically, without limitation, Indebtedness includes all amounts that may be indirectly secured by the Cross-Collateralization provision of this Mortgage.

Lender. The word “Lender” means GRANITE FALLS BANK, its successors and assigns. Mortgage. The word “Mortgage” means this Mortgage between Grantor and Lender.

Note. The word “Note” means the promissory note dated March 13, 2007, in the original principal amount of $800,000.00 from Grantor to Lender, together with all renewals of, extensions of, modifications of, refinancings of, consolidations of, and substitutions for the promissory note or agreement. The maturity date of the Note is March 13, 2008.

Personal Property. The words “Personal Property” mean all equipment, fixtures, and other articles of personal property now or hereafter owned by Grantor, and now or hereafter attached or affixed to the Real Property; together with all accessions, parts, and additions to, all replacements of, and all substitutions for, any of such property; and together with all proceeds (including without limitation all insurance proceeds and refunds of premiums) from any sale or other disposition of the Property.

Property. The word “Property” means collectively the Real Property and the Personal Property.

Real Property. The words “Real Property” mean the real property, interests and rights, as further described in this Mortgage.

Related Documents. The words “Related Documents” mean all promissory notes, credit agreements, loan agreements, environmental agreements, guaranties, security agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, security deeds, collateral mortgages, and all other instruments, agreements and documents, whether now or hereafter existing, executed in connection with the Indebtedness.

Rents. The word “Rents” means all present and future rents, revenues, income, issues, royalties, profits, and other benefits derived from the Property.

GRANTOR ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS MORTGAGE, AND GRANTOR AGREES TO ITS TERMS. GRANTOR:

HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC

By:	/s/ Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx
	XXXXX XXXXXXXXX, PRESIDENT of HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC
By:	/s/ Xxxx Xxxxxxxx
	XXXX XXXXXXXX, VICE PRESIDENT of HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC

This Mortgage was drafted by:

XXXXX X. XXXXXXXXX, VICE
PRESIDENT GRANITE FALLS BANK

000 XXXXXXXX XXXXXX, XX XXX 0 XXXXXXX XXXXX, XX 00000

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ACKNOWLEDGMENT

STATE OF	Minnesota				)	[SEAL XXXX X. XXXXXX]
					)SS	[NOTARY PUBLIC — MINNESOTA]
COUNTY OF		Yellow Medicine			)	[MY COMMISSION EXPIRES JAN. 31. 2010]

On this 13 day of March              , 2007      , before me, the undersigned Notary Public, personally appeared XXXXX XXXXXXXXX, PRESIDENT; XXXX XXXXXXXX, VICE PRESIDENT of HIGHWATER ETHANOL, LLC, and known to me to be members or designated agents of the limited liability company that executed the Mortgage and acknowledged the Mortgage to be the free and voluntary act and deed of the limited liability company, by authority of statute, its articles of organization or its operating agreement, for the uses and purposes therein mentioned, and on oath stated that they are authorized to execute this Mortgage and in fact executed the Mortgage on behalf of the limited liability company.

By	/s/ Xxxx X. Xxxxxx				Residing at	Granit Falls, MN
Notary Public in and for the State of		Minnesota			My commission expires		Jan. 31, 2010