<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001193125-17-276807.txt : 20170905
<SEC-HEADER>0001193125-17-276807.hdr.sgml : 20170905
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20170905164359
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001193125-17-276807
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	8-K
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		4
CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT:	20170905
ITEM INFORMATION:		Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers
ITEM INFORMATION:		Regulation FD Disclosure
ITEM INFORMATION:		Financial Statements and Exhibits
FILED AS OF DATE:		20170905
DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20170905

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			Green Plains Inc.
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0001309402
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	INDUSTRIAL ORGANIC CHEMICALS [2860]
		IRS NUMBER:				841652107
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			IA
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		8-K
		SEC ACT:		1934 Act
		SEC FILE NUMBER:	001-32924
		FILM NUMBER:		171069222

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		1811 AKSARBEN DRIVE
		CITY:			OMAHA
		STATE:			NE
		ZIP:			68106
		BUSINESS PHONE:		402-884-8700

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		1811 AKSARBEN DRIVE
		CITY:			OMAHA
		STATE:			NE
		ZIP:			68106

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc.
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	20100106

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC.
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	20060314

	FORMER COMPANY:	
		FORMER CONFORMED NAME:	Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc.
		DATE OF NAME CHANGE:	20041123
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>8-K
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>d452571d8k.htm
<DESCRIPTION>8-K
<TEXT>
<HTML><HEAD>
<TITLE>8-K</TITLE>
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 <P STYLE="line-height:1.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="line-height:3.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:4pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:18pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>UNITED STATES </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:18pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Washington, D.C. 20549 </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:18pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>FORM <FONT
STYLE="white-space:nowrap">8-K</FONT> </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>CURRENT
REPORT </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 OR 15(d) </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:12pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>September&nbsp;5, 2017 </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:24pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>GREEN PLAINS
INC. </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) </B></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:10pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Iowa </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(State or other
jurisdiction of incorporation) </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">001-32924</FONT></B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">84-1652107</FONT></B></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:8pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>(Commission file number)</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>(IRS employer identification no.)</B></TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>1811 Aksarben Drive, Omaha, Nebraska</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>68106</B></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:8pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>(Address of principal executive offices)</B></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><B>(Zip code)</B></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(402) <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">884-8700</FONT> </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>(Registrant&#146;s telephone number, including area code) </B></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:10pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Check the appropriate box below if the Form <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">8-K</FONT> filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of
the registrant under any of the following provisions: </P> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#9744;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#9744;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top">Soliciting material pursuant to Rule <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">14a-12</FONT> under the Exchange Act (17 CFR <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">240.14a-12)</FONT> </TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#9744;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Pre-commencement</FONT> communications pursuant to Rule <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">14d-2(b)</FONT> under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">240.14d-2(b))</FONT> </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left">&#9744;</TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">Pre-commencement</FONT> communications pursuant to Rule <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">13e-4(c)</FONT> under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">240.13e-4(c))</FONT> </TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as
defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (&#167;230.405 of this chapter) or Rule <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">12b-2</FONT> of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">(&#167;240.12b-2</FONT> of this chapter).
Emerging growth company&nbsp;&nbsp;&#9744; </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">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&nbsp;13(a) of the Exchange Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;&#9744; </P> <P STYLE="font-size:10pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="line-height:1.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="line-height:3.0pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:2pt;border-bottom:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>

<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Item&nbsp;5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain
Officers; Compensatory Arrangement of Certain Officers. </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Green Plains Inc. (the &#147;Company&#148;) announced today that
Jerry Peters will retire as chief financial officer of the Company and Green Plains Partners LP effective September&nbsp;11, 2017. Mr.&nbsp;Peters will continue to be a member of the board of directors of Green Plains Holdings LLC, the general
partner of Green Plains Partners. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mr.&nbsp;John Neppl, 51, has been appointed as chief financial officer effective
September&nbsp;11, 2017. Mr.&nbsp;Neppl most recently served as chief financial officer of The Gavilon Group, LLC, an agriculture and energy commodities management firm with an extensive global footprint. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Previously, Mr.&nbsp;Neppl held senior financial management positions at ConAgra Foods, Inc., including senior financial officer of ConAgra Trade Group and
Commercial Products division as well as assistant corporate controller. Prior to ConAgra, Mr.&nbsp;Neppl was corporate controller at Guarantee Life Companies. He began his career as an auditor with Deloitte&nbsp;&amp; Touche. He is a member of the
Creighton University Heider College of Business Dean&#146;s Advisory Board, as well as its Accounting Department Advisory Board. In addition, he is on the Board of Directors of Marian High School and Chair of its Finance Committee. Mr.&nbsp;Neppl
earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a major in accounting from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. He is also a certified public accountant (inactive status). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Mr.&nbsp;Neppl will be paid a salary of $400,000 per year. On September&nbsp;11, 2017, Mr.&nbsp;Neppl will receive a
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">one-time</FONT> stock award of $600,000, which will vest over the next three years. He is eligible to participate in the Company&#146;s STIP and LTIP. Both plans are described in the Company&#146;s Definitive Proxy
Statement filed on March&nbsp;28, 2017. Under the STIP, his target award is 80%. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Mr.&nbsp;Neppl has no family relationships with any current director or
executive officer of the Company, and there are no transactions or proposed transactions to which the Company is a party, or intended to be a party, in which Mr.&nbsp;Neppl has, or will have, a material interest subject to disclosure under Item
404(a) of Regulation <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">S-K.</FONT> Mr.&nbsp;Neppl was not chosen to succeed Mr.&nbsp;Peters as the Company&#146;s chief financial officer pursuant to any arrangement or understanding with any other person. </P>
<P STYLE="font-size:18pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><B>Item&nbsp;7.01.</B></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><B>Regulation FD Disclosure. </B></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">On September&nbsp;5, 2017, the Company issued a press release
announcing this transition, which is included as Exhibit 99.1 and incorporated herein by reference. </P> <P STYLE="font-size:18pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR style = "page-break-inside:avoid">
<TD WIDTH="12%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><B>Item&nbsp;9.01.</B></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><B>Financial Statements and Exhibits. </B></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(d) Exhibits. The following exhibits are filed as part of this
report. </P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000; width:26.20pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">Number</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP> <P STYLE=" margin-top:0pt ; margin-bottom:0pt; border-bottom:1.00pt solid #000000; width:37.25pt; font-size:8pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Description</P></TD></TR>


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<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>10.1</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="d452571dex101.htm">Employment agreement with Mr.&nbsp;Neppl </A></TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP>99.1</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><A HREF="d452571dex991.htm">Press release, dated September&nbsp;5, 2017 </A></TD></TR>
</TABLE>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>SIGNATURES </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned hereunto duly authorized. </P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="3"><B>Green Plains Inc.</B></TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top">Date: September&nbsp;5, 2017</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">By:</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">/s/ Michelle Mapes<I> </I></P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom">Michelle Mapes</TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom">EVP - General Counsel and Corporate Secretary</TD></TR>
</TABLE>
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<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-10.1
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>d452571dex101.htm
<DESCRIPTION>EX-10.1
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<HTML><HEAD>
<TITLE>EX-10.1</TITLE>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="right"><B>Exhibit 10.1 </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">This Employment Agreement (this &#147;<B><I>Agreement</I></B>&#148;) is effective as of the Effective Date defined herein, by and between
GREEN PLAINS INC., an Iowa corporation (the &#147;<B><I>Company</I></B>&#148;), and JOHN NEPPL, an individual (&#147;<B><I>Executive</I></B>&#148;). </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">In consideration of the promises and mutual covenants contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows: </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Employment; Location</U>. The Company hereby employs Executive and Executive hereby accepts such employment in
the Omaha, Nebraska metro area. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Term</U>. Executive&#146;s employment shall be <FONT
STYLE="white-space:nowrap">&#147;at-will&#148;</FONT> and may be terminated at any time, by either party, for any reason whatsoever (the &#147;<B><I>Term</I></B>&#148;). Executive&#146;s employment with the Company commences on September&nbsp;11,
2017 (the &#147;Effective Date&#148;). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Duties and Authorities</U>. During the Term: </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">3.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Executive shall serve as the Chief Financial Officer (&#147;CFO&#148;) of the Company and shall report to the Chief
Executive Officer (&#147;CEO&#148;). Executive shall have responsibilities, duties and authority reasonably accorded to and expected of such positions in similar businesses in the United States, including and such responsibilities and duties
assigned by the Chief Executive Officer from time to time (the &#147;<B><I>Duties</I></B>&#148;). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">3.2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Executive
shall diligently execute such Duties and shall devote his full time, skills and efforts to such Duties, subject to the general supervision and control of the CEO. Executive will not engage in any other employment, occupation or consulting activity
during the Term of this Agreement, without the consent of the CEO. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive may make any passive investment where he is not obligated or required to devote any <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap"><FONT
STYLE="white-space:nowrap">day-to-day</FONT></FONT> management efforts; and participate in charitable, academic, political or community activities and boards and in trade or professional organizations. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Compensation and Benefits</U>. The Company shall pay Executive, and Executive accepts as full compensation for
all services to be rendered to the Company, the following compensation and benefits: </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">4.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Base Salary</U>. The
Company shall pay Executive a base salary of Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000) per year. Base salary shall be payable in equal installments twice monthly or at more frequent intervals in accordance with the Company&#146;s customary pay
schedule. The Company shall annually consider increases of Executive&#146;s base salary and may periodically increase such base salary in its discretion. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">4.2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Additional Compensation</U>. In addition to base salary, during the Term of this Agreement, the Company shall
pay the following to Executive: </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Intentionally Left Blank. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">1 </P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Annual Bonus</U>. Executive will be entitled to participate in the
Company&#146;s short-term incentive plan (&#147;STIP&#148;), which currently has designated a bonus of up to eighty percent (80%) of annual base salary, payable annually, when target objectives set by the Company&#146;s Compensation Committee are
achieved. The STIP is subject to change at the discretion of the Board of Directors. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Long-Term Incentive
Compensation</U>. The Compensation Committee has developed a long-term incentive program (&#147;LTIP&#148;) for the Company, which is subject to change at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Executive shall be eligible to participate in such
LTIP at the sole discretion of the Company. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">4.3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Equity Incentive Compensation</U>. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Stock Compensation.</U> Within 2 days of the Effective Date, the Company shall provide Executive a grant of
$600,000 in value of shares of the Company&#146;s common stock which shall be subject to terms and conditions set out in the Company&#146;s 2009 Equity Compensation Plan, as amended, and related stock award agreement. The award will be set forth in
the related stock award agreement, and the shares shall vest as follows: <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">one-third</FONT> shall vest each successive year after the grant date until fully vested. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">4.4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Additional Benefits</U>. Executive shall be permitted, during the Term, if and to the extent eligible, to
participate in any group life, hospitalization or disability insurance plan, health or dental program, pension plan, similar benefit plan or other <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">so-called</FONT> &#147;fringe benefits&#148; of the Company made
available to officers of the Company. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">4.5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Vacation</U>. Executive shall be entitled to an aggregate of up to
four weeks leave for vacation for each calendar year during the Term at full pay. Executive agrees to give reasonable notice of his vacation scheduling requests, which shall be allowed subject to the Company&#146;s reasonable business needs. No more
than five (5)&nbsp;days vacation may be carried over from one year to the next year. Executive&#146;s vacation shall be prorated for the first partial year of employment, and all unused vacation shall be paid upon termination of employment for any
reason, voluntary or involuntary. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">4.6&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Deductions</U>. The Company shall have the right to deduct from the
compensation due to Executive hereunder any and all sums required for social security and withholding taxes and for any other federal, state or local tax which may be hereafter enacted or required by law or as otherwise authorized by Executive. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Business Expenses</U>. Executive may incur reasonable, ordinary and necessary business expenses in the course of
his performance of his obligations under this Agreement. The Company shall reimburse Executive in accordance with the Company&#146;s business expense reimbursement policy. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Intentionally Left Blank</U> </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">2 </P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Termination</U>. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">7.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Termination for Cause</U>. Executive&#146;s employment hereunder shall be terminable for Cause (as defined
below) upon written notice from the Company to Executive. As used in this Agreement, &#147;<B><I>Cause</I></B>&#148; shall mean one of the following: (a)&nbsp;a material breach by Executive of the terms of this Agreement, not cured within thirty
(30)&nbsp;days from receipt of notice from the CEO of such breach, (b)&nbsp;conviction of or plea of guilty or no contest to, a felony; (c)&nbsp;continuing willful failure to attempt in good faith to perform his duties for the Company after
Executive&#146;s receipt of written notice of such failure specifying the details of the alleged failure, if within 30 days of such notice, Executive fails to cure any such failure;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;or (d)&nbsp;willfully engaging in conduct
that constitutes fraud, gross negligence or gross misconduct that results in material harm to the Company if not corrected by the Executive within thirty (30)&nbsp;days following Executive&#146;s receipt of written notice thereof. For purposes of
this definition, no act, or failure to act, on Executive&#146;s part shall be considered &#147;willful&#148; unless done, or omitted to be done, by Executive in knowing bad faith and without reasonable belief that his action or omission was in, or
not opposed to, the best interests of the Company. If the Company terminates Executive&#146;s employment for Cause, Executive shall be paid his salary and benefits through the date of termination including, without limitation, all accrued unused
vacation, outstanding business expenses and, except as otherwise required by applicable law or under any applicable and properly approved compensation plan or arrangement, no other amounts shall be payable. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">7.2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Termination without Cause or for Good Reason</U>. The Company may terminate Executive&#146;s employment at any
time for any reason (or no reason) other than Cause, as determined by the CEO, and the Executive may terminate Executive&#146;s employment with the Company for Good Reason and resign any and all positions as officer of the Company and any related
companies. If the Company terminates Executive&#146;s employment without Cause or the Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason, Executive shall be paid his salary and benefits through the date of termination including, without limitation,
all accrued unused vacation, and outstanding business expenses and: </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Company shall also pay within 10
business days after such termination: (1)&nbsp;an amount equal to six (6)&nbsp;months of Executive&#146;s full annual base salary on the date of his termination plus (2)&nbsp;an amount equal to the greater of
<FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">one-half</FONT> times the maximum annual cash bonus that could be paid to Executive for the year in which termination occurred or <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">one-half</FONT> times the average bonus paid to
Executive during the prior two years; and </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All options and other equity awards, whether made pursuant to this
Agreement or otherwise, shall become fully vested and released from any restrictions on transfer upon such termination </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">As used in this Agreement,
&#147;<B><I>Good Reason</I></B>&#148; shall mean any of the following if the same occurs without Executive&#146;s express written consent: (a)&nbsp;a material diminution in Executive&#146;s base salary as described in Section&nbsp;4.1, which for
such purposes shall be deemed to exist with a reduction of greater than fifteen percent (15%) ; (b) a material diminution in Executive&#146;s authority, Duties, or responsibilities; (c)&nbsp;a material diminution in the authority, duties, or
responsibilities of the person to whom Executive is required to report; (d)&nbsp;a material change in the geographic location (defined as greater than fifty (50)&nbsp;miles from Omaha, NE) at which Executive must perform the services pursuant to
Section&nbsp;1; (e) any material reduction or other adverse change in Executive&#146;s benefits under any applicable and properly approved </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">3 </P>


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compensation plan or arrangement without the substitution of comparable benefits; or (f)&nbsp;any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Company under this Agreement.
To terminate for Good Reason, an Executive must incur a termination of employment on or before the second (2<SUP STYLE="font-size:85%; vertical-align:top">nd</SUP>) anniversary of the initial existence of the condition. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Executive shall be required to provide notice to the Company of the existence of any of the foregoing conditions within 60 days of the initial existence of
the condition, upon the notice of which the Company shall have a period of 30 days during which it may remedy the condition. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">7.3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Termination by Executive Without Good Reason</U>. If Executive terminates without Good Reason, then Executive
will be required to give the Company at least sixty (60)&nbsp;days notice. If Executive terminates without Good Reason then Executive will be paid his salary and benefits through the date of termination including, without limitation, all accrued
unused vacation, and outstanding business expenses and, except as otherwise required by applicable law, no other amounts shall be payable except as provided under any applicable and properly approved compensation plan or arrangement. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">7.4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Effect of Termination</U>. In the event Executive&#146;s employment is terminated, all obligations of the
Company and all obligations of Executive shall cease except that (a)&nbsp;the terms of this Section&nbsp;7 and of Sections 8 through 23 below shall survive such termination and (b)&nbsp;the Company shall continue to be obligated to fulfill its
obligations pursuant to Section&nbsp;4, 5 and 6 to the extent they have not been satisfied as of the date of such termination. Executive acknowledges that, upon termination of his employment, he is entitled to no other compensation, severance or
other benefits other than those specifically set forth in this Agreement, except to the extent provided in any applicable compensation plan or arrangement. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Covenant Not to Compete; Nonsolicitation</U>. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">8.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Covenant</U>. Executive hereby agrees that, while he is employed or engaged by the Company as an employee
pursuant to this Agreement, and, in any event, for the one (1)-year period following Executive&#146;s termination of employment for any reason he will not directly or indirectly compete (as defined in Section&nbsp;8.2 below) with the Company in any
geographic area in which the Company does or has done business. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">8.2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Direct and Indirect Competition</U>. As
used herein, the phrase &#147;<B><I>directly or indirectly compete</I></B>&#148; shall mean owning, managing, operating or controlling, or participating in the ownership, management, operation or control of, or being connected with or having any
interest in, as a stockholder, director, officer, employee, agent, consultant, assistant, advisor, sole proprietor, partner or otherwise, any business (other than the Company&#146;s) engaged in the production, marketing, sale, trading or
distribution of: ethanol, grain, ethanol <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">co-products,</FONT> cattle or natural gas, or the production, marketing or sale of vinegar products; provided, however, that this prohibition shall not apply to ownership of
less than one percent (1%) of the voting stock in companies whose stock is traded on a national securities exchange or in the <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">over-the-counter</FONT></FONT> market. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">4 </P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">8.3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Nonsolicitation</U>. Executive hereby agrees that while he is
employed or engaged by the Company as an employee pursuant to this Agreement, and, in any event, during the two (2)-year period following Executive&#146;s termination of employment for any reason, he will not directly or indirectly solicit or
attempt to solicit any customer, vendor or distributor of the Company, other than for the Company, with respect to any product or service being furnished, made or sold by the Company at any time during Executive&#146;s employment with the Company.
Executive further agrees that during such time period, Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, solicit, encourage or attempt to solicit any of the executives, managers or employees who are employed by the Company on his termination date to
become executives, manages or employees of any other person or entity with which Executive is affiliated. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Confidential Information</U>. Executive acknowledges that during his employment or consultancy with the Company
he will develop, discover, have access to and/or become acquainted with technical, financial, marketing, personnel and other information relating to the present or contemplated products or the conduct of business of the Company which is of a
confidential and proprietary nature (&#147;<B><I>Confidential Information</I></B>&#148;). Executive agrees that all files, records, documents and the like relating to such Confidential Information, whether prepared by him or otherwise coming into
his possession, shall remain the exclusive property of the Company, and Executive hereby agrees to promptly disclose such Confidential Information to the Company upon request and hereby assigns to the Company any rights which he may acquire in any
Confidential Information. Executive further agrees not to disclose or use any Confidential Information and to use his best efforts to prevent the disclosure or use of any Confidential Information either during the term of his employment or
consultancy or at any time thereafter, except as may be necessary in the ordinary course of performing his duties under this Agreement. Upon termination of Executive&#146;s employment or consultancy with the Company for any reason,
(a)&nbsp;Executive shall promptly deliver to the Company all materials, documents, data, equipment and other physical property of any nature containing or pertaining to any Confidential Information, and (b)&nbsp;Executive shall not take from the
Company&#146;s premises any such material or equipment or any reproduction thereof. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Inventions</U>. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">10.1&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Disclosure of Inventions</U>. Executive hereby agrees that if he conceives, learns, makes or first reduces to
practice, either alone or jointly with others, any &#147;<B><I>Employment Inventions</I></B>&#148; (as defined in Section&nbsp;10.3 below) while he is employed by the Company, either as an employee or as a consultant, he will promptly disclose such
Employment Inventions to the CEO or to any other Company officer designated by the Board. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">10.2&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Ownership,
Assignment Assistance and Power of Attorney</U>. All Employment Inventions shall be the sole and exclusive property of the Company, and the Company shall have the right to use and to apply for patents, copyrights or other statutory or common law
protection for such Employment Inventions in any country. Executive hereby assigns to the Company any rights which he may acquire in such Employment Inventions. Furthermore, Executive agrees to assist the Company in every proper way at the
Company&#146;s expense to obtain patents, copyrights and other statutory or common law protections for such Employment Inventions in any country and to enforce such rights from time to time. Specifically, Executive agrees to execute all documents as
the Company may desire for use in applying for and in obtaining or enforcing such patents, copyrights and other statutory or common law protections together with any assignments thereof to the Company or to any person
</P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">5 </P>


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designated by the Company. Executive&#146;s obligations under this Section&nbsp;10 shall continue beyond the termination of his employment under this Agreement, but the Company shall compensate
Executive at a reasonable rate after any such termination for the time which Executive actually spends at the Company&#146;s request in rendering such assistance. In the event the Company is unable for any reason whatsoever to secure
Executive&#146;s signature (after reasonable attempts to do so) to any lawful document required to apply for or to enforce any patent, copyright or other statutory or common law protections for such Employment Inventions, Executive hereby
irrevocably designates and appoints the Company and its duly authorized officers and agents as his agents and <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap"><FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">attorneys-in-fact</FONT></FONT> to act in his stead to execute such
documents and to do such other lawful and necessary acts to further the issuance and prosecution of such patents, copyrights or other statutory or common law protection, such documents or such acts to have the same legal force and effect as if such
documents were executed by or such acts were done by Executive. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">10.3&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Employment Inventions</U>. The definition
of &#147;<B><I>Employment Invention</I></B>&#148; as used herein is as follows: &#147;<B><I>Employment Invention</I></B>&#148; means any invention or part thereof conceived, developed, reduced to practice, or created by Executive which is:
(a)&nbsp;conceived, developed, reduced to practice, or created by Executive: (i)&nbsp;within the scope of his employment; (ii)&nbsp;on the Company&#146;s time; or (iii)&nbsp;with the aid, assistance, or use of any of the Company&#146;s property,
equipment, facilities, supplies, resources, or intellectual property; (b)&nbsp;the result of any work, services, or duties performed by Executive for the Company; (c)&nbsp;related to the industry or trade of the Company; or (d)&nbsp;related to the
current or demonstrably anticipated business, research, or development of the Company. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">10.4&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Exclusion of Prior
Inventions</U>. Executive has identified on <B>Exhibit A</B> attached hereto a complete list of all inventions which Executive has conceived, learned, made or first reduced to practice, either alone or jointly with others, prior to employment with
the Company and which Executive desires to exclude from the operation of this Agreement. If no inventions are listed on <B>Exhibit A</B>, Executive represents that he has made no such inventions at the time of signing this Agreement. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:8%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">10.5&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Inventions of Third Parties</U>. Executive shall not disclose to the Company, use in the course of his
employment, or incorporate into the Company&#146;s products or processes any confidential or proprietary information or inventions that belong to a third party, unless the Company has received authorization from such third party and Executive has
been directed by the CEO to do so. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">11.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Compliance with Section</U><U></U><U>&nbsp;409A of the Code</U>.
Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, this Agreement shall be interpreted, construed and conformed in accordance with Section&nbsp;409A of the Code and regulations and other guidance issued thereunder. If, on the date of
Executive&#146;s separation from service (as defined in Treasury Regulation <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">&#167;1.409A-1(h)),</FONT> Executive is a specified employee (as defined in Code Section&nbsp;409A and Treasury Regulation <FONT
STYLE="white-space:nowrap">&#167;1.409A-1(i)),</FONT> no payment shall be made under this Agreement at any time during the <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">6-month</FONT> period following the Employee&#146;s separation from service of any amount
that results in the &#147;deferral of compensation&#148; within the meaning of Treasury Regulation <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">&#167;1.409A-1(b),</FONT> after application of the exemptions provided in Treasury Regulation <FONT
STYLE="white-space:nowrap">&#167;&#167;1.409A-1(b)(4)</FONT> and <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii)</FONT> and (v), and any amounts otherwise payable during such <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">6-month</FONT> period shall be paid
in a lump sum on the first payroll payment date following expiration of such <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">6-month</FONT> period. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">6 </P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">12.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>No Conflicts</U>. Executive hereby represents that, to the best of
his knowledge, his performance of all the terms of this Agreement and his work as an employee or consultant of the Company does not breach any oral or written agreement which he has made prior to his employment with the Company. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">13.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Equitable Remedies</U>. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the breach or threatened breach by him of certain
provisions of this Agreement, including without limitation Sections 8, 9 or 10 above, would cause irreparable harm to the Company for which damages at law would be an inadequate remedy. Accordingly, Executive hereby agrees that in any such instance
the Company shall be entitled to seek injunctive or other equitable relief in addition to any other remedy to which it may be entitled. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">14.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Assignment</U>. This Agreement is for the unique personal services of Executive and is not assignable or
delegable in whole or in part by Executive without the consent of the CEO. This Agreement may be assigned or delegated in whole or in part by the Company and, in such case, the terms of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, be assumed by,
and be binding upon the entity to which this Agreement is assigned. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">15.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Waiver or Modification</U>. Any waiver,
modification or amendment of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective only if in writing in a document that specifically refers to this Agreement and such document is signed by the parties hereto. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">16.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Entire Agreement</U>. This Agreement constitutes the full and complete understanding and agreement of the
parties hereto with respect to the specific subject matter covered herein and therein and supersede all prior oral or written understandings and agreements with respect to such specific subject matter. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">17.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Severability</U>. If any provision of this Agreement is found to be unenforceable by a court of competent
jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless remain enforceable in full force and effect, and the court making such determination shall modify, among other things, the scope, duration, or geographic area of such affected provision to
preserve the enforceability thereof to the maximum extent then permitted by law. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">18.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Notices</U>. All notices
thereunder shall be in writing addressed to the respective party as set forth below and may be personally served, sent by facsimile transmission, sent by overnight courier service, or sent by United States mail, return receipt requested. Such
notices shall be deemed to have been given: (a)&nbsp;if delivered in person, on the date of delivery; (b)&nbsp;if delivered by facsimile transmission, on the date of transmission if transmitted by 5:00 p.m. (local time, Omaha, Nebraska) on a
business day or, if not, on the next succeeding business day; provided that a copy of such notice is also sent the same day as the facsimile transmission by any other means permitted herein; (c)&nbsp;if delivered by overnight courier, on the date
that delivery is first attempted; or (d)&nbsp;if by United States mail, on the earlier of two (2)&nbsp;business days after depositing in the United States mail, postage prepaid and properly addressed, or the date delivery is first attempted. Notices
shall be addressed as set forth as set forth on the signature page hereof, or to such other address as the party to whom such notice is intended shall have previously designated by written notice to the serving party. Notices shall be deemed
effective upon receipt. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">7 </P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">19.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Indemnification. In the event that Executive is made a party or
threatened to be made a party to any action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative (a &#147;Proceeding&#148;), other than any Proceeding initiated by Executive or the Company related to any contest or dispute
between Executive and the Company or any of its affiliates with respect to this&nbsp;Agreement&nbsp;or Executive&#146;s employment hereunder, by reason of the fact that Executive is or was a director or officer of the Company, or any affiliate of
the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, member, employee, or agent of another corporation or a partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, Executive shall be indemnified and held harmless
by the Company to the fullest extent applicable to any other officer or director of the Company/to the maximum extent permitted under applicable law and the Company&#146;s bylaws from and against any liabilities, costs, claims, and expenses,
including all costs and expenses incurred in defense of any Proceeding (including attorneys&#146; fees). Costs and expenses incurred by Executive in defense of such Proceeding (including attorneys&#146; fees) shall be paid by the Company in advance
of the final disposition of such litigation upon receipt by the Company of: (i)&nbsp;a written request for payment; (ii)&nbsp;appropriate documentation evidencing the incurrence, amount, and nature of the costs and expenses for which payment is
being sought; and (iii)&nbsp;an undertaking adequate under applicable law made by or on behalf of Executive to repay the amounts so paid if it shall ultimately be determined that Executive is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company under
this&nbsp;Agreement. During the&nbsp;Term of this Agreement and while potential liability exists after the Employment Term, as determined by the Company in its sole reasonable discretion but in no event for a period of not less than six
(6)&nbsp;years thereafter, the Company or any successor to the Company shall purchase and maintain, at its own expense, directors&#146; and officers&#146; liability insurance providing coverage to Executive on terms that are no less favorable than
the coverage provided to other directors and similarly situated executives of the Company. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">20.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Governing
Law</U>. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Nebraska, without reference to the choice of law provisions thereof. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">21.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Attorneys&#146; Fees</U>. In the event an action or proceeding is brought by any party under this Agreement to
enforce or construe any of its terms, the party that prevails by enforcing this Agreement shall be entitled to recover, in addition to all other amounts and relief, its reasonable costs and attorneys&#146; fees incurred in connection with such
action or proceeding. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">22.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Construction</U>. Whenever the context requires, the singular shall include the
plural and the plural shall include the singular, the whole shall include any part thereof, and any gender shall include all other genders. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not limit, enlarge, or otherwise affect any
of the terms of this Agreement. Unless otherwise indicated, all references in this Agreement to sections refer to the corresponding sections of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be construed as though all parties had drafted it. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">23.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<U>Counterparts</U>. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an
original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Counterparts and signatures transmitted by facsimile shall be valid, effective and enforceable as originals. </P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">8 </P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:4%; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Executive has signed this Agreement personally and the Company has caused
this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized representative. </P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="40%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">


<TR>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="80%"></TD></TR>


<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="3">GREEN PLAINS INC.</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top">By:</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">/s/ Todd Becker</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top">Name:</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">Todd Becker</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top">Title:</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">Chief Executive Officer</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top">Address:</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="3"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="3"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Green Plains Inc.</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">1811 Aksarben
Dr</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="3">Omaha NE 68106</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top">Executive</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="3"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="3"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">/s/ John Neppl</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="3">John Neppl, individually</TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
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<TD VALIGN="top">Address:</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1pt">
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="3"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="page-break-inside:avoid ; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt">
<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="3"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:1pt; border-bottom:1px solid #000000; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&nbsp;</P></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">9 </P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B><U>EXHIBIT A </U></B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>EXCLUDED INVENTIONS </B></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt ; font-size:8pt">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">10 </P>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="right"><B>Exhibit 99.1 </B></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12pt;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE; font-family:Times New Roman; font-size:10pt" ALIGN="center">


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<TD WIDTH="47%"></TD></TR>


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<IMG SRC="g452571g0905040346467.jpg" ALT="LOGO">
</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><B><I>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</I></B></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:24pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center"><B>Green Plains&#146; CFO Jerry Peters to Retire; John Neppl Named to Succeed Him </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>OMAHA, Neb., Sept. 5, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE)</B> &#150; Green Plains Inc. (NASDAQ:GPRE) today announced that Jerry Peters will retire as chief financial
officer from Green Plains and Green Plains Partners LP effective September&nbsp;11, 2017. John Neppl has been named to succeed Mr.&nbsp;Peters upon his retirement. Mr.&nbsp;Peters will continue to be a member of the board of directors of Green
Plains Holdings LLC, the general partner of Green Plains Partners (NASDAQ:GPP). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#147;For the past 10 years, Jerry has made great contributions to Green
Plains&#146; growth and success,&#148; said Todd Becker, president and chief executive officer. &#147;Jerry&#146;s financial expertise, deep knowledge of the business and strong leadership have made him a great partner to work with and a highly
valued member of our team. On behalf of our shareholders, our board of directors, our executive team and the company, I want to thank Jerry for his leadership as our CFO and we wish him all the best in his retirement.&#148; </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#147;I step away from Green Plains knowing the company is in the strongest financial condition of its history. It has been an honor to work with such great
people and I know the company is well-positioned for future success,&#148; said Peters. &#147;I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of building a great company and look forward to my continued involvement as a board member of Green Plains
Partners.&#148; </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Mr.&nbsp;John Neppl has been appointed chief financial officer of Green Plains effective September&nbsp;11, 2017. John most recently
served as chief financial officer of The Gavilon Group, LLC, an agriculture and energy commodities management firm with an extensive global footprint. He provided broad financial leadership, with responsibility for the organization&#146;s
accounting, treasury, risk control, business planning and analysis, tax, legal and investor relations functions. </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&#147;John has extensive experience in
commodity processing and trading businesses in both energy and agriculture,&#148; stated Becker. &#147;John&#146;s leadership skills and experience across all facets of finance and accounting will make him an exceptional CFO for Green Plains. John
understands both our history and our vision for the future and has the skills and perspective needed to lead our financial organization as we continue to pursue our growth strategy.&#148; </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Previously, Neppl held senior financial management positions at ConAgra Foods, Inc., including senior financial officer of ConAgra Trade Group and Commercial
Products division as well as assistant corporate controller. Prior to ConAgra, Neppl was corporate controller at Guarantee Life Companies. He began his career as an auditor with Deloitte&nbsp;&amp; Touche. He is a member of the Creighton University
Heider College of Business Dean&#146;s Advisory Board, as well as its Accounting Department Advisory Board. In addition, he is on the Board of Directors of Marian High School and Chair of its Finance Committee. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Neppl earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a major in accounting from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. He is also a
certified public accountant (inactive status). </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>About Green Plains Inc. </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Green Plains Inc. (NASDAQ:GPRE) is a diversified commodity-processing business with operations related to ethanol production, grain handling and storage,
cattle feedlots, food ingredients, and commodity marketing and logistics services. The company is the second largest consolidated owner of ethanol production facilities in the world with 17 dry mill plants, producing nearly 1.5&nbsp;billion gallons
of ethanol at full capacity. Green Plains owns a 62.5% limited partner interest and a 2.0% general partner interest in Green Plains Partners. For more information about Green Plains, visit <U>www.gpreinc.com</U>. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>About Green Plains Partners LP </B></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">Green Plains Partners LP
(NASDAQ:GPP) is a fee-based Delaware limited partnership formed by Green Plains Inc. to provide fuel storage and transportation services by owning, operating, developing and acquiring ethanol and fuel storage tanks, terminals, transportation assets
and other related assets and businesses. For more information about Green Plains Partners, visit <U>www.greenplainspartners.com</U>. </P>

<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Forward-Looking Statements </B></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman">This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking
statements reflect management&#146;s current views, which are subject to risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, anticipated financial and operating results, plans and objectives that are not historical in nature. These statements may
be identified by words such as &#147;believe,&#148; &#147;expect,&#148; &#147;may,&#148; &#147;should,&#148; &#147;will&#148; and similar expressions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied
include risks related to Green Plains&#146; ability to realize the anticipated benefits from recent acquisitions and other risks discussed in Green Plains&#146; reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investors are cautioned not
to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. Green Plains assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements, except as required by law. </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman"><B>Contact: </B>Jim Stark, Vice President - Investor and Media Relations, Green Plains Inc. (402) <FONT STYLE="white-space:nowrap">884-8700</FONT> </P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12pt; margin-bottom:0pt; font-size:10pt; font-family:Times New Roman" ALIGN="center">### </P>
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</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
</SEC-DOCUMENT>
