10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended October 31, 2004

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER

1-15321

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

200 Commerce Street

Smithfield, Virginia 23430

(757) 365-3000

Virginia	52-0845861
(State of Incorporation)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes x No ¨

At November 30, 2004, 110,993,459 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock ($.50 per value per share) were outstanding.

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

CONTENTS

	PAGE
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements	3
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income—13 and 26 Weeks Ended October 31, 2004 and October 26, 2003	3
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets—October 31, 2004 and May 2, 2004	4
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows—26 Weeks Ended October 31, 2004 and October 26, 2003	5
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements	6
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	12
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	20
Item 4. Controls and Procedures	20
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings	21
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	21
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities	21
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders	21
Item 5. Other Information	21
Item 6. Exhibits	22
SIGNATURES	23

2

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in millions, except per share data)

	13 Weeks Ended				26 Weeks Ended
	October 31, 2004		October 26, 2003		October 31, 2004		October 26, 2003
	(Unaudited)
Sales	$	2,719.1	$	2,059.7	$	5,370.8	$	4,041.3
Cost of sales		2,440.4		1,857.5		4,834.1		3,663.2
Gross profit		278.7		202.2		536.7		378.1
Selling, general and administrative expenses		159.0		128.0		306.2		250.0
Interest expense		32.5		25.7		60.1		53.2
Income from continuing operations before income taxes		87.2		48.5		170.4		74.9
Income taxes		28.8		16.6		57.1		25.4
Income from continuing operations		58.4		31.9		113.3		49.5
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax		—		4.3		—		8.8
Net income	$	58.4	$	36.2	$	113.3	$	58.3
Income per share:
Basic:
Continuing operations	$	.53	$	.29	$	1.02	$	.45
Discontinued operations		—		.04		—		.08
Net income	$	.53	$	.33	$	1.02	$	.53
Diluted:
Continuing operations	$	.52	$	.29	$	1.01	$	.44
Discontinued operations		—		.04		—		.08
Net income	$	.52	$	.33	$	1.01	$	.52
Weighted average shares:
Weighted average basic shares		111.1		109.9		111.1		109.7
Effect of dilutive stock options		1.0		1.4		1.1		1.6
Weighted average diluted shares		112.1		111.3		112.2		111.3

See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

3

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions, except share data)

	October 31, 2004			May 2, 2004
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	89.3		$	74.3
Accounts receivable, net		651.0			498.2
Inventories		1,508.9			1,328.8
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		117.4			122.3
Total current assets		2,366.6			2,023.6
Property, plant and equipment		2,875.1			2,700.9
Accumulated depreciation		(1,038.8	)		(939.9	)
Property, plant and equipment, net		1,836.3			1,761.0
Goodwill		548.8			499.8
Investments		263.8			194.7
Other long-term assets		298.0			306.5
Total assets	$	5,313.5		$	4,785.6
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Notes payable	$	42.6		$	26.7
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations		81.6			78.0
Accounts payable		543.1			461.0
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		378.7			401.3
Total current liabilities		1,046.0			967.0
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations		2,055.8			1,696.8
Other long-term liabilities		504.2			509.7
Total liabilities		3,606.0			3,173.5
Minority interests		21.2			13.2
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 1,000,000 authorized shares		—			—
Common stock, $.50 par value, 200,000,000 authorized shares; 110,993,459 and 110,978,291 issued and outstanding		55.5			55.5
Additional paid-in capital		494.5			494.5
Retained earnings		1,202.4			1,089.1
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(66.1	)		(40.2	)
Total shareholders’ equity		1,686.3			1,598.9
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	5,313.5		$	4,785.6

See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

4

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in millions)

	26 Weeks Ended
	October 31, 2004			October 26, 2003
	(Unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Income from continuing operations	$	113.3		$	49.5
Adjustments to reconcile net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		96.0			79.5
Changes in operating assets and liabilities and other, net of effect of acquisitions and discontinued operations		(285.8	)		(113.3	)
Net cash flows from operating activities		(76.5	)		15.7
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures, net of proceeds from disposals		(84.0	)		(66.1	)
Business acquisitions, net of cash		(112.4	)		(82.6	)
Restricted cash and acquisition deposit		—			(330.5	)
Other investments		(49.7	)		(20.4	)
Net cash flows from investing activities		(246.1	)		(499.6	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt and bridge loan		446.5			673.5
Net (repayments) borrowings on revolving credit facility		(86.0	)		(135.0	)
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations		(17.9	)		(61.4	)
Other		(6.3	)		14.9
Net cash flows from financing activities		336.3			492.0
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash		1.3			(0.4	)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		15.0			7.7
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		74.3			64.8
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	89.3		$	72.5

See Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

5

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1: General

Smithfield Foods, Inc., together with its subsidiaries (the Company), is the largest hog producer and pork processor in the world and the fifth largest beef processor in the United States (U.S.). The Company conducts its business through four reporting segments, Pork, Beef, Hog Production and Other, each of which is comprised of a number of subsidiaries.

These statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes, which are included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2004. The interim consolidated condensed financial information furnished herein is unaudited. The information reflects all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the periods included in the report.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentations.

Note 2: Acquisitions

In October of fiscal 2005, the Company acquired MF Cattle Feeding, Inc. (MFI) from ConAgra Foods, Inc. (ConAgra) for approximately $56.6 million. The principal assets of MFI are three cattle feedlots in Colorado and one in Idaho. The one-time feeding capacity of the feedlots, which will be operated by the Beef segment, is 357,000 head. The acquired assets did not include any of the cattle owned by ConAgra located on the feedlots at closing. The preliminary balance of the purchase price in excess of the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition was recorded as goodwill totalling $18.7 million.

In July of fiscal 2005, the Company acquired Jean Caby S.A. (Jean Caby) and related companies for approximately $33.6 million plus the assumption of certain liabilities. Jean Caby, established in France in 1919, produces and markets cured and cooked processed meats including deli cooked hams, dry sausages, cocktail sausages and hot dogs. The preliminary balance of the purchase price in excess of the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition was recorded as goodwill totaling $13.7 million.

In March of fiscal 2004, the Company acquired a 70% stake in Agrotorvis SRL (Agrotorvis) for approximately $23.8 million. Agrotorvis has hog production and pork processing assets in Romania. The preliminary balance of the purchase price in excess of the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition was recorded as goodwill totaling $0.3 million.

In October of fiscal 2004, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Farmland Foods, Inc. (Farmland Foods), the pork production and processing business of Farmland Industries, Inc., for approximately $377.4 million, plus the assumption of certain Farmland Foods liabilities. The assumed liabilities include a $67.4 million pension obligation, net of associated assets. The Company recorded the fair value of trademarks totaling $100.0 million. The balance of the purchase price in excess of the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed was recorded as goodwill totaling $35.2 million. Had the acquisition of Farmland Foods occurred at the beginning of the preceding fiscal year, sales, net income and net income per diluted share would have been $2,449.2 million, $40.2 million and $.36, respectively, for the 13 weeks ended October 26, 2003, and $4,815.8 million, $63.0 million and $.57, respectively for the 26 weeks ended October 26, 2003.

In September of fiscal 2004, the Company acquired 90% of the outstanding shares of Cumberland Gap Provision Company (Cumberland Gap) for approximately $54.8 million plus the assumption of certain liabilities. Cumberland Gap is a processor of premium-branded smoked hams, sausages and other specialty pork products. The balance of the purchase price in excess of the fair value of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at the date of the acquisition was recorded as goodwill totaling $30.9 million.

6

In September of fiscal 2004, the Company acquired Alliance Farms Cooperative Association (Alliance) for approximately $23.1 million. Alliance is a farrow to nursery operation producing weaned pigs that are finished at other company-owned facilities, thereby providing approximately 500,000 market hogs annually.

These acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the accompanying financial statements include the financial position and the results of operations from the dates of acquisition.

Had the acquisitions of MFI, Jean Caby, Agrotorvis, Cumberland Gap and Alliance occurred at the beginning of the preceding fiscal year, there would not have been a material effect on sales, net income or net income per diluted share or on the Company’s financial position for the 13 or 26 weeks ended October 31, 2004 or October 26, 2003.

Note 3: Disposition and Facility Closure

In April of fiscal 2004, the Company completed the sale of all of the outstanding stock of Schneider Corporation (Schneider) to Maple Leaf Foods Inc. for approximately $279.4 million, including the assumption of Schneider’s outstanding debt. Schneider’s results of operations and cash flows have been reflected in the consolidated condensed financial statements and notes as discontinued operations. Sales and income before income taxes of Schneider were $222.6 million and $6.4 million, respectively, for the 13 weeks ended October 26, 2003, and $447.2 million and $13.4 million for the 26 weeks ended October 26, 2003.

During the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2005, Showcase Foods, Inc. (Showcase Foods) incurred operating losses of $2.3 million and $5.1 million, respectively. In addition to these operating losses, during the second quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $4.0 million related to ceasing the use of certain leased equipment. The Company does not currently expect to incur further charges related to the closing of the Showcase Foods facility.

Note 4: Investment in Campofrío

In February of fiscal 2004, the Company purchased 8,008,294 shares of Campofrío Alimentación S.A. (Campofrío) for approximately $87.9 million. This investment represented 15% of the outstanding shares of Campofrío. The Company did not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the management of Campofrío and, therefore, the investment was accounted for as an available-for-sale security in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”.

In August of fiscal 2005, in two separate transactions, the Company purchased a total of 3,787,265 additional shares of Campofrío for approximately $48.8 million. The Company currently holds 11,795,559 shares, or 22% of the outstanding shares of Campofrío. In accordance with Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 18, “The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock” (APB 18), the Company determined that it had the ability to exercise significant influence over the operations of Campofrío and that the additional investment triggered a change in accounting for the investment from an available-form sale security to the equity method, which the Company adopted in the first quarter of fiscal 2005. As required by APB 18, the Company evaluated whether the investment and results of operations for the prior periods presented were material so as to warrant retroactive adjustment. The Company determined that the change was immaterial to the consolidated results of operations and has not restated its fiscal 2004 consolidated statement of income to reflect the application of the equity method. However, the Company determined that the change was material to the consolidated balance sheet and has, therefore, reclassified $116.1 million of marketable equity securities from other long-term assets to investments, $9.8 million of deferred tax liabilities from other long-term liabilities to investments and $18.3 million of gains on marketable securities from accumulated other comprehensive loss to investments on its May 2, 2004 consolidated balance sheet to reflect the application of the equity method.

7

Note 5: Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

(In millions)	October 31, 2004		May 2, 2004
Fresh and processed meats	$	698.9	$	532.7
Live hogs		513.5		504.3
Live cattle		127.2		100.2
Manufacturing supplies		59.7		58.9
Other		109.4		76.8
Fair value derivative instrument adjustment		0.2		55.9
Total inventories	$	1,508.9	$	1,328.8

Note 6: Debt Issuances

In August of fiscal 2005, the Company issued $400.0 million of seven-year, 7% senior unsecured notes. Net proceeds of the sale of these notes were used to repay indebtedness under the Company’s primary revolving credit facility (the Facility).

Note 7: Guarantees

As of October 31, 2004, the Company has guarantees for the financial obligations of certain unconsolidated joint ventures and hog farmers. The financial obligations are: $66.0 million of debt borrowed by one of the Company’s Mexican joint ventures, Agroindustrial del Noroeste (Norson); up to $6.0 million of loans obtained by strategically important farmers under contract to the Hog Production segment; up to $3.5 million of liabilities with respect to currency swaps executed by another of the Company’s Mexican joint ventures, Granjas Carroll de Mexico; and $2.5 million with respect to debt borrowed by one of the Company’s Brazilian joint ventures, Carroll’s Foods do Brasil S.A. The covenants in the guarantee relating to Norson’s debt incorporate the Company’s covenants under the Facility.

Note 8: Pension Plans

The components of net periodic pension cost consist of:

	13 Weeks Ended						26 Weeks Ended
(In millions)	October 31, 2004			October 26, 2003			October 31, 2004			October 26, 2003
Components of net periodic cost:
Service cost	$	5.8		$	3.0		$	11.5		$	6.0
Interest cost		13.8			6.0			27.7			12.0
Expected return on plan assets		(14.7	)		(4.8	)		(29.4	)		(9.5	)
Net amortization		2.1			3.1			4.3			6.2
Net periodic cost	$	7.0		$	7.3		$	14.1		$	14.7

Expense related to Farmland Foods pension plans is included for the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended October 31, 2004.

Note 9: Stock Options

The Company uses the fair value method to account for stock options granted after fiscal 2002. The Company records compensation expense for stock options based on their fair value as determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and weighted average assumptions. For the 13 and 26 weeks ended October 31, 2004 and October 26, 2003, the impact of recording compensation expense for stock options granted was less than one cent per diluted share.

8

Stock options granted prior to fiscal 2003 continue to be accounted for under APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (APB 25) until they are modified or vested. Under APB 25, no compensation expense is recorded. Had the Company used the fair value method to determine compensation expense for its stock options granted prior to fiscal 2003, net income and net income per basic and diluted share would have been as follows:

	13 Weeks Ended				26 Weeks Ended
(In millions)	October 31, 2004		October 26, 2003		October 31, 2004		October 26, 2003
Net income, as reported	$	58.4	$	36.2	$	113.3	$	58.3
Pro forma net income	$	57.6	$	35.3	$	111.7	$	56.6
Net income per share, as reported:
Basic	$	.53	$	.33	$	1.02	$	.53
Diluted	$	.52	$	.33	$	1.01	$	.52
Pro forma net income per share:
Basic	$	.52	$	.32	$	1.01	$	.52
Diluted	$	.51	$	.32	$	1.00	$	.51

Note 10: Comprehensive Income

The components of comprehensive income, net of tax, consist of:

	13 Weeks Ended					26 Weeks Ended
(In millions)	October 31, 2004		October 26, 2003			October 31, 2004			October 26, 2003
Net income	$	58.4	$	36.2		$	113.3		$	58.3
Hedge accounting		11.0		(0.4	)		(35.3	)		(4.0	)
Unrealized gain on securities		—		(1.7	)		—			—
Foreign currency translation		7.4		10.9			9.4			20.3
Total comprehensive income	$	76.8	$	45.0		$	87.4		$	74.6

Note 11: Derivatives and Hedging Activities

The fair value gain (loss) on the Company’s open derivative financial instruments consists of:

(In millions)	October 31, 2004			May 2, 2004
Livestock	$	(0.5	)	$	(64.8	)
Grains		(47.7	)		6.3
Interest rates		(2.0	)		(6.2	)
Foreign currency		1.6			(1.2	)

9

Note 12: Segment Data

The Company conducts its business through four reporting segments, Pork, Beef, Hog Production and Other, each of which is comprised of a number of subsidiaries. The following table presents sales and operating profit by reportable segment for the fiscal periods indicated:

	13 Weeks Ended						26 Weeks Ended
(In millions)	October 31, 2004			October 26, 2003			October 31, 2004			October 26, 2003
Sales:
Segment sales—
Pork	$	1,884.3		$	1,157.2		$	3,647.7		$	2,290.2
Beef		527.2			660.0			1,121.9			1,265.4
Hog Production		526.5			304.0			1,053.7			639.7
Other		269.6			192.6			488.3			366.1
Total segment sales	$	3,207.6		$	2,313.8		$	6,311.6		$	4,561.4
Intersegment sales—
Pork	$	(6.4	)	$	(16.7	)	$	(13.0	)	$	(27.0	)
Beef		(2.5	)		(6.0	)		(5.9	)		(11.0	)
Hog Production		(471.0	)		(223.2	)		(905.0	)		(468.9	)
Other		(8.6	)		(8.2	)		(16.9	)		(13.2	)
Total intersegment sales		(488.5	)		(254.1	)		(940.8	)		(520.1	)
Consolidated sales	$	2,719.1		$	2,059.7		$	5,370.8		$	4,041.3
Operating profit:
Pork	$	39.9		$	42.5		$	61.7		$	24.9
Beef		(8.6	)		40.1			(6.8	)		72.0
Hog Production		98.2			3.4			197.8			61.5
Other		12.3			2.1			20.2			(1.6	)
Corporate		(22.1	)		(13.9	)		(42.4	)		(28.7	)
Consolidated operating profit	$	119.7		$	74.2		$	230.5		$	128.1

The following table shows the change in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the 26 weeks ended October 31, 2004:

(In millions)	Pork		Beef		Hog Production		Other		Total
Balance, May 2, 2004	$	99.7	$	118.2	$	165.4	$	116.5	$	499.8
Goodwill from acquisitions during the year		0.5		22.2		0.2		16.9		39.8
Other goodwill adjustments(1)		0.9		—		0.2		8.1		9.2
Balance, October 31, 2004	$	101.1	$	140.4	$	165.8	$	141.5	$	548.8

(1) Other goodwill adjustments include deferred tax, foreign currency translation and purchase price adjustments.

Note 13: Subsequent Events

Litigation

In November of fiscal 2005, the Company announced its settlement of the civil suit that the U.S. Department of Justice (the DOJ) filed against the Company on February 28, 2003, related to the Company’s 1998 and 1999 to 2001 acquisitions of shares of IBP, inc. The DOJ was seeking $5.5 million in civil penalties. In settling the suit, the Company did not admit any wrongdoing and agreed to pay to the government $2.0 million, which was recorded as a corporate selling, general and administrative charge during the second quarter of fiscal 2005.

10

Acquisitions

In November of fiscal 2005, the Company acquired two meat processors in Poland and Romania for approximately $83.0 million. In Poland, the Company purchased Morliny S.A., which had annual sales in 2003 of over $100 million. In Romania, the Company purchased Comtim Group SRL (Comtim), a vertically integrated meat processing company. Comtim has hog production facilities with a capacity of 15,000 sows with approximately 10,000 sows producing 200,000 market hogs annually at the current time.

Debt Issuance

In November of fiscal 2005, the Company issued $200.0 million of seven-year, 7% senior unsecured notes due 2011. The Notes were issued at 106% of par to yield 5.9%. Net proceeds of the sale of these notes were used to repay indebtedness under the Facility. The Company expects to use the availability under the Facility, together with internally generated funds, for capital expenditures and general corporate purposes, including expansion of its processed meats business and strategic acquisitions.

11

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

GENERAL

Smithfield Foods, Inc. (the Company) conducts its business through four reporting segments, Pork, Beef, Hog Production and Other, each of which is comprised of a number of subsidiaries. The Pork segment consists primarily of eight wholly- or majority-owned United States (U.S.) fresh pork and processed meats subsidiaries. The Beef segment is composed primarily of two U.S. beef processing subsidiaries and the Other segment is comprised of the Company’s international meat processing operations, primarily in Poland, France and Romania and its interests in Spain, together with the Company’s turkey production operations and its interests in turkey processing operations. The Hog Production segment consists primarily of hog production operations located in the U.S. and Poland. Each of the Company’s segments has certain joint ventures and other investments in addition to its primary operations.

RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Overview

General Factors Affecting the Results of Continuing Operations

Fiscal 2005 hog prices increased over lower levels in fiscal 2004. This increased the sales and operating profit of the Hog Production segment and the raw materials cost at the Pork segment. In addition, the Company’s commodity futures contracts for live hogs reduced the Hog Production segment’s operating profit by $36 million and $83 million for the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2005, respectively. These contracts were the result of the Company’s decision, earlier in the calendar year, to lock in profits in hog production before the unexpected increase in live hog market prices occurred during the first quarter of fiscal 2005. Also during the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2005, the Hog Production segment’s results benefited by $12 million and $40 million, respectively, from favorable grain purchasing agreements, also entered into earlier in the calendar year.

Export markets for U.S. beef products remain closed following the discovery of a case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in the State of Washington in December 2003, negatively affecting beef margins that were also impacted by higher cattle prices. Beef volumes were down 17% and 13% for the quarter and year to date periods, respectively.

In October of fiscal 2004, the Company completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Farmland Foods, Inc. (Farmland Foods), the pork production and processing business of Farmland Industries, Inc.

In November of fiscal 2005, the Company announced its settlement of the civil suit that the U.S. Department of Justice (the DOJ) filed against the Company on February 28, 2003, related to the Company’s 1998 and 1999 to 2001 acquisitions of shares of IBP, inc. The DOJ was seeking $5.5 million in civil penalties. In settling the suit, the Company did not admit any wrongdoing and agreed to pay to the government $2.0 million, which was recorded as a corporate selling, general and administrative charge during the second quarter of fiscal 2005.

Facility Closure

Despite the Company’s efforts to build a viable business in the Beef segment at the Showcase Foods, Inc. (Showcase Foods) facility, Showcase Foods continued to incur operating losses, and the Company ceased operations there in the second quarter of fiscal 2005. During the second quarter and first half of fiscal 2005, Showcase Foods incurred operating losses of $2.3 million and $5.1 million, respectively. In addition to these operating losses, during the second quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $4.0 million related to ceasing the use of certain leased equipment. The Company does not currently expect to incur further charges related to the closing of the Showcase Foods facility.

12

Investment in Campofrío

In February of fiscal 2004, the Company purchased 8,008,294 shares of Campofrío Alimentación S.A. (Campofrío) for approximately $87.9 million. This investment represented 15% of the outstanding shares of Campofrío. The Company did not have the ability to exercise significant influence over the management of Campofrío and, therefore, the investment was accounted for as an available-for-sale security in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”.

In August of fiscal 2005, in two separate transactions, the Company purchased a total of 3,787,265 additional shares of Campofrío for approximately $48.8 million. The Company currently holds 11,795,559 shares, or 22% of the outstanding shares of Campofrío. In accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 18, “The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock” (APB 18), the Company determined that it had the ability to exercise significant influence over the operations of Campofrío and that the additional investment triggered a change in accounting for the investment from an available-for-sale security to the equity method, which the Company adopted in the first quarter of fiscal 2005. As required by APB 18, the Company evaluated whether the investment and results of operations for the prior periods presented were material so as to warrant retroactive adjustment. The Company determined that the change was immaterial to the consolidated results of operations and has not restated its fiscal 2004 consolidated income statement to reflect the application of the equity method. However, the Company determined that the change was material to the consolidated balance sheet and has, therefore, reclassified its May 2, 2004 consolidated balance sheet to reflect the application of the equity method.

Results of Continuing Operations for the Thirteen Weeks ended October 31, 2004 and October 26, 2003

Sales increased $659.4 million, or 32%, to $2,719.1 million in the thirteen weeks ended October 31, 2004 from $2,059.7 million in the thirteen weeks ended October 26, 2003. See the “Comparison of Segment Results for the Thirteen Weeks ended October 31, 2004 and October 26, 2003” section below for comments on sales changes by reporting segment.

Gross profit increased $76.5 million, or 38%, to $278.7 million in the thirteen weeks ended October 31, 2004 from $202.2 million in the thirteen weeks ended October 26, 2003. The increase was mainly the result of substantially higher margins in the Hog Production segment on a 36% increase in live hog market prices and the inclusion of the results of Farmland Foods in the Pork segment, both of which were partially offset by higher raw material costs.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $31.0 million, or 24%, to $159.0 million in the thirteen weeks ended October 31, 2004 from $128.0 million in the thirteen weeks ended October 26, 2003. The increase was primarily due to the inclusion of $26.0 million of expenses of Farmland Foods and the effect of a $4.5 million gain on the sale of securities in the prior year period.

Operating profit increased $45.5 million to $119.7 million in the thirteen weeks ended October 31, 2004 from $74.2 million in the thirteen weeks ended October 26, 2003. Increases in operating profit of $94.8 million at the Hog Production segment and $10.2 million at the Other segment were partially offset by decreases in operating profit of $48.7 million at the Beef segment and $2.6 million at the Pork segment and an increase in corporate expenses of $8.2 million.

Interest expense increased $6.8 million, or 26%, to $32.5 million in the thirteen weeks ended October 31, 2004 from $25.7 million in the thirteen weeks ended October 26, 2003. The increase was mainly due to higher borrowings on the Company’s primary revolving credit facility (the Facility) and additional offerings of debt. The increase in debt balances and borrowings on the Facility were mainly to fund acquisitions and other investments.

13

The effective income tax rate decreased to 33.0% for the thirteen weeks ended October 31, 2004 as compared to 34.2% for the thirteen weeks ended October 26, 2003. The effective income tax rate for the thirteen weeks ended October 31, 2004 was slightly lower due to the utilization of tax carryforwards, previously offset by a valuation allowance, on higher foreign earnings.

Comparison of Segment Results for the Thirteen Weeks ended October 31, 2004 and October 26, 2003

The following table presents sales and operating profit by reportable segment for the fiscal periods indicated (in millions):

	13 Weeks Ended
	October 31, 2004			October 26, 2003			$ Change
Sales:
Pork	$	1,884.3		$	1,157.2		$	727.1
Beef		527.2			660.0			(132.8	)
Hog Production		526.5			304.0			222.5
Other		269.6			192.6			77.0
		3,207.6			2,313.8			893.8
Intersegment sales		(488.5	)		(254.1	)		(234.4	)
Total sales	$	2,719.1		$	2,059.7		$	659.4
Operating Profit:
Pork	$	39.9		$	42.5		$	(2.6	)
Beef		(8.6	)		40.1			(48.7	)
Hog Production		98.2			3.4			94.8
Other		12.3			2.1			10.2
Corporate		(22.1	)		(13.9	)		(8.2	)
Total operating profit	$	119.7		$	74.2		$	45.5

Pork Segment Results

The increase in Pork segment revenues was due in large part to the acquisition of Farmland Foods, which had revenues of $505.3 million for the thirteen week period ended October 31, 2004. Total fresh pork and processed meats volumes in the Pork segment, including acquisitions, increased 44% with fresh pork volumes increasing 49% and processed meats increasing 36%. Excluding acquisitions, total pork volumes increased six percent with fresh pork volumes increasing seven percent and processed meats increasing six percent. Average unit selling prices in the Pork segment increased 13%, reflecting increased raw material costs.

Despite the increase in revenues and the inclusion of Farmland Foods, the Pork segment’s operating profit decreased $2.6 million in the second quarter of the current fiscal year versus second quarter of the prior fiscal year. The decrease was mainly due to a 36% increase in live hog market prices. While pork selling prices have increased, these prices have not been sufficient to fully recover the increased raw material costs.

Beef Segment Results

The decrease in Beef segment revenues was due primarily to a 17% decrease in total volumes, which resulted primarily from the continuing depressed market conditions for beef as many key export markets remained closed to U.S. beef because of the discovery in December 2003 of a single case of BSE in the State of Washington and a four percent decrease in average unit selling prices for beef.

14

Factoring in a three percent increase in raw material costs along with the decreased volume, the Beef segment recorded an operating loss. In addition, the Beef segment’s Showcase Foods facility was closed after incurring operating losses of $2.3 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2005 and $1.7 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2004. The Company also recorded a pre-tax charge of $4.0 million related to the closure of the facility. The Company does not currently expect to incur further charges related to the closing of the Showcase Foods facility.

Hog Production Segment Results

The increase in Hog Production segment revenues was due mainly to a 36% increase in live hog market selling prices coupled with an eight percent increase in head sold due to the inclusion of acquired and newly consolidated businesses.

Hog Production segment operating profits increased substantially, mainly due to the increase in selling prices and head sold, partially offset by a four percent increase in raising costs. In addition, the Company’s commodity futures contracts for live hogs reduced the Hog Production segment’s operating profit by $36 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2005. These contracts were the result of the Company’s decision, earlier in the calendar year, to lock in profits in hog production before the unexpected increase in live hog market prices occurred during the first quarter of fiscal 2005. Also during the second quarter of fiscal 2005, the Hog Production segment’s results benefited by $12 million from favorable grain purchasing agreements, also entered into earlier in the calendar year.

Other Segment Results

Due to strong results in its turkey operations from favorable industry conditions revenues and operating profits in the Company’s Other segment grew. Additionally, the Company recorded income in the current period from its investment in Campofrío and improvements at its investment in Mexico.

Corporate

The Company’s Corporate expenses increased mainly due to a $2.0 million charge in the current year period related to the settlement of the DOJ lawsuit and the effect of a $4.5 million gain on the sale of securities in the prior year period.

Results of Continuing Operations for the Twenty-Six Weeks ended October 31, 2004 and October 26, 2003

Sales increased $1,329.5 million, or 33%, to $5,370.8 million in the twenty-six weeks ended October 31, 2004 from $4,041.3 million in the twenty-six weeks ended October 26, 2003. See the “Comparison of Segment Results for the Twenty-Six Weeks ended October 31, 2004 and October 26, 2003” section below for comments on sales changes by reporting segment.

Gross profit increased $158.6 million, or 42%, to $536.7 million in the twenty-six weeks ended October 31, 2004 from $378.1 million in the twenty-six weeks ended October 26, 2003. The increase was mainly the result of substantially higher margins in the Hog Production segment on a 33% increase in live hog market prices and the inclusion of the results of Farmland Foods, both of which were partially offset by higher raw material costs in the Pork segment.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $56.2 million, or 22%, to $306.2 million in the twenty-six weeks ended October 31, 2004 from $250.0 million in the twenty-six weeks ended October 26, 2003. The increase was mainly due to the inclusion of $51.3 million of expenses of Farmland Foods and the effect of a $4.5 million gain on the sale of securities in the prior year period.

15

Operating profit increased $102.4 million to $230.5 million in the twenty-six weeks ended October 31, 2004 from $128.1 million in the twenty-six weeks ended October 26, 2003. Increases in operating profit of $136.3 million at the Hog Production segment, $36.8 million at the Pork segment and $21.8 million at the Other segment were partially offset by a decrease of $78.8 million at the Beef segment and an increase in corporate expenses of $13.7 million.

Interest expense increased $6.9 million, or 13%, to $60.1 million in the twenty-six weeks ended October 31, 2004 from $53.2 million in the twenty-six weeks ended October 26, 2003. The increase was due mainly to higher borrowings on the Facility and additional offerings of debt to fund acquisitions and other investments.

The effective income tax rate decreased to 33.5% during the twenty-six weeks ended October 31, 2004 as compared to 33.9% for the twenty-six weeks ended October 26, 2003. The effective income tax rate for twenty-six weeks ended October 31, 2004 was slightly lower due to the utilization of tax carryforwards, previously offset by a valuation allowance, on higher foreign earnings.

Comparison of Segment Results for the Twenty-Six Weeks ended October 31, 2004 and October 26, 2003

The following table presents sales and operating profit by reportable segment for the fiscal periods indicated (in millions):

	26 Weeks Ended
	October 31, 2004			October 26, 2003			$ Change
Sales:
Pork	$	3,647.7		$	2,290.2		$	1,357.5
Beef		1,121.9			1,265.4			(143.5	)
Hog Production		1,053.7			639.7			414.0
Other		488.3			366.1			122.2
		6,311.6			4,561.4			1,750.2
Intersegment sales		(940.8	)		(520.1	)		(420.7	)
Total sales	$	5,370.8		$	4,041.3		$	1,329.5
Operating Profit:
Pork	$	61.7		$	24.9		$	36.8
Beef		(6.8	)		72.0			(78.8	)
Hog Production		197.8			61.5			136.3
Other		20.2			(1.6	)		21.8
Corporate		(42.4	)		(28.7	)		(13.7	)
Total operating profit	$	230.5		$	128.1		$	102.4

Pork Segment Results

The increase in Pork segment revenues was due in large part to the acquisition of Farmland Foods, which increased revenues by $979.9 million in the twenty-six week period ended October 31, 2004. Total fresh pork and processed meats volumes in the Pork segment, including acquisitions, increased 38%, with fresh pork volumes increasing 41% and processed meats increasing 34%. Excluding acquisitions, fresh and processed pork volumes each increased three percent. Average unit selling prices in the Pork segment increased 15%, reflecting the ability to pass through a portion of the higher raw material costs and a strong consumer demand for pork.

The Pork segment recorded an increase in operating profit for the twenty-six week period ended October 31, 2004 versus the twenty-six week period ended October 26, 2003. The increase was due primarily to $25.0 million of operating profit at Farmland Foods.

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Beef Segment Results

The decrease in Beef segment revenues was due primarily to a 13% decrease in total volumes, which resulted primarily from the continuing depressed market conditions as export markets remained closed to U.S. beef because of the discovery in December 2003 of a single case of BSE in the State of Washington, partially offset by a two percent increase in average unit selling prices for beef.

Factoring in a 10% increase in raw material costs along with the decreased volume, the Beef segment recorded an operating loss. In addition, the Showcase Foods facility was closed in the second quarter of fiscal 2005 after incurring operating losses of $5.1 million for the first half of fiscal 2005 and $2.7 million for the first half of fiscal 2004. The Company also recorded a pre-tax charge of $4.0 million related to closure of the facility. The Company does not expect to incur further charges related to the closing of the Showcase Foods facility.

Hog Production Segment Results

The increase in Hog Production segment revenues was due mainly to a 33% increase in live hog market selling prices coupled with an eight percent increase in head sold mainly due to the inclusion of acquired and newly consolidated businesses.

Hog Production segment operating profits increased substantially, mainly due to the increase in selling prices and head sold, partially offset by a four percent increase in raising costs. In addition, commodity futures contracts for live hogs reduced the Hog Production segment’s operating profit by $83 million for the first half of fiscal 2005. These contracts were the result of the Company’s decision, earlier in the calendar year, to lock in profits in hog production before the unexpected increase in live hog market prices during the first quarter. During the same period, the Hog Production segment’s results benefited by $40 million from favorable grain purchasing agreements, also entered into earlier in the year.

Other Segment Results

Revenues and operating profits in the Company’s Other segment grew due to strong results in its turkey operations from favorable industry conditions. Additionally, the Company recorded income in the current period from its investment in Campofrío and improvements at its investment in Mexico.

Corporate

The Company’s Corporate expenses increased due to increases in variable compensation and a $2.0 million charge in the current year period related to the settlement of the DOJ lawsuit and the effect of a $4.5 million gain on the sale of securities in the prior year period.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company has available a variety of sources of liquidity and capital resources, both internal and external. These resources provide funds required for current operations, acquisitions, debt retirement and other capital requirements.

The meat processing industry is characterized by high sales volume and rapid turnover of inventories and accounts receivable. Because of the rapid turnover rate, the Company considers its meat inventories and accounts receivable highly liquid and readily convertible into cash. The Hog Production segment also has rapid turnover of accounts receivable. Although inventory turnover in the Hog Production segment is slower, mature hogs are readily convertible into cash. Borrowings under the Company’s credit facilities are used to finance increases in the levels of inventories and accounts receivable resulting from seasonal and other market-related fluctuations in raw material costs.

17

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Cash used by operations was $76.5 million in the twenty-six weeks ended October 31, 2004 and cash provided by operations was $15.7 million in the twenty-six weeks ended October 26, 2003. Increased inventories and accounts receivable resulting primarily from increased market prices and commodity futures contract settlements in the current year period were the main drivers of the increase.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities was $246.1 million in the twenty-six weeks ended October 31, 2004 compared to $499.6 million in the twenty-six weeks ended October 26, 2003. In October of fiscal 2005, the Company acquired MF Cattle Feeding, Inc. (MFI) from ConAgra Foods, Inc. (ConAgra) for approximately $56.6 million. In July of fiscal 2005, the Company acquired Jean Caby S.A. (Jean Caby) and related companies for approximately $33.6 million plus the assumption of certain liabilities. In the prior year period, the Company had $330.5 million in restricted cash and deposits related to the Farmland Foods acquisition and acquired Cumberland Gap Provision Company and Alliance Farms Cooperative Association for $54.8 million and $23.1 million, respectively.

In November of fiscal 2005, the Company acquired two meat processors in Poland and Romania for approximately $83.0 million. In Poland, the Company purchased Morliny S.A., which had annual sales in 2003 of over $100 million. In Romania, the Company purchased Comtim Group SRL (Comtim), a vertically integrated meat processing company. Comtim has hog production facilities with a capacity of 15,000 sows with approximately 10,000 sows producing 200,000 market hogs annually at the current time.

In August of fiscal 2005, in two separate transactions, the Company purchased a total of 3,787,265 additional shares of Campofrío for approximately $48.8 million. The Company currently holds 11,795,559 shares, or 22% of the outstanding shares of Campofrío.

Capital expenditures in the twenty-six weeks ended October 31, 2004 totaled $84.0 million, as compared to $66.1 million in the twenty-six weeks ended October 26, 2003. Capital expenditures are related mainly to fresh pork and processed meats expansion, plant improvement projects and additional hog production facilities.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

The Company’s financing activities in the twenty-six weeks ended October 31, 2004 provided $336.3 million in cash compared to $492.0 million in the twenty-six weeks ended October 26, 2003. In August of fiscal 2005, the Company issued $400.0 million of seven-year, 7% senior unsecured notes. Net proceeds of the sale of these notes were used to repay indebtedness under the Facility. The Company expects to use the availability under the Facility, together with internally generated funds, for capital expenditures and general corporate purposes, including expansion of its processed meats business and strategic acquisitions. The Company repaid $86.0 million on the Facility during the twenty-six weeks ended October 31, 2004 and $135.0 million on the Facility during the twenty-six weeks ended October 26, 2003. During the twenty-six weeks ended October 26, 2003, the Company issued $350.0 million of 7.75% senior unsecured notes and entered into a $300.0 million 364-day bridge loan and security agreement for the financing of the acquisition of Farmland Foods.

The Company has aggregate credit facilities totaling $938.5 million. As of October 31, 2004, the Company had unused capacity under these credit facilities of $504.2 million including $496.3 million of unused capacity under the Facility.

In November of fiscal 2005, the Company issued $200.0 million of seven-year, 7% senior unsecured notes due 2011. The Notes were issued at 106% of par to yield 5.9%. Net proceeds of the sale of these notes were used to repay indebtedness under the Facility. As of December 6, 2004, the Company had unused capacity under the Facility of $651.5 million.

18

In June of fiscal 2004, the Company filed a shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission to register sales of up to $750.0 million of its debt, stock and other securities from time to time. Net proceeds to the Company from the possible sale of these securities would be used for general corporate purposes, including an expansion of the Company’s processed meats business and strategic acquisitions.

19

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. The forward-looking information includes statements concerning the Company’s outlook for the future, as well as other statements of beliefs, future plans and other strategies or anticipated events, and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking information and statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the statements. These risks and uncertainties include the availability and prices of live hogs and cattle, raw materials, fuel and supplies, food safety, livestock disease, live hog production costs, product pricing, the competitive environment and related market conditions, the timing and extent to which beef export markets are reopened, hedging risk, operating efficiencies, changes in interest rate and foreign currency exchange rates, access to capital, the investment performance of the Company’s pension plan assets and the availability of legislative relief, the cost of compliance with environmental and health standards, adverse results from on-going litigation, actions of domestic and foreign governments, the ability to make effective acquisitions and successfully integrate newly acquired businesses into existing operations and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2004. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because actual results may differ materially from those expressed, or implied, by the statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

For quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk affecting the Company, see Item 7A “Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 2, 2004. The Company’s exposure to market risk has not changed materially since May 2, 2004.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based upon their evaluation, the Company’s management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective. There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

20

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

In November of fiscal 2005, the Company announced its settlement of the civil suit that the U.S. Department of Justice (the DOJ) filed against the Company on February 28, 2003, related to the Company’s 1998 and 1999 to 2001 acquisitions of shares of IBP, inc. The DOJ was seeking $5.5 million in civil penalties. In settling the suit, the Company did not admit any wrongdoing and agreed to pay to the government $2.0 million.

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

Not applicable.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

(a) The annual meeting of shareholders was held September 1, 2004.

(b) Not applicable.

(c) There were 110,536,625 shares of the Company’s Common Stock outstanding as of July 12, 2004, the record date for the 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Each share of Common Stock entitled the holder thereof to one vote. A total of 99,516,685 votes (or 90.03% of the total) were cast.

All of the Board of Directors’ nominees for directors of the Company were elected with the following vote:

Director Nominee	Votes For	Votes Withheld	Broker Non-Votes
Ray A. Goldberg	98,622,320	894,365	0
John T. Schweiters	98,119,810	1,396,875	0
Melvin O. Wright	96,129,803	3,386,882	0

A proposal to ratify the selection of Ernst & Young, LLP as independent auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending May 1, 2005 was approved by the shareholders with the following vote:

Votes For	Votes Against	Votes Withheld	Broker Non-Votes
97,060,130	2,406,057	50,498	0

A proposal to require the Company to report on political contributions was not approved by the shareholders. The vote on the proposal was as follows:

Votes For	Votes Against	Votes Withheld	Broker Non-Votes
4,622,597	79,416,800	2,171,167	13,306,121

A proposal to require the Company to prepare a sustainability report was not approved by the shareholders. The vote on the proposal was as follows:

Votes For	Votes Against	Votes Withheld	Broker Non-Votes
17,320,856	65,694,464	3,195,244	13,306,121

(d) Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

Not applicable.

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Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit 3.1	—	Articles of Amendment effective August 29, 2001 to the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, including the Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company, as amended to date (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Amendment No. 1 to Form 10-Q Quarterly Report filed with the SEC on September 12, 2001).
Exhibit 3.2	—	Amendment to the Bylaws adopted May 30, 2001, including the Bylaws of the Company, as amended to date (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on May 30, 2001).
Exhibit 4.1	—	Indenture between the Company and SunTrust Bank, as trustee, dated August 4, 2004 regarding the issuance by the Company of senior notes (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on September 10, 2004).
Exhibit 4.2	—	Registration Rights Agreement dated as of August 4, 2004 among the Company and the Initial Purchasers named therein regarding the registration by the Company of $400,000,000 senior notes due 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on September 10, 2004).
Exhibit 4.3	—	Registration Rights Agreement dated as of November 19, 2004 between the Company and the Initial Purchaser named therein regarding the registration by the Company of $200,000,000 senior notes due 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 19, 2004).
Exhibit 4.4	—	Amendment No. 6 dated as of October 4, 2004 among the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors party thereto, and J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, as Administrative Agent, relating to the Multi-Year Credit Agreement dated December 6, 2001, as amended, for a $900,000,000 secured multi-year revolving credit facility (filed herewith).
Exhibit 4.5	—	Second Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement dated as of October 29, 2004, among the Company and each of the Purchasers listed on Annex 1 thereto, relating to $133,102,942 in senior secured notes, series B, E, F and G (filed herewith).
Exhibit 4.6	—	Second Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement dated as of October 29, 2004, among the Company and each of the Purchasers listed on Annex 1 thereto, relating to $225,000,000 in senior secured notes, series I through L (filed herewith).
Exhibit 4.7	—	Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement dated as of October 29, 2004, among the Company and each of the Purchasers listed on Annex 1 thereto, relating to $75,000,000 in senior secured notes, series M (filed herewith).
Exhibit 4.8	—	Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement dated as of October 29, 2004, among the Company and each of the Purchasers listed on Annex 1 thereto, relating to $55,000,000 in senior secured notes, series O through P (filed herewith).
Exhibit 10.1	—	Smithfield Foods, Inc. 2004 Non-Employee Director Deferral Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 8, 2004).
Exhibit 31.1	—	Certification of Joseph W. Luter, III, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
Exhibit 31.2	—	Certification of Daniel G. Stevens, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
Exhibit 32.1	—	Certification of Joseph W. Luter, III, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
Exhibit 32.2	—	Certification of Daniel G. Stevens, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

/s/    DANIEL G. STEVENS

Daniel G. Stevens

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

/s/    JEFFREY A. DEEL

Jeffrey A. Deel

Corporate Controller

Date: December 9, 2004

23

EX-4.4

EXHIBIT 4.4

AMENDMENT NO. 6

AMENDMENT NO. 6 dated as of October 4, 2004, among SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC., a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the State of Virginia (the “Borrower”); each of the Subsidiaries of the Borrower identified under the caption “SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS” on the signature pages hereto (individually, a “Subsidiary Guarantor” and, collectively, the “Subsidiary Guarantors” and, together with the Borrower, the “Obligors”); and JPMORGAN CHASE BANK in its capacity as administrative agent for the lenders party to the below-referenced Credit Agreement (in such capacity, together with its successors in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”).

The Borrower, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the lenders named therein and the Administrative Agent are parties to a Multi-Year Credit Agreement dated as of December 6, 2001 (as heretofore modified and supplemented and in effect on the date hereof, the “Credit Agreement”), providing, subject to the terms and conditions thereof, for extensions of credit to be made by said Lenders to the Borrower in an aggregate principal or face amount not exceeding $900,000,000.

The Borrower wishes to amend the Credit Agreement in certain respects and, in that connection, the Administrative Agent has been granted authority by the Required Lenders (as defined in the Credit Agreement) to execute and deliver this Amendment No. 6. Accordingly, the Obligors and the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Required Lenders, hereto hereby agree as follows:

Section 1. Definitions. Except as otherwise defined in this Amendment No. 6, terms defined in the Credit Agreement are used herein as defined therein.

Section 2. Amendments. Subject to the execution and delivery of counterparts of this Amendment No. 6 by the Obligors and the Administrative Agent, but effective as of the Effective Date, the Credit Agreement shall be amended as follows:

2.01. References in the Credit Agreement (including references to the Credit Agreement as amended hereby) to “this Agreement” (and indirect references such as “hereunder”, “hereby”, “herein” and “hereof”) shall be deemed to be references to the Credit Agreement as amended hereby.

2.02. Investments. Clause (f) of Section 6.04 of the Credit Agreement shall be amended to read in its entirety as follows:

“(f) other Investments not exceeding $50,000,000 in the aggregate amount outstanding at any time; and”

Amendment No. 6

2.03. Sale and Leaseback Transactions. Section 6.10 of the Credit Agreement shall be amended to read in its entirety as follows:

“SECTION 6.10. Limitation on Sale and Leaseback Transactions. The Borrower will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into, renew or extend any transaction or series of related transactions pursuant to which the Borrower or such Subsidiary sells or transfers any property in connection with the leasing, or the release against installment payments, or as part of an arrangement involving the leasing or resale against installment payments, of such property to the seller or transferor, provided that the Borrower may effect any of the foregoing so long as the aggregate fair market value of the property so transferred during the term of this Agreement shall not exceed $75,000,000 and, at the time thereof and after giving effect thereto, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing.”

Section 3. Representations and Warranties. The Borrower represents and warrants to the Lenders that the representations and warranties set forth in Article III of the Credit Agreement are true and complete on the date hereof as if made on and as of the date hereof and as if each reference in said Article III to “this Agreement” included reference to this Amendment No. 6.

Section 4. Miscellaneous. Except as provided herein, the Credit Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect. This Amendment No. 6 may be executed in any number of counterparts, all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same amendatory instrument and any of the parties hereto may execute this Amendment No. 6 by signing any such counterpart. This Amendment No. 6 shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

Amendment No. 6

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Amendment No. 6 has been duly executed as of the date first written above.

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
By:	Daniel G. Stevens
Name:	Daniel G. Stevens
Title:	Vice President

Amendment No. 6

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SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS

CODDLE ROASTED MEATS, INC. GWALTNEY OF SMITHFIELD, LTD. HANCOCK’S OLD FASHIONED COUNTRY HAM, INC. IOWA QUALITY MEATS, LTD. JOHN MORRELL & CO. LYKES MEAT GROUP, INC. MOYER PACKING COMPANY MURCO FOODS, INC. NORTH SIDE FOODS CORP. PACKERLAND PROCESSING COMPANY, INC.	BROWN’S OF CAROLINA LLC CARROLL’S FOODS LLC CARROLL’S FOODS OF VIRGINIA LLC CENTRAL PLAINS FARMS LLC CIRCLE FOUR LLC MURPHY FARMS LLC QUARTER M FARMS LLC, MURPHY-BROWN HOLDINGS LLC, each a Delaware limited liability company
PACKERLAND HOLDINGS, INC. PATRICK CUDAHY INCORPORATED PREMIUM PORK, INC. QUIK-TO-FIX FOODS, INC. STADLER’S COUNTRY HAMS, INC.	By	MURPHY-BROWN LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as a sole member of each
SUN LAND BEEF COMPANY SUNNYLAND, INC. THE SMITHFIELD COMPANIES, INC. THE SMITHFIELD PACKING COMPANY, INCORPORATED		By	JOHN MORRELL & CO., a Delaware corporation, as its sole member
STEFANO FOODS, INC.			/s/ Daniel G. Stevens
THE SMITHFIELD HAM AND PRODUCTS			Name:	Daniel G. Stevens
COMPANY, INCORPORATED DAKOTA ACQUISITION COMPANY JOHN MORRELL OF JAPAN, INC. MURPHY FARMS OF TEXHOMA, INC. THE OHIO FEED LOT, INC. SHOWCASE FOODS, INC. KRAKUS FOODS INTERNATIONAL, INC.			Title:	Vice President

By	/s/ Daniel G. Stevens
Name:	Daniel G. Stevens
Title:	Vice President

Amendment No. 6

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MURPHY-BROWN LLC, a Delaware limited liability company			GREAT LAKES CATTLE CREDIT COMPANY, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company,
	By	JOHN MORRELL & CO., a Delaware corporation, as its sole member		By	PACKERLAND HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation, as its sole member
		/s/ Daniel G. Stevens			/s/ Daniel G. Stevens
	Name:	Daniel G. Stevens		Name:	Daniel G. Stevens
	Title:	Vice President		Title:	Vice President
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
			JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, as Administrative Agent
				By:	/s/ Teri Streusand
				Name:	Teri Streusand
				Title:	Vice President

Amendment No. 6

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EX-4.5

EXHIBIT 4.5

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED

NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

DATED AS OF OCTOBER 29, 2004

$9,852,942 8.41% SERIES B SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE AUGUST 1, 2006

$9,250,000 10.75% SERIES E SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE AUGUST 1, 2005

$100,000,000 8.52% SERIES F SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE AUGUST 1, 2006

$14,000,000 9.85% SERIES G SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE NOVEMBER 1, 2006

Guarantied By:

Brown’s of Carolina LLC

Brown’s Farms, LLC

Brown’s Realty Partnership

Carroll’s Foods of Virginia LLC

Carroll’s Foods LLC

Carroll’s Realty Partnership

Cattle Production Systems, Inc.

Central Plains Farms LLC

Circle Four LLC

Coddle Roasted Meats, Inc.

Gwaltney of Smithfield, Ltd.

Hancock’s Old Fashioned Country Ham, Inc.

Iowa Quality Meats, Ltd.

John Morrell & Co.

Lykes Meat Group, Inc.

Moyer Packing Company

Murphy-Brown LLC

Murphy Farms LLC

North Side Foods Corp.

Packerland Holdings, Inc.

Packerland Processing Company, Inc.

Packerland-Plainwell, Inc. (f/k/a Murco Foods, Inc.)

Patrick Cudahy Incorporated

Premium Pork, Inc.

Quarter M Farms LLC

Quik-To-Fix Foods, Inc.

SFFC, Inc.

Smithfield Purchase Corporation

Stadler’s Country Hams, Inc.

Sun Land Beef Company

Sunnyland, Inc.

Smithfield-Carroll’s Farms

The Smithfield Companies, Inc.

The Smithfield Packing Company Incorporated

Smithfield Packing Real Estate, LLC

Smithfield Packing Realty Partnership

TABLE OF CONTENTS

			Page
1.	BACKGROUND; AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT		1
	1.1	Background.	1
	1.2	Agreement of Noteholders to Amendment and Restatement; Closing.	2
	1.3	Failure of Conditions.	3
	1.4	Expenses.	3
	1.5	Collateral; Release.	3
2.	WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS.		4
	2.1	Material Adverse Change.	4
	2.2	Financial Statements; Debt.	4
	2.3	Subsidiaries and Affiliates.	5
	2.4	Pending Litigation.	5
	2.5	Title to Properties; UCC Matters.	5
	2.6	Patents, Trademarks, Licenses, etc.	6
	2.7	Taxes.	6
	2.8	Full Disclosure.	7
	2.9	Corporate Organization and Authority.	7
	2.10	Restrictions on Company and Subsidiaries.	8
	2.11	Compliance with Law.	8
	2.12	Pension Plans.	8
	2.13	USA Patriot Act, Etc.	10
	2.14	Certain Laws.	10
	2.15	Environmental Compliance.	11
	2.16	Transaction is Legal and Authorized; Obligations are Enforceable.	11
	2.17	Governmental Consent.	12
	2.18	No Defaults.	12
	2.19	Company and the Guarantors.	13
	2.20	Solvency.	13
	2.21	True and Correct Copies.	13
	2.22	Joinder Agreement.	13
3.	CLOSING CONDITIONS.		14
	3.1	Opinions of Counsel.	14
	3.2	Warranties and Representations True.	14
	3.3	No Defaults.	15
	3.4	Officers’ Certificates.	15
	3.5	Other Noteholders.	15
	3.6	Expenses.	15
	3.7	Ratification by Guarantors	15
	3.8	Other Debt Documents.	15
	3.9	Transaction Structuring Fee.	15
	3.10	Compliance with this Agreement.	16
	3.11	Proceedings Satisfactory.	16

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4.	PAYMENTS.		16
	4.1	Interest Payments.	16
	4.2	Scheduled Required Prepayments.	17
	4.3	Offer to Prepay upon Change in Control.	18
	4.4	Optional Prepayments.	19
	4.5	Notice of Optional Prepayment.	20
	4.6	Pro Rata Payments.	20
	4.7	Notation of Notes on Prepayment.	20
	4.8	No Other Optional Prepayments.	21
5.	REGISTRATION; SUBSTITUTION OF NOTES.		21
	5.1	Registration of Notes.	21
	5.2	Exchange of Notes.	21
	5.3	Replacement of Notes.	22
	5.4	Issuance Taxes.	22
6.	GENERAL COVENANTS.		22
	6.1	Payment of Taxes and Claims.	22
	6.2	Maintenance of Properties and Corporate Existence.	23
	6.3	Payment of Notes and Maintenance of Office.	24
	6.4	Intentionally Deleted.	24
	6.5	Consolidated Working Capital.	24
	6.6	Funded Debt to Capitalization Ratio.	24
	6.7	Maintenance of Funded Debt.	24
	6.8	Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio; Consolidated Fixed Charges.	25
	6.9	Restrictions on Dividends, etc.	25
	6.10	Consolidated Net Worth.	26
	6.11	Terrorism Sanctions Regulations.	26
	6.12	Restricted Payments and Restricted Investments.	26
	6.13	Liens.	27
	6.14	Merger; Acquisition.	30
	6.15	Transfers of Property; Subsidiary Stock.	32
	6.16	Trademark Subsidiaries.	36
	6.17	Environmental Compliance.	36
	6.18	Line of Business.	37
	6.19	Transactions with Affiliates.	37
	6.20	Tax Consolidation.	37
	6.21	ERISA.	37
	6.22	Guaranties.	39
	6.23	Private Offering.	39
	6.24	Covenants Regarding the Bladen County Cogeneration Property.	39
7.	INFORMATION AS TO COMPANY AND GUARANTORS.		40
	7.1	Financial and Business Information.	40
	7.2	Officer’s Certificates.	43
	7.3	Accountants’ Report.	44

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	7.4	Inspection.	44
8.	EVENTS OF DEFAULT.		45
	8.1	Nature of Events.	45
	8.2	Default Remedies.	47
	8.3	Annulment of Acceleration of Notes.	48
9.	INTERPRETATION OF THIS AGREEMENT.		49
	9.1	Terms Defined.	49
	9.2	GAAP.	73
	9.3	Directly or Indirectly.	73
	9.4	Section Headings, Table of Contents and Construction.	73
	9.5	Governing Law.	73
10.	MISCELLANEOUS.		73
	10.1	Communications.	73
	10.2	Reproduction of Documents.	75
	10.3	Survival.	75
	10.4	Successors and Assigns.	75
	10.5	Amendment and Waiver.	75
	10.6	Payments, When Received.	77
	10.7	Entire Agreement.	77
	10.8	Duplicate Originals, Execution in Counterpart.	77

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Annexes and Exhibits

Annex 1	—	Information as to Noteholders
Annex 2	—	Information as to Company and Subsidiaries
Exhibit A1	—	Form of 8.41% Series B Senior Secured Note Due August 1, 2006
Exhibit A2	—	Form of 10.75% Series E Senior Secured Note Due August 1, 2005
Exhibit A3	—	Form of 8.52% Series F Senior Secured Note Due August 1, 2006
Exhibit A4	—	Form of 9.85% Series G Senior Secured Note Due November 1, 2006
Exhibit B	—	Form of Company Counsel’s Closing Opinion
Exhibit C	—	Form of Company Officers’ Certificate
Exhibit D	—	Form of Company Secretary’s Certificate

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SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED

NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

$9,852,942 8.41% SERIES B SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE AUGUST 1, 2006

$9,250,000 10.75% SERIES E SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE AUGUST 1, 2005

$100,000,000 8.52% SERIES F SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE AUGUST 1, 2006

$14,000,000 9.85% SERIES G SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE NOVEMBER 1, 2006

Dated as of October 29, 2004

Separately addressed to each of the

Noteholders listed on Annex 1 hereto:

Ladies and Gentlemen:

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC., a Virginia corporation (together with its successors and assigns, the “Company”), hereby agrees with you as follows:

1. BACKGROUND; AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT

1.1 Background.

The Company has issued and sold:

(a) $9,852,942 in aggregate principal amount of its eight and forty-one one-hundredths percent (8.41%) Series B Senior Secured Notes due August 1, 2006, substantially in the form of Exhibit A1 hereto (the “Series B Notes”);

(b) $9,250,000 in aggregate principal amount of its ten and seventy-five one-hundredths percent (10.75%) Series E Senior Secured Notes due August 1, 2005, substantially in the form of Exhibit A2 hereto (the “Series E Notes”);

(c) $100,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of its eight and fifty-two one-hundredths percent (8.52%) Series F Senior Secured Notes due August 1, 2006, substantially in the form of Exhibit A3 hereto (“Series F Notes”); and

(d) $14,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of its nine and eighty-five one-hundredths percent (9.85%) Series G Senior Secured Notes due November 1, 2006, substantially in the form of Exhibit A4 hereto (the “Series G Notes”);

pursuant to those separate Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreements (collectively, the “First Restatement”) each dated as of October 31, 1999 among the Company and the noteholders named in Annex 1 thereto (as amended by that certain Amendment Agreement No. 1, dated as of December 7, 2001, that certain Amendment Agreement No. 2, dated as of December 31, 2002, that certain Amendment Agreement No. 3, dated as of April 4, 2003, that

certain Amendment Agreement No. 4, dated as of October 31, 2003, and that certain Amendment Agreement No. 5, dated as of March 25, 2004, each among the Company and the other parties listed on the signature pages thereto, each an “Existing Note Purchase Agreement” and collectively, the “Existing Note Purchase Agreements”). The Company represents and warrants to each of you that (i) the register kept by the Company for the registration and transfer of the Notes indicates that each of the Persons named in Annex 1 hereto (collectively, the “Noteholders”) is currently a holder of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Notes as of the date hereof indicated in such Annex and (ii) there are no other Notes outstanding under the Existing Note Purchase Agreements.

The Series B Notes, the Series E Notes, the Series F Notes and the Series G Notes, including Notes of each such series delivered from time to time pursuant to this Agreement and the other Note Purchase Agreements, are herein referred to, individually, as a “Note,” and collectively, as the “Notes.”

1.2 Agreement of Noteholders to Amendment and Restatement; Closing.

(a) Agreement. Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 3, you agree, by execution of this Agreement, that the Existing Note Purchase Agreement is hereby amended and restated in the form of this Agreement and that each of the Series B Notes, the Series E Notes, the Series F Note and the Series G Notes shall be deemed to be automatically amended without any further action required on the part of any other Person, to conform to and have the terms provided in Exhibit A1, Exhibit A2, Exhibit A3 and Exhibit A4 respectively (except that the principal amount and payee of each Note shall remain unchanged) and any Series B Note, Series E Note, Series F Note or Series G Note issued after the Second Restatement Date shall be in the form of Exhibit A1, Exhibit A2, Exhibit A3 or Exhibit A4, as applicable.

(b) Restatement Dates. The initial amendment and restatement of the terms of this Agreement took place on October 31, 1999 (the “First Restatement Date”) and the closing under the second amendment and restatement of the terms of this Agreement will be held contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement (the date of such closing herein referred to as the “Second Restatement Date”) at the office of Bingham McCutchen LLP, One State Street, Hartford, Connecticut 06103. It is agreed that the Second Restatement Date shall be October 29, 2004.

(c) Other Noteholders. Contemporaneously with the execution and delivery hereof, the Company is entering into a separate Second Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement identical (except for the name, address and signature of the Noteholder party thereto) to this Agreement (this Agreement and such other separate Second Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreements, collectively, as may be amended from time to time, the “Note Purchase Agreements”) with each other Noteholder.

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1.3 Failure of Conditions.

If on the Second Restatement Date the conditions specified in Section 3 to be fulfilled have not been fulfilled, you may thereupon elect to be relieved of all further obligations under this Agreement, without thereby waiving any rights you may have by reason of such nonfulfillment, and the Existing Note Purchase Agreement shall remain in full force.

1.4 Expenses.

(a) Generally. Whether or not the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are consummated, the Company will promptly (and in any event within thirty (30) days of receiving any statement or invoice therefor) pay all fees, expenses and costs relating hereto, including but not limited to:

(i) the cost of reproducing the Financing Documents;

(ii) the fees and disbursements of your special counsel;

(iii) the fees and disbursements of the Security Trustee and its counsel;

(iv) the fees, expenses and costs incurred in complying with each of the conditions to closing set forth in Section 3;

(v) all other expenses incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and

(vi) the expenses relating to the consideration, negotiation, preparation or execution of any amendments, waivers or consents pursuant to the provisions hereof and of the other Financing Documents, whether or not any such amendments, waivers or consents are executed.

(b) Counsel. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is agreed and understood that the Company will pay, on the Second Restatement Date, the statement for fees and disbursements of your special counsel presented on the Second Restatement Date and the Company will also pay upon receipt of any statement thereof, each additional statement for fees and disbursements of your special counsel rendered after the Second Restatement Date in connection with the matters referred to in Section 1.4(a)(vi).

(c) Survival. The obligations of the Company under this Section 1.4 shall survive the payment or prepayment of the Notes and the termination hereof.

1.5 Collateral; Release.

The Notes are secured pursuant to and entitled to all of the benefits of the Security Documents. In the event that at any time after the Second Restatement Date the Company shall have obtained an Acceptable Rating in respect of its long-term, senior unsecured debt, the Company may give written notice to each holder of Notes (which notice shall include copies of the letters to the Company from Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s evidencing that such Acceptable Rating has been in full force and effect for the

3

one hundred eighty (180) day period immediately preceding the date of such notice requesting that the holders of the Notes direct the Security Trustee to release the Collateral from the security interests created by the Security Documents on a date specified in such notice (the “Collateral Release Date”) that is not less than thirty (30) days and not more than sixty (60) days after the date of such notice. The holders of the Notes agree to direct the Security Trustee to so release the Collateral, provided that the Collateral Release Conditions have been satisfied and the holders of the Notes and the Security Trustee shall have received an officer’s certificate, executed by a Senior Officer and dated the Collateral Release Date, specifying that at the time of such release and after giving effect thereto, each of the Collateral Release Conditions are satisfied. Notwithstanding such release of Collateral, the provisions of Section 6.13 hereof shall continue to apply on and after the Collateral Release Date.

2. WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS.

To induce you to enter into this Agreement, the Company warrants and represents as follows:

2.1 Material Adverse Change.

Since the date of the last audited consolidated financial statements of the Company delivered to each of the Noteholders (or their predecessors in interest), there has been no change in the business, prospects, profits, Properties or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company, except changes that, in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.2 Financial Statements; Debt.

(a) Financial Statements. The quarterly and annual financial statements most recently delivered to you pursuant to Section 7.1 of the Existing Note Purchase Agreement have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries as of such dates and the results of their operations and cash flows for the periods specified therein.

(b) Debt. Part 2.2(b) of Annex 2 lists all Debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries as of the First Restatement Date (prior to giving effect to the transactions which occurred on the First Restatement Date) which Debt is of an outstanding amount, in each case, in excess of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), and provides the following information with respect to each item of such Debt:

(i) the obligor in respect thereof,

(ii) the holder thereof,

(iii) the outstanding amount thereof and the interest rate or rates applicable thereto,

4

(iv) the portion thereof classified as current in accordance with GAAP,

(v) the final maturity thereof, and

(vi) the collateral securing such Debt, if any.

The aggregate amount of Debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries as of the First Restatement Date that is not set forth on Part 2.2(b) of Annex 2 did not exceed two million five hundred thousand dollars ($2,500,000).

2.3 Subsidiaries and Affiliates.

Part 2.3 of Annex 2 states:

(a) the name of each of the Subsidiaries as of the Second Restatement Date, its jurisdiction of incorporation and the percentage of its Voting Stock owned by the Company and each other Subsidiary; and

(b) the name of each of the Affiliates as of the Second Restatement Date and the nature of the affiliation.

Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries has good and marketable title to all of the shares it purports to own of the stock of each Subsidiary, free and clear in each case of any Lien. All such shares have been duly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable.

2.4 Pending Litigation.

(a) Pending Litigation. There are no proceedings, actions or investigations pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against or affecting the Company or any Subsidiary in any court or before any Governmental Authority or arbitration board or tribunal that, in the aggregate for all such proceedings, actions and investigations, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) No Defaults. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in default with respect to any judgment, order, writ, injunction or decree of any court, Governmental Authority, arbitration board or tribunal that, in the aggregate for all such defaults, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.5 Title to Properties; UCC Matters.

(a) Title to Properties. The Company and the Subsidiaries have valid title to all of the Property reflected in the most recent audited consolidated balance sheet referred to in Section 2.2(a) (except as sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business), except for such failures to have valid title as are immaterial in the context of such balance sheet and that, in the aggregate for all such failures, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

5

(b) Leases. All leases necessary for the conduct of the business of the Company and the Subsidiaries are valid and subsisting and are in full force and effect, except for such failures to be valid and subsisting that, in the aggregate for all such failures, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) Liens. All Property of the Company and the Subsidiaries is free from Liens not permitted by Section 6.13.

(d) UCC Matters. Part 2.5(d) of Annex 2 sets forth with respect to the Company and each Guarantor, as of the First Restatement Date:

(i) each name under which such Person conducts or has conducted all or a portion of its business operations, and

(ii) the location of the principal executive office of each such Person.

Neither the Company nor any Guarantor has changed its name or the name under which it conducts its business operations within the immediately preceding period of five (5) years.

2.6 Patents, Trademarks, Licenses, etc.

Except as set forth on Part 2.6 of Annex 2, as of the First Restatement Date each of the Company and the Subsidiaries owns, possesses or has the right to use all of the patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and licenses, and rights with respect thereto, necessary for the present and currently planned future conduct of its business, without any known conflict with the rights of others. The Trademark Subsidiaries own all such patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and licenses. Part 2.6 of Annex 2 sets forth the identity of each of the Trademark Subsidiaries on the First Restatement Date.

2.7 Taxes.

(a) Returns Filed; Taxes Paid. All tax returns required to be filed by each of the Company and the Subsidiaries and any other Person with which the Company or any Subsidiary files or has filed a consolidated return in any jurisdiction have in fact been filed on a timely basis, and all taxes, assessments, fees and other governmental charges upon each of the Company and the Subsidiaries and any such Person, and upon any of their respective Properties, income or franchises, that are due and payable have been paid. As of the First Restatement Date, all liabilities of the Company and the Subsidiaries with respect to federal income taxes have been finally determined except with respect to the fiscal years disclosed on Part 2.7 of Annex 2, which are the only fiscal years not closed by the completion of an audit or the expiration of the statute of limitations. There is currently in effect no tax sharing, tax allocation or similar agreement providing for the manner in which tax payments (whether in respect of federal or state income or other taxes) owing by the members of the affiliated group of which the Company is the “common parent” (as defined in section 1504 of the IRC) are allocated between any member of such group and any Person other than the Company or a Subsidiary.

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(b) Book Provisions Adequate.

(i) The amount of the liability for taxes reflected in the most recent balance sheet referred to in Section 2.2(a) is an adequate provision for taxes as of the date of such balance sheet (including, without limitation, any payment due pursuant to any tax sharing agreement) as are or may become payable by any one or more of the Company, any Subsidiary and the other Persons consolidated with the Company in such financial statements in respect of all tax periods ending on or prior to such dates.

(ii) As of the First Restatement Date, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary knows of any proposed additional tax assessment against it or any such Person that is not reflected in full in the most recent balance sheet referred to in Section 2.2(a).

2.8 Full Disclosure.

The financial statements referred to in Section 2.2(a) do not, nor does any Financing Document or any written statement furnished by or on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary to you in connection with the negotiation or the closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit a material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading when viewed in the aggregate. There is no fact that the Company has not disclosed to you in writing that has had or, so far as the Company can now reasonably foresee, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.9 Corporate Organization and Authority.

The Company and each Subsidiary:

(a) is a corporation, limited liability company or partnership duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent that such concept is applicable) under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization;

(b) has all legal and corporate, limited liability company or partnership, as the case may be, power and authority to own and operate its Properties and to carry on its business as now conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted;

(c) has all necessary licenses, certificates and permits to own and operate its Properties and to carry on its business as now conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted, except where the failure to have such licenses, certificates and permits, in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and

(d) has duly qualified or has been duly licensed, and is authorized to do business and is in good standing, as a foreign corporation, limited liability company or foreign partnership, as the case may be, in each state in the United States of America and in each other jurisdiction where the failure to be so qualified or licensed and authorized and in good standing, in the aggregate for all such failures, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

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2.10 Restrictions on Company and Subsidiaries.

(a) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary:

(i) is a party to any contract or agreement, or subject to any charter, bylaw, partnership agreement or other restriction that, in the aggregate for all such contracts, agreements, constitutive documents and other restrictions (assuming that all such contracts and agreements are performed in accordance with their respective terms), could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or

(ii) has agreed or consented to cause or permit in the future (upon the happening of a contingency or otherwise) any of its Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to be subject to a Lien not permitted by Section 6.13.

(b) As of the First Restatement Date, neither the Company nor any Guarantor is a party to any contract or agreement that restricts the right or ability of the Company or such Guarantor to incur Debt, other than this Agreement and the agreements listed in Part 2.10(b) of Annex 2 (none of which restricts the issuance and sale of the Notes or the performance of the Company hereunder or under the Notes and none of which restricts the guaranty of the Notes by any of the Guarantors under the Joint and Several Guaranty).

2.11 Compliance with Law.

Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary:

(a) is in violation of any law, ordinance, governmental rule or regulation to which it is subject (including, without limitation, those relating to zoning and planning, building, subdivision, inland wetland and environmental and hazardous waste disposal); or

(b) has failed to obtain any license, certificate, permit, franchise or other governmental authorization necessary to the ownership of its Property or to the conduct of its business (including, without limitation, to the extent required, building, zoning, subdivision, traffic and environmental approvals and certificates of occupancy);

which violations or failures to obtain, in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.12 Pension Plans.

(a) Disclosure. Part 2.12(a) of Annex 2 identifies as of the First Restatement Date all ERISA Affiliates and all “employee benefit plans” with respect to which the Company or any “affiliate” of the Company is a “party-in-interest” or in respect of which

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the Notes could constitute an “employer security” (“employee benefit plan” and “party-in-interest” have the meanings specified in section 3 of ERISA and “affiliate” and “employer security” have the meanings specified in section 407(d) of ERISA).

(b) Prohibited Transactions. The execution and delivery of this Agreement will not involve any transaction that is subject to the prohibitions of section 406 of ERISA or in connection with which a tax could be imposed pursuant to section 4975(c)(1)(A) through section 4975(D), inclusive, of the IRC.

(c) Relationship of Vested Benefits to Pension Plan Assets. Except as set forth on Part 2.12(c) of Annex 2, immediately prior to the First Restatement Date the present value of all benefits, determined as of the most recent valuation date immediately prior to the First Restatement Date for such benefits (as provided in Section 6.21(c)), vested under each Pension Plan does not exceed the value of the assets of such Pension Plan allocable to such vested benefits, determined as of the most recent valuation date (as provided in Section 6.21(c)) immediately prior to the First Restatement Date.

(d) ERISA Requirements. Each of the Company and the ERISA Affiliates:

(i) has fulfilled all obligations under the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the IRC with respect to each Pension Plan that is not a Multiemployer Plan;

(ii) is in compliance in all material respects with all other applicable provisions of ERISA and the IRC with respect to each Pension Plan and each Multiemployer Plan; and

(iii) has not incurred any liability under Title IV of ERISA to the PBGC (other than in respect of required insurance premiums, all of which that are due having been paid), with respect to any Pension Plan, any Multiemployer Plan or any trust established thereunder.

(e) Accumulated Funding Deficiency. Except as set forth in Part 2.12(e) of Annex 2, no accumulated funding deficiency (as defined in section 302 of ERISA and section 412 of the IRC), whether or not waived, exists as of the First Restatement Date with respect to any Pension Plan.

(f) Reportable Events. No Pension Plan or trust created thereunder has been terminated, and there have been no “reportable events” (as such term is defined in section 4043 of ERISA), with respect to any Pension Plan or trust created thereunder or with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, which reportable event or events will or could result in the termination of such Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan and give rise to a liability of the Company or any ERISA Affiliate in respect thereof.

(g) Multiemployer Plans. Other than as set forth on Part 2.12(g) of Annex 2, as of the First Restatement Date neither the Company nor any ERISA Affiliate is an employer required to contribute to any Multiemployer Plan. Neither the Company nor

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any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, nor is expected to incur, any withdrawal liability (that has not previously been fully satisfied) under ERISA with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, the effect of which, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No Multiemployer Plans have been terminated under section 4041A of ERISA, have been placed in reorganization status under Title IV of ERISA, or have been determined to be “insolvent” (as such term is defined in section 4245 of ERISA).

(h) Multiple Employer Pension Plans. Neither the Company nor any ERISA Affiliate is a “contributing sponsor” (as such term is defined in section 4001 of ERISA) in any Multiple Employer Pension Plan and neither the Company nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred (without fully satisfying the same), or reasonably expects to incur, withdrawal liability in respect of any Multiple Employer Pension Plan, which withdrawal liability could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(i) Foreign Pension Plan. Except as set forth in Part 2.12(i) of Annex 2, no Foreign Pension Plans exist as of the First Restatement Date and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has any present or future obligations in respect of any Foreign Pension Plan.

2.13 USA Patriot Act, Etc.

(a) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary (i) is a Person described or designated in the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List of the Office of Foreign Assets Control or in Section 1 of the Anti-Terrorism Order or (ii) engages in any dealings or transactions with any such Person. The Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance, in all material respects, with the USA Patriot Act.

(b) No part of the proceeds from the sale of the Notes hereunder will be used, directly or indirectly, for any payments to any governmental official or employee, political party, official of a political party, candidate for political office, or anyone else acting in an official capacity, in order to obtain, retain or direct business or obtain any improper advantage, in violation of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, assuming in all cases that such Act applies to the Company.

2.14 Certain Laws.

The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and each of the Guarantors and the performance under the Financing Documents by the Company and the Subsidiaries:

(a) is not subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended, the Transportation Acts, as amended, or the Federal Power Act, as amended, and

(b) does not violate any provision of any statute or other rule or regulation of any Governmental Authority applicable to the Company or any Subsidiary.

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2.15 Environmental Compliance.

(a) Compliance. Except as set forth in Part 2.14(a) of Annex 2, as of the First Restatement Date neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in violation of any Environmental Protection Law in effect in any jurisdiction where it currently is doing business or owns Property, except for such violations that, in the aggregate for all such violations, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Liability. Except as set forth in Part 2.14(b) of Annex 2, as of the First Restatement Date neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is subject to any liability under any Environmental Protection Law that, in the aggregate for all such liabilities, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) Notices. Except as set forth in Part 2.14(c) of Annex 2, as of the First Restatement Date neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received any:

(i) notice from any Governmental Authority by which any of its currently or previously owned or leased Properties has been identified in any manner by any Governmental Authority as a hazardous substance disposal or removal site, “Super Fund” clean-up site, or other clean-up site or candidate for removal or closure pursuant to any Environmental Protection Law;

(ii) notice of any Lien arising under or in connection with any Environmental Protection Law that has attached to any revenues of, or to, any of its currently or previously owned or leased Properties; or

(iii) communication from any Governmental Authority concerning any action or omission by the Company or such Subsidiary in connection with its currently or previously owned or leased Properties resulting in the release of any Hazardous Substance or resulting in any violation of any Environmental Protection Law;

in each case where the effect of which, in the aggregate for all such notices and communications, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.16 Transaction is Legal and Authorized; Obligations are Enforceable.

(a) Transaction is Legal and Authorized. Each of the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and by each of the Guarantors and compliance by the Company and each of the Guarantors with all of their respective obligations under the Financing Documents:

(i) is within the corporate powers of the Company and each of the Guarantors;

(ii) is legal and does not conflict with, result in any breach in any of the provisions of, constitute a default under, or result in the creation of any Lien

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upon any Property of the Company or any Subsidiary under the provisions of, any agreement, charter instrument, bylaw or other instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its Property may be bound; and

(iii) does not give rise to a right or option of any other Person under any agreement or other instrument, which right or option could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Obligations are Enforceable. This Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of each Obligor and has been executed and delivered by one or more duly authorized officers of such Obligor, and the obligations of each Obligor set forth herein constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of such Obligor, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except that the enforceability of the Financing Documents may be:

(i) limited by applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the enforceability of creditors’ rights generally; and

(ii) subject to the availability of equitable remedies.

2.17 Governmental Consent.

Neither the nature of the Company or any Subsidiary, or of any of their respective businesses or Properties, nor any relationship between the Company or any Subsidiary and any other Person, nor any circumstance in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, is such as to require a consent, approval or authorization of, or filing, registration or qualification with, any Governmental Authority on the part of the Company or any Guarantor as a condition to the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

2.18 No Defaults.

(a) The Agreement. No event has occurred and no condition exists that, upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement, would constitute a Default or an Event of Default.

(b) Charter Instruments, Other Agreements. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in violation in any respect of any term of any charter instrument, bylaw, partnership agreement or other constitutive document or instrument. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in violation in any respect of any term in any agreement or other instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its Property may be bound except for such violations that, in the aggregate for all such violations, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

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2.19 Company and the Guarantors.

The Company and the Guarantors are operated as part of one consolidated business entity and are directly dependent upon each other for and in connection with their respective business activities and their respective financial resources. The Company and each of the Guarantors receive direct economic and financial benefits from the Debt outstanding under the Note Purchase Agreements by the Company and the existence of such Debt is in the best interests of the Company and each of the Guarantors.

2.20 Solvency.

The fair value of the business and assets of the Company and each Guarantor will be in excess of the amount that will be required to pay its liabilities (including, without limitation, contingent, subordinated, unmatured and unliquidated liabilities on existing debts, as such liabilities may become absolute and matured), in each case after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Neither the Company nor any Guarantor, after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, will be engaged in any business or transaction, or about to engage in any business or transaction, for which such Person has unreasonably small assets or capital (within the meaning of applicable law, including, without limitation, Section 548 of the United States Bankruptcy Code), and neither the Company nor any Guarantor has any intent to

(a) hinder, delay or defraud any entity to which it is, or will become, on or after the Second Restatement Date, indebted, or

(b) incur debts that would be beyond its ability to pay as they mature.

2.21 True and Correct Copies.

The Company has delivered to you or your special counsel true and correct copies of each of the following (including each amendment and restatement entered into in connection herewith) : (a) the Credit Facility and any other Revolving Credit Agreement (including, without limitation, all schedules and exhibits thereto and all agreements delivered in connection therewith) of the Company or any Subsidiary, (b) the 1999 Note Purchase Agreement, (c) the 2000 Note Purchase Agreement and (d) the 2002 Note Purchase Agreement.

2.22 Joinder Agreement.

Cattle Production Systems, Inc. (f/k/a Beef Production Systems, Inc.) shall have executed and delivered to you or your special counsel (i) that certain joinder agreement, dated on or before October 29, 2004, by which Cattle Production Systems, Inc. shall become a guarantor under the Joint and Several Guaranty and (ii) that certain joinder agreement, dated on or before October 29, 2004, by which Cattle Production Systems, Inc. shall become a subsidiary guarantor under the Intercreditor Agreement.

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3. CLOSING CONDITIONS.

The effectiveness of this Agreement, as to the parties hereto, is subject to the following conditions precedent:

3.1 Opinions of Counsel.

You shall have received a closing opinion from McGuireWoods LLP, counsel for the Company and the Guarantors, dated as of the Second Restatement Date, and substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit B, and as to such other matters as you may reasonably request. The Company hereby requests and directs its counsel to deliver such closing opinion to you and the other Noteholders.

3.2 Warranties and Representations True.

The warranties and representations contained in Section 2 shall be true on the Second Restatement Date with the same effect as though made on and as of that date.

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3.3 No Defaults.

No “Default” or “Event of Default” (as such terms are defined in the Existing Note Purchase Agreements) shall exist in respect of the Notes, this Agreement or the Existing Note Purchase Agreements.

3.4 Officers’ Certificates.

You shall have received:

(a) a certificate dated the Second Restatement Date and signed by the President, a Vice-President, the Controller, the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer or the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, substantially in the form of Exhibit C, certifying that the conditions specified in Section 3.2, Section 3.3, Section 3.8 and Section 3.9 have been fulfilled and that no Default or Event of Default exists on the Second Restatement Date; and

(b) a certificate dated the Second Restatement Date and signed by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company, substantially in the form of Exhibit D, with respect to the matters set forth therein.

3.5 Other Noteholders.

None of the other Noteholders shall have failed to execute and deliver a Note Purchase Agreement on the Second Restatement Date.

3.6 Expenses.

All fees and disbursements required to be paid on or before the Second Restatement Date pursuant to Section 1.4 shall have been paid in full.

3.7 Ratification by Guarantors

Each Guarantor shall have executed and delivered the ratification of its obligations under the Joint and Several Guaranty as contemplated on the signature pages to this Agreement.

3.8 Other Debt Documents.

The Company shall have delivered to you a true and correct copy of the agreements referred to in Section 2.21.

3.9 Transaction Structuring Fee.

The Company shall have paid to each Noteholder a non-refundable transaction restructuring fee equal to five hundredths of one percent (0.05%) of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes held by such Noteholder on the Second Restatement Date.

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3.10 Compliance with this Agreement.

Each of the Company and the Guarantors shall have performed and complied with all agreements and conditions contained herein that are required to be performed or complied with by the Company and the Guarantors on or prior to the Second Restatement Date, and such performance and compliance shall remain in effect on the Second Restatement Date.

3.11 Proceedings Satisfactory.

All proceedings taken in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and all documents and papers relating thereto shall be satisfactory to you and your special counsel. You and your special counsel shall have received copies of such documents and papers as you or they may reasonably request in connection therewith or in connection with your special counsel’s closing opinion, all in form and substance satisfactory to you and your special counsel.

4. PAYMENTS.

4.1 Interest Payments.

Interest shall accrue on the unpaid principal balance of the Notes on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months:

(a) Series B Notes. With respect to the Series B Notes, at the rate of 8.41% per annum and shall be payable to the holders of the Series B Notes, in arrears, quarterly on the first day of February, May, August and November in each year, commencing on August 1, 1996, until the principal amount of the Series B Notes in respect of which such interest shall have accrued shall become due and payable, and interest shall accrue on any overdue principal (including any overdue prepayment of principal), Make-Whole Amount, if any, and (to the extent permitted by applicable law) on any overdue installment of interest at a rate equal to the lesser of (i) the highest rate allowed by applicable law, and (ii) 10.41% per annum,

(b) Series E Notes. With respect to the Series E Notes, at the rate of 10.75% per annum and shall be payable to the holders of the Series E Notes, in arrears, quarterly on the first day of February, May, August and November in each year, commencing on August 1, 1996, until the principal amount of the Series E Notes in respect of which such interest shall have accrued shall become due and payable, and interest shall accrue on any overdue principal (including any overdue prepayment of principal), Make-Whole Amount, if any, and (to the extent permitted by applicable law) on any overdue installment of interest at a rate equal to the lesser of (i) the highest rate allowed by applicable law, and (ii) 12.75% per annum,

(c) Series F Notes. With respect to the Series F Notes, at the rate of 8.52% per annum and shall be payable to the holders of the Series F Notes, in arrears, quarterly on the first day of February, May, August and November in each year, commencing on August 1, 1996, until the principal amount of the Series F Notes in respect of which such interest shall have accrued shall become due and payable, and interest shall accrue on any

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overdue principal (including any overdue prepayment of principal), Make-Whole Amount, if any, and (to the extent permitted by applicable law) on any overdue installment of interest at a rate equal to the lesser of (i) the highest rate allowed by applicable law, and (ii) 10.52% per annum, and

(d) Series G Notes. With respect to the Series G Notes, at the rate of 9.85% per annum and shall be payable to the holders of the Series G Notes, in arrears, quarterly on the first day of February, May, August and November in each year, commencing on August 1, 1996, until the principal amount of the Series G Notes in respect of which such interest shall have accrued shall become due and payable, and interest shall accrue on any overdue principal (including any overdue prepayment of principal), Make-Whole Amount, if any, and (to the extent permitted by applicable law) on any overdue installment of interest at a rate equal to the lesser of (i) the highest rate allowed by applicable law, and (ii) 11.85% per annum, and

4.2 Scheduled Required Prepayments.

(a) Series B Notes. In addition to paying the entire then outstanding principal amount and the interest due on the Series B Notes on the maturity date thereof (August 1, 2006), the Company shall prepay, and there shall become due and payable, seven hundred fifty-eight thousand dollars ($758,000) in aggregate principal amount of the Series B Notes on the first day of February, May, August and November in each year, commencing on August 1, 2003 and ending on May 1, 2006, inclusive. Each such prepayment shall be at one hundred percent (100%) of the amount prepaid, together with interest accrued thereon to the date of prepayment.

(b) Series E Notes. In addition to paying the entire then outstanding principal amount and the interest due on the Series E Notes on the maturity date thereof (August 1, 2005), the Company shall prepay, and there shall become due and payable, two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) in aggregate principal amount of the Series E Notes on the first day of February, May, August and November in each year, commencing on August 1, 1996 and ending on May 1, 2005, inclusive. Each such prepayment shall be at one hundred percent (100%) of the amount prepaid, together with interest accrued thereon to the date of prepayment.

(c) Series F Notes. There shall be no required prepayments in respect of the Series F Notes. The entire principal amount of the Series F Notes remaining outstanding on August 1, 2006, together with accrued unpaid interest thereon, shall be due and payable on such date.

(d) Series G Notes. In addition to paying the entire then outstanding principal amount and the interest due on the Series G Notes on the maturity date thereof (November 1, 2006), the Company shall prepay, and there shall become due and payable, three hundred thirty-three thousand three hundred thirty-three and 33/100 dollars ($333,333.33) in aggregate principal amount of the Series G Notes on the first day of February, May, August and November in each year, commencing on August 1, 1996 and ending on August 1, 2006, inclusive. Each such prepayment shall be at one hundred percent (100%) of the amount prepaid, together with interest accrued thereon to the date of prepayment.

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4.3 Offer to Prepay upon Change in Control.

(a) Notice and Offer. In the event of either

(i) a Change in Control, or

(ii) the obtaining of knowledge of a Control Event by any officer of the Company,

then the Company will, within three (3) Business Days of (x) such Change in Control or (y) the obtaining of knowledge of such Control Event (including via the receipt of notice of a Control Event from any holder of Notes), as the case may be, give written notice of such Change in Control or Control Event to each holder of Notes and, simultaneously with the sending of such written notice, give telephonic advice of such Change in Control or Control Event to an investment officer or other similar representative or agent of each such holder specified on Annex 1 at the telephone number specified thereon, or to such other Person at such other telephone number as any holder of a Note may specify to the Company in writing. In the event of a Change in Control, such written notice shall contain, and such written notice shall constitute, an irrevocable offer to prepay all, but not less than all, of the Notes of each Series held by such holder on a date specified in such notice (the “Control Prepayment Date”) that is not less than thirty (30) days and not more than sixty (60) days after the date of such notice. (If the Control Prepayment Date shall not be specified in such notice, the Control Prepayment Date shall be the thirtieth (30th) day after the date of such notice.)

(b) Acceptance and Payment. To accept such offered prepayment, a holder of Notes shall cause a notice of such acceptance (which notice of acceptance may be in respect of one or more Series of Notes held by such holder, but which notice need not treat Notes of all Series held by such holder in the same manner) to be delivered to the Company not later than fourteen (14) days after the date of receipt by such holder of the written offer of such prepayment. If so accepted, such offered prepayment shall be due and payable on the Control Prepayment Date. Such offered prepayment shall be made at one hundred percent (100%) of the principal amount of such Notes, together with (i) an amount equal to the Make-Whole Amount, if any, at the time applicable with respect to the principal amount of the Notes of such Series then being prepaid and (ii) interest on the Notes then being prepaid accrued to the Control Prepayment Date.

(c) Officer’s Certificate. Each offer to prepay the Notes pursuant to this Section 4.3 will be accompanied by an officer’s certificate, executed by a Senior Officer and dated the date of such offer, specifying:

(i) the Control Prepayment Date;

(ii) the principal amount of each Note offered to be prepaid;

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(iii) the interest to be paid on each such Note, accrued to the Control Prepayment Date;

(iv) the calculation of an estimated Make-Whole Amount, if any (assuming the date of prepayment was the date of such notice), due in connection with such prepayment, accompanied by a copy of the Applicable H.15 used in determining the Make-Whole Discount Rate in respect thereof;

(v) that the conditions of this Section 4.3 have been fulfilled; and

(vi) in reasonable detail, the nature and date or proposed date of the Change in Control.

Contemporaneously with any such prepayment the Company shall deliver to each holder of Notes a certificate of a Senior Financial Officer specifying the calculation of such Make-Whole Amount as of the specified prepayment date, accompanied by a copy of the Applicable H.15 used in determining the Make-Whole Discount Rate in respect thereof.

(d) Effect of Prepayments. Each prepayment of principal of the Notes of any Series pursuant to this Section 4.3 shall be applied to reduce the principal amount of the Notes of such Series due on the maturity date of the Notes of such Series and to reduce each remaining scheduled required prepayment of principal (if any) applicable to each such Series required by Section 4.2, apportioned on a ratable basis (based on the principal amount due on each such date) among all such amounts.

4.4 Optional Prepayments.

(a) Optional Prepayments. The Company may at any time after the Second Restatement Date prepay the principal amount of the Notes, in part, in integral multiples of five million dollars ($5,000,000), or in whole, in each case together with:

(i) an amount equal to the Make-Whole Amount at such time in respect of the principal amount of the Notes of such Series being so prepaid; and

(ii) interest on such principal amount then being prepaid accrued to the prepayment date.

(b) Effect of Prepayments. Each prepayment of principal of the Notes pursuant to Section 4.4(a) shall be applied first, to the principal amount of the Notes of each Series due on the maturity date of the Notes of such Series and second, to the scheduled required prepayments of principal (if any) applicable to such Series required by Section 4.2, in the inverse order of the maturity thereof.

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4.5 Notice of Optional Prepayment.

The Company will give written notice of any optional prepayment of the Notes to each holder of the Notes not less than thirty (30) days or more than sixty (60) days before the date fixed for prepayment, specifying:

(a) such date;

(b) that such prepayment is being made pursuant to Section 4.4;

(c) the principal amount of such holder’s Notes to be prepaid on such date with respect to each Series of Notes held by such holder;

(d) the interest to be paid on each such Note, accrued to the date fixed for prepayment; and

(e) the calculation of an estimated Make-Whole Amount, if any (assuming the date of prepayment was the date of such notice) due in connection with such prepayment with respect to each Series of Notes held by such holder, accompanied by a copy of the Applicable H.15 used in determining the Make-Whole Discount Rate in respect thereof.

Such notice of prepayment shall also certify all facts that are conditions precedent to any such prepayment. Notice of prepayment having been so given, the aggregate principal amount of the Notes specified in such notice, together with the Make-Whole Amount, if any, and accrued interest thereon shall become due and payable on the specified prepayment date. Contemporaneously with such prepayment the Company shall deliver to each holder of Notes a certificate of a Senior Financial Officer specifying the calculation of such Make-Whole Amount as of the specified prepayment date, accompanied by a copy of the Applicable H.15 used in determining the Make-Whole Discount Rate in respect thereof.

4.6 Pro Rata Payments.

(a) Scheduled Required Prepayments. If, at the time of any required prepayment of the principal of Notes of any Series made pursuant to Section 4.2 there is more than one Note of such Series outstanding, the aggregate principal amount of such required prepayment shall be allocated among the Notes of such Series at the time outstanding pro rata in proportion to the respective unpaid principal amounts of all such outstanding Notes of such Series.

(b) Optional Prepayments. If, at the time of any optional prepayment of the principal of Notes made pursuant to Section 4.4 there is more than one Note outstanding, the aggregate principal amount of such optional prepayment shall be allocated among the Notes at the time outstanding pro rata in proportion to the respective unpaid principal amounts of all such outstanding Notes, without regard to the Series of such Notes.

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4.7 Notation of Notes on Prepayment.

Upon any partial prepayment of a Note, such Note may, at the option of the holder thereof, be

(a) surrendered to the Company pursuant to Section 5.2 in exchange for a new Note of the same Series, in a principal amount equal to the principal amount remaining unpaid on the surrendered Note,

(b) made available to the Company for notation thereon of the portion of the principal so prepaid, or

(c) marked by such holder with a notation thereon of the portion of the principal so prepaid.

In case the entire principal amount of any Note is prepaid, such Note shall be surrendered to the Company for cancellation and shall not be reissued, and no Note shall be issued in lieu of the prepaid principal amount of any Note.

4.8 No Other Optional Prepayments.

Except as provided in Section 4.4, the Company may not make any optional prepayment (whether directly or indirectly by purchase or acquisition) in respect of the Notes.

5. REGISTRATION; SUBSTITUTION OF NOTES.

5.1 Registration of Notes.

The Company will cause to be kept at its office, maintained pursuant to Section 6.3, a register for the registration and transfer of Notes. The name and address of each holder of one or more Notes, each transfer thereof and the name and address of each transferee of one or more Notes shall be registered in the register. The Person in whose name any Note shall be registered shall be deemed and treated as the owner and holder thereof for all purposes hereof.

5.2 Exchange of Notes.

(a) Upon surrender of any Note at the office of the Company maintained pursuant to Section 6.3 duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer duly executed by the registered holder of such Note or its attorney duly authorized in writing, the Company will execute and deliver, at the Company’s expense (except as provided below), new Notes of the same Series in exchange therefor, in denominations of at least five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) (except as may be necessary to reflect any principal amount not evenly divisible by five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000)), in an aggregate principal amount equal to the unpaid principal amount of the surrendered Note. Each such new Note shall be payable to such Person as such holder may request, shall be of the same Series as the surrendered Note and shall be substantially in the form of the Exhibit in Exhibit A1 through Exhibit A4 corresponding to the Series of the surrendered Note. Each such new Note shall be dated and bear interest from the date to which interest shall have been paid on the surrendered Note or dated the date of the surrendered Note if no interest shall have been paid thereon. The Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any stamp or other issuance tax or governmental charge imposed in respect of any such transfer of Notes.

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(b) The Company will pay the cost of delivering to or from such holder’s home office or custodian bank from or to the Company, insured to the reasonable satisfaction of such holder, the surrendered Note and any Note issued in substitution or replacement for the surrendered Note.

5.3 Replacement of Notes.

Upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the ownership of and the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of any Note (which evidence shall be, in the case of an Institutional Investor, notice from such Institutional Investor of such ownership (or of ownership by such Institutional Investor’s nominee) and such loss, theft, destruction or mutilation), and

(a) in the case of loss, theft or destruction, of indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Company (provided that if the holder of such Note is an Institutional Investor or a nominee of an Institutional Investor, such Institutional Investor’s own unsecured letter agreement of indemnity shall be deemed to be satisfactory for such purpose), or

(b) in the case of mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation thereof, the Company at its own expense will execute and, within five (5) Business Days after such receipt, deliver, in lieu thereof, a new Note of the same Series, dated and bearing interest from the date to which interest shall have been paid on such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Note or dated the date of such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Note if no interest shall have been paid thereon.

5.4 Issuance Taxes.

The Company will pay all taxes (if any) due in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and in connection with any modification, amendment or waiver of any Financing Document and shall save each holder of Notes harmless without limitation as to time against any and all liabilities with respect to all such taxes. The obligations of the Company under this Section 5.4 shall survive the payment or prepayment of the Notes and the termination hereof.

6. GENERAL COVENANTS.

The Company covenants and agrees that on and after the Second Restatement Date and thereafter for so long as any of its obligations under the Note Purchase Agreements and the Notes shall be outstanding:

6.1 Payment of Taxes and Claims.

The Company shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, pay before they become delinquent,

(a) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or its Property, and

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(b) all claims or demands of materialmen, mechanics, carriers, warehousemen, landlords and other like Persons that, if unpaid, might result in the creation of a Lien upon its Property,

provided, that items of the foregoing description need not be paid (x) while being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings diligently pursued as long as adequate book reserves have been established and maintained and exist with respect thereto, and (y) so long as the title of the Company or the Subsidiary, as the case may be, to, and its right to use, such Property, is not materially adversely affected thereby.

6.2 Maintenance of Properties and Corporate Existence.

The Company shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to,

(a) Property — maintain its Property in good condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and make all necessary renewals, replacements, additions, betterments and improvements thereto, and, in addition to the foregoing, the Guarantors shall collectively, during each year, either expend or invest an aggregate amount equal to at least fifty percent (50%) of Depreciation determined for the then most recently ended fiscal year of the Company on repairs, maintenance or capital improvements to the “Improvements” (as such term is defined in the Deeds of Trust);

(b) Insurance — maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurers accorded a rating by A.M. Best Company of “A” or better and a size rating of “XII” or better (or comparable ratings by any comparable successor rating agency), insurance (including, without limitation, the insurance required by the Security Documents) with respect to its Property and business against such casualties and contingencies, of such types (including, without limitation, insurance with respect to losses arising out of Property loss or damage, public liability, business interruption, larceny, workers’ compensation, embezzlement or other criminal misappropriation) and in such amounts as is customary in the case of corporations of established reputations engaged in the same or a similar business and similarly situated; provided that the Company and the Subsidiaries may maintain one or more systems of self-insurance if adequate reserves are maintained with respect thereto and if such systems are implemented and operated in a manner consistent with the sound financial practices of similarly situated corporations of established reputations that maintain similar systems of self-insurance;

(c) Financial Records — maintain sound accounting policies and an adequate and effective system of accounts and internal accounting controls that will safeguard assets, properly record income, expenses and liabilities and assure the production of proper financial statements in accordance with GAAP;

(d) Corporate Existence and Rights — do or cause to be done all things necessary

(i) to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence, rights and franchises,

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(ii) to ensure that the Company legally and beneficially owns eighty-six percent (86%) of the capital stock of each class of Brown’s and one hundred percent (100%) of the capital stock of each of the other Guarantors, and

(iii) to maintain each Subsidiary as a Subsidiary, except as otherwise permitted by Section 6.14 and Section 6.15(b); and

(e) Compliance with Law — not be in violation of any law, ordinance or governmental rule or regulation to which it is subject (including, without limitation, the USA Patriot Act and any Environmental Protection Law) and not fail to obtain any license, permit, franchise or other governmental authorization necessary to the ownership of its Properties or to the conduct of its business if such violation or failure to obtain could be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

6.3 Payment of Notes and Maintenance of Office.

The Company shall punctually pay, or cause to be paid, the principal of and interest (and Make-Whole Amount, if any) to become due in respect of, the Notes, as and when the same shall become due according to the terms hereof and of the Notes, and shall maintain an office at the address of the Company set forth in Section 10.1 where notices, presentations and demands in respect hereof and of the Notes may be made upon it. Such office shall be maintained at such address until such time as the Company shall notify the holders of the Notes of any change of location of such office, which shall in any event be located within the United States of America.

6.4 Intentionally Deleted.

6.5 Consolidated Working Capital.

The Company shall not at any time permit Consolidated Working Capital to be less than Two Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($250,000,000).

6.6 Funded Debt to Capitalization Ratio.

The Company shall not at any time permit Consolidated Funded Debt to exceed sixty-five percent (65%) of Consolidated Total Capitalization.

6.7 Maintenance of Funded Debt.

The Company shall not permit Consolidated Funded Debt, determined as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Company, to exceed 400% of Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters of the Company ended at such time.

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6.8 Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio; Consolidated Fixed Charges.

(a) The Company shall not permit the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA to Consolidated Interest Expense for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Company to be less than 3.00 to 1.00.

(b) The Company shall not at any time permit the ratio of Consolidated Net Income Available for Fixed Charges (calculated in respect of the period of eight (8) consecutive fiscal quarters of the Company then most recently ended) to Consolidated Fixed Charges (calculated in respect of such period) to be less than 1.50 to 1.00.

6.9 Restrictions on Dividends, etc.

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any restriction or encumbrance (other than statutory, regulatory or common law restrictions) on the right or power of any Subsidiary to

(a) pay dividends or make any other distributions on such Subsidiary’s stock to the Company or any Subsidiary,

(b) pay any indebtedness owed by such Subsidiary to the Company or any Subsidiary,

(c) make loans or pay advances to the Company or any Subsidiary, or

(d) transfer any of its Property to the Company or any Guarantor;

provided, however, that:

(x) a Subsidiary may be subject to an encumbrance or restriction described in subsection (d) above if such encumbrance or restriction (i) restricts in a customary manner the subletting, assignment, or transfer of any property or asset that is subject to a lease, license, or similar contract, (ii) exists by virtue of any transfer of, agreement to transfer, option, or right with respect to, any property or assets of the Company or any Subsidiary not otherwise prohibited by this Note Purchase Agreement, or (iii) is contained in a security agreement, mortgage or other similar document securing Debt of the Company or any Subsidiary that is permitted hereunder to the extent such restriction or encumbrance restricts the transfer of the property subject to such agreement, or (iv) ordinary course provisions restricting the assignability of contracts;

(y) a Subsidiary may be subject to restrictions on the payment of dividends or the making of other distributions on its stock to the Company or the other Subsidiaries so long as such restrictions permit the payment of such dividends and the making of such other distributions that are necessary in order to make any and all payments due (including, without limitation, any and all amounts due by way of acceleration, required or optional prepayment or otherwise) in connection with the Notes, the Note Purchase Agreements and the other Financing Documents, and any and all indebtedness used to refinance or repay such indebtedness (without increase as to principal amount or interest rate of such refinancing indebtedness); and

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(z) a Subsidiary may be subject to any such encumbrance and restriction that is not otherwise allowed under subsections (x) and (y) above, so long as the aggregate contributions to Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four (4) fiscal quarters then most recently ended of all Subsidiaries subject to such encumbrances and restrictions that are not otherwise allowed under subsections (x) and (y) above, are less than or equal to fifteen percent (15%) of such Consolidated EBITDA; such contribution shall be based on the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of each such Subsidiary for such fiscal year.

6.10 Consolidated Net Worth.

The Company shall not at any time permit Consolidated Net Worth, determined at such time, to be less than the sum of

(a) one billion four hundred fifty million dollars ($1,450,000,000), plus

(b) the sum of the Company Fiscal Year Net Worth Increase Amounts calculated for all fiscal years of the Company ended on or after the Second Restatement Date.

6.11 Terrorism Sanctions Regulations.

The Company will not and will not permit any Subsidiary to (a) become a Person described or designated in the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List of the Office of Foreign Assets Control or in Section 1 of the Anti-Terrorism Order or (b) engage in any dealings or transactions with any such Person.

6.12 Restricted Payments and Restricted Investments.

(a) Limitation on Restricted Payments and Restricted Investments. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, at any time declare or make or incur any liability to declare or make any Restricted Payment (other than Restricted Payments comprised solely of Distributions to the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary in respect of the capital stock of a Subsidiary (“Permitted Distributions”)) or make or authorize any Restricted Investment, unless

(i) immediately after giving effect to the proposed Restricted Payment or Restricted Investment, the aggregate amount of all Restricted Payments (other than Permitted Distributions) and Restricted Investments in each case made or authorized after February 1, 2000 does not exceed the sum of

(A) one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000); plus

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(B) fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate Consolidated Net Income (or, in case such aggregate Consolidated Net Income shall be a deficit, minus one hundred percent (100%) of such deficit) for the period commencing on February 1, 2000 and ending on the date of such proposed transaction; plus

(C) one hundred percent (100%) of the aggregate net cash proceeds received by the Company after March 9, 2000 from the issuance or sale of shares of capital stock of the Company (other than Mandatorily Redeemable Stock); plus

(D) the market value of (but in any event not exceeding the Fair Market Value of the assets or stock acquired with) the shares of capital stock issued by the Company in payment for the stock or assets of any Person acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary after March 9, 2000 in an arm’s-length transaction;

(ii) immediately prior to, and immediately after giving effect to the proposed Restricted Payment or Restricted Investment, the Company would be permitted by Section 6.6 to incur at least one dollar ($1.00) of additional Funded Debt owed to a Person other than a Subsidiary; and

(iii) immediately prior to, and immediately after giving effect to, the proposed Restricted Payment or Restricted Investment, no Default or Event of Default exists or would exist.

(b) Time of Payment of Distributions. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, authorize a Distribution on its capital stock that is not payable within sixty (60) days of authorization.

(c) Subsidiaries. Each Person that becomes a Subsidiary after the Second Restatement Date shall be deemed to have made, at the time it becomes a Subsidiary, all Restricted Investments of such Person existing immediately after it becomes a Subsidiary.

6.13 Liens.

(a) Negative Pledge. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, cause or permit, or agree or consent to cause or permit in the future (upon the happening of a contingency or otherwise), any of their Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to be subject to a Lien except:

(i) Liens securing taxes, assessments or governmental charges or levies or the claims or demands of materialmen, mechanics, carriers, warehousemen, landlords and other like Persons, provided that the payment thereof is not at the time required by Section 6.1 or by any provision of the other Financing Documents;

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(ii) Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of business

(A) in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, social security and other like laws, and

(B) to secure the performance of letters of credit, bids, tenders, sales contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety and performance bonds (of a type other than set forth in Section 6.13(a)(iii)) and other similar obligations not incurred in connection with the borrowing of money, the obtaining of advances or the payment of the deferred purchase price of Property;

(iii) Liens

(A) arising from judicial attachments and judgments,

(B) securing appeal bonds, supersedeas bonds, or

(C) arising in connection with court proceedings (including, without limitation, surety bonds and letters of credit or any other instrument serving a similar purpose),

provided that the execution or other enforcement of such Liens is effectively stayed and the claims secured thereby are being actively contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, and provided further that the aggregate amount so secured shall not at any time exceed one million dollars ($1,000,000);

(iv) Liens in the nature of reservations, exceptions, encroachments, easements, rights-of-way, covenants, conditions, restrictions, leases and other similar title exceptions or encumbrances affecting real Property, provided that such exceptions and encumbrances do not in the aggregate materially detract from the value of such Properties or materially interfere with the use of such Properties in the ordinary conduct of the owning Person’s business;

(v) (A) Liens (of a type other than set forth in Section 6.13(a)(ix)) in existence on the First Restatement Date, more specifically described on Part 6.13(a)(v) of Annex 2; and

(B) Liens securing renewals, extensions and refinancings of Debt secured by the Liens permitted by clause (A) immediately above, provided that the amount of Debt secured by each such Lien is not increased in excess of the amount of Debt outstanding on the date such Lien was originally created, and none of such Liens is extended to include any additional Property of the Company or any Subsidiary;

(vi) on or prior to the Collateral Release Date, Liens on the Collateral

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(A) in favor of the Security Trustee for the benefit of the holders of the Notes that secure obligations under any of the Financing Documents, and

(B) constituting Permitted Exceptions;

(vii) on or prior to the Collateral Release Date, Liens on Property (other than the Collateral) securing Funded Debt (other than Funded Debt outstanding under the Credit Facility) incurred and permitted to exist in accordance with the provisions of Sections 6.6 and 6.7;

(viii) Purchase Money Liens, if, after giving effect thereto and to any concurrent transactions:

(A) each such Purchase Money Lien secures Debt in an amount not exceeding the cost of acquisition or construction of the particular Property to which such Debt relates; and

(B) no Default or Event of Default would exist;

(ix) on or prior to the Collateral Release Date, Liens on Property of the Subsidiaries primarily constituting inventory or accounts that secure obligations arising under Revolving Credit Agreements of the Company or any Subsidiary; and

(x) after the Collateral Release Date, Liens securing Debt of the Company or any Subsidiary, provided that at the time of the incurrence thereof and after giving effect thereto and to the concurrent retirement of any other Debt,

(A) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all Debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries secured by Liens (including, without limitation, Liens permitted by Section 6.13(a)(v) and Section 6.13(a)(viii)) would not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of Consolidated Tangible Net Worth, determined at such time; and

(B) no Default or Event of Default would exist.

(b) Collateral. Nothing in this Section 6.13 shall be deemed to permit the Company or any Guarantor to cause or permit, or agree or consent to cause or permit in the future (upon the happening of a contingency or otherwise), any of the Collateral, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to be subject to a Lien in violation of the terms of the Security Documents.

(c) Stock. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 6.13(a), the Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to cause or permit, or agree or consent to cause or permit in the future (upon the happening of a contingency or otherwise), any of the capital stock of any Subsidiary, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to be subject to a Lien.

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(d) Equal and Ratable Lien; Equitable Lien. In case any Property not otherwise the subject of a prior perfected Lien in favor of the Security Trustee shall be subjected to a Lien in violation of this Section 6.13, the Company shall forthwith make or cause to be made, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, provision whereby the Notes shall be secured equally and ratably with all other obligations secured thereby pursuant to such agreements and instruments as shall be approved by the Required Holders, and the Company shall cause to be delivered to each holder of a Note an opinion of independent counsel to the effect that such agreements and instruments are enforceable in accordance with their terms, and in any such case the Notes shall have the benefit, to the full extent that, and with such priority as, the holders may be entitled thereto under applicable law, of an equitable Lien on such Property securing the Notes. Such violation of this Section 6.13 shall constitute an Event of Default hereunder, whether or not any such provision is made pursuant to this Section 6.13(d).

(e) Financing Statements. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, sign or file a financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code of any jurisdiction that names the Company or such Subsidiary as debtor, or sign any security agreement authorizing any secured party thereunder to file any such financing statement, except, in any such case, a financing statement filed or to be filed to perfect or protect a security interest that the Company or such Subsidiary is entitled to create, assume or incur, or permit to exist, under the foregoing provisions of this Section 6.13 or to evidence for informational purposes a lessor’s interest in Property leased to the Company or any such Subsidiary.

6.14 Merger; Acquisition.

(a) Merger and Consolidation. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, merge with or into, consolidate with, or sell, lease as lessor, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its Property to, any other Person or permit any other Person to merge with or into or consolidate with it (except (x) for the completion of the Great Lakes Cattle Merger and (y) that a Subsidiary other than a Guarantor may merge into, consolidate with, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets to, the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary other than a Guarantor); provided that the foregoing restriction does not apply to the merger or consolidation of the Company with or into, or the sale, lease, transfer or other disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of its Property to, another corporation, if:

(i) the corporation that results from such merger or consolidation or that purchases, leases, or acquires all or substantially all of such Property (the “Surviving Corporation”) is organized under the laws of, and has substantially all of its Property located in, the United States of America or any jurisdiction thereof;

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(ii) the due and punctual payment of the principal of and Make-Whole Amount, if any, and interest on all of the Notes, according to their tenor, and the due and punctual performance and observance of all the covenants herein and in the other Financing Documents to be performed and observed by the Company, are expressly assumed by the Surviving Corporation pursuant to such agreements or instruments as shall be satisfactory to the Required Holders, and the Company shall cause to be delivered to each holder of Notes an opinion of independent counsel (which opinion and counsel are satisfactory to the Required Holders) to the effect that such agreements and instruments are enforceable in accordance with their terms;

(iii) immediately prior to, and immediately after the consummation of such transaction, and after giving effect thereto, the Company would be permitted by Section 6.6 to incur at least one dollar ($1.00) of additional Funded Debt owed to a Person other than a Subsidiary; and

(iv) immediately prior to, and immediately after the consummation of such transaction, and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default exists or would exist.

(b) Acquisitions. The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to consummate any Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment, unless immediately prior to such Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, and:

(i) (a) such transaction is an Acquisition and such Acquisition (if by purchase of assets, merger or consolidation) is effected in such manner that the acquired business, and the related assets, are owned either by the Company or a Subsidiary and, if effected by merger or consolidation involving the Company, the Company is the continuing or surviving entity and, if effected by merger or consolidation involving a Subsidiary, the continuing or surviving entity is a Subsidiary; or (b) such transaction is an Acquisition and such Acquisition (if by purchase of stock or partner, member or other ownership interests) is effected in such manner so that the acquired entity becomes a Subsidiary; and

(ii) such transaction is an Acquisition or a Joint Venture Investment and immediately after giving effect to such Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment the Company is in compliance with Sections 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8 and 6.10 (the determination of such compliance to be calculated on a pro forma basis, as at the end of the fiscal quarter most recently ended prior to the date of such Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment for which financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries are available, under the assumption that such Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment and any other Acquisitions or Joint Venture Investments consummated during the twelve-month period ending on such date shall have occurred, and any Debt in connection therewith shall have been incurred, at the beginning of the applicable period, and under the assumption that interest for such period had been equal to the actual weighted average interest

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rate in effect for such period for all loans outstanding under the Credit Facility on the date of such Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment) and, in the event that the aggregate amount of expenditures in respect of such Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment and of all prior Acquisitions and Joint Venture Investments made during a single fiscal year and not covered by a certificate delivered under this subclause (ii) exceeds $100,000,000, the Company shall have delivered to each of the holders of Notes a certificate of a Senior Financial Officer showing calculations in reasonable detail to demonstrate compliance with this subclause (ii) and certifying that prior to such acquisition and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

6.15 Transfers of Property; Subsidiary Stock.

(a) Transfers of Property. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, sell (including, without limitation, any sale and subsequent leasing as lessee of such Property), lease as lessor, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any Property (individually, a “Transfer” and collectively, “Transfers”), except

(i) Transfers of inventory, obsolete or worn-out Property or excess equipment no longer useful in the business of the Company or such Subsidiary, in each case in the ordinary course of business of the Company or such Subsidiary, and the Smithfield Canada Transfer;

(ii) Transfers from a Subsidiary to the Company or to any Guarantor and Transfers from the Company to any Guarantor; and

(iii) any other Transfer (including a Transfer of Property to any Person and the concurrent rental or lease of such transferred Property from such Person) at any time of any Property to a Person, other than an Affiliate, for an Acceptable Consideration, if each of the following conditions would be satisfied with respect to such Transfer:

(A) the sum of

(I) the current book value of such Property, plus

(II) the aggregate book value of all other Property of the Company and the Subsidiaries Transferred (other than in Transfers referred to in the foregoing clause (i) and clause (ii) (collectively, “Excluded Transfers”)) during the period beginning on the first day of the then current fiscal year of the Company and ended immediately prior to the date of such Transfer,

would not exceed ten percent (10%) of Consolidated Total Assets determined as at the end of the most recently ended fiscal year of the Company prior to giving effect to such Transfer,

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(B) the sum of

(I) the current book value of such Property, plus

(II) the aggregate book value of all other Property of the Company and the Subsidiaries Transferred (other than in Excluded Transfers) during the period commencing on July 31, 1996 and ended at the time of such Transfer,

would not exceed twenty percent (20%) of Consolidated Total Assets determined as at the end of the most recently ended fiscal year of the Company prior to giving effect to such Transfer, and

(C) immediately prior to, and immediately after the consummation of such transaction, and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default exists or would exist,

provided, that all or any portion of the assets which are the subject of any Transfer of Property shall be excluded for purposes of clause (A) and clause (B) of this Section 6.15(a)(iii), and such Transfer shall be a Transfer permitted under this Section 6.15(a)(iii) notwithstanding non-compliance with clause (A) and clause (B) of this Section 6.15(a)(iii), if, within three hundred sixty (360) days after such Transfer, the entire proceeds of all or any portion of such Transfer to be excluded (net of ordinary and reasonable transaction costs and expenses incurred in connection with such Transfer) are applied by the Company or such Subsidiary to:

(x) the purchase of operating assets of the Company or any Subsidiary reasonably equal in value to that portion of the Property which is the subject of such Transfer and is to be excluded of clause (A) and (B) of this Section 6.15(a)(iii), so long as each such investment shall not have been included in the calculation of any other exclusion of any other Transfer proposed to be excluded from the operation of clause (A) or clause (B) of this Section 6.15(a)(iii), or

(y) an optional prepayment of Notes pursuant to Section 4.4.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, sell, lease as lessor, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of the Collateral except as expressly permitted by Section 6.15(c). Nothing in this Section 6.15(a) shall be deemed to permit the Company or any Subsidiary to violate any provisions of Section 6.16.

(b) Transfers of Subsidiary Stock. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, Transfer any shares of the capital stock (or any warrants, rights or options to purchase stock or other Securities exchangeable for or convertible into capital stock) of a Subsidiary (such capital stock, warrants, rights, options and other Securities herein called “Subsidiary Stock”), nor shall any Subsidiary issue, sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of its own Subsidiary Stock, provided that the foregoing restrictions do not apply to:

(i) the issuance by a Subsidiary of shares of its own Subsidiary Stock to the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary;

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(ii) Transfers by the Company or a Subsidiary of shares of Subsidiary Stock to the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary;

(iii) the issuance by a Subsidiary of directors’ qualifying shares; and

(iv) the Transfer of all of the Subsidiary Stock of a Subsidiary owned by the Company and the other Subsidiaries if

(A) such Transfer satisfies the requirements of Section 6.15(a)(iii);

(B) in connection with such Transfer the entire investment (whether represented by stock, Debt, claims or otherwise) of the Company and the other Subsidiaries in such Subsidiary is Transferred to a Person other than the Company or a Subsidiary not simultaneously being disposed of;

(C) the Subsidiary being disposed of has no continuing investment in any other Subsidiary not simultaneously being disposed of or in the Company; and

(D) immediately prior to, and immediately after the consummation of such Transfer, and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default exists or would exist.

For purposes of determining the book value of Property constituting Subsidiary Stock being Transferred as provided in clause (iv) above, such book value shall be deemed to be the aggregate book value of all assets of the Subsidiary that shall have issued such Subsidiary Stock.

Nothing in this Section 6.15(b) shall be deemed to permit the Company or any Subsidiary to (x) sell any shares of capital stock of any Subsidiary in violation of Section 6.2(d)(ii) or (y) violate any of the provisions of Section 6.16.

(c) Transfers of Collateral. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, sell or otherwise Transfer any Property constituting Collateral, except Transfers for an Acceptable Consideration of obsolete or worn-out equipment constituting Collateral, or excess equipment constituting Collateral, in each case that is no longer useful in the business of the Company or such Subsidiary, if each of the following conditions would be satisfied with respect to such Transfer:

(i) the sum of

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(A) the current book value of such Property, plus

(B) the aggregate book value of all other Property of the Company and the Subsidiaries Transferred pursuant to this Section 6.15(c) during the period beginning on the first day of the then current fiscal year of the Company and ended immediately prior to the date of such Transfer,

would not exceed five million dollars ($5,000,000),

(ii) the sum of

(A) the current book value of such Property, plus

(B) the aggregate book value of all other Property of the Company and the Subsidiaries Transferred pursuant to this Section 6.15(c) during the period commencing on July 31, 1996 and ended at the time of such Transfer,

would not exceed twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) and

(iii) immediately prior to, and immediately after the consummation of such transaction, and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default exists or would exist,

provided, that all or any portion of the assets which are the subject of any Transfer of Property shall be excluded for purposes of clause (i) and clause (ii) of this Section 6.15(c) if, within three hundred sixty (360) days after such Transfer, the entire proceeds of such Transfer (net of ordinary and reasonable transaction costs and expenses incurred in connection with such Transfer) are applied by the Company or such Subsidiary to:

(x) the purchase of Property of the Company or any Subsidiary reasonably equal in value or use to the Property which is the subject of such Transfer, so long as (1) such Property is subject to a perfected first-priority security interest in favor of the Security Trustee for the benefit of the holders from time to time of the Notes, (2) such Property constitutes Collateral and (3) each such investment shall not have been included in the calculation of any other exclusion of any other Transfer proposed to be excluded from the operation of clause (i) or clause (ii) of this Section 6.15(c), or

(y) an optional prepayment of Notes pursuant to Section 4.4.

The Company acknowledges and agrees that until applied pursuant to this Section 6.15(c), the net proceeds of any such Transfer of Collateral by the Company or any Subsidiary shall be held in trust by the Security Trustee pursuant to the terms of the Security Documents.

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6.16 Trademark Subsidiaries.

(a) Generally. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary other than a Trademark Subsidiary to, own any patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and other similar licenses and intangibles used or useful in the conduct of the business of the Company or any Subsidiary.

(b) Ownership of Trademark Subsidiaries. The Company (i) shall, at all times, maintain each Trademark Subsidiary as a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary and (ii) shall not permit any of the capital stock of any Trademark Subsidiary to be subject to a Lien.

(c) No Sale or Merger. The Company shall not permit any Trademark Subsidiary to merge with or into, consolidate with, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its Property to, any other Person other than another Trademark Subsidiary, or permit any other Person other than a Trademark Subsidiary to merge with or into or consolidate with it. The Company shall not permit any Trademark Subsidiary to sell, lease as lessor, license as licensor, transfer or otherwise dispose of any patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and licenses.

(d) No Debt or Liens. The Company shall not permit any Trademark Subsidiary to cause or permit, or agree or consent to cause or permit in the future (upon the happening of a contingency or otherwise), any of its Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to be subject to a Lien. The Company shall not at any time permit any Trademark Subsidiary to be or become liable for any Debt or to issue any Mandatorily Redeemable Stock.

6.17 Environmental Compliance.

(a) Compliance. The Company shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, comply with all Environmental Protection Laws in effect in each jurisdiction where it is doing business and where the failure to comply with which, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Liability. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, permit itself to be subject to any liability under any Environmental Protection Laws that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) Morrell. The Company shall cause Morrell to use its best efforts to comply with all reasonable environmental testing, hazard prevention and remediation recommendations of its environmental consultants with respect to the real Property of Morrell identified in the Morrell Mortgage.

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6.18 Line of Business.

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, engage in any business other than businesses engaged in by the Company and the Subsidiaries on the First Restatement Date.

6.19 Transactions with Affiliates.

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any transaction, including, without limitation, the purchase, sale or exchange of Property or the rendering of any service, with any Affiliate, except in the ordinary course of and pursuant to the reasonable requirements of the Company’s or such Subsidiary’s business and upon fair and reasonable terms no less favorable to the Company or such Subsidiary than would obtain in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with a Person not an Affiliate.

6.20 Tax Consolidation.

The Company shall not file or consent to the filing of a consolidated tax return with any Person other than a Subsidiary, or permit the filing of any consolidated tax return by any Subsidiary with any Person other than the Company or another Subsidiary.

6.21 ERISA.

(a) Compliance. The Company shall, and shall cause each ERISA Affiliate to, at all times with respect to each Pension Plan,

(i) make timely payment of contributions required

(A) to meet the minimum funding standard set forth in ERISA or the IRC with respect thereto, or

(B) to be paid as provided for by section 515 of ERISA, and

(ii) comply with all other applicable provisions of ERISA.

(b) Relationship of Vested Benefits to Pension Plan Assets.

(i) The Company shall not at any time permit the present value of all employee benefits vested under all Morrell Pension Plans to exceed the assets of such Morrell Pension Plans allocable to such vested benefits at such time by more than fifty-five million dollars ($55,000,000), in each case determined pursuant to Section 6.21(c).

(ii) The Company shall not at any time permit the present value of all employee benefits vested under all Pension Plans other than Morrell Pension Plans to exceed the assets of all such Pension Plans other than Morrell Pension Plans allocable to such vested benefits at such time by more than five percent (5%) of Consolidated Total Liabilities, in each case determined pursuant to Section 6.21(c).

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(c) Valuations. All assumptions and methods used to determine the actuarial valuation of vested employee benefits under Pension Plans and the present value of assets of Pension Plans shall be reasonable in the good faith judgment of the Company and shall comply with all requirements of law.

(d) Prohibited Actions. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any ERISA Affiliate to:

(i) engage in any “prohibited transaction” (as such term is defined in section 406 of ERISA or section 4975 of the IRC) or “reportable event” (as such term is defined in section 4043 of ERISA) that would result in the imposition of a material tax or penalty;

(ii) incur with respect to any Pension Plan any “accumulated funding deficiency” (as such term is defined in section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived;

(iii) terminate any Pension Plan in a manner that could result in

(A) the imposition of a Lien on the Property of the Company or any Subsidiary pursuant to section 4068 of ERISA or

(B) the creation of any liability under section 4062 of ERISA;

(iv) fail to make any payment required by section 515 of ERISA; or

(v) be an “employer” (as such term is defined in section 3 of ERISA) required to contribute to any Multiemployer Plan or a “substantial employer” (as such term is defined in section 4001 of ERISA) required to contribute to any Multiple Employer Pension Plan if, at such time, it could reasonably be expected that the Company or any Subsidiary will incur withdrawal liability in respect of such Multiemployer Plan and such liability, if incurred, together with the aggregate amount of all other withdrawal liability as to which there is a reasonable expectation of incurrence by the Company or any Subsidiary under any one or more Multiemployer Plans, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(e) Foreign Pension Plans. To the extent that the Company or any Subsidiary is subject to any requirements of any Foreign Pension Plan, the Company shall, and shall cause each such Subsidiary to, comply with such requirements if the failure to so comply would have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

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6.22 Guaranties.

(a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, be or become liable in respect of any Guaranty except

(i) Guaranties of Debt which constitutes a part of Consolidated Funded Debt;

(ii) Guaranties of obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company and the Subsidiaries;

(iii) Guaranties of liabilities which constitute a part of Consolidated Current Liabilities (including, without limitation, Guaranties of obligations of the Company and the Subsidiaries under Revolving Credit Agreements to the extent such Guaranties are not permitted by clause (i) above); and

(iv) Guaranties of amounts payable with respect to Operating Rentals constituting a portion of Consolidated Fixed Charges.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of clause (a) above, the Company shall not permit any Subsidiary to

(i) be or become liable for any Guaranty of Debt of the Company, any other Subsidiary or any Affiliate, or

(ii) issue any Mandatorily Redeemable Stock,

in each case unless such Subsidiary enters into an enforceable and unconditional Guaranty of the obligations of the Company under the Notes, upon terms and conditions satisfactory to the Required Holders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the Company or any Subsidiary be or become liable in respect of any Guaranty of Third Party Debt if the indebtedness or other liabilities that are the subject of such Guaranty would be prohibited by Section 6.6 or Section 6.7.

6.23 Private Offering.

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary or any Person acting on its behalf to, offer the Notes or any part thereof or any similar Securities for issuance or sale to, or solicit any offer to acquire any of the same from, any Person so as to bring the issuance and sale of the Notes within the provisions of section 5 of the Securities Act.

6.24 Covenants Regarding the Bladen County Cogeneration Property.

The Company covenants and agrees that, in the event the Company or any Affiliate shall acquire all or any portion of the Bladen County Cogeneration Property pursuant to the Bladen County Option Documents or otherwise, the Company shall, simultaneously with such acquisition, cause the Bladen County Cogeneration Property (or the Portion thereof) so acquired to be pledged as additional collateral security for the indebtedness evidenced by the Notes pursuant to documentation and in a manner that is in all respects satisfactory to the Required Holders. The Company shall pay any and all fees, costs and expenses including, without limitation, legal fees and expenses and title insurance charges and premiums, incurred by the holders of the Notes, the Security Trustee and the other parties to such transaction.

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The Company further covenants and agrees that it shall not, directly or indirectly, terminate, modify or amend any of the Bladen County Option Documents, without the prior written consent of the Required Holders.

7. INFORMATION AS TO COMPANY AND GUARANTORS.

7.1 Financial and Business Information.

The Company shall deliver to each holder of Notes:

(a) Company Quarterly Statements — as soon as practicable after the end of each quarterly fiscal period in each fiscal year of the Company (other than the last quarterly fiscal period of each such fiscal year), and in any event within forty-five (45) days thereafter, duplicate copies of:

(i) consolidated and consolidating balance sheets of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, and of the Company and the Subsidiaries, as at the end of such quarter, and

(ii) consolidated and consolidating statements of income and cash flows of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, and of the Company and the Subsidiaries, for such quarter and (in the case of the second and third quarters) for the portion of the fiscal year ending with such quarter,

setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding periods in the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail, prepared in accordance with GAAP applicable to quarterly financial statements generally, and certified as complete and correct, subject to changes resulting from year-end adjustments, by a Senior Financial Officer, accompanied by the certificate required by Section 7.2;

(b) Company Annual Statements — as soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, and in any event within ninety (90) days thereafter, duplicate copies of:

(i) a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, and a consolidating balance sheet of the Company and each Guarantor, as at the end of such year, and

(ii) consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, and consolidating statements of income and cash flows of the Company and each Guarantor, for such year,

setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the immediately preceding fiscal year, all in reasonable detail, prepared in accordance with GAAP, and accompanied by

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(A) in the case of such consolidated financial statements, an audit report thereon of independent certified public accountants of recognized national standing, which opinion shall state, without qualification, that such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the companies being reported upon and their consolidated results of operations and cash flows and have been prepared in conformity with GAAP, and that the examination of such accountants in connection with such financial statements has been made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, and that such audit provides a reasonable basis for such opinion in the circumstances,

(B) a certification by a Senior Financial Officer that such consolidated statements are complete and correct, and

(C) the certificates required by Section 7.2 and Section 7.3;

(c) Audit Reports — promptly upon receipt thereof, a copy of each other report submitted to the Company or any Subsidiary by independent accountants in connection with any management report, special audit report or comparable analysis prepared by them with respect to the books of the Company or any Subsidiary;

(d) SEC and Other Reports — promptly upon their becoming available, a copy of each financial statement, report (including, without limitation, each Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, each Annual Report on Form 10-K and each Current Report on Form 8-K), notice or proxy statement sent by the Company or any Subsidiary to stockholders generally and of each regular or periodic report and any registration statement, prospectus or written communication (other than transmittal letters), and each amendment thereto, in respect thereof filed by the Company or any Subsidiary with, or received by, such Person in connection therewith from, the National Association of Securities Dealers, any securities exchange or the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor agency;

(e) ERISA —

(i) promptly (and in any event, within five (5) Business Days) after any officer of the Company becoming aware of any

(A) “reportable event” (as defined in section 4043 of ERISA), or

(B) “prohibited transaction” (as defined in section 406 of ERISA or section 4975 of the IRC),

in connection with any Pension Plan or any trust created thereunder, a written notice specifying the nature thereof, what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto and, when known, any action taken by the IRS, the Department of Labor or the PBGC with respect thereto, and

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(ii) promptly (and in any event, within five (5) Business Days) after any officer of the Company becoming aware thereof, written notice of and, where applicable, a description of

(A) any notice from the PBGC in respect of the commencement of any proceedings pursuant to section 4042 of ERISA to terminate any Pension Plan or for the appointment of a trustee to administer any Pension Plan,

(B) any distress termination notice delivered to the PBGC under section 4041 of ERISA in respect of any Pension Plan, and any determination of the PBGC in respect thereof,

(C) the placement of any Multiemployer Plan in reorganization status under Title IV of ERISA,

(D) any Multiemployer Plan becoming “insolvent” (as defined in section 4245 of ERISA) under Title IV of ERISA, or

(E) the whole or partial withdrawal of the Company or any ERISA Affiliate from any Multiemployer Plan and the withdrawal liability incurred in connection therewith;

(f) Actions, Proceedings — promptly after the commencement thereof, notice of any action or proceeding relating to the Company or any Subsidiary in any court or before any Governmental Authority or arbitration board or tribunal as to which there is a reasonable probability of an adverse determination and that, if adversely determined, would have a Material Adverse Effect;

(g) Certain Environmental Matters — prompt written notice of and a description of any event or circumstance that, had such event or circumstance occurred or existed prior to the First Restatement Date, would have been required to be disclosed as an exception to any statement set forth in Section 2.14 and a description of the action that the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto;

(h) Notice of Default or Event of Default — within five (5) Business Days of any Senior Officer becoming aware of the existence of any condition or event that constitutes a Default or an Event of Default, a written notice specifying the nature and period of existence thereof and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto;

(i) Notice of Claimed Default — within five (5) Business Days of any Senior Officer becoming aware that the holder of any Note, or of any Debt or any Security of the Company or any Subsidiary, shall have given notice or taken any other action with

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respect to a claimed Default, Event of Default, default or event of default, a written notice specifying the notice given or action taken by such holder and the nature of the claimed Default, Event of Default, default or event of default and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto;

(j) Information Furnished Under Revolving Credit Agreement — at any time that at least one Revolving Credit Agreement is in effect, at the same time required thereby, a copy of each item required to be furnished by the Company or any Subsidiary pursuant thereto;

(k) Other Creditors — promptly upon the request of any holder of Notes, copies of any statement, report or certificate furnished to any holder of Debt of the Company or any Subsidiary to the extent that the information contained in such statement, report or certificate has not already been delivered to each holder of Notes;

(l) Rule 144A — with reasonable promptness, upon the request of any holder of Notes, information required to comply with 17 C.F.R. §230.144A, as amended from time to time; and

(m) Requested Information — with reasonable promptness, such other data and information as from time to time may be reasonably requested by any holder of Notes.

7.2 Officer’s Certificates.

Each set of financial statements delivered to each holder of Notes pursuant to Section 7.1(a) or Section 7.1(b) shall be accompanied by a certificate of a Senior Financial Officer setting forth:

(a) Covenant Compliance — the information (including detailed calculations) required in order to establish whether the Company was in compliance with the requirements of Section 6.4 through Section 6.8, inclusive, and Section 6.10 through Section 6.15, inclusive, during the period covered by the income statement then being furnished (including with respect to each such Section, where applicable, the calculations of the maximum or minimum amount, ratio or percentage, as the case may be, permissible under the terms of such Sections, and the calculation of the amounts, ratio or percentage then in existence); and

(b) Event of Default — a statement that the signer has reviewed the relevant terms of the Financing Documents and has made, or caused to be made, under his or her supervision, a review of the transactions and conditions of the Company and the Subsidiaries from the beginning of the accounting period covered by the income statements being delivered therewith to the date of the certificate and that such review shall not have disclosed the existence during such period of any condition or event that constitutes a Default or an Event of Default or, if any such condition or event existed or exists, specifying the nature and period of existence thereof and what action the Company shall have taken or proposes to take with respect thereto.

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7.3 Accountants’ Report.

Each set of annual financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(b) shall be accompanied by a certificate of the accountants who certify such financial statements, stating that they have reviewed this Agreement and stating further, whether, in making their audit, such accountants have become aware of any condition or event that then constitutes a Default or an Event of Default, and, if such accountants are aware that any such condition or event then exists, specifying the nature and period of existence thereof.

7.4 Inspection.

The Company shall permit the representatives of each holder of Notes (at the expense of the Company) to visit and inspect any of the Properties of the Company or any Subsidiary, to examine all their respective books of account, records, reports and other papers, to make copies and extracts therefrom, and to discuss their respective affairs, finances and accounts with their respective officers, employees and independent public accountants (former and present) (and by this provision the Company authorizes all such accountants to discuss the finances and affairs of the Company and the Subsidiaries), all at such reasonable times and as often as may be reasonably requested.

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8. EVENTS OF DEFAULT.

8.1 Nature of Events.

An “Event of Default” shall exist if any of the following occurs and is continuing:

(a) Principal and Make-Whole Amount Payments — the Company shall fail to make any payment of principal or Make-Whole Amount on any Note on or before the date such payment is due; or

(b) Interest Payments — the Company shall fail to make any payment of interest on any Note on or before the date such payment is due; or

(c) Warranties or Representations — any warranty, representation or other material statement by or on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary contained herein or in any instrument furnished in compliance with or in reference hereto or any of the other Financing Documents shall have been false or misleading when made or deemed made; or

(d) Particular Covenant Defaults — the Company or any Subsidiary shall fail to perform or observe any covenant contained in Section 6.4 through Section 6.18, inclusive, Section 6.20, Section 6.22, Section 7.1(h) or Section 7.1(i); or

(e) Other Defaults — the Company or any Subsidiary shall fail to comply with any other provision hereof, and such failure continues for more than thirty (30) days after such failure shall first become known to any officer of the Company; or

(f) Default on Debt or Other Security —

(i) the Company or any Subsidiary shall fail to make any payment on any Debt when due;

(ii) any event shall occur or any condition shall exist in respect of any Debt or any Security of the Company or any Subsidiary, or under any agreement securing or relating to such Debt or Security, that immediately or with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both:

(A) causes (or permits any one or more of the holders thereof or a trustee therefor to cause) such Debt or Security, or a portion thereof, to become due prior to its stated maturity or prior to its regularly scheduled date or dates of payment;

(B) permits any one or more of the holders thereof or a trustee therefor to elect any of the directors on the Board of Directors of the Company or such Subsidiary; or

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(C) permits any one or more of the holders thereof or a trustee therefor to require the Company or any Subsidiary to repurchase such Debt or Security from such holder;

provided that the aggregate amount of all obligations in respect of all such Debt and Securities referred to in this clause (f) exceeds at such time ten million dollars ($10,000,000); or

(iii) an “Event of Default” shall have occurred under, and as defined in, any of the other Financing Documents and be continuing; or

(g) Involuntary Bankruptcy Proceedings —

(i) a receiver, liquidator, custodian or trustee of the Company or any Subsidiary, or of all or any of the Collateral or any material Property of the Company or any Subsidiary, shall be appointed by court order and such order remains in effect for more than thirty (30) days; or an order for relief shall be entered with respect to the Company or any Subsidiary, or the Company or any Subsidiary, shall be adjudicated insolvent;

(ii) any of the Collateral or any material Property of the Company or any Subsidiary shall be sequestered by court order and such order remains in effect for more than thirty (30) days; or

(iii) a petition shall be filed against the Company or any Subsidiary under any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, readjustment of debt, dissolution or liquidation law of any jurisdiction, whether now or hereafter in effect, and shall not be dismissed within thirty (30) days after such filing; or

(h) Voluntary Petitions — the Company or any Subsidiary shall file a petition in voluntary bankruptcy or seeking relief under any provision of any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, readjustment of debt, dissolution or liquidation law of any jurisdiction, whether now or hereafter in effect, or shall consent to the filing of any petition against it under any such law; or

(i) Assignments for Benefit of Creditors, etc. — the Company or any Subsidiary shall make an assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or shall admit in writing its inability, or shall fail, to pay its debts generally as they become due, or shall consent to the appointment of a receiver, liquidator or trustee of the Company or any Subsidiary or of all or any part of the Property of them; or

(j) Undischarged Final Judgments — final judgment or judgments for the payment of money aggregating in excess of two million five hundred thousand dollars ($2,500,000) is or are outstanding against one or more of the Company and the Subsidiaries and any one of such judgments shall have been outstanding for more than thirty (30) days from the date of its entry and shall not have been discharged in full or stayed; or

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(k) Certain Obligations — the undertakings of any Guarantor under the Joint and Several Guaranty shall at any time cease to constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Guarantor, or any Guarantor or any Person acting by or on behalf of any Guarantor shall deny or disaffirm such Guarantor’s obligations under the Joint and Several Guaranty or any undertaking of the Company hereunder shall at any time cease to constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company.

If any action, condition, event or other matter would, at any time, constitute an Event of Default under any provision of this Section 8.1, then an Event of Default shall exist, regardless of whether the same or a similar action, condition, event or other matter is addressed in a different provision of this Section 8.1 and would not constitute an Event of Default at such time under such different provision.

8.2 Default Remedies.

(a) Acceleration on Event of Default. If an Event of Default specified in clause (g), (h) or (i) of Section 8.1 shall exist, all of the Notes at the time outstanding shall automatically become immediately due and payable together with interest accrued thereon and, to the extent permitted by law, the Make-Whole Amount at such time with respect to the principal amount of such Notes, and all other amounts due under the Financing Documents, without presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived, and, if any other Event of Default shall exist, the holder or holders of at least thirty-five percent (35%) in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (exclusive of Notes then owned by any one or more of the Company, any Subsidiary and any Affiliate) may exercise any right, power or remedy permitted to such holder or holders by law, and shall have, in particular, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the right to declare the entire principal of, and all interest accrued on, all the Notes then outstanding to be, and such Notes shall thereupon become, forthwith due and payable, without any presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived, and the Company shall forthwith pay to the holder or holders of all the Notes then outstanding the entire principal of, and interest accrued on, the Notes and, to the extent permitted by law, the Make-Whole Amount at such time with respect to such principal amount of the Notes.

(b) Acceleration on Payment Default. During the existence of an Event of Default described in Section 8.1(a) or Section 8.1(b), and irrespective of whether the Notes then outstanding shall have been declared to be due and payable pursuant to Section 8.2(a), any holder of Notes who or that shall have not consented to any waiver with respect to such Event of Default may, at its option, by notice in writing to the Company, declare the Notes then held by such holder to be, and such Notes shall thereupon become, forthwith due and payable together with all interest accrued thereon, without any presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived, and the Company shall forthwith pay to such holder the entire principal of and interest accrued on such Notes and, to the extent permitted by law, the Make-Whole Amount at such time with respect to such principal amount of the Notes and all other amounts due under the Financing Documents.

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(c) Valuable Rights. The Company acknowledges, and the parties hereto agree, that the right of each holder to maintain its investment in the Notes free from repayment by the Company (except as herein specifically provided for) is a valuable right and that the provision for payment of a Make-Whole Amount by the Company in the event that the Notes of any Series are prepaid or are accelerated as a result of an Event of Default is intended to provide compensation for the deprivation of such right under such circumstances.

(d) Other Remedies. During the existence of an Event of Default and irrespective of whether the Notes then outstanding shall have been declared to be due and payable pursuant to Section 8.2(a) or Section 8.2(b) and irrespective of whether any holder of Notes then outstanding shall otherwise have pursued or be pursuing any other rights or remedies, but subject to the terms and conditions of the Trust Agreement, any holder of Notes may proceed to protect and enforce its rights hereunder, under such Notes and under the other Financing Documents by exercising such remedies as are available to such holder in respect thereof under applicable law, either by suit in equity or by action at law, or both, whether for specific performance of any agreement contained herein or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, provided that the maturity of such holder’s Notes may be accelerated only in accordance with Section 8.2(a) and Section 8.2(b).

(e) Nonwaiver and Expenses. No course of dealing on the part of any holder of Notes nor any delay or failure on the part of any holder of Notes to exercise any right shall operate as a waiver of such right or otherwise prejudice such holder’s rights, powers and remedies. If the Company shall fail to pay when due any principal of, or Make-Whole Amount or interest on, any Note, or shall fail to comply with any other provision of the Financing Documents, the Company shall pay to each holder of Notes, to the extent permitted by law, such further amounts as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses, including but not limited to reasonable attorneys’ fees, incurred by such holder in collecting any sums due on such Notes or in otherwise assessing, analyzing or enforcing any rights or remedies that are or may be available to it.

8.3 Annulment of Acceleration of Notes.

If a declaration is made pursuant to Section 8.2(a), then and in every such case, the holders of sixty-six percent (66%) in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (exclusive of Notes then owned by any one or more of the Company, any Subsidiary and any Affiliate) may, by written instrument filed with the Company, rescind and annul such declaration, and the consequences thereof, provided that at the time such declaration is annulled and rescinded:

(a) no judgment or decree shall have been entered for the payment of any moneys due on or pursuant hereto or the Notes;

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(b) all arrears of interest upon all the Notes and all other sums payable hereunder and under the Notes (except any principal of, or interest or Make-Whole Amount on, the Notes that shall have become due and payable by reason of such declaration under Section 8.2(a)) shall have been duly paid; and

(c) each and every other Default and Event of Default shall have been waived pursuant to Section 10.5 or otherwise made good or cured;

and provided further that no such rescission and annulment shall extend to or affect any subsequent Default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

9. INTERPRETATION OF THIS AGREEMENT.

9.1 Terms Defined.

As used herein, the following terms have the respective meanings set forth below or set forth in the Section following such term:

1999 Note Purchase Agreement — means, collectively, the separate Note Purchase Agreements, dated as of October 27, 1999, as amended up to and including the Second Restatement Date, between the Company and each of the purchasers named on Annex 1 thereto.

2000 Note Purchase Agreement — means, collectively, the separate Note Purchase Agreements, dated as of June 2, 2000, as amended up to and including the Second Restatement Date, between the Company and each of the purchasers named on Annex 1 thereto.

2002 Note Purchase Agreement — means, collectively, the separate Note Purchase Agreements, dated as of March 1, 2002, as amended up to and including the Second Restatement Date, between the Company and each of the purchasers named on Annex 1 thereto.

Acceptable Bank — means any commercial bank

(a) that is organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof,

(b) that has capital, surplus and undivided profits aggregating at least five hundred million dollars ($500,000,000), and

(c) whose long-term unsecured debt obligations (or the long-term unsecured debt obligations of the bank holding company owning all of the capital stock of such bank) shall be rated “A3” or higher by Moody’s or “A-” or higher by Standard & Poor’s (or comparable ratings by any comparable successor agency).

Acceptable Consideration — means, with respect to any Transfer of any Property of the Company or any Subsidiary, cash consideration, promissory notes or such other consideration (or any combination of the foregoing) as is, in each case, determined by the Board of Directors of the Company or such Subsidiary, in its good faith opinion, to be in the best interests of the Company and to reflect the Fair Market Value of such Property.

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Acceptable Rating — means a rating of at least Baa2 by Moody’s and, in addition, a rating of at least BBB by Standard & Poor’s.

Acquisition — means any transaction, or any series of related transactions, consummated after the Amendment No. 3 Effective Date, by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (a) acquires any On-Going Business or all or substantially all of the assets of any Person, whether through purchase of assets, merger or otherwise, (b) directly or indirectly acquires control of at least a majority (in number of votes) of the securities of a corporation that have ordinary voting power for the election of directors or (c) directly or indirectly acquires control of at least a majority of the partner, member or other ownership interests of any Person that is not a corporation.

Affiliate — means, at any time, a Person (other than a Subsidiary)

(a) that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company,

(b) that beneficially owns or holds five percent (5%) or more of any class of the Voting Stock of the Company, or

(c) five percent (5%) or more of the Voting Stock (or in the case of a Person that is not a corporation, five percent (5%) or more of the equity interest) of which is beneficially owned or held by the Company or a Subsidiary,

at such time.

As used in this definition:

Control — means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Agreement, this — means this agreement, as it may be amended or restated from time to time.

Amendment No. 3 Effective Date — means the “Effective Date” as defined in that certain Amendment Agreement No. 3 dated as of April 4, 2003 among the Company and each of the holders of the Notes party thereto and consented to by each of the Guarantors.

Anti-Terrorism Order — means Executive Order No. 13,224 of September 24, 2001, Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions with Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit or Support Terrorism, 66 U.S. Fed. Reg. 49, 079 (2001), as amended.

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Applicable H.15 — means, at any time, United States Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15(519) or its successor publication most recently published and available to the public at such time, or if no such successor publication is available, then any other source of current information in respect of interest rates on securities of the United States of America that is generally available and, in the sole judgment of the Required Holders, provides information reasonably comparable to the H.15(519) report.

Assumption Agreement — means that certain Assumption Agreement, executed in connection with the First Restatement, pursuant to which Packing LLC agrees to assume the obligations of, and become a party to, the Packing-Bladen Deed of Trust and the Packing Security Agreement, to be recorded or having been recorded in the Land Records of Bladen County, North Carolina immediately following the recordation of the deed or other instrument of transfer of the Property which is the subject thereof from Packing to Packing LLC.

Bank Funded Debt Amount — means, at any time, the smallest average daily principal amount of all Debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries under the Credit Facility which is outstanding during any period of thirty (30) consecutive days selected by the Company falling within the three hundred sixty-five (365) day period ending at such time.

Bladen County Cogeneration Property — means that certain piece or parcel of land located in Hollow Township, Bladen County, North Carolina, together with a certain twenty-five (25) foot right of way easement, which property is more particularly described in that certain Deed made and entered into on or around July 16, 1997, by and between The Smithfield Packing Company, Incorporated, as grantor and party of the first part, and United Supply of America, as grantee and party of the second part, together with any and all buildings, structures, improvements, fixtures, equipment, machinery and other property now or hereafter affixed to, located on, within or beneath, or used in connection with said property.

Bladen County Option Documents — means that certain Steam Purchase and Sales Agreement dated July 16, 1997, between United Supply of America, as supplier, and The Smithfield Packing Company, Incorporated, as purchaser, together with that certain Memorandum of Option to Purchase made and executed by United Supply of America in connection therewith or any other instruments and agreements pursuant to which The Smithfield Packing Company, Incorporated, or its successors and assigns, may acquire all or any portion of the Bladen County Cogeneration Property.

Board of Directors — means, at any time with respect to any Person, the board of directors of such Person, or any committee thereof which, in the instance, shall have the lawful power to exercise the power and authority of such board of directors.

Brown’s — means Brown’s of Carolina, Inc., a North Carolina corporation, and its successors and assigns.

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Business Day — means

(a) with respect to any payment to be made to the holder of any Note under any of the Financing Documents, a day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which the bank designated by such holder to receive for such holder’s account payments on such Note is required by law (other than a general banking moratorium or holiday for a period exceeding four (4) consecutive days) to be closed, and

(b) for all other purposes, a day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which the national banks located in New York City, New York, are required by law (other than a general banking moratorium or holiday for a period exceeding four (4) consecutive days) to be closed.

Capital Lease — means a lease with respect to which the lessee is required to recognize the acquisition of an asset and the incurrence of a liability in accordance with GAAP, or for which the amount of the asset and the liability thereunder, as if so capitalized, should be disclosed in a note to such balance sheet.

Capital Lease Obligation — means, with respect to any Person and a Capital Lease, the amount of the obligation of such Person as the lessee under such Capital Lease that would appear as a liability on a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Change in Control — means the acquisition at any time after the First Restatement Date by any Person or group of related Persons of beneficial ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of the Voting Stock of the Company outstanding (excluding for such purpose Persons who own shares through any employee benefit plan of the Company or any trust in connection therewith) at such time.

Collateral — shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Trust Agreement.

Collateral Release Conditions — means, at any time:

(a) the Acceptable Rating is in full force and effect, not having been withdrawn by Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s;

(b) any and all Liens on Property of the Company or any Guarantor securing Debt incurred under or pursuant to each Revolving Credit Agreement of the Company or any Subsidiary have been released or will be released on or prior to the Collateral Release Date;

(c) the aggregate principal amount of all Debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries secured by Liens permitted solely by Section 6.13(a)(x) does not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of Consolidated Tangible Net Worth, determined at such time;

(d) the Company and the holders of the Notes shall have entered into an amendment to the Note Purchase Agreements, in form and substance

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satisfactory to all holders of the Notes, which provides for an amendment to the covenants set forth in Section 6.4 through 6.15, inclusive, such that the Company’s obligations concerning its financial condition and results of operations are established in a manner which, if complied with, would result in the Company at all times maintaining an Acceptable Rating for its long term, senior unsecured debt; and

(e) no Default or Event of Default exists;

in each case as of such time.

Collateral Release Date — Section 1.5.

Company — has the meaning specified in the introductory sentence.

Company Fiscal Year Net Worth Increase Amount — means, for any fiscal year of the Company, the greater of

(i) fifty percent (50%) of Consolidated Net Income for such fiscal year; and

(ii) zero dollars ($0).

Consolidated Current Assets — means, at any time, the aggregate amount at which the current assets of the Company and the Subsidiaries would be shown on a consolidated balance sheet for such Persons at such time.

Consolidated Current Liabilities — means, at any time, the aggregate amount of current liabilities of the Company and the Subsidiaries as would be shown on a consolidated balance sheet for such Persons at such time including, without limitation, all liabilities of the Company and the Subsidiaries under the Revolving Credit Facilities (other than the Bank Funded Debt Amount) at such time.

Consolidated EBITDA — means, with respect to any fiscal period, the sum of

(a) Consolidated Net Income, plus

(b) the aggregate amount of all Consolidated Interest Expense, depreciation, amortization and income taxes,

(to the extent, and only to the extent, that such aggregate amount was deducted in the computation of Consolidated Net Income), in each case accrued for such period by the Company, provided that, with respect to any period during which a Person shall have become, or ceased to be, a Subsidiary, or during which the Company or any Subsidiary shall have acquired or disposed of an On-Going Business, the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA shall, without duplication, (i) include the EBITDA for such period of each Person who shall have become a Subsidiary, and of each On-Going Business acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary, during such period as if such Person had been a

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Subsidiary or such On-Going Business had been owned by the Company or a Subsidiary for the entire period, or (ii) exclude the EBITDA for such period of each Person who shall have ceased to be a Subsidiary, and of each On-Going Business disposed of by the Company or any Subsidiary, at any time after the beginning of such period as if such Person had not been a Subsidiary at any time during the entire period or such On-Going Business had not been owned or operated by the Company or any Subsidiary at any time during such period. As used in this definition, EBITDA with respect to any Person or On-Going Business for any period shall mean, the net income (after income taxes) of such Person or On-Going Business for such period, determined in accordance with GAAP plus, to the extent deducted in calculating such net income, amounts attributable to interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization.

Consolidated Fixed Charges — means, with respect to any fiscal period, the sum of

(a) the amount payable in respect of such fiscal period with respect to interest due on, or with respect to, Debt (including, without limitation, the Notes) owing by or guaranteed by any one or more of the Company and the Subsidiaries and including, without limitation, amortization of debt discount and expense and imputed interest in respect of Capital Lease Obligations of the Company and the Subsidiaries, plus

(b) the amount payable in respect of such fiscal period with respect to Operating Rentals payable by any one or more of the Company and the Subsidiaries,

determined on a consolidated basis for the Company and the Subsidiaries for such period.

Consolidated Funded Debt — means, at any time, the aggregate amount of Funded Debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis for such Persons at such time.

Consolidated Intangible Assets— means, at any time, the aggregate amount of Intangible Assets of the Company and the Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis at such time.

Consolidated Interest Expense — means, for any fiscal period, the consolidated interest expense of the Company and its Subsidiaries accrued for such fiscal period (including, without limitation, cash or non-cash interest expense or deferred or accrued interest expense, amortization of debt discount and expense and the interest portion of all Capital Lease Obligations during such period); provided that, with respect to any fiscal period during which a Person shall have become, or ceased to be, a Subsidiary, or during which the Company or any Subsidiary shall have acquired or disposed of an On-Going Business, the calculation of Consolidated Interest Expense shall (i) include the interest expense for such fiscal period with respect to all Debt incurred in connection with the financing of the acquisition of each Person who shall have become a Subsidiary, and of

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each On-Going Business acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary, during such fiscal period as if such Person had been a Subsidiary or such On-Going Business had been acquired by the Company or a Subsidiary, and such Debt incurred, on the first day of such period and such Debt had remained outstanding at all times during such period, or (ii) exclude the interest expense for such fiscal period in respect of all Debt which shall have been repaid with the proceeds from the disposition of each Person who shall have ceased to be a Subsidiary, and of each On-Going Business disposed of by the Company or any Subsidiary, at any time after the beginning of such period as if such repayment and disposition had occurred on the first day of such period.

Consolidated Net Income — means, with respect to any fiscal period, net earnings (or loss) after income taxes of the Company and the Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis for such Persons for such period, provided there shall be excluded:

(a) any net income or gain (or net loss) during such period from any extraordinary items, and

(b) the income (or loss) of any Person (other than a Subsidiary) in which the Company or any Subsidiary has an ownership interest, except to the extent that any such income has been actually received by the Company or such Subsidiary in the form of cash dividends or similar cash distributions.

Consolidated Net Income Available for Fixed Charges — means, with respect to any fiscal period, the sum of

(a) Consolidated Net Income, plus

(b) the aggregate amount of

(i) income taxes, and

(ii) Consolidated Fixed Charges,

(to the extent, and only to the extent, that such aggregate amount was reflected in the computation of Consolidated Net Income), in each case accrued for such period by the Company and the Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis for such Persons.

Consolidated Net Worth — means, at any time, the aggregate amount of shareholders’ equity of the Company and the Subsidiaries as would be shown on a consolidated balance sheet of such Persons at such time.

Consolidated Tangible Net Worth — means, at any time, the result of

(a) Consolidated Net Worth, minus

(b) Consolidated Intangible Assets, determined in each case at such time.

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Consolidated Total Assets — means, at any time, the aggregate amount at which all assets of the Company and the Subsidiaries would be shown on a consolidated balance sheet for such Persons at such time.

Consolidated Total Capitalization — means, at any time, the sum of

(a) Consolidated Net Worth, plus

(b) Consolidated Funded Debt,

determined in each case at such time.

Consolidated Total Liabilities — means, at any time, the aggregate amount at which all liabilities of the Company and the Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, (a) all Guaranties of Debt by such Persons and (b) all amounts attributable to Mandatorily Redeemable Stock of the Company and the Subsidiaries to the extent that such Mandatorily Redeemable Stock is redeemable within one year of such time) would be shown on a consolidated balance sheet for such Persons at such time.

Consolidated Working Capital — means, at any time, the result of

(a) Consolidated Current Assets, minus

(b) Consolidated Current Liabilities,

determined in each case at such time.

Control Event — means

(a) the execution by the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any letter of intent with respect to any proposed transaction or event or series of transactions or events that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Change in Control,

(b) the execution of any written agreement that, when fully performed by the parties thereto, would result in a Change in Control, or

(c) the making of any written offer by any Person to the holders of Voting Stock of the Company which offer, if accepted by the requisite number of such holders, would result in a Change in Control.

Control Prepayment Date — Section 4.3(a).

Credit Facility — means that certain Multi-Year Credit Agreement among the Company, certain of the Subsidiaries, JP Morgan Chase Bank as administrative agent and the lenders party thereto, providing for an aggregate amount of up to nine hundred

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million dollars ($900,000,000) in loans to the Company, as it may be amended, supplemented, or modified from time to time and any renewal, increase, extension, refunding, restructuring, replacement or refinancing thereof (whether with the original administrative agent and lenders or another administrative agent or agents or one or more other lenders and whether provided under the original Multi-Year Credit Agreement or one or more other credit or other agreements).

Debt — means, at any time, with respect to any Person, without duplication:

(a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money (including, without limitation, all obligations of such Person evidenced by any debenture, bond, note, commercial paper or Security, but also including all such obligations for borrowed money not so evidenced);

(b) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of Property or services, all conditional sale obligations of such Person and all obligations of such Person under any title retention agreements, provided that accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business of such Person shall be excluded from this clause (b);

(c) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person;

(d) all obligations for borrowed money secured by any Lien existing on Property owned by such Person (whether or not such obligations have been assumed by such Person or recourse in respect thereof is available against such Person); and

(e) any Guaranty of such Person of any obligation or liability of another Person of a type described in any of clause (a) through clause (d), inclusive, of this definition.

Debt of a Person shall include all obligations of such Person of the character described in clause (a) through clause (e) to the extent such Person remains legally liable in respect thereof notwithstanding that any such obligation is deemed to be extinguished under GAAP.

Deeds of Trust — means, collectively, the Packing-Smithfield Deed of Trust, the Packing-Bladen Deed of Trust, the Gwaltney-Smithfield Deed of Trust and the Morrell Mortgage.

Default — means an event or condition the occurrence of which would, with the lapse of time or the giving of notice or both, become an Event of Default.

Depreciation — means, for any fiscal year of the Company, the aggregate amount of depreciation attributable to the “Improvements” (as such term is defined in the Deeds of Trust) which would be included in the total amount of depreciation that would be shown on a statement of income prepared in respect of the Company and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for such fiscal year.

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Distribution — means

(a) any dividend or other distribution, direct or indirect, on account of capital stock of the Company or any Subsidiary (except dividends payable solely in shares of capital stock other than Mandatorily Redeemable Stock of the Company or such Subsidiary), and

(b) any redemption, retirement, purchase or other acquisition, direct or indirect, of any capital stock of the Company or any Subsidiary, or of any warrants, rights or other options to acquire any shares of such capital stock.

Environmental Indemnification Agreement — means, collectively, the environmental indemnification agreements, dated as of July 15, 1996, as amended from time to time, entered into by the Company with each of Packing, Gwaltney and Morrell, to and for the benefit of the Security Trustee and the holders of the Notes.

Environmental Protection Law — means any federal, state, county, regional or local law, statute, or regulation (including, without limitation, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act, all amendments to any of the foregoing and all rules and regulations issued in connection therewith) enacted in connection with or relating to the protection or regulation of the environment, including, without limitation, those laws, statutes, and regulations regulating the disposal, removal, production, storing, refining, handling, transferring, processing, or transporting of Hazardous Substances, and any regulations, issued or promulgated in connection with such statutes by any Governmental Authority and any orders, decrees or judgments issued by any court of competent jurisdiction in connection with any of the foregoing.

ERISA — means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.

ERISA Affiliate — means any corporation or trade or business that

(i) is a member of the same controlled group of corporations (within the meaning of section 414(b) of the IRC) as the Company, or

(ii) is under common control (within the meaning of section 414(c) of the IRC) with the Company.

Event of Default — Section 8.1.

Excluded Transfers — Section 6.15(a)(iii).

Existing Note Purchase Agreement — Section 1.1.

Fair Market Value — means, at any time, with respect to any Property, the sale value of such Property that would be realized in an arm’s-length sale at such time between an informed and willing buyer, and an informed and willing seller, under no compulsion to buy or sell, respectively.

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Financing Documents — means the Note Purchase Agreements, the Notes, the Joint and Several Guaranty, the Joinder Agreement, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement, the Environmental Indemnification Agreement and the other agreements and instruments to be executed pursuant to the terms of each of such Financing Documents, as each may be amended from time to time.

First Restatement — Section 1.1.

First Restatement Date — Section 1.2(b).

Foreign Pension Plan — means any plan, fund or other similar program

(a) established or maintained outside of the United States of America by any one or more of the Company or the Subsidiaries primarily for the benefit of the employees (substantially all of whom are aliens not residing in the United States of America) of the Company or such Subsidiaries which plan, fund or other similar program provides for retirement income for such employees or results in a deferral of income for such employees in contemplation of retirement, and

(b) not otherwise subject to ERISA.

Funded Debt — means, at any time, with respect to any Person, without duplication:

(a) all Debt of such Person (including, without limitation, the current portion thereof) that by its terms or by the terms of any instrument or agreement relating thereto matures, or that is otherwise payable or unpaid, more than one (1) year from, or is directly or indirectly renewable or extendible at the option of such Person to a date more than one (1) year (including, without limitation, an option of the debtor under a revolving credit or similar agreement obligating the lender or lenders to extend credit over a period of more than one (1) year) from, the date of the creation of such Debt (notwithstanding that such Debt may be under certain contingencies payable on demand or within one (1) year after such date of creation), provided, however, that, with respect to the Company and the Subsidiaries, such Debt shall exclude the amount outstanding at such time under the Credit Facility and include an amount equal to the Bank Funded Debt Amount at such time;

(b) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person; and

(c) all Debt of such Person of the type specified in clause (e) of the definition of “Debt,” provided that such Debt of such Person is in respect of or in support of Funded Debt of another Person.

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GAAP — means generally accepted accounting principles as set forth from time to time in the statements, opinions and pronouncements of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such statements, opinions and pronouncements of such other entities as shall be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession in the United States of America.

Governmental Authority — means

(a) the government of

(i) the United States of America and any state or other political subdivision thereof, or

(ii) any jurisdiction (A) in which the Company or any Subsidiary conducts all or any part of its business or (B) that asserts jurisdiction over the conduct of the affairs or Properties of the Company or any Subsidiary, or

(b) any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of, or pertaining to, any such government.

Great Lakes Cattle Merger — means the merger of The Ohio Feed Lot, Inc. and Great Lakes Cattle Credit Company, LLC, each Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries, into Beef Production Systems, Inc., a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, pursuant to a Certificate of Merger dated as of August 31, 2004 and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on September 13, 2004 so long as on or prior to October 29, 2004, Cattle Production Systems, Inc. (formerly Beef Production Systems, Inc.) shall have become party as a guarantor to the Joint and Several Guaranty.

Guarantor — means each of the Original Guarantors and each other Person that shall have become a “Guarantor” pursuant to the Joint and Several Guaranty.

Guaranty — means, with respect to any Person (for the purposes of this definition, the “Subject Guarantor”), any obligation (except the endorsement in the ordinary course of business of negotiable instruments for deposit or collection) of such Person guaranteeing or in effect guaranteeing any indebtedness, dividend or other obligation of any other Person (the “Primary Obligor”) in any manner (including, without limitation, obligations that arise as a matter of law or otherwise as a result of such Person’s status as a general partner in a partnership or a holder of equity or other Property interest in a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other business operation commonly referred to as a “joint venture”), whether directly or indirectly, including (without limitation) obligations incurred through an agreement, contingent or otherwise, by the Subject Guarantor:

(a) to purchase such indebtedness or obligation or any Property or assets constituting security therefor;

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(b) to advance or supply funds

(i) for the purpose of payment of such indebtedness or obligation, or

(ii) to maintain working capital or other balance sheet condition or any income statement condition of the Primary Obligor or otherwise to advance or make available funds for the purchase or payment of such indebtedness or obligation;

(c) to lease Property or to purchase Securities or other Property or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of such indebtedness or obligation of the ability of the Primary Obligor to make payment of the indebtedness or obligation; or

(d) otherwise to assure the owner of the indebtedness or obligation of the Primary Obligor against loss in respect thereof.

For purposes of computing the amount of any Guaranty, in connection with any computation of indebtedness or other liability, it shall be assumed that the indebtedness or other liabilities that are the subject of such Guaranty are direct obligations of the Subject Guarantor.

Gwaltney — means Gwaltney of Smithfield, Ltd., a Delaware corporation, together with its successors and assigns.

Gwaltney Security Agreement — means the Security Agreement, dated as of July 15, 1996, as amended from time to time, between Gwaltney and the Security Trustee, pursuant to which Gwaltney has granted a first-priority lien on and a security interest in certain personal property of Gwaltney to the Security Trustee for the benefit of the holders of the Notes.

Gwaltney-Smithfield Deed of Trust — means the Amended, Restated and Consolidated Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and Assignment of Rents and Leases, dated as of July 15, 1996, as amended from time to time, by Gwaltney in favor of Thomas E. Cabaniss and Laura R. Lucas, as trustees, for the benefit of the Security Trustee.

Hazardous Substances — means any and all pollutants, contaminants, toxic or hazardous wastes or any other substances that might pose a hazard to health or safety, the removal of which may be required or the generation, manufacture, refining, production, processing, treatment, storage, handling, transportation, transfer, use, disposal, release, discharge, spillage, seepage, or filtration of which is or shall be restricted, prohibited or penalized by any applicable law (including, without limitation, asbestos, radon gas, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, polychlorinated biphenyls, radioactive materials, petroleum and petroleum derivatives and by-products).

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Institutional Investor — means each of the Noteholders, any affiliate of any of the Noteholders, and any holder of Notes that is an “accredited investor” as defined in Section 2(15) of the Securities Act.

Intangible Assets — means, with respect to any Person at any time, the following:

(a) patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade names, service marks, brand names, franchises, goodwill, experimental expenses and other similar intangibles;

(b) deferred assets (other than prepaid taxes, prepaid insurance, prepaid contract payments, prepaid license fees and other prepaid expenses which are refundable);

(c) unamortized debt discount and expense; and

(d) all other Property which would be considered to be intangible under GAAP.

Intercreditor Agreement — means that certain intercreditor agreement (as may be amended from time to time) dated as of December 6, 2001, among the Company, the Guarantors, the Security Trustee and The JPMorgan Chase Bank (formerly the Chase Manhattan Bank), with respect to the Credit Facility.

Investment — means any investment, made in cash or by delivery of Property, by the Company or any Subsidiary:

(a) in any Person, whether by acquisition of stock, indebtedness or other obligation or Security, or by loan, Guaranty, advance, capital contribution or otherwise; or

(b) in any Property.

IRC — means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, together with all rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, as amended from time to time.

IRS — means the Internal Revenue Service and any successor agency.

Joinder Agreement — means the Joinder Agreement, dated as of the First Restatement Date, entered into by each of the Guarantors, relating to the Joint and Several Guaranty.

Joint and Several Guaranty — means the Joint and Several Guaranty, dated as of July 15, 1996, entered into by the Original Guarantors, as amended by the Joinder Agreement and as further amended or restated from time to time, in favor of the Security Trustee and the holders of the Notes.

Joint Venture Investment — means any Investment by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as a joint venturer or partner in, or lender to, any other Person (other than a Subsidiary) principally engaged in a business in which the Company and its Subsidiaries are permitted by Section 6.18 to be engaged.

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Lien — means any interest in Property securing an obligation owed to, or a claim by, a Person other than the owner of the Property, whether such interest is based on the common law, statute or contract, and including but not limited to the security interest lien arising from a mortgage, deed of trust, encumbrance, pledge, conditional sale or trust receipt or a lease, consignment or bailment for security purposes, and the filing of any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code of any jurisdiction, or an agreement to give any of the foregoing. The term “Lien” includes reservations, exceptions, encroachments, easements, rights-of-way, covenants, conditions, restrictions, leases and other title exceptions and encumbrances (including, with respect to stock, stockholder agreements, voting trust agreements, buy-back agreements and all similar arrangements) affecting Property. For the purposes of this definition, each of the Company and the Subsidiaries is deemed to be the owner of any Property that it shall have acquired or holds subject to a conditional sale agreement, Capital Lease or other arrangement pursuant to which title to the Property has been retained by or vested in some other Person for security purposes, and such retention or vesting is deemed a Lien. The term “Lien” does not include negative pledge clauses in agreements relating to the borrowing of money.

Make-Whole Amount — means, at any time, with respect to a principal amount of Notes being prepaid (in whole or in part) or accelerated, the greater of

(a) Zero Dollars ($0), and

(b) the remainder of

(i) the sum of the present values of the then remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest that would be payable but for the prepayment or acceleration of such principal amount of Notes being prepaid or accelerated, minus

(ii) the sum of

(A) the aggregate principal amount of the Notes so prepaid or accelerated, plus

(B) interest on such principal amount accrued during the period beginning on the most nearly preceding scheduled interest payment date preceding prepayment or acceleration and ending on the date such principal amount was prepaid or accelerated.

In determining such present values, a discount rate equal to the Make-Whole Discount Rate at such time with respect to such principal amount of Notes being prepaid or accelerated divided by four (4), and a discount period of three (3) months of thirty (30) days each shall be used.

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Make-Whole Discount Rate — means, at any time, with respect to a principal amount of Notes being prepaid or accelerated,

(a) the per annum percentage rate (rounded to the nearest three decimal places) equal to

(i) the annual yield to maturity at such time of the United States Treasury obligation listed in the then Applicable H.15 for the most recently available day in such Applicable H.15 with a Treasury Constant Maturity (as such term is defined in such Applicable H.15) equal to the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the principal amount of the Notes then being prepaid or accelerated, or, if no such United States Treasury obligation is so listed, then

(ii) the annual yield to maturity at such time determined by interpolating between

(A) the annual yield to maturity of the United States Treasury obligations listed in such Applicable H.15 with a Treasury Constant Maturity (as such term is defined in such Applicable H.15) most nearly equal to and less than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the principal amount of Notes then being prepaid or accelerated, and

(B) the annual yield to maturity of the United States Treasury obligations listed in such Applicable H.15 with a Treasury Constant Maturity (as such term is defined in such Applicable H.15) most nearly equal to and greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the principal amount of Notes then being prepaid or accelerated, plus

(b) fifty one-hundredths percent (0.50%) per annum.

As used in this definition:

Remaining Dollar-Years — at any time with respect to any indebtedness for borrowed money means the product obtained by

(a) multiplying

(i) the amount of each then remaining required principal payment (including repayment of principal at final maturity) of such borrowing unpaid immediately prior to such time, by

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(ii) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such time and the date each such required principal payment is due, and

(b) calculating the sum of the products obtained in the preceding subsection (a).

Weighted Average Life to Maturity — at any time with respect to any indebtedness for borrowed money means the number of years obtained by dividing the then Remaining Dollar-Years of such indebtedness at such time by the then outstanding principal amount of such indebtedness.

Mandatorily Redeemable Stock — means, with respect to any Person, each share of such Person’s capital stock to the extent that it is (a) redeemable, payable or required to be purchased or otherwise retired or extinguished, or convertible into Debt of such Person (i) at a fixed or determinable date, whether by operation of a sinking fund or otherwise, (ii) at the option of any Person other than such Person or (iii) upon the occurrence of a condition not solely within the control of such Person, such as redemption required to be made out of future earnings or (b) convertible into other Mandatorily Redeemable Stock of such Person.

Material Adverse Effect — means, with respect to any event or circumstance (either individually or in the aggregate with all other events and circumstances), an effect caused thereby or resulting therefrom that would be materially adverse as to, or in respect of

(a) the business, prospects, profits, Properties or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company (individually) or the Company and the Subsidiaries (taken as a whole),

(b) the ability of the Company to perform its obligations set forth herein and in the Notes or the ability of any Guarantor to perform its obligations under the Joint and Several Guaranty, or

(c) any of the rights or remedies of the holders of the Notes under any Financing Document or the enforceability of any Financing Document against the Company or any Guarantor.

Moody’s — means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

Morrell — means John Morrell & Co., a Delaware corporation, and its successors and assigns.

Morrell Mortgage — means the Mortgage, Security Agreement and Assignment of Rents and Leases, dated as of July 15, 1996, as amended from time to time, by Morrell in favor of the Security Trustee.

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Morrell Pension Plans — means, collectively, the defined benefit Pension Plan administered for salaried employees of Morrell and the defined benefit Pension Plan administered for hourly employees of Morrell, in each case as maintained on the First Restatement Date by Morrell.

Morrell Security Agreement — means the Security Agreement, dated as of July 15, 1996, as amended from time to time, between Morrell and the Security Trustee, pursuant to which Morrell has granted a first-priority lien on and a security interest in certain personal property of Morrell to the Security Trustee for the benefit of the holders of the Notes.

Multiemployer Plan — means any multiemployer plan (as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA) in respect of which the Company or any ERISA Affiliate is an “employer” (as such term is defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA).

Multiple Employer Pension Plan — means any employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA (other than a Multiemployer Plan), subject to Title IV of ERISA, to which the Company or any ERISA Affiliate and an employer (as such term is defined in Section 3 of ERISA) other than an ERISA Affiliate or the Company contribute.

Note — Section 1.1.

Noteholders — Section 1.1.

Note Purchase Agreements — Section 1.2(c).

Obligors —means the Company and the Guarantors.

On-Going Business — means a distinct operating business, whether operated as a division of a larger business operation or operated independently, which regardless of the form of legal entity owns or operates the assets and has the liabilities, of such business.

Operating Lease — means any lease other than a Capital Lease.

Operating Rentals — means, at any time, all fixed and contingent payments (other than amounts constituting the purchase price payable by the lessee to acquire title to the Property which is the subject of a lease) that the lessee is required to make by the terms of any Operating Lease.

Original Guarantors — means each of Gwaltney, Morrell, Packing, SFFC, Patrick Cudahy and Brown’s.

Packing — means The Smithfield Packing Company, Incorporated, a Virginia corporation, together with its successors and assigns.

Packing LLC — means Smithfield Packing Real Estate, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary.

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Packing Security Agreement— means the Security Agreement, dated as of July 15, 1996, as amended from time to time, between Gwaltney and the Security Trustee, pursuant to which Gwaltney has granted a first-priority lien on and a security interest in certain personal property of Gwaltney to the Security Trustee for the benefit of the holders of the Notes, and as assumed by Packing LLC pursuant to the Assumption Agreement.

Packing-Bladen Deed of Trust — means the Amended and Restated Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and Assignment of Rents and Leases, dated as of July 15, 1996, as amended from time to time, by Packing in favor of The Fidelity Company, as trustee, for the benefit of the Security Trustee, as assumed by Packing LLC pursuant to the Assumption Agreement.

Packing-Smithfield Deed of Trust— means the Amended, Restated and Consolidated Deed of Trust, Security Agreement and Assignment of Rents and Leases, dated as of July 15, 1996, as amended from time to time, by Packing in favor of Thomas E. Cabaniss and Laura R. Lucas, as trustees, for the benefit of the Security Trustee

Patrick Cudahy — means Patrick Cudahy Incorporated, a Delaware corporation.

PBGC — means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and any successor corporation or governmental agency.

Pension Plan— means, at any time, any “employee pension benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA) maintained at such time by the Company or any ERISA Affiliate for employees of the Company or such ERISA Affiliate, excluding any Multiemployer Plan, but including, without limitation any Multiple Employer Pension Plan.

Permitted Distributions — Section 6.12(a).

Permitted Exceptions — means each of the items constituting a “Permitted Exception” in each of the Deeds of Trust.

Person — means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association, trust, unincorporated organization, or a government or agency or political subdivision thereof.

Property — means any interest in any kind of property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, and whether tangible or intangible.

Purchase Money Lien — means:

(a) a Lien held by any Person (whether or not the seller of such Property) on tangible Property (or a group of related items of Property the substantial portion of which are tangible) acquired or constructed by the Company or any Subsidiary, which Lien secures all or a portion of the related purchase price or construction costs of such Property, provided that such Lien

(i) is created contemporaneously with, or within one hundred eighty (180) days of, such acquisition or construction,

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(ii) encumbers only Property purchased or constructed after the First Restatement Date and acquired with the proceeds of the Debt secured thereby, and

(iii) is not thereafter extended to any other Property; and

(b) any Lien existing on Property of any corporation at the time it becomes a Subsidiary, provided that

(i) no such Lien shall extend to or cover any Property other than the Property subject to such Lien at the time of any such transaction, and

(ii) such Lien was not created in contemplation of any such transaction.

Required Holders — means, at any time, the holder or holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) in principal amount of the Notes at the time outstanding (exclusive of Notes then owned by any one or more of the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate), without regard to Series of such outstanding Notes.

Restricted Investments — means, at any time, all Investments except the following:

(a) Investments in existence on the First Restatement Date and described on Part 9.1(RI) of Annex 2;

(b) Investments in certificates of deposit, repurchase agreements and banker’s acceptances issued by an Acceptable Bank, provided that such obligations mature within one (1) year from the date of acquisition thereof;

(c) Investments in commercial paper that (i) is rated either “P-1” or higher by Moody’s or “A-1” or higher by Standard & Poor’s (or comparable ratings by any comparable successor agency) and (ii) mature not more than two hundred seventy (270) days from the date of creation thereof;

(d) Investments in direct obligations of the United States of America, or any agency thereof, or obligations unconditionally guaranteed by the United States of America, provided that such obligations mature within one (1) year from the date of acquisition thereof;

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(e) Investments in Property to be used in the ordinary course of business of the Company and the Subsidiaries;

(f) Investments in one or more Subsidiaries or in any corporation that concurrently with such Investment becomes a Subsidiary; and

(g) Investments in one or more joint ventures that are engaged in the businesses engaged in by the Company and the Subsidiaries on the First Restatement Date, provided that the Company and/or one or more of the Subsidiaries maintains significant control over the business operations of such joint venture.

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Restricted Payment — means

(a) any Distribution, and

(b) any Subordinated Payment.

Revolving Credit Agreement — means, with respect to the Company or any Subsidiary, a credit or loan agreement to which the Company or such Subsidiary is a party and pursuant to which the Company or such Subsidiary is entitled to obtain working capital loans or other loans from the commercial bank or commercial banks party thereto, and shall include, without limitation, the Credit Facility.

Second Restatement Date — Section 1.2(b).

Securities Act — means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Security — means “security” as defined by Section 2(1) of the Securities Act.

Security Agreements — means, collectively, the Packing Security Agreement, the Gwaltney Security Agreement and the Morrell Security Agreement.

Security Documents — means the Trust Agreement, the Deeds of Trust, the Security Agreements, the SFFC Pledge Agreement and the other agreements and instruments executed or required to be executed pursuant to the terms of each of such Security Documents, as each may be amended from time to time.

Security Trustee — shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Trust Agreement.

Senior Financial Officer — means the chief financial officer, the principal accounting officer, the controller or the treasurer of the Company.

Senior Officer — means the chairman of the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer, the chief operating officer, the president, the chief financial officer, the general counsel or any vice president of the Company.

Senior Subordinated Debt — means, at any time, the aggregate principal amount of the Company’s Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 outstanding at such time and any additional Debt of the Company outstanding at such time which has subordination provisions and other terms and conditions acceptable to the Required Holders.

Series — means a series of Notes.

Series B Notes — Section 1.1(a).

Series E Notes — Section 1.1(b).

Series F Notes — Section 1.1(c).

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Series G Notes — Section 1.1(d).

SFFC — means SFFC, Inc. a Delaware corporation, and its successors and assigns.

SFFC Pledge Agreement — means the Note Pledge Agreement, dated as of July 15, 1996, as amended from time to time, between SFFC and the Security Trustee.

Smithfield Canada — means, collectively, Smithfield Canada Limited and 2004171 Ontario Inc., each a corporation governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary.

Smithfield Canada Transfer — means the sale of Smithfield Canada to Maple Leaf Foods, Inc., a corporation governed by the laws of Canada, pursuant to the terms of the Smithfield Canada Transfer Agreement.

Smithfield Canada Transfer Agreement — means that certain Share Purchase Agreement dated as of September 24, 2003 between the Company and Maple Leaf Foods, Inc., a copy of which has been delivered to each of the holders of the Notes outstanding on such date, with such amendments and supplements thereto as may be agreed to by the parties which do not in the aggregate substantially modify the terms of such Share Purchase Agreement so delivered.

Standard & Poor’s — means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, a division of McGraw-Hill, Inc.

Subordinated Payment — means payments of interest on, or payments or prepayments of principal of, or the setting apart of money for a sinking or other analogous fund for the purchase, redemption, retirement or other acquisition of any principal or interest on (a) Debt of the Company (including, without limitation, Senior Subordinated Debt) or any Guarantor which is subordinate or junior in right of payment or otherwise to the Debt evidenced by the Notes or the Joint and Several Guaranty or (b) Debt owing to any Affiliate.

Subsidiary — means, as to any Person, any corporation, association or other business entity in which such Person or one or more of its Subsidiaries or such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries owns sufficient equity or voting interests to enable it or them (as a group) ordinarily, in the absence of contingencies, to elect a majority of the directors (or Persons performing similar functions) of such entity, and any partnership or joint venture if more than a 50% interest in the profits or capital thereof is owned by such Person or one or more of its Subsidiaries or such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries (unless such partnership can and does ordinarily take major business actions without the prior approval of such Person or one or more of its Subsidiaries). Unless the context otherwise clearly requires, any reference to a “Subsidiary” is a reference to a Subsidiary of the Company.

Subsidiary Stock — Section 6.15(b).

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Surviving Corporation — Section 6.14(a)(i).

Third Party Debt — means any and all Debt (other than Debt evidenced by the Notes or the Joint and Several Guaranty).

Trademark Subsidiary — means a Subsidiary that has no material assets other than:

(a) patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and other similar licenses and intangibles used or useful in the conduct of the business of the Company or any Subsidiary;

(b) intercompany obligations in its favor obtained in respect of the granting of rights to the Company and the other Subsidiaries with respect to the patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and other similar licenses and intangibles held by it; and

(c) in the case of SF Investments, Inc., a Delaware corporation, certain other assets (including, without limitation, the capital stock of Smithfield Companies, Inc.) that are material but in any event whose primary assets are of the type described in clauses (a) and (b) above.

Transfer — Section 6.15(a).

Trust Agreement — means the Trust Agreement, dated as of July 15, 1996, as amended from time to time, among the Company, Gwaltney, Morrell, Packing, SFFC, Patrick Cudahy, Brown’s, the Bank (as defined therein) and the Security Trustee.

USA Patriot Act — means United States Public Law 107-56, Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT ACT) Act of 2001, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder from time to time in effect.

Voting Stock — means capital stock of any class or classes of a corporation having power under ordinary circumstances to vote for the election of members of the board of directors, or Persons performing similar functions (irrespective of whether or not at the time stock of any of the class or classes shall have or might have special voting power or rights by reason of the happening of any contingency).

Wholly-Owned Subsidiary — means, at any time, any Subsidiary one hundred percent (100%) of all of the equity Securities (except directors’ qualifying shares) and voting Securities of which are owned by any one or more of the Company and the other Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries at such time.

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9.2 GAAP.

Where the character or amount of any asset or liability or item of income or expense, or any consolidation or other accounting computation is required to be made for any purpose hereunder, it shall be done in accordance with GAAP as in effect on the date of, or at the end of the period covered by, the financial statements from which such asset, liability, item of income, or item of expense, is derived, or, in the case of any such computation, as in effect on the date as of which such computation is required to be determined, provided, that if any term defined herein includes or excludes amounts, items or concepts that would not be included in or excluded from such term if such term were defined with reference solely to GAAP, such term will be deemed to include or exclude such amounts, items or concepts as set forth herein.

9.3 Directly or Indirectly.

Where any provision herein refers to action to be taken by any Person, or that such Person is prohibited from taking, such provision shall be applicable whether such action is taken directly or indirectly by such Person, including actions taken by or on behalf of any partnership in which such Person is a general partner.

9.4 Section Headings, Table of Contents and Construction.

The titles of the Sections and the Table of Contents appear as a matter of convenience only, do not constitute a part hereof and shall not affect the construction hereof. The words “herein,” “hereof,” “hereunder” and “hereto” refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Section or other subdivision. Unless otherwise specified, references to Sections are to Sections of this Agreement, references to Annexes are to Annexes to this Agreement, references to Attachments are to Attachments to this Agreement and references to Exhibits are to Exhibits to this Agreement. Each covenant contained herein shall be construed (absent an express contrary provision herein) as being independent of each other covenant contained herein, and compliance with any one covenant shall not (absent such an express contrary provision) be deemed to excuse compliance with one or more other covenants.

9.5 Governing Law.

EXCEPT AS SUPERCEDED BY APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAW, THIS AGREEMENT AND THE NOTES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, INTERNAL VIRGINIA LAW, EXCLUDING CHOICE-OF-LAW PROVISIONS OF SUCH COMMONWEALTH THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF A JURISDICTION OTHER THAN SUCH COMMONWEALTH.

10. MISCELLANEOUS.

10.1 Communications.

(a) Method; Address. All communications hereunder or under the Notes shall be in writing and sent by telecopy with receipt thereof confirmed, or by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested (postage prepaid), or by overnight courier, and shall be addressed,

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(i) if to the Company,

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

200 Commerce Street

Smithfield, Virginia 23430

Attn:  Mr. C. Larry Pope

Fax:    (757) 365-3023

or at such other address as the Company shall have furnished in writing to all holders of the Notes at the time outstanding,

(ii) if to any Guarantor,

c/o Smithfield Foods, Inc.

200 Commerce Street

Smithfield, Virginia 23430

Attn:  Mr. C. Larry Pope

Fax:    (757) 365-3023

or at such other address as such Guarantor shall have furnished in writing to all holders of the Notes at the time outstanding,

(iii) if to any of the holders of the Notes,

(A) if such holders are the Noteholders, at their respective addresses set forth on Annex 1, and further including any parties referred to on Annex 1 that are required to receive notices in addition to such holders of the Notes, and

(B) if such holders are not the Noteholders, at their respective addresses set forth in the register for the registration and transfer of Notes maintained pursuant to Section 5.1,

or to any such party at such other address as such party may designate by notice duly given in accordance with this Section 10.1 to the Company and the Guarantors (which other address shall be entered in such register).

(b) When Given. Any communication so addressed and deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail (in each case, with return receipt requested) shall be deemed to be received on the third (3rd) succeeding Business Day after the day of such deposit (not including the date of such deposit). Any communication so addressed and delivered otherwise shall be deemed to be received when actually received at the address of the addressee.

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10.2 Reproduction of Documents.

This Agreement and the other Financing Documents, and all documents relating hereto and thereto, including, without limitation, (a) consents, waivers and modifications that may hereafter be executed, (b) documents received by you at the closing of your purchase of the Notes (except the Notes themselves) and (c) financial statements, certificates and other information previously or hereafter furnished to you or any other holder of Notes, may be reproduced by any holder of Notes by any photographic, photostatic, microfilm, micro-card, miniature photographic, digital or other similar process and each holder of Notes may destroy any original document so reproduced. The Company and the Guarantors agree and stipulate that any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding (whether or not the original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by such holder of Notes in the regular course of business) and that any enlargement, facsimile or further reproduction of such reproduction shall likewise be admissible in evidence.

10.3 Survival.

All warranties, representations, certifications and covenants made by the Company and the Guarantors herein and in the other Financing Documents or in any certificate or other instrument delivered by the Company or the Guarantors or on their behalf pursuant to any of the Financing Documents shall be considered to have been relied upon by you and shall survive the delivery to you of the Notes regardless of any investigation made by you or on your behalf. All statements in any such certificate or other instrument shall constitute warranties and representations by the Company and the Guarantors hereunder.

10.4 Successors and Assigns.

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of each of the parties hereto. The provisions hereof are intended to be for the benefit of all holders, from time to time, of Notes, and shall be enforceable by any such holder, whether or not an express assignment to such holder of rights hereunder shall have been made by you or your successor or assign.

10.5 Amendment and Waiver.

(a) Requirements. This Agreement may be amended, and the observance of any term hereof may be waived, with (and only with) the written consent of the Company and the Required Holders; provided that no such amendment or waiver of any of the provisions of Section 1 through Section 4 hereof, inclusive, shall be effective as to any holder of Notes unless consented to by such holder in writing; and provided further that no such amendment or waiver shall, without the written consent of the holders of all Notes (exclusive of Notes held by the Company or any Subsidiary) at the time outstanding,

(i) subject to Section 8.2, change the amount or time of any prepayment or payment of principal or Make-Whole Amount or the rate or time of payment of interest,

75

(ii) amend Section 8,

(iii) amend this Section 10.5, or

(iv) release any Guarantor from its obligations set forth in the Joint and Several Guaranty.

The holder of any Note may specify that any such written consent executed by it shall be effective only with respect to a portion of the Notes held by it (in which case it shall specify, by dollar amount, the aggregate principal amount of Notes with respect to which such consent shall be effective) and in the event of any such specification such holder shall be deemed to have executed such written consent only with respect to the portion of the Notes so specified.

(b) Solicitation of Noteholders.

(i) Solicitation. The Company will not negotiate with any holder of the Notes with respect to a material matter, nor will it solicit, request or negotiate in writing with respect to any proposed waiver or amendment of any of the provisions hereof or the Notes or any other Financing Document, unless each holder of the Notes (irrespective of the amount of Notes then owned by it) shall be informed thereof by the Company with sufficient information to enable it to make an informed decision with respect thereto. Executed or true and correct copies of any waiver or consent effected pursuant to the provisions of this Section 10.5 shall be delivered by the Company to each holder of outstanding Notes forthwith following the date on which the same shall have been executed and delivered by all holders of outstanding Notes required to consent or agree to such waiver or consent.

(ii) Payment. The Company shall not, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any remuneration, whether by way of supplemental or additional interest, fee or otherwise, or grant any security, to any holder of Notes as consideration for or as an inducement to the entering into by any holder of Notes of any waiver or amendment of any of the terms and provisions hereof unless such remuneration is concurrently paid, or security is concurrently granted, on the same terms, ratably to the holders of all Notes then outstanding.

(iii) Scope of Consent. Any consent made pursuant to this Section 10.5 by a holder of Notes that has transferred or has agreed to transfer its Notes to the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate and has provided or has agreed to provide such written consent as a condition to such transfer shall be void and of no force and effect except solely as to such holder, and any amendments effected or waivers granted or to be effected or granted that would not have been or would not be so effected or granted but for such consent (and the consents of all other holders of Notes that were acquired under the same or similar conditions) shall be void and of no force and effect, retroactive to the date such amendment or waiver initially took or takes effect, except solely as to such holder.

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(c) Binding Effect. Except as provided in Section 10.5(b), any amendment or waiver consented to as provided in this Section 10.5 shall apply equally to all holders of Notes and shall be binding upon them and upon each future holder of any Note and upon the Company whether or not such Note shall have been marked to indicate such amendment or waiver. No such amendment or waiver shall extend to or affect any obligation, covenant, agreement, Default or Event of Default not expressly amended or waived or impair any right consequent thereon.

10.6 Payments, When Received.

(a) Payments Due on Holidays. If any payment due on, or with respect to, any Note shall fall due on a day other than a Business Day, then such payment shall be made on the first Business Day following the day on which such payment shall have so fallen due; provided that if all or any portion of such payment shall consist of a payment of interest, for purposes of calculating such interest, such payment shall be deemed to have been originally due on such first following Business Day, and such interest shall accrue and be payable to (but not including) the actual date of payment.

(b) Payments, When Received. Any payment actually received by you before 11:00 a.m., New York time, by federal funds wire transfer on any Business Day, shall be deemed to have been received by you on such day. Any payment actually received by you at or after 11:00 a.m., New York time, by federal funds wire transfer on any Business Day, shall be deemed to have been received on the next following Business Day. All payments received by you on a day other than a Business Day, or in a manner other than by federal funds wire transfer, shall be deemed to have been received by you on the Business Day such amounts actually become available to you prior to 11:00 a.m., New York time.

10.7 Entire Agreement.

This Agreement constitutes the final written expression of all of the terms hereof and is a complete and exclusive statement of those terms.

10.8 Duplicate Originals, Execution in Counterpart.

Two or more duplicate originals hereof may be signed by the parties, each of which shall be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts and shall be effective when at least one counterpart shall have been executed by each party hereto, and each set of counterparts which, collectively, show execution by each party hereto shall constitute one duplicate original.

10.9 Restatement of Certain Sections.

It is agreed and understood that the provisions of Section 4, Section 8 and Section 10.5 of this Agreement (a) do not constitute an amendment or waiver of the provisions of Section 4, Section 8 or Section 10.5 of the Existing Note Purchase Agreements and (b) for convenience of the parties merely constitute a restatement of the terms of Section 4, Section 8 and Section 10.5

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of the Existing Note Purchase Agreements. This Agreement contains certain amendments and waivers with respect to the provisions of Sections 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10 (other than Section 10.5) of the Note Purchase Agreements that are effective as to all of the holders of the Notes upon the execution of Note Purchase Agreements by the Required Holders pursuant to Section 10.5 of the Existing Note Purchase Agreement and shall constitute amendments to or waivers of the provisions of Sections 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10 (other than Section 10.5) of the Existing Note Purchase Agreements. This Agreement contains (i) no amendments to or waivers of (A) the amount or time of any prepayment or payment of principal or Make-Whole Amount or the rate or time of payment of interest with respect to the Notes, or (B) Section 8 and Section 10.5 of this Agreement, and (ii) no release of any Guarantor from its obligations set forth in the Joint and Several Guaranty. Accordingly, this Agreement, except as to any amendments to Section 1 through 4, shall be effective as to all of the holders of the Notes upon the execution of the Note Purchase Agreements by the Required Holders without the consent of the holders of all Notes.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank. Next page is signature page.]

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If this Agreement is satisfactory to you, please so indicate by signing the acceptance at the foot of a counterpart hereof and returning such counterpart to the Company, whereupon this Agreement shall become binding among us in accordance with its terms.

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
By:	/s/ Daniel G. Stevens
Name:	Daniel G. Stevens
Title:	Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

[Signature Page to Second Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement (B-H)]

The undersigned hereby ratify and confirm their obligations pursuant to the Joint and Several Guaranty (as defined in the foregoing Second Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) and consent to the amendments effected by the Agreement.

CODDLE ROASTED MEATS, INC.

GWALTNEY OF SMITHFIELD, LTD.

HANCOCK’S OLD FASHIONED COUNTRY HAM, INC.

IOWA QUALITY MEATS, LTD.

JOHN MORRELL & CO.

LYKES MEAT GROUP, INC.

MOYER PACKING COMPANY

NORTH SIDE FOODS CORP.

PACKERLAND HOLDINGS, INC.

PACKERLAND PROCESSING COMPANY, INC.

PACKERLAND-PLAINWELL, INC. (f/k/a Murco Foods, Inc.)

PATRICK CUDAHY INCORPORATED

PREMIUM PORK, INC.

QUIK-TO-FIX FOODS, INC.

SFFC, INC.

SMITHFIELD PURCHASE CORPORATION (successor by merger to Carroll’s Realty, Inc.)

STADLER’S COUNTRY HAMS, INC.

SUN LAND BEEF COMPANY

SUNNYLAND, INC.

THE SMITHFIELD COMPANIES, INC.

THE SMITHFIELD PACKING COMPANY INCORPORATED

MURPHY-BROWN LLC

By: John Morrell & Co., as sole member

MURPHY FARMS LLC

QUARTER M FARMS LLC

CARROLL’S FOODS OF VIRGINIA LLC

CARROLL’S FOODS LLC

CIRCLE FOUR LLC

CENTRAL PLAINS FARMS LLC

BROWN’S OF CAROLINA LLC

By:	Murphy-Brown LLC, as sole member
By:	John Morrell & Co., as sole member

BROWN’S FARMS, LLC

By:	Brown’s of Carolina LLC, as sole member
By:	Murphy-Brown LLC, as sole member
By:	John Morrell & Co., as sole member

CARROLL’S REALTY PARTNERSHIP

By: Smithfield Purchase Corporation, as general partner

SMITHFIELD PACKING REAL ESTATE, LLC

By: The Smithfield Packing Company Incorporated, as sole member

[Signature Page to Second Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement (B-H)]

CATTLE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS, INC.

By:	Packerland Holdings, Inc., as sole member
SMITHFIELD-CARROLL’S FARMS
By:	Smithfield Purchase Corporation, as general partner
BROWN’S REALTY PARTNERSHIP
By:	Brown’s Farms, LLC, its partner
By:	Brown’s of Carolina LLC, its sole member and manager
By:	Murphy-Brown LLC, its sole member and manager
By:	John Morrell & Co., as sole member
	and
By:	Smithfield Purchase Corporation, its partner
SMITHFIELD PACKING REALTY PARTNERSHIP
By:	Smithfield Packing Real Estate, LLC, its partner
By:	The Smithfield Packing Company, Incorporated, its sole member and manager
	and
By:	Smithfield Purchase Corporation, its partner
By:	/s/ Daniel G. Stevens
Name:	Daniel G. Stevens
Title:	Vice President

[Signature Page to Second Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement (B-H)]

Accepted:

JOHN HANCOCK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

By:	/s/ Kenneth Warlick
Name:	Kenneth Warlick
Title:	Managing Director

JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

By:	/s/ Kenneth Warlick
Name:	Kenneth Warlick
Title:	Managing Director

SIGNATURE 6 LIMITED

By:    John Hancock Life Insurance Company, as Portfolio Advisor

By:	/s/ Kenneth Warlick
Name:	Kenneth Warlick
Title:	Managing Director

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK,

as Directed Trustee for the AT&T Long-Term Investment Trust

By:	/s/ Mark Carnevale
Name:	Mark Carnevale
Title:	Vice President

METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

By:	/s/ Timothy L. Powell
Name:	Timothy L. Powell
Title:	Director

METLIFE INVESTORS USA INSURANCE COMPANY

By:    Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, as Investment Manager

By:	/s/ Timothy L. Powell
Name:	Timothy L. Powell
Title:	Director

[Signature Page to Second Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement (B-H)]

AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE COMPANY     (successor by merger to The Independent Life and Accident Insurance Company) THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
By:	AIG Global Investment Corp., Investment Adviser
By:	/s/ Peter DeFazio
Name:	Peter DeFazio
Title:	Vice President
MONUMENTAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, successor by merger to PEOPLES SECURITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
By:	/s/ William Henrickson
Name:	William Henrickson
Title:	Vice President
MASSACHUSETTS MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
By:	Babson Capital Management LLC, as Investment Adviser
By:	/s/ Kathleen Lynch
Name:	Kathleen Lynch
Title:	Managing Director

[Signature Page to Second Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement (B-H)]

ANNEX 1

INFORMATION AS TO NOTEHOLDERS

Current Noteholder	JOHN HANCOCK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series B: $5,304,942 Series E: $750,000 Series F: $24,000,000 Series G: $2,666,672
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	Bank One, Illinois ABA # 071-100-269 Account of John Hancock Champaign Service Center - Mortgage/Bond Account # 617423603 On Order of: Smithfield Foods, Bond Loans
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:	SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:	8.41% Series B Senior Secured Notes due August 1, 2006
	PPN:	832248 A@ 7
	Description of Security:	10.75% Series E Senior Secured Notes due August 1, 2005
	PPN:	832248 B@ 6
	Description of Security:	8.52% Series F Senior Secured Notes due August 1, 2006
	PPN:	832248 B# 4
	Description of Security:	9.85% Series G Senior Secured Notes due November 1, 2006
	PPN:	832248 C* 7
	due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company John Hancock Place 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Securities Accounting Division B-3
Address for All other Notices	John Hancock Life Insurance Company John Hancock Place 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Bond and Corporate Finance Dept. T-57 with a copy to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company John Hancock Place 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Investment Law Division, T-50

Annex 1-1

Current Noteholder	JOHN HANCOCK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Other Instructions	JOHN HANCOCK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
	By:
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	04-1414660

Annex 1-2

Current Noteholder	JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series F: $5,000,000
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	Bank One, Illinois ABA # 071100269 Account of John Hancock Champaign Service Center - Mortgage/Bond Account # 617423603 On Order of: Smithfield Foods, Bond Loans
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:          SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:  8.52% Series F Senior Secured Notes                                                 due August 1, 2006
	PPN:                                      832248 B# 4
	due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	John Hancock Life Insurance Company John Hancock Place 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Securities Accounting Division B-3
Address for All other Notices	John Hancock Life Insurance Company John Hancock Place 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Bond and Corporate Finance Dept. T-57 with a copy to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company John Hancock Place 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Investment Law Division, T-50
Other Instructions	JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
	By
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	04-2664016

Annex 1-3

Current Noteholder	SIGNATURE 6 LIMITED
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series F: $2,040,000
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	Northern CHGO/Trust ABA # 071-000-152 Credit wire account # 5186041000 FFC:  Signature 6            Account # 2611449 On order of:        (See “Accompanying information” below)
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:          SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:  8.52% Series F Senior Secured Notes                                                 due August 1, 2006
	PPN:                                      832248 B# 4
	due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	Via fax and mail to: The Northern Trust Company 801 South Canal Street, C-1N Chicago, IL 60607 Attn:        Oscell Owens                  Gretta Johnson Fax:          312-630-8179
Address for All Other Notices	Via fax and mail to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn:        Bond and Corporate Finance Group, T-57 Fax:          617-572-5068 Copies of any notices regarding changes in issuer’s name, address or principal place of business or location of collateral, via fax and mail, to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn:         Investment Law Division, T-30 Fax:           617-572-9269
Other Instructions	SIGNATURE 6 LIMITED
	By:        John Hancock Life Insurance Company, as Portfolio Advisor
	By:
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	NONE

Annex 1-4

Current Noteholder	JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, AS DIRECTED TRUSTEE FOR THE AT&T LONG-TERM INVESTMENT TRUST
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series F: $3,960,000
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	[                ]
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:          SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:  8.52% Series F Senior Secured Notes                                                 due August 1, 2006
	PPN:                                      832248 B# 4
	due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	[                ]
Address for All other Notices	John Hancock Financial Services, Inc. 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn:        Scott Hartz, Bond and Corporate Finance Dept., T-57 Fax:         (617) 572-9269 with a copy to: John Hancock Financial Services, Inc. John Hancock Place 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn:        Investment Law Division, T-50 Fax:         (617) 572-9269
Other Instructions	JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, as Directed Trustee for the AT&T Long-Term Investment Trust
	By
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	13-3187026

Annex 1-5

Current Noteholder	METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series F: $20,000,000
Payment on Account of Note
Method Account Information	Federal Funds Wire Transfer JPMorgan Chase Bank ABA # 021-000-021 Account #:             002-2-410591 Account Name:     Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Re:             (see “Accompanying Information” below)
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:          SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:  8.52% Series F Senior Secured Notes                                                 due August 1, 2006
	PPN:                                      832248 B# 4
	due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	(See “Address for All Other Notices” below)
Address for All Other Notices	Metropolitan Life Insurance Company 10 Park Avenue Morristown, NJ 07962-1902 Attn:  Director            Investments, Private Placements Fax:   973-355-4250 with a copy (other than with respect to deliveries of financial statements) to: Metropolitan Life Insurance Company 10 Park Avenue Morristown, NJ 07962-1902 Attn:  Chief Counsel            Securities Investments (PRIV) Fax:   973-355-4338
Other Instructions	METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
	By:
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	13-5581829

Annex 1-6

Current Noteholder	METLIFE INVESTORS USA INSURANCE COMPANY
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series F: $10,000,000
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	[                ]
	Re:            (see “Accompanying Information” below)
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:          SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:  8.52% Series F Senior Secured Notes                                                 due August 1, 2006
	PPN:                                      832248 B# 4
	due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	[                ]
Address for All Other Notices	[                ]
Other Instructions	METLIFE INVESTORS USA INSURANCE COMPANY
	By:        Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, as Investment Manager
	By:
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	[                ]

Annex 1-7

Current Noteholder	THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series F: $12,000,000
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	ABA # 011-000-028 State Street Bank and Trust Company Boston, MA 02101 Re: The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company AC-0125-821-9 Fund Number PA 54
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:          SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:  8.52% Series F Senior Secured Notes                                                 due August 1, 2006
	PPN:                                      832248 B# 4
	due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company and PA 54 c/o State Street Bank and Trust Company Insurance Services Custody (AH2) 801 Pennsylvania Kansas City, Missouri 64105 Fax: (816) 691-3619
	with a copy to: The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company c/o American General Corporation 2929 Allen Parkway Houston, TX 77019-2155 Attn: Investment Research Department, A37-01 Fax: (713) 831-1366
Address for All other Notices	The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company c/o American General Corporation 2929 Allen Parkway Houston, TX 77019-2155 Attn: Investment Research Department, A37-01 Fax: (713) 831-1366
Other Instructions	AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE COMPANY (successor by merger to The Independent Life and Accident Insurance Company) THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
	By: AIG Global Investment Corp., Investment Adviser
	By
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	74-1625348

Annex 1-8

Current Noteholder	AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE COMPANY
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series F: $3,000,000
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	ABA #011-000-028 State Street Bank and Trust Company Boston, MA 02101 re: American General Life and Accident Insurance Company AC-348-17924 Fund Number PA 88
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:          SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:  8.52% Series F Senior Secured Notes                                                 due August 1, 2006
	PPN:                                      832248 B# 4
	due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made
Address for Notices Related to Payments	American General Life and Accident Insurance Company and PA 88 c/o State Street Bank and Trust Company Insurance Services Custody (AH2) 801 Pennsylvania Kansas City, Missouri 64105 Fax:     (816) 691-3619 with a copy to: American General Life and Accident Insurance Company c/o American General Corporation 2929 Allen Parkway Houston, TX 77019-2155 Attn: Investment Research Department, A37-01 Fax:     (713) 831-1366
Address for All other Notices	Independent Life and Accident Insurance Company c/o American General Corporation 2929 Allen Parkway Houston, TX 77019-2155 Attn: Investment Research Department, A37-01 Fax:     (713) 831-1366
Other Instructions	AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE COMPANY (successor by merger to The Independent Life and Accident Insurance Company) THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY By: AIG Global Investment Corp., Investment Adviser
	By
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	59-0302660

Annex 1-9

Current Noteholder	MONUMENTAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series F: $12,500,000
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	Citibank, N.A. 111 Wall Street New York, NY 10043 ABA # 021-000-089 DDA # 36218394 For Further Credit to: MonLife Custody # 847785 Custody Account No. 847785
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:          SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:  8.52% Series F Senior Secured Notes                                                 due August 1, 2006
	PPN:                                      832248 B# 4
	due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	AEGON USA Investment Management, Inc. 4333 Edgewood Road N.E. Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52499-7013 Attn:            Custody Operations - Privates Fax:              (319) 398-8695 Email:           paymentnotifications@aegonusa.com
Address for All other Notices	AEGON USA Investment Management, Inc. 4333 Edgewood Road N.E. Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52499-5112 Attn:          Director of Private Placements Fax:            (319) 369-2666 with a copy to: AEGON USA Investment Management, Inc. 400 West Market Street Louisville, Kentucky 40202 Attn:            Liz Taylor                      Private Placements Fax:              (502) 560-2030
Other Instructions	MONUMENTAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, successor by merger to Peoples Security Life Insurance Company
	By
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	52-0419790

Annex 1-10

Current Noteholder	THE MARITIME LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series F: $5,000,000
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	[                ]
	Re:        (see “Accompanying Information” below)
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:          SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:  8.52% Series F Senior Secured Notes                                                 due August 1, 2006
	PPN:                                      832248 B# 4
	due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	[                ]
Address for All other Notices	[                ]
Other Instructions	THE MARITIME LIFE ASSURANCE COMPANY
	By
	Name:
	Title:
	By
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	[                ]

Annex 1-11

Current Noteholder	MASSACHUSETTS MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series F: $2,500,000
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	Citibank, N.A. 111 Wall Street New York, NY 10043 ABA # 021000089 For MassMutual Long Term Pool Account No. 4067-3488
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:          SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:  8.52% Series F Senior Secured Notes                                                 due August 1, 2006
	PPN:                                      832248 B# 4
	due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company 1500 Main Street, Suite 2800 Springfield, MA 01115 Attn:            Securities Custody and Collection Department, F 381 with telephone advice of payment to: Securities Custody and Collection Department Fax:            (413) 744-3878
Address for All other Notices	Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company 1500 Main Street, Suite 2800 Springfield, MA 01115 Attn:            Securities Investment Division
Other Instructions	MASSACHUSETTS MUTUAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY By: Babson Capital Management LLC, as Investment Adviser
	By
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	04-1590850

Annex 1-12

EXHIBIT A1

[FORM OF SERIES B SENIOR SECURED NOTE]

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

8.41% SERIES B SENIOR SECURED NOTE DUE AUGUST 1, 2006

No. RB-[        ]	[Date	]
$[                    ]	PPN: 832248 A@ 7

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC., a Virginia corporation (the “Company”), for value received, hereby promises to pay to [                                         ] or registered assigns the principal sum of [                                         ] DOLLARS ($[                    ]) on August 1, 2006 and to pay interest (computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months) on the unpaid principal balance thereof from the date of this Note at the rate of eight and forty-one one-hundredths percent (8.41%) per annum quarterly on the first (1st) day of each February, May, August and November in each year, commencing on the later of August 1, 1996 or the payment date next succeeding the date hereof, until the principal amount hereof shall become due and payable; and to pay on demand interest on any overdue principal (including any overdue prepayment of principal) and Make-Whole Amount, if any, and (to the extent permitted by applicable law) on any overdue installment of interest, at a rate equal to the lesser of (a) the highest rate allowed by applicable law or (b) ten and forty-one one-hundredths percent (10.41%) per annum plus, at all times during the Incremental Margin Period, the Incremental Margin then in effect.

Payments of principal, Make-Whole Amount, if any, and interest shall be made in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts to the registered holder hereof at the address shown in the register maintained by the Company for such purpose, in the manner provided in the Note Purchase Agreement.

This Note is one of an issue of Series B Senior Secured Notes of the Company issued in an aggregate principal amount limited to Nine Million Eight Hundred Fifty-Two Thousand Nine Hundred Forty-Two Dollars ($9,852,942) pursuant to the Company’s separate Note Purchase Agreements, (collectively as may be amended from time to time, the “Note Purchase Agreement”), each dated as of July 15, 1996, with the purchasers

1 For purposes of this Annex 2, “Closing Date” has the same meaning as “Second Restatement Date.”

2 In addition, a loan is outstanding to Voting Trust which had a balance of $457,139 as of January 30, 2000.

Exhibit A1-1

listed on Annex 1 thereto, and is entitled to the benefits thereof. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings specified in the Note Purchase Agreement. As provided in the Note Purchase Agreement, this Note is subject to prepayment, in whole or in part, in certain cases without a Make-Whole Amount and in other cases with a Make-Whole Amount. The Company agrees to make the scheduled required prepayments on account of such Notes in accordance with the provisions of the Note Purchase Agreement.

This Note is a registered Note and is transferable only by surrender hereof at the principal office of the Company as specified in the Note Purchase Agreement, duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer duly executed by the registered holder of this Note or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

Under certain circumstances, as specified in the Note Purchase Agreement, the principal of this Note (together with any applicable Make-Whole Amount) may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Note Purchase Agreement.

The Company waives presentment, protest and demand, notice of protest, demand and dishonor and agrees to pay all costs of collection when incurred (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) and to perform and comply with each of the covenants, conditions, provisions and agreements of the undersigned contained in every Financing Document. Notwithstanding any provision herein or in any instrument now or hereafter securing said indebtedness, the total liability for payments in the nature of interest shall not exceed the limits imposed by the usury laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

This Note is secured in accordance with, and entitled to the benefits of, the Security Documents.

All obligations evidenced by the Note are guarantied by the Guarantors pursuant to the Joint and Several Guaranty.

THIS AGREEMENT AND THE NOTES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, INTERNAL VIRGINIA LAW, EXCLUDING CHOICE-OF-LAW PROVISIONS OF SUCH COMMONWEALTH THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF A JURISDICTION OTHER THAN SUCH COMMONWEALTH.

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

By:

Name:

Title:

Exhibit A1-2

EXHIBIT A2

[FORM OF SERIES E SENIOR SECURED NOTE]

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

10.75% SERIES E SENIOR SECURED NOTE DUE AUGUST 1, 2005

No. RE-[         ]	[Date	]
$[                     ]	PPN: 832248 B@ 6

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC., a Virginia corporation (the “Company”), for value received, hereby promises to pay to [                                    ] or registered assigns the principal sum of [                                         ] DOLLARS ($[                    ]) on August 1, 2005 and to pay interest (computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months) on the unpaid principal balance thereof from the date of this Note at the rate of ten and seventy-five one-hundredths percent (10.75%) per annum, quarterly on the first (1st) day of each February, May, August and November in each year, commencing on the later of August 1, 1996 or the payment date next succeeding the date hereof, until the principal amount hereof shall become due and payable; and to pay on demand interest on any overdue principal (including any overdue prepayment of principal) and Make-Whole Amount, if any, and (to the extent permitted by applicable law) on any overdue installment of interest, at a rate equal to the lesser of (a) the highest rate allowed by applicable law or (b) twelve and seventy-five one-hundredths percent (12.75%) per annum plus, at all times during the Incremental Margin Period, the Incremental Margin then in effect.

Payments of principal, Make-Whole Amount, if any, and interest shall be made in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts to the registered holder hereof at the address shown in the register maintained by the Company for such purpose, in the manner provided in the Note Purchase Agreement.

This Note is one of an issue of Series E Senior Secured Notes of the Company issued in an aggregate principal amount limited to Nine Million Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($9,250,000) pursuant to the Company’s separate Note Purchase Agreements, (collectively as may be amended from time to time, the “Note Purchase Agreement”), each dated as of July 15, 1996, with the purchasers listed on Annex 1 thereto, and is entitled to the benefits thereof. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings specified in the Note Purchase Agreement. As provided in the Note Purchase Agreement, this Note is subject to prepayment, in whole or in part, in certain cases without a Make-Whole Amount and in other cases with a Make-Whole Amount. The Company agrees to make the scheduled required prepayments on account of such Notes in accordance with the provisions of the Note Purchase Agreement.

Exhibit A2-1

This Note is a registered Note and is transferable only by surrender hereof at the principal office of the Company as specified in the Note Purchase Agreement, duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer duly executed by the registered holder of this Note or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

Under certain circumstances, as specified in the Note Purchase Agreement, the principal of this Note (together with any applicable Make-Whole Amount) may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Note Purchase Agreement.

The Company waives presentment, protest and demand, notice of protest, demand and dishonor and agrees to pay all costs of collection when incurred (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) and to perform and comply with each of the covenants, conditions, provisions and agreements of the undersigned contained in every Financing Document. Notwithstanding any provision herein or in any instrument now or hereafter securing said indebtedness, the total liability for payments in the nature of interest shall not exceed the limits imposed by the usury laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

This Note is secured in accordance with, and entitled to the benefits of, the Security Documents.

All obligations evidenced by the Note are guarantied by the Guarantors pursuant to the Joint and Several Guaranty.

THIS AGREEMENT AND THE NOTES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, INTERNAL VIRGINIA LAW, EXCLUDING CHOICE-OF-LAW PROVISIONS OF SUCH COMMONWEALTH THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF A JURISDICTION OTHER THAN SUCH COMMONWEALTH.

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

By:

Name:

Title:

Exhibit A2-2

EXHIBIT A3

[FORM OF SERIES F SENIOR SECURED NOTE]

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

8.52% SERIES F SENIOR SECURED NOTE DUE AUGUST 1, 2006

No. RF-[         ]	[Date]
$[                     ]	PPN: 832248 B# 4

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC., a Virginia corporation (the “Company”), for value received, hereby promises to pay to [                                         ] or registered assigns the principal sum of [                                         ] DOLLARS ($[                    ]) on August 1, 2006 and to pay interest (computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months) on the unpaid principal balance thereof from the date of this Note at the rate of eight and fifty-two one-hundredths percent (8.52%) per annum, quarterly on the first (1st) day of each February, May, August and November in each year, commencing on the later of August 1, 1996 or the payment date next succeeding the date hereof, until the principal amount hereof shall become due and payable; and to pay on demand interest on any overdue principal (including any overdue prepayment of principal) and Make-Whole Amount, if any, and (to the extent permitted by applicable law) on any overdue installment of interest, at a rate equal to the lesser of (a) the highest rate allowed by applicable law or (b) ten and fifty-two one-hundredths percent (10.52%) per annum plus, at all times during the Incremental Margin Period, the Incremental Margin then in effect.

Payments of principal, Make-Whole Amount, if any, and interest shall be made in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts to the registered holder hereof at the address shown in the register maintained by the Company for such purpose, in the manner provided in the Note Purchase Agreement.

This Note is one of an issue of Series F Senior Secured Notes of the Company issued in an aggregate principal amount limited to One Hundred Million Dollars ($100,000,000) pursuant to the Company’s separate Note Purchase Agreements, (collectively as may be amended from time to time, the “Note Purchase Agreement”), each dated as of July 15, 1996, with the purchasers listed on Annex 1 thereto, and is entitled to the benefits thereof. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings specified in the Note Purchase Agreement. As provided in the Note Purchase Agreement, this Note is subject to prepayment, in whole or in part, in certain cases without a Make-Whole Amount and in other cases with a Make-Whole Amount. The Company agrees to make the scheduled required prepayments on account of such Notes in accordance with the provisions of the Note Purchase Agreement.

Exhibit A3-1

This Note is a registered Note and is transferable only by surrender hereof at the principal office of the Company as specified in the Note Purchase Agreement, duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer duly executed by the registered holder of this Note or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

Under certain circumstances, as specified in the Note Purchase Agreement, the principal of this Note (together with any applicable Make-Whole Amount) may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Note Purchase Agreement.

The Company waives presentment, protest and demand, notice of protest, demand and dishonor and agrees to pay all costs of collection when incurred (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) and to perform and comply with each of the covenants, conditions, provisions and agreements of the undersigned contained in every Financing Document. Notwithstanding any provision herein or in any instrument now or hereafter securing said indebtedness, the total liability for payments in the nature of interest shall not exceed the limits imposed by the usury laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

This Note is secured in accordance with, and entitled to the benefits of, the Security Documents.

All obligations evidenced by the Note are guarantied by the Guarantors pursuant to the Joint and Several Guaranty.

THIS AGREEMENT AND THE NOTES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, INTERNAL VIRGINIA LAW, EXCLUDING CHOICE-OF-LAW PROVISIONS OF SUCH COMMONWEALTH THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF A JURISDICTION OTHER THAN SUCH COMMONWEALTH.

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

By:

Name:

Title:

Exhibit A3-2

EXHIBIT A4

[FORM OF SERIES G SENIOR SECURED NOTE]

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

10.35% SERIES G SENIOR SECURED NOTE DUE NOVEMBER 1, 2006

No. RG-[        ]	[Date]
$[                     ]	PPN: 832248 C* 7

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC., a Virginia corporation (the “Company”), for value received, hereby promises to pay to [                                         ] or registered assigns the principal sum of [                                         ] DOLLARS ($[                    ]) on November 1, 2006 and to pay interest (computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months) on the unpaid principal balance thereof from the date of this Note at the rate of ten and thirty-five one-hundredths percent (10.35%) per annum, quarterly on the first (1st) day of each February, May, August and November in each year, commencing on the later of August 1, 1996 or the payment date next succeeding the date hereof, until the principal amount hereof shall become due and payable; and to pay on demand interest on any overdue principal (including any overdue prepayment of principal) and Make-Whole Amount, if any, and (to the extent permitted by applicable law) on any overdue installment of interest, at a rate equal to the lesser of (a) the highest rate allowed by applicable law or (b) twelve and thirty-five one-hundredths percent (12.35%) per annum plus, at all times during the Incremental Margin Period, the Incremental Margin then in effect.

Payments of principal, Make-Whole Amount, if any, and interest shall be made in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts to the registered holder hereof at the address shown in the register maintained by the Company for such purpose, in the manner provided in the Note Purchase Agreement.

This Note is one of an issue of Series G Senior Secured Notes of the Company issued in an aggregate principal amount limited to Fourteen Million Dollars ($14,000,000) pursuant to the Company’s separate Note Purchase Agreements, (collectively as may be amended from time to time, the “Note Purchase Agreement”), each dated as of July 15, 1996, with the purchasers listed on Annex 1 thereto, and is entitled to the benefits thereof. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings specified in the Note Purchase Agreement. As provided in the Note Purchase Agreement, this Note is subject to prepayment, in whole or in part, in certain cases without a Make-Whole Amount and in other cases with a Make-Whole Amount. The Company agrees to make the scheduled required prepayments on account of such Notes in accordance with the provisions of the Note Purchase Agreement.

Exhibit A4-1

This Note is a registered Note and is transferable only by surrender hereof at the principal office of the Company as specified in the Note Purchase Agreement, duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer duly executed by the registered holder of this Note or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

Under certain circumstances, as specified in the Note Purchase Agreement, the principal of this Note (together with any applicable Make-Whole Amount) may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Note Purchase Agreement.

The Company waives presentment, protest and demand, notice of protest, demand and dishonor and agrees to pay all costs of collection when incurred (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) and to perform and comply with each of the covenants, conditions, provisions and agreements of the undersigned contained in every Financing Document. Notwithstanding any provision herein or in any instrument now or hereafter securing said indebtedness, the total liability for payments in the nature of interest shall not exceed the limits imposed by the usury laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

This Note is secured in accordance with, and entitled to the benefits of, the Security Documents.

All obligations evidenced by the Note are guarantied by the Guarantors pursuant to the Joint and Several Guaranty.

THIS AGREEMENT AND THE NOTES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, INTERNAL VIRGINIA LAW, EXCLUDING CHOICE-OF-LAW PROVISIONS OF SUCH COMMONWEALTH THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF A JURISDICTION OTHER THAN SUCH COMMONWEALTH.

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

By:

Name:

Title:

Exhibit A4-2

EX-4.6

EXHIBIT 4.6

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED

NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

DATED AS OF OCTOBER 29, 2004

$100,000,000 7.89% SERIES I SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE OCTOBER 1, 2009

$50,000,000 VARIABLE RATE SERIES J SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE OCTOBER 1, 2009

$50,000,000 8.44% SERIES K SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE OCTOBER 1, 2009

$25,000,000 LIBOR RATE SERIES L SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE OCTOBER 1, 2009

Guarantied By:

Brown’s of Carolina LLC

Brown’s Farms, LLC

Brown’s Realty Partnership

Carroll’s Foods of Virginia LLC

Carroll’s Foods LLC

Carroll’s Realty Partnership

Cattle Production Systems, Inc.

Central Plains Farms LLC

Circle Four LLC

Coddle Roasted Meats, Inc.

Gwaltney of Smithfield, Ltd.

Hancock’s Old Fashioned Country Ham, Inc.

Iowa Quality Meats, Ltd.

John Morrell & Co.

Lykes Meat Group, Inc.

Moyer Packing Company

Murphy-Brown LLC

Murphy Farms LLC

North Side Foods Corp.

Packerland Holdings, Inc.

Packerland Processing Company, Inc.

Packerland-Plainwell, Inc. (f/k/a Murco Foods, Inc.)

Patrick Cudahy Incorporated

Premium Pork, Inc.

Quarter M Farms LLC

Quik-To-Fix Foods, Inc.

SFFC, Inc.

Smithfield Purchase Corporation

Stadler’s Country Hams, Inc.

Sun Land Beef Company

Sunnyland, Inc.

Smithfield-Carroll’s Farms

The Smithfield Companies, Inc.

The Smithfield Packing Company Incorporated

Smithfield Packing Real Estate, LLC

Smithfield Packing Realty Partnership

TABLE OF CONTENTS

			Page
1.	BACKGROUND; AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT.		1
	1.1.	Authorization of Notes.	1
	1.2.	The Closing.	2
	1.3.	Failure of Conditions.	3
	1.4.	Expenses.	3
	1.5.	Collateral; Release.	4
2.	WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS.		4
	2.1.	Material Adverse Change.	4
	2.2.	Financial Statements; Debt.	4
	2.3.	Subsidiaries and Affiliates.	5
	2.4.	Pending Litigation.	5
	2.5.	Title to Properties; UCC Matters.	5
	2.6.	Patents, Trademarks, Licenses, etc.	6
	2.7.	Taxes.	6
	2.8.	Full Disclosure.	7
	2.9.	Corporate Organization and Authority.	7
	2.10.	Restrictions on Company and Subsidiaries.	8
	2.11.	Compliance with Law.	8
	2.12.	Pension Plans.	9
	2.13.	USA Patriot Act, Etc.	10
	2.14.	Certain Laws.	10
	2.15.	Environmental Compliance.	11
	2.16.	Transaction is Legal and Authorized; Obligations are Enforceable.	11
	2.17.	Governmental Consent.	12
	2.18.	No Defaults.	12
	2.19.	Value of Fixed Asset Collateral.	13
	2.20.	Company and the Guarantors.	13
	2.21.	Solvency.	13
	2.22.	True and Correct Copies.	13
	2.23.	Joinder Agreement.	14
3.	CLOSING CONDITIONS.		14
	3.1.	Opinions of Counsel.	14
	3.2.	Warranties and Representations True.	14
	3.3.	No Defaults.	14
	3.4.	Officers’ Certificates.	14
	3.5.	Other Noteholders.	15
	3.6.	Expenses.	15
	3.7.	Ratification by Guarantors.	15
	3.8.	Other Debt Documents.	15
	3.9.	Transaction Structuring Fee.	15
	3.10.	Compliance with this Agreement.	15
	3.11.	Proceedings Satisfactory.	15

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4.	PAYMENTS.		15
	4.1.	Interest Payments.	15
	4.2.	Scheduled Required Prepayments.	24
	4.3.	Offer to Prepay upon Change in Control.	25
	4.4.	Optional Prepayments.	26
	4.5.	Notice of Optional Prepayment.	27
	4.6.	Pro Rata Payments.	28
	4.7.	Notation of Notes on Prepayment.	28
	4.8.	No Other Optional Prepayments.	29
	4.9.	Administrative Fee.	29
5.	REGISTRATION; SUBSTITUTION OF NOTES.		29
	5.1.	Registration of Notes.	29
	5.2.	Exchange of Notes.	29
	5.3.	Replacement of Notes.	30
	5.4.	Issuance Taxes.	30
6.	GENERAL COVENANTS.		30
	6.1.	Payment of Taxes and Claims.	30
	6.2.	Maintenance of Properties and Corporate Existence.	31
	6.3.	Payment of Notes and Maintenance of Office.	32
	6.4.	Intentionally Deleted.	32
	6.5.	Consolidated Working Capital.	32
	6.6.	Funded Debt to Capitalization Ratio.	32
	6.7.	Maintenance of Funded Debt.	32
	6.8.	Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio; Consolidated Fixed Charges.	32
	6.9.	Restrictions on Dividends, etc.	33
	6.10.	Consolidated Net Worth.	34
	6.11.	Terrorism Sanctions Regulations.	34
	6.12.	Restricted Payments and Restricted Investments.	34
	6.13.	Liens.	35
	6.14.	Merger; Acquisition.	38
	6.15.	Transfers of Property; Subsidiary Stock.	40
	6.16.	Trademark Subsidiaries.	44
	6.17.	Environmental Compliance.	45
	6.18.	Line of Business.	45
	6.19.	Transactions with Affiliates.	45
	6.20.	Tax Consolidation.	45
	6.21.	ERISA.	45
	6.22.	Guaranties.	47
	6.23.	Private Offering.	48
7.	INFORMATION AS TO COMPANY AND GUARANTORS.		48
	7.1.	Financial and Business Information.	48
	7.2.	Officer’s Certificates.	51
	7.3.	Accountants’ Report.	52
	7.4.	Inspection.	52

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8.	EVENTS OF DEFAULT.		52
	8.1.	Nature of Events.	52
	8.2.	Default Remedies.	54
	8.3.	Annulment of Acceleration of Notes.	56
9.	INTERPRETATION OF THIS AGREEMENT.		56
	9.1.	Terms Defined.	56
	9.2.	GAAP.	81
	9.3.	Directly or Indirectly.	81
	9.4.	Section Headings, Table of Contents and Construction.	81
	9.5.	Governing Law.	81
10.	MISCELLANEOUS.		82
	10.1.	Communications.	82
	10.2.	Reproduction of Documents.	83
	10.3.	Survival.	83
	10.4.	Successors and Assigns.	83
	10.5.	Amendment and Waiver.	83
	10.6.	Payments, When Received.	85
	10.7.	Entire Agreement.	85
	10.8.	Duplicate Originals, Execution in Counterpart.	85

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Annexes and Exhibits

Annex 1	—	Information as to Noteholders
Annex 2	—	Information as to Company and Subsidiaries
Exhibit A1	—	Form of 7.89% Series I Senior Secured Note Due October 1, 2009
Exhibit A2	—	Form of Variable Rate Series J Senior Secured Note Due October 1, 2009
Exhibit A3	—	Form of 8.44% Series K Senior Secured Note Due October 1, 2009
Exhibit A4	—	Form of LIBOR Rate Series L Senior Secured Note Due October 1, 2009
Exhibit B	—	Form of Company Counsel’s Closing Opinion
Exhibit C	—	Form of Company Officers’ Certificate
Exhibit D	—	Form of Company Secretary’s Certificate

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SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

SECOND AMENDED AND RESTATED

NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

$100,000,000 7.89% SERIES I SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE OCTOBER 1, 2009

$50,000,000 VARIABLE RATE SERIES J SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE OCTOBER 1, 2009

$50,000,000 8.44% SERIES K SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE OCTOBER 1, 2009

$25,000,000 LIBOR RATE SERIES L SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE OCTOBER 1, 2009

Dated as of October 29, 2004

Separately addressed to each of the

Noteholders listed on Annex 1 hereto:

Ladies and Gentlemen:

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC., a Virginia corporation (together with its successors and assigns, the “Company”), hereby agrees with you as follows:

1. BACKGROUND; AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT.

1.1. Authorization of Notes.

The Company has issued and sold

(a) one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000) in aggregate principal amount of its seven and eighty-nine one-hundredths percent (7.89%) Series I Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009 (as they may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Series I Notes,” such term to include each Series I Note delivered from time to time in accordance with any of the Note Purchase Agreements (as defined below). The Series I Notes shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A1 and shall have the terms as herein and therein provided;

(b) fifty million dollars ($50,000,000) in aggregate principal amount of its Variable Rate Series J Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009 (as they may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Series J Notes,” such term to include each Series J Note delivered from time to time in accordance with any of the Note Purchase Agreements). The Series J Notes shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A2 and shall have the terms as herein and therein provided;

(c) fifty million dollars ($50,000,000) in aggregate principal amount of its eight and forty-four one-hundredths percent (8.44%) Series K Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009 (as they may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Series K Notes,” such term to include each Series K Note delivered from time to time in accordance with any of the Note Purchase Agreements). The Series K Notes shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A3 and shall have the terms as herein and therein provided; and

(d) twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000) in aggregate principal amount of its LIBOR Rate Series L Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009 (as they may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Series L Notes,” such term to include each Series L Note delivered from time to time in accordance with any of the Note Purchase Agreements, The Series L Notes shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A4 and shall have the terms as herein and therein provided;

The Series I Notes, the Series J Notes, the Series K Notes and the Series L Notes are herein referred to, individually, as a “Note,” and collectively, as the “Notes”. The Notes have been issued pursuant to those separate Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreements each dated as of October 27, 1999 among the Company and the noteholders named in Annex 1 thereto (as amended by that certain Amendment Agreement No. 1, dated as of December 7, 2001, that certain Amendment Agreement No. 2, dated as of December 31, 2002, that certain Amendment Agreement No. 3, dated as of April 4, 2003, that certain Amendment Agreement No. 4, dated as of October 31, 2003, and that certain Amendment Agreement No. 5, dated as of March 25, 2004, each among the Company and the other parties listed on the signature pages thereto, each an “Existing Note Purchase Agreement” and collectively, the “Existing Note Purchase Agreements”). The Company represents and warrants to each of you that (i) the register kept by the Company for the registration and transfer of the Notes indicates that each of the Persons named in Annex 1 hereto (collectively, the “Noteholders”) is currently a holder of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Notes as of the date hereof indicated in such Annex and (ii) there are no other Notes outstanding under the Existing Note Purchase Agreements.

1.2. The Closing.

(a) Agreement. Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 3, you agree, by execution of this Agreement, that the Existing Note Purchase Agreement is hereby amended and restated in the form of this Agreement and that the Series I Notes and Series K Notes shall be deemed to be automatically amended without any further action required on the part of any other Person, to conform to and have the terms provided in Exhibits A1 and A2, respectively, hereto (except that the principal amount and payee of each Note shall remain unchanged).

(b) Restatement Dates. The initial amendment and restatement of the terms of this Agreement took place on October 29, 1999 (the “First Restatement Date”) and the closing under the second amendment and restatement of the terms of this Agreement will be held contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement (the date of such closing herein referred to as the “Second Restatement Date”) at the office of Bingham McCutchen LLP, One State Street, Hartford, CT 06103. It is agreed that the Second Restatement Date shall be October 29, 2004.

(c) Other Noteholders. Contemporaneously with the execution and delivery hereof, the Company is entering into a separate Second Amended and Restated Note

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Purchase Agreement identical (except for the name, address and signature of the Noteholder party thereto) to this Agreement (this Agreement and such other separate Second Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreements, collectively, as may be amended from time to time, the “Note Purchase Agreements”) with each other Noteholder.

1.3. Failure of Conditions.

If on the Second Restatement Date the conditions specified in Section 3 to be fulfilled have not been fulfilled, you may thereupon elect to be relieved of all further obligations under this Agreement, without thereby waiving any rights you may have by reason of such nonfulfillment and the Existing Note Purchase Agreement shall remain in full force.

1.4. Expenses.

(a) Generally. Whether or not the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are consummated, the Company will promptly (and in any event within thirty (30) days of receiving any statement or invoice therefor) pay all fees, expenses and costs relating hereto, including but not limited to:

(i) the cost of reproducing the Financing Documents;

(ii) the fees and disbursements of your special counsel;

(iii) the fees and disbursements of the Security Trustee and its counsel;

(iv) the fees, expenses and costs incurred in complying with each of the conditions to closing set forth in Section 3;

(v) all other expenses incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and

(vi) the expenses relating to the consideration, negotiation, preparation or execution of any amendments, waivers or consents pursuant to the provisions hereof and of the other Financing Documents, whether or not any such amendments, waivers or consents are executed.

(b) Counsel. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is agreed and understood that the Company will pay, on the Second Restatement Date, the statement for fees and disbursements of your special counsel presented on the Second Restatement Date and the Company will also pay upon receipt of any statement thereof, each additional statement for fees and disbursements of your special counsel rendered after the Second Restatement Date in connection with the matters referred to in Section 1.4(a)(vi).

(c) Survival. The obligations of the Company under this Section 1.4 shall survive the payment or prepayment of the Notes and the termination hereof.

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1.5. Collateral; Release.

The Notes are secured pursuant to and entitled to all of the benefits of the Security Documents. In the event that at any time after the Second Restatement Date the Company shall have obtained an Acceptable Rating in respect of its long-term, senior unsecured debt, the Company may give written notice to each holder of Notes (which notice shall include copies of the letters to the Company from Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s evidencing that such Acceptable Rating has been in full force and effect for the one hundred eighty (180) day period immediately preceding the date of such notice requesting that the holders of the Notes direct the Security Trustee to release the Collateral from the security interests created by the Security Documents on a date specified in such notice (the “Collateral Release Date”) that is not less than thirty (30) days and not more than sixty (60) days after the date of such notice. The holders of the Notes agree to direct the Security Trustee to so release the Collateral, provided that the Collateral Release Conditions have been satisfied and the holders of the Notes and the Security Trustee shall have received an officer’s certificate, executed by a Senior Officer and dated the Collateral Release Date, specifying that at the time of such release and after giving effect thereto, each of the Collateral Release Conditions are satisfied. Notwithstanding such release of Collateral, the provisions of Section 6.13 hereof shall continue to apply on and after the Collateral Release Date.

2. WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS.

To induce you to enter into this Agreement, the Company warrants and represents as follows:

2.1. Material Adverse Change.

Since the date of the last audited consolidated financial statements of the Company delivered to each of the Noteholders (or their predecessors in interest), there has been no change in the business, prospects, profits, Properties or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company, except changes that, in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.2. Financial Statements; Debt.

(a) Financial Statements. The quarterly and annual financial statements most recently delivered to you pursuant to Section 7.1 of the Existing Note Purchase Agreement have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries as of such dates and the results of their operations and cash flows for the periods specified therein.

(b) Debt. Part 2.2(b) of Annex 2 lists all Debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries as of the First Restatement Date (prior to giving effect to the transactions which occurred on the First Restatement Date) which Debt is of an outstanding amount, in each case, in excess of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), and provides the following information with respect to each item of such Debt:

(i) the obligor in respect thereof,

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(ii) the holder thereof,

(iii) the outstanding amount thereof and the interest rate or rates applicable thereto,

(iv) the portion thereof classified as current in accordance with GAAP,

(v) the final maturity thereof, and

(vi) the collateral securing such Debt, if any.

The aggregate amount of Debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries as of the First Restatement Date that is not set forth on Part 2.2(b) of Annex 2 did not exceed two million five hundred thousand dollars ($2,500,000).

2.3. Subsidiaries and Affiliates.

Part 2.3 of Annex 2 states:

(a) the name of each of the Subsidiaries as of the Second Restatement Date, its jurisdiction of incorporation and the percentage of its Voting Stock owned by the Company and each other Subsidiary; and

(b) the name of each of the Affiliates as of the Second Restatement Date and the nature of the affiliation.

Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries has good and marketable title to all of the shares it purports to own of the stock of each Subsidiary, free and clear in each case of any Lien. All such shares have been duly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable.

2.4. Pending Litigation.

(a) Pending Litigation. There are no proceedings, actions or investigations pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against or affecting the Company or any Subsidiary in any court or before any Governmental Authority or arbitration board or tribunal that, in the aggregate for all such proceedings, actions and investigations, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) No Defaults. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in default with respect to any judgment, order, writ, injunction or decree of any court, Governmental Authority, arbitration board or tribunal that, in the aggregate for all such defaults, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.5. Title to Properties; UCC Matters.

(a) Title to Properties. The Company and the Subsidiaries have valid title to all of the Property reflected in the most recent audited consolidated balance sheet referred to in Section 2.2(a) (except as sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of

5

business), except for such failures to have valid title as are immaterial in the context of such balance sheet and that, in the aggregate for all such failures, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Leases. All leases necessary for the conduct of the business of the Company and the Subsidiaries are valid and subsisting and are in full force and effect, except for such failures to be valid and subsisting that, in the aggregate for all such failures, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) Liens. All Property of the Company and the Subsidiaries is free from Liens not permitted by Section 6.13.

(d) UCC Matters. Part 2.5(d) of Annex 2 sets forth with respect to the Company and each Guarantor as of the First Restatement Date:

(i) each name under which such Person conducts or has conducted all or a portion of its business operations, and

(ii) the location of the principal executive office of each such Person.

Neither the Company nor any Guarantor has changed its name or the name under which it conducts its business operations within the immediately preceding period of five (5) years.

(e) Real Estate Collateral. Part 2.5(e) of Annex 2 sets forth, as of the First Restatement Date, a list of real Properties held by each of Circle Four, Smithfield-Carroll’s Farms, Brown’s Farms, Carroll’s Realty Partnership and Central Plains, and such list sets forth, as of the First Restatement Date, with respect to each such Property that constitutes Collateral, the book value and the Company’s good faith estimate of the Fair Market Value thereof.

2.6. Patents, Trademarks, Licenses, etc.

Except as set forth on Part 2.6 of Annex 2 as of the First Restatement Date, each of the Company and the Subsidiaries owns, possesses or has the right to use all of the patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and licenses, and rights with respect thereto, necessary for the present and currently planned future conduct of its business, without any known conflict with the rights of others. The Trademark Subsidiaries own all such patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and licenses. Part 2.6 of Annex 2 sets forth the identity of each of the Trademark Subsidiaries on the First Restatement Date.

2.7. Taxes.

(a) Returns Filed; Taxes Paid. All tax returns required to be filed by each of the Company and the Subsidiaries and any other Person with which the Company or any Subsidiary files or has filed a consolidated return in any jurisdiction have in fact been filed on a timely basis, and all taxes, assessments, fees and other governmental charges upon each of the Company and the Subsidiaries and any such Person, and upon any of

6

their respective Properties, income or franchises, that are due and payable have been paid. As of the First Restatement Date, all liabilities of the Company and the Subsidiaries with respect to federal income taxes have been finally determined except with respect to the fiscal years disclosed on Part 2.7 of Annex 2, which are the only fiscal years not closed by the completion of an audit or the expiration of the statute of limitations. There is currently in effect no tax sharing, tax allocation or similar agreement providing for the manner in which tax payments (whether in respect of federal or state income or other taxes) owing by the members of the affiliated group of which the Company is the “common parent” (as defined in section 1504 of the IRC) are allocated between any member of such group and any Person other than the Company or a Subsidiary.

(b) Book Provisions Adequate.

(i) The amount of the liability for taxes reflected in the most recent balance sheet referred to in Section 2.2(a) is an adequate provision for taxes as of the date of such balance sheet (including, without limitation, any payment due pursuant to any tax sharing agreement) as are or may become payable by any one or more of the Company, any Subsidiary and the other Persons consolidated with the Company in such financial statements in respect of all tax periods ending on or prior to such dates.

(ii) As of the First Restatement Date, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary knows of any proposed additional tax assessment against it or any such Person that is not reflected in full in the most recent balance sheet referred to in Section 2.2(a).

2.8. Full Disclosure.

The financial statements referred to in Section 2.2(a) do not, nor does any Financing Document or any written statement furnished by or on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary to you in connection with the negotiation or the closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit a material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading when viewed in the aggregate. There is no fact that the Company has not disclosed to you in writing that has had or, so far as the Company can now reasonably foresee, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.9. Corporate Organization and Authority.

The Company and each Subsidiary:

(a) is a corporation, limited liability company or partnership duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent that such concept is applicable) under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization;

(b) has all legal and corporate, limited liability company or partnership, as the case may be, power and authority to own and operate its Properties and to carry on its business as now conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted;

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(c) has all necessary licenses, certificates and permits to own and operate its Properties and to carry on its business as now conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted, except where the failure to have such licenses, certificates and permits, in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and

(d) has duly qualified or has been duly licensed, and is authorized to do business and is in good standing, as a foreign corporation, limited liability company or foreign partnership, as the case may be, in each state in the United States of America and in each other jurisdiction where the failure to be so qualified or licensed and authorized and in good standing, in the aggregate for all such failures, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.10. Restrictions on Company and Subsidiaries.

(a) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary:

(i) is a party to any contract or agreement, or subject to any charter, bylaw, partnership agreement or other restriction that, in the aggregate for all such contracts, agreements, constitutive documents and other restrictions (assuming that all such contracts and agreements are performed in accordance with their respective terms), could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or

(ii) has agreed or consented to cause or permit in the future (upon the happening of a contingency or otherwise) any of its Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to be subject to a Lien not permitted by Section 6.13.

(b) As of the First Restatement Date, neither the Company nor any Guarantor is a party to any contract or agreement that restricts the right or ability of the Company or such Guarantor to incur Debt, other than this Agreement and the agreements listed in Part 2.10(b) of Annex 2 (none of which restricts the issuance and sale of the Notes or the performance of the Company hereunder or under the Notes and none of which restricts the guaranty of the Notes by any of the Guarantors under the Joint and Several Guaranty).

2.11. Compliance with Law.

Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary:

(a) is in violation of any law, ordinance, governmental rule or regulation to which it is subject (including, without limitation, those relating to zoning and planning, building, subdivision, inland wetland and environmental and hazardous waste disposal); or

(b) has failed to obtain any license, certificate, permit, franchise or other governmental authorization necessary to the ownership of its Property or to the conduct of its business (including, without limitation, to the extent required, building, zoning, subdivision, traffic and environmental approvals and certificates of occupancy); which violations or failures to obtain, in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

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2.12. Pension Plans.

(a) Disclosure. Part 2.12(a) of Annex 2 identifies as of the First Restatement Date all ERISA Affiliates and all “employee benefit plans” with respect to which the Company or any “affiliate” of the Company is a “party-in-interest” or in respect of which the Notes could constitute an “employer security” (“employee benefit plan” and “party-in-interest” have the meanings specified in section 3 of ERISA and “affiliate” and “employer security” have the meanings specified in section 407(d) of ERISA).

(b) Prohibited Transactions. The execution and delivery of this Agreement will not involve any transaction that is subject to the prohibitions of section 406 of ERISA or in connection with which a tax could be imposed pursuant to section 4975(c)(1)(A) through section 4975(D), inclusive, of the IRC.

(c) Relationship of Vested Benefits to Pension Plan Assets. Except as set forth on Part 2.12(c) of Annex 2, immediately prior to the First Restatement Date the present value of all benefits, determined as of the most recent valuation date immediately prior to the First Restatement Date for such benefits (as provided in Section 6.21(c)), vested under each Pension Plan does not exceed the value of the assets of such Pension Plan allocable to such vested benefits, determined as of the most recent valuation date (as provided in Section 6.21(c)) immediately prior to the First Restatement Date.

(d) ERISA Requirements. Each of the Company and the ERISA Affiliates:

(i) has fulfilled all obligations under the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the IRC with respect to each Pension Plan that is not a Multiemployer Plan;

(ii) is in compliance in all material respects with all other applicable provisions of ERISA and the IRC with respect to each Pension Plan and each Multiemployer Plan; and

(iii) has not incurred any liability under Title IV of ERISA to the PBGC (other than in respect of required insurance premiums, all of which that are due having been paid), with respect to any Pension Plan, any Multiemployer Plan or any trust established thereunder.

(e) Accumulated Funding Deficiency. Except as set forth in Part 2.12(e) of Annex 2, no accumulated funding deficiency (as defined in section 302 of ERISA and section 412 of the IRC), whether or not waived, exists as of the First Restatement Date with respect to any Pension Plan.

(f) Reportable Events. No Pension Plan or trust created thereunder has been terminated, and there have been no “reportable events” (as such term is defined in section 4043 of ERISA), with respect to any Pension Plan or trust created thereunder or with

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respect to any Multiemployer Plan, which reportable event or events will or could result in the termination of such Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan and give rise to a liability of the Company or any ERISA Affiliate in respect thereof.

(g) Multiemployer Plans. Other than as set forth on Part 2.12(g) of Annex 2, as of the First Restatement Date neither the Company nor any ERISA Affiliate is an employer required to contribute to any Multiemployer Plan. Neither the Company nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, nor is expected to incur, any withdrawal liability (that has not previously been fully satisfied) under ERISA with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, the effect of which, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No Multiemployer Plans have been terminated under section 4041A of ERISA, have been placed in reorganization status under Title IV of ERISA, or have been determined to be “insolvent” (as such term is defined in section 4245 of ERISA).

(h) Multiple Employer Pension Plans. Neither the Company nor any ERISA Affiliate is a “contributing sponsor” (as such term is defined in section 4001 of ERISA) in any Multiple Employer Pension Plan and neither the Company nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred (without fully satisfying the same), or reasonably expects to incur, withdrawal liability in respect of any Multiple Employer Pension Plan, which withdrawal liability could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(i) Foreign Pension Plan. Except as set forth in Part 2.12(i) of Annex 2, no Foreign Pension Plans exist as of the First Restatement Date and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has any present or future obligations in respect of any Foreign Pension Plan.

2.13. USA Patriot Act, Etc.

(a) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary (i) is a Person described or designated in the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List of the Office of Foreign Assets Control or in Section 1 of the Anti-Terrorism Order or (ii) engages in any dealings or transactions with any such Person. The Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance, in all material respects, with the USA Patriot Act.

(b) No part of the proceeds from the sale of the Notes hereunder will be used, directly or indirectly, for any payments to any governmental official or employee, political party, official of a political party, candidate for political office, or anyone else acting in an official capacity, in order to obtain, retain or direct business or obtain any improper advantage, in violation of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, assuming in all cases that such Act applies to the Company.

2.14. Certain Laws.

The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and the performance under the Financing Documents by the Company and the Subsidiaries:

(a) is not subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended, the Transportation Acts, as amended, or the Federal Power Act, as amended, and

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(b) does not violate any provision of any statute or other rule or regulation of any Governmental Authority applicable to the Company or any Subsidiary.

2.15. Environmental Compliance.

(a) Compliance. Except as set forth in Part 2.14(a) of Annex 2, as of the First Restatement Date neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in violation of any Environmental Protection Law in effect in any jurisdiction where it currently is doing business or owns Property, except for such violations that, in the aggregate for all such violations, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Liability. Except as set forth in Part 2.14(b) of Annex 2, as of the First Restatement Date neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is subject to any liability under any Environmental Protection Law that, in the aggregate for all such liabilities, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) Notices. Except as set forth in Part 2.14(c) of Annex 2, as of the First Restatement Date neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received any:

(i) notice from any Governmental Authority by which any of its currently or previously owned or leased Properties has been identified in any manner by any Governmental Authority as a hazardous substance disposal or removal site, “Super Fund” clean-up site, or other clean-up site or candidate for removal or closure pursuant to any Environmental Protection Law;

(ii) notice of any Lien arising under or in connection with any Environmental Protection Law that has attached to any revenues of, or to, any of its currently or previously owned or leased Properties; or

(iii) communication from any Governmental Authority concerning any action or omission by the Company or such Subsidiary in connection with its currently or previously owned or leased Properties resulting in the release of any Hazardous Substance or resulting in any violation of any Environmental Protection Law;

in each case where the effect of which, in the aggregate for all such notices and communications, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.16. Transaction is Legal and Authorized; Obligations are Enforceable.

(a) Transaction is Legal and Authorized. Each of the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and by each of the Guarantors, and compliance by the Company and each of the Guarantors with all of their respective obligations under the Financing Documents:

(i) is within the corporate powers of the Company and each of the Guarantors;

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(ii) is legal and does not conflict with, result in any breach in any of the provisions of, constitute a default under, or result in the creation of any Lien upon any Property of the Company or any Subsidiary under the provisions of, any agreement, charter instrument, bylaw or other instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its Property may be bound; and

(iii) does not give rise to a right or option of any other Person under any agreement or other instrument, which right or option could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Obligations are Enforceable. This Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of each Obligor and has been executed and delivered by one or more duly authorized officers of such Obligor, and the obligations of each Obligor set forth herein constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of such Obligor, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except that the enforceability of the Financing Documents may be:

(i) limited by applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the enforceability of creditors’ rights generally; and

(ii) subject to the availability of equitable remedies.

2.17. Governmental Consent.

(a) Neither the nature of the Company or any Subsidiary, or of any of their respective businesses or Properties, nor any relationship between the Company or any Subsidiary and any other Person, nor any circumstance in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, is such as to require a consent, approval or authorization of, or filing, registration or qualification with, any Governmental Authority on the part of the Company or any Guarantor as a condition to the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

2.18. No Defaults.

(a) The Agreement. No event has occurred and no condition exists that, upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement, would constitute a Default or an Event of Default.

(b) Charter Instruments, Other Agreements. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in violation in any respect of any term of any charter instrument, bylaw, partnership agreement or other constitutive document or instrument. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in violation in any respect of any term in any agreement or other instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its Property may be bound except for such violations that, in the aggregate for all such violations, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

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2.19. Value of Fixed Asset Collateral.

To the best knowledge of the Company, the ratio of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes to the Fair Market Value of the Property constituting the Fixed Asset Collateral is less than or equal to 0.75:1.0.

2.20. Company and the Guarantors.

The Company and the Guarantors are operated as part of one consolidated business entity and are directly dependent upon each other for and in connection with their respective business activities and their respective financial resources. The Company and each of the Guarantors receive direct economic and financial benefits from the Debt outstanding under the Note Purchase Agreements by the Company and the existence of such Debt is in the best interests of the Company and each of the Guarantors.

2.21. Solvency.

The fair value of the business and assets of the Company and each Guarantor will be in excess of the amount that will be required to pay its liabilities (including, without limitation, contingent, subordinated, unmatured and unliquidated liabilities on existing debts, as such liabilities may become absolute and matured), in each case after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Neither the Company nor any Guarantor, after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, will be engaged in any business or transaction, or about to engage in any business or transaction, for which such Person has unreasonably small assets or capital (within the meaning of applicable law, including, without limitation, Section 548 of the United States Bankruptcy Code), and neither the Company nor any Guarantor has any intent to

(a) hinder, delay or defraud any entity to which it is, or will become, on or after the Second Restatement Date, indebted, or

(b) incur debts that would be beyond its ability to pay as they mature.

2.22. True and Correct Copies.

The Company has delivered to you or your special counsel true and correct copies of each of the following (including each amendment and restatement entered into in connection herewith): (a) the Credit Facility and any other Revolving Credit Agreement (including, without limitation, all schedules and exhibits thereto and all agreements delivered in connection therewith) of the Company or any Subsidiary, (b) the 1999 Note Purchase Agreement, (c) the 2000 Note Purchase Agreement and (d) the 2002 Note Purchase Agreement.

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2.23. Joinder Agreement.

Cattle Production Systems, Inc. (f/k/a Beef Production Systems, Inc.) shall have executed and delivered to you or your special counsel (i) that certain joinder agreement, dated on or before October 29, 2004, by which Cattle Production Systems, Inc. shall become a guarantor under the Joint and Several Guaranty and (ii) that certain joinder agreement, dated on or before October 29, 2004, by which Cattle Production Systems, Inc. shall become a subsidiary guarantor under the Intercreditor Agreement.

3. CLOSING CONDITIONS.

The effectiveness of this Agreement, as to the parties hereto, is subject to the following conditions precedent:

3.1. Opinions of Counsel.

You shall have received a closing opinion from McGuireWoods LLP, counsel for the Company and the Guarantors, dated as of the Second Restatement Date, and substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit B, and as to such other matters as you may reasonably request. The Company hereby requests and directs its counsel to deliver such closing opinion to you and the other Noteholders.

3.2. Warranties and Representations True.

The warranties and representations contained in Section 2 shall be true on the Second Restatement Date with the same effect as though made on and as of that date.

3.3. No Defaults.

No “Default” or “Event of Default” (as such terms are defined in the Existing Note Purchase Agreements) shall exist in respect of the Notes, this Agreement or the Existing Note Purchase Agreements.

3.4. Officers’ Certificates.

You shall have received:

(a) a certificate dated the Second Restatement Date and signed by the President, a Vice-President, the Controller, the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer or the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, substantially in the form of Exhibit C, certifying that the conditions specified in Section 3.2, Section 3.3, Section 3.8 and Section 3.9 have been fulfilled and that no Default or Event of Default exists on the Second Restatement Date; and

(b) a certificate dated the Second Restatement Date and signed by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company, substantially in the form of Exhibit D, with respect to the matters set forth therein.

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3.5. Other Noteholders.

None of the other Noteholders shall have failed to execute and deliver a Note Purchase Agreement on the Second Restatement Date.

3.6. Expenses.

All fees and disbursements required to be paid on or before the Second Restatement Date pursuant to Section 1.4 shall have been paid in full.

3.7. Ratification by Guarantors.

Each Guarantor shall have executed and delivered the ratification of its obligations under the Joint and Several Guaranty as contemplated on the signature pages to this Agreement.

3.8. Other Debt Documents.

The Company shall have delivered to you a true and correct copy of the agreements referred to in Section 2.22.

3.9. Transaction Structuring Fee.

The Company shall have paid to each Noteholder a non-refundable transaction restructuring fee equal to five hundredths of one percent (0.05%) of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes held by such Noteholder on the Second Restatement Date.

3.10. Compliance with this Agreement.

Each of the Company and the Guarantors shall have performed and complied with all agreements and conditions contained herein that are required to be performed or complied with by the Company and the Guarantors on or prior to the Second Restatement Date, and such performance and compliance shall remain in effect on the Second Restatement Date.

3.11. Proceedings Satisfactory.

All proceedings taken in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and all documents and papers relating thereto shall be satisfactory to you and your special counsel. You and your special counsel shall have received copies of such documents and papers as you or they may reasonably request in connection therewith or in connection with your special counsel’s closing opinion, all in form and substance satisfactory to you and your special counsel.

4. PAYMENTS.

4.1. Interest Payments.

(a) Series I Notes. The Series I Notes shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof at the rate of seven and eighty-nine one-hundredths percent (7.89%) per annum and shall be payable to the holders of the Series I Notes, in arrears, quarterly on the first day of January, April, July and October in each year, commencing

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on January 1, 2000, until the principal amount of the Series I Notes in respect of which such interest shall have accrued shall become due and payable, and interest shall accrue on any overdue principal (including any overdue prepayment of principal) and (to the extent permitted by applicable law) on any overdue installment of interest, at a rate equal to nine and eighty-nine one-hundredths percent (9.89%) per annum.

(b) Series J Notes. The Series J Notes shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof at a rate per annum equal to the Series J Rate determined in accordance with Section 4.1(f). Such interest shall be payable to the holders of the Series J Notes, in arrears, quarterly on the first day of January, April, July and October in each year commencing on January 1, 2000, until the principal amount of the Series J Notes in respect of which such interest shall have accrued shall become due and payable become due and payable, and interest shall accrue on any overdue principal (including any overdue prepayment of principal) and (to the extent permitted by applicable law) on any overdue installment of interest, at a rate equal to the Series J Variable Rate plus 2% per annum.

(c) Series K Notes. The Series K Notes shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof at the rate of eight and forty-four one-hundredths percent (8.44%) per annum and shall be payable to the holders of the Series K Notes, in arrears, quarterly on the first day of January, April, July and October in each year commencing on January 1, 2000, until the principal amount of the Series K Notes in respect of which such interest shall have accrued shall become due and payable, and interest shall accrue on any overdue principal (including any overdue prepayment of principal), Make-Whole Amount, if any, and (to the extent permitted by applicable law) on any overdue installment of interest, at a rate equal to the lesser of (i) the Maximum Legal Rate of Interest and (ii) ten and forty-four one-hundredths percent (10.44%) per annum.

(d) Series L Notes. The Series L Notes shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof, for each Series L Interest Period, at a rate per annum equal to the Series L Rate determined in accordance with Section 4.1(g) on the Series L Rate Determination Date immediately preceding such Series L Interest Period. Such interest shall be payable to the holders of the Series L Notes, in arrears, on the last day of each Series L Interest Period until the principal amount of the Series L Notes in respect of which such interest shall have accrued shall become due and payable become due and payable, and interest shall accrue on any overdue principal (including any overdue prepayment of principal), Make-Whole Amount, if any, and (to the extent permitted by applicable law) on any overdue installment of interest, at a rate equal to the lesser of (i) the Maximum Legal Rate of Interest and (ii) the Series L Rate plus 2% per annum.

(e) Basis of Computation. Interest on the Series I Notes, the Series J Notes and the Series L Notes shall be computed on the basis of a year of three hundred sixty (360) days and paid for the actual number of days elapsed, calculated as to each interest period or other period during which interest accrues from and including the first day thereof to and including the last day thereof. Interest on the Series K Notes shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. Interest determined at the Maximum Legal Rate of Interest shall be determined in accordance with Applicable Interest Law.

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(f) Determination of Series J Rate.

(i) Series J Variable Rate. Except as provided in Section 4.1(f)(ii), the Series J Notes shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof at the Series J Variable Rate. The first applicable Series J Variable Rate shall be determined on October 29, 1999 and shall be in effect up to and including November 30, 1999. On December 1, 1999, and on the first (1^st) day of each calendar month thereafter, the Series J Variable Rate shall be redetermined and shall be in effect for all or the applicable portion of such calendar month, until such time, if any, as the Company shall have elected, at its sole option, by written notice to the holders of the Series J Notes, delivered pursuant to Section 4.1(f)(ii), to have the Series J Notes bear interest at one of the Series J Fixed Rates.

(ii) Series J Fixed Rates. The Company may, at any time and from time to time, elect to have the then outstanding Series J Notes (in whole but not in part) bear interest at one of the Series J Fixed Rates at such time, by providing written notice of such election on any Business Day to the holders of the Series J Notes, specifying the Series J Fixed Rate that has been selected by the Company. If such notice shall have been received by the holders of the Series J Notes not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City Time, on the date such notice has been delivered, the Series J Notes shall bear interest at the selected Series J Fixed Rate commencing on the day immediately following the date such notice shall have been so received; if such notice shall have been received by the holders of the Series J Notes after 11:00 a.m., New York City Time, on the date such notice has been delivered, the Series J Notes shall bear interest at the selected Series J Fixed Rate commencing on the second (2^nd) day immediately following the date such notice shall have been so received. The Series J Fixed Rate in respect of any such notice shall be determined on the date such notice shall have been received (regardless of the time of such receipt) by the holders of the Series J Notes.

If the Company, as specified in any such notice, shall select (i) the Series J 30-Day Fixed Rate, then the Series J Notes shall bear interest at the Series J 30-Day Fixed Rate for a period of thirty (30) consecutive days, (ii) the Series J 60-Day Fixed Rate, then the Series J Notes shall bear interest at the Series J 60-Day Fixed Rate for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days, and (iii) the Series J 90-Day Fixed Rate, then the Series J Notes shall bear interest at the Series J 90-Day Fixed Rate for a period of ninety (90) consecutive days; provided, in each case, that no such interest period shall continue beyond October 1, 2009. Commencing on the first (1^st) day immediately following the last day of each such interest period and continuing thereafter, the Series J Notes shall bear interest (1) if the Company shall have provided, on or prior to 11:00 a.m., New York City Time, on the Business Day immediately prior to such date, written notice to the holders of the Series J Notes in accordance with the immediately preceding paragraph, at the Series J Fixed Rate selected by the Company in such notice, or (2) in the event the

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Company shall not have provided any such notice, at the then applicable Series J Variable Rate for the then-current calendar month and redetermined thereafter in accordance with Section 4.1(f)(i)).

(iii) Series J Rate Determination Binding. Each determination of a Series J Rate pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement shall be conclusive and binding on the Company and the holders of the Series J Notes in the absence of manifest error. In the case of manifest error, any holder of a Series J Note or the Company may object to such quoted Series J Rate by written notice delivered to the Company or the holders of the Series J Notes, as the case may be, detailing the reasons for such objection. Upon delivery of any such notice of objection, the holders of the Series J Notes and the Company shall cooperate to promptly determine the correct Series J Rate and such correct Series J Rate shall be the then applicable Series J Rate for the Series J Notes. Each of the holders of the Series J Notes and the Company shall make the required adjustments to the amount of interest payable on the first interest payment date next succeeding the date of the determination of the correct Series J Rate as are necessary to reflect the application of such correct Series J Rate.

(iv) Inability to Determine Rate. If, in the reasonable opinion of the holder (or holders) of at least fifty-one percent (51%) in principal amount of the Series J Notes then outstanding (exclusive of Notes then owned by any one or more of the Company, any Subsidiary and any Affiliate), the market for United States dollar deposits in London ceases to function, or it becomes impossible, impractical or illegal to readily, currently and accurately determine the applicable Series J Rate, or the applicable Series J Rate no longer currently and accurately reflects the market level of interest rates for obligations of a similar nature, term and amount, then such holder (or holders) shall forthwith give notice thereof to the Company. Such holder (or holders) shall select a reasonably equivalent substitute interest rate index (in view of the cost of funds of such holder or holders) and applicable margin intended to match, as closely as reasonably possible, the general level of the Series J Rate, and will give the Company notice of such substitution.

(v) Reinstatement of Rate. If there has been at any time an interest rate substituted for the Series J Rate in accordance with Section 4.1(f)(iv) and thereafter, in such holder’s (or holders’) reasonable opinion, the circumstances causing such substitution have ceased, then such holder (or holders) shall promptly notify in writing the Company of such cessation, and on the first (1^st) Business Day immediately following the date such notice shall have been delivered, the Series J Notes shall bear interest at the Series J Variable Rate (determined on such first (1^st) Business Day and redetermined thereafter in accordance with Section 4.1(f)(i)) and the Series J Rate shall be determined as originally defined hereby. Nevertheless, the provisions of Section 4.1(f)(iv) shall generally continue to be effective.

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(vi) Indemnity. In the event any payment or prepayment of the Series J Notes is made, in whole or in part, pursuant to Section 4.3, Section 4.4 or Section 8.2, as the case may be, at any time in which the Series J Notes bear interest at one of the Series J Fixed Rates (other than the last day of the period in which such Series J Fixed Rate is applicable to the Series J Notes), the Company agrees to pay to the holders of the Series J Notes, in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other amount due hereunder, on demand, such amount (the “Indemnification Fee”) as shall be sufficient to reimburse and indemnify such holders for any loss (including loss of earnings and anticipated profits), cost or expense (including, without limitation, costs or losses associated with prepaying or redeploying deposits) incurred as a result of such payment or prepayment. Any demand by the holders of the Series J Notes for payment pursuant to this Section 4.1(f)(vi) shall be accompanied by a schedule setting forth in reasonable detail the computation of any such loss, cost or expense. Each such schedule delivered to the Company shall constitute prima facie evidence of the Indemnification Fee payable by the Company, absent manifest error.

(vii) Definitions. As used in this Section 4.1(f), the following terms have the meanings set forth below:

Series J Variable Rate — means, in respect of any date of determination, the sum of the Series J LIBOR Base Rate as of such date of determination plus one and twenty one-hundredths percent (1.20%) per annum.

Series J Thirty 30-Day Fixed Rate — means, in respect of any date of determination, the Series J LIBOR Base Rate as of such date of determination plus one and twenty-five one-hundredths percent (1.25%) per annum.

Series J 60-Day Fixed Rate — means, in respect of any date of determination, the Series J LIBOR Base Rate as of such date of determination plus one and twenty-five one-hundredths percent (1.25%) per annum.

Series J 90-Day Fixed Rate — means, in respect of any date of determination, the Series J LIBOR Base Rate as of such date of determination plus one and twenty-five one-hundredths percent (1.25%) per annum.

Series J LIBOR Base Rate — means, on the date of any determination thereof, the per annum London Interbank Offered Rate (truncated to three decimal places) offered for deposits of United States dollars for a period equal or closest to:

(a) with respect to any calculation of the Series J Variable Rate, ninety (90) days;

(b) with respect to any calculation of the Series J 90-Day Fixed Rate, ninety (90) days;

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(c) with respect to any calculation of the Series J 60-Day Fixed Rate, sixty (60) days; and

(d) with respect to any calculation of the Series J 30-Day Fixed Rate, thirty (30) days;

as published in The Wall Street Journal

(i) on the Business Day immediately preceding October 29, 1999 with respect to the calculation of the Series J Variable Rate applicable to the period from October 29, 1999 up to and including November 30, 1999;

(ii) with respect to the calculation of the Series J Variable Rate applicable to the month of December 1999 and any calendar month thereafter, on the fifteenth (15^th) day (or if such day is not a Business Day, then the Business Day immediately preceding the fifteenth (15^th) day) of the month immediately preceding the calendar month in which such Series J Variable Rate shall be in effect, and

(iii) on the Business Day immediately preceding the date of any determination thereof with respect to the calculation of any Series J Fixed Rate,

or if such rates are no longer published in The Wall Street Journal, such other service as in the reasonable opinion of the holder or holders of at least fifty-one percent (51%) in principal amount of the Series J Notes at the time outstanding (exclusive of Notes then owned by any one or more of the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate) shall provide equivalent information.

(g) Determination of Series L Rate.

(i) Interest Periods. Each period (each a “Series L Interest Period”) in respect of which interest shall be calculated on the Series L Notes (other than the first Series L Interest Period) shall commence on a Series L Rate Adjustment Date and end on the day immediately preceding the then next succeeding Series L Rate Adjustment Date, inclusive. The first Series L Interest Period shall commence on October 29, 1999 and end on December 31, 1999, inclusive (the “Series L Initial Interest Period”).

(ii) Determination of Rate.

(A) The Series L Rate for each Series L Interest Period shall be determined by the Reference Institution on the second (2nd) Business Day preceding October 29, 1999 (for the Series L Initial Interest Period) and on the third (3rd) Business Day (each a “Series L Rate Determination Date”) preceding each Series L Rate Adjustment Date after October 29, 1999 (for the Series L Interest Period commencing on such Series L Rate

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Adjustment Date), and the Company shall cause the Reference Institution to notify, in writing, the Company, at the address set forth in Section 10.1, and each holder of Series L Notes, at the address set forth on Annex 1 (or at such other address that any such holder shall give the Company in writing) of the Series L Rate on such Series L Rate Determination Date (and, simultaneously with the mailing of such Notice, the Reference Institution shall send a copy of such notice to each holder of Series L Notes via telecopier at the telecopier number indicated on Annex 1 with respect to such notices or such other telecopier number that any such holder shall give the Company in writing).

(B) Each determination of a Series L Rate by the Reference Institution, pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, shall be conclusive and binding on the Company and the holders of the Series L Notes in the absence of manifest error. In the case of manifest error, any holder of a Series L Note or the Company may object to such quoted Series L Rate by written notice delivered to the Company or the holders of the Series L Notes, as the case may be, detailing the reasons for such objection. Upon delivery of any such notice of objection the holders of the Series L Notes and the Company shall cooperate to promptly determine the correct Series L Rate and such correct Series L Rate shall be the applicable Series L Rate for such Series L Interest Period. Each of the holders of the Series L Notes and the Company shall make the required adjustments to the amount of interest payable on the first day of the next succeeding Series L Interest Period as are necessary to reflect the application of such correct Series L Rate for such Series L Interest Period.

(iii) Inability to Determine Rate.

(A) If, in the reasonable opinion of the holder (or holders) of at least fifty-one percent (51%) in principal amount of the Series L Notes (exclusive of Notes then owned by the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate), the market for United States dollar deposits in London ceases to function, or it becomes impossible, impractical or illegal to readily, currently and accurately determine the applicable Series L Rate, or the applicable Series L Rate no longer currently and accurately reflects the market level of interest rates for obligations of a similar nature, term and amount, then such holder (or holders) shall forthwith give notice thereof to the Company and the Reference Institution. Such holder (or holders) shall select a substitute interest rate and applicable margin intended to match, as closely as reasonably possible, the general level of the Series L Rate, subject to the Company’s agreement, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. During the first Series L Interest Period in which such substitute rates have not been agreed upon, the Series L Notes held by such holder shall bear interest at the Alternate Interest Rate, determined by the Reference Institution as of the Series L Rate Determination Date in respect of such Series L Interest Period upon the written request of the Company or such holder.

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(B) If, prior to the Series L Rate Determination Date occurring during such first Series L Interest Period, a substituted interest rate shall have been agreed upon, and the Reference Institution shall have been notified (by the holder (or holders) of such Series L Notes or the Company) in writing of such substituted interest rate, then such substituted interest rate shall be retroactive to and effective from the first day of such Series L Interest Period and shall replace the Alternate Interest Rate. In such event, each reference herein and in the Series L Notes to the “Series L Rate” shall be deemed thereafter to be a reference as of such Series L Rate Determination Date to such substituted interest rate and, subject to Section 4.1(g)(iv), such substituted interest rate shall thereafter be determined by the Reference Institution in accordance with the terms hereof.

(C) If a substituted interest rate shall not have been agreed upon, in writing, prior to such Series L Rate Determination Date, then the Alternate Interest Rate as of such Series L Rate Determination Date shall be substituted for the Series L Rate. In such event, each reference herein and in the Series L Notes to the “Series L Rate” shall be deemed a reference to the Alternate Interest Rate.

(D) Each determination of the Alternate Interest Rate or such other substituted interest rate by the Reference Institution, pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement and any such agreement between the holders of Series L Notes and the Company, shall be conclusive and binding on such holders and the Company, in the absence of manifest error. In the case of manifest error, any holder of Series L Notes or the Company may object to such quoted Alternate Interest Rate by written notice delivered to the Company or each holder of Series L Notes, as the case may be, detailing the reasons for such objection. Upon delivery of any such notice of objection the holders of the Series J Notes and the Company shall cooperate to promptly determine the correct Alternate Interest Rate and such correct Alternate Interest Rate shall be the applicable Alternate Interest Rate for such Series L Interest Period. Each of the holders of the Series L Notes and the Company shall make the required adjustments to the amount of interest payable on the first day of the next succeeding Series L Interest Period as are necessary to reflect the application of such correct Alternate Interest Rate for such Series L Interest Period.

(iv) Reinstatement of Rate. If there has been at any time an interest rate substituted for the Series L Rate in accordance with Section 4.1(g)(iii) and thereafter, in the reasonable opinion of the holder (or holders) of at least fifty-one percent (51%) in principal amount of the Series L Notes (exclusive of Notes then held by the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate), the circumstances causing such substitution have ceased, then such holder (or holders) shall promptly notify in writing the Company and the Reference Institution of such cessation, and on the then next succeeding Series L Rate Determination Date the Series L Rate shall be determined as originally defined hereby. Nevertheless, the provisions of Section 4.1(g)(iii) shall generally continue to be effective.

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(v) Reference Institution. The “Reference Institution” shall be John Hancock or, if the holder or holders of at least fifty-one percent (51%) in principal amount of the Series L Notes then outstanding (exclusive of Notes then held by the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate) request by written notice to the Company, the Company shall appoint an Acceptable Financial Institution designated in such notice by the holder or holders of at least fifty-one percent (51%) in principal amount of the Series L Notes then outstanding (exclusive of Notes then held by the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate) that is reasonably satisfactory to the Company. The Company shall maintain at all times the appointment of such Reference Institution and shall pay and be exclusively liable for all fees charged by the Reference Institution in connection herewith.

(h) Maximum Rate of Interest. The Company acknowledges and agrees that 12 U.S.C. section 2205 provides that institutions of the Farm Credit System are not subject to any interest rate limitation imposed by any state constitution or statute or other laws, and that any such limitations are preempted, and therefore any interest owing under the Notes, to the extent purchased or held by an institution of the Farm Credit System, is not subject to any ceiling. Accordingly, so long as any of the Notes are held by an institution of the Farm Credit System, there shall be no Maximum Legal Rate of Interest with respect to such Notes. Nonetheless, it is the intention of the Company and holders of the Notes that are not institutions of the Farm Credit System to conform strictly to the Applicable Interest Law. Accordingly, notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in this Agreement or in any Note, the aggregate of all interest, and any other charges or consideration constituting interest under Applicable Interest Law, that is taken, reserved, contracted for, charged or received pursuant to this Agreement or any Notes (other than Notes held by holders that are not institutions of the Farm Credit System) shall under no circumstances exceed the maximum amount of interest allowed by the Applicable Interest Law. If any interest in excess of such amount is provided for in this Agreement or in any such Notes, then in such event

(i) the provisions of this Section 4.1(h) shall govern and control,

(ii) the Company shall not be obligated to pay the amount of such interest to the extent that it is in excess of the maximum amount of interest allowed by the Applicable Interest Law,

(iii) any interest paid on any such Notes which is in excess of what is allowed by the Applicable Interest Law shall be deemed a mistake and canceled automatically and, if theretofore paid, shall be credited to the outstanding principal amount of such Notes, and

(iv) the effective rate of interest on such Notes shall be automatically subject to reduction to the Maximum Legal Rate of Interest.

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If at any time thereafter, the Maximum Legal Rate of Interest is increased, then, to the extent that it shall be permissible under Applicable Interest Law, the Company shall forthwith pay to the holders of the Notes subject to a prior reduction all amounts (or the permissible part thereof) of such excess interest that the holders of such Notes would have been entitled to receive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and such Notes had such increased Maximum Legal Rate of Interest been in effect at all times when such excess interest accrued. To the extent permitted by the Applicable Interest Law, all sums paid or agreed to be paid to the holders of any Notes for the use, forbearance or detention of the indebtedness evidenced by the Notes shall be amortized, prorated, allocated and spread throughout the full term of such Notes.

4.2. Scheduled Required Prepayments.

(a) Series I Notes. In addition to paying the entire then outstanding principal amount and the interest due on the Series I Notes on the maturity date thereof (October 1, 2009), the Company shall prepay, and there shall become due and payable, two million five hundred thousand dollars ($2,500,000) in aggregate principal amount of the Series I Notes on the first day of January, April, July and October in each year, commencing on January 1, 2000 and ending on July 1, 2009, inclusive. Each such prepayment shall be at one hundred percent (100%) of the amount prepaid, together with interest accrued thereon to the date of prepayment.

(b) Series J Notes. In addition to paying the entire then outstanding principal amount and the interest due on the Series J Notes on the maturity date thereof (October 1, 2009), the Company shall prepay, and there shall become due and payable, one million two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($1,250,000) in aggregate principal amount of the Series J Notes on the first day of January, April, July and October in each year, commencing on January 1, 2000 and ending on July 1, 2009, inclusive. Each such prepayment shall be at one hundred percent (100%) of the amount prepaid, together with interest accrued thereon to the date of prepayment.

(c) Series K Notes. In addition to paying the entire then outstanding principal amount and the interest due on the Series K Notes on the maturity date thereof (October 1, 2009), the Company shall prepay, and there shall become due and payable, five million dollars ($5,000,000) in aggregate principal amount of the Series K Notes on the first day of October in each year, commencing on October 1, 2005 and ending on October 1, 2008, inclusive. Each such prepayment shall be at one hundred percent (100%) of the amount prepaid, together with interest accrued thereon to the date of prepayment.

(d) Series L Notes. In addition to paying the entire then outstanding principal amount and the interest due on the Series L Notes on the maturity date thereof (October 1, 2009), the Company shall prepay, and there shall become due and payable, two million five hundred thousand dollars ($2,500,000) in aggregate principal amount of the Series L Notes on the first day of October in each year, commencing on October 1, 2005 and ending on October 1, 2008, inclusive. Each such prepayment shall be at one hundred percent (100%) of the amount prepaid, together with interest accrued thereon to the date of prepayment.

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4.3. Offer to Prepay upon Change in Control.

(a) Notice and Offer. In the event of either

(i) a Change in Control, or

(ii) the obtaining of knowledge of a Control Event by any officer of the Company,

then the Company will, within three (3) Business Days of (x) such Change in Control or (y) the obtaining of knowledge of such Control Event (including via the receipt of notice of a Control Event from any holder of Notes), as the case may be, give written notice of such Change in Control or Control Event to each holder of Notes and, simultaneously with the sending of such written notice, give telephonic advice of such Change in Control or Control Event to an investment officer or other similar representative or agent of each such holder specified on Annex 1 at the telephone number specified thereon, or to such other Person at such other telephone number as any holder of a Note may specify to the Company in writing. In the event of a Change in Control, such written notice shall contain, and such written notice shall constitute, an irrevocable offer to prepay all, but not less than all, of the Notes of each Series held by such holder on a date specified in such notice (the “Control Prepayment Date”) that is not less than thirty (30) days and not more than sixty (60) days after the date of such notice. (If the Control Prepayment Date shall not be specified in such notice, the Control Prepayment Date shall be the thirtieth (30th) day after the date of such notice.)

(b) Acceptance and Payment. To accept such offered prepayment, a holder of Notes shall cause a notice of such acceptance (which notice of acceptance may be in respect of one or more Series of Notes held by such holder, but which notice need not treat Notes of all Series held by such holder in the same manner) to be delivered to the Company not later than fourteen (14) days after the date of receipt by such holder of the written offer of such prepayment. If so accepted, such offered prepayment shall be due and payable on the Control Prepayment Date. Such offered prepayment shall be made at one hundred percent (100%) of the principal amount of such Notes, together with (i) an amount equal to the Make-Whole Amount, if any, at the time applicable with respect to the principal amount of the Notes of such Series then being prepaid and (ii) interest on the Notes then being prepaid accrued to the Control Prepayment Date.

(c) Officer’s Certificate. Each offer to prepay the Notes pursuant to this Section 4.3 will be accompanied by an officer’s certificate, executed by a Senior Officer and dated the date of such offer, specifying:

(i) the Control Prepayment Date;

(ii) the principal amount of each Note offered to be prepaid;

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(iii) the interest to be paid on each such Note, accrued to the Control Prepayment Date;

(iv) the estimated Make-Whole Amount with respect to the Series K Notes due in connection with such prepayment (calculated as if the date of such notice were the date of the prepayment), setting forth the details of such computation;

(v) that the conditions of this Section 4.3 have been fulfilled; and

(vi) in reasonable detail, the nature and date or proposed date of the Change in Control.

Two Business Days prior to such prepayment, the Company shall deliver to each holder of Series K Notes and Series L Notes that has accepted such offer of prepayment a certificate of a Senior Financial Officer specifying the calculation of the Make-Whole Amount in respect of the Notes of such Series as of the specified prepayment date. With respect to any such prepayment of the Series I Notes or the Series J Notes, the holder or holders thereof to receive such prepayment shall use good faith efforts to provide the Company with notice of the Make-Whole Amount (if any) due in respect of such prepayment approximately two Business Days prior to such prepayment (provided, however, that the failure of any such holder to so provide such notice shall not relieve the Company of the obligation to pay such Make-Whole Amount promptly at such later time as such holder shall provide notice to the Company of such amount).

(d) Effect of Prepayments. Each prepayment of principal of the Series I Notes or the Series J Notes pursuant to this Section 4.3 shall be applied to reduce the principal amount of the Notes of such Series due in the inverse order of maturity of such Notes of such Series. Each prepayment of principal of the Series K Notes or the Series L Notes pursuant to this Section 4.3 shall be applied to reduce the principal amount of the Notes of such Series due on the maturity date of the Notes of such Series and to reduce each remaining scheduled required prepayment of principal (if any) applicable to each such Series required by Section 4.2, apportioned on a ratable basis (based on the principal amount due on each such date) among all such amounts.

4.4. Optional Prepayments.

(a) Optional Prepayments. The Company may at any time after the Second Restatement Date prepay the principal amount of the Notes, in part, in integral multiples of five million dollars ($5,000,000), or in whole, in each case together with:

(i) an amount equal to the Make-Whole Amount at such time in respect of the principal amount of the Notes of such Series being so prepaid; and

(ii) interest on such principal amount then being prepaid accrued to the prepayment date.

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(b) Effect of Prepayments. Each prepayment of principal of the Series I Notes or the Series J Notes pursuant to this Section 4.4 shall be applied to reduce the principal amount of the Notes of such Series due in the inverse order of maturity of such Notes of such Series. Each prepayment of principal of the Series K Notes or the Series L Notes pursuant to this Section 4.4 shall be applied to reduce the principal amount of the Notes of such Series due on the maturity date of the Notes of such Series and to reduce each remaining scheduled required prepayment of principal (if any) applicable to each such Series required by Section 4.2, apportioned on a ratable basis (based on the principal amount due on each such date) among all such amounts.

4.5. Notice of Optional Prepayment.

The Company will give written notice of any optional prepayment of the Notes to each holder of the Notes not less than thirty (30) days or more than sixty (60) days before the date fixed for prepayment, specifying:

(a) such date;

(b) that such prepayment is being made pursuant to Section 4.4;

(c) the principal amount of such holder’s Notes to be prepaid on such date with respect to each Series of Notes held by such holder; and

(d) the interest to be paid on each such Note, accrued to the date fixed for prepayment;

and shall be accompanied by a certificate of a Senior Financial Officer as to the estimated Make-Whole Amount with respect to the Series I Notes, the Series K Notes and the Series L Notes due in connection with such prepayment (calculated as if the date of such notice were the date of the prepayment), setting forth the details of such computation.

Such notice of prepayment shall also certify all facts that are conditions precedent to any such prepayment. Notice of prepayment having been so given, the aggregate principal amount of the Notes specified in such notice, together with the Make-Whole Amount, if any, and accrued interest thereon shall become due and payable on the specified prepayment date. Two Business Days prior to such prepayment, the Company shall deliver to each holder of the Series K Notes and the Series L Notes a certificate of a Senior Financial Officer specifying the calculation of the Make-Whole Amount in respect of the Notes of such Series as of the specified prepayment date. With respect to any such prepayment of the Series I Notes or the Series J Notes, the holder or holders thereof at such time shall use good faith efforts to provide the Company with notice of the Make-Whole Amount (if any) due in respect of such prepayment approximately two Business Days prior to the scheduled date of such prepayment (provided, however, that the failure of any such holder to so provide such notice shall not relieve the Company of the obligation to pay such Make-Whole Amount promptly at such later time as such holder shall provide notice to the Company of such amount).

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4.6. Pro Rata Payments.

(a) Scheduled Required Prepayments. If, at the time of any required prepayment of the principal of Notes of any Series made pursuant to Section 4.2 there is more than one Note of such Series outstanding, the aggregate principal amount of such required prepayment shall be allocated among the Notes of such Series at the time outstanding pro rata in proportion to the respective unpaid principal amounts of all such outstanding Notes of such Series.

(b) Optional Prepayments.

(i) Allocation among Series. If, at the time of any optional prepayment of the principal of Notes made pursuant to Section 4.4 there is more than one Series of Notes outstanding, the Company may:

(A) prepay the Series J Notes with or without prepaying the Notes of any other Series;

(B) prepay the Series L Notes with or without prepaying the Notes of any other Series; or

(C) prepay the Series I Notes or the Series K Notes, provided that in the case of any such prepayment, the aggregate principal amount of such optional prepayment shall be allocated between the Series I Notes and the Series K Notes at the time outstanding pro rata in proportion to the respective unpaid principal amounts of each such Series.

(ii) Allocation within Series. If, at the time of any optional prepayment of the principal of Notes of any Series made pursuant to Section 4.4 there is more than one Note of such Series outstanding, the aggregate principal amount of such optional prepayment shall be allocated among the Notes of such Series at the time outstanding pro rata in proportion to the respective unpaid principal amounts of all such outstanding Notes of such Series.

4.7. Notation of Notes on Prepayment.

Upon any partial prepayment of a Note, such Note may, at the option of the holder thereof, be

(a) surrendered to the Company pursuant to Section 5.2 in exchange for a new Note of the same Series, in a principal amount equal to the principal amount remaining unpaid on the surrendered Note,

(b) made available to the Company for notation thereon of the portion of the principal so prepaid, or

(c) marked by such holder with a notation thereon of the portion of the principal so prepaid.

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In case the entire principal amount of any Note is prepaid, such Note shall be surrendered to the Company for cancellation and shall not be reissued, and no Note shall be issued in lieu of the prepaid principal amount of any Note.

4.8. No Other Optional Prepayments.

Except as provided in Section 4.4, the Company may not make any optional prepayment (whether directly or indirectly by purchase or acquisition) in respect of the Notes.

4.9. Administrative Fee.

The Company shall pay to Cape Fear Farm Credit, ACA, in arrears, quarterly on the first day of January, April, July and October in each year, commencing on January 1, 2000, until (and including) the date of maturity, an administrative fee in the amount of seventy-five hundred dollars ($7,500).

5. REGISTRATION; SUBSTITUTION OF NOTES.

5.1. Registration of Notes.

The Company will cause to be kept at its office, maintained pursuant to Section 6.3, a register for the registration and transfer of Notes. The name and address of each holder of one or more Notes, each transfer thereof and the name and address of each transferee of one or more Notes shall be registered in the register. The Person in whose name any Note shall be registered shall be deemed and treated as the owner and holder thereof for all purposes hereof.

5.2. Exchange of Notes.

(a) Upon surrender of any Note at the office of the Company maintained pursuant to Section 6.3 duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer duly executed by the registered holder of such Note or its attorney duly authorized in writing, the Company will execute and deliver, at the Company’s expense (except as provided below), new Notes of the same Series in exchange therefor, in denominations of at least five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) (except as may be necessary to reflect any principal amount not evenly divisible by five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000)), in an aggregate principal amount equal to the unpaid principal amount of the surrendered Note. Each such new Note shall be payable to such Person as such holder may request, shall be of the same Series as the surrendered Note and shall be substantially in the form of the Exhibit in Exhibit A1 through Exhibit A4 corresponding to the Series of the surrendered Note. Each such new Note shall be dated and bear interest from the date to which interest shall have been paid on the surrendered Note or dated the date of the surrendered Note if no interest shall have been paid thereon. The Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any stamp or other issuance tax or governmental charge imposed in respect of any such transfer of Notes.

(b) The Company will pay the cost of delivering to or from such holder’s home office or custodian bank from or to the Company, insured to the reasonable satisfaction of such holder, the surrendered Note and any Note issued in substitution or replacement for the surrendered Note.

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5.3. Replacement of Notes.

Upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the ownership of and the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of any Note (which evidence shall be, in the case of an Institutional Investor, notice from such Institutional Investor of such ownership (or of ownership by such Institutional Investor’s nominee) and such loss, theft, destruction or mutilation), and

(a) in the case of loss, theft or destruction, of indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Company (provided that if the holder of such Note is an Institutional Investor or a nominee of an Institutional Investor, such Institutional Investor’s own unsecured letter agreement of indemnity shall be deemed to be satisfactory for such purpose), or

(b) in the case of mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation thereof,

the Company at its own expense will execute and, within five (5) Business Days after such receipt, deliver, in lieu thereof, a new Note of the same Series, dated and bearing interest from the date to which interest shall have been paid on such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Note or dated the date of such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Note if no interest shall have been paid thereon.

5.4. Issuance Taxes.

The Company will pay all taxes (if any) due in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and in connection with any modification, amendment or waiver of any Financing Document and shall save each holder of Notes harmless without limitation as to time against any and all liabilities with respect to all such taxes. The obligations of the Company under this Section 5.4 shall survive the payment or prepayment of the Notes and the termination hereof.

6. GENERAL COVENANTS.

The Company covenants and agrees that on and after the Second Restatement Date and thereafter for so long as any of its obligations under the Note Purchase Agreements and the Notes shall be outstanding:

6.1. Payment of Taxes and Claims.

The Company shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, pay before they become delinquent,

(a) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or its Property, and

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(b) all claims or demands of materialmen, mechanics, carriers, warehousemen, landlords and other like Persons that, if unpaid, might result in the creation of a Lien upon its Property,

provided, that items of the foregoing description need not be paid (x) while being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings diligently pursued as long as adequate book reserves have been established and maintained and exist with respect thereto, and (y) so long as the title of the Company or the Subsidiary, as the case may be, to, and its right to use, such Property, is not materially adversely affected thereby.

6.2. Maintenance of Properties and Corporate Existence.

The Company shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to,

(a) Property. — maintain its Property in good condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and make all necessary renewals, replacements, additions, betterments and improvements thereto, and, in addition to the foregoing, the Guarantors shall collectively, during each year, either expend or invest an aggregate amount equal to at least fifteen percent (15%) of Depreciation determined for the then most recently ended fiscal year of the Company on repairs, maintenance or capital improvements to the “Improvements” (as such term is defined in the Deeds of Trust);

(b) Insurance. — maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurers accorded a rating by A.M. Best Company of “A” or better and a size rating of “XII” or better (or comparable ratings by any comparable successor rating agency), insurance (including, without limitation, the insurance required by the Security Documents) with respect to its Property and business against such casualties and contingencies, of such types (including, without limitation, insurance with respect to losses arising out of Property loss or damage, public liability, business interruption, larceny, workers’ compensation, embezzlement or other criminal misappropriation) and in such amounts as is customary in the case of corporations of established reputations engaged in the same or a similar business and similarly situated; provided that the Company and the Subsidiaries may maintain one or more systems of self-insurance if adequate reserves are maintained with respect thereto and if such systems are implemented and operated in a manner consistent with the sound financial practices of similarly situated corporations of established reputations that maintain similar systems of self-insurance;

(c) Financial Records. — maintain sound accounting policies and an adequate and effective system of accounts and internal accounting controls that will safeguard assets, properly record income, expenses and liabilities and assure the production of proper financial statements in accordance with GAAP;

(d) Corporate Existence and Rights. — do or cause to be done all things necessary

(i) to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence, rights and franchises,

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(ii) to ensure that the Company legally and beneficially owns eighty-six percent (86%) of the capital stock of each class of Brown’s and one hundred percent (100%) of the capital stock of each of the other Guarantors, and

(iii) to maintain each Subsidiary as a Subsidiary, except as otherwise permitted by Section 6.14 and Section 6.15(b); and

(e) Compliance with Law. — not be in violation of any law, ordinance or governmental rule or regulation to which it is subject (including, without limitation, the USA Patriot Act and any Environmental Protection Law) and not fail to obtain any license, permit, franchise or other governmental authorization necessary to the ownership of its Properties or to the conduct of its business if such violation or failure to obtain could be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

6.3. Payment of Notes and Maintenance of Office.

The Company shall punctually pay, or cause to be paid, the principal of and interest (and Make-Whole Amount, if any) to become due in respect of, the Notes, as and when the same shall become due according to the terms hereof and of the Notes, and shall maintain an office at the address of the Company set forth in Section 10.1 where notices, presentations and demands in respect hereof and of the Notes may be made upon it. Such office shall be maintained at such address until such time as the Company shall notify the holders of the Notes of any change of location of such office, which shall in any event be located within the United States of America.

6.4. Intentionally Deleted.

6.5. Consolidated Working Capital.

The Company shall not at any time permit Consolidated Working Capital to be less than Two Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($250,000,000).

6.6. Funded Debt to Capitalization Ratio.

The Company shall not at any time permit Consolidated Funded Debt to exceed sixty-five percent (65%) of Consolidated Total Capitalization.

6.7. Maintenance of Funded Debt.

The Company shall not permit Consolidated Funded Debt, determined as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Company, to exceed four hundred percent (400%) of Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters of the Company ended at such time.

6.8. Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio; Consolidated Fixed Charges.

(a) The Company shall not permit the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA to Consolidated Interest Expense for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Company to be less than 3.00 to 1.00.

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(b) The Company shall not at any time permit the ratio of Consolidated Net Income Available for Fixed Charges (calculated in respect of the period of eight (8) consecutive fiscal quarters of the Company then most recently ended) to Consolidated Fixed Charges (calculated in respect of such period) to be less than 1.50 to 1.00.

6.9. Restrictions on Dividends, etc.

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any restriction or encumbrance (other than statutory, regulatory or common law restrictions) on the right or power of any Subsidiary to

(a) pay dividends or make any other distributions on such Subsidiary’s stock to the Company or any Subsidiary,

(b) pay any indebtedness owed by such Subsidiary to the Company or any Subsidiary,

(c) make loans or pay advances to the Company or any Subsidiary, or

(d) transfer any of its Property to the Company or any Guarantor;

provided, however, that:

(x) a Subsidiary may be subject to an encumbrance or restriction described in subsection (d) above if such encumbrance or restriction (i) restricts in a customary manner the subletting, assignment, or transfer of any property or asset that is subject to a lease, license, or similar contract, (ii) exists by virtue of any transfer of, agreement to transfer, option, or right with respect to, any property or assets of the Company or any Subsidiary not otherwise prohibited by this Note Purchase Agreement, or (iii) is contained in a security agreement, mortgage or other similar document securing Debt of the Company or any Subsidiary that is permitted hereunder to the extent such restriction or encumbrance restricts the transfer of the property subject to such agreement, or (iv) ordinary course provisions restricting the assignability of contracts;

(x) a Subsidiary may be subject to restrictions on the payment of dividends or the making of other distributions on its stock to the Company or the other Subsidiaries so long as such restrictions permit the payment of such dividends and the making of such other distributions that are necessary in order to make any and all payments due (including, without limitation, any and all amounts due by way of acceleration, required or optional prepayment or otherwise) in connection with the Notes, the Note Purchase Agreements and the other Financing Documents, and any and all indebtedness used to refinance or repay such indebtedness (without increase as to principal amount or interest rate of such refinancing indebtedness); and

(y) a Subsidiary may be subject to any such encumbrance and restriction that is not otherwise allowed under subsections (x) and (y) above, so

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long as the aggregate contributions to Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four (4) fiscal quarters then most recently ended of all Subsidiaries subject to such encumbrances and restrictions that are not otherwise allowed under subsections (x) and (y) above, are less than or equal to fifteen percent (15%) of such Consolidated EBITDA; such contribution shall be based on the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of each such Subsidiary for such fiscal year.

6.10. Consolidated Net Worth.

The Company shall not at any time permit Consolidated Net Worth, determined at such time, to be less than the sum of

(a) one billion four hundred fifty million dollars ($1,450,000,000), plus

(b) the sum of the Company Fiscal Year Net Worth Increase Amounts calculated for all fiscal years of the Company ended on or after the Second Restatement Date.

6.11. Terrorism Sanctions Regulations.

The Company will not and will not permit any Subsidiary to (a) become a Person described or designated in the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List of the Office of Foreign Assets Control or in Section 1 of the Anti-Terrorism Order or (b) engage in any dealings or transactions with any such Person.

6.12. Restricted Payments and Restricted Investments.

(a) Limitation on Restricted Payments and Restricted Investments. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, at any time declare or make or incur any liability to declare or make any Restricted Payment (other than Restricted Payments comprised solely of Distributions to the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary in respect of the capital stock of a Subsidiary (“Permitted Distributions”)) or make or authorize any Restricted Investment, unless

(i) immediately after giving effect to the proposed Restricted Payment or Restricted Investment, the aggregate amount of all Restricted Payments (other than Permitted Distributions) and Restricted Investments in each case made or authorized after February 1, 2000 does not exceed the sum of

(A) one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000); plus

(B) fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate Consolidated Net Income (or, in case such aggregate Consolidated Net Income shall be a deficit, minus one hundred percent (100%) of such deficit) for the period commencing on February 1, 2000 and ending on the date of such proposed transaction; plus

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(C) one hundred percent (100%) of the aggregate net cash proceeds received by the Company after March 9, 2000 from the issuance or sale of shares of capital stock of the Company (other than Mandatorily Redeemable Stock); plus

(D) the market value of (but in any event not exceeding the Fair Market Value of the assets or stock acquired with) the shares of capital stock issued by the Company in payment for the stock or assets of any Person acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary after March 9, 2000 in an arm’s-length transaction;

(ii) immediately prior to, and immediately after giving effect to the proposed Restricted Payment or Restricted Investment, the Company would be permitted by Section 6.6 to incur at least one dollar ($1.00) of additional Funded Debt owed to a Person other than a Subsidiary; and

(iii) immediately prior to, and immediately after giving effect to, the proposed Restricted Payment or Restricted Investment, no Default or Event of Default exists or would exist.

(b) Time of Payment of Distributions. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, authorize a Distribution on its capital stock that is not payable within sixty (60) days of authorization.

(c) Subsidiaries. Each Person that becomes a Subsidiary after the Second Restatement Date shall be deemed to have made, at the time it becomes a Subsidiary, all Restricted Investments of such Person existing immediately after it becomes a Subsidiary.

6.13. Liens.

(a) Negative Pledge. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, cause or permit, or agree or consent to cause or permit in the future (upon the happening of a contingency or otherwise), any of their Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to be subject to a Lien except:

(i) Liens securing taxes, assessments or governmental charges or levies or the claims or demands of materialmen, mechanics, carriers, warehousemen, landlords and other like Persons, provided that the payment thereof is not at the time required by Section 6.1 or by any provision of the other Financing Documents;

(ii) Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of business

(A) in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, social security and other like laws, and

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(B) to secure the performance of letters of credit, bids, tenders, sales contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety and performance bonds (of a type other than set forth in Section 6.13(a)(iii)) and other similar obligations not incurred in connection with the borrowing of money, the obtaining of advances or the payment of the deferred purchase price of Property;

(iii) Liens

(A) arising from judicial attachments and judgments,

(B) securing appeal bonds, supersedeas bonds, or

(C) arising in connection with court proceedings (including, without limitation, surety bonds and letters of credit or any other instrument serving a similar purpose),

provided that the execution or other enforcement of such Liens is effectively stayed and the claims secured thereby are being actively contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, and provided further that the aggregate amount so secured shall not at any time exceed one million dollars ($1,000,000);

(iv) Liens in the nature of reservations, exceptions, encroachments, easements, rights-of-way, covenants, conditions, restrictions, leases and other similar title exceptions or encumbrances affecting real Property, provided that such exceptions and encumbrances do not in the aggregate materially detract from the value of such Properties or materially interfere with the use of such Properties in the ordinary conduct of the owning Person’s business;

(v) (A) Liens (of a type other than set forth in Section 6.13(a)(ix)) in existence on the First Restatement Date, more specifically described on Part 6.13(a)(v) of Annex 2; and

(B) Liens securing renewals, extensions and refinancings of Debt secured by the Liens permitted by clause (A) immediately above, provided that the amount of Debt secured by each such Lien is not increased in excess of the amount of Debt outstanding on the date such Lien was originally created, and none of such Liens is extended to include any additional Property of the Company or any Subsidiary;

(vi) on or prior to the Collateral Release Date, Liens on the Collateral

(A) in favor of the Security Trustee for the benefit of the holders of the Notes that secure obligations under any of the Financing Documents, and

(B) constituting Permitted Exceptions;

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(vii) on or prior to the Collateral Release Date, Liens on Property (other than the Collateral) securing Funded Debt (other than Funded Debt outstanding under the Credit Facility) incurred and permitted to exist in accordance with the provisions of Sections 6.6 and 6.7;

(viii) Purchase Money Liens, if, after giving effect thereto and to any concurrent transactions:

(A) each such Purchase Money Lien secures Debt in an amount not exceeding the cost of acquisition or construction of the particular Property to which such Debt relates; and

(B) no Default or Event of Default would exist;

(ix) on or prior to the Collateral Release Date, Liens on Property of the Subsidiaries primarily constituting inventory or accounts that secure obligations arising under Revolving Credit Agreements of the Company or any Subsidiary; and

(x) after the Collateral Release Date, Liens securing Debt of the Company or any Subsidiary, provided that at the time of the incurrence thereof and after giving effect thereto and to the concurrent retirement of any other Debt,

(A) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all Debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries secured by Liens (including, without limitation, Liens permitted by Section 6.13(a)(v) and Section 6.13(a)(viii)) would not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of Consolidated Tangible Net Worth, determined at such time; and

(B) no Default or Event of Default would exist.

(b) Collateral. Nothing in this Section 6.13 shall be deemed to permit the Company or any Guarantor to cause or permit, or agree or consent to cause or permit in the future (upon the happening of a contingency or otherwise), any of the Collateral, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to be subject to a Lien in violation of the terms of the Security Documents.

(c) Stock. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 6.13(a), the Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to cause or permit, or agree or consent to cause or permit in the future (upon the happening of a contingency or otherwise), any of the capital stock of any Subsidiary, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to be subject to a Lien.

(d) Equal and Ratable Lien; Equitable Lien. In case any Property not otherwise the subject of a prior perfected Lien in favor of the Security Trustee shall be subjected to a Lien in violation of this Section 6.13, the Company shall forthwith make or cause to be made, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, provision whereby the Notes shall be secured equally and ratably with all other obligations secured thereby

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pursuant to such agreements and instruments as shall be approved by the Required Holders, and the Company shall cause to be delivered to each holder of a Note an opinion of independent counsel to the effect that such agreements and instruments are enforceable in accordance with their terms, and in any such case the Notes shall have the benefit, to the full extent that, and with such priority as, the holders may be entitled thereto under applicable law, of an equitable Lien on such Property securing the Notes. Such violation of this Section 6.13 shall constitute an Event of Default hereunder, whether or not any such provision is made pursuant to this Section 6.13(d).

(e) Financing Statements. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, sign or file a financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code of any jurisdiction that names the Company or such Subsidiary as debtor, or sign any security agreement authorizing any secured party thereunder to file any such financing statement, except, in any such case, a financing statement filed or to be filed to perfect or protect a security interest that the Company or such Subsidiary is entitled to create, assume or incur, or permit to exist, under the foregoing provisions of this Section 6.13 or to evidence for informational purposes a lessor’s interest in Property leased to the Company or any such Subsidiary.

6.14. Merger; Acquisition.

(a) Merger and Consolidation. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, merge with or into, consolidate with, or sell, lease as lessor, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its Property to, any other Person or permit any other Person to merge with or into or consolidate with it (except (x) for the completion of the Great Lakes Cattle Merger and (y) that a Subsidiary other than a Guarantor may merge into, consolidate with, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets to, the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary other than a Guarantor); provided that the foregoing restriction does not apply to the merger or consolidation of the Company with or into, or the sale, lease, transfer or other disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of its Property to, another corporation, if:

(i) the corporation that results from such merger or consolidation or that purchases, leases, or acquires all or substantially all of such Property (the “Surviving Corporation”) is organized under the laws of, and has substantially all of its Property located in, the United States of America or any jurisdiction thereof;

(ii) the due and punctual payment of the principal of and Make-Whole Amount, if any, and interest on all of the Notes, according to their tenor, and the due and punctual performance and observance of all the covenants herein and in the other Financing Documents to be performed and observed by the Company, are expressly assumed by the Surviving Corporation pursuant to such agreements or instruments as shall be satisfactory to the Required Holders, and the Company shall cause to be delivered to each holder of Notes an opinion of independent counsel (which opinion and counsel are satisfactory to the Required Holders) to the effect that such agreements and instruments are enforceable in accordance with their terms;

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(iii) immediately prior to, and immediately after the consummation of such transaction, and after giving effect thereto, the Company would be permitted by Section 6.6 to incur at least one dollar ($1.00) of additional Funded Debt owed to a Person other than a Subsidiary; and

(iv) immediately prior to, and immediately after the consummation of such transaction, and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default exists or would exist.

(b) Acquisitions. The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to consummate any Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment, unless immediately prior to such Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, and:

(i) (a) such transaction is an Acquisition and such Acquisition (if by purchase of assets, merger or consolidation) is effected in such manner that the acquired business, and the related assets, are owned either by the Company or a Subsidiary and, if effected by merger or consolidation involving the Company, the Company is the continuing or surviving entity and, if effected by merger or consolidation involving a Subsidiary, the continuing or surviving entity is a Subsidiary; or (b) such transaction is an Acquisition and such Acquisition (if by purchase of stock or partner, member or other ownership interests) is effected in such manner so that the acquired entity becomes a Subsidiary; and

(ii) such transaction is an Acquisition or a Joint Venture Investment and immediately after giving effect to such Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment the Company is in compliance with Sections 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8 and 6.10 (the determination of such compliance to be calculated on a pro forma basis, as at the end of the fiscal quarter most recently ended prior to the date of such Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment for which financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries are available, under the assumption that such Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment and any other Acquisitions or Joint Venture Investments consummated during the twelve-month period ending on such date shall have occurred, and any Debt in connection therewith shall have been incurred, at the beginning of the applicable period, and under the assumption that interest for such period had been equal to the actual weighted average interest rate in effect for such period for all loans outstanding under the Credit Facility on the date of such Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment) and, in the event that the aggregate amount of expenditures in respect of such Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment and of all prior Acquisitions and Joint Venture Investments made during a single fiscal year and not covered by a certificate delivered under this subclause (ii) exceeds $100,000,000, the Company shall have delivered to each of the holders of Notes a certificate of a Senior Financial Officer showing calculations in reasonable detail to demonstrate compliance with this subclause

(ii) and certifying that prior to such acquisition and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

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6.15. Transfers of Property; Subsidiary Stock.

(a) Transfers of Property. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, sell (including, without limitation, any sale and subsequent leasing as lessee of such Property), lease as lessor, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any Property (individually, a “Transfer” and collectively, “Transfers”), except

(i) Transfers of inventory, obsolete or worn-out Property or excess equipment no longer useful in the business of the Company or such Subsidiary, in each case in the ordinary course of business of the Company or such Subsidiary, and the Smithfield Canada Transfer;

(ii) Transfers from a Subsidiary to the Company or to any Guarantor and Transfers from the Company to any Guarantor; and

(iii) any other Transfer (including a Transfer of Property to any Person and the concurrent rental or lease of such transferred Property from such Person) at any time of any Property to a Person, other than an Affiliate, for an Acceptable Consideration, if each of the following conditions would be satisfied with respect to such Transfer:

(A) the sum of

(I) the current book value of such Property, plus

(II) the aggregate book value of all other Property of the Company and the Subsidiaries Transferred (other than in Transfers referred to in the foregoing clause (i) and clause (ii) (collectively, “Excluded Transfers”)) during the period beginning on the first day of the then current fiscal year of the Company and ended immediately prior to the date of such Transfer,

would not exceed ten percent (10%) of Consolidated Total Assets determined as at the end of the most recently ended fiscal year of the Company prior to giving effect to such Transfer,

(B) the sum of

(I) the current book value of such Property, plus

(II) the aggregate book value of all other Property of the Company and the Subsidiaries Transferred (other than in Excluded Transfers) during the period commencing on October 31, 1999 and ended at the time of such Transfer,

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would not exceed twenty percent (20%) of Consolidated Total Assets determined as at the end of the most recently ended fiscal year of the Company prior to giving effect to such Transfer, and

(C) immediately prior to, and immediately after the consummation of such transaction, and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default exists or would exist,

provided, that all or any portion of the assets which are the subject of any Transfer of Property shall be excluded for purposes of clause (A) and clause (B) of this Section 6.15(a)(iii), and such Transfer shall be a Transfer permitted under this Section 6.15(a)(iii) notwithstanding non-compliance with clause (A) and clause (B) of this Section 6.15(a)(iii), if, within three hundred sixty (360) days after such Transfer, the entire proceeds of all or any portion of such Transfer to be excluded (net of ordinary and reasonable transaction costs and expenses incurred in connection with such Transfer) are applied by the Company or such Subsidiary to:

(x) the purchase of operating assets of the Company or any Subsidiary reasonably equal in value to that portion of the Property which is the subject of such Transfer and is to be excluded of clause (A) and (B) of this Section 6.15 (a) (iii), so long as each such investment shall not have been included in the calculation of any other exclusion of any other Transfer proposed to be excluded from the operation of clause (A) or clause (B) of this Section 6.15(a)(iii), or

(y) an optional prepayment of Notes pursuant to Section 4.4.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, sell, lease as lessor, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of the Collateral except as expressly permitted by Section 6.15(c). Nothing in this Section 6.15(a) shall be deemed to permit the Company or any Subsidiary to violate any provisions of Section 6.16.

(b) Transfers of Subsidiary Stock. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, Transfer any shares of the capital stock (or any warrants, rights or options to purchase stock or other Securities exchangeable for or convertible into capital stock) of a Subsidiary (such capital stock, warrants, rights, options and other Securities herein called “Subsidiary Stock”), nor shall any Subsidiary issue, sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of its own Subsidiary Stock, provided that the foregoing restrictions do not apply to:

(i) the issuance by a Subsidiary of shares of its own Subsidiary Stock to the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary;

(ii) Transfers by the Company or a Subsidiary of shares of Subsidiary Stock to the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary;

(iii) the issuance by a Subsidiary of directors’ qualifying shares; and

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(iv) the Transfer of all of the Subsidiary Stock of a Subsidiary owned by the Company and the other Subsidiaries if

(A) such Transfer satisfies the requirements of Section 6.15(a)(iii);

(B) in connection with such Transfer the entire investment (whether represented by stock, Debt, claims or otherwise) of the Company and the other Subsidiaries in such Subsidiary is Transferred to a Person other than the Company or a Subsidiary not simultaneously being disposed of;

(C) the Subsidiary being disposed of has no continuing investment in any other Subsidiary not simultaneously being disposed of or in the Company; and

(D) immediately prior to, and immediately after the consummation of such Transfer, and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default exists or would exist.

For purposes of determining the book value of Property constituting Subsidiary Stock being Transferred as provided in clause (iv) above, such book value shall be deemed to be the aggregate book value of all assets of the Subsidiary that shall have issued such Subsidiary Stock.

Nothing in this Section 6.15(b) shall be deemed to permit the Company or any Subsidiary to (x) sell any shares of capital stock of any Subsidiary in violation of Section 6.2(d)(ii) or (y) violate any of the provisions of Section 6.16.

(c) Transfers of Collateral. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, sell or otherwise Transfer any Property constituting Collateral, except

(i) Transfers for an Acceptable Consideration of obsolete or worn-out equipment constituting Collateral, or excess equipment constituting Collateral, in each case that is no longer useful in the business of the Company or such Subsidiary, if each of the following conditions would be satisfied with respect to such Transfer:

(A) the sum of

(x) the current book value of such Property, plus

(y) the aggregate book value of all other Property of the Company and the Subsidiaries Transferred pursuant to this Section 6.15(c) during the period beginning on the first day of the then current fiscal year of the Company and ended immediately prior to the date of such Transfer, would not exceed five million dollars ($5,000,000),

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(B) the sum of

(x) the current book value of such Property, plus

(y) the aggregate book value of all other Property of the Company and the Subsidiaries Transferred pursuant to this Section 6.15(c) during the period commencing on October 31, 1999 and ended at the time of such Transfer,

would not exceed twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) and

(C) immediately prior to, and immediately after the consummation of such transaction, and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default exists or would exist,

provided, that all or any portion of the assets which are the subject of any Transfer of Property shall be excluded for purposes of clause (A) and clause (B) of this Section 6.15(c)(i) if, within one hundred twenty (120) days after such Transfer, the entire proceeds of such Transfer (net of ordinary and reasonable transaction costs and expenses incurred in connection with such Transfer) are applied by the Company or such Subsidiary to:

(y) the purchase of Property of the Company or any Subsidiary reasonably equal in value or use to the Property which is the subject of such Transfer, so long as (1) such Property is subject to a perfected first-priority security interest in favor of the Security Trustee for the benefit of the holders from time to time of the Notes, (2) such Property constitutes Collateral and (3) each such investment shall not have been included in the calculation of any other exclusion of any other Transfer proposed to be excluded from the operation of clause (A) or clause (B) of this Section 6.15(c)(i), or

(z) an optional prepayment of Notes pursuant to Section 4.4.

The Company acknowledges and agrees that until applied pursuant to this Section 6.15(c)(i), the net proceeds of any such Transfer of Collateral by the Company or any Subsidiary shall be held in trust by the Security Trustee pursuant to the terms of the Security Documents.

(ii) Transfers for an Acceptable Consideration of other Collateral, if each of the following conditions would be satisfied with respect to such Transfer:

(A) the sum of

(x) the current book value of such Property, plus

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(y) the aggregate book value of all other Property of the Company and the Subsidiaries Transferred pursuant to this Section 6.15(c)(ii) during the period commencing on October 29, 1999 and ended at the time of such Transfer,

would not exceed three million dollars ($3,000,000) and

(B) immediately prior to, and immediately after the consummation of such transaction, and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default exists or would exist,

provided, that the Company shall furnish to each of the holders of the Notes, in connection with each such Transfer, a certificate of (x) a Senior Financial Officer and satisfaction of such condition stating (1) the book value of the Property to be Transferred, (2) the aggregate book value of all other Property Transferred prior to such transfer pursuant to this Section 6.15(c)(ii), (3) to the extent such Property Transferred includes real property, that such Transfer shall not adversely affect the access to, or value of, any remaining real property constituting Collateral, and (4) immediately prior to, and immediately after the consummation of such transaction, and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default exists or would exist, and (y) the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the transferor certifying the establishment of Acceptable Consideration for such transfer. Upon receipt of each such certificate, each of the holders of each of the Notes shall promptly advise the Security Trustee in writing to execute and deliver appropriate releases of such Property from the Liens created by the Security Documents.

6.16. Trademark Subsidiaries.

(a) Generally. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary other than a Trademark Subsidiary to, own any patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and other similar licenses and intangibles used or useful in the conduct of the business of the Company or any Subsidiary.

(b) Ownership of Trademark Subsidiaries. The Company (i) shall, at all times, maintain each Trademark Subsidiary as a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary and (ii) shall not permit any of the capital stock of any Trademark Subsidiary to be subject to a Lien.

(c) No Sale or Merger. The Company shall not permit any Trademark Subsidiary to merge with or into, consolidate with, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its Property to, any other Person other than another Trademark Subsidiary, or permit any other Person other than a Trademark Subsidiary to merge with or into or consolidate with it. The Company shall not permit any Trademark Subsidiary to sell, lease as lessor, license as licensor, transfer or otherwise dispose of any patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and licenses.

(d) No Debt or Liens. The Company shall not permit any Trademark Subsidiary to cause or permit, or agree or consent to cause or permit in the future (upon the happening of a contingency or otherwise), any of its Property, whether now owned or

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hereafter acquired, to be subject to a Lien. The Company shall not at any time permit any Trademark Subsidiary to be or become liable for any Debt or to issue any Mandatorily Redeemable Stock.

6.17. Environmental Compliance.

(a) Compliance. The Company shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, comply with all Environmental Protection Laws in effect in each jurisdiction where it is doing business and where the failure to comply with which, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Liability. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, permit itself to be subject to any liability under any Environmental Protection Laws that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

6.18. Line of Business.

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, engage in any business other than businesses engaged in by the Company and the Subsidiaries on the First Restatement Date.

6.19. Transactions with Affiliates.

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any transaction, including, without limitation, the purchase, sale or exchange of Property or the rendering of any service, with any Affiliate, except in the ordinary course of and pursuant to the reasonable requirements of the Company’s or such Subsidiary’s business and upon fair and reasonable terms no less favorable to the Company or such Subsidiary than would obtain in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with a Person not an Affiliate.

6.20. Tax Consolidation.

The Company shall not file or consent to the filing of a consolidated tax return with any Person other than a Subsidiary, or permit the filing of any consolidated tax return by any Subsidiary with any Person other than the Company or another Subsidiary.

6.21. ERISA.

(a) Compliance. The Company shall, and shall cause each ERISA Affiliate to, at all times with respect to each Pension Plan,

(i) make timely payment of contributions required

(A) to meet the minimum funding standard set forth in ERISA or the IRC with respect thereto, or

(B) to be paid as provided for by section 515 of ERISA, and

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(ii) comply with all other applicable provisions of ERISA.

(b) Relationship of Vested Benefits to Pension Plan Assets.

(i) The Company shall not at any time permit the present value of all employee benefits vested under all Morrell Pension Plans to exceed the assets of such Morrell Pension Plans allocable to such vested benefits at such time by more than fifty-five million dollars ($55,000,000), in each case determined pursuant to Section 6.21(c).

(ii) The Company shall not at any time permit the present value of all employee benefits vested under all Pension Plans other than Morrell Pension Plans to exceed the assets of all such Pension Plans other than Morrell Pension Plans allocable to such vested benefits at such time by more than five percent (5%) of Consolidated Total Liabilities, in each case determined pursuant to Section 6.21(c).

(c) Valuations. All assumptions and methods used to determine the actuarial valuation of vested employee benefits under Pension Plans and the present value of assets of Pension Plans shall be reasonable in the good faith judgment of the Company and shall comply with all requirements of law.

(d) Prohibited Actions. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any ERISA Affiliate to:

(i) engage in any “prohibited transaction” (as such term is defined in section 406 of ERISA or section 4975 of the IRC) or “reportable event” (as such term is defined in section 4043 of ERISA) that would result in the imposition of a material tax or penalty;

(ii) incur with respect to any Pension Plan any “accumulated funding deficiency” (as such term is defined in section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived;

(iii) terminate any Pension Plan in a manner that could result in

(A) the imposition of a Lien on the Property of the Company or any Subsidiary pursuant to section 4068 of ERISA or

(B) the creation of any liability under section 4062 of ERISA;

(iv) fail to make any payment required by section 515 of ERISA; or

(v) be an “employer” (as such term is defined in section 3 of ERISA) required to contribute to any Multiemployer Plan or a “substantial employer” (as such term is defined in section 4001 of ERISA) required to contribute to any Multiple Employer Pension Plan if, at such time, it could reasonably be expected that the Company or any Subsidiary will incur withdrawal liability in respect of

46

such Multiemployer Plan and such liability, if incurred, together with the aggregate amount of all other withdrawal liability as to which there is a reasonable expectation of incurrence by the Company or any Subsidiary under any one or more Multiemployer Plans, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(e) Foreign Pension Plans. To the extent that the Company or any Subsidiary is subject to any requirements of any Foreign Pension Plan, the Company shall, and shall cause each such Subsidiary to, comply with such requirements if the failure to so comply would have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

6.22. Guaranties.

(a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, be or become liable in respect of any Guaranty except

(i) Guaranties of Debt which constitutes a part of Consolidated Funded Debt;

(ii) Guaranties of obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company and the Subsidiaries;

(iii) Guaranties of liabilities which constitute a part of Consolidated Current Liabilities (including, without limitation, Guaranties of obligations of the Company and the Subsidiaries under Revolving Credit Agreements to the extent such Guaranties are not permitted by clause (i) above); and

(iv) Guaranties of amounts payable with respect to Operating Rentals constituting a portion of Consolidated Fixed Charges.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of clause (a) above, the Company shall not permit any Subsidiary to

(i) be or become liable for any Guaranty of Debt of the Company, any other Subsidiary or any Affiliate, or

(ii) issue any Mandatorily Redeemable Stock,

in each case unless such Subsidiary enters into an enforceable and unconditional Guaranty of the obligations of the Company under the Notes, upon terms and conditions satisfactory to the Required Holders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the Company or any Subsidiary be or become liable in respect of any Guaranty of Third Party Debt if the indebtedness or other liabilities that are the subject of such Guaranty would be prohibited by Section 6.6 or Section 6.7.

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6.23. Private Offering.

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary or any Person acting on its behalf to, offer the Notes or any part thereof or any similar Securities for issuance or sale to, or solicit any offer to acquire any of the same from, any Person so as to bring the issuance and sale of the Notes within the provisions of section 5 of the Securities Act.

7. INFORMATION AS TO COMPANY AND GUARANTORS.

7.1. Financial and Business Information.

The Company shall deliver to each holder of Notes:

(a) Company Quarterly Statements. — as soon as practicable after the end of each quarterly fiscal period in each fiscal year of the Company (other than the last quarterly fiscal period of each such fiscal year), and in any event within forty-five (45) days thereafter, duplicate copies of:

(i) consolidated and consolidating balance sheets of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, and of the Company and the Subsidiaries, as at the end of such quarter, and

(ii) consolidated and consolidating statements of income and cash flows of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, and of the Company and the Subsidiaries, for such quarter and (in the case of the second and third quarters) for the portion of the fiscal year ending with such quarter,

setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding periods in the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail, prepared in accordance with GAAP applicable to quarterly financial statements generally, and certified as complete and correct, subject to changes resulting from year-end adjustments, by a Senior Financial Officer, accompanied by the certificate required by Section 7.2;

(b) Company Annual Statements. — as soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, and in any event within ninety (90) days thereafter, duplicate copies of:

(i) a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, and a consolidating balance sheet of the Company and each Guarantor, as at the end of such year, and

(ii) consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, and consolidating statements of income and cash flows of the Company and each Guarantor, for such year,

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setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the immediately preceding fiscal year, all in reasonable detail, prepared in accordance with GAAP, and accompanied by

(A) in the case of such consolidated financial statements, an audit report thereon of independent certified public accountants of recognized national standing, which opinion shall state, without qualification, that such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the companies being reported upon and their consolidated results of operations and cash flows and have been prepared in conformity with GAAP, and that the examination of such accountants in connection with such financial statements has been made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, and that such audit provides a reasonable basis for such opinion in the circumstances,

(B) a certification by a Senior Financial Officer that such consolidated statements are complete and correct, and

(C) the certificates required by Section 7.2 and Section 7.3;

(c) Audit Reports. — promptly upon receipt thereof, a copy of each other report submitted to the Company or any Subsidiary by independent accountants in connection with any management report, special audit report or comparable analysis prepared by them with respect to the books of the Company or any Subsidiary;

(d) SEC and Other Reports. — promptly upon their becoming available, a copy of each financial statement, report (including, without limitation, each Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, each Annual Report on Form 10-K and each Current Report on Form 8-K), notice or proxy statement sent by the Company or any Subsidiary to stockholders generally and of each regular or periodic report and any registration statement, prospectus or written communication (other than transmittal letters), and each amendment thereto, in respect thereof filed by the Company or any Subsidiary with, or received by, such Person in connection therewith from, the National Association of Securities Dealers, any securities exchange or the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor agency;

(e) ERISA. - -

(i) promptly (and in any event, within five (5) Business Days) after any officer of the Company becoming aware of any

(A) “reportable event” (as defined in section 4043 of ERISA), or

(B) “prohibited transaction” (as defined in section 406 of ERISA or section 4975 of the IRC),

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in connection with any Pension Plan or any trust created thereunder, a written notice specifying the nature thereof, what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto and, when known, any action taken by the IRS, the Department of Labor or the PBGC with respect thereto, and

(ii) promptly (and in any event, within five (5) Business Days) after any officer of the Company becoming aware thereof, written notice of and, where applicable, a description of

(A) any notice from the PBGC in respect of the commencement of any proceedings pursuant to section 4042 of ERISA to terminate any Pension Plan or for the appointment of a trustee to administer any Pension Plan,

(B) any distress termination notice delivered to the PBGC under section 4041 of ERISA in respect of any Pension Plan, and any determination of the PBGC in respect thereof,

(C) the placement of any Multiemployer Plan in reorganization status under Title IV of ERISA,

(D) any Multiemployer Plan becoming “insolvent” (as defined in section 4245 of ERISA) under Title IV of ERISA, or

(E) the whole or partial withdrawal of the Company or any ERISA Affiliate from any Multiemployer Plan and the withdrawal liability incurred in connection therewith;

(f) Actions, Proceedings. — promptly after the commencement thereof, notice of any action or proceeding relating to the Company or any Subsidiary in any court or before any Governmental Authority or arbitration board or tribunal as to which there is a reasonable probability of an adverse determination and that, if adversely determined, would have a Material Adverse Effect;

(g) Certain Environmental Matters. — prompt written notice of and a description of any event or circumstance that, had such event or circumstance occurred or existed prior to the First Restatement Date, would have been required to be disclosed as an exception to any statement set forth in Section 2.14 and a description of the action that the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto;

(h) Notice of Default or Event of Default. — within five (5) Business Days of any Senior Officer becoming aware of the existence of any condition or event that constitutes a Default or an Event of Default, a written notice specifying the nature and period of existence thereof and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto;

(i) Notice of Claimed Default. — within five (5) Business Days of any Senior Officer becoming aware that the holder of any Note, or of any Debt or any

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Security of the Company or any Subsidiary, shall have given notice or taken any other action with respect to a claimed Default, Event of Default, default or event of default, a written notice specifying the notice given or action taken by such holder and the nature of the claimed Default, Event of Default, default or event of default and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto;

(j) Information Furnished Under Revolving Credit Agreement. — at any time that at least one Revolving Credit Agreement is in effect, at the same time required thereby, a copy of each item required to be furnished by the Company or any Subsidiary pursuant thereto;

(k) Other Creditors. — promptly upon the request of any holder of Notes, copies of any statement, report or certificate furnished to any holder of Debt of the Company or any Subsidiary to the extent that the information contained in such statement, report or certificate has not already been delivered to each holder of Notes;

(l) Rule 144A. — with reasonable promptness, upon the request of any holder of Notes, information required to comply with 17 C.F.R. §230.144A, as amended from time to time; and

(m) Requested Information. — with reasonable promptness, such other data and information as from time to time may be reasonably requested by any holder of Notes.

7.2. Officer’s Certificates.

Each set of financial statements delivered to each holder of Notes pursuant to Section 7.1(a) or Section 7.1(b) shall be accompanied by a certificate of a Senior Financial Officer setting forth:

(a) Covenant Compliance. — the information (including detailed calculations) required in order to establish whether the Company was in compliance with the requirements of Section 6.4 through Section 6.8, inclusive, and Section 6.10 through Section 6.15, inclusive, during the period covered by the income statement then being furnished (including with respect to each such Section, where applicable, the calculations of the maximum or minimum amount, ratio or percentage, as the case may be, permissible under the terms of such Sections, and the calculation of the amounts, ratio or percentage then in existence); and

(b) Event of Default. — a statement that the signer has reviewed the relevant terms of the Financing Documents and has made, or caused to be made, under his or her supervision, a review of the transactions and conditions of the Company and the Subsidiaries from the beginning of the accounting period covered by the income statements being delivered therewith to the date of the certificate and that such review shall not have disclosed the existence during such period of any condition or event that constitutes a Default or an Event of Default or, if any such condition or event existed or exists, specifying the nature and period of existence thereof and what action the Company shall have taken or proposes to take with respect thereto.

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7.3. Accountants’ Report.

Each set of annual financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(b) shall be accompanied by a certificate of the accountants who certify such financial statements, stating that they have reviewed this Agreement and stating further, whether, in making their audit, such accountants have become aware of any condition or event that then constitutes a Default or an Event of Default, and, if such accountants are aware that any such condition or event then exists, specifying the nature and period of existence thereof.

7.4. Inspection.

The Company shall permit the representatives of each holder of Notes (at the expense of the Company) to visit and inspect any of the Properties of the Company or any Subsidiary, to examine all their respective books of account, records, reports and other papers, to make copies and extracts therefrom, and to discuss their respective affairs, finances and accounts with their respective officers, employees and independent public accountants (former and present) (and by this provision the Company authorizes all such accountants to discuss the finances and affairs of the Company and the Subsidiaries), all at such reasonable times and as often as may be reasonably requested.

8. EVENTS OF DEFAULT.

8.1. Nature of Events.

An “Event of Default” shall exist if any of the following occurs and is continuing:

(a) Principal and Make-Whole Amount Payments. — the Company shall fail to make any payment of principal or Make-Whole Amount on any Note on or before the date such payment is due; or

(b) Interest Payments. — the Company shall fail to make any payment of interest on any Note on or before the date such payment is due; or

(c) Warranties or Representations. — any warranty, representation or other material statement by or on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary contained herein or in any instrument furnished in compliance with or in reference hereto or any of the other Financing Documents shall have been false or misleading when made or deemed made; or

(d) Particular Covenant Defaults. — the Company or any Subsidiary shall fail to perform or observe any covenant contained in Section 6.4 through Section 6.18, inclusive, Section 6.20, Section 6.22, Section 7.1(h) or Section 7.1(i); or

(e) Other Defaults. — the Company or any Subsidiary shall fail to comply with any other provision hereof, and such failure continues for more than thirty (30) days after such failure shall first become known to any officer of the Company; or

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(f) Default on Debt or Other Security. —

(i) the Company or any Subsidiary shall fail to make any payment on any Debt when due;

(ii) any event shall occur or any condition shall exist in respect of any Debt or any Security of the Company or any Subsidiary, or under any agreement securing or relating to such Debt or Security, that immediately or with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both:

(A) causes (or permits any one or more of the holders thereof or a trustee therefor to cause) such Debt or Security, or a portion thereof, to become due prior to its stated maturity or prior to its regularly scheduled date or dates of payment;

(B) permits any one or more of the holders thereof or a trustee therefor to elect any of the directors on the Board of Directors of the Company or such Subsidiary; or

(C) permits any one or more of the holders thereof or a trustee therefor to require the Company or any Subsidiary to repurchase such Debt or Security from such holder;

provided that the aggregate amount of all obligations in respect of all such Debt and Securities referred to in this clause (f) exceeds at such time ten million dollars ($10,000,000); or

(iii) an “Event of Default” shall have occurred under, and as defined in, any of the other Financing Documents and be continuing; or

(g) Involuntary Bankruptcy Proceedings. —

(i) a receiver, liquidator, custodian or trustee of the Company or any Subsidiary, or of all or any of the Collateral or any material Property of the Company or any Subsidiary, shall be appointed by court order and such order remains in effect for more than thirty (30) days; or an order for relief shall be entered with respect to the Company or any Subsidiary, or the Company or any Subsidiary, shall be adjudicated insolvent;

(ii) any of the Collateral or any material Property of the Company or any Subsidiary shall be sequestered by court order and such order remains in effect for more than thirty (30) days; or

(iii) a petition shall be filed against the Company or any Subsidiary under any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, readjustment of debt, dissolution or liquidation law of any jurisdiction, whether now or hereafter in effect, and shall not be dismissed within thirty (30) days after such filing; or

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(h) Voluntary Petitions. — the Company or any Subsidiary shall file a petition in voluntary bankruptcy or seeking relief under any provision of any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, readjustment of debt, dissolution or liquidation law of any jurisdiction, whether now or hereafter in effect, or shall consent to the filing of any petition against it under any such law; or

(i) Assignments for Benefit of Creditors, etc. — the Company or any Subsidiary shall make an assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or shall admit in writing its inability, or shall fail, to pay its debts generally as they become due, or shall consent to the appointment of a receiver, liquidator or trustee of the Company or any Subsidiary or of all or any part of the Property of them; or

(j) Undischarged Final Judgments. — final judgment or judgments for the payment of money aggregating in excess of two million five hundred thousand dollars ($2,500,000) is or are outstanding against one or more of the Company and the Subsidiaries and any one of such judgments shall have been outstanding for more than thirty (30) days from the date of its entry and shall not have been discharged in full or stayed; or

(k) Certain Obligations. — the undertakings of any Guarantor under the Joint and Several Guaranty shall at any time cease to constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Guarantor, or any Guarantor or any Person acting by or on behalf of any Guarantor shall deny or disaffirm such Guarantor’s obligations under the Joint and Several Guaranty or any undertaking of the Company hereunder shall at any time cease to constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company.

If any action, condition, event or other matter would, at any time, constitute an Event of Default under any provision of this Section 8.1, then an Event of Default shall exist, regardless of whether the same or a similar action, condition, event or other matter is addressed in a different provision of this Section 8.1 and would not constitute an Event of Default at such time under such different provision.

8.2. Default Remedies.

(a) Acceleration on Event of Default. If an Event of Default specified in clause (g), (h) or (i) of Section 8.1 shall exist, all of the Notes at the time outstanding shall automatically become immediately due and payable together with interest accrued thereon and, to the extent permitted by law, the Make-Whole Amount at such time with respect to the principal amount of such Notes, and all other amounts due under the Financing Documents, without presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived, and, if any other Event of Default shall exist, the holder or holders of at least twenty-five percent (25%) in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (exclusive of Notes then owned by any one or more of the Company, any Subsidiary and any Affiliate) may exercise any right, power or remedy permitted to such holder or holders by law, and shall have, in particular, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the right to declare the entire principal of, and all interest

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accrued on, all the Notes then outstanding to be, and such Notes shall thereupon become, forthwith due and payable, without any presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived, and the Company shall forthwith pay to the holder or holders of all the Notes then outstanding the entire principal of, and interest accrued on, the Notes and, to the extent permitted by law, the Make-Whole Amount at such time with respect to such principal amount of the Notes.

(b) Acceleration on Payment Default. During the existence of an Event of Default described in Section 8.1(a) or Section 8.1(b), and irrespective of whether the Notes then outstanding shall have been declared to be due and payable pursuant to Section 8.2(a), any holder of Notes who or that shall have not consented to any waiver with respect to such Event of Default may, at its option, by notice in writing to the Company, declare the Notes then held by such holder to be, and such Notes shall thereupon become, forthwith due and payable together with all interest accrued thereon, without any presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived, and the Company shall forthwith pay to such holder the entire principal of and interest accrued on such Notes and, to the extent permitted by law, the Make-Whole Amount at such time with respect to such principal amount of the Notes and all other amounts due under the Financing Documents.

(c) Valuable Rights. The Company acknowledges, and the parties hereto agree, that the right of each holder to maintain its investment in the Notes, or otherwise have its loan to the Company outstanding, free from repayment by the Company (except as herein specifically provided for) is a valuable right and that the provision for payment of a Make-Whole Amount by the Company in the event that the Notes of any Series are prepaid or are accelerated as a result of an Event of Default is intended to provide compensation for the deprivation of such right under such circumstances.

(d) Other Remedies. During the existence of an Event of Default and irrespective of whether the Notes then outstanding shall have been declared to be due and payable pursuant to Section 8.2(a) or Section 8.2(b) and irrespective of whether any holder of Notes then outstanding shall otherwise have pursued or be pursuing any other rights or remedies, but subject to the terms and conditions of the Trust Agreement, any holder of Notes may proceed to protect and enforce its rights hereunder, under such Notes and under the other Financing Documents by exercising such remedies as are available to such holder in respect thereof under applicable law, either by suit in equity or by action at law, or both, whether for specific performance of any agreement contained herein or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, provided that the maturity of such holder’s Notes may be accelerated only in accordance with Section 8.2(a) and Section 8.2(b).

(e) Nonwaiver and Expenses. No course of dealing on the part of any holder of Notes nor any delay or failure on the part of any holder of Notes to exercise any right shall operate as a waiver of such right or otherwise prejudice such holder’s rights, powers and remedies. If the Company shall fail to pay when due any principal of, or Make-Whole Amount or interest on, any Note, or shall fail to comply with any other provision of the Financing Documents, the Company shall pay to each holder of Notes, to the

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extent permitted by law, such further amounts as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses, including but not limited to reasonable attorneys’ fees, incurred by such holder in collecting any sums due on such Notes or in otherwise assessing, analyzing or enforcing any rights or remedies that are or may be available to it.

8.3. Annulment of Acceleration of Notes.

If a declaration is made pursuant to Section 8.2(a), then and in every such case, the holders of at least seventy-six percent (76%) in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (exclusive of Notes then owned by any one or more of the Company, any Subsidiary and any Affiliate) may, by written instrument filed with the Company, rescind and annul such declaration, and the consequences thereof, provided that at the time such declaration is annulled and rescinded:

(a) no judgment or decree shall have been entered for the payment of any moneys due on or pursuant hereto or the Notes;

(b) all arrears of interest upon all the Notes and all other sums payable hereunder and under the Notes (except any principal of, or interest or Make-Whole Amount on, the Notes that shall have become due and payable by reason of such declaration under Section 8.2(a)) shall have been duly paid; and

(c) each and every other Default and Event of Default shall have been waived pursuant to Section 10.5 or otherwise made good or cured;

and provided further that no such rescission and annulment shall extend to or affect any subsequent Default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

9. INTERPRETATION OF THIS AGREEMENT.

9.1. Terms Defined.

As used herein, the following terms have the respective meanings set forth below or set forth in the Section following such term:

1999 Note Purchase Agreement — means, collectively, the separate Note Purchase Agreements, dated as of October 31, 1999, as amended up to and including the Second Restatement Date, between the Company and each of the purchasers named on Annex 1 thereto.

2000 Note Purchase Agreement — means, collectively, the separate Note Purchase Agreements, dated as of June 2, 2000, as amended up to and including the Second Restatement Date, between the Company and each of the purchasers named on Annex 1 thereto.

2002 Note Purchase Agreement — means, collectively, the separate Note Purchase Agreements, dated as of March 1, 2002, as amended up to and including the Second Restatement Date, between the Company and each of the purchasers named on Annex 1 thereto.

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Acceptable Bank — means any commercial bank

(a) that is organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof,

(b) that has capital, surplus and undivided profits aggregating at least five hundred million dollars ($500,000,000), and

(c) whose long-term unsecured debt obligations (or the long-term unsecured debt obligations of the bank holding company owning all of the capital stock of such bank) shall be rated “A3” or higher by Moody’s or “A-” or higher by Standard & Poor’s (or comparable ratings by any comparable successor agency).

Acceptable Consideration — means, with respect to any Transfer of any Property of the Company or any Subsidiary, cash consideration, promissory notes or such other consideration (or any combination of the foregoing) as is, in each case, determined by the Board of Directors of the Company or such Subsidiary, in its good faith opinion, to be in the best interests of the Company and to reflect the Fair Market Value of such Property.

Acceptable Financial Institution — means an Acceptable Bank or other financial institution which meets the requirements set forth in clauses (a), (b) and (c) of the definition of Acceptable Bank.

Acceptable Rating — means a rating of at least Baa2 by Moody’s and, in addition, a rating of at least BBB by Standard & Poor’s.

Acquisition — means any transaction, or any series of related transactions, consummated after the Amendment No. 3 Effective Date, by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (a) acquires any On-Going Business or all or substantially all of the assets of any Person, whether through purchase of assets, merger or otherwise, (b) directly or indirectly acquires control of at least a majority (in number of votes) of the securities of a corporation that have ordinary voting power for the election of directors or (c) directly or indirectly acquires control of at least a majority of the partner, member or other ownership interests of any Person that is not a corporation.

Affiliate — means, at any time, a Person (other than a Subsidiary)

(a) that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company,

(b) that beneficially owns or holds five percent (5%) or more of any class of the Voting Stock of the Company, or

(c) five percent (5%) or more of the Voting Stock (or in the case of a Person that is not a corporation, five percent (5%) or more of the equity interest) of which is beneficially owned or held by the Company or a Subsidiary, at such time.

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As used in this definition:

Control — means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Agreement, this — means this agreement, as it may be amended or restated from time to time.

Alternate Interest Rate — means, on any date with respect to any Series L Note, (a) the per annum rate of interest of Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York (or its successor) publicly announced in New York City as its prime rate on such date, plus (b) the Applicable Margin with respect to such Series L Note. Each change in such prime rate that is announced by Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York (or its successor) will be effective as of the effective date of such announcement or, if no such effective date is specified, as of the date of such announcement.

Amendment No. 3 Effective Date — means the “Effective Date” as defined in that certain Amendment Agreement No. 3 dated as of April 4, 2003 among the Company and each of the holders of the Notes party thereto and consented to by each of the Guarantors.

Anti-Terrorism Order — means Executive Order No. 13,224 of September 24, 2001, Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions with Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit or Support Terrorism, 66 U.S. Fed. Reg. 49, 079 (2001), as amended.

Applicable Interest Law — means any present or future law (including, without limitation, the law of the United States of America) that has application to the interest and other charges imposed pursuant to this Agreement and the Notes.

Bank Funded Debt Amount — means, at any time, the smallest average daily principal amount of all Debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries under the Credit Facility which is outstanding during any period of thirty (30) consecutive days selected by the Company falling within the three hundred sixty-five (365) day period ending at such time.

Board of Directors — means, at any time with respect to any Person, the board of directors of such Person, or any committee thereof which, in the instance, shall have the lawful power to exercise the power and authority of such board of directors.

Brown’s — means Brown’s of Carolina, Inc., a North Carolina corporation, and its successors and assigns.

Brown’s Farms — means Brown’s Farms, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and its successors and assigns.

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Brown’s Farms Properties — means each of the real Properties of Brown’s Farms listed in Part 2.5(e) of Annex 2 as being owned by it as of the First Restatement Date.

Business Day — means

(a) with respect to any payment to be made to the holder of any Note under any of the Financing Documents, a day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which the bank designated by such holder to receive for such holder’s account payments on such Note is required by law (other than a general banking moratorium or holiday for a period exceeding four (4) consecutive days) to be closed, and

(b) for all other purposes, a day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which the national banks located in New York City, New York, are required by law (other than a general banking moratorium or holiday for a period exceeding four (4) consecutive days) to be closed.

Capital Lease — means a lease with respect to which the lessee is required to recognize the acquisition of an asset and the incurrence of a liability in accordance with GAAP, or for which the amount of the asset and the liability thereunder, as if so capitalized, should be disclosed in a note to such balance sheet.

Capital Lease Obligation — means, with respect to any Person and a Capital Lease, the amount of the obligation of such Person as the lessee under such Capital Lease that would appear as a liability on a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Carroll’s Realty Partnership — means Carroll’s Realty Partnership, a North Carolina general partnership, and its successors and assigns.

Carroll’s Realty Partnership Properties — means each of the real Properties of Carroll’s Realty Partnership listed in Part 2.5(e) of Annex 2 as being owned by it.

Central Plains — means Central Plains Farms, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its successors and assigns.

Central Plains Properties — means each of the real Properties of Central Plains listed in Part 2.5(e) of Annex 2 as being owned by it as of the First Restatement Date.

Change in Control — means the acquisition at any time after the First Restatement Date by any Person or group of related Persons of beneficial ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of the Voting Stock of the Company outstanding (excluding for such purpose Persons who own shares through any employee benefit plan of the Company or any trust in connection therewith) at such time.

Circle Four — means Circle Four Corporation, a North Carolina corporation, and its successors and assigns.

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Circle Four Properties — means each of the real Properties of Circle Four listed in Part 2.5(e) of Annex 2 as being owned by it as of the First Restatement Date.

Collateral — shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Trust Agreement.

Collateral Release Conditions — means, at any time:

(a) the Acceptable Rating is in full force and effect, not having been withdrawn by Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s;

(b) any and all Liens on Property of the Company or any Guarantor securing Debt incurred under or pursuant to each Revolving Credit Agreement of the Company or any Subsidiary have been released or will be released on or prior to the Collateral Release Date;

(c) the aggregate principal amount of all Debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries secured by Liens permitted solely by Section 6.13(a)(x) does not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of Consolidated Tangible Net Worth, determined at such time;

(d) the Company and the holders of the Notes shall have entered into an amendment to the Note Purchase Agreements, in form and substance satisfactory to all holders of the Notes, which provides for an amendment to the covenants set forth in Section 6.4 through 6.15, inclusive, such that the Company’s obligations concerning its financial condition and results of operations are established in a manner which, if complied with, would result in the Company at all times maintaining an Acceptable Rating for its long term, senior unsecured debt; and

(e) no Default or Event of Default exists;

in each case as of such time.

Collateral Release Date — Section 1.5.

Colorado Deed of Trust — means that certain dead of trust, security agreement and assignment of rents and leases, executed in connection with the initial issue of the Notes (and as amended from time to time), by Central Plains in favor of the Security Trustee, securing Central Plains’ indebtedness and obligations under the Joint and Several Guaranty and in respect of the Notes with a first-priority lien encumbering each of the Central Plains Properties located in the State of Colorado.

Company — has the meaning specified in the introductory sentence.

Company Fiscal Year Net Worth Increase Amount — means, for any fiscal year of the Company, the greater of

(i) fifty percent (50%) of Consolidated Net Income for such fiscal year; and

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(ii) zero dollars ($0).

Consolidated Current Assets — means, at any time, the aggregate amount at which the current assets of the Company and the Subsidiaries would be shown on a consolidated balance sheet for such Persons at such time.

Consolidated Current Liabilities — means, at any time, the aggregate amount of current liabilities of the Company and the Subsidiaries as would be shown on a consolidated balance sheet for such Persons at such time including, without limitation, all liabilities of the Company and the Subsidiaries under the Revolving Credit Facilities (other than the Bank Funded Debt Amount) at such time.

Consolidated EBITDA — means, with respect to any fiscal period, the sum of

(a) Consolidated Net Income, plus

(b) the aggregate amount of all Consolidated Interest Expense, depreciation, amortization and income taxes,

(to the extent, and only to the extent, that such aggregate amount was deducted in the computation of Consolidated Net Income), in each case accrued for such period by the Company, provided that, with respect to any period during which a Person shall have become, or ceased to be, a Subsidiary, or during which the Company or any Subsidiary shall have acquired or disposed of an On-Going Business, the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA shall, without duplication, (i) include the EBITDA for such period of each Person who shall have become a Subsidiary, and of each On-Going Business acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary, during such period as if such Person had been a Subsidiary or such On-Going Business had been owned by the Company or a Subsidiary for the entire period, or (ii) exclude the EBITDA for such period of each Person who shall have ceased to be a Subsidiary, and of each On-Going Business disposed of by the Company or any Subsidiary, at any time after the beginning of such period as if such Person had not been a Subsidiary at any time during the entire period or such On-Going Business had not been owned or operated by the Company or any Subsidiary at any time during such period. As used in this definition, EBITDA with respect to any Person or On-Going Business for any period shall mean, the net income (after income taxes) of such Person or On-Going Business for such period, determined in accordance with GAAP plus, to the extent deducted in calculating such net income, amounts attributable to interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization.

Consolidated Fixed Charges — means, with respect to any fiscal period, the sum of

(a) the amount payable in respect of such fiscal period with respect to interest due on, or with respect to, Debt (including, without limitation, the Notes) owing by or guaranteed by any one or more of the Company and the Subsidiaries and including, without limitation, amortization of debt discount and expense and imputed interest in respect of Capital Lease Obligations of the Company and the Subsidiaries, plus

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(b) the amount payable in respect of such fiscal period with respect to Operating Rentals payable by any one or more of the Company and the Subsidiaries,

determined on a consolidated basis for the Company and the Subsidiaries for such period.

Consolidated Funded Debt — means, at any time, the aggregate amount of Funded Debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis for such Persons at such time.

Consolidated Intangible Assets — means, at any time, the aggregate amount of Intangible Assets of the Company and the Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis at such time.

Consolidated Interest Expense — means, for any fiscal period, the consolidated interest expense of the Company and its Subsidiaries accrued for such fiscal period (including, without limitation, cash or non-cash interest expense or deferred or accrued interest expense, amortization of debt discount and expense and the interest portion of all Capital Lease Obligations during such period); provided that, with respect to any fiscal period during which a Person shall have become, or ceased to be, a Subsidiary, or during which the Company or any Subsidiary shall have acquired or disposed of an On-Going Business, the calculation of Consolidated Interest Expense shall (i) include the interest expense for such fiscal period with respect to all Debt incurred in connection with the financing of the acquisition of each Person who shall have become a Subsidiary, and of each On-Going Business acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary, during such fiscal period as if such Person had been a Subsidiary or such On-Going Business had been acquired by the Company or a Subsidiary, and such Debt incurred, on the first day of such period and such Debt had remained outstanding at all times during such period, or (ii) exclude the interest expense for such fiscal period in respect of all Debt which shall have been repaid with the proceeds from the disposition of each Person who shall have ceased to be a Subsidiary, and of each On-Going Business disposed of by the Company or any Subsidiary, at any time after the beginning of such period as if such repayment and disposition had occurred on the first day of such period.

Consolidated Net Income — means, with respect to any fiscal period, net earnings (or loss) after income taxes of the Company and the Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis for such Persons for such period, provided there shall be excluded:

(a) any net income or gain (or net loss) during such period from any extraordinary items, and

(b) the income (or loss) of any Person (other than a Subsidiary) in which the Company or any Subsidiary has an ownership interest, except to the extent that any such income has been actually received by the Company or such Subsidiary in the form of cash dividends or similar cash distributions.

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Consolidated Net Income Available for Fixed Charges — means, with respect to any fiscal period, the sum of

(a) Consolidated Net Income, plus

(b) the aggregate amount of

(i) income taxes, and

(ii) Consolidated Fixed Charges,

(to the extent, and only to the extent, that such aggregate amount was reflected in the computation of Consolidated Net Income),

in each case accrued for such period by the Company and the Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis for such Persons.

Consolidated Net Worth — means, at any time, the aggregate amount of shareholders’ equity of the Company and the Subsidiaries as would be shown on a consolidated balance sheet of such Persons at such time.

Consolidated Tangible Net Worth — means, at any time, the result of

(a) Consolidated Net Worth, minus

(b) Consolidated Intangible Assets,

determined in each case at such time.

Consolidated Total Assets — means, at any time, the aggregate amount at which all assets of the Company and the Subsidiaries would be shown on a consolidated balance sheet for such Persons at such time.

Consolidated Total Capitalization — means, at any time, the sum of

(a) Consolidated Net Worth, plus

(b) Consolidated Funded Debt,

determined in each case at such time.

Consolidated Total Liabilities — means, at any time, the aggregate amount at which all liabilities of the Company and the Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, (a) all Guaranties of Debt by such Persons and (b) all amounts attributable to Mandatorily Redeemable Stock of the Company and the Subsidiaries to the extent that such Mandatorily Redeemable Stock is redeemable within one year of such time) would be shown on a consolidated balance sheet for such Persons at such time.

Consolidated Working Capital — means, at any time, the result of

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(a) Consolidated Current Assets, minus

(b) Consolidated Current Liabilities,

determined in each case at such time.

Control Event — means

(a) the execution by the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any letter of intent with respect to any proposed transaction or event or series of transactions or events that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Change in Control,

(b) the execution of any written agreement that, when fully performed by the parties thereto, would result in a Change in Control, or

(c) the making of any written offer by any Person to the holders of Voting Stock of the Company which offer, if accepted by the requisite number of such holders, would result in a Change in Control.

Control Prepayment Date — Section 4.3(a).

Credit Facility — means that certain Multi-Year Credit Agreement among the Company, certain of the Subsidiaries, JP Morgan Chase Bank as administrative agent and the lenders party thereto, providing for an aggregate amount of up to nine hundred million dollars ($900,000,000) in loans to the Company, as it may be amended, supplemented, or modified from time to time and any renewal, increase, extension, refunding, restructuring, replacement or refinancing thereof (whether with the original administrative agent and lenders or another administrative agent or agents or one or more other lenders and whether provided under the original Multi-Year Credit Agreement or one or more other credit or other agreements).

Debt — means, at any time, with respect to any Person, without duplication:

(a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money (including, without limitation, all obligations of such Person evidenced by any debenture, bond, note, commercial paper or Security, but also including all such obligations for borrowed money not so evidenced);

(b) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of Property or services, all conditional sale obligations of such Person and all obligations of such Person under any title retention agreements, provided that accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business of such Person shall be excluded from this clause (b);

(c) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person;

(d) all obligations for borrowed money secured by any Lien existing on Property owned by such Person (whether or not such obligations have been assumed by such Person or recourse in respect thereof is available against such Person); and

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(e) any Guaranty of such Person of any obligation or liability of another Person of a type described in any of clause (a) through clause (d), inclusive, of this definition.

Debt of a Person shall include all obligations of such Person of the character described in clause (a) through clause (e) to the extent such Person remains legally liable in respect thereof notwithstanding that any such obligation is deemed to be extinguished under GAAP.

Deeds of Trust — means, collectively, the Utah Deed of Trust, the Virginia Deed of Trust, the South Carolina Deeds of Trust, the North Carolina Deeds of Trust and the Colorado Deed of Trust.

Default — means an event or condition the occurrence of which would, with the lapse of time or the giving of notice or both, become an Event of Default.

Depreciation — means, for any fiscal year of the Company, the aggregate amount of depreciation attributable to the “Improvements” (as such term is defined in the Deeds of Trust) which would be included in the total amount of depreciation that would be shown on a statement of income prepared in respect of the Company and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for such fiscal year.

Distribution — means

(a) any dividend or other distribution, direct or indirect, on account of capital stock of the Company or any Subsidiary (except dividends payable solely in shares of capital stock other than Mandatorily Redeemable Stock of the Company or such Subsidiary), and

(b) any redemption, retirement, purchase or other acquisition, direct or indirect, of any capital stock of the Company or any Subsidiary, or of any warrants, rights or other options to acquire any shares of such capital stock.

Environmental Indemnification Agreement — means one or more environmental indemnification agreements, executed in connection with the original issue of the Notes (as amended from time to time), by each of the Company, Circle Four, Smithfield-Carroll’s Farms, Brown’s Farms, Carroll’s Realty Partnership and Central Plains in favor of the Security Trustee.

Environmental Protection Law — means any federal, state, county, regional or local law, statute, or regulation (including, without limitation, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act, all amendments to any of the foregoing and all rules and regulations issued in connection therewith) enacted in connection with or relating to the protection or regulation of the environment, including, without limitation, those laws, statutes, and regulations regulating the disposal, removal, production, storing, refining, handling, transferring, processing, or transporting of Hazardous Substances, and any regulations, issued or promulgated in connection with such statutes by any Governmental Authority and any orders, decrees or judgments issued by any court of competent jurisdiction in connection with any of the foregoing.

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ERISA — means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.

ERISA Affiliate — means any corporation or trade or business that

(i) is a member of the same controlled group of corporations (within the meaning of section 414(b) of the IRC) as the Company, or

(ii) is under common control (within the meaning of section 414(c) of the IRC) with the Company.

Event of Default — Section 8.1.

Excluded Transfers — Section 6.15(a)(iii).

Existing Note Purchase Agreement — Section 1.1.

Fair Market Value — means, at any time, with respect to any Property, the sale value of such Property that would be realized in an arm’s-length sale at such time between an informed and willing buyer, and an informed and willing seller, under no compulsion to buy or sell, respectively.

Financing Documents — means the Note Purchase Agreements, the Notes, the Joint and Several Guaranty, the Joinder Agreement, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement, the Environmental Indemnification Agreement and the other agreements and instruments to be executed pursuant to the terms of each of such Financing Documents, as each may be amended from time to time.

First Restatement Date — Section 1.2(b).

Fixed Asset Collateral — means each of the Mortgaged Properties and fixtures and other Property located thereon and used in connection therewith, as more particularly described in the Security Documents.

Foreign Pension Plan — means any plan, fund or other similar program

(a) established or maintained outside of the United States of America by any one or more of the Company or the Subsidiaries primarily for the benefit of the employees (substantially all of whom are aliens not residing in the United States of America) of the Company or such Subsidiaries which plan, fund or other similar program provides for retirement income for such employees or results in a deferral of income for such employees in contemplation of retirement, and

(b) not otherwise subject to ERISA.

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Funded Debt — means, at any time, with respect to any Person, without duplication:

(a) all Debt of such Person (including, without limitation, the current portion thereof) that by its terms or by the terms of any instrument or agreement relating thereto matures, or that is otherwise payable or unpaid, more than one (1) year from, or is directly or indirectly renewable or extendible at the option of such Person to a date more than one (1) year (including, without limitation, an option of the debtor under a revolving credit or similar agreement obligating the lender or lenders to extend credit over a period of more than one (1) year) from, the date of the creation of such Debt (notwithstanding that such Debt may be under certain contingencies payable on demand or within one (1) year after such date of creation), provided, however, that, with respect to the Company and the Subsidiaries, such Debt shall exclude the amount outstanding at such time under the Credit Facility and include an amount equal to the Bank Funded Debt Amount at such time;

(b) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person; and

(c) all Debt of such Person of the type specified in clause (e) of the definition of “Debt,” provided that such Debt of such Person is in respect of or in support of Funded Debt of another Person.

GAAP — means generally accepted accounting principles as set forth from time to time in the statements, opinions and pronouncements of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such statements, opinions and pronouncements of such other entities as shall be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession in the United States of America.

Governmental Authority — means

(a) the government of

(i) the United States of America and any state or other political subdivision thereof, or

(ii) any jurisdiction (A) in which the Company or any Subsidiary conducts all or any part of its business or (B) that asserts jurisdiction over the conduct of the affairs or Properties of the Company or any Subsidiary, or

(b) any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of, or pertaining to, any such government.

Great Lakes Cattle Merger — means the merger of The Ohio Feed Lot, Inc. and Great Lakes Cattle Credit Company, LLC, each Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries, into Beef Production Systems, Inc., a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, pursuant to a Certificate of Merger dated as of August 31, 2004 and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on September 13, 2004 so long as on or prior to October 29, 2004, Cattle

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Production Systems, Inc. (formerly Beef Production Systems, Inc.) shall have become party as a guarantor to the Joint and Several Guaranty.

Guarantor — means each of the Original Guarantors, each of the New Guarantors and each other Person that shall have become a “Guarantor” pursuant to the Joint and Several Guaranty.

Guaranty — means, with respect to any Person (for the purposes of this definition, the “Subject Guarantor”), any obligation (except the endorsement in the ordinary course of business of negotiable instruments for deposit or collection) of such Person guaranteeing or in effect guaranteeing any indebtedness, dividend or other obligation of any other Person (the “Primary Obligor”) in any manner (including, without limitation, obligations that arise as a matter of law or otherwise as a result of such Person’s status as a general partner in a partnership or a holder of equity or other Property interest in a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other business operation commonly referred to as a “joint venture”), whether directly or indirectly, including (without limitation) obligations incurred through an agreement, contingent or otherwise, by the Subject Guarantor:

(a) to purchase such indebtedness or obligation or any Property or assets constituting security therefor;

(b) to advance or supply funds

(i) for the purpose of payment of such indebtedness or obligation, or

(ii) to maintain working capital or other balance sheet condition or any income statement condition of the Primary Obligor or otherwise to advance or make available funds for the purchase or payment of such indebtedness or obligation;

(c) to lease Property or to purchase Securities or other Property or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of such indebtedness or obligation of the ability of the Primary Obligor to make payment of the indebtedness or obligation; or

(d) otherwise to assure the owner of the indebtedness or obligation of the Primary Obligor against loss in respect thereof.

For purposes of computing the amount of any Guaranty, in connection with any computation of indebtedness or other liability, it shall be assumed that the indebtedness or other liabilities that are the subject of such Guaranty are direct obligations of the Subject Guarantor.

Hazardous Substances — means any and all pollutants, contaminants, toxic or hazardous wastes or any other substances that might pose a hazard to health or safety, the removal of which may be required or the generation, manufacture, refining, production, processing, treatment, storage, handling, transportation, transfer, use, disposal, release, discharge, spillage, seepage, or filtration of which is or shall be restricted, prohibited or

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penalized by any applicable law (including, without limitation, asbestos, radon gas, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, polychlorinated biphenyls, radioactive materials, petroleum and petroleum derivatives and by-products).

Indemnification Fee — Section 4.1(f)(vi).

Institutional Investor — means each of the Noteholders, any affiliate of any of the Noteholders, and any holder of Notes that is an “accredited investor” as defined in Section 2(15) of the Securities Act.

Intangible Assets — means, with respect to any Person at any time, the following:

(a) patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade names, service marks, brand names, franchises, goodwill, experimental expenses and other similar intangibles;

(b) deferred assets (other than prepaid taxes, prepaid insurance, prepaid contract payments, prepaid license fees and other prepaid expenses which are refundable);

(c) unamortized debt discount and expense; and

(d) all other Property which would be considered to be intangible under GAAP.

Intercreditor Agreement — means that certain intercreditor agreement (as may be amended from time to time), executed in connection with the original issue of the Notes, among the Company, the Guarantors, the Security Trustee and The JP Morgan Chase Bank (formerly The Chase Manhattan Bank), with respect to the Credit Facility,

Investment — means any investment, made in cash or by delivery of Property, by the Company or any Subsidiary:

(a) in any Person, whether by acquisition of stock, indebtedness or other obligation or Security, or by loan, Guaranty, advance, capital contribution or otherwise; or

(b) in any Property.

IRC — means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, together with all rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, as amended from time to time.

IRS — means the Internal Revenue Service and any successor agency.

John Hancock — means John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company.

Joinder Agreement — means that Joinder Agreement, dated as of June 9, 2000, entered into by each of the New Guarantors, relating to the Joint and Several Guaranty.

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Joint and Several Guaranty — means that certain Joint and Several Guaranty, executed in connection with the initial issue of the Notes, by each of the Original Guarantors in favor of the Security Trustee and the holders of the Notes.

Joint Venture Investment — means any Investment by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as a joint venturer or partner in, or lender to, any other Person (other than a Subsidiary) principally engaged in a business in which the Company and its Subsidiaries are permitted by Section 6.18 to be engaged.

Lien — means any interest in Property securing an obligation owed to, or a claim by, a Person other than the owner of the Property, whether such interest is based on the common law, statute or contract, and including but not limited to the security interest lien arising from a mortgage, deed of trust, encumbrance, pledge, conditional sale or trust receipt or a lease, consignment or bailment for security purposes, and the filing of any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code of any jurisdiction, or an agreement to give any of the foregoing. The term “Lien” includes reservations, exceptions, encroachments, easements, rights-of-way, covenants, conditions, restrictions, leases and other title exceptions and encumbrances (including, with respect to stock, stockholder agreements, voting trust agreements, buy-back agreements and all similar arrangements) affecting Property. For the purposes of this definition, each of the Company and the Subsidiaries is deemed to be the owner of any Property that it shall have acquired or holds subject to a conditional sale agreement, Capital Lease or other arrangement pursuant to which title to the Property has been retained by or vested in some other Person for security purposes, and such retention or vesting is deemed a Lien. The term “Lien” does not include negative pledge clauses in agreements relating to the borrowing of money.

Make-Whole Amount — means, at any time,

(a) with respect to a principal amount of Series I Notes and/or Series K Notes being prepaid (in whole or in part) or accelerated, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Discounted Value of the Remaining Scheduled Payments with respect to the Called Principal of the Notes of such Series over the amount of such Called Principal, provided that the Make-Whole Amount may in no event be less than zero;

(b) with respect to a principal amount of Series J Notes being prepaid (in whole or in part) or accelerated, an amount sufficient to compensate the holder of such Series J Notes for its loss of yield, if any, determined in accordance with the mark-to-market conventions then used by such holder; and

(c) with respect to a principal amount of Series L Notes being prepaid (in whole or in part) or accelerated, an amount equal to the applicable percentage set out below of the principal amount of the Notes being prepaid or outstanding at the time of such acceleration, as the case may be:

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If prepayment or acceleration occurs during the period	Percentage of the Principal Amount to be Paid
October 29, 1999 through September 30, 2002	4.5	%
November 1, 2002 through October 31, 2003	3.5	%
November 1, 2003 through October 31, 2004	2.5	%
November 1, 2004 and at all times thereafter	0	%

For purposes of determining the Make-Whole Amount of the Series I Notes and the Series K Notes, the following terms have the following meanings:

Called Principal — means, with respect to any Series I Notes or Series K Notes, the principal of such Note that is to be prepaid pursuant to Section 4.3 or Section 4.4, or has become immediately due and payable pursuant to Section 8.2, as the context requires.

Discounted Value — means, with respect to the Called Principal of any Series I Note or Series K Note, the amount obtained by discounting all Remaining Scheduled Payments with respect to such Called Principal from their respective scheduled due dates to the Settlement Date with respect to such Called Principal, in accordance with accepted financial practice and at a discount factor (applied on the same periodic basis as that on which interest on the Series I Notes or Series K Notes, as applicable, is payable) equal to the Reinvestment Yield with respect to such Called Principal.

Reinvestment Yield — means, with respect to the Called Principal of any Series I Note or any Series K Note, one-half percent (0.50%) over the yield to maturity implied by (a) the yields reported, as of 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the second (2^nd) Business Day preceding the Settlement Date with respect to such Called Principal, on the display designated as “Page 678” on Bridge Telerate (or such other display as may replace “Page 678” on Bridge Telerate) for actively traded U.S. Treasury securities having a maturity equal to the Remaining Average Life of such Called Principal as of such Settlement Date, or (b) if such yields are not reported as of such time or the yields reported as of such time are not ascertainable (including by way of interpolation), the Treasury Constant Maturity Series Yields reported, for the latest day for which such yields have been so reported as of the second (2^nd) Business Day preceding the Settlement Date with respect to such Called Principal, in Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) (or any comparable successor publication) for actively traded U.S. Treasury securities having a constant maturity equal to the Remaining Average Life of such Called Principal as of such Settlement Date. Such implied yield will be determined, if necessary, by (i) converting U.S. Treasury bill quotations to bond-equivalent yields in accordance with accepted financial practice and (ii) interpolating linearly between (x) the actively traded

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U.S. Treasury security with duration closest to and greater than the Remaining Average Life and (y) the actively traded U.S. Treasury security with the duration closest to and less than the Remaining Average Life.

Remaining Average Life — means, with respect to any Called Principal, the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth (1/12^th) year) obtained by dividing (x) such Called Principal into (y) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (a) the principal component of each Remaining Scheduled Payment with respect to such Called Principal by (b) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth (1/12^th) year) that will elapse between the Settlement Date with respect to such Called Principal and the scheduled due date of such Remaining Scheduled Payment.

Remaining Scheduled Payments — means, with respect to the Called Principal of any Series I Note or Series K Note, all payments of such Called Principal and interest thereon that would be due after the Settlement Date with respect to such Called Principal if no payment of such Called Principal were made prior to its scheduled due date, provided that if such Settlement Date is not a date on which interest payments are due to be made under the terms of the Series I Notes or Series K Notes, as applicable, then the amount of the next succeeding scheduled interest payment will be reduced by the amount of interest accrued to such Settlement Date and required to be paid on such Settlement Date pursuant to Section 4.3, Section 4.4 or Section 8.2, as the case may be.

Settlement Date — means, with respect to the Called Principal of any Series I Note or Series K Note, the date on which such Called Principal is to be prepaid or paid pursuant to Section 4.3, Section 4.4 or Section 8.2, as the case may be.

Mandatorily Redeemable Stock — means, with respect to any Person, each share of such Person’s capital stock to the extent that it is (a) redeemable, payable or required to be purchased or otherwise retired or extinguished, or convertible into Debt of such Person (i) at a fixed or determinable date, whether by operation of a sinking fund or otherwise, (ii) at the option of any Person other than such Person or (iii) upon the occurrence of a condition not solely within the control of such Person, such as redemption required to be made out of future earnings or (b) convertible into other Mandatorily Redeemable Stock of such Person.

Material Adverse Effect — means, with respect to any event or circumstance (either individually or in the aggregate with all other events and circumstances), an effect caused thereby or resulting therefrom that would be materially adverse as to, or in respect of

(a) the business, prospects, profits, Properties or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company (individually) or the Company and the Subsidiaries (taken as a whole),

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(b) the ability of the Company to perform its obligations set forth herein and in the Notes or the ability of any Guarantor to perform its obligations under the Joint and Several Guaranty, or

(c) any of the rights or remedies of the holders of the Notes under any Financing Document or the enforceability of any Financing Document against the Company or any Guarantor.

Maximum Legal Rate of Interest — means, with respect to any Note, the maximum rate of interest that the holder of such Note may from time to time legally charge the Company by agreement and in regard to which the Company would be prevented successfully from raising the claim or defense of usury under the Applicable Interest Law as now or hereafter construed by courts having appropriate jurisdiction. The Company acknowledges and agrees that 12 U.S.C. section 2205 provides that institutions of the Farm Credit System are not subject to any interest rate limitation imposed by any state constitution or statute or other laws, and that any such limitations are preempted, and therefore any interest owing under the Notes, to the extent purchased or held by an institution of the Farm Credit System, is not subject to any ceiling.

Moody’s — means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

Morrell — means John Morrell & Co., a Delaware corporation, and its successors and assigns.

Morrell Pension Plans — means, collectively, the defined benefit Pension Plan administered for salaried employees of Morrell and the defined benefit Pension Plan administered for hourly employees of Morrell, in each case as maintained on the First Restatement Date by Morrell.

Mortgaged Properties — means the Circle Four Properties, the Smithfield-Carroll’s Farms Properties, the Brown’s Farms Properties, the Carroll’s Realty Partnership Properties and the Central Plains Properties.

Multiemployer Plan — means any multiemployer plan (as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA) in respect of which the Company or any ERISA Affiliate is an “employer” (as such term is defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA).

Multiple Employer Pension Plan — means any employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA (other than a Multiemployer Plan), subject to Title IV of ERISA, to which the Company or any ERISA Affiliate and an employer (as such term is defined in Section 3 of ERISA) other than an ERISA Affiliate or the Company contribute.

New Guarantors — means Murphy Farms, Inc. and Smithfield Packing Real Estate, LLC.

North Carolina Deeds of Trust — means that certain deed of trust, security agreement and assignment of rents and leases (each as amended from time to time), in

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favor of the Security Trustee, executed in connection with the initial issue of the Notes by each of Brown’s Farms (with respect to the Brown’s Farms Properties in North Carolina), Carroll’s Realty Partnership (with respect to the Carroll’s Realty Partnership Properties in North Carolina) and Smithfield-Carroll’s Farms (with respect to the Smithfield-Carroll’s Farms Properties in North Carolina), securing the indebtedness and obligations of Brown’s Farms, Carroll’s Realty Partnership and Smithfield-Carroll’s Farms, respectively, under the Joint and Several Guaranty and in respect of the Notes with the grant of a first-priority lien (subject to the Liens described in the note at the end of Part 2.2(b) of Annex 2) and encumbering such Properties.

Note — Section 1.1.

Noteholders — Section 1.1.

Note Purchase Agreements — Section 1.2(c).

Obligors — means the Company and the Guarantors.

On-Going Business — means a distinct operating business, whether operated as a division of a larger business operation or operated independently, which regardless of the form of legal entity owns or operates the assets and has the liabilities, of such business.

Operating Lease — means any lease other than a Capital Lease.

Operating Rentals — means, at any time, all fixed and contingent payments (other than amounts constituting the purchase price payable by the lessee to acquire title to the Property which is the subject of a lease) that the lessee is required to make by the terms of any Operating Lease.

Original Guarantors — means Gwaltney of Smithfield, Ltd., Morrell, The Smithfield Packing Company, Incorporated, SFFC, Inc., Patrick Cudahy Incorporated, Carroll’s Foods, Inc., Carroll’s Realty, Inc., Carroll’s Realty Partnership, North Side Foods Corp., Lykes Meat Group, Inc., Circle Four, Brown’s, Brown’s Farms, Carroll’s Foods of Virginia, Inc., Smithfield-Carroll’s Farms and Central Plains.

PBGC — means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and any successor corporation or governmental agency.

Pension Plan — means, at any time, any “employee pension benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA) maintained at such time by the Company or any ERISA Affiliate for employees of the Company or such ERISA Affiliate, excluding any Multiemployer Plan, but including, without limitation any Multiple Employer Pension Plan.

Permitted Distributions — Section 6.12(a).

Permitted Exceptions — means each of the items constituting a “Permitted Exception” in each of the Deeds of Trust.

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Person — means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association, trust, unincorporated organization, or a government or agency or political subdivision thereof.

Property — means any interest in any kind of property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, and whether tangible or intangible.

Purchase Money Lien — means:

(a) a Lien held by any Person (whether or not the seller of such Property) on tangible Property (or a group of related items of Property the substantial portion of which are tangible) acquired or constructed by the Company or any Subsidiary, which Lien secures all or a portion of the related purchase price or construction costs of such Property, provided that such Lien

(i) is created contemporaneously with, or within one hundred eighty (180) days of, such acquisition or construction,

(ii) encumbers only Property purchased or constructed after the First Restatement Date and acquired with the proceeds of the Debt secured thereby, and

(iii) is not thereafter extended to any other Property; and

(b) any Lien existing on Property of any corporation at the time it becomes a Subsidiary, provided that

(i) no such Lien shall extend to or cover any Property other than the Property subject to such Lien at the time of any such transaction, and

(ii) such Lien was not created in contemplation of any such transaction.

Reference Institution — Section 4.1(g)(v).

Required Holders — means, at any time, the holder or holders of at least seventy-five percent (75%) in principal amount of the Notes at the time outstanding (exclusive of Notes then owned by any one or more of the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate), without regard to Series of such outstanding Notes.

Restricted Investments — means, at any time, all Investments except the following:

(a) Investments in existence on the First Restatement Date and described on Part 9.1(RI) of Annex 2;

(b) Investments in certificates of deposit, repurchase agreements and banker’s acceptances issued by an Acceptable Bank, provided that such obligations mature within one (1) year from the date of acquisition thereof;

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(c) Investments in commercial paper that (i) is rated either “P-1” or higher by Moody’s or “A-1” or higher by Standard & Poor’s (or comparable ratings by any comparable successor agency) and (ii) mature not more than two hundred seventy (270) days from the date of creation thereof;

(d) Investments in direct obligations of the United States of America, or any agency thereof, or obligations unconditionally guaranteed by the United States of America, provided that such obligations mature within one (1) year from the date of acquisition thereof;

(e) Investments in Property to be used in the ordinary course of business of the Company and the Subsidiaries;

(f) Investments in one or more Subsidiaries or in any corporation that concurrently with such Investment becomes a Subsidiary; and

(g) Investments in one or more joint ventures that are engaged in the businesses engaged in by the Company and the Subsidiaries on First Restatement Date, provided that the Company and/or one or more of the Subsidiaries maintains significant control over the business operations of such joint venture.

Restricted Payment — means

(a) any Distribution, and

(b) any Subordinated Payment.

Revolving Credit Agreement — means, with respect to the Company or any Subsidiary, a credit or loan agreement to which the Company or such Subsidiary is a party and pursuant to which the Company or such Subsidiary is entitled to obtain working capital loans or other loans from the commercial bank or commercial banks party thereto, and shall include, without limitation, the Credit Facility.

Second Restatement Date — Section 1.2(b).

Securities Act — means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Security — means “security” as defined by Section 2(1) of the Securities Act.

Security Agreements — means those certain separate security agreements, executed in connection with the original issue of the Notes (each as amended or otherwise modified from time to time), by each of Circle Four, Carroll’s Realty Partnership, Smithfield-Carroll’s Farms, Brown’s Farms and Central Plains in favor of the Security Trustee, securing the indebtedness and obligations of each of such Subsidiaries under the Joint and Several Guaranty and in respect of the Notes with a lien encumbering certain personal property of such Guarantors, subject only to prior Liens permitted by such security agreements.

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Security Documents — means the Trust Agreement, the Deeds of Trust, the Security Agreements and the other agreements and instruments to be executed pursuant to the terms of each of such Security Documents, as each may be amended from time to time.

Security Trustee — shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Trust Agreement.

Senior Financial Officer — means the chief financial officer, the principal accounting officer, the controller or the treasurer of the Company.

Senior Officer — means the chairman of the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer, the chief operating officer, the president, the chief financial officer, the general counsel or any vice president of the Company.

Senior Subordinated Debt — means, at any time, the aggregate principal amount of the Company’s Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 outstanding at such time and any additional Debt of the Company outstanding at such time which has subordination provisions and other terms and conditions acceptable to the Required Holders.

Series — means any one or more of the Series I Notes, Series J Notes, Series K Notes or Series L Notes.

Series I Notes — Section 1.1(a).

Series J Fixed Rate — means any one of the following: the Series J 30-Day Fixed Rate, the Series J 60-Day Fixed Rate or the Series J 90-Day Fixed Rate.

Series J LIBOR Base Rate — Section 4.1(f)(vii).

Series J Notes — Section 1.1(b).

Series J Rate — means, at any time, the interest rate applicable to the Series J Notes at such time, as determined in accordance with this Section 4.1(f).

Series J 30-Day Fixed Rate — Section 4.1(f)(vii).

Series J 60-Day Fixed Rate — Section 4.1(f)(vii).

Series J 90-Day Fixed Rate — Section 4.1(f)(vii).

Series J Variable Rate — Section 4.1(f)(vii).

Series K Notes — Section 1.1(c).

Series L Initial Interest Period — Section 4.1(g)(i).

Series L Interest Period — Section 4.1(g)(i).

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Series L LIBOR Base Rate — means, on any date, the per annum London Interbank Offered Rate for three-month United States dollar deposits (truncated to two decimal places) as published in the “Money Rates” column of the Wall Street Journal (or a comparable listing in the Wall Street Journal) on the Business Day immediately preceding such date. If, for any reason, such rate is not available, then “LIBOR” shall mean the rate per annum at which, as determined by the holders of at least fifty-one percent (51%) in principal amount of the Series L Notes at the time outstanding (exclusive of Notes then owned by any one or more of the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate), dollars in the amount of $5,000,000 are being offered to leading banks at approximately 11:00 a.m. London time, two (2) Business Days prior to such date, for settlement in immediately available funds by leading banks in the London interbank market for a period of three months.

Series L Notes — Section 1.1(d).

Series L Rate — means (a) for the Series L Initial Interest Period, 7.70%, and (b) for each Series L Interest Period thereafter, the sum of the Series L LIBOR Base Rate determined with respect to such Series L Interest Period plus one and fifty one-hundredths percent (1.50%) per annum.

Series L Rate Adjustment Date — means the first (1st) day of each January, April, July and October in each year, or if such day is not a Business Day, then the then next succeeding Business Day.

Series L Rate Determination Date — Section 4.1(g)(ii).

Smithfield Canada — means, collectively, Smithfield Canada Limited and 2004171 Ontario Inc., each a corporation governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary.

Smithfield Canada Transfer — means the sale of Smithfield Canada to Maple Leaf Foods, Inc., a corporation governed by the laws of Canada, pursuant to the terms of the Smithfield Canada Transfer Agreement.

Smithfield Canada Transfer Agreement — means that certain Share Purchase Agreement dated as of September 24, 2003 between the Company and Maple Leaf Foods, Inc., a copy of which has been delivered to each of the holders of the Notes outstanding on such date, with such amendments and supplements thereto as may be agreed to by the parties which do not in the aggregate substantially modify the terms of such Share Purchase Agreement so delivered.

Smithfield-Carroll’s Farms — means Smithfield-Carroll’s Farms, a Virginia general partnership, and its successors and assigns.

Smithfield-Carroll’s Farms Properties — means each of the real Properties of Smithfield-Carroll’s Farms listed in Part 2.5(e) of Annex 2 as being owned by it as of the First Restatement Date.

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South Carolina Deeds of Trust — means those certain deeds of trust, security agreements and assignments of rents and leases (each as amended from time to time), in favor of the Security Trustee, executed in connection with the initial issue of the Notes by each of Brown’s Farms (with respect to the Brown’s Farms Properties in South Carolina) and Carroll’s Realty Partnership (with respect to the Carroll’s Realty Partnership Properties in South Carolina), securing the indebtedness and obligations of Brown’s Farms and Carroll’s Realty Partnership under the Joint and Several Guaranty and in respect of the Notes with the grant of a first-priority lien encumbering each of such Properties.

Standard & Poor’s — means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, a division of McGraw-Hill, Inc.

Subordinated Payment — means payments of interest on, or payments or prepayments of principal of, or the setting apart of money for a sinking or other analogous fund for the purchase, redemption, retirement or other acquisition of any principal or interest on (a) Debt of the Company (including, without limitation, Senior Subordinated Debt) or any Guarantor which is subordinate or junior in right of payment or otherwise to the Debt evidenced by the Notes or the Joint and Several Guaranty or (b) Debt owing to any Affiliate.

Subsidiary — means, as to any Person, any corporation, association or other business entity in which such Person or one or more of its Subsidiaries or such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries owns sufficient equity or voting interests to enable it or them (as a group) ordinarily, in the absence of contingencies, to elect a majority of the directors (or Persons performing similar functions) of such entity, and any partnership or joint venture if more than a 50% interest in the profits or capital thereof is owned by such Person or one or more of its Subsidiaries or such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries (unless such partnership can and does ordinarily take major business actions without the prior approval of such Person or one or more of its Subsidiaries). Unless the context otherwise clearly requires, any reference to a “Subsidiary” is a reference to a Subsidiary of the Company.

Subsidiary Stock — Section 6.15(b).

Surviving Corporation — Section 6.14(a)(i).

Third Party Debt — means any and all Debt (other than Debt evidenced by the Notes or the Joint and Several Guaranty).

Trademark Subsidiary — means a Subsidiary that has no material assets other than:

(a) patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and other similar licenses and intangibles used or useful in the conduct of the business of the Company or any Subsidiary;

79

(b) intercompany obligations in its favor obtained in respect of the granting of rights to the Company and the other Subsidiaries with respect to the patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and other similar licenses and intangibles held by it; and

(c) in the case of SF Investments, Inc., a Delaware corporation, certain other assets (including, without limitation, the capital stock of Smithfield Companies, Inc.) that are material but in any event whose primary assets are of the type described in clauses (a) and (b) above.

Transfer — Section 6.15(a).

Trust Agreement — means that certain trust agreement (as amended from time to time) in favor of the Security Trustee, executed in connection with the initial issue of the Notes by the Company and the Guarantors.

USA Patriot Act — means United States Public Law 107-56, Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT ACT) Act of 2001, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder from time to time in effect.

Utah Deed of Trust — means that certain deed of trust, security agreement and assignment of rents and leases (as amended from time to time), by Circle Four in favor of the Security Trustee, executed in connection with the initial issue of the Notes, for the Circle Four Properties located in the State of Utah (, securing Circle Four’s indebtedness and obligations under the Joint and Several Guaranty and in respect of the Notes with a first-priority lien encumbering each of the Circle Four Properties located in the State of Utah.

Virginia Deed of Trust — means that certain deed of trust, security agreement and assignment of rents and leases, by Smithfield-Carroll’s Farms in favor of the Security Trustee, executed in connection with the initial issue of the Notes, for the Smithfield-Carroll’s Farms Properties located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (as amended from time to time), securing Smithfield-Carroll’s Farms’ indebtedness and obligations under the Joint and Several Guaranty and in respect of the Notes with a first-priority lien (subject to the Liens described in the note at the end of Part 2.2(b) of Annex 2) encumbering each of the Smithfield-Carroll’s Farms Properties located in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Voting Stock — means capital stock of any class or classes of a corporation having power under ordinary circumstances to vote for the election of members of the board of directors, or Persons performing similar functions (irrespective of whether or not at the time stock of any of the class or classes shall have or might have special voting power or rights by reason of the happening of any contingency).

Wholly-Owned Subsidiary — means, at any time, any Subsidiary one hundred percent (100%) of all of the equity Securities (except directors’ qualifying shares) and voting Securities of which are owned by any one or more of the Company and the other Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries at such time.

80

9.2. GAAP.

Where the character or amount of any asset or liability or item of income or expense, or any consolidation or other accounting computation is required to be made for any purpose hereunder, it shall be done in accordance with GAAP as in effect on the date of, or at the end of the period covered by, the financial statements from which such asset, liability, item of income, or item of expense, is derived, or, in the case of any such computation, as in effect on the date as of which such computation is required to be determined, provided, that if any term defined herein includes or excludes amounts, items or concepts that would not be included in or excluded from such term if such term were defined with reference solely to GAAP, such term will be deemed to include or exclude such amounts, items or concepts as set forth herein.

9.3. Directly or Indirectly.

Where any provision herein refers to action to be taken by any Person, or that such Person is prohibited from taking, such provision shall be applicable whether such action is taken directly or indirectly by such Person, including actions taken by or on behalf of any partnership in which such Person is a general partner.

9.4. Section Headings, Table of Contents and Construction.

The titles of the Sections and the Table of Contents appear as a matter of convenience only, do not constitute a part hereof and shall not affect the construction hereof. The words “herein,” “hereof,” “hereunder” and “hereto” refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Section or other subdivision. Unless otherwise specified, references to Sections are to Sections of this Agreement, references to Annexes are to Annexes to this Agreement, references to Attachments are to Attachments to this Agreement and references to Exhibits are to Exhibits to this Agreement. Each covenant contained herein shall be construed (absent an express contrary provision herein) as being independent of each other covenant contained herein, and compliance with any one covenant shall not (absent such an express contrary provision) be deemed to excuse compliance with one or more other covenants.

9.5. Governing Law.

EXCEPT AS SUPERCEDED BY APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAW, THIS AGREEMENT AND THE NOTES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, INTERNAL VIRGINIA LAW, EXCLUDING CHOICE-OF-LAW PROVISIONS OF SUCH COMMONWEALTH THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF A JURISDICTION OTHER THAN SUCH COMMONWEALTH.

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10. MISCELLANEOUS.

10.1. Communications.

(a) Method; Address. All communications hereunder or under the Notes shall be in writing and sent by telecopy with receipt thereof confirmed, or by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested (postage prepaid), or by overnight courier, and shall be addressed,

(i) if to the Company,

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

200 Commerce Street

Smithfield, Virginia 23430

Attn:     Mr. C. Larry Pope

Fax:       (757) 365-3023

or at such other address as the Company shall have furnished in writing to all holders of the Notes at the time outstanding,

(ii) if to any Guarantor,

c/o Smithfield Foods, Inc.

200 Commerce Street

Smithfield, Virginia 23430

Attn:     Mr. C. Larry Pope

Fax:       (757) 365-3023

or at such other address as such Guarantor shall have furnished in writing to all holders of the Notes at the time outstanding,

(iii) if to any of the holders of the Notes,

(A) if such holders are the Noteholders, at their respective addresses set forth on Annex 1, and further including any parties referred to on Annex 1 that are required to receive notices in addition to such holders of the Notes, and

(B) if such holders are not the Noteholders, at their respective addresses set forth in the register for the registration and transfer of Notes maintained pursuant to Section 5.1,

or to any such party at such other address as such party may designate by notice duly given in accordance with this Section 10.1 to the Company and the Guarantors (which other address shall be entered in such register).

(b) When Given. Any communication so addressed and deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail (in each case, with

82

return receipt requested) shall be deemed to be received on the third (3rd) succeeding Business Day after the day of such deposit (not including the date of such deposit). Any communication so addressed and delivered otherwise shall be deemed to be received when actually received at the address of the addressee.

10.2. Reproduction of Documents.

This Agreement and the other Financing Documents, and all documents relating hereto and thereto, including, without limitation, (a) consents, waivers and modifications that may hereafter be executed, (b) documents received by you at the closing of your purchase of the Notes (except the Notes themselves) and (c) financial statements, certificates and other information previously or hereafter furnished to you or any other holder of Notes, may be reproduced by any holder of Notes by any photographic, photostatic, microfilm, micro-card, miniature photographic, digital or other similar process and each holder of Notes may destroy any original document so reproduced. The Company and the Guarantors agree and stipulate that any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding (whether or not the original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by such holder of Notes in the regular course of business) and that any enlargement, facsimile or further reproduction of such reproduction shall likewise be admissible in evidence.

10.3. Survival.

All warranties, representations, certifications and covenants made by the Company and the Guarantors herein and in the other Financing Documents or in any certificate or other instrument delivered by the Company or the Guarantors or on their behalf pursuant to any of the Financing Documents shall be considered to have been relied upon by you and shall survive the delivery to you of the Notes regardless of any investigation made by you or on your behalf. All statements in any such certificate or other instrument shall constitute warranties and representations by the Company and the Guarantors hereunder.

10.4. Successors and Assigns.

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of each of the parties hereto. The provisions hereof are intended to be for the benefit of all holders, from time to time, of Notes, and shall be enforceable by any such holder, whether or not an express assignment to such holder of rights hereunder shall have been made by you or your successor or assign.

10.5. Amendment and Waiver.

(a) Requirements. This Agreement may be amended, and the observance of any term hereof may be waived, with (and only with) the written consent of the Company and the Required Holders; provided that no such amendment or waiver of any of the provisions of Section 1 through Section 4 hereof, inclusive, shall be effective as to any holder of Notes unless consented to by such holder in writing; and provided further that no such amendment or waiver shall, without the written consent of the holders of all Notes (exclusive of Notes held by the Company or any Subsidiary) at the time outstanding,

(i) subject to Section 8.2, change the amount or time of any prepayment or payment of principal or Make-Whole Amount or the rate or time of payment of interest,

83

(ii) amend Section 8,

(iii) amend this Section 10.5, or

(iv) release any Guarantor from its obligations set forth in the Joint and Several Guaranty.

The holder of any Note may specify that any such written consent executed by it shall be effective only with respect to a portion of the Notes held by it (in which case it shall specify, by dollar amount, the aggregate principal amount of Notes with respect to which such consent shall be effective) and in the event of any such specification such holder shall be deemed to have executed such written consent only with respect to the portion of the Notes so specified.

(b) Solicitation of Noteholders.

(i) Solicitation. The Company will not negotiate with any holder of the Notes with respect to a material matter, nor will it solicit, request or negotiate in writing with respect to any proposed waiver or amendment of any of the provisions hereof or the Notes or any other Financing Document, unless each holder of the Notes (irrespective of the amount of Notes then owned by it) shall be informed thereof by the Company with sufficient information to enable it to make an informed decision with respect thereto. Executed or true and correct copies of any waiver or consent effected pursuant to the provisions of this Section 10.5 shall be delivered by the Company to each holder of outstanding Notes forthwith following the date on which the same shall have been executed and delivered by all holders of outstanding Notes required to consent or agree to such waiver or consent.

(ii) Payment. The Company shall not, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any remuneration, whether by way of supplemental or additional interest, fee or otherwise, or grant any security, to any holder of Notes as consideration for or as an inducement to the entering into by any holder of Notes of any waiver or amendment of any of the terms and provisions hereof unless such remuneration is concurrently paid, or security is concurrently granted, on the same terms, ratably to the holders of all Notes then outstanding.

(iii) Scope of Consent. Any consent made pursuant to this Section 10.5 by a holder of Notes that has transferred or has agreed to transfer its Notes to the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate and has provided or has agreed to provide such written consent as a condition to such transfer shall be void and of

84

no force and effect except solely as to such holder, and any amendments effected or waivers granted or to be effected or granted that would not have been or would not be so effected or granted but for such consent (and the consents of all other holders of Notes that were acquired under the same or similar conditions) shall be void and of no force and effect, retroactive to the date such amendment or waiver initially took or takes effect, except solely as to such holder.

(c) Binding Effect. Except as provided in Section 10.5(b), any amendment or waiver consented to as provided in this Section 10.5 shall apply equally to all holders of Notes and shall be binding upon them and upon each future holder of any Note and upon the Company whether or not such Note shall have been marked to indicate such amendment or waiver. No such amendment or waiver shall extend to or affect any obligation, covenant, agreement, Default or Event of Default not expressly amended or waived or impair any right consequent thereon.

10.6. Payments, When Received.

(a) Payments Due on Holidays. If any payment due on, or with respect to, any Note shall fall due on a day other than a Business Day, then such payment shall be made on the first Business Day following the day on which such payment shall have so fallen due; provided that if all or any portion of such payment shall consist of a payment of interest, for purposes of calculating such interest, such payment shall be deemed to have been originally due on such first following Business Day, and such interest shall accrue and be payable to (but not including) the actual date of payment.

(b) Payments, When Received. Any payment actually received by you before 11:00 a.m., New York time, by federal funds wire transfer on any Business Day, shall be deemed to have been received by you on such day. Any payment actually received by you at or after 11:00 a.m., New York time, by federal funds wire transfer on any Business Day, shall be deemed to have been received on the next following Business Day. All payments received by you on a day other than a Business Day, or in a manner other than by federal funds wire transfer, shall be deemed to have been received by you on the Business Day such amounts actually become available to you prior to 11:00 a.m., New York time.

10.7. Entire Agreement.

This Agreement constitutes the final written expression of all of the terms hereof and is a complete and exclusive statement of those terms.

10.8. Duplicate Originals, Execution in Counterpart.

Two or more duplicate originals hereof may be signed by the parties, each of which shall be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts and shall be effective when at least one counterpart shall have been executed by each party hereto, and each set of counterparts which, collectively, show execution by each party hereto shall constitute one duplicate original.

85

If this Agreement is satisfactory to you, please so indicate by signing the acceptance at the foot of a counterpart hereof and returning such counterpart to the Company, whereupon this Agreement shall become binding among us in accordance with its terms.

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
By:	/s/ Daniel G. Stevens
Name:	Daniel G. Stevens
Title:	Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

[Signature Page to Second Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement (I-L)]

The undersigned hereby ratify and confirm their obligations pursuant to the Joint and Several Guaranty (as defined in the foregoing Second Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) and consent to the amendments effected by the Agreement.

CODDLE ROASTED MEATS, INC.

GWALTNEY OF SMITHFIELD, LTD.

HANCOCK’S OLD FASHIONED COUNTRY HAM, INC.

IOWA QUALITY MEATS, LTD.

JOHN MORRELL & CO.

LYKES MEAT GROUP, INC.

MOYER PACKING COMPANY

NORTH SIDE FOODS CORP.

PACKERLAND HOLDINGS, INC.

PACKERLAND PROCESSING COMPANY, INC.

PACKERLAND-PLAINWELL, INC. (f/k/a Murco Foods, Inc.)

PATRICK CUDAHY INCORPORATED

PREMIUM PORK, INC.

QUIK-TO-FIX FOODS, INC.

SFFC, INC.

SMITHFIELD PURCHASE CORPORATION (successor by merger to Carroll’s Realty, Inc.)

STADLER’S COUNTRY HAMS, INC.

SUN LAND BEEF COMPANY

SUNNYLAND, INC.

THE SMITHFIELD COMPANIES, INC.

THE SMITHFIELD PACKING COMPANY INCORPORATED

MURPHY-BROWN LLC
By:	John Morrell & Co., as sole member
MURPHY FARMS LLC
QUARTER M FARMS LLC
CARROLL’S FOODS OF VIRGINIA LLC
CARROLL’S FOODS LLC
CIRCLE FOUR LLC
CENTRAL PLAINS FARMS LLC
BROWN’S OF CAROLINA LLC
By:	Murphy-Brown LLC, as sole member
By:	John Morrell & Co., as sole member
BROWN’S FARMS, LLC
By:	Brown’s of Carolina LLC, as sole member
By:	Murphy-Brown LLC, as sole member
By:	John Morrell & Co., as sole member
CARROLL’S REALTY PARTNERSHIP
By:	Smithfield Purchase Corporation, as general partner
SMITHFIELD PACKING REAL ESTATE, LLC
By:	The Smithfield Packing Company Incorporated, as sole member

[Signature Page to Second Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement (I-L)]

CATTLE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS, INC.
By:	Packerland Holdings, Inc., as sole member
SMITHFIELD-CARROLL’S FARMS
By:	Smithfield Purchase Corporation, as general partner
BROWN’S REALTY PARTNERSHIP
By:	Brown’s Farms, LLC, its partner
By:	Brown’s of Carolina LLC, its sole member and manager
By:	Murphy-Brown LLC, its sole member and manager
By:	John Morrell & Co., as sole member
	and
By:	Smithfield Purchase Corporation, its partner
SMITHFIELD PACKING REALTY PARTNERSHIP
By:	Smithfield Packing Real Estate, LLC, its partner
By:	The Smithfield Packing Company, Incorporated, its sole member and manager
	and
By:	Smithfield Purchase Corporation, its partner

By:	/s/ Daniel G. Stevens
Name:	Daniel G. Stevens
Title:	Vice President

[Signature Page to Second Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement (I-L)]

Accepted:

JOHN HANCOCK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

By:	/s/ Kenneth Warlick
Name:	Kenneth Warlick
Title:	Managing Director

JOHN HANCOCK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

(on behalf of Private Placement Separate Account 1Z)

By:	/s/ Kenneth Warlick
Name:	Kenneth Warlick
Title:	Managing Director

SIGNATURE 4 LIMITED

By: John Hancock Life Insurance Company, Portfolio Advisor

By:	/s/ Kenneth Warlick
Name:	Kenneth Warlick
Title:	Managing Director

SIGNATURE 1A (CAYMAN), LTD.

By: John Hancock Life Insurance Company, Portfolio Advisor

By:	/s/ Kenneth Warlick
Name:	Kenneth Warlick
Title:	Managing Director

SIGNATURE 6 LIMITED

By: John Hancock Life Insurance Company, as Portfolio Advisor

By:	/s/ Kenneth Warlick
Name:	Kenneth Warlick
Title:	Managing Director

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK,

as Directed Trustee for the AT&T Long-Term Investment Trust

By:	/s/ Mark Carnevale
Name:	Mark Carnevale
Title:	Vice President

[Signature Page to Second Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement (I-L)]

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA STATE EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM
By:	John Hancock Life Insurance Company, as Investment Advisor
By:	/s/ Kenneth Warlick
Name:	Kenneth Warlick
Title:	Managing Director
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
By:	/s/ Kenneth Warlick
Name:	Kenneth Warlick
Title:	Managing Director
INVESTORS PARTNER LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
By:	/s/ Kenneth Warlick
Name:	Kenneth Warlick
Title:	Managing Director
CAPE FEAR FARM CREDIT, ACA
By:	/s/ Randy T. Pope
Name:	Randy T. Pope
Title:	Vice President
THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
By:	AIG Global Investment Corp., Investment Adviser
By:	/s/ Peter DeFazio
Name:	Peter DeFazio
Title:	Vice President

[Signature Page to Second Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement (I-L)]

ANNEX 1

INFORMATION AS TO NOTEHOLDERS

Current Noteholder	JOHN HANCOCK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series K: $15,500,000 Series L: $15,000,000
Payment on Account of Note Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	Bank One, Illinois ABA # 071-100-269 For the Account of John Hancock Collection Account Account # 617423884 On the Order of: Smithfield Foods, Inc.
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:	SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:	8.44% Series K Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009
	PPN:	832248 D@ 4
	Description of Security:	LIBOR Rate Series L Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009
	PPN:	832248 D# 2
	Due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	John Hancock Life Insurance Company 201 Knollwood Drive, Suite A Champaign, IL 61820-7594 Attn: Accounting Fax: (217) 356-1031 with a copy to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Bond & Corporate Finance Group, T-57 Fax: (617) 572-1605 and: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Investment Law Division, T-50 Fax: (617) 572-9268
Address for All other Notices	John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Bond & Corporate Finance Group, T-57 Fax: (617) 572-1605

Annex 1-1

Current Noteholder	JOHN HANCOCK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Other Instructions	JOHN HANCOCK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
	By:
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	04-1414660

Annex 1-2

Current Noteholder	JOHN HANCOCK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY (ON BEHALF OF PRIVATE PLACEMENT SEPARATE ACCOUNT 1Z)
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series K: $1,000,000 Series L: $1,000,000
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	Bank One, Illinois ABA # 071-100-269 For the Account of John Hancock Collection Account Account # 617423884 On the Order of: Smithfield Foods, Inc.
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:	SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:	8.44% Series K Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009
	PPN:	832248 D@ 4
	Description of Security:	LIBOR Rate Series L Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009
	PPN:	832248 D# 2
	Due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	John Hancock Life Insurance Company 201 Knollwood Drive, Suite A Champaign, IL 61820-7594 Attn: Accounting Fax: (217) 356-1031 with a copy to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Bond & Corporate Finance Group, T-57 Fax: (617) 572-1605 and: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Investment Law Division, T-50 Fax: (617) 572-9268
Address for All other Notices	John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Bond & Corporate Finance Group, T-57 Fax: (617) 572-1605

Other Instructions	JOHN HANCOCK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY (ON BEHALF OF PRIVATE PLACEMENT SEPARATE ACCOUNT 1Z)
	By:
	Name:
	Title:

Annex 1-3

Current Noteholder	JOHN HANCOCK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY (ON BEHALF OF PRIVATE PLACEMENT SEPARATE ACCOUNT 1Z)
Tax Identification Number	04-1414660

Annex 1-4

Current Noteholder	SIGNATURE 4 LIMITED
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series K: $10,000,000
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	Bank One, Illinois ABA # 071-100-269 For the Account of John Hancock Collection Account Account # 617423884 On the Order of: Smithfield Foods, Inc.
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:	SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:	8.44% Series K Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009
	PPN:	832248 D@ 4
	Due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	John Hancock Life Insurance Company 201 Knollwood Drive, Suite A Champaign, IL 61820-7594 Attn: Accounting Fax: (217) 356-1031 with a copy to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Bond & Corporate Finance Group, T-57 Fax: (617) 572-1605 and: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Investment Law Division, T-50 Fax: (617) 572-9268
Address for All other Notices	John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Bond & Corporate Finance Group, T-57 Fax: (617) 572-1605

Other Instructions	SIGNATURE 4 LIMITED
	By:	John Hancock Life Insurance Company, Portfolio Advisor
	By:
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	None

Annex 1-5

Current Noteholder	SIGNATURE 1A (CAYMAN), LTD.
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series L: $3,500,000
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	Bankers Trust Company ABA # 021-001-033 Account #99-911-145 For further credit to: Bankers Trust Company, as Indenture Trustee for Signature 1A (Cayman), Ltd., Account #98016
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:	SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:	LIBOR Rate Series L Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009
	PPN Number:	832248 D# 2
	Due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Manager, Investment Accounting Division, B-3 Fax: (617) 572-0268 with a copy to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Investment Law Division, T-50 Fax: (617) 572-9268
Address for All other Notices	John Hancock Life Insurance Company, Portfolio Advisor 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: George H. Braun Bond and Corporate Finance Group, T-57 Fax: (617) 572-1605

Other Instructions	SIGNATURE 1A (CAYMAN), LTD.
	By:	John Hancock Life Insurance Company, Portfolio Advisor
	By:
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	None

Annex 1-6

Current Noteholder	SIGNATURE 6 LIMITED
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series K: $2,000,000 Series L: $1,000,000
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	Northern CHGO/Trust ABA # 071-000-152 Credit wire account # 5186041000 FFC: Signature 6 Account # 2611449 On order of: (See “Accompanying information” below)
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:	SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:	8.44% Series K Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009
	PPN:	832248 D@ 4
	Description of Security:	LIBOR Rate Series L Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009
	PPN:	832248 D# 2
	Due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	Via fax and mail to: The Northern Trust Company 801 South Canal Street, C-1N Chicago, IL 60607 Attn: Oscell Owens Gretta Johnson Fax: 312-630-8179
Address for All Other Notices	Via fax and mail to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Bond and Corporate Finance Group, T-57 Fax: 617-572-5068 Copies of any notices regarding changes in issuer’s name, address or principal place of business or location of collateral, via fax and mail, to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Investment Law Division, T-30 Fax: 617-572-9269
Other Instructions	SIGNATURE 6 LIMITED
	By:	John Hancock Life Insurance Company, as Portfolio Advisor
	By:
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	None

Annex 1-7

Current Noteholder	JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, AS DIRECTED TRUSTEE FOR THE AT&T LONG-TERM INVESTMENT TRUST
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series K: $3,000,000 Series L: $2,000,000
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	[            ]
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:	SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:	8.44% Series K Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009
	PPN:	832248 D@ 4
	Description of Security:	LIBOR Rate Series L Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009
	PPN:	832248 D# 2
	Due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	[            ]
Address for All other Notices	John Hancock Financial Services, Inc. 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Scott Hartz, Bond and Corporate Finance Dept., T-57 Fax: (617) 572-9269 with a copy to: John Hancock Financial Services, Inc. John Hancock Place 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Investment Law Division, T-50 Fax: (617) 572-9269

Other Instructions	JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, as Directed Trustee for the AT&T Long-Term Investment Trust
	By
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	13-3187026

Annex 1-8

Current Noteholder	COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA STATE EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series K: $2,000,000 Series L: $1,000,000
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	Bank One, Illinois ABA # 071-100-269 For the Account of John Hancock Collection Account Account # 617423884 On the Order of: Smithfield Foods, Inc.
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:	SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:	8.44% Series K Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009
	PPN:	832248 D@ 4
	Description of Security:	LIBOR Rate Series L Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009
	PPN:	832248 D# 2
	Due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	John Hancock Life Insurance Company 201 Knollwood Drive, Suite A Champaign, IL 61820-7594 Attn: Accounting Fax: (217) 356-1031 with a copy to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Bond & Corporate Finance Group, T-57 Fax: (617) 572-1605 and: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Investment Law Division, T-50 Fax: (617) 572-9268
Address for All other Notices	John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Bond & Corporate Finance Group, T-57 Fax: (617) 572-1605

Other Instructions	COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA STATE EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM
	By:	John Hancock Life Insurance Company, as Investment Advisor
	By:
	Name:
	Title:

Annex 1-9

Current Noteholder	COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA STATE EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM
Tax Identification Number	23-1732438

Annex 1-10

Current Noteholder	JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series K: $1,000,000 Series L: $1,000,000
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	Bank One, Illinois ABA # 071-100-269 For the Account of John Hancock Collection Account Account # 617423884 On the Order of: Smithfield Foods, Inc.
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:	SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:	8.44% Series K Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009
	PPN:	832248 D@ 4
	Description of Security:	LIBOR Rate Series L Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009
	PPN:	832248 D# 2
	Due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	John Hancock Life Insurance Company 201 Knollwood Drive, Suite A Champaign, IL 61820-7594 Attn: Accounting Fax: (217) 356-1031 with a copy to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Bond & Corporate Finance Group, T-57 Fax: (617) 572-1605 and: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Investment Law Division, T-50 Fax: (617) 572-9268
Address for All other Notices	John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Bond & Corporate Finance Group, T-57 Fax: (617) 572-1605

Other Instructions	JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
	By:
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	04-2664016

Annex 1-11

Current Noteholder	INVESTORS PARTNER LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series K: $500,000 Series L: $500,000
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	Bank One, Illinois ABA # 071-100-269 For the Account of John Hancock Collection Account Account # 617423884 On the Order of: Smithfield Foods, Inc.
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:	SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:	8.44% Series K Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009
	PPN:	832248 D@ 4
	Description of Security:	LIBOR Rate Series L Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009
	PPN:	832248 D# 2
	Due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	John Hancock Life Insurance Company 201 Knollwood Drive, Suite A Champaign, IL 61820-7594 Attn: Accounting Fax: (217) 356-1031 with a copy to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Bond & Corporate Finance Group, T-57 Fax: (617) 572-1605 and: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Investment Law Division, T-50 Fax: (617) 572-9268
Address for All other Notices	John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Bond & Corporate Finance Group, T-57 Fax: (617) 572-1605

Other Instructions	INVESTORS PARTNER LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
	By:
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	13-3072894

Annex 1-12

Current Noteholder	CAPE FEAR FARM CREDIT, ACA
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series I: $50,000,000 Series J: $25,000,000
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	Federal Reserve: Richmond ABA # 053-905-974 Account Name: AgFirst Farm Credit Bank Short Name: AGFIRST FCB Customer Name: Smithfield Foods, Inc.
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:	SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:	7.89% Series I Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009
	PPN:	832248 C# 3
	Description of Security:	Variable Rate Series J Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009
	PPN:	832248 D* 6
	Due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	Randy T. Pope, Vice President Cape Fear Farm Credit, ACA 1780 Southeast Boulevard Clinton, NC 28329
	Tel: (910) 592-4527 Fax: (910) 592-3435
Address for All other Notices	Randy T. Pope, Vice President Cape Fear Farm Credit, ACA 1780 Southeast Boulevard Clinton, NC 28329
	Tel: (910) 592-4527 Fax: (910) 592-3435
Other Instructions	CAPE FEAR FARM CREDIT, ACA

	By
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	[            ]

Annex 1-13

Current Noteholder	THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series K: $10,000,000
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	ABA # 011-000-028 State Street Bank and Trust Company Boston, MA 02101 Re: The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company AC-0125-821-9 Fund Number PA 54
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:	SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:	8.44% Series K Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009
	PPN:	832248 D@ 4
	Due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company and PA 54 c/o State Street Bank and Trust Company Insurance Services Custody (AH2) 801 Pennsylvania Kansas City, Missouri 64105
	Fax: (816) 691-3619
	with a copy to:
	The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company c/o American General Corporation 2929 Allen Parkway Houston, TX 77019-2155
	Attn: Investment Research Department, A37-01
	Fax: (713) 831-1366
Address for All other Notices	The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company c/o American General Corporation 2929 Allen Parkway Houston, TX 77019-2155 Attn: Investment Research Department, A37-01
	Fax: (713) 831-1366
Other Instructions	AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE COMPANY THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
	By: AIG Global Investment Corp., Investment Adviser

	By
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	74-1625348

Annex 1-14

Current Noteholder	AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE COMPANY
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series K: $5,000,000
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	ABA #011-000-028 State Street Bank and Trust Company Boston, MA 02101 re: American General Life and Accident Insurance Company AC-348-17924 Fund Number PA 88
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:	SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:	8.44% Series K Senior Secured Notes due October 1, 2009
	PPN:	832248 D@ 4
	Due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	American General Life and Accident Insurance Company and PA 88 c/o State Street Bank and Trust Company Insurance Services Custody (AH2) 801 Pennsylvania Kansas City, Missouri 64105
	Fax: (816) 691-3619
	with a copy to:
	American General Life and Accident Insurance Company c/o American General Corporation 2929 Allen Parkway Houston, TX 77019-2155 Attn: Investment Research Department, A37-01
	Fax: (713) 831-1366
Address for All other Notices	Independent Life and Accident Insurance Company c/o American General Corporation 2929 Allen Parkway Houston, TX 77019-2155 Attn: Investment Research Department, A37-01
	Fax: (713) 831-1366
Other Instructions	AMERICAN GENERAL LIFE AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE COMPANY THE VARIABLE ANNUITY LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
	By: AIG Global Investment Corp., Investment Adviser

	By
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	59-0302660

Annex 1-15

EXHIBIT A1

[FORM OF SERIES I SENIOR SECURED NOTE]

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

7.89% SERIES I SENIOR SECURED NOTE DUE OCTOBER 1, 2009

No. RI-[    ]	[Date]
$[            ]	PPN: 832248 C# 3

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC., a Virginia corporation (the “Company”), for value received, hereby promises to pay to [                    ] or registered assigns the principal sum of [                    ] DOLLARS ($[            ]) on October 1, 2009 and to pay interest (computed on the basis of a 360-day year and actual days elapsed) on the unpaid principal balance thereof from the date of this Note at the rate of seven and eighty-nine one-hundredths percent (7.89%) per annum, quarterly on the first (1st) day of January, April, July and October in each year, commencing on the later of January 1, 2000 and the payment date next succeeding the date hereof, until the principal amount hereof shall become due and payable; and to pay on demand interest on any overdue principal (including any overdue prepayment of principal) and Make-Whole Amount, if any, and (to the extent permitted by applicable law) on any overdue installment of interest, at a rate equal to the lesser of (a) the Maximum Legal Rate of Interest or (b) nine and eighty-nine one-hundredths percent (9.89%) per annum.

Payments of principal, Make-Whole Amount, if any, and interest shall be made in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts to the registered holder hereof at the address shown in the register maintained by the Company for such purpose, in the manner provided in the Note Purchase Agreement referred to below.

This Note is one of an issue of Series I Senior Secured Notes of the Company issued in an aggregate principal amount limited to One Hundred Million Dollars ($100,000,000) pursuant to the Company’s separate Note Purchase Agreements (collectively, as may be amended from time to time, the “Note Purchase Agreement”), each dated as of October 27, 1999, with the purchasers listed on Annex 1 thereto, and is entitled to the benefits thereof. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings specified in the Note Purchase Agreement. As provided in the Note Purchase Agreement, this Note is subject to prepayment, in whole or in part, in certain cases without a Make-Whole Amount and in other cases with a Make-Whole Amount. The Company agrees to make the scheduled required prepayments on account of such Notes in accordance with the provisions of the Note Purchase Agreement.

This Note is a registered Note and is transferable only by surrender hereof at the principal office of the Company as specified in the Note Purchase Agreement, duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer duly executed by the registered holder of this Note or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

Exhibit A1-1

Under certain circumstances, as specified in the Note Purchase Agreement, the principal of this Note (together with any applicable Make-Whole Amount) may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Note Purchase Agreement.

The Company waives presentment, protest and demand, notice of protest, demand and dishonor and agrees to pay all costs of collection when incurred (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) and to perform and comply with each of the covenants, conditions, provisions and agreements of the undersigned contained in every Financing Document. Notwithstanding any provision herein or in any instrument now or hereafter securing said indebtedness, the total liability for payments in the nature of interest shall not exceed the limits imposed by the usury laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

This Note is secured in accordance with, and entitled to the benefits of, the Security Documents.

All obligations evidenced by the Note are guarantied by the Guarantors pursuant to the Joint and Several Guaranty.

THIS AGREEMENT AND THE NOTES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, INTERNAL VIRGINIA LAW, EXCLUDING CHOICE-OF-LAW PROVISIONS OF SUCH COMMONWEALTH THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF A JURISDICTION OTHER SUCH COMMONWEALTH.

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

By:

Name:

Title:

Exhibit A1-2

EXHIBIT A2

[FORM OF VARIBLE RATE SERIES J SENIOR SECURED NOTE]

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

VARIABLE RATE SERIES J SENIOR SECURED NOTE DUE OCTOBER 1, 2009

No. RJ-[    ]	[Date]
$[            ]	PPN: 832248 D* 6

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC., a Virginia corporation (the “Company”), for value received, hereby promises to pay to [                    ] or registered assigns the principal sum of [                    ] DOLLARS ($[            ]) on October 1, 2009 and to pay interest (computed on the basis of a 360-day year and actual days elapsed) on the unpaid principal balance thereof from the date of this Note at the Series J Rate as provided in the Note Purchase Agreement referred to below, quarterly on the first (1st) day of January, April, July and October in each year, commencing on the later of January 1, 2000 and the payment date next succeeding the date hereof, until the principal amount hereof shall become due and payable; and to pay on demand interest on any overdue principal (including any overdue prepayment of principal) and Make-Whole Amount, if any, and (to the extent permitted by applicable law) on any overdue installment of interest, at a rate equal to the rate provided in Section 4.1(b) of the Note Purchase Agreement referred to below in respect of such overdue amounts.

Payments of principal, Make-Whole Amount, if any, and interest shall be made in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts to the registered holder hereof at the address shown in the register maintained by the Company for such purpose, in the manner provided in the Note Purchase Agreement referred to below.

This Note is one of an issue of Series J Senior Secured Notes of the Company issued in an aggregate principal amount limited to Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000) pursuant to the Company’s separate Note Purchase Agreements (collectively, as may be amended from time to time, the “Note Purchase Agreement”), each dated as of October 27, 1999, with the purchasers listed on Annex 1 thereto, and is entitled to the benefits thereof. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings specified in the Note Purchase Agreement. As provided in the Note Purchase Agreement, this Note is subject to prepayment, in whole or in part, in certain cases without a Make-Whole Amount and in other cases with a Make-Whole Amount. The Company agrees to make the scheduled required prepayments on account of such Notes in accordance with the provisions of the Note Purchase Agreement.

This Note is a registered Note and is transferable only by surrender hereof at the principal office of the Company as specified in the Note Purchase Agreement, duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer duly executed by the registered holder of this Note or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

Exhibit A2-1

Under certain circumstances, as specified in the Note Purchase Agreement, the principal of this Note (together with any applicable Make-Whole Amount) may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Note Purchase Agreement.

The Company waives presentment, protest and demand, notice of protest, demand and dishonor and agrees to pay all costs of collection when incurred (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) and to perform and comply with each of the covenants, conditions, provisions and agreements of the undersigned contained in every Financing Document. Notwithstanding any provision herein or in any instrument now or hereafter securing said indebtedness, the total liability for payments in the nature of interest shall not exceed the limits imposed by the usury laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

This Note is secured in accordance with, and entitled to the benefits of, the Security Documents.

All obligations evidenced by the Note are guarantied by the Guarantors pursuant to the Joint and Several Guaranty.

THIS AGREEMENT AND THE NOTES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, INTERNAL VIRGINIA LAW, EXCLUDING CHOICE-OF-LAW PROVISIONS OF SUCH COMMONWEALTH THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF A JURISDICTION OTHER SUCH COMMONWEALTH.

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

By:

Name:

Title:

Exhibit A2-2

EXHIBIT A3

[FORM OF SERIES K SENIOR SECURED NOTE]

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

8.44% SERIES K SENIOR SECURED NOTE DUE OCTOBER 1, 2009

No. RK-[    ]	[Date]
$[            ]	PPN: 832248 D@ 4

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC., a Virginia corporation (the “Company”), for value received, hereby promises to pay to [                    ] or registered assigns the principal sum of [                    ] DOLLARS ($[            ]) on October 1, 2009 and to pay interest (computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months) on the unpaid principal balance thereof from the date of this Note at the rate of eight and forty-four one-hundredths percent (8.44%) per annum, quarterly on the first (1st) day of January, April, July and October in each year, commencing on the later of January 1, 2000 and the payment date next succeeding the date hereof, until the principal amount hereof shall become due and payable; and to pay on demand interest on any overdue principal (including any overdue prepayment of principal) and Make-Whole Amount, if any, and (to the extent permitted by applicable law) on any overdue installment of interest, at a rate equal to the lesser of (a) the Maximum Legal Rate of Interest or (b) ten and forty-four one-hundredths percent (10.44%) per annum.

Payments of principal, Make-Whole Amount, if any, and interest shall be made in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts to the registered holder hereof at the address shown in the register maintained by the Company for such purpose, in the manner provided in the Note Purchase Agreement referred to below.

This Note is one of an issue of Series K Senior Secured Notes of the Company issued in an aggregate principal amount limited to Fifty Million Dollars ($50,000,000) pursuant to the Company’s separate Note Purchase Agreements (collectively, as may be amended from time to time, the “Note Purchase Agreement”), each dated as of October 27, 1999, with the purchasers listed on Annex 1 thereto, and is entitled to the benefits thereof. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings specified in the Note Purchase Agreement. As provided in the Note Purchase Agreement, this Note is subject to prepayment, in whole or in part, in certain cases without a Make-Whole Amount and in other cases with a Make-Whole Amount. The Company agrees to make the scheduled required prepayments on account of such Notes in accordance with the provisions of the Note Purchase Agreement.

This Note is a registered Note and is transferable only by surrender hereof at the principal office of the Company as specified in the Note Purchase Agreement, duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer duly executed by the registered holder of this Note or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

Exhibit A3-1

Under certain circumstances, as specified in the Note Purchase Agreement, the principal of this Note (together with any applicable Make-Whole Amount) may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Note Purchase Agreement.

The Company waives presentment, protest and demand, notice of protest, demand and dishonor and agrees to pay all costs of collection when incurred (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) and to perform and comply with each of the covenants, conditions, provisions and agreements of the undersigned contained in every Financing Document. Notwithstanding any provision herein or in any instrument now or hereafter securing said indebtedness, the total liability for payments in the nature of interest shall not exceed the limits imposed by the usury laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

This Note is secured in accordance with, and entitled to the benefits of, the Security Documents.

All obligations evidenced by the Note are guarantied by the Guarantors pursuant to the Joint and Several Guaranty.

THIS AGREEMENT AND THE NOTES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, INTERNAL VIRGINIA LAW, EXCLUDING CHOICE-OF-LAW PROVISIONS OF SUCH COMMONWEALTH THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF A JURISDICTION OTHER SUCH COMMONWEALTH.

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

By:

Name:

Title:

Exhibit A3-2

EXHIBIT A4

[FORM OF SERIES L SENIOR SECURED NOTE]

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

LIBOR RATE SERIES L SENIOR SECURED NOTE DUE OCTOBER 1, 2009

No. RL-[    ]	[Date]
$[            ]	PPN: 832248 D# 2

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC., a Virginia corporation (the “Company”), for value received, hereby promises to pay to [                    ] or registered assigns the principal sum of [                    ] DOLLARS ($[            ]) on October 1, 2009 and to pay interest (computed on the basis of a 360-day year and actual days elapsed) on the unpaid principal balance thereof from the date of this Note at the Series L Rate as provided in the Note Purchase Agreement referred to below, quarterly on the first (1st) day of January, April, July and October in each year, commencing on the later of January 1, 2000 and the payment date next succeeding the date hereof, until the principal amount hereof shall become due and payable; and to pay on demand interest on any overdue principal (including any overdue prepayment of principal) and Make-Whole Amount, if any, and (to the extent permitted by applicable law) on any overdue installment of interest, at a rate equal to the rate provided in Section 4.1(d) of the Note Purchase Agreement referred to below in respect of such overdue amounts.

Payments of principal, Make-Whole Amount, if any, and interest shall be made in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts to the registered holder hereof at the address shown in the register maintained by the Company for such purpose, in the manner provided in the Note Purchase Agreement referred to below.

This Note is one of an issue of Series L Senior Secured Notes of the Company issued in an aggregate principal amount limited to Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000) pursuant to the Company’s separate Note Purchase Agreements (collectively, as may be amended from time to time, the “Note Purchase Agreement”), each dated as of October 27, 1999, with the purchasers listed on Annex 1 thereto, and is entitled to the benefits thereof. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings specified in the Note Purchase Agreement. As provided in the Note Purchase Agreement, this Note is subject to prepayment, in whole or in part, in certain cases without a Make-Whole Amount and in other cases with a Make-Whole Amount. The Company agrees to make the scheduled required prepayments on account of such Notes in accordance with the provisions of the Note Purchase Agreement.

This Note is a registered Note and is transferable only by surrender hereof at the principal office of the Company as specified in the Note Purchase Agreement, duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer duly executed by the registered holder of this Note or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

Exhibit A4-1

Under certain circumstances, as specified in the Note Purchase Agreement, the principal of this Note (together with any applicable Make-Whole Amount) may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Note Purchase Agreement.

The Company waives presentment, protest and demand, notice of protest, demand and dishonor and agrees to pay all costs of collection when incurred (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) and to perform and comply with each of the covenants, conditions, provisions and agreements of the undersigned contained in every Financing Document. Notwithstanding any provision herein or in any instrument now or hereafter securing said indebtedness, the total liability for payments in the nature of interest shall not exceed the limits imposed by the usury laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

This Note is secured in accordance with, and entitled to the benefits of, the Security Documents.

All obligations evidenced by the Note are guarantied by the Guarantors pursuant to the Joint and Several Guaranty.

THIS AGREEMENT AND THE NOTES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, INTERNAL VIRGINIA LAW, EXCLUDING CHOICE-OF-LAW PROVISIONS OF SUCH COMMONWEALTH THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF A JURISDICTION OTHER SUCH COMMONWEALTH.

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

By:

Name:

Title:

Exhibit A4-2

EX-4.7

EXHIBIT 4.7

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

AMENDED AND RESTATED

NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

DATED AS OF OCTOBER 29, 2004

$75,000,000 8.25% SERIES M SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE MARCH 2, 2006

Guarantied By:

Brown’s of Carolina LLC

Brown’s Farms, LLC

Brown’s Realty Partnership

Carroll’s Foods of Virginia LLC

Carroll’s Foods LLC

Carroll’s Realty Partnership

Cattle Production Systems, Inc.

Central Plains Farms LLC

Circle Four LLC

Coddle Roasted Meats, Inc.

Gwaltney of Smithfield, Ltd.

Hancock’s Old Fashioned Country Ham, Inc.

Iowa Quality Meats, Ltd.

John Morrell & Co.

Lykes Meat Group, Inc.

Moyer Packing Company

Murphy-Brown LLC

Murphy Farms LLC

North Side Foods Corp.

Packerland Holdings, Inc.

Packerland Processing Company, Inc.

Packerland-Plainwell, Inc. (f/k/a Murco Foods, Inc.)

Patrick Cudahy Incorporated

Premium Pork, Inc.

Quarter M Farms LLC

Quik-To-Fix Foods, Inc.

SFFC, Inc.

Smithfield Purchase Corporation

Stadler’s Country Hams, Inc.

Sun Land Beef Company

Sunnyland, Inc.

Smithfield-Carroll’s Farms

The Smithfield Companies, Inc.

The Smithfield Packing Company Incorporated

Smithfield Packing Real Estate, LLC

Smithfield Packing Realty Partnership

TABLE OF CONTENTS

			Page
1.	BACKGROUND; AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT.		1
	1.1.	Background.	1
	1.2.	The Closing.	1
	1.3.	Failure of Conditions.	2
	1.4.	Expenses.	2
	1.5.	Collateral; Release.	3
2.	WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS.		3
	2.1.	Material Adverse Change.	3
	2.2.	Financial Statements; Debt.	4
	2.3.	Subsidiaries and Affiliates.	4
	2.4.	Pending Litigation.	5
	2.5.	Title to Properties; UCC Matters.	5
	2.6.	Patents, Trademarks, Licenses, etc.	6
	2.7.	Taxes.	6
	2.8.	Full Disclosure.	6
	2.9.	Corporate Organization and Authority.	7
	2.10.	Restrictions on Company and Subsidiaries.	7
	2.11.	Compliance with Law.	8
	2.12.	Pension Plans.	8
	2.13.	USA Patriot Act, Etc.	9
	2.14.	Certain Laws.	10
	2.15.	Environmental Compliance.	10
	2.16.	Transaction is Legal and Authorized; Obligations are Enforceable.	11
	2.17.	Governmental Consent.	11
	2.18.	No Defaults.	12
	2.19.	Company and the Guarantors.	12
	2.20.	Solvency.	12
	2.21.	True and Correct Copies.	13
	2.22.	Joinder Agreement.	13
3.	CLOSING CONDITIONS.		13
	3.1.	Opinions of Counsel.	13
	3.2.	Warranties and Representations True.	13
	3.3.	No Defaults.	13
	3.4.	Officers’ Certificates.	13
	3.5.	Other Noteholders.	14
	3.6.	Expenses.	14
	3.7.	Ratification by Guarantors.	14
	3.8.	Other Debt Documents.	14
	3.9.	Transaction Structuring Fee	14
	3.10.	Compliance with this Agreement.	14
	3.11.	Proceedings Satisfactory.	14

i

4.	PAYMENTS.		15
	4.1.	Interest Payments.	15
	4.2.	Scheduled Payments.	16
	4.3.	Offer to Prepay upon Change in Control.	16
	4.4.	Optional Prepayments.	17
	4.5.	Notice of Optional Prepayment.	18
	4.6.	Pro Rata Payments.	18
	4.7.	Notation of Notes on Prepayment.	18
	4.8.	No Other Optional Prepayments.	19
5.	REGISTRATION; SUBSTITUTION OF NOTES.		19
	5.1.	Registration of Notes.	19
	5.2.	Exchange of Notes.	19
	5.3.	Replacement of Notes.	19
	5.4.	Issuance Taxes.	20
6.	GENERAL COVENANTS.		20
	6.1.	Payment of Taxes and Claims.	20
	6.2.	Maintenance of Properties and Corporate Existence.	21
	6.3.	Payment of Notes and Maintenance of Office.	22
	6.4.	Intentionally Deleted.	22
	6.5.	Consolidated Working Capital.	22
	6.6.	Funded Debt to Capitalization Ratio.	22
	6.7.	Maintenance of Funded Debt.	22
	6.8.	Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio; Consolidated Fixed Charges.	22
	6.9.	Restrictions on Dividends, etc.	23
	6.10.	Consolidated Net Worth.	24
	6.11.	Terrorism Sanctions Regulations.	24
	6.12.	Restricted Payments and Restricted Investments.	24
	6.13.	Liens.	25
	6.14.	Merger; Acquisition.	28
	6.15.	Transfers of Property; Subsidiary Stock.	29
	6.16.	Trademark Subsidiaries.	33
	6.17.	Environmental Compliance.	34
	6.18.	Line of Business.	34
	6.19.	Transactions with Affiliates.	34
	6.20.	Tax Consolidation.	34
	6.21.	ERISA.	34
	6.22.	Guaranties.	36
	6.23.	Private Offering.	37
7.	INFORMATION AS TO COMPANY AND GUARANTORS.		37
	7.1.	Financial and Business Information.	37
	7.2.	Officer’s Certificates.	40
	7.3.	Accountants’ Report.	41
	7.4.	Inspection.	41

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8.	EVENTS OF DEFAULT.		41
	8.1.	Nature of Events.	41
	8.2.	Default Remedies.	43
	8.3.	Annulment of Acceleration of Notes.	45
9.	INTERPRETATION OF THIS AGREEMENT		45
	9.1.	Terms Defined.	45
	9.2.	GAAP.	67
	9.3.	Directly or Indirectly.	67
	9.4.	Section Headings, Table of Contents and Construction.	67
	9.5.	Governing Law.	68
10.	MISCELLANEOUS		68
	10.1.	Communications.	68
	10.2.	Reproduction of Documents.	69
	10.3.	Survival.	69
	10.4.	Successors and Assigns.	70
	10.5.	Amendment and Waiver.	70
	10.6.	Payments, When Received.	71
	10.7.	Entire Agreement.	72
	10.8.	Duplicate Originals, Execution in Counterpart.	72

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Annexes And Exhibits

Annex 1	—	Information as to Purchasers
Annex 2	—	Information as to Company and Subsidiaries
Exhibit A	—	Form of 8.25% Series M Senior Secured Note Due March 2, 2006
Exhibit B	—	Form of Company Counsel’s Closing Opinion
Exhibit C	—	Form of Company Officer’s Certificate
Exhibit D	—	Form of Company Secretary’s Certificate

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AMENDED AND RESTATED

NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

$75,000,000 8.25% SERIES M SENIOR SECURED NOTES DUE MARCH 2, 2006

Dated as of October 29, 2004

Separately addressed to each of the

Noteholders listed on Annex 1 hereto:

Ladies and Gentlemen:

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC., a Virginia corporation (together with its successors and assigns, the “Company”), hereby agrees with you as follows:

1. BACKGROUND; AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT.

1.1. Background.

The Company has issued and sold seventy-five million dollars ($75,000,000) in aggregate principal amount of its eight and twenty-five one-hundredths percent (8.25%) Series M Senior Secured Notes due March 2, 2006 (as they may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Notes,” such term to include each Note delivered from time to time in accordance with any of the Note Purchase Agreements). The Notes shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A and shall have the terms as herein and therein provided; and pursuant to those separate Note Purchase Agreements each dated as of June 2, 2002 among the Company and the noteholders named in Annex 1 thereto (as amended by that certain Amendment Agreement No. 1, dated as of December 7, 2001, that certain Amendment Agreement No. 2, dated as of December 31, 2002, that certain Amendment Agreement No. 3, dated as of April 4, 2003, that certain Amendment Agreement No. 4, dated as of October 31, 2003, and that certain Amendment Agreement No. 5, dated as of March 25, 2004, each among the Company and the other parties listed on the signature pages thereto, each an “Existing Note Purchase Agreement” and collectively, the “Existing Note Purchase Agreements”). The Company represents and warrants to each of you that (i) the register kept by the Company for the registration and transfer of the Notes indicates that each of the Persons named in Annex 1 hereto (collectively, the “Noteholders”) is currently a holder of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Notes as of the date hereof indicated in such Annex and (ii) there are no other Notes outstanding under the Existing Note Purchase Agreements.

1.2. The Closing.

(a) Purchase and Sale of Notes. Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 3, you agree, by execution of this Agreement, that the Existing Note Purchase Agreement is hereby amended and restated in the form of this Agreement and that each of the Notes shall be deemed to be automatically amended without any further action required on the part of any other Person, to conform to and have the terms

provided in Exhibit A (except that the principal amount and payee of each Note shall remain unchanged) and any Note issued after the Restatement Date shall be in the form of Exhibit A.

(b) Closing Date; Restatement Date. The closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is deemed to be June 2, 2002 (the “Closing Date”) and the closing under this Agreement will be held contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement (the date of such closing is herein referred to as the “Restatement Date”) at the office of Bingham McCutchen LLP, One State Street, Hartford, Connecticut 06103. It is agreed that the Restatement Date shall be October 29, 2004.

(c) Other Noteholders. Contemporaneously with the execution and delivery hereof, the Company is entering into a separate Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement identical (except for the name, address and signature of the Noteholder party thereto) to this Agreement (this Agreement and such other separate Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreements, collectively, as may be amended from time to time, the “Note Purchase Agreements”) with each other Noteholder.

1.3. Failure of Conditions.

If on the Restatement Date the conditions specified in Section 3 to be fulfilled have not been fulfilled, you may thereupon elect to be relieved of all further obligations under this Agreement, without thereby waiving any rights you may have by reason of such nonfulfillment and the Existing Note Purchase Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

1.4. Expenses.

(a) Generally. Whether or not the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are consummated, the Company will promptly (and in any event within thirty (30) days of receiving any statement or invoice therefor) pay all fees, expenses and costs relating hereto, including but not limited to:

(i) the cost of reproducing the Financing Documents;

(ii) the fees and disbursements of your special counsel;

(iii) the fees and disbursements of the Security Trustee and its counsel;

(iv) the fees, expenses and costs incurred in complying with each of the conditions to closing set forth in Section 3;

(v) all other expenses incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and

(vi) the expenses relating to the consideration, negotiation, preparation or execution of any amendments, waivers or consents pursuant to the provisions hereof and of the other Financing Documents, whether or not any such amendments, waivers or consents are executed.

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(b) Counsel. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is agreed and understood that the Company will pay, on the Restatement Date, the statement for fees and disbursements of your special counsel presented on the Restatement Date and the Company will also pay upon receipt of any statement thereof, each additional statement for fees and disbursements of your special counsel rendered after the Restatement Date in connection with the matters referred to in Section 1.4(a)(vi).

(c) Survival. The obligations of the Company under this Section 1.4 shall survive the payment or prepayment of the Notes and the termination hereof.

1.5. Collateral; Release.

The Notes are secured pursuant to and entitled to all of the benefits of the Security Documents. In the event that at any time after the Restatement Date the Company shall have obtained an Acceptable Rating in respect of its long-term, senior unsecured debt, the Company may give written notice to each holder of Notes (which notice shall include copies of the letters to the Company from Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s evidencing that such Acceptable Rating has been in full force and effect for the one hundred eighty (180) day period immediately preceding the date of such notice) requesting that the holders of the Notes direct the Security Trustee to release the Collateral from the security interests created by the Security Documents on a date specified in such notice (the “Collateral Release Date”) that is not less than thirty (30) days and not more than sixty (60) days after the date of such notice. The holders of the Notes agree to direct the Security Trustee to so release the Collateral, provided that the Collateral Release Conditions have been satisfied and the holders of the Notes and the Security Trustee shall have received an officer’s certificate, executed by a Senior Officer and dated the Collateral Release Date, specifying that at the time of such release and after giving effect thereto, each of the Collateral Release Conditions are satisfied. Notwithstanding such release of Collateral, the provisions of Section 6.13 hereof shall continue to apply on and after the Collateral Release Date.

2. WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS.

To induce you to enter into this Agreement, the Company warrants and represents as follows:

2.1. Material Adverse Change.

Since the date of the last audited consolidated financial statements of the Company delivered to each of the Noteholders (or their predecessors in interest), there has been no change in the business, prospects, profits, Properties or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company, except changes that, in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

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2.2. Financial Statements; Debt.

(a) Financial Statements. The quarterly and annual financial statements most recently delivered to you pursuant to Section 7.1 of the Existing Note Purchase Agreement have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries as of such dates and the results of their operations and cash flows for the periods specified therein.

(b) Debt. Part 2.2(b) of Annex 2 lists all Debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date (prior to giving effect to the transactions which occurred on the Closing Date) which Debt is of an outstanding amount, in each case, in excess of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), and provides the following information with respect to each item of such Debt:

(i) the obligor in respect thereof,

(ii) the holder thereof,

(iii) the outstanding amount thereof and the interest rate or rates applicable thereto,

(iv) the portion thereof classified as current in accordance with GAAP,

(v) the final maturity thereof, and

(vi) the collateral securing such Debt, if any.

The aggregate amount of Debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date that is not set forth on Part 2.2(b) of Annex 2 does not exceed two million five hundred thousand dollars ($2,500,000).

2.3. Subsidiaries and Affiliates.

Part 2.3 of Annex 2 states:

(a) the name of each of the Subsidiaries as of the Restatement Date, its jurisdiction of incorporation and the percentage of its Voting Stock owned by the Company and each other Subsidiary; and

(b) the name of each of the Affiliates as of the Restatement Date and the nature of the affiliation.

Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries has good and marketable title to all of the shares it purports to own of the stock of each Subsidiary, free and clear in each case of any Lien. All such shares have been duly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable.

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2.4. Pending Litigation.

(a) Pending Litigation. There are no proceedings, actions or investigations pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against or affecting the Company or any Subsidiary in any court or before any Governmental Authority or arbitration board or tribunal that, in the aggregate for all such proceedings, actions and investigations, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) No Defaults. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in default with respect to any judgment, order, writ, injunction or decree of any court, Governmental Authority, arbitration board or tribunal that, in the aggregate for all such defaults, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.5. Title to Properties; UCC Matters.

(a) Title to Properties. The Company and the Subsidiaries have valid title to all of the Property reflected in the most recent audited consolidated balance sheet referred to in Section 2.2(a) (except as sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business), except for such failures to have valid title as are immaterial in the context of such balance sheet and that, in the aggregate for all such failures, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Leases. All leases necessary for the conduct of the business of the Company and the Subsidiaries are valid and subsisting and are in full force and effect, except for such failures to be valid and subsisting that, in the aggregate for all such failures, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) Liens. All Property of the Company and the Subsidiaries is free from Liens not permitted by Section 6.13.

(d) UCC Matters. Part 2.5(d) of Annex 2 sets forth with respect to the Company and each Guarantor, as of the Closing Date:

(i) each name under which such Person conducts or has conducted all or a portion of its business operations, and

(ii) the location of the principal executive office of each such Person.

Neither the Company nor any Guarantor has changed its name or the name under which it conducts its business operations within the immediately preceding period of five (5) years.

(e) Real Estate Collateral. Part 2.5(e) of Annex 2 sets forth a list of real Properties held, as of the Closing Date, by each of Gwaltney, Morrell, Smithfield-Packing, Packing LLC and LMG, and such list sets forth, as of the Closing Date, with respect to each such Property that constitutes Collateral, the book value and the Company’s good faith estimate of the Fair Market Value thereof.

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2.6. Patents, Trademarks, Licenses, etc.

Except as set forth on Part 2.6 of Annex 2, as of the Closing Date each of the Company and the Subsidiaries owns, possesses or has the right to use all of the patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and licenses, and rights with respect thereto, necessary for the present and currently planned future conduct of its business, without any known conflict with the rights of others. The Trademark Subsidiaries own all such patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and licenses. Part 2.6 of Annex 2 sets forth the identity of each of the Trademark Subsidiaries on the Closing Date.

2.7. Taxes.

(a) Returns Filed; Taxes Paid. All tax returns required to be filed by each of the Company and the Subsidiaries and any other Person with which the Company or any Subsidiary files or has filed a consolidated return in any jurisdiction have in fact been filed on a timely basis, and all taxes, assessments, fees and other governmental charges upon each of the Company and the Subsidiaries and any such Person, and upon any of their respective Properties, income or franchises, that are due and payable have been paid. As of the Closing Date, all liabilities of the Company and the Subsidiaries with respect to federal income taxes have been finally determined except with respect to the fiscal years disclosed on Part 2.7 of Annex 2, which are the only fiscal years not closed by the completion of an audit or the expiration of the statute of limitations. There is currently in effect no tax sharing, tax allocation or similar agreement providing for the manner in which tax payments (whether in respect of federal or state income or other taxes) owing by the members of the affiliated group of which the Company is the “common parent” (as defined in section 1504 of the IRC) are allocated between any member of such group and any Person other than the Company or a Subsidiary.

(b) Book Provisions Adequate.

(i) The amount of the liability for taxes reflected in the most recent balance sheet referred to in Section 2.2(a) is an adequate provision for taxes as of the date of such balance sheet (including, without limitation, any payment due pursuant to any tax sharing agreement) as are or may become payable by any one or more of the Company, any Subsidiary and the other Persons consolidated with the Company in such financial statements in respect of all tax periods ending on or prior to such dates.

(ii) As of the Closing Date, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary knows of any proposed additional tax assessment against it or any such Person that is not reflected in full in the most recent balance sheet referred to in Section 2.2(a).

2.8. Full Disclosure.

The financial statements referred to in Section 2.2(a) do not, nor does any Financing Document or any written statement furnished by or on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary to you in connection with the negotiation or the closing of the transactions contemplated by this

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Agreement, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit a material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading when viewed in the aggregate. There is no fact that the Company has not disclosed to you in writing that has had or, so far as the Company can now reasonably foresee, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.9. Corporate Organization and Authority.

The Company and each Subsidiary:

(a) is a corporation, limited liability company or partnership duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent that such concept is applicable) under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization;

(b) has all legal and corporate, limited liability company or partnership, as the case may be, power and authority to own and operate its Properties and to carry on its business as now conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted;

(c) has all necessary licenses, certificates and permits to own and operate its Properties and to carry on its business as now conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted, except where the failure to have such licenses, certificates and permits, in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and

(d) has duly qualified or has been duly licensed, and is authorized to do business and is in good standing, as a foreign corporation, limited liability company or foreign partnership, as the case may be, in each state in the United States of America and in each other jurisdiction where the failure to be so qualified or licensed and authorized and in good standing, in the aggregate for all such failures, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.10. Restrictions on Company and Subsidiaries.

(a) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary:

(i) is a party to any contract or agreement, or subject to any charter, bylaw, partnership agreement or other restriction that, in the aggregate for all such contracts, agreements, constitutive documents and other restrictions (assuming that all such contracts and agreements are performed in accordance with their respective terms), could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or

(ii) has agreed or consented to cause or permit in the future (upon the happening of a contingency or otherwise) any of its Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to be subject to a Lien not permitted by Section 6.13.

(b) As of the Closing Date, neither the Company nor any Guarantor is a party to any contract or agreement that restricts the right or ability of the Company or such Guarantor to incur Debt, other than this Agreement and the agreements listed in Part 2.10(b) of Annex 2 (none of which restricts the issuance and sale of the Notes or the performance of the Company hereunder or under the Notes and none of which restricts the guaranty of the Notes by any of the Guarantors under the Joint and Several Guaranty).

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2.11. Compliance with Law.

Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary:

(a) is in violation of any law, ordinance, governmental rule or regulation to which it is subject (including, without limitation, those relating to zoning and planning, building, subdivision, inland wetland and environmental and hazardous waste disposal); or

(b) has failed to obtain any license, certificate, permit, franchise or other governmental authorization necessary to the ownership of its Property or to the conduct of its business (including, without limitation, to the extent required, building, zoning, subdivision, traffic and environmental approvals and certificates of occupancy);

which violations or failures to obtain, in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.12. Pension Plans.

(a) Disclosure. Part 2.12(a) of Annex 2 identifies as of the Closing Date all ERISA Affiliates and all “employee benefit plans” with respect to which the Company or any “affiliate” of the Company is a “party-in-interest” or in respect of which the Notes could constitute an “employer security” (“employee benefit plan” and “party-in-interest” have the meanings specified in section 3 of ERISA and “affiliate” and “employer security” have the meanings specified in section 407(d) of ERISA).

(b) Prohibited Transactions. The execution and delivery of this Agreement will not involve any transaction that is subject to the prohibitions of section 406 of ERISA or in connection with which a tax could be imposed pursuant to section 4975(c)(1)(A) through section 4975(D), inclusive, of the IRC.

(c) Relationship of Vested Benefits to Pension Plan Assets. Except as set forth on Part 2.12(c) of Annex 2, immediately prior to the Closing Date, the present value of all benefits, determined as of the most recent valuation date immediately prior to the Closing Date for such benefits (as provided in Section 6.21(c)), vested under each Pension Plan does not exceed the value of the assets of such Pension Plan allocable to such vested benefits, determined as of the most recent valuation date (as provided in Section 6.21(c)) immediately prior to the Closing Date.

(d) ERISA Requirements. Each of the Company and the ERISA Affiliates:

(i) has fulfilled all obligations under the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the IRC with respect to each Pension Plan that is not a Multiemployer Plan;

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(ii) is in compliance in all material respects with all other applicable provisions of ERISA and the IRC with respect to each Pension Plan and each Multiemployer Plan; and

(iii) has not incurred any liability under Title IV of ERISA to the PBGC (other than in respect of required insurance premiums, all of which that are due having been paid), with respect to any Pension Plan, any Multiemployer Plan or any trust established thereunder.

(e) Accumulated Funding Deficiency. Except as set forth in Part 2.12(e) of Annex 2, no accumulated funding deficiency (as defined in section 302 of ERISA and section 412 of the IRC), whether or not waived, exists as of the Closing Date with respect to any Pension Plan.

(f) Reportable Events. No Pension Plan or trust created thereunder has been terminated, and there have been no “reportable events” (as such term is defined in section 4043 of ERISA), with respect to any Pension Plan or trust created thereunder or with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, which reportable event or events will or could result in the termination of such Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan and give rise to a liability of the Company or any ERISA Affiliate in respect thereof.

(g) Multiemployer Plans. Other than as set forth on Part 2.12(g) of Annex 2, as of the Closing Date neither the Company nor any ERISA Affiliate is an employer required to contribute to any Multiemployer Plan. Neither the Company nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, nor is expected to incur, any withdrawal liability (that has not previously been fully satisfied) under ERISA with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, the effect of which, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No Multiemployer Plans have been terminated under section 4041A of ERISA, have been placed in reorganization status under Title IV of ERISA, or have been determined to be “insolvent” (as such term is defined in section 4245 of ERISA).

(h) Multiple Employer Pension Plans. Neither the Company nor any ERISA Affiliate is a “contributing sponsor” (as such term is defined in section 4001 of ERISA) in any Multiple Employer Pension Plan and neither the Company nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred (without fully satisfying the same), or reasonably expects to incur, withdrawal liability in respect of any Multiple Employer Pension Plan, which withdrawal liability could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(i) Foreign Pension Plan. Except as set forth in Part 2.12(i) of Annex 2, no Foreign Pension Plans exist as of the Closing Date and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has any present or future obligations in respect of any Foreign Pension Plan.

2.13. USA Patriot Act, Etc.

(a) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary (i) is a Person described or designated in the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List of the Office of Foreign Assets Control or in Section 1 of the Anti-Terrorism Order or (ii) engages in any dealings or transactions with any such Person. The Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance, in all material respects, with the USA Patriot Act.

9

(b) No part of the proceeds from the sale of the Notes hereunder will be used, directly or indirectly, for any payments to any governmental official or employee, political party, official of a political party, candidate for political office, or anyone else acting in an official capacity, in order to obtain, retain or direct business or obtain any improper advantage, in violation of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, assuming in all cases that such Act applies to the Company.

2.14. Certain Laws.

The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and each of the Guarantors and the performance under the Financing Documents by the Company and the Subsidiaries:

(a) is not subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended, the Transportation Acts, as amended, or the Federal Power Act, as amended, and

(b) does not violate any provision of any statute or other rule or regulation of any Governmental Authority applicable to the Company or any Subsidiary.

2.15. Environmental Compliance.

(a) Compliance. Except as set forth in Part 2.14(a) of Annex 2, as of the Closing Date neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in violation of any Environmental Protection Law in effect in any jurisdiction where it currently is doing business or owns Property, except for such violations that, in the aggregate for all such violations, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Liability. Except as set forth in Part 2.14(b) of Annex 2, as of the Closing Date neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is subject to any liability under any Environmental Protection Law that, in the aggregate for all such liabilities, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) Notices. Except as set forth in Part 2.14(c) of Annex 2, as of the Closing Date neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received any:

(i) notice from any Governmental Authority by which any of its currently or previously owned or leased Properties has been identified in any manner by any Governmental Authority as a hazardous substance disposal or removal site, “Super Fund” clean-up site, or other clean-up site or candidate for removal or closure pursuant to any Environmental Protection Law;

(ii) notice of any Lien arising under or in connection with any Environmental Protection Law that has attached to any revenues of, or to, any of its currently or previously owned or leased Properties; or

10

(iii) communication from any Governmental Authority concerning any action or omission by the Company or such Subsidiary in connection with its currently or previously owned or leased Properties resulting in the release of any Hazardous Substance or resulting in any violation of any Environmental Protection Law;

in each case where the effect of which, in the aggregate for all such notices and communications, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.16. Transaction is Legal and Authorized; Obligations are Enforceable.

(a) Transaction is Legal and Authorized. Each of the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and by each of the Guarantors, and compliance by the Company and each of the Guarantors with all of their respective obligations under the Financing Documents:

(i) is within the corporate powers of the Company and each of the Guarantors;

(ii) is legal and does not conflict with, result in any breach in any of the provisions of, constitute a default under, or result in the creation of any Lien upon any Property of the Company or any Subsidiary under the provisions of, any agreement, charter instrument, bylaw or other instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its Property may be bound; and

(iii) does not give rise to a right or option of any other Person under any agreement or other instrument, which right or option could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Obligations are Enforceable. This Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of each Obligor and has been executed and delivered by one or more duly authorized officers of such Obligor, and the obligations of each Obligor set forth herein constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of such Obligor, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except that the enforceability of the Financing Documents may be:

(i) limited by applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the enforceability of creditors’ rights generally; and

(ii) subject to the availability of equitable remedies.

2.17. Governmental Consent.

(a) Neither the nature of the Company or any Subsidiary, or of any of their respective businesses or Properties, nor any relationship between the Company or any Subsidiary and any other Person, nor any circumstance in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, is such as to require a consent, approval or authorization

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of, or filing, registration or qualification with, any Governmental Authority on the part of the Company or any Guarantor as a condition to the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

2.18. No Defaults.

(a) The Agreement. No event has occurred and no condition exists that, upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement, would constitute a Default or an Event of Default.

(b) Charter Instruments, Other Agreements. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in violation in any respect of any term of any charter instrument, bylaw, partnership agreement or other constitutive document or instrument. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in violation in any respect of any term in any agreement or other instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its Property may be bound except for such violations that, in the aggregate for all such violations, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.19. Company and the Guarantors.

The Company and the Guarantors are operated as part of one consolidated business entity and are directly dependent upon each other for and in connection with their respective business activities and their respective financial resources. The Company and each of the Guarantors receive direct economic and financial benefits from the Debt outstanding under the Note Purchase Agreements by the Company and the existence of such Debt is in the best interests of the Company and each of the Guarantors.

2.20. Solvency.

The fair value of the business and assets of the Company and each Guarantor will be in excess of the amount that will be required to pay its liabilities (including, without limitation, contingent, subordinated, unmatured and unliquidated liabilities on existing debts, as such liabilities may become absolute and matured), in each case after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Neither the Company nor any Guarantor, after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, will be engaged in any business or transaction, or about to engage in any business or transaction, for which such Person has unreasonably small assets or capital (within the meaning of applicable law, including, without limitation, Section 548 of the United States Bankruptcy Code), and neither the Company nor any Guarantor has any intent to

(a) hinder, delay or defraud any entity to which it is, or will become, on or after the Restatement Date, indebted, or

(b) incur debts that would be beyond its ability to pay as they mature.

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2.21. True and Correct Copies.

The Company has delivered to you or your special counsel true and correct copies of each of the following (including each amendment and restatement entered into in connection herewith) : (a) the Credit Facility and any other Revolving Credit Agreement (including, without limitation, all schedules and exhibits thereto and all agreements delivered in connection therewith) of the Company or any Subsidiary, (b) the 1999 Note Purchase Agreements, and (c) the 2002 Note Purchase Agreement.

2.22. Joinder Agreement.

Cattle Production Systems, Inc. (f/k/a Beef Production Systems, Inc.) shall have executed and delivered to you or your special counsel (i) that certain joinder agreement, dated on or before October 29, 2004, by which Cattle Production Systems, Inc. shall become a guarantor under the Joint and Several Guaranty and (ii) that certain joinder agreement, dated on or before October 29, 2004, by which Cattle Production Systems, Inc. shall become a subsidiary guarantor under the Intercreditor Agreement.

3. CLOSING CONDITIONS.

The effectiveness of this Agreement, as to the parties hereto, is subject to the following conditions precedent:

3.1. Opinions of Counsel.

You shall have received a closing opinion from McGuireWoods LLP, counsel for the Company and the Guarantors, dated as of the Restatement Date, and substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit B, and as to such other matters as you may reasonably request. The Company hereby requests and directs its counsel to deliver such closing opinion to you and the other Noteholders.

3.2. Warranties and Representations True.

The warranties and representations contained in Section 2 shall be true on the Restatement Date with the same effect as though made on and as of that date.

3.3. No Defaults.

No “Default” or “Event of Default” (as such terms are defined in the Existing Note Purchase Agreements) shall exist in respect of the Notes, this Agreement or the Existing Note Purchase Agreements.

3.4. Officers’ Certificates.

You shall have received:

(a) a certificate dated the Restatement Date and signed by the President, a Vice-President, the Controller, the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer or the Chief

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Financial Officer of the Company, substantially in the form of Exhibit C, certifying that the conditions specified in Section 3.2, Section 3.3, Section 3.8 and Section 3.9 have been fulfilled and that no Default or Event of Default exists on the Restatement Date; and

(b) a certificate dated the Restatement Date and signed by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company, substantially in the form of Exhibit D, with respect to the matters set forth therein.

3.5. Other Noteholders.

None of the other Noteholders shall have failed to execute and deliver a Note Purchase Agreement on the Restatement Date.

3.6. Expenses.

All fees and disbursements required to be paid on or before the Restatement Date pursuant to Section 1.4 shall have been paid in full.

3.7. Ratification by Guarantors.

Each Guarantor shall have executed and delivered the ratification of its obligations under the Joint and Several Guaranty as contemplated on the signature pages to this Agreement.

3.8. Other Debt Documents.

The Company shall have delivered to you a true and correct copy of the agreements referred to in Section 2.21.

3.9. Transaction Structuring Fee

The Company shall have paid to each Noteholder a non-refundable transaction restructuring fee equal to five hundredths of one percent (0.05%) of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes held by such Noteholder on the Restatement Date.

3.10. Compliance with this Agreement.

Each of the Company and the Guarantors shall have performed and complied with all agreements and conditions contained herein that are required to be performed or complied with by the Company and the Guarantors on or prior to the Restatement Date, and such performance and compliance shall remain in effect on the Restatement Date.

3.11. Proceedings Satisfactory.

All proceedings taken in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and all documents and papers relating thereto shall be satisfactory to you and your special counsel. You and your special counsel shall have received copies of such documents and papers as you or they may reasonably request in connection therewith or in connection with your special counsel’s closing opinion, all in form and substance satisfactory to you and your special counsel.

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4. PAYMENTS.

4.1. Interest Payments.

(a) Interest Rate; Payment. The Notes shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof at the rate of eight and twenty-five one-hundredths percent (8.25%) per annum and shall be payable to the holders of the Notes, in arrears, (i) quarterly on the second day of March, June, September and December in each year, commencing on June 2, 2000, until the principal amount of the Notes in respect of which such interest shall have accrued shall become due and payable, (ii) upon any prepayment of the Notes (to the extent accrued on the amount being prepaid), and (iii) at maturity, and interest shall accrue on any overdue principal (including any overdue prepayment of principal), Make-Whole Amount, if any, and (to the extent permitted by applicable law) on any overdue installment of interest, at a rate equal to the lesser of (x) the Maximum Legal Rate of Interest and (y) ten and twenty-five one-hundredths percent (10.25%) per annum. Interest on the Notes shall be computed on the basis of a year of three hundred sixty (360) days and twelve 30-day months. Interest determined at the Maximum Legal Rate of Interest shall be determined in accordance with Applicable Interest Law.

(b) Maximum Rate of Interest. Notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in this Agreement or in any Note, the aggregate of all interest, and any other charges or consideration constituting interest under Applicable Interest Law, that is taken, reserved, contracted for, charged or received pursuant to this Agreement or any Notes shall under no circumstances exceed the maximum amount of interest allowed by the Applicable Interest Law. If any interest in excess of such amount is provided for in this Agreement or in any such Notes, then in such event

(i) the provisions of this Section 4.1(b) shall govern and control,

(ii) the Company shall not be obligated to pay the amount of such interest to the extent that it is in excess of the maximum amount of interest allowed by the Applicable Interest Law,

(iii) any interest paid on any such Notes which is in excess of what is allowed by the Applicable Interest Law shall be deemed a mistake and canceled automatically and, if theretofore paid, shall be credited to the outstanding principal amount of such Notes, and

(iv) the effective rate of interest on such Notes shall be automatically subject to reduction to the Maximum Legal Rate of Interest.

If at any time thereafter, the Maximum Legal Rate of Interest is increased, then, to the extent that it shall be permissible under Applicable Interest Law, the Company shall forthwith pay to the holders of the Notes subject to a prior reduction all amounts (or the permissible part thereof) of such excess interest that the holders of such Notes would have been entitled to receive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and such Notes had such increased Maximum Legal Rate of Interest been in effect at all times when such excess interest accrued. To the extent permitted by the Applicable Interest Law, all sums

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paid or agreed to be paid to the holders of any Notes for the use, forbearance or detention of the indebtedness evidenced by the Notes shall be amortized, prorated, allocated and spread throughout the full term of such Notes.

4.2. Scheduled Payments.

In addition to paying the entire then outstanding principal amount and the interest due on the Notes on the maturity date thereof (March 2, 2006), the Company shall prepay, and there shall become due and payable, fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000) in aggregate principal amount of the Notes on the second (2^nd) day of March in each year, commencing on March 2, 2002. Each such prepayment shall be at one hundred percent (100%) of the amount prepaid, together with interest accrued thereon to the date of prepayment.

4.3. Offer to Prepay upon Change in Control.

(a) Notice and Offer. In the event of either

(i) a Change in Control, or

(ii) the obtaining of knowledge of a Control Event by any officer of the Company,

then the Company will, within three (3) Business Days of (x) such Change in Control or (y) the obtaining of knowledge of such Control Event (including via the receipt of notice of a Control Event from any holder of Notes), as the case may be, give written notice of such Change in Control or Control Event to each holder of Notes and, simultaneously with the sending of such written notice, give telephonic advice of such Change in Control or Control Event to an investment officer or other similar representative or agent of each such holder specified on Annex 1 at the telephone number specified thereon, or to such other Person at such other telephone number as any holder of a Note may specify to the Company in writing. In the event of a Change in Control, such written notice shall contain, and such written notice shall constitute, an irrevocable offer to prepay all, but not less than all, of the Notes held by such holder on a date specified in such notice (the “Control Prepayment Date”) that is not less than thirty (30) days and not more than sixty (60) days after the date of such notice. (If the Control Prepayment Date shall not be specified in such notice, the Control Prepayment Date shall be the thirtieth (30th) day after the date of such notice.)

(b) Acceptance and Payment. To accept such offered prepayment, a holder of Notes shall cause a notice of such acceptance to be delivered to the Company not later than fourteen (14) days after the date of receipt by such holder of the written offer of such prepayment. If so accepted, such offered prepayment shall be due and payable on the Control Prepayment Date. Such offered prepayment shall be made at one hundred percent (100%) of the principal amount of such Notes, together with (i) an amount equal to the Make-Whole Amount, if any, at the time applicable with respect to the principal amount of the Notes then being prepaid and (ii) interest on the Notes then being prepaid accrued to the Control Prepayment Date.

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(c) Officer’s Certificate. Each offer to prepay the Notes pursuant to this Section 4.3 will be accompanied by an officer’s certificate, executed by a Senior Officer and dated the date of such offer, specifying:

(i) the Control Prepayment Date;

(ii) the principal amount of each Note offered to be prepaid;

(iii) the interest to be paid on each such Note, accrued to the Control Prepayment Date;

(iv) the estimated Make-Whole Amount with respect to the Notes due in connection with such prepayment (calculated as if the date of such notice were the date of the prepayment), setting forth the details of such computation;

(v) that the conditions of this Section 4.3 have been fulfilled; and

(vi) in reasonable detail, the nature and date or proposed date of the Change in Control.

Two Business Days prior to such prepayment, the Company shall deliver to each holder of Notes that has accepted such offer of prepayment a certificate of a Senior Financial Officer specifying the calculation of the Make-Whole Amount in respect of the Notes held by such holder as of the specified prepayment date.

(d) Effect of Prepayments. Each prepayment of principal of the Notes pursuant to this Section 4.3 shall be applied to reduce the principal amount of the Notes due on the maturity date of the Notes and to reduce the remaining scheduled payments of principal required by Section 4.2(a) apportioned on a ratable basis (based on the principal amount due on each such date) among all such amounts.

4.4. Optional Prepayments.

(a) Optional Prepayments. The Company may at any time after the Restatement Date prepay the principal amount of the Notes, in part, in integral multiples of one million dollars ($1,000,000), or in whole, in each case on any date on which interest is required to be paid on the Notes pursuant to Section 4.1, and in each case together with:

(i) an amount equal to the Make-Whole Amount at such time in respect of the principal amount of the Notes being so prepaid; and

(ii) interest on such principal amount then being prepaid accrued to the prepayment date.

(b) Effect of Prepayments. Each prepayment of principal of the Notes pursuant to this Section 4.4 shall be applied to reduce the principal amount of the Notes due in the inverse order of maturity of such Notes.

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4.5. Notice of Optional Prepayment.

The Company will give written notice of any optional prepayment of the Notes to each holder of the Notes not less than thirty (30) days or more than sixty (60) days before the date fixed for prepayment, specifying:

(a) such date;

(b) that such prepayment is being made pursuant to Section 4.4;

(c) the principal amount of such holder’s Notes to be prepaid on such date

(d) the interest to be paid on each such Note, accrued to the date fixed for prepayment;

and shall be accompanied by a certificate of a Senior Financial Officer as to the estimated Make-Whole Amount with respect to the Notes due in connection with such prepayment (calculated as if the date of such notice were the date of the prepayment), setting forth the details of such computation.

Such notice of prepayment shall also certify all facts that are conditions precedent to any such prepayment. Notice of prepayment having been so given, the aggregate principal amount of the Notes specified in such notice, together with the Make-Whole Amount, if any, and accrued interest thereon shall become due and payable on the specified prepayment date. Two Business Days prior to such prepayment, the Company shall deliver to each holder of the Notes a certificate of a Senior Financial Officer specifying the calculation of the Make-Whole Amount in respect of the Notes held by such holder as of the specified prepayment date.

4.6. Pro Rata Payments.

If, at the time of any required prepayment of the principal of Notes made pursuant to Section 4.2 or any optional prepayment of Notes made pursuant to Section 4.4 there is more than one Note outstanding, the aggregate principal amount of such required or optional prepayment shall be allocated among the Notes at the time outstanding pro rata in proportion to the respective unpaid principal amounts of all such outstanding Notes.

4.7. Notation of Notes on Prepayment.

Upon any partial prepayment of a Note, such Note may, at the option of the holder thereof, be

(a) surrendered to the Company pursuant to Section 5.2 in exchange for a new Note, in a principal amount equal to the principal amount remaining unpaid on the surrendered Note,

(b) made available to the Company for notation thereon of the portion of the principal so prepaid, or

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(c) marked by such holder with a notation thereon of the portion of the principal so prepaid.

In case the entire principal amount of any Note is prepaid, such Note shall be surrendered to the Company for cancellation and shall not be reissued, and no Note shall be issued in lieu of the prepaid principal amount of any Note.

4.8. No Other Optional Prepayments.

Except as provided in Section 4.4, the Company may not make any optional prepayment (whether directly or indirectly by purchase or acquisition) in respect of the Notes.

5. REGISTRATION; SUBSTITUTION OF NOTES.

5.1. Registration of Notes.

The Company will cause to be kept at its office, maintained pursuant to Section 6.3, a register for the registration and transfer of Notes. The name and address of each holder of one or more Notes, each transfer thereof and the name and address of each transferee of one or more Notes shall be registered in the register. The Person in whose name any Note shall be registered shall be deemed and treated as the owner and holder thereof for all purposes hereof.

5.2. Exchange of Notes.

(a) Upon surrender of any Note at the office of the Company maintained pursuant to Section 6.3 duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer duly executed by the registered holder of such Note or its attorney duly authorized in writing, the Company will execute and deliver, at the Company’s expense (except as provided below), new Notes in exchange therefor, in denominations of at least five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) (except as may be necessary to reflect any principal amount not evenly divisible by five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000)), in an aggregate principal amount equal to the unpaid principal amount of the surrendered Note. Each such new Note shall be payable to such Person as such holder may request and shall be substantially in the form of the Exhibit A. Each such new Note shall be dated and bear interest from the date to which interest shall have been paid on the surrendered Note or dated the date of the surrendered Note if no interest shall have been paid thereon. The Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any stamp or other issuance tax or governmental charge imposed in respect of any such transfer of Notes.

(b) The Company will pay the cost of delivering to or from such holder’s home office or custodian bank from or to the Company, insured to the reasonable satisfaction of such holder, the surrendered Note and any Note issued in substitution or replacement for the surrendered Note.

5.3. Replacement of Notes.

Upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the ownership of and the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of any Note (which evidence shall be, in the case

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of an Institutional Investor, notice from such Institutional Investor of such ownership (or of ownership by such Institutional Investor’s nominee) and such loss, theft, destruction or mutilation), and

(a) in the case of loss, theft or destruction, of indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Company (provided that if the holder of such Note is an Institutional Investor or a nominee of an Institutional Investor, such Institutional Investor’s own unsecured letter agreement of indemnity shall be deemed to be satisfactory for such purpose), or

(b) in the case of mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation thereof,

the Company at its own expense will execute and, within five (5) Business Days after such receipt, deliver, in lieu thereof, a new Note, dated and bearing interest from the date to which interest shall have been paid on such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Note or dated the date of such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Note if no interest shall have been paid thereon.

5.4. Issuance Taxes.

The Company will pay all taxes (if any) due in connection with and as the result of the execution and delivery of this Agreement and in connection with any modification, amendment or waiver of any Financing Document and shall save each holder of Notes harmless without limitation as to time against any and all liabilities with respect to all such taxes. The obligations of the Company under this Section 5.4 shall survive the payment or prepayment of the Notes and the termination hereof.

6. GENERAL COVENANTS.

The Company covenants and agrees that on and after the Restatement Date and thereafter for so long as any of its obligations under the Note Purchase Agreements and the Notes shall be outstanding:

6.1. Payment of Taxes and Claims.

The Company shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, pay before they become delinquent,

(a) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or its Property, and

(b) all claims or demands of materialmen, mechanics, carriers, warehousemen, landlords and other like Persons that, if unpaid, might result in the creation of a Lien upon its Property,

provided, that items of the foregoing description need not be paid (x) while being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings diligently pursued as long as adequate book reserves have been established and maintained and exist with respect thereto, and (y) so long as the title of the Company or the Subsidiary, as the case may be, to, and its right to use, such Property, is not materially adversely affected thereby.

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6.2. Maintenance of Properties and Corporate Existence.

The Company shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to,

(a) Property. — maintain its Property in good condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and make all necessary renewals, replacements, additions, betterments and improvements thereto, and, in addition to the foregoing, the Guarantors shall collectively, during each year, either expend or invest an aggregate amount equal to at least fifty percent (50%) of Depreciation determined for the then most recently ended fiscal year of the Company on repairs, maintenance or capital improvements to the “Improvements” (as such term is defined in the Deeds of Trust);

(b) Insurance. — maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurers accorded a rating by A.M. Best Company of “A” or better and a size rating of “XII” or better (or comparable ratings by any comparable successor rating agency), insurance (including, without limitation, the insurance required by the Security Documents) with respect to its Property and business against such casualties and contingencies, of such types (including, without limitation, insurance with respect to losses arising out of Property loss or damage, public liability, business interruption, larceny, workers’ compensation, embezzlement or other criminal misappropriation) and in such amounts as is customary in the case of corporations of established reputations engaged in the same or a similar business and similarly situated; provided that the Company and the Subsidiaries may maintain one or more systems of self-insurance if adequate reserves are maintained with respect thereto and if such systems are implemented and operated in a manner consistent with the sound financial practices of similarly situated corporations of established reputations that maintain similar systems of self-insurance;

(c) Financial Records. — maintain sound accounting policies and an adequate and effective system of accounts and internal accounting controls that will safeguard assets, properly record income, expenses and liabilities and assure the production of proper financial statements in accordance with GAAP;

(d) Corporate Existence and Rights. — do or cause to be done all things necessary

(i) to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence, rights and franchises,

(ii) to ensure that the Company legally and beneficially owns one hundred percent (100%) of the capital stock of each of the Guarantors, and

(iii) to maintain each Subsidiary as a Subsidiary, except as otherwise permitted by Section 6.14 and Section 6.15(b); and

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(e) Compliance with Law. — not be in violation of any law, ordinance or governmental rule or regulation to which it is subject (including, without limitation, the USA Patriot Act and any Environmental Protection Law) and not fail to obtain any license, permit, franchise or other governmental authorization necessary to the ownership of its Properties or to the conduct of its business if such violation or failure to obtain could be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

6.3. Payment of Notes and Maintenance of Office.

The Company shall punctually pay, or cause to be paid, the principal of and interest (and Make-Whole Amount, if any) to become due in respect of, the Notes, as and when the same shall become due according to the terms hereof and of the Notes, and shall maintain an office at the address of the Company set forth in Section 10.1 where notices, presentations and demands in respect hereof and of the Notes may be made upon it. Such office shall be maintained at such address until such time as the Company shall notify the holders of the Notes of any change of location of such office, which shall in any event be located within the United States of America.

6.4. Intentionally Deleted.

6.5. Consolidated Working Capital.

The Company shall not at any time permit Consolidated Working Capital to be less than Two Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($250,000,000).

6.6. Funded Debt to Capitalization Ratio.

The Company shall not at any time permit Consolidated Funded Debt to exceed sixty-five percent (65%) of Consolidated Total Capitalization.

6.7. Maintenance of Funded Debt.

The Company shall not permit Consolidated Funded Debt, determined as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Company, to exceed four hundred percent (400%) of Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters of the Company ended at such time.

6.8. Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio; Consolidated Fixed Charges.

(a) The Company shall not permit the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA to Consolidated Interest Expense for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Company to be less than 3.00 to 1.00.

(b) The Company shall not at any time permit the ratio of Consolidated Net Income Available for Fixed Charges (calculated in respect of the period of eight (8) consecutive fiscal quarters of the Company then most recently ended) to Consolidated Fixed Charges (calculated in respect of such period) to be less than 1.50 to 1.00.

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6.9. Restrictions on Dividends, etc.

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any restriction or encumbrance (other than statutory, regulatory or common law restrictions) on the right or power of any Subsidiary to

(a) pay dividends or make any other distributions on such Subsidiary’s stock to the Company or any Subsidiary,

(b) pay any indebtedness owed by such Subsidiary to the Company or any Subsidiary,

(c) make loans or pay advances to the Company or any Subsidiary, or

(d) transfer any of its Property to the Company or any Guarantor;

provided, however, that

(x) a Subsidiary may be subject to an encumbrance or restriction described in subsection (d) above if such encumbrance or restriction (i) restricts in a customary manner the subletting, assignment, or transfer of any property or asset that is subject to a lease, license, or similar contract, (ii) exists by virtue of any transfer of, agreement to transfer, option, or right with respect to, any property or assets of the Company or any Subsidiary not otherwise prohibited by this Note Purchase Agreement, or (iii) is contained in a security agreement, mortgage or other similar document securing Debt of the Company or any Subsidiary that is permitted hereunder to the extent such restriction or encumbrance restricts the transfer of the property subject to such agreement, or (iv) ordinary course provisions restricting the assignability of contracts;

(y) a Subsidiary may be subject to restrictions on the payment of dividends or the making of other distributions on its stock to the Company or the other Subsidiaries so long as such restrictions permit the payment of such dividends and the making of such other distributions that are necessary in order to make any and all payments due (including, without limitation, any and all amounts due by way of acceleration, required or optional prepayment or otherwise) in connection with the Notes, the Note Purchase Agreements and the other Financing Documents, and any and all indebtedness used to refinance or repay such indebtedness (without increase as to principal amount or interest rate of such refinancing indebtedness); and

(z) a Subsidiary may be subject to any such encumbrance and restriction that is not otherwise allowed under subsections (x) and (y) above, so long as the aggregate contributions to Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four (4) fiscal quarters then most recently ended of all Subsidiaries subject to such encumbrances and restrictions that are not otherwise allowed under subsections (x) and (y) above, are less than or equal to fifteen percent (15%) of such Consolidated EBITDA; such contribution shall be based on the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of each such Subsidiary for such fiscal year.

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6.10. Consolidated Net Worth.

The Company shall not at any time permit Consolidated Net Worth, determined at such time, to be less than the sum of

(a) one billion four hundred fifty million dollars ($1,450,000,000), plus

(b) the sum of the Company Fiscal Year Net Worth Increase Amounts calculated for all fiscal years of the Company ended on or after the Restatement Date.

6.11. Terrorism Sanctions Regulations.

The Company will not and will not permit any Subsidiary to (a) become a Person described or designated in the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List of the Office of Foreign Assets Control or in Section 1 of the Anti-Terrorism Order or (b) engage in any dealings or transactions with any such Person.

6.12. Restricted Payments and Restricted Investments.

(a) Limitation on Restricted Payments and Restricted Investments. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, at any time declare or make or incur any liability to declare or make any Restricted Payment (other than Restricted Payments comprised solely of Distributions to the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary in respect of the capital stock of a Subsidiary (“Permitted Distributions”)) or make or authorize any Restricted Investment, unless

(i) immediately after giving effect to the proposed Restricted Payment or Restricted Investment, the aggregate amount of all Restricted Payments (other than Permitted Distributions) and Restricted Investments in each case made or authorized after February 1, 2000 does not exceed the sum of

(A) one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000); plus

(B) fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate Consolidated Net Income (or, in case such aggregate Consolidated Net Income shall be a deficit, minus one hundred percent (100%) of such deficit) for the period commencing on February 1, 2000 and ending on the date of such proposed transaction; plus

(C) one hundred percent (100%) of the aggregate net cash proceeds received by the Company after March 9, 2000 from the issuance or sale of shares of capital stock of the Company (other than Mandatorily Redeemable Stock); plus

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(D) the market value of (but in any event not exceeding the Fair Market Value of the assets or stock acquired with) the shares of capital stock issued by the Company in payment for the stock or assets of any Person acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary after March 9, 2000 in an arm’s-length transaction;

(ii) immediately prior to, and immediately after giving effect to the proposed Restricted Payment or Restricted Investment, the Company would be permitted by Section 6.6 to incur at least one dollar ($1.00) of additional Funded Debt owed to a Person other than a Subsidiary; and

(iii) immediately prior to, and immediately after giving effect to, the proposed Restricted Payment or Restricted Investment, no Default or Event of Default exists or would exist.

(b) Time of Payment of Distributions. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, authorize a Distribution on its capital stock that is not payable within sixty (60) days of authorization.

(c) Subsidiaries. Each Person that becomes a Subsidiary after the Restatement Date shall be deemed to have made, at the time it becomes a Subsidiary, all Restricted Investments of such Person existing immediately after it becomes a Subsidiary.

6.13. Liens.

(a) Negative Pledge. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, cause or permit, or agree or consent to cause or permit in the future (upon the happening of a contingency or otherwise), any of their Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to be subject to a Lien except:

(i) Liens securing taxes, assessments or governmental charges or levies or the claims or demands of materialmen, mechanics, carriers, warehousemen, landlords and other like Persons, provided that the payment thereof is not at the time required by Section 6.1 or by any provision of the other Financing Documents;

(ii) Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of business

(A) in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, social security and other like laws, and

(B) to secure the performance of letters of credit, bids, tenders, sales contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety and performance bonds (of a type other than set forth in Section 6.13(a)(iii)) and other similar obligations not incurred in connection with the borrowing of money, the obtaining of advances or the payment of the deferred purchase price of Property;

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(iii) Liens

(A) arising from judicial attachments and judgments,

(B) securing appeal bonds, supersedeas bonds, or

(C) arising in connection with court proceedings (including, without limitation, surety bonds and letters of credit or any other instrument serving a similar purpose),

provided that the execution or other enforcement of such Liens is effectively stayed and the claims secured thereby are being actively contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, and provided further that the aggregate amount so secured shall not at any time exceed one million dollars ($1,000,000);

(iv) Liens in the nature of reservations, exceptions, encroachments, easements, rights-of-way, covenants, conditions, restrictions, leases and other similar title exceptions or encumbrances affecting real Property, provided that such exceptions and encumbrances do not in the aggregate materially detract from the value of such Properties or materially interfere with the use of such Properties in the ordinary conduct of the owning Person’s business;

(v) (A) Liens (of a type other than set forth in Section 6.13(a)(ix)) in existence on the Closing Date, more specifically described on Part 6.13(a)(v) of Annex 2; and

(B) Liens securing renewals, extensions and refinancings of Debt secured by the Liens permitted by clause (A) immediately above, provided that the amount of Debt secured by each such Lien is not increased in excess of the amount of Debt outstanding on the date such Lien was originally created, and none of such Liens is extended to include any additional Property of the Company or any Subsidiary;

(vi) on or prior to the Collateral Release Date, Liens on the Collateral

(A) in favor of the Security Trustee for the benefit of the holders of the Notes that secure obligations under any of the Financing Documents, and

(B) constituting Permitted Exceptions;

(vii) on or prior to the Collateral Release Date, Liens on Property (other than the Collateral) securing Funded Debt (other than Funded Debt outstanding under the Credit Facility) incurred and permitted to exist in accordance with the provisions of Sections 6.6 and 6.7;

(viii) Purchase Money Liens, if, after giving effect thereto and to any concurrent transactions:

(A) each such Purchase Money Lien secures Debt in an amount not exceeding the cost of acquisition or construction of the particular Property to which such Debt relates; and

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(B) no Default or Event of Default would exist;

(ix) on or prior to the Collateral Release Date, Liens on Property of the Subsidiaries primarily constituting inventory or accounts that secure obligations arising under Revolving Credit Agreements of the Company or any Subsidiary; and

(x) after the Collateral Release Date, Liens securing Debt of the Company or any Subsidiary, provided that at the time of the incurrence thereof and after giving effect thereto and to the concurrent retirement of any other Debt,

(A) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all Debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries secured by Liens (including, without limitation, Liens permitted by Section 6.13(a)(v) and Section 6.13(a)(viii)) would not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of Consolidated Tangible Net Worth, determined at such time; and

(B) no Default or Event of Default would exist.

(b) Collateral. Nothing in this Section 6.13 shall be deemed to permit the Company or any Guarantor to cause or permit, or agree or consent to cause or permit in the future (upon the happening of a contingency or otherwise), any of the Collateral, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to be subject to a Lien in violation of the terms of the Security Documents.

(c) Stock. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 6.13(a), the Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to cause or permit, or agree or consent to cause or permit in the future (upon the happening of a contingency or otherwise), any of the capital stock of any Subsidiary, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to be subject to a Lien.

(d) Equal and Ratable Lien; Equitable Lien. In case any Property not otherwise the subject of a prior perfected Lien in favor of the Security Trustee shall be subjected to a Lien in violation of this Section 6.13, the Company shall forthwith make or cause to be made, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, provision whereby the Notes shall be secured equally and ratably with all other obligations secured thereby pursuant to such agreements and instruments as shall be approved by the Required Holders, and the Company shall cause to be delivered to each holder of a Note an opinion of independent counsel to the effect that such agreements and instruments are enforceable in accordance with their terms, and in any such case the Notes shall have the benefit, to the full extent that, and with such priority as, the holders may be entitled thereto under applicable law, of an equitable Lien on such Property securing the Notes. Such violation of this Section 6.13 shall constitute an Event of Default hereunder, whether or not any such provision is made pursuant to this Section 6.13(d).

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(e) Financing Statements. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, sign or file a financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code of any jurisdiction that names the Company or such Subsidiary as debtor, or sign any security agreement authorizing any secured party thereunder to file any such financing statement, except, in any such case, a financing statement filed or to be filed to perfect or protect a security interest that the Company or such Subsidiary is entitled to create, assume or incur, or permit to exist, under the foregoing provisions of this Section 6.13 or to evidence for informational purposes a lessor’s interest in Property leased to the Company or any such Subsidiary.

6.14. Merger; Acquisition.

(a) Merger and Consolidation. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, merge with or into, consolidate with, or sell, lease as lessor, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its Property to, any other Person or permit any other Person to merge with or into or consolidate with it (except (x) for the completion of the Great Lakes Cattle Merger and (y) that a Subsidiary other than a Guarantor may merge into, consolidate with, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets to, the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary other than a Guarantor); provided that the foregoing restriction does not apply to the merger or consolidation of the Company with or into, or the sale, lease, transfer or other disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of its Property to, another corporation, if:

(i) the corporation that results from such merger or consolidation or that purchases, leases, or acquires all or substantially all of such Property (the “Surviving Corporation”) is organized under the laws of, and has substantially all of its Property located in, the United States of America or any jurisdiction thereof;

(ii) the due and punctual payment of the principal of and Make-Whole Amount, if any, and interest on all of the Notes, according to their tenor, and the due and punctual performance and observance of all the covenants herein and in the other Financing Documents to be performed and observed by the Company, are expressly assumed by the Surviving Corporation pursuant to such agreements or instruments as shall be satisfactory to the Required Holders, and the Company shall cause to be delivered to each holder of Notes an opinion of independent counsel (which opinion and counsel are satisfactory to the Required Holders) to the effect that such agreements and instruments are enforceable in accordance with their terms;

(iii) immediately prior to, and immediately after the consummation of such transaction, and after giving effect thereto, the Company would be permitted by Section 6.6 to incur at least one dollar ($1.00) of additional Funded Debt owed to a Person other than a Subsidiary; and

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(iv) immediately prior to, and immediately after the consummation of such transaction, and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default exists or would exist.

(b) Acquisitions. The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to consummate any Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment, unless immediately prior to such Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, and:

(i) (a) such transaction is an Acquisition and such Acquisition (if by purchase of assets, merger or consolidation) is effected in such manner that the acquired business, and the related assets, are owned either by the Company or a Subsidiary and, if effected by merger or consolidation involving the Company, the Company is the continuing or surviving entity and, if effected by merger or consolidation involving a Subsidiary, the continuing or surviving entity is a Subsidiary; or (b) such transaction is an Acquisition and such Acquisition (if by purchase of stock or partner, member or other ownership interests) is effected in such manner so that the acquired entity becomes a Subsidiary; and

(ii) such transaction is an Acquisition or a Joint Venture Investment and immediately after giving effect to such Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment the Company is in compliance with Sections 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8 and 6.10 (the determination of such compliance to be calculated on a pro forma basis, as at the end of the fiscal quarter most recently ended prior to the date of such Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment for which financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries are available, under the assumption that such Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment and any other Acquisitions or Joint Venture Investments consummated during the twelve-month period ending on such date shall have occurred, and any Debt in connection therewith shall have been incurred, at the beginning of the applicable period, and under the assumption that interest for such period had been equal to the actual weighted average interest rate in effect for such period for all loans outstanding under the Credit Facility on the date of such Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment) and, in the event that the aggregate amount of expenditures in respect of such Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment and of all prior Acquisitions and Joint Venture Investments made during a single fiscal year and not covered by a certificate delivered under this subclause (ii) exceeds $100,000,000, the Company shall have delivered to each of the holders of Notes a certificate of a Senior Financial Officer showing calculations in reasonable detail to demonstrate compliance with this subclause (ii) and certifying that prior to such acquisition and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

6.15. Transfers of Property; Subsidiary Stock.

(a) Transfers of Property. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, sell (including, without limitation, any sale and subsequent leasing as lessee of such Property), lease as lessor, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any Property (individually, a “Transfer” and collectively, “Transfers”), except

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(i) Transfers of inventory, obsolete or worn-out Property or excess equipment no longer useful in the business of the Company or such Subsidiary, in each case in the ordinary course of business of the Company or such Subsidiary, and the Smithfield Canada Transfer;

(ii) Transfers from a Subsidiary to the Company or to any Guarantor and Transfers from the Company to any Guarantor; and

(iii) any other Transfer (including a Transfer of Property to any Person and the concurrent rental or lease of such transferred Property from such Person) at any time of any Property to a Person, other than an Affiliate, for an Acceptable Consideration, if each of the following conditions would be satisfied with respect to such Transfer:

(A) the sum of

(I) the current book value of such Property, plus

(II) the aggregate book value of all other Property of the Company and the Subsidiaries Transferred (other than in Transfers referred to in the foregoing clause (i) and clause (ii) (collectively, “Excluded Transfers”)) during the period beginning on the first day of the then current fiscal year of the Company and ended immediately prior to the date of such Transfer,

would not exceed ten percent (10%) of Consolidated Total Assets determined as at the end of the most recently ended fiscal year of the Company prior to giving effect to such Transfer,

(B) the sum of

(I) the current book value of such Property, plus

(II) the aggregate book value of all other Property of the Company and the Subsidiaries Transferred (other than in Excluded Transfers) during the period commencing on October 31, 1999 and ended at the time of such Transfer,

would not exceed twenty percent (20%) of Consolidated Total Assets determined as at the end of the most recently ended fiscal year of the Company prior to giving effect to such Transfer, and

(C) immediately prior to, and immediately after the consummation of such transaction, and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default exists or would exist,

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provided, that all or any portion of the assets which are the subject of any Transfer of Property shall be excluded for purposes of clause (A) and clause (B) of this Section 6.15(a)(iii), and such Transfer shall be a Transfer permitted under this Section 6.15(a)(iii) notwithstanding non-compliance with clause (A) and clause (B) of this Section 6.15(a)(iii), if, within three hundred sixty (360) days after such Transfer, the entire proceeds of all or any portion of such Transfer to be excluded (net of ordinary and reasonable transaction costs and expenses incurred in connection with such Transfer) are applied by the Company or such Subsidiary to:

(y) the purchase of operating assets of the Company or any Subsidiary reasonably equal in value to that portion of the Property which is the subject of such Transfer and is to be excluded of clause (A) and (B) of this Section 6.15(a)(iii), so long as each such investment shall not have been included in the calculation of any other exclusion of any other Transfer proposed to be excluded from the operation of clause (A) or clause (B) of this Section 6.15(a)(iii), or

(z) an optional prepayment of Notes pursuant to Section 4.4.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, sell, lease as lessor, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of the Collateral except as expressly permitted by Section 6.15(c). Nothing in this Section 6.15(a) shall be deemed to permit the Company or any Subsidiary to violate any provisions of Section 6.16.

(b) Transfers of Subsidiary Stock. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, Transfer any shares of the capital stock (or any warrants, rights or options to purchase stock or other Securities exchangeable for or convertible into capital stock) of a Subsidiary (such capital stock, warrants, rights, options and other Securities herein called “Subsidiary Stock”), nor shall any Subsidiary issue, sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of its own Subsidiary Stock, provided that the foregoing restrictions do not apply to:

(i) the issuance by a Subsidiary of shares of its own Subsidiary Stock to the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary;

(ii) Transfers by the Company or a Subsidiary of shares of Subsidiary Stock to the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary;

(iii) the issuance by a Subsidiary of directors’ qualifying shares; and

(iv) the Transfer of all of the Subsidiary Stock of a Subsidiary owned by the Company and the other Subsidiaries if

(A) such Transfer satisfies the requirements of Section 6.15(a)(iii);

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(B) in connection with such Transfer the entire investment (whether represented by stock, Debt, claims or otherwise) of the Company and the other Subsidiaries in such Subsidiary is Transferred to a Person other than the Company or a Subsidiary not simultaneously being disposed of;

(C) the Subsidiary being disposed of has no continuing investment in any other Subsidiary not simultaneously being disposed of or in the Company; and

(D) immediately prior to, and immediately after the consummation of such Transfer, and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default exists or would exist.

For purposes of determining the book value of Property constituting Subsidiary Stock being Transferred as provided in clause (iv) above, such book value shall be deemed to be the aggregate book value of all assets of the Subsidiary that shall have issued such Subsidiary Stock.

Nothing in this Section 6.15(b) shall be deemed to permit the Company or any Subsidiary to (x) sell any shares of capital stock of any Subsidiary in violation of Section 6.2(d)(ii) or (y) violate any of the provisions of Section 6.16.

(c) Transfers of Collateral. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, sell or otherwise Transfer any Property constituting Collateral, except Transfers for an Acceptable Consideration of obsolete or worn-out equipment constituting Collateral, or excess equipment constituting Collateral, in each case that is no longer useful in the business of the Company or such Subsidiary, if each of the following conditions would be satisfied with respect to such Transfer:

(i) the sum of

(A) the current book value of such Property, plus

(B) the aggregate book value of all other Property of the Company and the Subsidiaries Transferred pursuant to this Section 6.15(c) during the period beginning on the first day of the then current fiscal year of the Company and ended immediately prior to the date of such Transfer,

would not exceed five million dollars ($5,000,000),

(ii) the sum of

(A) the current book value of such Property, plus

(B) the aggregate book value of all other Property of the Company and the Subsidiaries Transferred pursuant to this Section 6.15(c) during the period commencing on October 31, 1999 and ended at the time of such Transfer,

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would not exceed twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) and

(iii) immediately prior to, and immediately after the consummation of such transaction, and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default exists or would exist,

provided, that all or any portion of the assets which are the subject of any Transfer of Property shall be excluded for purposes of clause (i) and clause (ii) of this Section 6.15(c) if, within three hundred sixty (360) days after such Transfer, the entire proceeds of such Transfer (net of ordinary and reasonable transaction costs and expenses incurred in connection with such Transfer) are applied by the Company or such Subsidiary to:

(x) the purchase of Property of the Company or any Subsidiary reasonably equal in value or use to the Property which is the subject of such Transfer, so long as (1) such Property is subject to a perfected first-priority security interest in favor of the Security Trustee for the benefit of the holders from time to time of the Notes, (2) such Property constitutes Collateral and (3) each such investment shall not have been included in the calculation of any other exclusion of any other Transfer proposed to be excluded from the operation of clause (i) or clause (ii) of this Section 6.15(c), or

(y) an optional prepayment of Notes pursuant to Section 4.4.

The Company acknowledges and agrees that until applied pursuant to this Section 6.15(c), the net proceeds of any such Transfer of Collateral by the Company or any Subsidiary shall be held in trust by the Security Trustee pursuant to the terms of the Security Documents.

6.16. Trademark Subsidiaries.

(a) Generally. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary other than a Trademark Subsidiary to, own any patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and other similar licenses and intangibles used or useful in the conduct of the business of the Company or any Subsidiary.

(b) Ownership of Trademark Subsidiaries. The Company (i) shall, at all times, maintain each Trademark Subsidiary as a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary and (ii) shall not permit any of the capital stock of any Trademark Subsidiary to be subject to a Lien.

(c) No Sale or Merger. The Company shall not permit any Trademark Subsidiary to merge with or into, consolidate with, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its Property to, any other Person other than another Trademark Subsidiary, or permit any other Person other than a Trademark Subsidiary to merge with or into or consolidate with it. The Company shall not permit any Trademark Subsidiary to sell, lease as lessor, license as licensor, transfer or otherwise dispose of any patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and licenses.

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(d) No Debt or Liens. The Company shall not permit any Trademark Subsidiary to cause or permit, or agree or consent to cause or permit in the future (upon the happening of a contingency or otherwise), any of its Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to be subject to a Lien. The Company shall not at any time permit any Trademark Subsidiary to be or become liable for any Debt or to issue any Mandatorily Redeemable Stock.

6.17. Environmental Compliance.

(a) Compliance. The Company shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, comply with all Environmental Protection Laws in effect in each jurisdiction where it is doing business and where the failure to comply with which, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Liability. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, permit itself to be subject to any liability under any Environmental Protection Laws that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

6.18. Line of Business.

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, engage in any business other than businesses engaged in by the Company and the Subsidiaries on the Closing Date.

6.19. Transactions with Affiliates.

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any transaction, including, without limitation, the purchase, sale or exchange of Property or the rendering of any service, with any Affiliate, except in the ordinary course of and pursuant to the reasonable requirements of the Company’s or such Subsidiary’s business and upon fair and reasonable terms no less favorable to the Company or such Subsidiary than would obtain in a comparable arm’s-length transaction with a Person not an Affiliate.

6.20. Tax Consolidation.

The Company shall not file or consent to the filing of a consolidated tax return with any Person other than a Subsidiary, or permit the filing of any consolidated tax return by any Subsidiary with any Person other than the Company or another Subsidiary.

6.21. ERISA.

(a) Compliance. The Company shall, and shall cause each ERISA Affiliate to, at all times with respect to each Pension Plan,

(i) make timely payment of contributions required

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(A) to meet the minimum funding standard set forth in ERISA or the IRC with respect thereto, or

(B) to be paid as provided for by section 515 of ERISA, and

(ii) comply with all other applicable provisions of ERISA.

(b) Relationship of Vested Benefits to Pension Plan Assets.

(i) The Company shall not at any time permit the present value of all employee benefits vested under all Morrell Pension Plans to exceed the assets of such Morrell Pension Plans allocable to such vested benefits at such time by more than fifty-five million dollars ($55,000,000), in each case determined pursuant to Section 6.21(c).

(ii) The Company shall not at any time permit the present value of all employee benefits vested under all Pension Plans other than Morrell Pension Plans to exceed the assets of all such Pension Plans other than Morrell Pension Plans allocable to such vested benefits at such time by more than five percent (5%) of Consolidated Total Liabilities, in each case determined pursuant to Section 6.21(c).

(c) Valuations. All assumptions and methods used to determine the actuarial valuation of vested employee benefits under Pension Plans and the present value of assets of Pension Plans shall be reasonable in the good faith judgment of the Company and shall comply with all requirements of law.

(d) Prohibited Actions. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any ERISA Affiliate to:

(i) engage in any “prohibited transaction” (as such term is defined in section 406 of ERISA or section 4975 of the IRC) or “reportable event” (as such term is defined in section 4043 of ERISA) that would result in the imposition of a material tax or penalty;

(ii) incur with respect to any Pension Plan any “accumulated funding deficiency” (as such term is defined in section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived;

(iii) terminate any Pension Plan in a manner that could result in

(A) the imposition of a Lien on the Property of the Company or any Subsidiary pursuant to section 4068 of ERISA or

(B) the creation of any liability under section 4062 of ERISA;

(iv) fail to make any payment required by section 515 of ERISA; or

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(v) be an “employer” (as such term is defined in section 3 of ERISA) required to contribute to any Multiemployer Plan or a “substantial employer” (as such term is defined in section 4001 of ERISA) required to contribute to any Multiple Employer Pension Plan if, at such time, it could reasonably be expected that the Company or any Subsidiary will incur withdrawal liability in respect of such Multiemployer Plan and such liability, if incurred, together with the aggregate amount of all other withdrawal liability as to which there is a reasonable expectation of incurrence by the Company or any Subsidiary under any one or more Multiemployer Plans, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(e) Foreign Pension Plans. To the extent that the Company or any Subsidiary is subject to any requirements of any Foreign Pension Plan, the Company shall, and shall cause each such Subsidiary to, comply with such requirements if the failure to so comply would have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

6.22. Guaranties.

(a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, be or become liable in respect of any Guaranty except

(i) Guaranties of Debt which constitutes a part of Consolidated Funded Debt;

(ii) Guaranties of obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company and the Subsidiaries;

(iii) Guaranties of liabilities which constitute a part of Consolidated Current Liabilities (including, without limitation, Guaranties of obligations of the Company and the Subsidiaries under Revolving Credit Agreements to the extent such Guaranties are not permitted by clause (i) above); and

(iv) Guaranties of amounts payable with respect to Operating Rentals constituting a portion of Consolidated Fixed Charges.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of clause (a) above, the Company shall not permit any Subsidiary to

(i) be or become liable for any Guaranty of Debt of the Company, any other Subsidiary or any Affiliate, or

(ii) issue any Mandatorily Redeemable Stock,

in each case unless such Subsidiary enters into an enforceable and unconditional Guaranty of the obligations of the Company under the Notes, upon terms and conditions satisfactory to the Required Holders. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the Company or any Subsidiary be or become liable in respect of any Guaranty of Third Party Debt if the indebtedness or other liabilities that are the subject of such Guaranty would be prohibited pursuant to Section 6.6 or Section 6.7.

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6.23. Private Offering.

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary or any Person acting on its behalf to, offer the Notes or any part thereof or any similar Securities for issuance or sale to, or solicit any offer to acquire any of the same from, any Person so as to bring the issuance and sale of the Notes within the provisions of section 5 of the Securities Act.

7. INFORMATION AS TO COMPANY AND GUARANTORS.

7.1. Financial and Business Information.

The Company shall deliver to each holder of Notes:

(a) Company Quarterly Statements. — as soon as practicable after the end of each quarterly fiscal period in each fiscal year of the Company (other than the last quarterly fiscal period of each such fiscal year), and in any event within forty-five (45) days thereafter, duplicate copies of:

(i) consolidated and consolidating balance sheets of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, and of the Company and the Subsidiaries, as at the end of such quarter, and

(ii) consolidated and consolidating statements of income and cash flows of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, and of the Company and the Subsidiaries, for such quarter and (in the case of the second and third quarters) for the portion of the fiscal year ending with such quarter,

setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding periods in the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail, prepared in accordance with GAAP applicable to quarterly financial statements generally, and certified as complete and correct, subject to changes resulting from year-end adjustments, by a Senior Financial Officer, accompanied by the certificate required by Section 7.2;

(b) Company Annual Statements. — as soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, and in any event within ninety (90) days thereafter, duplicate copies of:

(i) a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, and a consolidating balance sheet of the Company and each Guarantor, as at the end of such year, and

(ii) consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, and consolidating statements of income and cash flows of the Company and each Guarantor, for such year,

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setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the immediately preceding fiscal year, all in reasonable detail, prepared in accordance with GAAP, and accompanied by

(A) in the case of such consolidated financial statements, an audit report thereon of independent certified public accountants of recognized national standing, which opinion shall state, without qualification, that such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the companies being reported upon and their consolidated results of operations and cash flows and have been prepared in conformity with GAAP, and that the examination of such accountants in connection with such financial statements has been made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, and that such audit provides a reasonable basis for such opinion in the circumstances,

(B) a certification by a Senior Financial Officer that such consolidated statements are complete and correct, and

(C) the certificates required by Section 7.2 and Section 7.3;

(c) Audit Reports. — promptly upon receipt thereof, a copy of each other report submitted to the Company or any Subsidiary by independent accountants in connection with any management report, special audit report or comparable analysis prepared by them with respect to the books of the Company or any Subsidiary;

(d) SEC and Other Reports. — promptly upon their becoming available, a copy of each financial statement, report (including, without limitation, each Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, each Annual Report on Form 10-K and each Current Report on Form 8-K), notice or proxy statement sent by the Company or any Subsidiary to stockholders generally and of each regular or periodic report and any registration statement, prospectus or written communication (other than transmittal letters), and each amendment thereto, in respect thereof filed by the Company or any Subsidiary with, or received by, such Person in connection therewith from, the National Association of Securities Dealers, any securities exchange or the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor agency;

(e) ERISA.—

(i) promptly (and in any event, within five (5) Business Days) after any officer of the Company becoming aware of any

(A) “reportable event” (as defined in section 4043 of ERISA), or

(B) “prohibited transaction” (as defined in section 406 of ERISA or section 4975 of the IRC),

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in connection with any Pension Plan or any trust created thereunder, a written notice specifying the nature thereof, what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto and, when known, any action taken by the IRS, the Department of Labor or the PBGC with respect thereto, and

(ii) promptly (and in any event, within five (5) Business Days) after any officer of the Company becoming aware thereof, written notice of and, where applicable, a description of

(A) any notice from the PBGC in respect of the commencement of any proceedings pursuant to section 4042 of ERISA to terminate any Pension Plan or for the appointment of a trustee to administer any Pension Plan,

(B) any distress termination notice delivered to the PBGC under section 4041 of ERISA in respect of any Pension Plan, and any determination of the PBGC in respect thereof,

(C) the placement of any Multiemployer Plan in reorganization status under Title IV of ERISA,

(D) any Multiemployer Plan becoming “insolvent” (as defined in section 4245 of ERISA) under Title IV of ERISA, or

(E) the whole or partial withdrawal of the Company or any ERISA Affiliate from any Multiemployer Plan and the withdrawal liability incurred in connection therewith;

(f) Actions, Proceedings. — promptly after the commencement thereof, notice of any action or proceeding relating to the Company or any Subsidiary in any court or before any Governmental Authority or arbitration board or tribunal as to which there is a reasonable probability of an adverse determination and that, if adversely determined, would have a Material Adverse Effect;

(g) Certain Environmental Matters. — prompt written notice of and a description of any event or circumstance that, had such event or circumstance occurred or existed prior to the Closing Date, would have been required to be disclosed as an exception to any statement set forth in Section 2.14 and a description of the action that the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto;

(h) Notice of Default or Event of Default. — within five (5) Business Days of any Senior Officer becoming aware of the existence of any condition or event that constitutes a Default or an Event of Default, a written notice specifying the nature and period of existence thereof and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto;

(i) Notice of Claimed Default. — within five (5) Business Days of any Senior Officer becoming aware that the holder of any Note, or of any Debt or any

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Security of the Company or any Subsidiary, shall have given notice or taken any other action with respect to a claimed Default, Event of Default, default or event of default, a written notice specifying the notice given or action taken by such holder and the nature of the claimed Default, Event of Default, default or event of default and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto;

(j) Information Furnished Under Revolving Credit Agreement. — at any time that at least one Revolving Credit Agreement is in effect, at the same time required thereby, a copy of each item required to be furnished by the Company or any Subsidiary pursuant thereto;

(k) Other Creditors. — promptly upon the request of any holder of Notes, copies of any statement, report or certificate furnished to any holder of Debt of the Company or any Subsidiary to the extent that the information contained in such statement, report or certificate has not already been delivered to each holder of Notes;

(l) Rule 144A. — with reasonable promptness, upon the request of any holder of Notes, information required to comply with 17 C.F.R. §230.144A, as amended from time to time; and

(m) Requested Information. — with reasonable promptness, such other data and information as from time to time may be reasonably requested by any holder of Notes.

7.2. Officer’s Certificates.

Each set of financial statements delivered to each holder of Notes pursuant to Section 7.1(a) or Section 7.1(b) shall be accompanied by a certificate of a Senior Financial Officer setting forth:

(a) Covenant Compliance. — the information (including detailed calculations) required in order to establish whether the Company was in compliance with the requirements of Section 6.4 through Section 6.8, inclusive, and Section 6.10 through Section 6.15, inclusive, during the period covered by the income statement then being furnished (including with respect to each such Section, where applicable, the calculations of the maximum or minimum amount, ratio or percentage, as the case may be, permissible under the terms of such Sections, and the calculation of the amounts, ratio or percentage then in existence); and

(b) Event of Default. — a statement that the signer has reviewed the relevant terms of the Financing Documents and has made, or caused to be made, under his or her supervision, a review of the transactions and conditions of the Company and the Subsidiaries from the beginning of the accounting period covered by the income statements being delivered therewith to the date of the certificate and that such review shall not have disclosed the existence during such period of any condition or event that constitutes a Default or an Event of Default or, if any such condition or event existed or exists, specifying the nature and period of existence thereof and what action the Company shall have taken or proposes to take with respect thereto.

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7.3. Accountants’ Report.

Each set of annual financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(b) shall be accompanied by a certificate of the accountants who certify such financial statements, stating that they have reviewed this Agreement and stating further, whether, in making their audit, such accountants have become aware of any condition or event that then constitutes a Default or an Event of Default, and, if such accountants are aware that any such condition or event then exists, specifying the nature and period of existence thereof.

7.4. Inspection.

The Company shall permit the representatives of each holder of Notes (at the expense of the Company) to visit and inspect any of the Properties of the Company or any Subsidiary, to examine all their respective books of account, records, reports and other papers, to make copies and extracts therefrom, and to discuss their respective affairs, finances and accounts with their respective officers, employees and independent public accountants (former and present) (and by this provision the Company authorizes all such accountants to discuss the finances and affairs of the Company and the Subsidiaries), all at such reasonable times and as often as may be reasonably requested.

8. EVENTS OF DEFAULT.

8.1. Nature of Events.

An “Event of Default” shall exist if any of the following occurs and is continuing:

(a) Principal and Make-Whole Amount Payments. — the Company shall fail to make any payment of principal or Make-Whole Amount on any Note on or before the date such payment is due; or

(b) Interest Payments. — the Company shall fail to make any payment of interest on any Note on or before the date such payment is due; or

(c) Warranties or Representations. — any warranty, representation or other material statement by or on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary contained herein or in any instrument furnished in compliance with or in reference hereto or any of the other Financing Documents shall have been false or misleading when made or deemed made; or

(d) Particular Covenant Defaults. — the Company or any Subsidiary shall fail to perform or observe any covenant contained in Section 6.4 through Section 6.18, inclusive, Section 6.20, Section 6.22, Section 7.1(h) or Section 7.1(i); or

(e) Other Defaults. — the Company or any Subsidiary shall fail to comply with any other provision hereof, and such failure continues for more than thirty (30) days after such failure shall first become known to any officer of the Company; or

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(f) Default on Debt or Other Security. —

(i) the Company or any Subsidiary shall fail to make any payment on any Debt when due;

(ii) any event shall occur or any condition shall exist in respect of any Debt or any Security of the Company or any Subsidiary, or under any agreement securing or relating to such Debt or Security, that immediately or with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both:

(A) causes (or permits any one or more of the holders thereof or a trustee therefor to cause) such Debt or Security, or a portion thereof, to become due prior to its stated maturity or prior to its regularly scheduled date or dates of payment;

(B) permits any one or more of the holders thereof or a trustee therefor to elect any of the directors on the Board of Directors of the Company or such Subsidiary; or

(C) permits any one or more of the holders thereof or a trustee therefor to require the Company or any Subsidiary to repurchase such Debt or Security from such holder;

provided that the aggregate amount of all obligations in respect of all such Debt and Securities referred to in this clause (f) exceeds at such time ten million dollars ($10,000,000); or

(iii) an “Event of Default” shall have occurred under, and as defined in, any of the other Financing Documents and be continuing; or

(g) Involuntary Bankruptcy Proceedings. —

(i) a receiver, liquidator, custodian or trustee of the Company or any Subsidiary, or of all or any of the Collateral or any material Property of the Company or any Subsidiary, shall be appointed by court order and such order remains in effect for more than thirty (30) days; or an order for relief shall be entered with respect to the Company or any Subsidiary, or the Company or any Subsidiary, shall be adjudicated insolvent;

(ii) any of the Collateral or any material Property of the Company or any Subsidiary shall be sequestered by court order and such order remains in effect for more than thirty (30) days; or

(iii) a petition shall be filed against the Company or any Subsidiary under any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, readjustment of debt, dissolution or liquidation law of any jurisdiction, whether now or hereafter in effect, and shall not be dismissed within thirty (30) days after such filing; or

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(h) Voluntary Petitions. — the Company or any Subsidiary shall file a petition in voluntary bankruptcy or seeking relief under any provision of any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, readjustment of debt, dissolution or liquidation law of any jurisdiction, whether now or hereafter in effect, or shall consent to the filing of any petition against it under any such law; or

(i) Assignments for Benefit of Creditors, etc. — the Company or any Subsidiary shall make an assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or shall admit in writing its inability, or shall fail, to pay its debts generally as they become due, or shall consent to the appointment of a receiver, liquidator or trustee of the Company or any Subsidiary or of all or any part of the Property of them; or

(j) Undischarged Final Judgments. — final judgment or judgments for the payment of money aggregating in excess of two million five hundred thousand dollars ($2,500,000) is or are outstanding against one or more of the Company and the Subsidiaries and any one of such judgments shall have been outstanding for more than thirty (30) days from the date of its entry and shall not have been discharged in full or stayed; or

(k) Certain Obligations. — the undertakings of any Guarantor under the Joint and Several Guaranty shall at any time cease to constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Guarantor, or any Guarantor or any Person acting by or on behalf of any Guarantor shall deny or disaffirm such Guarantor’s obligations under the Joint and Several Guaranty or any undertaking of the Company hereunder shall at any time cease to constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company.

If any action, condition, event or other matter would, at any time, constitute an Event of Default under any provision of this Section 8.1, then an Event of Default shall exist, regardless of whether the same or a similar action, condition, event or other matter is addressed in a different provision of this Section 8.1 and would not constitute an Event of Default at such time under such different provision.

8.2. Default Remedies.

(a) Acceleration on Event of Default. If an Event of Default specified in clause (g), (h) or (i) of Section 8.1 shall exist, all of the Notes at the time outstanding shall automatically become immediately due and payable together with interest accrued thereon and, to the extent permitted by law, the Make-Whole Amount at such time with respect to the principal amount of such Notes, and all other amounts due under the Financing Documents, without presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived, and, if any other Event of Default shall exist, the holder or holders of at least fifty-one percent (51%) in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (exclusive of Notes then owned by any one or more of the Company, any Subsidiary and any Affiliate) may exercise any right, power or remedy permitted to such holder or holders by law, and shall have, in particular, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the right to declare the entire principal of, and all interest accrued on, all

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the Notes then outstanding to be, and such Notes shall thereupon become, forthwith due and payable, without any presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived, and the Company shall forthwith pay to the holder or holders of all the Notes then outstanding the entire principal of, and interest accrued on, the Notes and, to the extent permitted by law, the Make-Whole Amount at such time with respect to such principal amount of the Notes.

(b) Acceleration on Payment Default. During the existence of an Event of Default described in Section 8.1(a) or Section 8.1(b), and irrespective of whether the Notes then outstanding shall have been declared to be due and payable pursuant to Section 8.2(a), any holder of Notes who or that shall have not consented to any waiver with respect to such Event of Default may, at its option, by notice in writing to the Company, declare the Notes then held by such holder to be, and such Notes shall thereupon become, forthwith due and payable together with all interest accrued thereon, without any presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived, and the Company shall forthwith pay to such holder the entire principal of and interest accrued on such Notes and, to the extent permitted by law, the Make-Whole Amount at such time with respect to such principal amount of the Notes and all other amounts due under the Financing Documents.

(c) Valuable Rights. The Company acknowledges, and the parties hereto agree, that the right of each holder to maintain its investment in the Notes free from repayment by the Company (except as herein specifically provided for) is a valuable right and that the provision for payment of a Make-Whole Amount by the Company in the event that the Notes are prepaid or are accelerated as a result of an Event of Default is intended to provide compensation for the deprivation of such right under such circumstances.

(d) Other Remedies. During the existence of an Event of Default and irrespective of whether the Notes then outstanding shall have been declared to be due and payable pursuant to Section 8.2(a) or Section 8.2(b) and irrespective of whether any holder of Notes then outstanding shall otherwise have pursued or be pursuing any other rights or remedies, but subject to the terms and conditions of the Trust Agreement, any holder of Notes may proceed to protect and enforce its rights hereunder, under such Notes and under the other Financing Documents by exercising such remedies as are available to such holder in respect thereof under applicable law, either by suit in equity or by action at law, or both, whether for specific performance of any agreement contained herein or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, provided that the maturity of such holder’s Notes may be accelerated only in accordance with Section 8.2(a) and Section 8.2(b).

(e) Nonwaiver and Expenses. No course of dealing on the part of any holder of Notes nor any delay or failure on the part of any holder of Notes to exercise any right shall operate as a waiver of such right or otherwise prejudice such holder’s rights, powers and remedies. If the Company shall fail to pay when due any principal of, or Make-Whole Amount or interest on, any Note, or shall fail to comply with any other provision of the Financing Documents, the Company shall pay to each holder of Notes, to the

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extent permitted by law, such further amounts as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses, including but not limited to reasonable attorneys’ fees, incurred by such holder in collecting any sums due on such Notes or in otherwise assessing, analyzing or enforcing any rights or remedies that are or may be available to it.

8.3. Annulment of Acceleration of Notes.

If a declaration is made pursuant to Section 8.2(a), then and in every such case, the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66-2/3%) in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (exclusive of Notes then owned by any one or more of the Company, any Subsidiary and any Affiliate) may, by written instrument filed with the Company, rescind and annul such declaration, and the consequences thereof, provided that at the time such declaration is annulled and rescinded:

(a) no judgment or decree shall have been entered for the payment of any moneys due on or pursuant hereto or the Notes;

(b) all arrears of interest upon all the Notes and all other sums payable hereunder and under the Notes (except any principal of, or interest or Make-Whole Amount on, the Notes that shall have become due and payable by reason of such declaration under Section 8.2(a)) shall have been duly paid; and

(c) each and every other Default and Event of Default shall have been waived pursuant to Section 10.5 or otherwise made good or cured;

and provided further that no such rescission and annulment shall extend to or affect any subsequent Default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

9. INTERPRETATION OF THIS AGREEMENT

9.1. Terms Defined.

As used herein, the following terms have the respective meanings set forth below or set forth in the Section following such term:

1999 Note Purchase Agreements — means, collectively, (i) the separate Note Purchase Agreements, dated as of October 27, 1999, as amended up to and including the Restatement Date, between the Company and each of the purchasers named on Annex 1 thereto and (ii) the separate Note Purchase Agreements, dated as of October 31, 1999, as amended up to and including the Restatement Date, between the Company and each of the purchasers named on Annex 1 thereto.

2002 Note Purchase Agreement — means, collectively, the separate Note Purchase Agreements, dated as of March 1, 2002, as amended up to and including the Restatement Date, between the Company and each of the purchasers named on Annex 1 thereto.

Acceptable Bank — means any commercial bank

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(a) that is organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof,

(b) that has capital, surplus and undivided profits aggregating at least five hundred million dollars ($500,000,000), and

(c) whose long-term unsecured debt obligations (or the long-term unsecured debt obligations of the bank holding company owning all of the capital stock of such bank) shall be rated “A3” or higher by Moody’s or “A-” or higher by Standard & Poor’s (or comparable ratings by any comparable successor agency).

Acceptable Consideration — means, with respect to any Transfer of any Property of the Company or any Subsidiary, cash consideration, promissory notes or such other consideration (or any combination of the foregoing) as is, in each case, determined by the Board of Directors of the Company or such Subsidiary, in its good faith opinion, to be in the best interests of the Company and to reflect the Fair Market Value of such Property.

Acceptable Rating — means a rating of at least Baa2 by Moody’s and, in addition, a rating of at least BBB by Standard & Poor’s.

Acquisition — means any transaction, or any series of related transactions, consummated after the Amendment No. 3 Effective Date, by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (a) acquires any On-Going Business or all or substantially all of the assets of any Person, whether through purchase of assets, merger or otherwise, (b) directly or indirectly acquires control of at least a majority (in number of votes) of the securities of a corporation that have ordinary voting power for the election of directors or (c) directly or indirectly acquires control of at least a majority of the partner, member or other ownership interests of any Person that is not a corporation.

Affiliate — means, at any time, a Person (other than a Subsidiary)

(a) that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company,

(b) that beneficially owns or holds five percent (5%) or more of any class of the Voting Stock of the Company, or

(c) five percent (5%) or more of the Voting Stock (or in the case of a Person that is not a corporation, five percent (5%) or more of the equity interest) of which is beneficially owned or held by the Company or a Subsidiary,

at such time.

As used in this definition:

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Control — means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Agreement, this — means this agreement, as it may be amended or restated from time to time.

Amendment No. 3 Effective Date — means the “Effective Date” as defined in that certain Amendment Agreement No. 3 dated as of April 4, 2003 among the Company and each of the holders of the Notes party thereto and consented to by each of the Guarantors.

Anti-Terrorism Order — means Executive Order No. 13,224 of September 24, 2001, Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions with Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit or Support Terrorism, 66 U.S. Fed. Reg. 49, 079 (2001), as amended.

Applicable Interest Law — means any present or future law (including, without limitation, the law of the United States of America) that has application to the interest and other charges imposed pursuant to this Agreement and the Notes.

Applicable Margin — means 250 basis points (or 2.50%).

Bank Funded Debt Amount — means, at any time, the smallest average daily principal amount of all Debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries under the Credit Facility which is outstanding during any period of thirty (30) consecutive days selected by the Company falling within the three hundred sixty-five (365) day period ending at such time.

Board of Directors — means, at any time with respect to any Person, the board of directors of such Person, or any committee thereof which, in the instance, shall have the lawful power to exercise the power and authority of such board of directors.

Brown’s — means Brown’s of Carolina, Inc., a North Carolina corporation, and its successors and assigns.

Business Day — means

(a) with respect to any payment to be made to the holder of any Note under any of the Financing Documents, a day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which the bank designated by such holder to receive for such holder’s account payments on such Note is required by law (other than a general banking moratorium or holiday for a period exceeding four (4) consecutive days) to be closed, and

(b) for all other purposes, a day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which the national banks located in New York City, New York, are required by law (other than a general banking moratorium or holiday for a period exceeding four (4) consecutive days) to be closed.

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Capital Lease — means a lease with respect to which the lessee is required to recognize the acquisition of an asset and the incurrence of a liability in accordance with GAAP, or for which the amount of the asset and the liability thereunder, as if so capitalized, should be disclosed in a note to such balance sheet.

Capital Lease Obligation — means, with respect to any Person and a Capital Lease, the amount of the obligation of such Person as the lessee under such Capital Lease that would appear as a liability on a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Change in Control — means the acquisition at any time after the Closing Date by any Person or group of related Persons of beneficial ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of the Voting Stock of the Company outstanding (excluding for such purpose Persons who own shares through any employee benefit plan of the Company or any trust in connection therewith) at such time.

Closing Date — Section 1.2(b).

Collateral — shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Trust Agreement.

Collateral Release Conditions — means, at any time:

(a) the Acceptable Rating is in full force and effect, not having been withdrawn by Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s;

(b) any and all Liens on Property of the Company or any Guarantor securing Debt incurred under or pursuant to each Revolving Credit Agreement of the Company or any Subsidiary have been released or will be released on or prior to the Collateral Release Date;

(c) the aggregate principal amount of all Debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries secured by Liens permitted solely by Section 6.13(a)(x) does not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of Consolidated Tangible Net Worth, determined at such time;

(d) the Company and the holders of the Notes shall have entered into an amendment to the Note Purchase Agreements, in form and substance satisfactory to the Required Holders, which (i) provides for an amendment to the covenants set forth in Section 6.4 through Section 6.15, inclusive, and (ii) establishes the Company’s obligations concerning its financial condition and results of operations in a manner which, if complied with, would result in the Company at all times maintaining an Acceptable Rating for its long-term, senior unsecured debt; and

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(e) no Default or Event of Default exists;

in each case as of such time.

Collateral Release Date — Section 1.5.

Company — has the meaning specified in the introductory sentence.

Company Fiscal Year Net Worth Increase Amount — means, for any fiscal year of the Company, the greater of

(i) fifty percent (50%) of Consolidated Net Income for such fiscal year; and

(ii) zero dollars ($0).

Consolidated Current Assets — means, at any time, the aggregate amount at which the current assets of the Company and the Subsidiaries would be shown on a consolidated balance sheet for such Persons at such time.

Consolidated Current Liabilities — means, at any time, the aggregate amount of current liabilities of the Company and the Subsidiaries as would be shown on a consolidated balance sheet for such Persons at such time including, without limitation, all liabilities of the Company and the Subsidiaries under the Revolving Credit Facilities (other than the Bank Funded Debt Amount) at such time.

Consolidated EBITDA — means, with respect to any fiscal period, the sum of

(a) Consolidated Net Income, plus

(b) the aggregate amount of all Consolidated Interest Expense, depreciation, amortization and income taxes

(to the extent, and only to the extent, that such aggregate amount was deducted in the computation of Consolidated Net Income), in each case accrued for such period by the Company, provided that, with respect to any period during which a Person shall have become, or ceased to be, a Subsidiary, or during which the Company or any Subsidiary shall have acquired or disposed of an On-Going Business, the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA shall, without duplication, (i) include the EBITDA for such period of each Person who shall have become a Subsidiary, and of each On-Going Business acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary, during such period as if such Person had been a Subsidiary or such On-Going Business had been owned by the Company or a Subsidiary for the entire period, or (ii) exclude the EBITDA for such period of each Person who shall have ceased to be a Subsidiary, and of each On-Going Business disposed of by the Company or any Subsidiary, at any time after the beginning of such period as if such Person had not been a Subsidiary at any time during the entire period or such On-Going Business had not been owned or operated by the Company or any Subsidiary at any time during such period. As used in this definition, EBITDA with respect to any Person or

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On-Going Business for any period shall mean, the net income (after income taxes) of such Person or On-Going Business for such period, determined in accordance with GAAP plus, to the extent deducted in calculating such net income, amounts attributable to interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization.

Consolidated Fixed Charges — means, with respect to any fiscal period, the sum of

(a) the amount payable in respect of such fiscal period with respect to interest due on, or with respect to, Debt (including, without limitation, the Notes) owing by or guaranteed by any one or more of the Company and the Subsidiaries and including, without limitation, amortization of debt discount and expense and imputed interest in respect of Capital Lease Obligations of the Company and the Subsidiaries, plus

(b) the amount payable in respect of such fiscal period with respect to Operating Rentals payable by any one or more of the Company and the Subsidiaries,

determined on a consolidated basis for the Company and the Subsidiaries for such period.

Consolidated Funded Debt — means, at any time, the aggregate amount of Funded Debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis for such Persons at such time.

Consolidated Intangible Assets — means, at any time, the aggregate amount of Intangible Assets of the Company and the Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis at such time.

Consolidated Interest Expense — means, for any fiscal period, the consolidated interest expense of the Company and its Subsidiaries accrued for such fiscal period (including, without limitation, cash or non-cash interest expense or deferred or accrued interest expense, amortization of debt discount and expense and the interest portion of all Capital Lease Obligations during such period); provided that, with respect to any fiscal period during which a Person shall have become, or ceased to be, a Subsidiary, or during which the Company or any Subsidiary shall have acquired or disposed of an On-Going Business, the calculation of Consolidated Interest Expense shall (i) include the interest expense for such fiscal period with respect to all Debt incurred in connection with the financing of the acquisition of each Person who shall have become a Subsidiary, and of each On-Going Business acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary, during such fiscal period as if such Person had been a Subsidiary or such On-Going Business had been acquired by the Company or a Subsidiary, and such Debt incurred, on the first day of such period and such Debt had remained outstanding at all times during such period, or (ii) exclude the interest expense for such fiscal period in respect of all Debt which shall have been repaid with the proceeds from the disposition of each Person who shall have ceased to be a Subsidiary, and of each On-Going Business disposed of by the Company or any Subsidiary, at any time after the beginning of such period as if such repayment and disposition had occurred on the first day of such period.

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Consolidated Net Income — means, with respect to any fiscal period, net earnings (or loss) after income taxes of the Company and the Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis for such Persons for such period, provided there shall be excluded:

(a) any net income or gain (or net loss) during such period from any extraordinary items, and

(b) the income (or loss) of any Person (other than a Subsidiary) in which the Company or any Subsidiary has an ownership interest, except to the extent that any such income has been actually received by the Company or such Subsidiary in the form of cash dividends or similar cash distributions.

Consolidated Net Income Available for Fixed Charges — means, with respect to any fiscal period, the sum of

(a) Consolidated Net Income, plus

(b) the aggregate amount of

(i) income taxes, and

(ii) Consolidated Fixed Charges,

(to the extent, and only to the extent, that such aggregate amount was reflected in the computation of Consolidated Net Income),

in each case accrued for such period by the Company and the Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis for such Persons.

Consolidated Net Worth — means, at any time, the aggregate amount of shareholders’ equity of the Company and the Subsidiaries as would be shown on a consolidated balance sheet of such Persons at such time.

Consolidated Tangible Net Worth — means, at any time, the result of

(a) Consolidated Net Worth, minus

(b) Consolidated Intangible Assets,

determined in each case at such time.

Consolidated Total Assets — means, at any time, the aggregate amount at which all assets of the Company and the Subsidiaries would be shown on a consolidated balance sheet for such Persons at such time.

Consolidated Total Capitalization — means, at any time, the sum of

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(a) Consolidated Net Worth, plus

(b) Consolidated Funded Debt,

determined in each case at such time.

Consolidated Total Liabilities — means, at any time, the aggregate amount at which all liabilities of the Company and the Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, (a) all Guaranties of Debt by such Persons and (b) all amounts attributable to Mandatorily Redeemable Stock of the Company and the Subsidiaries to the extent that such Mandatorily Redeemable Stock is redeemable within one year of such time) would be shown on a consolidated balance sheet for such Persons at such time.

Consolidated Working Capital — means, at any time, the result of

(a) Consolidated Current Assets, minus

(b) Consolidated Current Liabilities,

determined in each case at such time.

Control Event — means

(a) the execution by the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any letter of intent with respect to any proposed transaction or event or series of transactions or events that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Change in Control,

(b) the execution of any written agreement that, when fully performed by the parties thereto, would result in a Change in Control, or

(c) the making of any written offer by any Person to the holders of Voting Stock of the Company which offer, if accepted by the requisite number of such holders, would result in a Change in Control.

Control Prepayment Date — Section 4.3(a).

Credit Facility — means that certain Multi-Year Credit Agreement among the Company, certain of the Subsidiaries, JP Morgan Chase Bank as administrative agent and the lenders party thereto, providing for an aggregate amount of up to nine hundred million dollars ($900,000,000) in loans to the Company, as it may be amended, supplemented, or modified from time to time and any renewal, increase, extension, refunding, restructuring, replacement or refinancing thereof (whether with the original administrative agent and lenders or another administrative agent or agents or one or more other lenders and whether provided under the original Multi-Year Credit Agreement or one or more other credit or other agreements).

Debt — means, at any time, with respect to any Person, without duplication:

(a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money (including, without limitation, all obligations of such Person evidenced by any debenture, bond, note, commercial paper or Security, but also including all such obligations for borrowed money not so evidenced);

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(b) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of Property or services, all conditional sale obligations of such Person and all obligations of such Person under any title retention agreements, provided that accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business of such Person shall be excluded from this clause (b);

(c) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person;

(d) all obligations for borrowed money secured by any Lien existing on Property owned by such Person (whether or not such obligations have been assumed by such Person or recourse in respect thereof is available against such Person); and

(e) any Guaranty of such Person of any obligation or liability of another Person of a type described in any of clause (a) through clause (d), inclusive, of this definition.

Debt of a Person shall include all obligations of such Person of the character described in clause (a) through clause (e) to the extent such Person remains legally liable in respect thereof notwithstanding that any such obligation is deemed to be extinguished under GAAP.

Deeds of Trust — means, collectively, the Florida Mortgage, the Maryland Deeds of Trust, the North Carolina Deeds of Trust, the Ohio Mortgage, the Iowa Mortgage and the Virginia Deed of Trust.

Default — means an event or condition the occurrence of which would, with the lapse of time or the giving of notice or both, become an Event of Default.

Depreciation — means, for any fiscal year of the Company, the aggregate amount of depreciation attributable to the “Improvements” (as such term is defined in the Deeds of Trust) which would be included in the total amount of depreciation that would be shown on a statement of income prepared in respect of the Company and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for such fiscal year.

Distribution — means

(a) any dividend or other distribution, direct or indirect, on account of capital stock of the Company or any Subsidiary (except dividends payable solely in shares of capital stock other than Mandatorily Redeemable Stock of the Company or such Subsidiary), and

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(b) any redemption, retirement, purchase or other acquisition, direct or indirect, of any capital stock of the Company or any Subsidiary, or of any warrants, rights or other options to acquire any shares of such capital stock.

Environmental Indemnification Agreement — means, collectively, one or more environmental indemnification agreements (as amended from time to time), executed in connection with the original issue of the Notes by each of the Company, LMG, Smithfield-Packing, Packing LLC, Morrell and Gwaltney in favor of the Security Trustee.

Environmental Protection Law — means any federal, state, county, regional or local law, statute, or regulation (including, without limitation, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act, all amendments to any of the foregoing and all rules and regulations issued in connection therewith) enacted in connection with or relating to the protection or regulation of the environment, including, without limitation, those laws, statutes, and regulations regulating the disposal, removal, production, storing, refining, handling, transferring, processing, or transporting of Hazardous Substances, and any regulations, issued or promulgated in connection with such statutes by any Governmental Authority and any orders, decrees or judgments issued by any court of competent jurisdiction in connection with any of the foregoing.

ERISA — means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.

ERISA Affiliate — means any corporation or trade or business that

(i) is a member of the same controlled group of corporations (within the meaning of section 414(b) of the IRC) as the Company, or

(ii) is under common control (within the meaning of section 414(c) of the IRC) with the Company.

Event of Default — Section 8.1.

Excluded Transfers — Section 6.15(a)(iii).

Existing Note Purchase Agreement — Section 1.1.

Fair Market Value — means, at any time, with respect to any Property, the sale value of such Property that would be realized in an arm’s-length sale at such time between an informed and willing buyer, and an informed and willing seller, under no compulsion to buy or sell, respectively.

Financing Documents — means the Note Purchase Agreements, the Notes, the Joint and Several Guaranty, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement, the Environmental Indemnification Agreement and the other agreements and instruments to be executed pursuant to the terms of each of such Financing Documents, as each may be amended from time to time.

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Florida Mortgage — means that certain mortgage, security agreement and assignment of rents and leases (as amended from time to time ), in favor of the Security Trustee, executed in connection with the initial issue of the Notes by LMG, with respect to the Property of LMG listed on Part 2.5(e) of Annex 2 as being located in the State of Florida (as amended from time to time, securing LMG’s indebtedness and obligations under the Joint and Several Guaranty and in respect of the Notes with a first-priority lien encumbering such Property.

Foreign Pension Plan — means any plan, fund or other similar program

(a) established or maintained outside of the United States of America by any one or more of the Company or the Subsidiaries primarily for the benefit of the employees (substantially all of whom are aliens not residing in the United States of America) of the Company or such Subsidiaries which plan, fund or other similar program provides for retirement income for such employees or results in a deferral of income for such employees in contemplation of retirement, and

(b) not otherwise subject to ERISA.

Funded Debt — means, at any time, with respect to any Person, without duplication:

(a) all Debt of such Person (including, without limitation, the current portion thereof) that by its terms or by the terms of any instrument or agreement relating thereto matures, or that is otherwise payable or unpaid, more than one (1) year from, or is directly or indirectly renewable or extendible at the option of such Person to a date more than one (1) year (including, without limitation, an option of the debtor under a revolving credit or similar agreement obligating the lender or lenders to extend credit over a period of more than one (1) year) from, the date of the creation of such Debt (notwithstanding that such Debt may be under certain contingencies payable on demand or within one (1) year after such date of creation), provided, however, that, with respect to the Company and the Subsidiaries, such Debt shall exclude the amount outstanding at such time under the Credit Facility and include an amount equal to the Bank Funded Debt Amount at such time;

(b) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person; and

(c) all Debt of such Person of the type specified in clause (e) of the definition of “Debt,” provided that such Debt of such Person is in respect of or in support of Funded Debt of another Person.

GAAP — means generally accepted accounting principles as set forth from time to time in the statements, opinions and pronouncements of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such statements, opinions and pronouncements of such other entities as shall be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession in the United States of America.

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Governmental Authority — means

(a) the government of

(i) the United States of America and any state or other political subdivision thereof, or

(ii) any jurisdiction (A) in which the Company or any Subsidiary conducts all or any part of its business or (B) that asserts jurisdiction over the conduct of the affairs or Properties of the Company or any Subsidiary, or

(b) any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of, or pertaining to, any such government.

Great Lakes Cattle Merger — means the merger of The Ohio Feed Lot, Inc. and Great Lakes Cattle Credit Company, LLC, each Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries, into Beef Production Systems, Inc., a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, pursuant to a Certificate of Merger dated as of August 31, 2004 and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on September 13, 2004 so long as on or prior to October 29, 2004, Cattle Production Systems, Inc. (formerly Beef Production Systems, Inc.) shall have become party as a guarantor to the Joint and Several Guaranty.

Guarantor — means each of Gwaltney, Morrell, Smithfield-Packing, SFFC, Inc., Patrick Cudahy Incorporated, Carroll’s Foods, Inc., Carroll’s Realty, Inc., Carroll’s Realty Partnership, North Side Foods Corp., LMG, Circle Four Corporation, Brown’s, Brown’s Farms, LLC, Carroll’s Foods of Virginia, Inc., Smithfield-Carroll’s Farms, Central Plains Farms, Inc., Packing LLC, Murphy Farms and each other Person that becomes a “Guarantor” pursuant to the Joint and Several Guaranty.

Guaranty — means, with respect to any Person (for the purposes of this definition, the “Subject Guarantor”), any obligation (except the endorsement in the ordinary course of business of negotiable instruments for deposit or collection) of such Person guaranteeing or in effect guaranteeing any indebtedness, dividend or other obligation of any other Person (the “Primary Obligor”) in any manner (including, without limitation, obligations that arise as a matter of law or otherwise as a result of such Person’s status as a general partner in a partnership or a holder of equity or other Property interest in a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other business operation commonly referred to as a “joint venture”), whether directly or indirectly, including (without limitation) obligations incurred through an agreement, contingent or otherwise, by the Subject Guarantor:

(a) to purchase such indebtedness or obligation or any Property or assets constituting security therefor;

(b) to advance or supply funds

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(i) for the purpose of payment of such indebtedness or obligation, or

(ii) to maintain working capital or other balance sheet condition or any income statement condition of the Primary Obligor or otherwise to advance or make available funds for the purchase or payment of such indebtedness or obligation;

(c) to lease Property or to purchase Securities or other Property or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of such indebtedness or obligation of the ability of the Primary Obligor to make payment of the indebtedness or obligation; or

(d) otherwise to assure the owner of the indebtedness or obligation of the Primary Obligor against loss in respect thereof.

For purposes of computing the amount of any Guaranty, in connection with any computation of indebtedness or other liability, it shall be assumed that the indebtedness or other liabilities that are the subject of such Guaranty are direct obligations of the Subject Guarantor.

Gwaltney — means Gwaltney of Smithfield, Ltd., a Delaware corporation, and its successors and assigns.

Hazardous Substances — means any and all pollutants, contaminants, toxic or hazardous wastes or any other substances that might pose a hazard to health or safety, the removal of which may be required or the generation, manufacture, refining, production, processing, treatment, storage, handling, transportation, transfer, use, disposal, release, discharge, spillage, seepage, or filtration of which is or shall be restricted, prohibited or penalized by any applicable law (including, without limitation, asbestos, radon gas, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, polychlorinated biphenyls, radioactive materials, petroleum and petroleum derivatives and by-products).

Institutional Investor — means each of the Noteholders, any affiliate of any of the Noteholders, and any holder of Notes that is an “accredited investor” as defined in Section 2(15) of the Securities Act.

Intangible Assets — means, with respect to any Person at any time, the following:

(a) patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade names, service marks, brand names, franchises, goodwill, experimental expenses and other similar intangibles;

(b) deferred assets (other than prepaid taxes, prepaid insurance, prepaid contract payments, prepaid license fees and other prepaid expenses which are refundable);

(c) unamortized debt discount and expense; and

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(d) all other Property which would be considered to be intangible under GAAP.

Intercreditor Agreement — means that certain intercreditor agreement (as may be amended from time to time) executed in connection with the original issue of the Notes, among the Company, the Guarantors, the Security Trustee and The JPMorgan Chase Bank (formerly the Chase Manhattan Bank), with respect to the Credit Facility.

Investment — means any investment, made in cash or by delivery of Property, by the Company or any Subsidiary:

(a) in any Person, whether by acquisition of stock, indebtedness or other obligation or Security, or by loan, Guaranty, advance, capital contribution or otherwise; or

(b) in any Property.

Iowa Mortgage — means that certain mortgage, security agreement and assignment of rents and leases (as amended from time to time), executed in connection with the initial issue of the Notes, in favor of the Security Trustee by Morrell with respect to the Property of Morrell listed on Part 2.5(e) of Annex 2 as being located in the State of Iowa securing Morrell’s indebtedness and obligations under the Joint and Several Guaranty and in respect of the Notes with a first-priority lien encumbering such Property.

IRC — means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, together with all rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, as amended from time to time.

IRS — means the Internal Revenue Service and any successor agency.

Joint and Several Guaranty — means that certain Joint and Several Guaranty, executed in connection with the original issue of the Notes, by each of the Guarantors in favor of the Security Trustee and the holders of the Notes.

Joint Venture Investment — means any Investment by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as a joint venturer or partner in, or lender to, any other Person (other than a Subsidiary) principally engaged in a business in which the Company and its Subsidiaries are permitted by Section 6.18 to be engaged.

Lien — means any interest in Property securing an obligation owed to, or a claim by, a Person other than the owner of the Property, whether such interest is based on the common law, statute or contract, and including but not limited to the security interest lien arising from a mortgage, deed of trust, encumbrance, pledge, conditional sale or trust receipt or a lease, consignment or bailment for security purposes, and the filing of any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code of any jurisdiction, or an agreement to give any of the foregoing. The term “Lien” includes reservations, exceptions, encroachments, easements, rights-of-way, covenants, conditions, restrictions, leases and other title exceptions and encumbrances (including, with respect to stock, stockholder agreements, voting trust agreements, buy-back agreements and all similar

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arrangements) affecting Property. For the purposes of this definition, each of the Company and the Subsidiaries is deemed to be the owner of any Property that it shall have acquired or holds subject to a conditional sale agreement, Capital Lease or other arrangement pursuant to which title to the Property has been retained by or vested in some other Person for security purposes, and such retention or vesting is deemed a Lien. The term “Lien” does not include negative pledge clauses in agreements relating to the borrowing of money.

LMG — means Lykes Meat Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its successors and assigns.

Make-Whole Amount — means, at any time,

(a) with respect to a principal amount of Notes being prepaid (in whole or in part) or accelerated, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Discounted Value of the Remaining Scheduled Payments with respect to the Called Principal of the Notes over the amount of such Called Principal, provided that the Make-Whole Amount may in no event be less than zero;

For purposes of determining the Make-Whole Amount of the Notes, the following terms have the following meanings:

Called Principal — means, with respect to any Note, the principal of such Note that is to be prepaid pursuant to Section 4.3 or Section 4.4, or has become immediately due and payable pursuant to Section 8.2, as the context requires.

Discounted Value — means, with respect to the Called Principal of any Note, the amount obtained by discounting all Remaining Scheduled Payments with respect to such Called Principal from their respective scheduled due dates to the Settlement Date with respect to such Called Principal, in accordance with accepted financial practice and at a discount factor (applied on the same periodic basis as that on which interest on the Notes is payable) equal to the Reinvestment Yield with respect to such Called Principal.

Reinvestment Yield — means, with respect to the Called Principal of any Note, one-half percent (0.50%) over the yield to maturity implied by (a) the yields reported, as of 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the second (2^nd) Business Day preceding the Settlement Date with respect to such Called Principal, on the display designated as “Page 678” on Bridge Telerate (or such other display as may replace “Page 678” on Bridge Telerate) for actively traded U.S. Treasury securities having a maturity equal to the Remaining Average Life of such Called Principal as of such Settlement Date, or (b) if such yields are not reported as of such time or the yields reported as of such time are not ascertainable (including by way of interpolation), the Treasury Constant Maturity Series Yields reported, for the latest day for which such yields have been so reported as of the second (2^nd) Business Day preceding the Settlement Date with respect to such Called Principal, in Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) (or any comparable successor

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publication) for actively traded U.S. Treasury securities having a constant maturity equal to the Remaining Average Life of such Called Principal as of such Settlement Date. Such implied yield will be determined, if necessary, by (i) converting U.S. Treasury bill quotations to bond-equivalent yields in accordance with accepted financial practice and (ii) interpolating linearly between (x) the actively traded U.S. Treasury security with duration closest to and greater than the Remaining Average Life and (y) the actively traded U.S. Treasury security with the duration closest to and less than the Remaining Average Life.

Remaining Average Life — means, with respect to any Called Principal, the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth (1/12^th) year) obtained by dividing (x) such Called Principal into (y) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (a) the principal component of each Remaining Scheduled Payment with respect to such Called Principal by (b) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth (1/12^th) year) that will elapse between the Settlement Date with respect to such Called Principal and the scheduled due date of such Remaining Scheduled Payment.

Remaining Scheduled Payments — means, with respect to the Called Principal of any Note, all payments of such Called Principal and interest thereon that would be due after the Settlement Date with respect to such Called Principal if no payment of such Called Principal were made prior to its scheduled due date, provided that if such Settlement Date is not a date on which interest payments are due to be made under the terms of the Notes then the amount of the next succeeding scheduled interest payment will be reduced by the amount of interest accrued to such Settlement Date and required to be paid on such Settlement Date pursuant to Section 4.3, Section 4.4 or Section 8.2, as the case may be.

Settlement Date — means, with respect to the Called Principal of any Note, the date on which such Called Principal is to be prepaid or paid pursuant to Section 4.3, Section 4.4 or Section 8.2, as the case may be.

Mandatorily Redeemable Stock — means, with respect to any Person, each share of such Person’s capital stock to the extent that it is (a) redeemable, payable or required to be purchased or otherwise retired or extinguished, or convertible into Debt of such Person (i) at a fixed or determinable date, whether by operation of a sinking fund or otherwise, (ii) at the option of any Person other than such Person or (iii) upon the occurrence of a condition not solely within the control of such Person, such as redemption required to be made out of future earnings or (b) convertible into other Mandatorily Redeemable Stock of such Person.

Maryland Deeds of Trust — means those certain indemnity deeds of trust, security agreements and assignments of rents and leases (as amended from time to time), in favor of the Security Trustee, executed in connection with the initial issue of the Notes, by each of Smithfield-Packing and Gwaltney, for the Property of Smithfield-Packing and Gwaltney, respectively, listed on Part 2.5(e) of Annex 2 as being located in the State of Maryland, securing the indebtedness and obligations of Smithfield-Packing and

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Gwaltney, respectively, under the Joint and Several Guaranty and in respect of the Notes with a first-priority lien encumbering the interests of Smithfield-Packing and Gwaltney in such Properties.

Material Adverse Effect — means, with respect to any event or circumstance (either individually or in the aggregate with all other events and circumstances), an effect caused thereby or resulting therefrom that would be materially adverse as to, or in respect of

(a) the business, prospects, profits, Properties or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company (individually) or the Company and the Subsidiaries (taken as a whole),

(b) the ability of the Company to perform its obligations set forth herein and in the Notes or the ability of any Guarantor to perform its obligations under the Joint and Several Guaranty, or

(c) any of the rights or remedies of the holders of the Notes under any Financing Document or the enforceability of any Financing Document against the Company or any Guarantor.

Maximum Legal Rate of Interest — means, with respect to any Note, the maximum rate of interest that the holder of such Note may from time to time legally charge the Company by agreement and in regard to which the Company would be prevented successfully from raising the claim or defense of usury under the Applicable Interest Law as now or hereafter construed by courts having appropriate jurisdiction.

Moody’s — means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

Morrell — means John Morrell & Co., a Delaware corporation, and its successors and assigns.

Morrell Pension Plans — means, collectively, the defined benefit Pension Plan administered for salaried employees of Morrell and the defined benefit Pension Plan administered for hourly employees of Morrell, in each case as maintained on the Restatement Date by Morrell.

Multiemployer Plan — means any multiemployer plan (as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA) in respect of which the Company or any ERISA Affiliate is an “employer” (as such term is defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA).

Multiple Employer Pension Plan — means any employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA (other than a Multiemployer Plan), subject to Title IV of ERISA, to which the Company or any ERISA Affiliate and an employer (as such term is defined in Section 3 of ERISA) other than an ERISA Affiliate or the Company contribute.

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Murphy Farms — means Murphy Farms, Inc., a North Carolina corporation, and its successors and assigns.

North Carolina Deeds of Trust — means that certain mortgage, security agreement and assignment of rents and leases (as amended from time to time), executed in connection with the initial issue of the Notes, in favor of the Security Trustee by Packing LLC with respect to the Property of Packing LLC listed on Part 2.5(e) of Annex 2 as being located in the State of North Carolina securing Packing LLC’s indebtedness and obligations under the Joint and Several Guaranty and in respect of the Notes with a first-priority lien encumbering such Property.

Notes — Section 1.1.

Note Purchase Agreements — Section 1.2(c).

Obligors — means the Company and the Guarantors.

Ohio Mortgage — means that certain mortgage, security agreement and assignment of rents and leases (as amended from time to time), executed in connection with the initial issue of the Notes, in favor of the Security Trustee by Morrell with respect to the Property of Morrell listed on Part 2.5(e) of Annex 2 as being located in the State of Ohio securing Morrell’s indebtedness and obligations under the Joint and Several Guaranty and in respect of the Notes with a first-priority lien encumbering such Property.

On-Going Business — means a distinct operating business, whether operated as a division of a larger business operation or operated independently, which regardless of the form of legal entity owns or operates the assets and has the liabilities, of such business.

Operating Lease — means any lease other than a Capital Lease.

Operating Rentals — means, at any time, all fixed and contingent payments (other than amounts constituting the purchase price payable by the lessee to acquire title to the Property which is the subject of a lease) that the lessee is required to make by the terms of any Operating Lease.

Packing LLC — means Smithfield Packing Real Estate, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary.

PBGC — means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and any successor corporation or governmental agency.

Pension Plan — means, at any time, any “employee pension benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA) maintained at such time by the Company or any ERISA Affiliate for employees of the Company or such ERISA Affiliate, excluding any Multiemployer Plan, but including, without limitation any Multiple Employer Pension Plan.

Permitted Distributions — Section 6.12(a).

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Permitted Exceptions — means each of the items constituting a “Permitted Exception” in each of the Deeds of Trust.

Person — means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association, trust, unincorporated organization, or a government or agency or political subdivision thereof.

Property — means any interest in any kind of property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, and whether tangible or intangible.

Purchase Money Lien — means:

(a) a Lien held by any Person (whether or not the seller of such Property) on tangible Property (or a group of related items of Property the substantial portion of which are tangible) acquired or constructed by the Company or any Subsidiary, which Lien secures all or a portion of the related purchase price or construction costs of such Property, provided that such Lien

(i) is created contemporaneously with, or within one hundred eighty (180) days of,

(ii) such acquisition or construction,

(iii) encumbers only Property purchased or constructed after the Closing Date and acquired with the proceeds of the Debt secured thereby, and

(iv) is not thereafter extended to any other Property; and

(b) any Lien existing on Property of any corporation at the time it becomes a Subsidiary, provided that

(i) no such Lien shall extend to or cover any Property other than the Property subject to such Lien at the time of any such transaction, and

(ii) such Lien was not created in contemplation of any such transaction.

Required Holders — means, at any time, the holder or holders of at least fifty-one percent (51%) in principal amount of the Notes at the time outstanding (exclusive of Notes then owned by any one or more of the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate).

Restatement Date — Section 1.2(b).

Restricted Investments — means, at any time, all Investments except the following:

(a) Investments in existence on March 9, 2000 and described on Part 9.1(RI) of Annex 2;

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(b) Investments in certificates of deposit, repurchase agreements and banker’s acceptances issued by an Acceptable Bank, provided that such obligations mature within one (1) year from the date of acquisition thereof;

(c) Investments in commercial paper that (i) is rated either “P-1” or higher by Moody’s or “A-1” or higher by Standard & Poor’s (or comparable ratings by any comparable successor agency) and (ii) mature not more than two hundred seventy (270) days from the date of creation thereof;

(d) Investments in direct obligations of the United States of America, or any agency thereof, or obligations unconditionally guaranteed by the United States of America, provided that such obligations mature within one (1) year from the date of acquisition thereof;

(e) Investments in Property to be used in the ordinary course of business of the Company and the Subsidiaries;

(f) Investments in one or more Subsidiaries or in any corporation that concurrently with such Investment becomes a Subsidiary; and

(g) Investments in any one or more joint ventures that are engaged in the businesses engaged in by the Company and the Subsidiaries on the Closing Date, provided that the Company and/or one or more of the Subsidiaries maintains significant control over the business operations of such joint venture.

Restricted Payment — means

(a) any Distribution, and

(b) any Subordinated Payment.

Revolving Credit Agreement — means, with respect to the Company or any Subsidiary, a credit or loan agreement to which the Company or such Subsidiary is a party and pursuant to which the Company or such Subsidiary is entitled to obtain working capital loans or other loans from the commercial bank or commercial banks party thereto, and shall include, without limitation, the Credit Facility.

Securities Act — means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Security — means “security” as defined by Section 2(1) of the Securities Act.

Security Agreements – means those certain separate security agreements (each as amended or otherwise modified from time to time), executed in connection with the original issue of the Notes, by each of LMG, Smithfield-Packing, Packing LLC, Morrell and Gwaltney in favor of the Security Trustee, securing the indebtedness and obligations

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of each of such Subsidiaries under the Joint and Several Guaranty and in respect of the Notes with a lien encumbering certain personal property of such Guarantors, subject only to prior Liens permitted by such security agreements.).

Security Documents — means the Trust Agreement, the Deeds of Trust, the Security Agreements and the other agreements and instruments executed or required to be executed pursuant to the terms of each of such Security Documents, as each may be amended from time to time.

Security Trustee — shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Trust Agreement.

Senior Financial Officer — means the chief financial officer, the principal accounting officer, the controller or the treasurer of the Company.

Senior Officer — means the chairman of the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer, the chief operating officer, the president, the chief financial officer, the general counsel or any vice president of the Company.

Senior Subordinated Debt — means, at any time, the aggregate principal amount of the Company’s Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 outstanding at such time and any additional Debt of the Company outstanding at such time which has subordination provisions and other terms and conditions acceptable to the Required Holders.

Smithfield Canada — means, collectively, Smithfield Canada Limited and 2004171 Ontario Inc., each a corporation governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary.

Smithfield Canada Transfer — means the sale of Smithfield Canada to Maple Leaf Foods, Inc., a corporation governed by the laws of Canada, pursuant to the terms of the Smithfield Canada Transfer Agreement.

Smithfield Canada Transfer Agreement — means that certain Share Purchase Agreement dated as of September 24, 2003 between the Company and Maple Leaf Foods, Inc., a copy of which has been delivered to each of the holders of the Notes outstanding on such date, with such amendments and supplements thereto as may be agreed to by the parties which do not in the aggregate substantially modify the terms of such Share Purchase Agreement so delivered.

Smithfield-Packing — means The Smithfield Packing Company, Incorporated, a Virginia corporation, and its successors and assigns.

Standard & Poor’s — means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, a division of McGraw-Hill, Inc.

Subordinated Payment — means payments of interest on, or payments or prepayments of principal of, or the setting apart of money for a sinking or other analogous fund for the purchase, redemption, retirement or other acquisition of any

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principal or interest on (a) Debt of the Company (including, without limitation, Senior Subordinated Debt) or any Guarantor which is subordinate or junior in right of payment or otherwise to the Debt evidenced by the Notes or the Joint and Several Guaranty or (b) Debt owing to any Affiliate.

Subsidiary — means, as to any Person, any corporation, association or other business entity in which such Person or one or more of its Subsidiaries or such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries owns sufficient equity or voting interests to enable it or them (as a group) ordinarily, in the absence of contingencies, to elect a majority of the directors (or Persons performing similar functions) of such entity, and any partnership or joint venture if more than a 50% interest in the profits or capital thereof is owned by such Person or one or more of its Subsidiaries or such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries (unless such partnership can and does ordinarily take major business actions without the prior approval of such Person or one or more of its Subsidiaries). Unless the context otherwise clearly requires, any reference to a “Subsidiary” is a reference to a Subsidiary of the Company.

Subsidiary Stock — Section 6.15(b).

Surviving Corporation — Section 6.14(a)(i).

Third Party Debt — means any and all Debt (other than Debt evidenced by the Notes or the Joint and Several Guaranty).

Trademark Subsidiary — means a Subsidiary that has no material assets other than:

(a) patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and other similar licenses and intangibles used or useful in the conduct of the business of the Company or any Subsidiary;

(b) intercompany obligations in its favor obtained in respect of the granting of rights to the Company and the other Subsidiaries with respect to the patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and other similar licenses and intangibles held by it; and

(c) in the case of SF Investments, Inc., a Delaware corporation, certain other assets (including, without limitation, the capital stock of Smithfield Companies, Inc.) that are material but in any event whose primary assets are of the type described in clauses (a) and (b) above.

Transfer — Section 6.15(a).

Trust Agreement — means that certain trust agreement (as amended from time to time) in favor of the Security Trustee, executed in connection with the initial issue of the Notes by the Company and the Guarantors.

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USA Patriot Act — means United States Public Law 107-56, Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT ACT) Act of 2001, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder from time to time in effect.

Virginia Deed of Trust — means that certain deed of trust, security agreement and assignment of rents and leases (as amended from time to time), executed in connection with the initial issue of the Notes, in favor of the Security Trustee by Gwaltney with respect to the Property of Gwaltney listed on Part 2.5(e) of Annex 2 as being located in the Commonwealth of Virginia securing Gwaltney’s indebtedness and obligations under the Joint and Several Guaranty and in respect of the Notes with a first-priority lien encumbering such Property.

Voting Stock — means capital stock of any class or classes of a corporation having power under ordinary circumstances to vote for the election of members of the board of directors, or Persons performing similar functions (irrespective of whether or not at the time stock of any of the class or classes shall have or might have special voting power or rights by reason of the happening of any contingency).

Wholly-Owned Subsidiary — means, at any time, any Subsidiary one hundred percent (100%) of all of the equity Securities (except directors’ qualifying shares) and voting Securities of which are owned by any one or more of the Company and the other Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries at such time.

9.2. GAAP.

Where the character or amount of any asset or liability or item of income or expense, or any consolidation or other accounting computation is required to be made for any purpose hereunder, it shall be done in accordance with GAAP as in effect on the date of, or at the end of the period covered by, the financial statements from which such asset, liability, item of income, or item of expense, is derived, or, in the case of any such computation, as in effect on the date as of which such computation is required to be determined, provided, that if any term defined herein includes or excludes amounts, items or concepts that would not be included in or excluded from such term if such term were defined with reference solely to GAAP, such term will be deemed to include or exclude such amounts, items or concepts as set forth herein.

9.3. Directly or Indirectly.

Where any provision herein refers to action to be taken by any Person, or that such Person is prohibited from taking, such provision shall be applicable whether such action is taken directly or indirectly by such Person, including actions taken by or on behalf of any partnership in which such Person is a general partner.

9.4. Section Headings, Table of Contents and Construction.

The titles of the Sections and the Table of Contents appear as a matter of convenience only, do not constitute a part hereof and shall not affect the construction hereof. The words “herein,” “hereof,” “hereunder” and “hereto” refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to

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any particular Section or other subdivision. Unless otherwise specified, references to Sections are to Sections of this Agreement, references to Annexes are to Annexes to this Agreement, references to Attachments are to Attachments to this Agreement and references to Exhibits are to Exhibits to this Agreement. Each covenant contained herein shall be construed (absent an express contrary provision herein) as being independent of each other covenant contained herein, and compliance with any one covenant shall not (absent such an express contrary provision) be deemed to excuse compliance with one or more other covenants.

9.5. Governing Law.

EXCEPT AS SUPERCEDED BY APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAW, THIS AGREEMENT AND THE NOTES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, INTERNAL VIRGINIA LAW, EXCLUDING CHOICE-OF-LAW PROVISIONS OF SUCH COMMONWEALTH THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF A JURISDICTION OTHER THAN SUCH COMMONWEALTH.

10. MISCELLANEOUS

10.1. Communications.

(a) Method; Address. All communications hereunder or under the Notes shall be in writing and sent by telecopy with receipt thereof confirmed, or by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested (postage prepaid), or by overnight courier, and shall be addressed,

(i)	if to the Company,
	Smithfield Foods, Inc.
	200 Commerce Street
	Smithfield, Virginia 23430
	Attn: Mr. C. Larry Pope
	Fax: (757) 365-3023

or at such other address as the Company shall have furnished in writing to all holders of the Notes at the time outstanding,

(ii)	if to any Guarantor,
	c/o Smithfield Foods, Inc.
	200 Commerce Street
	Smithfield, Virginia 23430
	Attn: Mr. C. Larry Pope
	Fax: (757) 365-3023

or at such other address as such Guarantor shall have furnished in writing to all holders of the Notes at the time outstanding,

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(iii) if to any of the holders of the Notes,

(A) if such holders are the Noteholders, at their respective addresses set forth on Annex 1, and further including any parties referred to on Annex 1 that are required to receive notices in addition to such holders of the Notes, and

(B) if such holders are not the Noteholders, at their respective addresses set forth in the register for the registration and transfer of Notes maintained pursuant to Section 5.1,

or to any such party at such other address as such party may designate by notice duly given in accordance with this Section 10.1 to the Company and the Guarantors (which other address shall be entered in such register).

(b) When Given. Any communication so addressed and deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail (in each case, with return receipt requested) shall be deemed to be received on the third (3rd) succeeding Business Day after the day of such deposit (not including the date of such deposit). Any communication so addressed and delivered otherwise shall be deemed to be received when actually received at the address of the addressee.

10.2. Reproduction of Documents.

This Agreement and the other Financing Documents, and all documents relating hereto and thereto, including, without limitation, (a) consents, waivers and modifications that may hereafter be executed, (b) documents received by you at the closing of your purchase of the Notes (except the Notes themselves) and (c) financial statements, certificates and other information previously or hereafter furnished to you or any other holder of Notes, may be reproduced by any holder of Notes by any photographic, photostatic, microfilm, micro-card, miniature photographic, digital or other similar process and each holder of Notes may destroy any original document so reproduced. The Company and the Guarantors agree and stipulate that any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding (whether or not the original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by such holder of Notes in the regular course of business) and that any enlargement, facsimile or further reproduction of such reproduction shall likewise be admissible in evidence.

10.3. Survival.

All warranties, representations, certifications and covenants made by the Company and the Guarantors herein and in the other Financing Documents or in any certificate or other instrument delivered by the Company or the Guarantors or on their behalf pursuant to any of the Financing Documents shall be considered to have been relied upon by you and shall survive the delivery to you of the Notes regardless of any investigation made by you or on your behalf. All statements in any such certificate or other instrument shall constitute warranties and representations by the Company and the Guarantors hereunder.

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10.4. Successors and Assigns.

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of each of the parties hereto. The provisions hereof are intended to be for the benefit of all holders, from time to time, of Notes, and shall be enforceable by any such holder, whether or not an express assignment to such holder of rights hereunder shall have been made by you or your successor or assign.

10.5. Amendment and Waiver.

(a) Requirements. This Agreement may be amended, and the observance of any term hereof may be waived, with (and only with) the written consent of the Company and the Required Holders; provided that no such amendment or waiver of any of the provisions of Section 1 through Section 4 hereof, inclusive, shall be effective as to any holder of Notes unless consented to by such holder in writing; and provided further that no such amendment or waiver shall, without the written consent of the holders of all Notes (exclusive of Notes held by the Company or any Subsidiary) at the time outstanding,

(i) subject to Section 8.2, change the amount or time of any prepayment or payment of principal or Make-Whole Amount or the rate or time of payment of interest,

(ii) amend Section 8,

(iii) amend this Section 10.5, or

(iv) release any Guarantor from its obligations set forth in the Joint and Several Guaranty.

The holder of any Note may specify that any such written consent executed by it shall be effective only with respect to a portion of the Notes held by it (in which case it shall specify, by dollar amount, the aggregate principal amount of Notes with respect to which such consent shall be effective) and in the event of any such specification such holder shall be deemed to have executed such written consent only with respect to the portion of the Notes so specified.

(b) Solicitation of Noteholders.

(i) Solicitation. The Company will not negotiate with any holder of the Notes with respect to a material matter, nor will it solicit, request or negotiate in writing with respect to any proposed waiver or amendment of any of the provisions hereof or the Notes or any other Financing Document, unless each holder of the Notes (irrespective of the amount of Notes then owned by it) shall be informed thereof by the Company with sufficient information to enable it to make an informed decision with respect thereto. Executed or true and correct copies of any waiver or consent effected pursuant to the provisions of this Section 10.5 shall be delivered by the Company to each holder of outstanding Notes

70

forthwith following the date on which the same shall have been executed and delivered by all holders of outstanding Notes required to consent or agree to such waiver or consent.

(ii) Payment. The Company shall not, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any remuneration, whether by way of supplemental or additional interest, fee or otherwise, or grant any security, to any holder of Notes as consideration for or as an inducement to the entering into by any holder of Notes of any waiver or amendment of any of the terms and provisions hereof unless such remuneration is concurrently paid, or security is concurrently granted, on the same terms, ratably to the holders of all Notes then outstanding.

(iii) Scope of Consent. Any consent made pursuant to this Section 10.5 by a holder of Notes that has transferred or has agreed to transfer its Notes to the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate and has provided or has agreed to provide such written consent as a condition to such transfer shall be void and of no force and effect except solely as to such holder, and any amendments effected or waivers granted or to be effected or granted that would not have been or would not be so effected or granted but for such consent (and the consents of all other holders of Notes that were acquired under the same or similar conditions) shall be void and of no force and effect, retroactive to the date such amendment or waiver initially took or takes effect, except solely as to such holder.

(c) Binding Effect. Except as provided in Section 10.5(b), any amendment or waiver consented to as provided in this Section 10.5 shall apply equally to all holders of Notes and shall be binding upon them and upon each future holder of any Note and upon the Company whether or not such Note shall have been marked to indicate such amendment or waiver. No such amendment or waiver shall extend to or affect any obligation, covenant, agreement, Default or Event of Default not expressly amended or waived or impair any right consequent thereon.

10.6. Payments, When Received.

(a) Payments Due on Holidays. If any payment due on, or with respect to, any Note shall fall due on a day other than a Business Day, then such payment shall be made on the first Business Day following the day on which such payment shall have so fallen due; provided that if all or any portion of such payment shall consist of a payment of interest, for purposes of calculating such interest, such payment shall be deemed to have been originally due on such first following Business Day, and such interest shall accrue and be payable to (but not including) the actual date of payment.

(b) Payments, When Received. Any payment actually received by you before 11:00 a.m., New York time, by federal funds wire transfer on any Business Day, shall be deemed to have been received by you on such day. Any payment actually received by you at or after 11:00 a.m., New York time, by federal funds wire transfer on any Business Day, shall be deemed to have been received on the next following Business Day. All payments received by you on a day other than a Business Day, or in a manner

71

other than by federal funds wire transfer, shall be deemed to have been received by you on the Business Day such amounts actually become available to you prior to 11:00 a.m., New York time.

10.7. Entire Agreement.

This Agreement constitutes the final written expression of all of the terms hereof and is a complete and exclusive statement of those terms.

10.8. Duplicate Originals, Execution in Counterpart.

Two or more duplicate originals hereof may be signed by the parties, each of which shall be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts and shall be effective when at least one counterpart shall have been executed by each party hereto, and each set of counterparts which, collectively, show execution by each party hereto shall constitute one duplicate original.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank. Next page is signature page.]

72

If this Agreement is satisfactory to you, please so indicate by signing the acceptance at the foot of a counterpart hereof and returning such counterpart to the Company, whereupon this Agreement shall become binding among us in accordance with its terms.

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
By:	/s/ Daniel G. Stevens
Name:	Daniel G. Stevens
Title:	Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement (M-N)]

The undersigned hereby ratify and confirm their obligations pursuant to the Joint and Several Guaranty (as defined in the foregoing Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) and consent to the amendments effected by the Agreement.

CODDLE ROASTED MEATS, INC.

GWALTNEY OF SMITHFIELD, LTD.

HANCOCK’S OLD FASHIONED COUNTRY HAM, INC.

IOWA QUALITY MEATS, LTD.

JOHN MORRELL & CO.

LYKES MEAT GROUP, INC.

MOYER PACKING COMPANY

NORTH SIDE FOODS CORP.

PACKERLAND HOLDINGS, INC.

PACKERLAND PROCESSING COMPANY, INC.

PACKERLAND-PLAINWELL, INC. (f/k/a Murco Foods, Inc.)

PATRICK CUDAHY INCORPORATED

PREMIUM PORK, INC.

QUIK-TO-FIX FOODS, INC.

SFFC, INC.

SMITHFIELD PURCHASE CORPORATION (successor by merger to Carroll’s Realty, Inc.)

STADLER’S COUNTRY HAMS, INC.

SUN LAND BEEF COMPANY

SUNNYLAND, INC.

THE SMITHFIELD COMPANIES, INC.

THE SMITHFIELD PACKING COMPANY INCORPORATED

MURPHY-BROWN LLC

By: John Morrell & Co., as sole member

MURPHY FARMS LLC

QUARTER M FARMS LLC

CARROLL’S FOODS OF VIRGINIA LLC

CARROLL’S FOODS LLC

CIRCLE FOUR LLC

CENTRAL PLAINS FARMS LLC

BROWN’S OF CAROLINA LLC

By:	Murphy-Brown LLC, as sole member
By:	John Morrell & Co., as sole member

BROWN’S FARMS, LLC

By:	Brown’s of Carolina LLC, as sole member
By:	Murphy-Brown LLC, as sole member
By:	John Morrell & Co., as sole member

CARROLL’S REALTY PARTNERSHIP

By: Smithfield Purchase Corporation, as general partner

SMITHFIELD PACKING REAL ESTATE, LLC

By:   The Smithfield Packing Company Incorporated, as sole member

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement (M-N)]

CATTLE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS, INC.

By: Packerland Holdings, Inc., as sole member

SMITHFIELD-CARROLL’S FARMS

By: Smithfield Purchase Corporation, as general partner

BROWN’S REALTY PARTNERSHIP

By:	Brown’s Farms, LLC, its partner
By:	Brown’s of Carolina LLC, its sole member and manager
By:	Murphy-Brown LLC, its sole member and manager
By:	John Morrell & Co., as sole member and
By:	Smithfield Purchase Corporation, its partner

SMITHFIELD PACKING REALTY PARTNERSHIP

By:	Smithfield Packing Real Estate, LLC, its partner
By:	The Smithfield Packing Company, Incorporated, its sole member and manager   and
By:	Smithfield Purchase Corporation, its partner

By:	/s/ Daniel G. Stevens
Name:	Daniel G. Stevens
Title:	Vice President

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement (M-N)]

Accepted:

JOHN HANCOCK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
By:	/s/ Kenneth Warlick
Name:	Kenneth Warlick
Title:	Managing Director

SIGNATURE 6 LIMITED
By:	John Hancock Life Insurance Company, as Portfolio Advisor

By:	/s/ Kenneth Warlick
Name:	Kenneth Warlick
Title:	Managing Director

JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

By:	/s/ Kenneth Warlick
Name:	Kenneth Warlick
Title:	Managing Director

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK,

as Directed Trustee for the AT&T Long-Term Investment Trust

By:	/s/ Mark Carnevale
Name:	Mark Carnevale
Title:	Vice President

INVESTORS PARTNER LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY

By:	/s/ Kenneth Warlick
Name:	Kenneth Warlick
Title:	Managing Director

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement (M-N)]

ANNEX 1

INFORMATION AS TO NOTEHOLDERS

Current Noteholder	JOHN HANCOCK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series M: $26,600,000
Payment on Account of Note Method Account Information	Federal Funds Wire Transfer Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Champaign, Illinois ABA # 071-101-996 Account of BankIllinois For further credit to John Hancock Life Insurance Company
Accompanying Information	Name of Company: Description of Security: PPN:	SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. 8.25% Series M Senior Secured Notes due March 2, 2006 832248 E* 5
	Due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	John Hancock Life Insurance Company 1605 South State Street, Suite 106 Champaign, IL 61820 Attn: Accounting Fax:        (217) 356-1031
Address for All other Notices	John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Bond & Corporate Finance Group, T-57 Fax:        (617) 572-1605
Other Instructions	JOHN HANCOCK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
	By: _________________________________
	Name:
	Title:

Tax Identification Number 04-1414660

Annex 1-1

Current Noteholder	SIGNATURE 6 LIMITED
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series M: $1,800,000
Payment on Account of Note Method Account Information	Federal Funds Wire Transfer Northern CHGO/Trust ABA # 071-000-152 Credit wire account # 5186041000 FFC:        Signature 6                 Account # 2611449 On order of:            (See “Accompanying information” below)
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:              SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. Description of Security:      8.25% Series M Senior Secured Notes due March 2, 2006 PPN:                                        832248 E* 5 Due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	Via fax and mail to: The Northern Trust Company 801 South Canal Street, C-1N Chicago, IL 60607 Attn:        Oscell Owens                  Gretta Johnson Fax:          312-630-8179
Address for All Other Notices	Via fax and mail to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn:        Bond and Corporate Finance Group, T-57 Fax:           617-572-5068 Copies of any notices regarding changes in issuer’s name, address or principal place of business or location of collateral, via fax and mail, to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn:        Investment Law Division, T-30 Fax:          617-572-9269
Other Instructions	SIGNATURE 6 LIMITED
	By:          John Hancock Life Insurance Company, as Portfolio Advisor
	By: ________________________________
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	None

Annex 1-2

Current Noteholder	JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series M: $1,000,000
Payment on Account of Note Method Account Information	Federal Funds Wire Transfer Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Champaign, Illinois ABA # 071-101-996 Account of BankIllinois For further credit to John Hancock Life Insurance Company
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:              SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC. Description of Security:      8.25% Series M Senior Secured Notes due March 2, 2006 PPN:                                        832248 E* 5 Due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	John Hancock Life Insurance Company 1605 South State Street, Suite 106 Champaign, IL 61820 Attn: Accounting Fax:         (217) 356-1031
Address for All other Notices	John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn: Bond & Corporate Finance Group, T-57 Fax:         (617) 572-1605
Other Instructions	JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
	By: _____________________________________
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	04-2664016

Annex 1-3

Current Noteholder	JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, AS DIRECTED TRUSTEE FOR THE AT&T LONG- TERM INVESTMENT TRUST
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series M: $800,000
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	[                    ]
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:	SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:	8.25% Series M Senior Secured Notes due March 2, 2006
	PPN:	832248 E* 5
	Due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	[                    ]
Address for All other Notices	John Hancock Financial Services, Inc. 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn:        Scott Hartz, Bond and Corporate Finance Dept., T-57 Fax:          (617) 572-9269 with a copy to: John Hancock Financial Services, Inc. John Hancock Place 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn:    Investment Law Division, T-50 Fax:          (617) 572-9269
Other Instructions	JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, as Directed Trustee for the AT&T Long-Term Investment Trust
	By_______________________________
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	13-3187026

Annex 1-4

Current Noteholder	INVESTORS PARTNER LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series M: $400,000
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Champaign, Illinois ABA # 071-101-996 Account of BankIllinois For further credit to John Hancock Life Insurance Company
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:	SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:	8.25% Series M Senior Secured Notes due March 2, 2006
	PPN:	832248 E* 5
	Due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	John Hancock Life Insurance Company 1605 South State Street, Suite 106 Champaign, IL 61820 Attn:    Accounting
	Fax:        (217) 356-1031
Address for All other Notices	John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117 Attn:    Bond & Corporate Finance Group, T-57
	Fax:        (617) 572-1605
Other Instructions	INVESTORS PARTNER LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
	By:_______________________
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	13-3072894

Annex 1-5

EXHIBIT A1

[FORM OF SERIES M SENIOR SECURED NOTE]

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

8.25% SERIES M SENIOR SECURED NOTE DUE MARCH 2, 2006

No. RM-[    ]	[Date]
$[            ]	PPN:    832248 E* 5

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC., a Virginia corporation (the “Company”), for value received, hereby promises to pay to [                                    ] or registered assigns the principal sum of [                                         ] DOLLARS ($[            ]) on March 2, 2006 and to pay interest (computed on the basis of a 360-day year and actual days elapsed) on the unpaid principal balance thereof from the date of this Note at the rate of eight and twenty-five one-hundredths percent (8.25%) per annum, quarterly on the second (2^nd) day of March, June, September and December in each year, commencing on the later of September 2, 2000 and the payment date next succeeding the date hereof, until the principal amount hereof shall become due and payable; and to pay on demand interest on any overdue principal (including any overdue prepayment of principal) and Make-Whole Amount, if any, and (to the extent permitted by applicable law) on any overdue installment of interest, at a rate equal to the lesser of (a) the Maximum Legal Rate of Interest or (b) ten and twenty-five one-hundredths percent (10.25%) per annum.

Payments of principal, Make-Whole Amount, if any, and interest shall be made in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts to the registered holder hereof at the address shown in the register maintained by the Company for such purpose, in the manner provided in the Note Purchase Agreement referred to below.

This Note is one of an issue of Series M Senior Secured Notes of the Company issued in an aggregate principal amount limited to Seventy-Five Million Dollars ($75,000,000) pursuant to the Company’s separate Note Purchase Agreements (collectively, as may be amended from time to time, the “Note Purchase Agreement”), each dated as of June 2, 2000, with the purchasers listed on Annex 1 thereto, and is entitled to the benefits thereof. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings specified in the Note Purchase Agreement. As provided in the Note Purchase Agreement, this Note is subject to prepayment, in whole or in part, in certain cases without a Make-Whole Amount and in other cases with a Make-Whole Amount. The Company agrees to make the scheduled required prepayments on account of such Notes in accordance with the provisions of the Note Purchase Agreement.

Exhibit A1-1

This Note is a registered Note and is transferable only by surrender hereof at the principal office of the Company as specified in the Note Purchase Agreement, duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer duly executed by the registered holder of this Note or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

Under certain circumstances, as specified in the Note Purchase Agreement, the principal of this Note (together with any applicable Make-Whole Amount) may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Note Purchase Agreement.

The Company waives presentment, protest and demand, notice of protest, demand and dishonor and agrees to pay all costs of collection when incurred (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) and to perform and comply with each of the covenants, conditions, provisions and agreements of the undersigned contained in every Financing Document. Notwithstanding any provision herein or in any instrument now or hereafter securing said indebtedness, the total liability for payments in the nature of interest shall not exceed the limits imposed by the usury laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

This Note is secured in accordance with, and entitled to the benefits of, the Security Documents.

All obligations evidenced by the Note are guarantied by the Guarantors pursuant to the Joint and Several Guaranty.

THIS AGREEMENT AND THE NOTES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, INTERNAL VIRGINIA LAW, EXCLUDING CHOICE-OF-LAW PROVISIONS OF SUCH COMMONWEALTH THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF A JURISDICTION OTHER SUCH COMMONWEALTH.

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

By:

Name:

Title:

Exhibit A1-2

EX-4.8

EXHIBIT 4.8

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

AMENDED AND RESTATED

NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

DATED AS OF OCTOBER 29, 2004

$25,000,000 RESET RATE SERIES O 5/10 YEAR SENIOR SECURED NOTES

$30,000,000 ADJUSTABLE RATE SERIES P 5/10 YEAR SENIOR SECURED NOTES

Guarantied By:

Brown’s of Carolina LLC

Brown’s Farms, LLC

Brown’s Realty Partnership

Carroll’s Foods of Virginia LLC

Carroll’s Foods LLC

Carroll’s Realty Partnership

Cattle Production Systems, Inc.

Central Plains Farms LLC

Circle Four LLC

Coddle Roasted Meats, Inc.

Gwaltney of Smithfield, Ltd.

Hancock’s Old Fashioned Country Ham, Inc.

Iowa Quality Meats, Ltd.

John Morrell & Co.

Lykes Meat Group, Inc.

Moyer Packing Company

Murphy-Brown LLC

Murphy Farms LLC

North Side Foods Corp.

Packerland Holdings, Inc.

Packerland Processing Company, Inc.

Packerland-Plainwell, Inc. (f/k/a Murco Foods, Inc.)

Patrick Cudahy Incorporated

Premium Pork, Inc.

Quarter M Farms LLC

Quik-To-Fix Foods, Inc.

SFFC, Inc.

Smithfield Purchase Corporation

Stadler’s Country Hams, Inc.

Sun Land Beef Company

Sunnyland, Inc.

Smithfield-Carroll’s Farms

The Smithfield Companies, Inc.

The Smithfield Packing Company Incorporated

Smithfield Packing Real Estate, LLC

Smithfield Packing Realty Partnership

TABLE OF CONTENTS

			Page
1.	BACKGROUND; AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT.		1
	1.1	Background.	1
	1.2	Agreement of Noteholders to Amendment and Restatement; Closing Date.	2
	1.3	Failure To Deliver, Failure of Conditions.	2
	1.4	Expenses.	2
	1.5	Collateral; Release.	3
2.	WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS.		3
	2.1	Material Adverse Change.	3
	2.2	Financial Statements; Debt.	4
	2.3	Subsidiaries and Affiliates.	4
	2.4	Pending Litigation.	5
	2.5	Title to Properties; UCC Matters.	5
	2.6	Patents, Trademarks, Licenses, etc.	6
	2.7	Taxes.	6
	2.8	Full Disclosure.	7
	2.9	Corporate Organization and Authority.	7
	2.10	Restrictions on Company and Subsidiaries.	7
	2.11	Compliance with Law.	8
	2.12	Pension Plans.	8
	2.13	USA Patriot Act, Etc.	10
	2.14	Certain Laws.	10
	2.15	Environmental Compliance.	10
	2.16	Transaction is Legal and Authorized; Obligations are Enforceable.	11
	2.17	Governmental Consent.	12
	2.18	No Defaults.	12
	2.19	Company and the Guarantors.	12
	2.20	Solvency.	12
	2.21	True and Correct Copies.	13
	2.22	Joinder Agreement.	13
3.	CLOSING CONDITIONS.		13
	3.1	Opinions of Counsel.	13
	3.2	Warranties and Representations True.	13
	3.3	No Defaults.	13
	3.4	Officers’ Certificates.	14
	3.5	Other Noteholders.	14
	3.6	Expenses.	14
	3.7	Ratification by Guarantors.	14
	3.8	Other Debt Documents.	14
	3.9	Transaction Structuring Fee.	14
	3.10	Compliance with this Agreement.	14
	3.11	Proceedings Satisfactory.	14

i

4.	PAYMENTS.		15
	4.1	Interest Payments.	15
	4.2	Scheduled Payments.	19
	4.3	Offer to Prepay upon Change in Control.	20
	4.4	Optional Prepayments.	22
	4.5	Notice of Optional Prepayment.	22
	4.6	Pro Rata Payments.	23
	4.7	Notation of Notes on Prepayment.	24
	4.8	No Other Optional Prepayments.	24
5.	REGISTRATION; SUBSTITUTION OF NOTES.		24
	5.1	Registration of Notes.	24
	5.2	Exchange of Notes.	24
	5.3	Replacement of Notes.	25
	5.4	Issuance Taxes.	25
6.	GENERAL COVENANTS.		26
	6.1	Payment of Taxes and Claims.	26
	6.2	Maintenance of Properties and Corporate Existence	26
	6.3	Payment of Notes and Maintenance of Office.	27
	6.4	Intentionally Deleted.	27
	6.5	Consolidated Working Capital.	27
	6.6	Funded Debt to Capitalization Ratio.	27
	6.7	Maintenance of Funded Debt.	28
	6.8	Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio; Consolidated Fixed Charges.	28
	6.9	Restrictions on Dividends, etc.	28
	6.10	Consolidated Net Worth.	29
	6.11	Terrorism Sanctions Regulations.	29
	6.12	Restricted Payments and Restricted Investments.	29
	6.13	Liens.	30
	6.14	Merger; Acquisition.	33
	6.15	Transfers of Property; Subsidiary Stock.	35
	6.16	Trademark Subsidiaries.	38
	6.17	Environmental Compliance.	39
	6.18	Line of Business.	39
	6.19	Transactions with Affiliates.	39
	6.20	Tax Consolidation.	40
	6.21	ERISA.	40
	6.22	Guaranties.	41
	6.23	Private Offering.	42
7.	INFORMATION AS TO COMPANY AND GUARANTORS.		42
	7.1	Financial and Business Information.	42
	7.2	Officer’s Certificates.	45
	7.3	Accountants’ Report.	46
	7.4	Inspection.	46

ii

8.	EVENTS OF DEFAULT.		46
	8.1	Nature of Events.	46
	8.2	Default Remedies.	49
	8.3	Annulment of Acceleration of Notes.	50
9.	INTERPRETATION OF THIS AGREEMENT.		50
	9.1	Terms Defined.	51
	9.2	GAAP.	73
	9.3	Directly or Indirectly.	73
	9.4	Section Headings, Table of Contents and Construction.	74
	9.5	Governing Law.	74
10.	MISCELLANEOUS.		74
	10.1	Communications.	74
	10.2	Reproduction of Documents.	75
	10.3	Survival.	75
	10.4	Successors and Assigns.	76
	10.5	Amendment and Waiver.	76
	10.6	Payments, When Received.	77
	10.7	Entire Agreement.	78
	10.8	Duplicate Originals, Execution in Counterpart.	78

iii

Annexes and Exhibits

Annex 1	—	Information as to Noteholders
Annex 2	—	Information as to Company and Subsidiaries
Exhibit A1	—	Form of Reset Rate Series O 5/10 Year Senior Secured Note
Exhibit A2	—	Form of Adjustable Rate Series P 5/10 Year Senior Secured Note
Exhibit B	—	Form of Company Counsel’s Closing Opinion
Exhibit C	—	Form of Company Officer’s Certificate
Exhibit D	—	Form of Company Secretary’s Certificate

iv

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

AMENDED AND RESTATED

NOTE PURCHASE AGREEMENT

$25,000,000 RESET RATE SERIES O 5/10 YEAR SENIOR SECURED NOTES

$30,000,000 ADJUSTABLE RATE SERIES P 5/10 YEAR SENIOR SECURED NOTES

Dated as of October 29, 2004

Separately addressed to each of the

Noteholders listed on Annex 1 hereto:

Ladies and Gentlemen:

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC., a Virginia corporation (together with its successors and assigns, the “Company”), hereby agrees with you as follows:

1. BACKGROUND; AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT.

1.1 Background.

The Company has issued and sold

(a) twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000) in aggregate principal amount of its Reset Rate Series O 5/10 Year Senior Secured Notes (as they may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Series O Notes” such term to include each Series O Note delivered from time to time in accordance with any of the Note Purchase Agreements(as defined below)); and

(b) thirty million dollars ($30,000,000) in aggregate principal amount of its Adjustable Rate Series P 5/10 Year Senior Secured Notes (as they may be amended, restated or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Series P Notes” such term to include each Series P Note delivered from time to time in accordance with any of the Note Purchase Agreements).

The Series O Notes and the Series P Notes are herein referred to, individually, as a “Note” and collectively, as the “Notes”. The Notes have been issued pursuant to those separate Note Purchase Agreements each dated as of March 1, 2002 among the Company and the noteholders named in Annex 1 thereto (as amended by that certain Amendment Agreement No. 1, dated as of December 31, 2002, that certain Amendment Agreement No. 2, dated as of April 4, 2003, that certain Amendment Agreement No. 3, dated as of October 31, 2003, and that certain Amendment Agreement No. 4, dated as of March 25, 2004, each among the Company and the other parties listed on the signature pages thereto, each an “Existing Note Purchase Agreement” and collectively, the “Existing Note Purchase Agreements”). The Company represents and warrants to each of you that (i) the register kept by the Company for the registration and transfer of the Notes indicates that each of the Persons named in Annex 1 hereto (collectively, the

“Noteholders”) is currently a holder of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Notes as of the date hereof indicated in such Annex and (ii) there are no other Notes outstanding under the Existing Note Purchase Agreements.

1.2 Agreement of Noteholders to Amendment and Restatement; Closing Date.

(a) Agreement. Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 3, you agree, by execution of this Agreement, that the Existing Note Purchase Agreement is hereby amended and restated in the form of this Agreement

(b) Closing Date; Restatement Date. The closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is deemed to be March 1, 2002 (the “Closing Date”) and the closing under this Agreement will be held contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement (the date of such closing is herein referred to as the “Restatement Date”) at the office of Bingham McCutchen LLP, One State Street, Hartford, Connecticut, 06103. It is agreed that the Restatement Date shall be October 29, 2004.

(c) Other Noteholders. Contemporaneously with the execution and delivery hereof, the Company is entering into a separate Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement identical (except for the name, address and signature of the Noteholder party thereto) to this Agreement (this Agreement and such other separate Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreements, collectively, as may be amended from time to time, the “Note Purchase Agreements”) with each other Noteholder.

1.3 Failure To Deliver, Failure of Conditions.

If on the Restatement Date the conditions specified in Section 3 to be fulfilled have not been fulfilled, you may thereupon elect to be relieved of all further obligations under this Agreement, without thereby waiving any rights you may have by reason of such nonfulfillment, and the Existing Note Purchase Agreement shall remain in full force.

1.4 Expenses.

(a) Generally. Whether or not the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are consummated, the Company will promptly (and in any event within thirty (30) days of receiving any statement or invoice therefor) pay all fees, expenses and costs relating hereto, including but not limited to:

(i) the cost of reproducing the Financing Documents;

(ii) the fees and disbursements of your special counsel;

(iii) the fees and disbursements of the Security Trustee and its counsel;

(iv) the fees, expenses and costs incurred in complying with each of the conditions to closing set forth in Section 3;

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(v) all other expenses incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; and

(vi) the expenses relating to the consideration, negotiation, preparation or execution of any amendments, waivers or consents pursuant to the provisions hereof and of the other Financing Documents, whether or not any such amendments, waivers or consents are executed.

(b) Counsel. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is agreed and understood that the Company will pay, on the Restatement Date, the statement for fees and disbursements of your special counsel presented on the Restatement Date and the Company will also pay upon receipt of any statement thereof, each additional statement for fees and disbursements of your special counsel rendered after the Restatement Date in connection with the matters referred to in Section 1.4(a)(vi).

(c) Survival. The obligations of the Company under this Section 1.4 shall survive the payment or prepayment of the Notes and the termination hereof.

1.5 Collateral; Release.

The Notes are secured pursuant to and entitled to all of the benefits of the Security Documents. In the event that at any time after the Restatement Date the Company shall have obtained an Acceptable Rating in respect of its long-term, senior unsecured debt, the Company may give written notice to each holder of Notes (which notice shall include copies of the letters to the Company from Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s evidencing that such Acceptable Rating has been in full force and effect for the one hundred eighty (180) day period immediately preceding the date of such notice) requesting that the holders of the Notes direct the Security Trustee to release the Collateral from the security interests created by the Security Documents on a date specified in such notice (the “Collateral Release Date”) that is not less than thirty (30) days and not more than sixty (60) days after the date of such notice. The holders of the Notes agree to direct the Security Trustee to so release the Collateral, provided that the Collateral Release Conditions have been satisfied and the holders of the Notes and the Security Trustee shall have received an officer’s certificate, executed by a Senior Officer and dated the Collateral Release Date, specifying that at the time of such release and after giving effect thereto, each of the Collateral Release Conditions are satisfied. Notwithstanding such release of Collateral, the provisions of Section 6.13 hereof shall continue to apply on and after the Collateral Release Date.

2. WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS.

To induce you to enter into this Agreement, the Company warrants and represents as follows:

2.1 Material Adverse Change.

Since the date of the last audited consolidated financial statements of the Company delivered to each of the Noteholders (or their predecessors in interest), there has been no change

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in the business, prospects, profits, Properties or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company, except changes that, in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.2 Financial Statements; Debt.

(a) Financial Statements. The quarterly and annual financial statements most recently delivered to you pursuant to Section 7.1 of the Existing Note Purchase Agreement have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries as of such dates and the results of their operations and cash flows for the periods specified therein.

(b) Debt. Part 2.2(b) of Annex 2 lists all Debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date (prior to giving effect to the transactions which occurred on the Closing Date) which Debt is of an outstanding amount, in each case, in excess of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), and provides the following information with respect to each item of such Debt:

(i) the obligor in respect thereof,

(ii) the holder thereof,

(iii) the outstanding amount thereof and the interest rate or rates applicable thereto,

(iv) the portion thereof classified as current in accordance with GAAP,

(v) the final maturity thereof, and

(vi) the collateral securing such Debt, if any.

The aggregate amount of Debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date that is not set forth on Part 2.2(b) of Annex 2 does not exceed two million five hundred thousand dollars ($2,500,000).

2.3 Subsidiaries and Affiliates.

Part 2.3 of Annex 2 states:

(a) the name of each of the Subsidiaries as of the Restatement Date, its jurisdiction of organization and the percentage of its Voting Stock owned by the Company and each other Subsidiary; and

(b) the name of each of the Affiliates as of the Restatement Date and the nature of the affiliation.

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Each of the Company and the Subsidiaries has good and marketable title to all of the shares it purports to own of the stock of each Subsidiary, free and clear in each case of any Lien. All such shares have been duly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable.

2.4 Pending Litigation.

(a) Pending Litigation. There are no proceedings, actions or investigations pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened against or affecting the Company or any Subsidiary in any court or before any Governmental Authority or arbitration board or tribunal that, in the aggregate for all such proceedings, actions and investigations, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) No Defaults. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in default with respect to any judgment, order, writ, injunction or decree of any court, Governmental Authority, arbitration board or tribunal that, in the aggregate for all such defaults, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.5 Title to Properties; UCC Matters.

(a) Title to Properties. The Company and the Subsidiaries have valid title to all of the Property reflected in the most recent audited consolidated balance sheet referred to in Section 2.2(a) (except as sold or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business), except for such failures to have valid title as are immaterial in the context of such balance sheet and that, in the aggregate for all such failures, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Leases. All leases necessary for the conduct of the business of the Company and the Subsidiaries are valid and subsisting and are in full force and effect, except for such failures to be valid and subsisting that, in the aggregate for all such failures, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) Liens. All Property of the Company and the Subsidiaries is free from Liens not permitted by Section 6.13.

(d) UCC Matters. Part 2.5(d) of Annex 2 sets forth with respect to the Company and each Guarantor, as of the Closing Date:

(i) each name under which such Person conducts or has conducted all or a portion of its business operations, and

(ii) the location of the principal executive office of each such Person.

Neither the Company nor any Guarantor has changed its name or the name under which it conducts its business operations within the immediately preceding period of five (5) years.

(e) Real Estate Collateral. Part 2.5(e) of Annex 2 sets forth a list, as of the Closing Date, of each of the real Properties held by each of Packerland, Murco, and Sun

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Land, and such list sets forth, as of the Closing Date, with respect to each such Property that constitutes Collateral, the book value and the Company’s good faith estimate of the Fair Market Value thereof.

2.6 Patents, Trademarks, Licenses, etc.

Except as set forth on Part 2.6 of Annex 2, as of the Closing Date each of the Company and the Subsidiaries owns, possesses or has the right to use all of the patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and licenses, and rights with respect thereto, necessary for the present and currently planned future conduct of its business, without any known conflict with the rights of others. The Trademark Subsidiaries own all such patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and licenses. Part 2.6 of Annex 2 sets forth the identity of each of the Trademark Subsidiaries on the Closing Date.

2.7 Taxes.

(a) Returns Filed; Taxes Paid. All tax returns required to be filed by each of the Company and the Subsidiaries and any other Person with which the Company or any Subsidiary files or has filed a consolidated return in any jurisdiction have in fact been filed on a timely basis, and all taxes, assessments, fees and other governmental charges upon each of the Company and the Subsidiaries and any such Person, and upon any of their respective Properties, income or franchises, that are due and payable have been paid. As of the Closing Date, all liabilities of the Company and the Subsidiaries with respect to federal income taxes have been finally determined except with respect to the fiscal years disclosed on Part 2.7 of Annex 2, which are the only fiscal years not closed by the completion of an audit or the expiration of the statute of limitations. There is currently in effect no tax sharing, tax allocation or similar agreement providing for the manner in which tax payments (whether in respect of federal or state income or other taxes) owing by the members of the affiliated group of which the Company is the “common parent” (as defined in section 1504 of the IRC) are allocated between any member of such group and any Person other than the Company or a Subsidiary.

(b) Book Provisions Adequate.

(i) The amount of the liability for taxes reflected in the most recent balance sheet referred to in Section 2.2(a) is an adequate provision for taxes as of the date of such balance sheet (including, without limitation, any payment due pursuant to any tax sharing agreement) as are or may become payable by any one or more of the Company, any Subsidiary and the other Persons consolidated with the Company in such financial statements in respect of all tax periods ending on or prior to such dates.

(ii) As of the Closing Date, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary knows of any proposed additional tax assessment against it or any such Person that is not reflected in full in the most recent balance sheet referred to in Section 2.2(a).

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2.8 Full Disclosure.

The financial statements referred to in Section 2.2(a) do not, nor does any Financing Document or any written statement furnished by or on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary to you in connection with the negotiation or the closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit a material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading when viewed in the aggregate. There is no fact that the Company has not disclosed to you in writing that has had or, so far as the Company can now reasonably foresee, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.9 Corporate Organization and Authority.

The Company and each Subsidiary:

(a) is a corporation, limited liability company or partnership duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent that such concept is applicable) under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization;

(b) has all legal and corporate, limited liability company or partnership, as the case may be, power and authority to own and operate its Properties and to carry on its business as now conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted;

(c) has all necessary licenses, certificates and permits to own and operate its Properties and to carry on its business as now conducted and as presently proposed to be conducted, except where the failure to have such licenses, certificates and permits, in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and

(d) has duly qualified or has been duly licensed, and is authorized to do business and is in good standing, as a foreign corporation, limited liability company or foreign partnership, as the case may be, in each state in the United States of America and in each other jurisdiction where the failure to be so qualified or licensed and authorized and in good standing, in the aggregate for all such failures, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.10 Restrictions on Company and Subsidiaries.

(a) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary:

(i) is a party to any contract or agreement, or subject to any charter, bylaw, partnership agreement or other restriction that, in the aggregate for all such contracts, agreements, constitutive documents and other restrictions (assuming that all such contracts and agreements are performed in accordance with their respective terms), could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; or

(ii) has agreed or consented to cause or permit in the future (upon the happening of a contingency or otherwise) any of its Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to be subject to a Lien not permitted by Section 6.13.

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(b) As of the Closing Date, neither the Company nor any Guarantor is a party to any contract or agreement that restricts the right or ability of the Company or such Guarantor to incur Debt, other than this Agreement and the agreements listed in Part 2.10(b) of Annex 2 (none of which restricts the issuance and sale of the Notes or the performance of the Company hereunder or under the Notes and none of which restricts the guaranty of the Notes by any of the Guarantors under the Joint and Several Guaranty).

2.11 Compliance with Law.

Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary:

(a) is in violation of any law, ordinance, governmental rule or regulation to which it is subject (including, without limitation, those relating to zoning and planning, building, subdivision, inland wetland and environmental and hazardous waste disposal); or

(b) has failed to obtain any license, certificate, permit, franchise or other governmental authorization necessary to the ownership of its Property or to the conduct of its business (including, without limitation, to the extent required, building, zoning, subdivision, traffic and environmental approvals and certificates of occupancy);

which violations or failures to obtain, in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.12 Pension Plans.

(a) Disclosure. Part 2.12(a) of Annex 2 identifies as of the Closing Date all ERISA Affiliates and all “employee benefit plans” with respect to which the Company or any “affiliate” of the Company is a “party-in-interest” or in respect of which the Notes could constitute an “employer security” (“employee benefit plan” and “party-in-interest” have the meanings specified in section 3 of ERISA and “affiliate” and “employer security” have the meanings specified in section 407(d) of ERISA).

(b) Prohibited Transactions. The execution and delivery of this Agreement will not involve any transaction that is subject to the prohibitions of section 406 of ERISA or in connection with which a tax could be imposed pursuant to section 4975(c)(1)(A) through section 4975(D), inclusive, of the IRC.

(c) Relationship of Vested Benefits to Pension Plan Assets. Except as set forth on Part 2.12(c) of Annex 2, immediately prior to the Closing Date the present value of all benefits, determined as of the most recent valuation date immediately prior to the Closing Date for such benefits (as provided in Section 6.21(c)), vested under each Pension Plan does not exceed the value of the assets of such Pension Plan allocable to such vested benefits, determined as of the most recent valuation date (as provided in Section 6.21(c)) immediately prior to the Closing Date.

(d) ERISA Requirements. Each of the Company and the ERISA Affiliates:

(i) has fulfilled all obligations under the minimum funding standards of ERISA and the IRC with respect to each Pension Plan that is not a Multiemployer Plan;

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(ii) is in compliance in all material respects with all other applicable provisions of ERISA and the IRC with respect to each Pension Plan and each Multiemployer Plan; and

(iii) has not incurred any liability under Title IV of ERISA to the PBGC (other than in respect of required insurance premiums, all of which that are due having been paid), with respect to any Pension Plan, any Multiemployer Plan or any trust established thereunder.

(e) Accumulated Funding Deficiency. Except as set forth in Part 2.12(e) of Annex 2, no accumulated funding deficiency (as defined in section 302 of ERISA and section 412 of the IRC), whether or not waived, exists as of the Closing Date with respect to any Pension Plan.

(f) Reportable Events. No Pension Plan or trust created thereunder has been terminated, and there have been no “reportable events” (as such term is defined in section 4043 of ERISA), with respect to any Pension Plan or trust created thereunder or with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, which reportable event or events will or could result in the termination of such Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan and give rise to a liability of the Company or any ERISA Affiliate in respect thereof.

(g) Multiemployer Plans. Other than as set forth on Part 2.12(g) of Annex 2, as of the Closing Date neither the Company nor any ERISA Affiliate is an employer required to contribute to any Multiemployer Plan. Neither the Company nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, nor is expected to incur, any withdrawal liability (that has not previously been fully satisfied) under ERISA with respect to any Multiemployer Plan, the effect of which, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No Multiemployer Plans have been terminated under section 4041A of ERISA, have been placed in reorganization status under Title IV of ERISA, or have been determined to be “insolvent” (as such term is defined in section 4245 of ERISA).

(h) Multiple Employer Pension Plans. Neither the Company nor any ERISA Affiliate is a “contributing sponsor” (as such term is defined in section 4001 of ERISA) in any Multiple Employer Pension Plan and neither the Company nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred (without fully satisfying the same), or reasonably expects to incur, withdrawal liability in respect of any Multiple Employer Pension Plan, which withdrawal liability could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(i) Foreign Pension Plan. Except as set forth in Part 2.12(i) of Annex 2, as of the Closing Date no Foreign Pension Plans exist as of the Closing Date and neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has any present or future obligations in respect of any Foreign Pension Plan.

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2.13 USA Patriot Act, Etc.

(a) Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary (i) is a Person described or designated in the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List of the Office of Foreign Assets Control or in Section 1 of the Anti-Terrorism Order or (ii) engages in any dealings or transactions with any such Person. The Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance, in all material respects, with the USA Patriot Act.

(b) No part of the proceeds from the sale of the Notes hereunder will be used, directly or indirectly, for any payments to any governmental official or employee, political party, official of a political party, candidate for political office, or anyone else acting in an official capacity, in order to obtain, retain or direct business or obtain any improper advantage, in violation of the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, assuming in all cases that such Act applies to the Company.

2.14 Certain Laws.

The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and each of the Guarantors and the performance under the Financing Documents by the Company and the Subsidiaries:

(a) is not subject to regulation under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended, the Transportation Acts, as amended, or the Federal Power Act, as amended, and

(b) does not violate any provision of any statute or other rule or regulation of any Governmental Authority applicable to the Company or any Subsidiary.

2.15 Environmental Compliance.

(a) Compliance. Except as set forth in Part 2.14(a) of Annex 2, as of the Closing Date neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in violation of any Environmental Protection Law in effect in any jurisdiction where it currently is doing business or owns Property, except for such violations that, in the aggregate for all such violations, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Liability. Except as set forth in Part 2.14(b) of Annex 2, as of the Closing Date neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is subject to any liability under any Environmental Protection Law that, in the aggregate for all such liabilities, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(c) Notices. Except as set forth in Part 2.14(c) of Annex 2, as of the Closing Date neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received any:

(i) notice from any Governmental Authority by which any of its currently or previously owned or leased Properties has been identified in any manner by any Governmental Authority as a hazardous substance disposal or removal site, “Super Fund” clean-up site, or other clean-up site or candidate for removal or closure pursuant to any Environmental Protection Law;

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(ii) notice of any Lien arising under or in connection with any Environmental Protection Law that has attached to any revenues of, or to, any of its currently or previously owned or leased Properties; or

(iii) communication from any Governmental Authority concerning any action or omission by the Company or such Subsidiary in connection with its currently or previously owned or leased Properties resulting in the release of any Hazardous Substance or resulting in any violation of any Environmental Protection Law;

in each case where the effect of which, in the aggregate for all such notices and communications, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.16 Transaction is Legal and Authorized; Obligations are Enforceable.

(a) Transaction is Legal and Authorized. Each of the execution and delivery of this Agreement by the Company and by each of the Guarantors and compliance by the Company and each of the Guarantors with all of their respective obligations under the Financing Documents:

(i) is within the corporate powers of the Company and each of the Guarantors;

(ii) is legal and does not conflict with, result in any breach in any of the provisions of, constitute a default under, or result in the creation of any Lien upon any Property of the Company or any Subsidiary under the provisions of, any agreement, charter instrument, bylaw or other instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its Property may be bound; and

(iii) does not give rise to a right or option of any other Person under any agreement or other instrument, which right or option could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Obligations are Enforceable. This Agreement has been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of each Obligor and has been executed and delivered by one or more duly authorized officers of such Obligor, and the obligations of each Obligor set forth herein constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of such Obligor, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except that the enforceability of the Financing Documents may be:

(i) limited by applicable bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, moratorium or other similar laws affecting the enforceability of creditors’ rights generally; and

(ii) subject to the availability of equitable remedies.

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2.17 Governmental Consent.

Neither the nature of the Company or any Subsidiary, or of any of their respective businesses or Properties, nor any relationship between the Company or any Subsidiary and any other Person, nor any circumstance in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, is such as to require a consent, approval or authorization of, or filing, registration or qualification with, any Governmental Authority on the part of the Company or any Guarantor as a condition to the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

2.18 No Defaults.

(a) The Agreement. No event has occurred and no condition exists that, upon the execution and delivery of this Agreement, would constitute a Default or an Event of Default.

(b) Charter Instruments, Other Agreements. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in violation in any respect of any term of any charter instrument, bylaw, partnership agreement or other constitutive document or instrument. Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is in violation in any respect of any term in any agreement or other instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its Property may be bound except for such violations that, in the aggregate for all such violations, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.19 Company and the Guarantors.

The Company and the Guarantors are operated as part of one consolidated business entity and are directly dependent upon each other for and in connection with their respective business activities and their respective financial resources. The Company and each of the Guarantors receive direct economic and financial benefits from the Debt outstanding under the Note Purchase Agreements by the Company and the existence of such Debt is in the best interests of the Company and each of the Guarantors.

2.20 Solvency.

The fair value of the business and assets of the Company and each Guarantor will be in excess of the amount that will be required to pay its liabilities (including, without limitation, contingent, subordinated, unmatured and unliquidated liabilities on existing debts, as such liabilities may become absolute and matured), in each case after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Neither the Company nor any Guarantor, after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, will be engaged in any business or transaction, or about to engage in any business or transaction, for which such Person has unreasonably small assets or capital (within the meaning of applicable law, including, without limitation, Section 548 of the United States Bankruptcy Code), and neither the Company nor any Guarantor has any intent to

(a) hinder, delay or defraud any entity to which it is, or will become, on or after the Restatement Date, indebted, or

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(b) incur debts that would be beyond its ability to pay as they mature.

2.21 True and Correct Copies.

The Company has delivered to you or your special counsel true and correct copies of each of the following (including each amendment and restatement entered into in connection herewith): (a) the Credit Facility and any other Revolving Credit Agreement (including, without limitation, all schedules and exhibits thereto and all agreements delivered in connection therewith) of the Company or any Subsidiary, (b) the 1999 Note Purchase Agreements and (c) the 2000 Note Purchase Agreement.

2.22 Joinder Agreement.

Cattle Production Systems, Inc. (f/k/a Beef Production Systems, Inc.) shall have executed and delivered to you or your special counsel (i) that certain joinder agreement, dated on or before October 29, 2004, by which Cattle Production Systems, Inc. shall become a guarantor under the Joint and Several Guaranty and (ii) that certain joinder agreement, dated on or before October 29, 2004, by which Cattle Production Systems, Inc. shall become a subsidiary guarantor under the Intercreditor Agreement.

3. CLOSING CONDITIONS.

The effectiveness of this Agreement, as to the parties hereto, is subject to the following conditions precedent:

3.1 Opinions of Counsel.

You shall have received a closing opinion from McGuireWoods LLP, counsel for the Company and the Guarantors, dated as of the Restatement Date, and substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit B, and as to such other matters as you may reasonably request. The Company hereby requests and directs its counsel to deliver such closing opinion to you and the other Noteholders.

3.2 Warranties and Representations True.

The warranties and representations contained in Section 2 shall be true on the Restatement Date with the same effect as though made on and as of that date.

3.3 No Defaults.

No “Default” or “Event of Default” (as such terms are defined in the Existing Note Purchase Agreements) shall exist in respect of the Notes, this Agreement or the Existing Note Purchase Agreements.

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3.4 Officers’ Certificates.

You shall have received:

(a) a certificate dated the Restatement Date and signed by the President, a Vice President, the Controller, the Treasurer, an Assistant Treasurer or the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, substantially in the form of Exhibit C, certifying that the conditions specified in Sections 3.2, Section 3.3, Section 3.8 and Section 3.9 have been fulfilled and that no Default or Event of Default exists on the Restatement Date; and

(b) a certificate dated the Restatement Date and signed by the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary of the Company, substantially in the form of Exhibit D, with respect to the matters set forth therein.

3.5 Other Noteholders.

None of the other Noteholders shall have failed to execute and deliver a Note Purchase Agreement on the Restatement Date.

3.6 Expenses.

All fees and disbursements required to be paid on or before the Restatement Date pursuant to Section 1.4 shall have been paid in full.

3.7 Ratification by Guarantors.

Each Guarantor shall have executed and delivered the ratification of its obligations under the Joint and Several Guaranty as contemplated on the signature pages to this Agreement.

3.8 Other Debt Documents.

The Company shall have delivered to you a true and correct copy of the agreements referred to in Section 2.21.

3.9 Transaction Structuring Fee.

The Company shall have paid to each Noteholder a non-refundable transaction restructuring fee equal to five hundredths of one percent (0.05%) of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes held by such Noteholder on the Restatement Date.

3.10 Compliance with this Agreement.

Each of the Company and the Guarantors shall have performed and complied with all agreements and conditions contained herein that are required to be performed or complied with by the Company and the Guarantors on or prior to the Restatement Date, and such performance and compliance shall remain in effect on the Restatement Date.

3.11 Proceedings Satisfactory.

All proceedings taken in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and all documents and papers relating thereto shall be satisfactory to you and your special counsel. You and your special counsel shall have received copies of such documents and papers as you or they

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may reasonably request in connection therewith or in connection with your special counsel’s closing opinion, all in form and substance satisfactory to you and your special counsel.

4. PAYMENTS.

4.1 Interest Payments.

(a) Series O Notes. The Series O Notes shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof at the rate of eight and sixty-three one-hundredths percent (8.63%) per annum and shall be payable to the holders of the Series O Notes, in arrears, monthly on the last day of each month in each year, commencing on March 31, 2002, until the principal amount of the Series O Notes in respect of which such interest shall have accrued shall become due and payable, and interest shall accrue on any overdue principal (including any overdue prepayment of principal) and Make-Whole Amount and (to the extent permitted by applicable law) on any overdue installment of interest, at a rate equal to the Series O Rate plus two percent (2%) per annum.

(b) Series P Notes. The Series P Notes shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof at a rate per annum equal to the Series P Rate determined in accordance with Section 4.1(d). Such interest shall be payable to the holders of the Series P Notes, in arrears, as determined in accordance with Section 4.1(d), until the principal amount of the Series P Notes in respect of which such interest shall have accrued shall become due and payable, and interest shall accrue on any overdue principal (including any overdue prepayment of principal) and Make-Whole Amount, if applicable, and (to the extent permitted by applicable law) on any overdue installment of interest, at a rate equal to the Series P Variable Rate plus two percent (2%) per annum.

(c) Basis of Computation. Interest on the Series O Notes shall be computed on the basis of a year of three hundred sixty (360) days comprised of twelve 30-day months. Interest on the Series P Notes shall be computed on the basis of a year of three hundred sixty (360) days and paid for the actual number of days elapsed, calculated as to each interest period or other period during which interest accrues from and including the first day thereof to and including the last day thereof. Interest determined at the Maximum Legal Rate of Interest shall be determined in accordance with Applicable Interest Law.

(d) Determination of Series P Rate.

(i) Initial Interest Rate; Series P Variable Rate. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Section 4.1(d) (A) for the period from March 1, 2002 through April 30, 2002 the Series P Rate will be 4.37% per annum and (B) on April 30, 2002 the Company will pay interest on the Series P Notes in an amount equal to (1) $98,567.77 plus (2) interest accrued at the Series P Rate for the period from March 1, 2002 through April 30, 2002 as provided in clause (A) above. Except as provided in Section 4.1(d)(ii) and Section 4.1(d)(iii) or if the Company has been notified in writing by the Series P Agent that the right to select the Series P Variable Rate is cancelled or suspended, the Series P Notes shall bear interest

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after April 30, 2002 on the outstanding principal amount thereof at the Series P Variable Rate. Interest on the Series P Notes bearing interest at the Series P Variable Rate after April 30, 2002 shall be payable monthly in arrears on the last day of each calendar month commencing on May 31, 2002.

(ii) Series P LIBOR Rate. The Company may, at any time and from time to time, elect for any period after April 30, 2002 to have one or more portions (but no more than four (4) portions at any one time) of the then outstanding Series P Notes, in principal amounts of at least $1,000,000 and multiples of $500,000, bear interest at one of the three (3) Series P LIBOR Rates at such time, by providing written or telephonic notice of such election on any Banking Day to the Series P Agent, specifying the Series P Three-Month LIBOR Rate, the Series P Six-Month LIBOR Rate or the Series P Twelve-Month LIBOR Rate that has been selected by the Company and the respective principal amounts of the Series P Notes with respect to such selection is made. If such notice shall have been received by the Series P Agent not later than 12:00 noon, Central Standard Time, on the date such notice has been delivered, such Series P Notes so selected shall bear interest at the selected Series P LIBOR Rate commencing on the third (3^rd) Banking Day following the date such notice shall have been so received; if such notice shall have been received by the Series P Agent after 12:00 noon, Central Standard Time, on the date such notice has been delivered, such Series P Notes so selected shall bear interest at the selected Series P LIBOR Rate commencing on the fourth (4th) Banking Day immediately following the date such notice shall have been so received. The Series P LIBOR Rate in respect of any such notice shall be determined on the date such notice shall have been received (regardless of the time of such receipt) by the Series P Agent.

If the Company, as specified in any such notice, shall select: (i) the Series P Three-Month LIBOR Rate, then such Series P Notes so selected shall bear interest at the Series P Three-Month LIBOR Rate for a period of ninety (90) days; (ii) the Series P Six-Month LIBOR Rate, then such Series P Notes so selected shall bear interest at the Series P Six-Month LIBOR Rate for a period of one hundred eighty (180) days; and (iii) the Series P Twelve-Month LIBOR Rate, then such Series P Notes so selected shall bear interest at the Series P Twelve Month LIBOR Rate for a period of three hundred sixty (360) days. Unless agreed to in writing by the Series P Agent, in no event will the Company be permitted to select any such Series P LIBOR Rates if the last day of any such period ends after July 31, 2006. If the last day of any of such periods is not a Banking Day, such period shall end on the next Banking Day unless such last day falls in the next calendar month, in which case such period shall end on the Banking Day immediately preceding such last day. If the last day of any such period falls on a day which is not numerically corresponding to the first day of such period such period shall end on the last day of the month which is closest to such last day. Commencing on the first (1^st) day immediately following the final day of each such interest period (each, an “Interest Period”) and continuing thereafter, the Series P Notes shall bear interest (1) if the Company shall have provided, on or prior to 12:00 noon, Central Standard Time, on the third (3rd) Banking Day

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immediately prior to such date, written or telephonic notice to the Series P Agent of the applicable Series P LIBOR Rate so selected in accordance with the immediately preceding paragraph, at the Series P LIBOR Rate selected by the Company in such notice, or (2) in the event the Company shall not have provided any such notice, at either the then applicable Series P Variable Rate or, if so established as provided in Section 4.1(d)(iii) below, the Series P Fixed Rate. Interest on the Series P Notes bearing interest at a Series P LIBOR Rate shall be payable at ninety (90) day intervals commencing on the 90th day immediately following the first day of the applicable Interest Period.

(iii) Series P Fixed Rate. The Company may, at any time and from time to time up to and including July 1, 2006, request for any period commencing after April 30, 2002 to have one or more portions of the then outstanding Series P Notes, bear interest at the Series P Fixed Rate at such time, by providing written or telephonic notice of such request on any Business Day to the Series P Agent. Within three (3) Business Days following the receipt of such notice, the Series P Agent shall notify the Company, in writing or by telephone, of the Series P Fixed Rate, the applicable interest period (which in no event will end later than July 31, 2006 unless agreed to in writing by the Series P Agent) during which such Series P Fixed Rate will be in effect and the portions of the Series P Notes to which the Series P Fixed Rate will be applicable, each of which may be chosen by the Series P Agent in its sole discretion. The Company shall notify the Series P Agent, in writing or by telephone, of its acceptance or rejection of the Series P Fixed Rate within three (3) Business Days following receipt of notice of such Series P Fixed Rate. If so accepted, the portion of the Series P Notes designated to bear interest at the Series P Fixed Rate shall bear interest at the Series P Fixed Rate commencing on the first day of the period designated by the Series P Agent. Interest on Notes bearing interest at the Series P Fixed Rate shall be payable monthly in arrears on the last day of each calendar month. If the Series P Agent fails to respond to such notice within such three (3) Business Day period such failure shall be deemed to be a rejection of such Series P Fixed Rate.

(iv) Series P Rate Determination Binding. Each determination of a Series P Rate pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement shall be made by the Series P Agent and shall be conclusive and binding on the Company and the holders of the Series P Notes in the absence of manifest error. In the case of manifest error, any holder of a Series P Note or the Company may object to such quoted Series P Rate by written notice delivered to the Company or the Series P Agent, as the case may be, detailing the reasons for such objection. Upon delivery of any such notice of objection, the Series P Agent and the Company shall cooperate to promptly determine the correct Series P Rate and such correct Series P Rate shall be the then applicable Series P Rate for the applicable Series P Notes. Each of the holders of the Series P Notes and the Company shall make the required adjustments to the amount of interest payable on the first interest payment date next succeeding the date of the determination of the correct Series P Rate as are necessary to reflect the application of such correct Series P Rate.

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(v) Inability to Determine Rate. If, in the reasonable opinion of the Series P Agent, the market for United States dollar deposits in London ceases to function, or it becomes impossible, impractical or illegal to readily, currently and accurately determine the applicable Series P LIBOR Rate, or the applicable Series LIBOR Rate no longer currently and accurately reflects the market level of interest rates for obligations of a similar nature, term and amount, then the Series P Agent, in each such case, shall forthwith give notice thereof to the Company. If such notice is given, (A) the interest rate applicable to the Series P Notes shall be the Prime Rate or another rate mutually acceptable to the Company and the Series Agent at such time, determined and effective as of the first day of the relevant interest period, and (B) each reference herein to the “Series P LIBOR Rate” or “Series P Variable Rate”, as the case may be, shall be deemed thereafter to be a reference to the Prime Rate or such other rate.

(vi) Reinstatement of Rate. If there has been at any time an interest rate substituted for the Series P LIBOR Rate or Series P Variable Rate in accordance with Section 4.1(d)(v) and thereafter, in the Series P Agent’s reasonable opinion, the circumstances causing such substitution have ceased, then the Series P Agent shall promptly notify in writing the Company of such cessation or election, and on the first (1st) Banking Day immediately following the date such notice shall have been delivered, the Series P Notes shall bear interest at the Series P Variable Rate (determined on such first (1st) Banking Day and redetermined thereafter in accordance with Section 4.1(d)(i)) and the Series P LIBOR Rate shall be determined as originally defined hereby. Nevertheless, the provisions of Section 4.1(d)(v) shall generally continue to be effective.

(vii) Indemnity. In the event any payment or prepayment of the Series P Notes is made, in whole or in part, pursuant to Section 4.3, Section 4.4 or Section 8.2, as the case may be, at any time while any Series P Notes bear interest at one of the Series P LIBOR Rates (other than the last day of the period in which such Series P LIBOR Rate is applicable to such Series P Notes), the Company agrees to pay to the holders of such Series P Notes, in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other amount due hereunder, on demand by the Series P Agent, such reasonable amount (the “Indemnification Fee”)as shall be sufficient to reimburse and indemnify such holders for any loss (including loss of earnings and anticipated profits), cost or expense (including, without limitation, costs or losses associated with prepaying or redeploying deposits) incurred as a result of such payment or prepayment. Any demand by the Series P Agent for payment pursuant to this Section 4.1(d)(vii) shall be accompanied by a schedule setting forth in reasonable detail the computation of any such loss, cost or expense and any Make Whole Amount paid or required to be paid in connection with such payment or prepayment. Each such schedule delivered to the Company shall constitute prima facie evidence of the Indemnification Fee payable by the Company, absent manifest error.

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(e) Maximum Rate of Interest. The Company acknowledges and agrees that 12 U.S.C. section 2205 provides that institutions of the Farm Credit System are not subject to any interest rate limitation imposed by any state constitution or statute or other laws, and that any such limitations are preempted, and therefore any interest owing under the Notes, to the extent purchased or held by an institution of the Farm Credit System, is not subject to any ceiling. Accordingly, so long as any of the Notes are held by an institution of the Farm Credit System, there shall be no Maximum Legal Rate of Interest with respect to such Notes. Nonetheless, it is the intention of the Company and holders of the Notes that are not institutions of the Farm Credit System to conform strictly to the Applicable Interest Law. Accordingly, notwithstanding any provisions to the contrary in this Agreement or in any Note, the aggregate of all interest, and any other charges or consideration constituting interest under Applicable Interest Law, that is taken, reserved, contracted for, charged or received pursuant to this Agreement or any Notes (other than Notes held by holders that are not institutions of the Farm Credit System) shall under no circumstances exceed the maximum amount of interest allowed by the Applicable Interest Law. If any interest in excess of such amount is provided for in this Agreement or in any such Notes, then in such event

(i) the provisions of this Section 4.1(e) shall govern and control,

(ii) the Company shall not be obligated to pay the amount of such interest to the extent that it is in excess of the maximum amount of interest allowed by the Applicable Interest Law,

(iii) any interest paid on any such Notes which is in excess of what is allowed by the Applicable Interest Law shall be deemed a mistake and canceled automatically and, if theretofore paid, shall be credited to the outstanding principal amount of such Notes, and

(iv) the effective rate of interest on such Notes shall be automatically subject to reduction to the Maximum Legal Rate of Interest.

If at any time thereafter, the Maximum Legal Rate of Interest is increased, then, to the extent that it shall be permissible under Applicable Interest Law, the Company shall forthwith pay to the holders of the Notes subject to a prior reduction all amounts (or the permissible part thereof) of such excess interest that the holders of such Notes would have been entitled to receive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and such Notes had such increased Maximum Legal Rate of Interest been in effect at all times when such excess interest accrued. To the extent permitted by the Applicable Interest Law, all sums paid or agreed to be paid to the holders of any Notes for the use, forbearance or detention of the indebtedness evidenced by the Notes shall be amortized, prorated, allocated and spread throughout the full term of such Notes.

4.2 Scheduled Payments.

(a) Series O Notes. In the event the Series O Notes are not prepaid prior to July 31, 2011, the entire outstanding principal amount and interest due on the Series O Notes shall mature and be due on July 31, 2011. In addition to paying the entire then outstanding principal amount and the interest due on the Series O Notes on the maturity date thereof (July 31, 2011), the Company shall prepay, and there shall become due and

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payable, four hundred sixteen thousand six hundred sixty-seven dollars ($416,667) in aggregate principal amount of the Series O Notes on the last day of January, April, July and October in each year, commencing on April 30, 2002 and ending on April 30, 2011, inclusive. Each such prepayment shall be at one hundred percent (100%) of the amount prepaid, together with interest accrued thereon to the date of prepayment. In addition, if, no less than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to July 31, 2006, the Company and all of the holders of the Series O Notes outstanding at such time, shall fail to agree on a new interest rate for the Series O Notes to be applicable after July 31, 2006, the Company shall prepay, and there shall be due and payable, the entire principal amount of the Series O Notes then outstanding, together with accrued interest, on July 31, 2006, at par.

(b) Series P Notes. In the event the Series P Notes are not prepaid prior to July 31, 2011, the entire outstanding principal amount and interest due on the Series P Notes shall mature and be due on July 31, 2011. In addition to paying the entire then outstanding principal amount and the interest due on the Series P Notes on the maturity date thereof (July 31, 2011), the Company shall prepay, and there shall become due and payable, five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) in aggregate principal amount of the Series P Notes on the last day of January, April, July and October in each year, commencing on April 30, 2002 and ending on April 30, 2011, inclusive. Each such prepayment shall be at one hundred percent (100%) of the amount prepaid, together with interest accrued thereon to the date of prepayment. In addition, if no less than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to July 31, 2006, the Company and all of the holders of the Series P Notes outstanding at such time, shall fail to agree on an amendment to the definition of “Applicable Margin”, the Company shall prepay, and there shall be due and payable, the entire principal amount of the Series P Notes then outstanding, together with accrued interest, on July 31, 2006, at par.

4.3 Offer to Prepay upon Change in Control.

(a) Notice and Offer. In the event of either

(i) a Change in Control, or

(ii) the obtaining of knowledge of a Control Event by any officer of the Company,

then the Company will, within three (3) Business Days of (x) such Change in Control or (y) the obtaining of knowledge of such Control Event (including via the receipt of notice of a Control Event from any holder of Notes), as the case may be, give written notice of such Change in Control or Control Event to each holder of Notes and, simultaneously with the sending of such written notice, give telephonic advice of such Change in Control or Control Event to an investment officer or other similar representative or agent of each such holder specified on Annex 1 at the telephone number specified thereon, or to such other Person at such other telephone number as any holder of a Note may specify to the Company in writing. In the event of a Change in Control, such written notice shall contain, and such written notice shall constitute, an irrevocable offer to prepay all, but not

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less than all, of the Notes of each Series held by such holder on a date specified in such notice (in respect of such Change in Control, the “Control Prepayment Date”)that is not less than thirty (30) days and not more than one hundred twenty (120) days after the date of such notice (if the Control Prepayment Date shall not be specified in such notice, the Control Prepayment Date shall be the thirtieth (30th) day after the date of such notice). In no event will any Obligor take any action, or permit any Affiliate or Subsidiary to take any action, to permit a Change in Control to occur prior to the Control Prepayment Date.

(b) Acceptance and Payment. To accept such offered prepayment, a holder of Notes shall cause a notice of such acceptance (which notice of acceptance may be in respect of one or more Series of Notes held by such holder, but which notice need not treat Notes of all Series held by such holder in the same manner) to be delivered to the Company not later than fourteen (14) days after the date of receipt by such holder of the written offer of such prepayment. If so accepted, such offered prepayment shall be due and payable on the Control Prepayment Date. Such offered prepayment shall be made at one hundred percent (100%) of the principal amount of such Notes, together with (i) an amount equal to the Make-Whole Amount, if any, at the time applicable with respect to the principal amount of the Notes of such Series then being prepaid and (ii) interest on the Notes then being prepaid accrued to the Control Prepayment Date.

(c) Officer’s Certificate. Each offer to prepay the Notes pursuant to this Section 4.3 will be accompanied by an officer’s certificate, executed by a Senior Officer of each Issuer and dated the date of such offer, specifying:

(i) the Control Prepayment Date;

(ii) the principal amount of each Note offered to be prepaid;

(iii) the estimated interest to be paid on each such Note, accrued to the Control Prepayment Date;

(iv) the estimated Make-Whole Amount with respect to the Series O Notes due in connection with such prepayment (calculated as if the date of such notice were the date of the prepayment and, upon request, calculated in consultation with the holders of the Series O Notes), setting forth the details of such computation;

(v) that the conditions of this Section 4.3 have been fulfilled; and

(vi) in reasonable detail, the nature and date or proposed date of the Change in Control.

Two (2) Business Days prior to the applicable Control Prepayment Date, the Company shall deliver to each holder of Series O Notes that has accepted such offer of prepayment a certificate of a Senior Financial Officer of any Issuer specifying the calculation of the Make-Whole Amount (as calculated in consultation with the holders of the Series O Notes) in respect of the Notes of such Series as of the applicable Control Prepayment

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Date. With respect to any such prepayment of the Series P Notes, the holder or holders thereof to receive such prepayment shall use good faith efforts to provide the Company with notice of the Make-Whole Amount (if any) due in respect of such prepayment approximately two (2) Business Days prior to such prepayment (provided, however, that the failure of any such holder to so provide such notice shall not relieve the Company of the obligation to pay such Make-Whole Amount promptly at such later time as such holder shall provide notice to the Company of such amount).

(d) Effect of Prepayments. Each prepayment of principal of the Notes of any Series pursuant to this Section 4.3 shall be applied to reduce the principal amount of the Notes of such Series due on the maturity date of the Notes of such Series and to reduce each remaining scheduled required prepayment of principal (if any) applicable to each such Series required by Section 4.2, apportioned on a ratable basis (based on the principal amount due on each such date) among all such amounts.

4.4 Optional Prepayments.

(a) Optional Prepayments. The Company may, on any scheduled interest payment date after the Restatement Date, prepay the principal amount of the Notes, in part, in integral multiples of one million dollars ($1,000,000), or in whole, in each case together with:

(i) an amount equal to the Make-Whole Amount, if any, at such time in respect of the principal amount of the Notes of such Series being so prepaid; and

(ii) interest on such principal amount then being prepaid accrued to the prepayment date.

(b) Effect of Prepayments. Each prepayment of principal of the Notes of any Series pursuant to this Section 4.4 shall be applied to reduce the principal amount of the Notes of such Series due on the maturity date of the Notes of such Series and to reduce each remaining scheduled required prepayment of principal (if any) applicable to each such Series required by Section 4.2, in inverse order of maturity.

4.5 Notice of Optional Prepayment.

The Company will give written notice of any optional prepayment of the Notes to each holder of the Notes not less than fifteen (15) days or more than sixty (60) days before the date fixed for prepayment, specifying:

(a) such date (which shall be a scheduled interest payment date);

(b) that such prepayment is being made pursuant to Section 4.4;

(c) the principal amount of such holder’s Notes to be prepaid on such date with respect to each Series of Notes held by such holder; and

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(d) the interest to be paid on each such Note, accrued to the date fixed for prepayment;

and shall be accompanied by a certificate of a Senior Financial Officer of the Company as to the estimated Make-Whole Amount with respect to the Series O Notes due in connection with such prepayment (calculated as if the date of such notice were the date of the prepayment and, upon request, calculated in consultation with the holders of the Series O Notes), setting forth the details of such computation.

Such notice of prepayment shall also certify all facts that are conditions precedent to any such prepayment. Notice of prepayment having been so given, the aggregate principal amount of the Notes specified in such notice, together with the Make-Whole Amount, if any, and accrued interest thereon shall become due and payable on the specified prepayment date. Two Business Days prior to such prepayment, the Company shall deliver to each holder of the Series O Notes a certificate of a Senior Financial Officer specifying the calculation of the Make-Whole Amount (as calculated in consultation with the holders of the Series O Notes) in respect of the Notes of such Series as of the specified prepayment date. With respect to any such prepayment of the Series P Notes, the holder or holders thereof at such time shall use good faith efforts to provide the Company with notice of the Make-Whole Amount (if any) due in respect of such prepayment approximately two Business Days prior to the scheduled date of such prepayment (provided, however, that the failure of any such holder to so provide such notice shall not relieve the Company of the obligation to pay such Make-Whole Amount promptly at such later time as such holder shall provide notice to the Company of such amount).

4.6 Pro Rata Payments.

(a) Scheduled Required Prepayments. If, at the time of any required prepayment of the principal of Notes of any Series made pursuant to Section 4.2 there is more than one Note of such Series outstanding, the aggregate principal amount of such required prepayment shall be allocated among the Notes of such Series at the time outstanding pro rata in proportion to the respective unpaid principal amounts of all such outstanding Notes of such Series.

(b) Optional Prepayments.

(i) Allocation among Series. If, at the time of any optional prepayment of the principal of Notes made pursuant to Section 4.4 there is more than one Series of Notes outstanding, the Company may:

(A) prepay the Series P Notes with or without prepaying the Notes of any other Series; or

(B) prepay the Series O Notes; provided that in the case of any such prepayment, the aggregate principal amount of such optional prepayment shall be allocated between the Series O Notes and the Series P Notes at the time outstanding pro rata in proportion to the respective unpaid principal amounts of each such Series.

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(ii) Allocation within Series. If, at the time of any optional prepayment of the principal of Notes of any Series made pursuant to Section 4.4 there is more than one Note of such Series outstanding, the aggregate principal amount of such optional prepayment shall be allocated among the Notes of such Series at the time outstanding pro rata in proportion to the respective unpaid principal amounts of all such outstanding Notes of such Series.

4.7 Notation of Notes on Prepayment.

Upon any partial prepayment of a Note, such Note may, at the option of the holder thereof, be

(a) surrendered to the Company pursuant to Section 5.2 in exchange for a new Note of the same Series, in a principal amount equal to the principal amount remaining unpaid on the surrendered Note,

(b) made available to the Company for notation thereon of the portion of the principal so prepaid, or

(c) marked by such holder with a notation thereon of the portion of the principal so prepaid.

In case the entire principal amount of any Note is prepaid, such Note shall be surrendered to the Company for cancellation and shall not be reissued, and no Note shall be issued in lieu of the prepaid principal amount of any Note.

4.8 No Other Optional Prepayments.

Except as provided in Section 4.4, the Company may not make any optional prepayment (whether directly or indirectly by purchase or acquisition) in respect of the Notes.

5. REGISTRATION; SUBSTITUTION OF NOTES.

5.1 Registration of Notes.

The Company will cause to be kept at its office, maintained pursuant to Section 6.3, a register for the registration and transfer of Notes. The name and address of each holder of one or more Notes, each transfer thereof and the name and address of each transferee of one or more Notes shall be registered in the register. The Person in whose name any Note shall be registered shall be deemed and treated as the owner and holder thereof for all purposes hereof.

5.2 Exchange of Notes.

(a) Upon surrender of any Note at the office of the Company maintained pursuant to Section 6.3 duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer duly executed by the registered holder of such Note or its attorney duly authorized in writing, the Company will execute and deliver, at the Company’s expense (except as provided below), new Notes of the same Series in exchange therefor, in denominations of

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at least five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) (except as may be necessary to reflect any principal amount not evenly divisible by five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000)), in an aggregate principal amount equal to the unpaid principal amount of the surrendered Note. Each such new Note shall be payable to such Person as such holder may request, shall be of the same Series as the surrendered Note and shall be substantially in the form of the Exhibit Al or Exhibit A2, as the case may be, corresponding to the Series of the surrendered Note. Each such new Note shall be dated and bear interest from the date to which interest shall have been paid on the surrendered Note or dated the date of the surrendered Note if no interest shall have been paid thereon. The Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any stamp or other issuance tax or governmental charge imposed in respect of any such transfer of Notes.

(b) The Company will pay the cost of delivering to or from such holder’s home office or custodian bank from or to the Company, insured to the reasonable satisfaction of such holder, the surrendered Note and any Note issued in substitution or replacement for the surrendered Note.

5.3 Replacement of Notes.

Upon receipt by the Company of evidence reasonably satisfactory to it of the ownership of and the loss, theft, destruction or mutilation of any Note (which evidence shall be, in the case of an Institutional Investor, notice from such Institutional Investor of such ownership (or of ownership by such Institutional Investor’s nominee) and such loss, theft, destruction or mutilation), and

(a) in the case of loss, theft or destruction, of indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Company (provided that if the holder of such Note is an Institutional Investor or a nominee of an Institutional Investor, such Institutional Investor’s own unsecured letter agreement of indemnity shall be deemed to be satisfactory for such purpose), or

(b) in the case of mutilation, upon surrender and cancellation thereof,

the Company at its own expense will execute and, within five (5) Business Days after such receipt, deliver, in lieu thereof, a new Note of the same Series, dated and bearing interest from the date to which interest shall have been paid on such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Note or dated the date of such lost, stolen, destroyed or mutilated Note if no interest shall have been paid thereon.

5.4 Issuance Taxes.

The Company will pay all taxes (if any) due in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and in connection with any modification, amendment or waiver of any Financing Document and shall save each holder of Notes harmless without limitation as to time against any and all liabilities with respect to all such taxes. The obligations of the Company under this Section 5.4 shall survive the payment or prepayment of the Notes and the termination hereof.

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6. GENERAL COVENANTS.

The Company covenants and agrees that on and after the Restatement Date and thereafter for so long as any of its obligations under the Note Purchase Agreements and the Notes shall be outstanding:

6.1 Payment of Taxes and Claims.

The Company shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, pay before they become delinquent,

(a) all taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon it or its Property, and

(b) all claims or demands of materialmen, mechanics, carriers, warehousemen, landlords and other like Persons that, if unpaid, might result in the creation of a Lien upon its Property,

provided, that items of the foregoing description need not be paid (x) while being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings diligently pursued as long as adequate book reserves have been established and maintained and exist with respect thereto, and (y) so long as the title of the Company or the Subsidiary, as the case may be, to, and its right to use, such Property, is not materially adversely affected thereby.

6.2 Maintenance of Properties and Corporate Existence. The Company shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to,

(a) Property — maintain its Property in good condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and make all necessary renewals, replacements, additions, betterments and improvements thereto, and, in addition to the foregoing, the Guarantors shall collectively, during each year, either expend or invest an aggregate amount equal to at least fifty percent (50%) of Depreciation determined for the then most recently ended fiscal year of the Company on repairs, maintenance or capital improvements to the “Improvements” (as such term is defined in the Deeds of Trust);

(b) Insurance — maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurers accorded a rating by A.M. Best Company of “A” or better and a size rating of “XII” or better (or comparable ratings by any comparable successor rating agency), insurance (including, without limitation, the insurance required by the Security Documents) with respect to its Property and business against such casualties and contingencies, of such types (including, without limitation, insurance with respect to losses arising out of Property loss or damage, public liability, business interruption, larceny, workers’ compensation, embezzlement or other criminal misappropriation) and in such amounts as is customary in the case of corporations of established reputations engaged in the same or a similar business and similarly situated; provided that the Company and the Subsidiaries may maintain one or more systems of self-insurance if adequate reserves are maintained with respect thereto and if such systems are implemented and operated in a manner consistent with the sound financial practices of similarly situated corporations of established reputations that maintain similar systems of self-insurance;

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(c) Financial Records — maintain sound accounting policies and an adequate and effective system of accounts and internal accounting controls that will safeguard assets, properly record income, expenses and liabilities and assure the production of proper financial statements in accordance with GAAP;

(d) Corporate Existence and Rights — do or cause to be done all things necessary

(i) to preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence, rights and franchises,

(ii) to ensure that the Company legally and beneficially owns one hundred percent (100%) of the capital stock of each of the Guarantors, and

(iii) to maintain each Subsidiary as a Subsidiary, except as otherwise permitted by Section 6.14 and Section 6.15(b); and

(e) Compliance with Law — not be in violation of any law, ordinance or governmental rule or regulation to which it is subject (including, without limitation, the USA Patriot Act and any Environmental Protection Law) and not fail to obtain any license, permit, franchise or other governmental authorization necessary to the ownership of its Properties or to the conduct of its business if such violation or failure to obtain could be reasonably expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

6.3 Payment of Notes and Maintenance of Office.

The Company shall punctually pay, or cause to be paid, the principal of and interest (and Make-Whole Amount, if any) to become due in respect of, the Notes, as and when the same shall become due according to the terms hereof and of the Notes, and shall maintain an office at the address of the Company set forth in Section 10.1 where notices, presentations and demands in respect hereof and of the Notes may be made upon it. Such office shall be maintained at such address until such time as the Company shall notify the holders of the Notes of any change of location of such office, which shall in any event be located within the United States of America.

6.4 Intentionally Deleted.

6.5 Consolidated Working Capital.

The Company shall not at any time permit Consolidated Working Capital to be less than Two Hundred Fifty Million Dollars ($250,000,000).

6.6 Funded Debt to Capitalization Ratio.

The Company shall not at any time permit Consolidated Funded Debt to exceed sixty-five percent (65%) of Consolidated Total Capitalization.

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6.7 Maintenance of Funded Debt.

The Company shall not permit Consolidated Funded Debt, determined as of the end of each fiscal quarter of the Company, to exceed four hundred percent (400%) of Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four (4) consecutive fiscal quarters of the Company ended at such time.

6.8 Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio; Consolidated Fixed Charges.

(a) The Company shall not permit the ratio of Consolidated EBITDA to Consolidated Interest Expense for any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Company to be less than 3.00 to 1.00.

(b) The Company shall not at any time permit the ratio of Consolidated Net Income Available for Fixed Charges (calculated in respect of the period of eight (8) consecutive fiscal quarters of the Company then most recently ended) to Consolidated Fixed Charges (calculated in respect of such period) to be less than 1.50 to 1.00.

6.9 Restrictions on Dividends, etc.

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any restriction or encumbrance (other than statutory, regulatory or common law restrictions) on the right or power of any Subsidiary to

(a) pay dividends or make any other distributions on such Subsidiary’s stock to the Company or any Subsidiary,

(b) pay any indebtedness owed by such Subsidiary to the Company or any Subsidiary,

(c) make loans or pay advances to the Company or any Subsidiary, or

(d) transfer any of its Property to the Company or any Guarantor;

provided, however, that:

(x) a Subsidiary may be subject to an encumbrance or restriction described in subsection (d) above if such encumbrance or restriction (i) restricts in a customary manner the subletting, assignment or transfer of any property or asset that is subject to a lease, license, or similar contract, (ii) exists by virtue of any transfer of, agreement to transfer, option, or right with respect to, any property or assets of the Company or any Subsidiary not otherwise prohibited by this Note Purchase Agreement, or (iii) is contained in a security agreement, mortgage or other similar document securing Debt of the Company or any Subsidiary that is permitted hereunder to the extent such restriction or encumbrance restricts the transfer of the property subject to such agreement, or (iv) ordinary course provisions restricting the assignability of contracts;

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(y) a Subsidiary may be subject to restrictions on the payment of dividends or the making of other distributions on its stock to the Company or the other Subsidiaries so long as such restrictions permit the payment of such dividends and the making of such other distributions that are necessary in order to make any and all payments due (including, without limitation, any and all amounts due by way of acceleration, required or optional prepayment or otherwise) in connection with the Notes, the Note Purchase Agreements and the other Financing Documents, and any and all indebtedness used to refinance or repay such indebtedness (without increase as to principal amount or interest rate of such refinancing indebtedness); and

(z) a Subsidiary may be subject to any such encumbrance and restriction that is not otherwise allowed under subsections (x) and (y) above, so long as the aggregate contributions to Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four (4) fiscal quarters then most recently ended of all Subsidiaries subject to such encumbrances and restrictions that are not otherwise allowed under subsections (x) and (y) above, are less than or equal to fifteen percent (15%) of such Consolidated EBITDA; such contribution shall be based on the earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of each such Subsidiary for such fiscal year.

6.10 Consolidated Net Worth.

The Company shall not at any time permit Consolidated Net Worth, determined at such time, to be less than the sum of

(a) one billion four hundred fifty million dollars ($1,450,000,000), plus

(b) the sum of the Company Fiscal Year Net Worth Increase Amounts calculated for all fiscal years of the Company ended on or after the Restatement Date.

6.11 Terrorism Sanctions Regulations.

The Company will not and will not permit any Subsidiary to (a) become a Person described or designated in the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List of the Office of Foreign Assets Control or in Section 1 of the Anti-Terrorism Order or (b) engage in any dealings or transactions with any such Person.

6.12 Restricted Payments and Restricted Investments.

(a) Limitation on Restricted Payments and Restricted Investments. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, at any time declare or make or incur any liability to declare or make any Restricted Payment (other than Restricted Payments comprised solely of Distributions to the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary in respect of the capital stock of a Subsidiary (“Permitted Distributions”))or make or authorize any Restricted Investment, unless

(i) immediately after giving effect to the proposed Restricted Payment or Restricted Investment, the aggregate amount of all Restricted Payments (other than Permitted Distributions) and Restricted Investments in each case made or authorized after February 1, 2000 does not exceed the sum of

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(A) one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000); plus

(B) fifty percent (50%) of the aggregate Consolidated Net Income (or, in case such aggregate Consolidated Net Income shall be a deficit, minus one hundred percent (100%) of such deficit) for the period commencing on February 1, 2000 and ending on the date of such proposed transaction; plus

(C) one hundred percent (100%) of the aggregate net cash proceeds received by the Company after March 9, 2000 from the issuance or sale of shares of capital stock of the Company (other than Mandatorily Redeemable Stock); plus

(D) the market value of (but in any event not exceeding the Fair Market Value of the assets or stock acquired with) the shares of capital stock issued by the Company in payment for the stock or assets of any Person acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary after March 9, 2000 in an arm’s-length transaction;

(ii) immediately prior to, and immediately after giving effect to the proposed Restricted Payment or Restricted Investment, the Company would be permitted by Section 6.6 to incur at least one dollar ($1.00) of additional Funded Debt owed to a Person other than a Subsidiary; and

(iii) immediately prior to, and immediately after giving effect to, the proposed Restricted Payment or Restricted Investment, no Default or Event of Default exists or would exist.

(b) Time of Payment of Distributions. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, authorize a Distribution on its capital stock that is not payable within sixty (60) days of authorization.

(c) Subsidiaries. Each Person that becomes a Subsidiary after the Restatement Date shall be deemed to have made, at the time it becomes a Subsidiary, all Restricted Investments of such Person existing immediately after it becomes a Subsidiary.

6.13 Liens.

(a) Negative Pledge. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, cause or permit, or agree or consent to cause or permit in the future (upon the happening of a contingency or otherwise), any of their Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to be subject to a Lien except:

(i) Liens securing taxes, assessments or governmental charges or levies or the claims or demands of materialmen, mechanics, carriers, warehousemen, landlords and other like Persons, provided that the payment thereof is not at the time required by Section 6.1 or by any provision of the other Financing Documents;

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(ii) Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of business

(A) in connection with workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance, social security and other like laws, and

(B) to secure the performance of letters of credit, bids, tenders, sales contracts, leases, statutory obligations, surety and performance bonds (of a type other than set forth in Section 6.13(a)(iii)) and other similar obligations not incurred in connection with the borrowing of money, the obtaining of advances or the payment of the deferred purchase price of Property;

(iii) Liens

(A) arising from judicial attachments and judgments,

(B) securing appeal bonds, supersedeas bonds, or

(C) arising in connection with court proceedings (including, without limitation, surety bonds and letters of credit or any other instrument serving a similar purpose),

provided that the execution or other enforcement of such Liens is effectively stayed and the claims secured thereby are being actively contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings, and provided further that the aggregate amount so secured shall not at any time exceed one million dollars ($1,000,000);

(iv) Liens in the nature of reservations, exceptions, encroachments, easements, rights-of-way, covenants, conditions, restrictions, leases and other similar title exceptions or encumbrances affecting real Property, provided that such exceptions and encumbrances do not in the aggregate materially detract from the value of such Properties or materially interfere with the use of such Properties in the ordinary conduct of the owning Person’s business;

(v) (A) Liens (of a type other than set forth in Section 6.13(a)(ix)) in existence on the Closing Date, more specifically described on Part 6.13(a)(v) of Annex 2; and

(B) Liens securing renewals, extensions and refinancings of Debt secured by the Liens permitted by clause (A) immediately above, provided that the amount of Debt secured by each such Lien is not increased in excess of the amount of Debt outstanding on the date such Lien was originally created, and none of such Liens is extended to include any additional Property of the Company or any Subsidiary;

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(vi) on or prior to the Collateral Release Date, Liens on the Collateral

(A) in favor of the Security Trustee for the benefit of the holders of the Notes that secure obligations under any of the Financing Documents, and

(B) constituting Permitted Exceptions;

(vii) on or prior to the Collateral Release Date, Liens on Property (other than the Collateral) securing Funded Debt (other than Funded Debt outstanding under the Credit Facility) incurred and permitted to exist in accordance with the provisions of Sections 6.6 and 6.7;

(viii) Purchase Money Liens, if, after giving effect thereto and to any concurrent transactions:

(A) each such Purchase Money Lien secures Debt in an amount not exceeding the cost of acquisition or construction of the particular Property to which such Debt relates; and

(B) no Default or Event of Default would exist;

(ix) on or prior to the Collateral Release Date, Liens on Property of the Subsidiaries primarily constituting inventory or accounts that secure obligations arising under Revolving Credit Agreements of the Company or any Subsidiary; and

(x) after the Collateral Release Date, Liens securing Debt of the Company or any Subsidiary, provided that at the time of the incurrence thereof and after giving effect thereto and to the concurrent retirement of any other Debt,

(A) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all Debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries secured by Liens (including, without limitation, Liens permitted by Section 6.13(a)(v) and Section 6.13(a)(viii)) would not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of Consolidated Tangible Net Worth, determined at such time; and

(B) no Default or Event of Default would exist.

(b) Collateral. Nothing in this Section 6.13 shall be deemed to permit the Company or any Guarantor to cause or permit, or agree or consent to cause or permit in the future (upon the happening of a contingency or otherwise), any of the Collateral, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to be subject to a Lien in violation of the terms of the Security Documents.

(c) Stock. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 6.13(a), the Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to cause or permit, or agree or consent to cause or permit in the future (upon the happening of a contingency or otherwise), any of the capital stock of any Subsidiary, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to be subject to a Lien.

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(d) Equal and Ratable Lien; Equitable Lien. In case any Property not otherwise the subject of a prior perfected Lien in favor of the Security Trustee shall be subjected to a Lien in violation of this Section 6.13, the Company shall forthwith make or cause to be made, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, provision whereby the Notes shall be secured equally and ratably with all other obligations secured thereby pursuant to such agreements and instruments as shall be approved by the Required Holders, and the Company shall cause to be delivered to each holder of a Note an opinion of independent counsel to the effect that such agreements and instruments are enforceable in accordance with their terms, and in any such case the Notes shall have the benefit, to the full extent that, and with such priority as, the holders may be entitled thereto under applicable law, of an equitable Lien on such Property securing the Notes. Such violation of this Section 6.13 shall constitute an Event of Default hereunder, whether or not any such provision is made pursuant to this Section 6.13(d).

(e) Financing Statements. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, sign or file a financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code of any jurisdiction that names the Company or such Subsidiary as debtor, or sign any security agreement authorizing any secured party thereunder to file any such financing statement, except, in any such case, a financing statement filed or to be filed to perfect or protect a security interest that the Company or such Subsidiary is entitled to create, assume or incur, or permit to exist, under the foregoing provisions of this Section 6.13 or to evidence for informational purposes a lessor’s interest in Property leased to the Company or any such Subsidiary.

6.14 Merger; Acquisition.

(a) Merger and Consolidation. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, merge with or into, consolidate with, or sell, lease as lessor, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its Property to, any other Person or permit any other Person to merge with or into or consolidate with it (except (x) for the completion of the Great Lakes Cattle Merger and (y) that a Subsidiary other than a Guarantor may merge into, consolidate with, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets to, the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary other than a Guarantor); provided that the foregoing restriction does not apply to the merger or consolidation of the Company with or into, or the sale, lease, transfer or other disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of its Property to, another corporation, if:

(i) the corporation that results from such merger or consolidation or that purchases, leases, or acquires all or substantially all of such Property (the “Surviving Corporation”) is organized under the laws of, and has substantially all of its Property located in, the United States of America or any jurisdiction thereof;

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(ii) the due and punctual payment of the principal of and Make-Whole Amount, if any, and interest on all of the Notes, according to their tenor, and the due and punctual performance and observance of all the covenants herein and in the other Financing Documents to be performed and observed by the Company, are expressly assumed by the Surviving Corporation pursuant to such agreements or instruments as shall be satisfactory to the Required Holders, and the Company shall cause to be delivered to each holder of Notes an opinion of independent counsel (which opinion and counsel are satisfactory to the Required Holders) to the effect that such agreements and instruments are enforceable in accordance with their terms;

(iii) immediately prior to, and immediately after the consummation of such transaction, and after giving effect thereto, the Company would be permitted by Section 6.6 to incur at least one dollar ($1.00) of additional Funded Debt owed to a Person other than a Subsidiary; and

(iv) immediately prior to, and immediately after the consummation of such transaction, and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default exists or would exist.

(b) Acquisitions. The Company will not, and will not permit any of its Subsidiaries to consummate any Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment, unless immediately prior to such Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, and:

(i) (a) such transaction is an Acquisition and such Acquisition (if by purchase of assets, merger or consolidation) is effected in such manner that the acquired business, and the related assets, are owned either by the Company or a Subsidiary and, if effected by merger or consolidation involving the Company, the Company is the continuing or surviving entity and, if effected by merger or consolidation involving a Subsidiary, the continuing or surviving entity is a Subsidiary; or (b) such transaction is an Acquisition and such Acquisition (if by purchase of stock or partner, member or other ownership interests) is effected in such manner so that the acquired entity becomes a Subsidiary; and

(ii) such transaction is an Acquisition or a Joint Venture Investment and immediately after giving effect to such Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment the Company is in compliance with Sections 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8 and 6.10 (the determination of such compliance to be calculated on a pro forma basis, as at the end of the fiscal quarter most recently ended prior to the date of such Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment for which financial statements of the Company and its Subsidiaries are available, under the assumption that such Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment and any other Acquisitions or Joint Venture Investments consummated during the twelve-month period ending on such date shall have occurred, and any Debt in connection therewith shall have been incurred, at the beginning of the applicable period, and under the assumption that interest for such period had been equal to the actual weighted average interest rate in effect for

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such period for all loans outstanding under the Credit Facility on the date of such Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment) and, in the event that the aggregate amount of expenditures in respect of such Acquisition or Joint Venture Investment and of all prior Acquisitions and Joint Venture Investments made during a single fiscal year and not covered by a certificate delivered under this subclause (ii) exceeds $100,000,000, the Company shall have delivered to each of the holders of Notes a certificate of a Senior Financial Officer showing calculations in reasonable detail to demonstrate compliance with this subclause (ii) and certifying that prior to such acquisition and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

6.15 Transfers of Property; Subsidiary Stock.

(a) Transfers of Property. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, sell (including, without limitation, any sale and subsequent leasing as lessee of such Property), lease as lessor, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any Property (individually, a “Transfer” and collectively, “Transfers”), except

(i) Transfers of inventory, obsolete or worn-out Property or excess equipment no longer useful in the business of the Company or such Subsidiary, in each case in the ordinary course of business of the Company or such Subsidiary, and the Smithfield Canada Transfer;

(ii) Transfers from a Subsidiary to the Company or to any Guarantor and Transfers from the Company to any Guarantor; and

(iii) any other Transfer (including a Transfer of Property to any Person and the concurrent rental or lease of such transferred Property from such Person) at any time of any Property to a Person, other than an Affiliate, for an Acceptable Consideration, if each of the following conditions would be satisfied with respect to such Transfer:

(A) the sum of

(I) the current book value of such Property, plus

(II) the aggregate book value of all other Property of the Company and the Subsidiaries Transferred (other than in Transfers referred to in the foregoing clause (i) and clause (ii) (collectively, “Excluded Transfers”)) during the period beginning on the first day of the then current fiscal year of the Company and ended immediately prior to the date of such Transfer,

would not exceed ten percent (10%) of Consolidated Total Assets determined as at the end of the most recently ended fiscal year of the Company prior to giving effect to such Transfer,

(B) the sum of

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(I) the current book value of such Property, plus

(II) the aggregate book value of all other Property of the Company and the Subsidiaries Transferred (other than in Excluded Transfers) during the period commencing on October 31, 1999 and ended at the time of such Transfer,

would not exceed twenty percent (20%) of Consolidated Total Assets determined as at the end of the most recently ended fiscal year of the Company prior to giving effect to such Transfer, and

(C) immediately prior to, and immediately after the consummation of such transaction, and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default exists or would exist,

provided, that all or any portion of the assets which are the subject of any Transfer of Property shall be excluded for purposes of clause (A) and clause (B) of this Section 6.15(a)(iii), and such Transfer shall be a Transfer permitted under this Section 6.15(a)(iii) notwithstanding non-compliance with clause (A) and clause (B) of this Section 6.15(a)(iii), if, within three hundred sixty (360) days after such Transfer, the entire proceeds of all or any portion of such Transfer to be excluded (net of ordinary and reasonable transaction costs and expenses incurred in connection with such Transfer) are applied by the Company or such Subsidiary to:

(x) the purchase of operating assets of the Company or any Subsidiary reasonably equal in value to that portion of the Property which is the subject of such Transfer and is to be excluded of clause (A) and (B) of this Section 6.15 (a) (iii), so long as each such investment shall not have been included in the calculation of any other exclusion of any other Transfer proposed to be excluded from the operation of clause (A) or clause (B) of this Section 6.15(a)(iii), or

(y) an optional prepayment of Notes pursuant to Section 4.4.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, sell, lease as lessor, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of the Collateral except as expressly permitted by Section 6.15(c). Nothing in this Section 6.15(a) shall be deemed to permit the Company or any Subsidiary to violate any provisions of Section 6.16.

(b) Transfers of Subsidiary Stock. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, Transfer any shares of the capital stock (or any warrants, rights or options to purchase stock or other Securities exchangeable for or convertible into capital stock) of a Subsidiary (such capital stock, warrants, rights, options and other Securities herein called “Subsidiary Stock”), nor shall any Subsidiary issue, sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of its own Subsidiary Stock, provided that the foregoing restrictions do not apply to:

(i) the issuance by a Subsidiary of shares of its own Subsidiary Stock to the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary;

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(ii) Transfers by the Company or a Subsidiary of shares of Subsidiary Stock to the Company or a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary;

(iii) the issuance by a Subsidiary of directors’ qualifying shares; and

(iv) the Transfer of all of the Subsidiary Stock of a Subsidiary owned by the Company and the other Subsidiaries if

(A) such Transfer satisfies the requirements of Section 6.15(a)(iii);

(B) in connection with such Transfer the entire investment (whether represented by stock, Debt, claims or otherwise) of the Company and the other Subsidiaries in such Subsidiary is Transferred to a Person other than the Company or a Subsidiary not simultaneously being disposed of;

(C) the Subsidiary being disposed of has no continuing investment in any other Subsidiary not simultaneously being disposed of or in the Company; and

(D) immediately prior to, and immediately after the consummation of such Transfer, and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default exists or would exist.

For purposes of determining the book value of Property constituting Subsidiary Stock being Transferred as provided in clause (iv) above, such book value shall be deemed to be the aggregate book value of all assets of the Subsidiary that shall have issued such Subsidiary Stock.

Nothing in this Section 6.15(b) shall be deemed to permit the Company or any Subsidiary to (x) sell any shares of capital stock of any Subsidiary in violation of Section 6.2(d)(ii) or (y) violate any of the provisions of Section 6.16.

(c) Transfers of Collateral. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, sell or otherwise Transfer any Property constituting Collateral, except Transfers for an Acceptable Consideration of obsolete or worn-out equipment constituting Collateral, or excess equipment constituting Collateral, in each case that is no longer useful in the business of the Company or such Subsidiary, if each of the following conditions would be satisfied with respect to such Transfer:

(i) the sum of

(A) the current book value of such Property, plus

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(B) the aggregate book value of all other Property of the Company and the Subsidiaries Transferred pursuant to this Section 6.15(c) during the period beginning on the first day of the then current fiscal year of the Company and ended immediately prior to the date of such Transfer would not exceed five million dollars ($5,000,000),

(ii) the sum of

(A) the current book value of such Property, plus

(B) the aggregate book value of all other Property of the Company and the Subsidiaries Transferred pursuant to this Section 6.15(c) during the period commencing on October 31, 1999 and ended at the time of such Transfer, would not exceed twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) and

(iii) immediately prior to, and immediately after the consummation of such transaction, and after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default exists or would exist,

provided, that all or any portion of the assets which are the subject of any Transfer of Property shall be excluded for purposes of clause (i) and clause (ii) of this Section 6.15(c) if, within three hundred sixty (360) days after such Transfer, the entire proceeds of such Transfer (net of ordinary and reasonable transaction costs and expenses incurred in connection with such Transfer) are applied by the Company or such Subsidiary to:

(x) the purchase of Property of the Company or any Subsidiary reasonably equal in value or use to the Property which is the subject of such Transfer, so long as (1) such Property is subject to a perfected first-priority security interest in favor of the Security Trustee for the benefit of the holders from time to time of the Notes, (2) such Property constitutes Collateral and (3) each such investment shall not have been included in the calculation of any other exclusion of any other Transfer proposed to be excluded from the operation of clause (i) or clause (ii) of this Section 6.15(c), or

(y) an optional prepayment of Notes pursuant to Section 4.4.

The Company acknowledges and agrees that until applied pursuant to this Section 6.15(c), the net proceeds of any such Transfer of Collateral by the Company or any Subsidiary shall be held in trust by the Security Trustee pursuant to the terms of the Security Documents.

6.16 Trademark Subsidiaries.

(a) Generally. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary other than a Trademark Subsidiary to, own any patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and other similar licenses and intangibles used or useful in the conduct of the business of the Company or any Subsidiary.

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(b) Ownership of Trademark Subsidiaries. The Company (i) shall, at all times, maintain each Trademark Subsidiary as a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary and (ii) shall not permit any of the capital stock of any Trademark Subsidiary to be subject to a Lien.

(c) No Sale or Merger. The Company shall not permit any Trademark Subsidiary to merge with or into, consolidate with, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its Property to, any other Person other than another Trademark Subsidiary, or permit any other Person other than a Trademark Subsidiary to merge with or into or consolidate with it. The Company shall not permit any Trademark Subsidiary to sell, lease as lessor, license as licensor, transfer or otherwise dispose of any patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and licenses.

(d) No Debt or Liens. The Company shall not permit any Trademark Subsidiary to cause or permit, or agree or consent to cause or permit in the future (upon the happening of a contingency or otherwise), any of its Property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, to be subject to a Lien. The Company shall not at any time permit any Trademark Subsidiary to be or become liable for any Debt or to issue any Mandatorily Redeemable Stock.

6.17 Environmental Compliance.

(a) Compliance. The Company shall, and shall cause each Subsidiary to, comply with all Environmental Protection Laws in effect in each jurisdiction where it is doing business and where the failure to comply with which, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(b) Liability. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, permit itself to be subject to any liability under any Environmental Protection Laws that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

6.18 Line of Business.

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, engage in any business other than businesses engaged in by the Company and the Subsidiaries on the Closing Date.

6.19 Transactions with Affiliates.

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, enter into any transaction, including, without limitation, the purchase, sale or exchange of Property or the rendering of any service, with any Affiliate, except in the ordinary course of and pursuant to the reasonable requirements of the Company’s or such Subsidiary’s business and upon fair and reasonable terms no less favorable to the Company or such Subsidiary than would obtain in a comparable arm’s length transaction with a Person not an Affiliate.

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6.20 Tax Consolidation.

The Company shall not file or consent to the filing of a consolidated tax return with any Person other than a Subsidiary, or permit the filing of any consolidated tax return by any Subsidiary with any Person other than the Company or another Subsidiary.

6.21 ERISA.

(a) Compliance. The Company shall, and shall cause each ERISA Affiliate to, at all times with respect to each Pension Plan,

(i) make timely payment of contributions required

(A) to meet the minimum funding standard set forth in ERISA or the IRC with respect thereto, or

(B) to be paid as provided for by section 515 of ERISA, and

(ii) comply with all other applicable provisions of ERISA.

(b) Relationship of Vested Benefits to Pension Plan Assets.

(i) The Company shall not at any time permit the present value of all employee benefits vested under all Morrell Pension Plans to exceed the assets of such Morrell Pension Plans allocable to such vested benefits at such time by more than fifty-five million dollars ($55,000,000), in each case determined pursuant to Section 6.21(c).

(ii) The Company shall not at any time permit the present value of all employee benefits vested under all Pension Plans other than Morrell Pension Plans to exceed the assets of all such Pension Plans other than Morrell Pension Plans allocable to such vested benefits at such time by more than five percent (5%) of Consolidated Total Liabilities, in each case determined pursuant to Section 6.21(c).

(c) Valuations. All assumptions and methods used to determine the actuarial valuation of vested employee benefits under Pension Plans and the present value of assets of Pension Plans shall be reasonable in the good faith judgment of the Company and shall comply with all requirements of law.

(d) Prohibited Actions. The Company shall not, and shall not permit any ERISA Affiliate to:

(i) engage in any “prohibited transaction” (as such term is defined in section 406 of ERISA or section 4975 of the IRC) or “reportable event” (as such term is defined in section 4043 of ERISA) that would result in the imposition of a material tax or penalty;

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(ii) incur with respect to any Pension Plan any “accumulated funding deficiency” (as such term is defined in section 302 of ERISA), whether or not waived;

(iii) terminate any Pension Plan in a manner that could result in

(A) the imposition of a Lien on the Property of the Company or any Subsidiary pursuant to section 4068 of ERISA or

(B) the creation of any liability under section 4062 of ERISA;

(iv) fail to make any payment required by section 515 of ERISA; or

(v) be an “employer” (as such term is defined in section 3 of ERISA) required to contribute to any Multiemployer Plan or a “substantial employer” (as such term is defined in section 4001 of ERISA) required to contribute to any Multiple Employer Pension Plan if, at such time, it could reasonably be expected that the Company or any Subsidiary will incur withdrawal liability in respect of such Multiemployer Plan and such liability, if incurred, together with the aggregate amount of all other withdrawal liability as to which there is a reasonable expectation of incurrence by the Company or any Subsidiary under any one or more Multiemployer Plans, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

(e) Foreign Pension Plans. To the extent that the Company or any Subsidiary is subject to any requirements of any Foreign Pension Plan, the Company shall, and shall cause each such Subsidiary to, comply with such requirements if the failure to so comply would have, either individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

6.22 Guaranties.

(a) The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, be or become liable in respect of any Guaranty except

(i) Guaranties of Debt which constitutes a part of Consolidated Funded Debt;

(ii) Guaranties of obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Company and the Subsidiaries;

(iii) Guaranties of liabilities which constitute a part of Consolidated Current Liabilities (including, without limitation, Guaranties of obligations of the Company and the Subsidiaries under Revolving Credit Agreements to the extent such Guaranties are not permitted by clause (i) above); and

(iv) Guaranties of amounts payable with respect to Operating Rentals constituting a portion of Consolidated Fixed Charges.

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(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of clause (a) above, the Company shall not permit any Subsidiary to

(i) be or become liable for any Guaranty of Debt of the Company, any other Subsidiary or any Affiliate, or

(ii) issue any Mandatorily Redeemable Stock,

in each case unless such Subsidiary enters into an enforceable and unconditional Guaranty of the obligations of the Company under the Notes, upon terms and conditions satisfactory to the Required Holders. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 6.22, in no event shall the Company or any Subsidiary be or become liable in respect of any Guaranty of Third Party Debt if the indebtedness or other liabilities that are the subject of such Guaranty would not be permitted pursuant to Section 6.6 or Section 6.7.

6.23 Private Offering.

The Company shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary or any Person acting on its behalf to, offer the Notes or any part thereof or any similar Securities for issuance or sale to, or solicit any offer to acquire any of the same from, any Person so as to bring the issuance and sale of the Notes within the provisions of section 5 of the Securities Act.

7. INFORMATION AS TO COMPANY AND GUARANTORS.

7.1 Financial and Business Information. The Company shall deliver to each holder of Notes:

(a) Company Quarterly Statements — as soon as practicable after the end of each quarterly fiscal period in each fiscal year of the Company (other than the last quarterly fiscal period of each such fiscal year), and in any event within forty-five (45) days thereafter, duplicate copies of:

(i) consolidated and consolidating balance sheets of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, and of the Company and the Subsidiaries, as at the end of such quarter, and

(ii) consolidated and consolidating statements of income and cash flows of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, and of the Company and the Subsidiaries, for such quarter and (in the case of the second and third quarters) for the portion of the fiscal year ending with such quarter, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding periods in the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail, prepared in accordance with GAAP applicable to quarterly financial statements generally, and certified as complete and correct, subject to changes resulting from year-end adjustments, by a Senior Financial Officer, accompanied by the certificate required by Section 7.2;

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(b) Company Annual Statements — as soon as practicable after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, and in any event within ninety (90) days thereafter, duplicate copies of:

(i) a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, and a consolidating balance sheet of the Company and each Guarantor, as at the end of such year, and

(ii) consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries, and consolidating statements of income and cash flows of the Company and each Guarantor, for such year,

setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the immediately preceding fiscal year, all in reasonable detail, prepared in accordance with GAAP, and accompanied by

(A) in the case of such consolidated financial statements, an audit report thereon of independent certified public accountants of recognized national standing, which opinion shall state, without qualification, that such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the companies being reported upon and their consolidated results of operations and cash flows and have been prepared in conformity with GAAP, and that the examination of such accountants in connection with such financial statements has been made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, and that such audit provides a reasonable basis for such opinion in the circumstances,

(B) a certification by a Senior Financial Officer that such consolidated statements are complete and correct, and

(C) the certificates required by Section 7.2 and Section 7.3;

(c) Audit Reports — promptly upon receipt thereof, a copy of each other report submitted to the Company or any Subsidiary by independent accountants in connection with any management report, special audit report or comparable analysis prepared by them with respect to the books of the Company or any Subsidiary;

(d) SEC and Other Reports — promptly upon their becoming available, a copy of each financial statement, report (including, without limitation, each Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, each Annual Report on Form 10-K and each Current Report on Form 8-K), notice or proxy statement sent by the Company or any Subsidiary to stockholders generally and of each regular or periodic report and any registration statement, prospectus or written communication (other than transmittal letters), and each amendment thereto, in respect thereof filed by the Company or any Subsidiary with, or received by, such Person in connection therewith from, the National Association of Securities Dealers, any securities exchange or the Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor agency;

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(e) ERISA —

(i) promptly (and in any event, within five (5) Business Days) after any officer of the Company becoming aware of any

(A) “reportable event” (as defined in section 4043 of ERISA), or

(B) “prohibited transaction” (as defined in section 406 of ERISA or section 4975 of the IRC),

in connection with any Pension Plan or any trust created thereunder, a written notice specifying the nature thereof, what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto and, when known, any action taken by the IRS, the Department of Labor or the PBGC with respect thereto, and

(ii) promptly (and in any event, within five (5) Business Days) after any officer of the Company becoming aware thereof, written notice of and, where applicable, a description of

(A) any notice from the PBGC in respect of the commencement of any proceedings pursuant to section 4042 of ERISA to terminate any Pension Plan or for the appointment of a trustee to administer any Pension Plan,

(B) any distress termination notice delivered to the PBGC under section 4041 of ERISA in respect of any Pension Plan, and any determination of the PBGC in respect thereof,

(C) the placement of any Multiemployer Plan in reorganization status under Title IV of ERISA,

(D) any Multiemployer Plan becoming “insolvent” (as defined in section 4245 of ERISA) under Title IV of ERISA, or

(E) the whole or partial withdrawal of the Company or any ERISA Affiliate from any Multiemployer Plan and the withdrawal liability incurred in connection therewith;

(f) Actions, Proceedings — promptly after the commencement thereof, notice of any action or proceeding relating to the Company or any Subsidiary in any court or before any Governmental Authority or arbitration board or tribunal as to which there is a reasonable probability of an adverse determination and that, if adversely determined, would have a Material Adverse Effect;

(g) Certain Environmental Matters — prompt written notice of and a description of any event or circumstance that, had such event or circumstance occurred or existed prior to the Closing Date, would have been required to be disclosed as an exception to any statement set forth in Section 2.14 and a description of the action that the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto;

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(h) Notice of Default or Event of Default — within five (5) Business Days of any Senior Officer becoming aware of the existence of any condition or event that constitutes a Default or an Event of Default, a written notice specifying the nature and period of existence thereof and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto;

(i) Notice of Claimed Default — within five (5) Business Days of any Senior Officer becoming aware that the holder of any Note, or of any Debt or any Security of the Company or any Subsidiary, shall have given notice or taken any other action with respect to a claimed Default, Event of Default, default or event of default, a written notice specifying the notice given or action taken by such holder and the nature of the claimed Default, Event of Default, default or event of default and what action the Company is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto;

(j) Information Furnished Under Revolving Credit Agreement — at any time that at least one Revolving Credit Agreement is in effect, at the same time required thereby, a copy of each item required to be furnished by the Company or any Subsidiary pursuant thereto;

(k) Other Creditors — promptly upon the request of any holder of Notes, copies of any statement, report or certificate furnished to any holder of Debt of the Company or any Subsidiary to the extent that the information contained in such statement, report or certificate has not already been delivered to each holder of Notes;

(l) Rule 144A — with reasonable promptness, upon the request of any holder of Notes, information required to comply with 17 C.F.R. §230.144A, as amended from time to time; and

(m) Requested Information — with reasonable promptness, such other data and information as from time to time may be reasonably requested by any holder of Notes.

7.2 Officer’s Certificates.

Each set of financial statements delivered to each holder of Notes pursuant to Section 7.1(a) or Section 7.1(b) shall be accompanied by a certificate of a Senior Financial Officer setting forth:

(a) Covenant Compliance — the information (including detailed calculations) required in order to establish whether the Company was in compliance with the requirements of Section 6.4 through Section 6.8, inclusive, and Section 6.10 through Section 6.15, inclusive, during the period covered by the income statement then being furnished (including with respect to each such Section, where applicable, the calculations of the maximum or minimum amount, ratio or percentage, as the case may be, permissible under the terms of such Sections, and the calculation of the amounts, ratio or percentage then in existence); and

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(b) Event of Default — a statement that the signer has reviewed the relevant terms of the Financing Documents and has made, or caused to be made, under his or her supervision, a review of the transactions and conditions of the Company and the Subsidiaries from the beginning of the accounting period covered by the income statements being delivered therewith to the date of the certificate and that such review shall not have disclosed the existence during such period of any condition or event that constitutes a Default or an Event of Default or, if any such condition or event existed or exists, specifying the nature and period of existence thereof and what action the Company shall have taken or proposes to take with respect thereto.

7.3 Accountants’ Report.

Each set of annual financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 7.1(b) shall be accompanied by a certificate of the accountants who certify such financial statements, stating that they have reviewed this Agreement and stating further, whether, in making their audit, such accountants have become aware of any condition or event that then constitutes a Default or an Event of Default, and, if such accountants are aware that any such condition or event then exists, specifying the nature and period of existence thereof.

7.4 Inspection.

The Company shall permit the representatives of each holder of Notes (at the expense of the Company) to visit and inspect any of the Properties of the Company or any Subsidiary, to examine all their respective books of account, records, reports and other papers, to make copies and extracts therefrom, and to discuss their respective affairs, finances and accounts with their respective officers, employees and independent public accountants (former and present) (and by this provision the Company authorizes all such accountants to discuss the finances and affairs of the Company and the Subsidiaries), all at such reasonable times and as often as may be reasonably requested.

8. EVENTS OF DEFAULT.

8.1 Nature of Events.

An “Event of Default” shall exist if any of the following occurs and is continuing:

(a) Principal and Make-Whole Amount Payments — the Company shall fail to make any payment of principal or Make-Whole Amount on any Note on or before the date such payment is due; or

(b) Interest Payments — the Company shall fail to make any payment of interest on any Note on or before the date such payment is due; or

(c) Warranties or Representations — any warranty, representation or other material statement by or on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary contained herein or

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in any instrument furnished in compliance with or in reference hereto or any of the other Financing Documents shall have been false or misleading when made or deemed made; or

(d) Particular Covenant Defaults — the Company or any Subsidiary shall fail to perform or observe any covenant contained in Section 6.4 through Section 6.18, inclusive, Section 6.20, Section 6.22, Section 7.1(h) or Section 7.1(i); or

(e) Other Defaults — the Company or any Subsidiary shall fail to comply with any other provision hereof, and such failure continues for more than thirty (30) days after such failure shall first become known to any officer of the Company; or

(f) Default on Debt or Other Security —

(i) the Company or any Subsidiary shall fail to make any payment on any Debt when due;

(ii) any event shall occur or any condition shall exist in respect of any Debt or any Security of the Company or any Subsidiary, or under any agreement securing or relating to such Debt or Security, that immediately or with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both:

(A) causes (or permits any one or more of the holders thereof or a trustee therefor to cause) such Debt or Security, or a portion thereof, to become due prior to its stated maturity or prior to its regularly scheduled date or dates of payment;

(B) permits any one or more of the holders thereof or a trustee therefor to elect any of the directors on the Board of Directors of the Company or such Subsidiary; or

(C) permits any one or more of the holders thereof or a trustee therefor to require the Company or any Subsidiary to repurchase such Debt or Security from such holder;

provided that the aggregate amount of all obligations in respect of all such Debt and Securities referred to in this clause (f) exceeds at such time ten million dollars ($10,000,000); or

(iii) an “Event of Default” shall have occurred under, and as defined in, any of the other Financing Documents and be continuing; or

(g) Involuntary Bankruptcy Proceedings —

(i) a receiver, liquidator, custodian or trustee of the Company or any Subsidiary, or of all or any of the Collateral or any material Property of the Company or any Subsidiary, shall be appointed by court order and such order remains in effect for more than thirty (30) days; or an order for relief shall be entered with respect to the Company or any Subsidiary, or the Company or any Subsidiary, shall be adjudicated insolvent;

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(ii) any of the Collateral or any material Property of the Company or any Subsidiary shall be sequestered by court order and such order remains in effect for more than thirty (30) days; or

(iii) a petition shall be filed against the Company or any Subsidiary under any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, readjustment of debt, dissolution or liquidation law of any jurisdiction, whether now or hereafter in effect, and shall not be dismissed within thirty (30) days after such filing; or

(h) Voluntary Petitions —the Company or any Subsidiary shall file a petition in voluntary bankruptcy or seeking relief under any provision of any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency, readjustment of debt, dissolution or liquidation law of any jurisdiction, whether now or hereafter in effect, or shall consent to the filing of any petition against it under any such law; or

(i) Assignments for Benefit of Creditors, etc. — the Company or any Subsidiary shall make an assignment for the benefit of its creditors, or shall admit in writing its inability, or shall fail, to pay its debts generally as they become due, or shall consent to the appointment of a receiver, liquidator or trustee of the Company or any Subsidiary or of all or any part of the Property of them; or

(j) Undischarged Final Judgments — final judgment or judgments for the payment of money aggregating in excess of two million five hundred thousand dollars ($2,500,000) is or are outstanding against one or more of the Company and the Subsidiaries and any one of such judgments shall have been outstanding for more than thirty (30) days from the date of its entry and shall not have been discharged in full or stayed; or

(k) Certain Obligations — the undertakings of any Guarantor under the Joint and Several Guaranty shall at any time cease to constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of such Guarantor, or any Guarantor or any Person acting by or on behalf of any Guarantor shall deny or disaffirm such Guarantor’s obligations under the Joint and Several Guaranty or any undertaking of the Company hereunder shall at any time cease to constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company.

If any action, condition, event or other matter would, at any time, constitute an Event of Default under any provision of this Section 8.1, then an Event of Default shall exist, regardless of whether the same or a similar action, condition, event or other matter is addressed in a different provision of this Section 8.1 and would not constitute an Event of Default at such time under such different provision.

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8.2 Default Remedies.

(a) Acceleration on Event of Default. If an Event of Default specified in clause (g), (h) or (i) of Section 8.1 shall exist, all of the Notes at the time outstanding shall automatically become immediately due and payable together with interest accrued thereon and, to the extent permitted by law, the Make-Whole Amount at such time with respect to the principal amount of such Notes, and all other amounts due under the Financing Documents, without presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived, and, if any other Event of Default shall exist, the holder or holders of at least sixty percent (60%) in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (exclusive of Notes then owned by any one or more of the Company, any Subsidiary and any Affiliate) may exercise any right, power or remedy permitted to such holder or holders by law, and shall have, in particular, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the right to declare the entire principal of, and all interest accrued on, all the Notes then outstanding to be, and such Notes shall thereupon become, forthwith due and payable, without any presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived, and the Company shall forthwith pay to the holder or holders of all the Notes then outstanding the entire principal of, and interest accrued on, the Notes and, to the extent permitted by law, the Make-Whole Amount at such time with respect to such principal amount of the Notes.

(b) Acceleration on Payment Default. During the existence of an Event of Default described in Section 8.1(a) or Section 8.1(b), and irrespective of whether the Notes then outstanding shall have been declared to be due and payable pursuant to Section 8.2(a), any holder of Notes who or that shall have not consented to any waiver with respect to such Event of Default may, at its option, by notice in writing to the Company, declare the Notes then held by such holder to be, and such Notes shall thereupon become, forthwith due and payable together with all interest accrued thereon, without any presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived, and the Company shall forthwith pay to such holder the entire principal of and interest accrued on such Notes and, to the extent permitted by law, the Make-Whole Amount at such time with respect to such principal amount of the Notes and all other amounts due under the Financing Documents.

(c) Valuable Rights. The Company acknowledges, and the parties hereto agree, that the right of each holder to maintain its investment in the Notes free from repayment by the Company (except as herein specifically provided for) is a valuable right and that the provision for payment of a Make-Whole Amount by the Company in the event that the Notes of any Series are prepaid or are accelerated as a result of an Event of Default is intended to provide compensation for the deprivation of such right under such circumstances.

(d) Other Remedies. During the existence of an Event of Default and irrespective of whether the Notes then outstanding shall have been declared to be due and payable pursuant to Section 8.2(a) or Section 8.2(b) and irrespective of whether any holder of Notes then outstanding shall otherwise have pursued or be pursuing any other rights or remedies, but subject to the terms and conditions of the Trust Agreement, any

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holder of Notes may proceed to protect and enforce its rights hereunder, under such Notes and under the other Financing Documents by exercising such remedies as are available to such holder in respect thereof under applicable law, either by suit in equity or by action at law, or both, whether for specific performance of any agreement contained herein or in aid of the exercise of any power granted herein, provided that the maturity of such holder’s Notes may be accelerated only in accordance with Section 8.2(a) and Section 8.2(b).

(e) Nonwaiver and Expenses. No course of dealing on the part of any holder of Notes nor any delay or failure on the part of any holder of Notes to exercise any right shall operate as a waiver of such right or otherwise prejudice such holder’s rights, powers and remedies. If the Company shall fail to pay when due any principal of, or Make-Whole Amount or interest on, any Note, or shall fail to comply with any other provision of the Financing Documents, the Company shall pay to each holder of Notes, to the extent permitted by law, such further amounts as shall be sufficient to cover the costs and expenses, including but not limited to reasonable attorneys’ fees, incurred by such holder in collecting any sums due on such Notes or in otherwise assessing, analyzing or enforcing any rights or remedies that are or may be available to it.

8.3 Annulment of Acceleration of Notes.

If a declaration is made pursuant to Section 8.2(a), then and in every such case, the holders of at least seventy-six percent (76%) in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (exclusive of Notes then owned by any one or more of the Company, any Subsidiary and any Affiliate) may, by written instrument filed with the Company, rescind and annul such declaration, and the consequences thereof, provided that at the time such declaration is annulled and rescinded:

(a) no judgment or decree shall have been entered for the payment of any moneys due on or pursuant hereto or the Notes;

(b) all arrears of interest upon all the Notes and all other sums payable hereunder and under the Notes (except any principal of, or interest or Make-Whole Amount on, the Notes that shall have become due and payable by reason of such declaration under Section 8.2(a)) shall have been duly paid; and

(c) each and every other Default and Event of Default shall have been waived pursuant to Section 10.5 or otherwise made good or cured;

and provided further that no such rescission and annulment shall extend to or affect any subsequent Default or Event of Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

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9. INTERPRETATION OF THIS AGREEMENT.

9.1 Terms Defined.

As used herein, the following terms have the respective meanings set forth below or set forth in the Section following such term:

1999 Note Purchase Agreements — means, collectively, (i) the separate Note Purchase Agreements, dated as of October 27, 1999, as amended up to and including the Restatement Date, between the Company and each of the purchasers named on Annex 1 thereto and (ii) the separate Note Purchase Agreements, dated as of October 31, 1999, as amended up to and including the Restatement Date, between the Company and each of the purchasers named on Annex 1 thereto.

2000 Note Purchase Agreement — means, collectively, the separate Note Purchase Agreements, dated as of June 2, 2000, as amended up to and including the Restatement Date, between the Company and each of the purchasers named on Annex 1 thereto.

Acceptable Bank — means any commercial bank

(a) that is organized under the laws of the United States or any state thereof,

(b) that has capital, surplus and undivided profits aggregating at least five hundred million dollars ($500,000,000), and

(c) whose long-term unsecured debt obligations (or the long-term unsecured debt obligations of the bank holding company owning all of the capital stock of such bank) shall be rated “A3” or higher by Moody’s or “A-” or higher by Standard & Poor’s (or comparable ratings by any comparable successor agency).

Acceptable Consideration — means, with respect to any Transfer of any Property of the Company or any Subsidiary, cash consideration, promissory notes or such other consideration (or any combination of the foregoing) as is, in each case, determined by the Board of Directors of the Company or such Subsidiary, in its good faith opinion, to be in the best interests of the Company and to reflect the Fair Market Value of such Property.

Acceptable Rating — means a rating of at least Baa2 by Moody’s and, in addition, a rating of at least BBB by Standard & Poor’s.

Acquisition — means any transaction, or any series of related transactions, consummated after the Amendment No. 2 Effective Date, by which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (a) acquires any On-Going Business or all or substantially all of the assets of any Person, whether through purchase of assets, merger or otherwise, (b) directly or indirectly acquires control of at least a majority (in number of votes) of the securities of a corporation that have ordinary voting power for the election of directors or (c) directly or indirectly acquires control of at least a majority of the partner, member or other ownership interests of any Person that is not a corporation.

Affiliate — means, at any time, a Person (other than a Subsidiary)

(a) that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Company,

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(b) that beneficially owns or holds five percent (5%) or more of any class of the Voting Stock of the Company, or

(c) five percent (5%) or more of the Voting Stock (or in the case of a Person that is not a corporation, five percent (5%) or more of the equity interest) of which is beneficially owned or held by the Company or a Subsidiary,

(d) at such time.

As used in this definition:

Control — means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise.

Agreement, this — means this agreement, as it may be amended or restated from time to time.

Amendment No. 2 Effective Date — means the “Effective Date” as defined in that certain Amendment Agreement No. 2 dated as of April 4, 2003 among the Company and each of the holders of the Notes party thereto and consented to by each of the Guarantors.

Anti-Terrorism Order — means Executive Order No. 13,224 of September 24, 2001, Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions with Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit or Support Terrorism, 66 U.S. Fed. Reg. 49, 079 (2001), as amended.

Applicable Interest Law — means any present or future law (including, without limitation, the law of the United States of America) that has application to the interest and other charges imposed pursuant to this Agreement and the Notes.

Applicable Margin — means 250 basis points (or 2.5%).

Arizona Deed of Trust — means that certain deed of trust, security agreement and assignment of rents and leases (as amended from time to time), in favor of the Security Trustee, executed in connection with the initial issue of the Notes by Sun Land, for Sun Land’s processing facility located in Tolleson, Arizona, securing Sun Land’s indebtedness and obligations under the Joint and Several Guaranty with the grant of a first-priority lien encumbering Such processing facility.

Bank Funded Debt Amount — means, at any time, the smallest average daily principal amount of all Debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries under the Credit Facility which is outstanding during any period of thirty (30) consecutive days selected by the Company falling within the three hundred sixty-five (365) day period ending at such time.

Banking Day — means, at any time, a day on which the Series P Agent is open for business, and, if the Series P Rate shall be a Series P LIBOR Rate at such time, a day on which (a) dealings in United States dollar deposits are being carried out in the London interbank market and (b) commercial banks are open for business in both London and New York City.

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Board of Directors — means, at any time with respect to any Person, the board of directors of such Person, or any committee thereof which, in the instance, shall have the lawful power to exercise the power and authority of such board of directors.

Business Day — means

(a) with respect to any payment to be made to the holder of any Note under any of the Financing Documents, a day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which the bank designated by such holder to receive for such holder’s account payments on such Note is required by law (other than a general banking moratorium or holiday for a period exceeding four (4) consecutive days) to be closed, and

(b) for all other purposes, a day other than a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which the national banks located in New York City, New York, are required by law (other than a general banking moratorium or holiday for a period exceeding four (4) consecutive days) to be closed.

Capital Lease — means a lease with respect to which the lessee is required to recognize the acquisition of an asset and the incurrence of a liability in accordance with GAAP, or for which the amount of the asset and the liability thereunder, as if so capitalized, should be disclosed in a note to such balance sheet.

Capital Lease Obligation — means, with respect to any Person and a Capital Lease, the amount of the obligation of such Person as the lessee under such Capital Lease that would appear as a liability on a balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Change in Control — means the acquisition at any time after the Closing Date by any Person or group of related Persons of beneficial ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of the Voting Stock of the Company outstanding (excluding for such purpose Persons who own shares through any employee benefit plan of the Company or any trust in connection therewith) at such time.

Closing Date — Section 1.2(b).

CoBank — means CoBank, ACB, a federally chartered corporation.

Collateral — shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Trust Agreement.

Collateral Release Conditions — means, at any time:

(a) the Acceptable Rating is in full force and effect, not having been withdrawn by Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s;

(b) any and all Liens on Property of the Company or any Guarantor securing Debt incurred under or pursuant to each Revolving Credit Agreement of the Company or any Subsidiary have been released or will be released on or prior to the Collateral Release Date;

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(c) the aggregate principal amount of all Debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries secured by Liens permitted solely by Section 6.13(a)(x) does not exceed fifteen percent (15%) of Consolidated Tangible Net Worth, determined at such time;

(d) the Company and the holders of the Notes shall have entered into an amendment to the Note Purchase Agreements, in form and substance satisfactory to the Required Holders, which (i) provides for an amendment to the covenants set forth in Section 6.4 through Section 6.15, inclusive, and (ii) establishes the Company’s obligations concerning its financial condition and results of operations in a manner which, if complied with, would result in the Company at all times maintaining an Acceptable Rating for its long-term, senior unsecured debt; and

(e) no Default or Event of Default exists

in each case as of such time.

Collateral Release Date — Section 1.5.

Company — has the meaning specified in the introductory sentence.

Company Fiscal Year Net Worth Increase Amount — means, for any fiscal year of the Company, the greater of

(i) fifty percent (50%) of Consolidated Net Income for such fiscal year; and

(ii) zero dollars ($0).

Consolidated Current Assets — means, at any time, the aggregate amount at which the current assets of the Company and the Subsidiaries would be shown on a consolidated balance sheet for such Persons at such time.

Consolidated Current Liabilities — means, at any time, the aggregate amount of current liabilities of the Company and the Subsidiaries as would be shown on a consolidated balance sheet for such Persons at such time including, without limitation, all liabilities of the Company and the Subsidiaries under the Revolving Credit Facilities (other than the Bank Funded Debt Amount) at such time.

Consolidated EBITDA — means, with respect to any fiscal period, the sum of

(a) Consolidated Net Income, plus

(b) the aggregate amount of all Consolidated Interest Expense, depreciation, amortization and income taxes,

(to the extent, and only to the extent, that such aggregate amount was deducted in the computation of Consolidated Net Income), in each case accrued for such period by the Company, provided that, with respect to any period during which a Person shall have

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become, or ceased to be, a Subsidiary, or during which the Company or any Subsidiary shall have acquired or disposed of an On-Going Business, the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA shall, without duplication, (i) include the EBITDA for such period of each Person who shall have become a Subsidiary, and of each On-Going Business acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary, during such period as if such Person had been a Subsidiary or such On-Going Business had been owned by the Company or a Subsidiary for the entire period, or (ii) exclude the EBITDA for such period of each Person who shall have ceased to be a Subsidiary, and of each On-Going Business disposed of by the Company or any Subsidiary, at any time after the beginning of such period as if such Person had not been a Subsidiary at any time during the entire period or such On-Going Business had not been owned or operated by the Company or any Subsidiary at any time during such period. As used in this definition, EBITDA with respect to any Person or On-Going Business for any period shall mean, the net income (after income taxes) of such Person or On-Going Business for such period, determined in accordance with GAAP plus, to the extent deducted in calculating such net income, amounts attributable to interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization.

Consolidated Fixed Charges — means, with respect to any fiscal period, the sum of

(a) the amount payable in respect of such fiscal period with respect to interest due on, or with respect to, Debt (including, without limitation, the Notes) owing by or guaranteed by any one or more of the Company and the Subsidiaries and including, without limitation, amortization of debt discount and expense and imputed interest in respect of Capital Lease Obligations of the Company and the Subsidiaries, plus

(b) the amount payable in respect of such fiscal period with respect to Operating Rentals payable by any one or more of the Company and the Subsidiaries,

determined on a consolidated basis for the Company and the Subsidiaries for such period.

Consolidated Funded Debt — means, at any time, the aggregate amount of Funded Debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis for such Persons at such time.

Consolidated Intangible Assets — means, at any time, the aggregate amount of Intangible Assets of the Company and the Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis at such time.

Consolidated Interest Expense — means, for any fiscal period, the consolidated interest expense of the Company and its Subsidiaries accrued for such fiscal period (including, without limitation, cash or non-cash interest expense or deferred or accrued interest expense, amortization of debt discount and expense and the interest portion of all Capital Lease Obligations during such period); provided that, with respect to any fiscal period during which a Person shall have become, or ceased to be, a Subsidiary, or during which the Company or any Subsidiary shall have acquired or disposed of an On-Going Business, the calculation of Consolidated Interest Expense shall (i) include the interest expense for such fiscal period with respect to all Debt incurred in connection with the financing of the acquisition of each Person

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who shall have become a Subsidiary, and of each On-Going Business acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary, during such fiscal period as if such Person had been a Subsidiary or such On-Going Business had been acquired by the Company or a Subsidiary, and such Debt incurred, on the first day of such period and such Debt had remained outstanding at all times during such period, or (ii) exclude the interest expense for such fiscal period in respect of all Debt which shall have been repaid with the proceeds from the disposition of each Person who shall have ceased to be a Subsidiary, and of each On-Going Business disposed of by the Company or any Subsidiary, at any time after the beginning of such period as if such repayment and disposition had occurred on the first day of such period.

Consolidated Net Income — means, with respect to any fiscal period, net earnings (or loss) after income taxes of the Company and the Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis for such Persons for such period, provided there shall be excluded:

(a) any net income or gain (or net loss) during such period from any extraordinary items, and

(b) the income (or loss) of any Person (other than a Subsidiary) in which the Company or any Subsidiary has an ownership interest, except to the extent that any such income has been actually received by the Company or such Subsidiary in the form of cash dividends or similar cash distributions.

Consolidated Net Income Available for Fixed Charges — means, with respect to any fiscal period, the sum of

(a) Consolidated Net Income, plus

(b) the aggregate amount of

(i) income taxes, and

(ii) Consolidated Fixed Charges,

(to the extent, and only to the extent, that such aggregate amount was reflected in the computation of Consolidated Net Income),

in each case accrued for such period by the Company and the Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis for such Persons.

Consolidated Net Worth — means, at any time, the aggregate amount of shareholders’ equity of the Company and the Subsidiaries as would be shown on a consolidated balance sheet of such Persons at such time.

Consolidated Tangible Net Worth — means, at any time, the result of

(a) Consolidated Net Worth, minus

(b) Consolidated Intangible Assets,

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determined in each case at such time.

Consolidated Total Assets — means, at any time, the aggregate amount at which all assets of the Company and the Subsidiaries would be shown on a consolidated balance sheet for such Persons at such time.

Consolidated Total Capitalization — means, at any time, the sum of

(a) Consolidated Net Worth, plus

(b) Consolidated Funded Debt,

determined in each case at such time.

Consolidated Total Liabilities — means, at any time, the aggregate amount at which all liabilities of the Company and the Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, (a) all Guaranties of Debt by such Persons and (b) all amounts attributable to Mandatorily Redeemable Stock of the Company and the Subsidiaries to the extent that such Mandatorily Redeemable Stock is redeemable within one year of such time) would be shown on a consolidated balance sheet for such Persons at such time.

Consolidated Working Capital — means, at any time, the result of

(a) Consolidated Current Assets, minus

(b) Consolidated Current Liabilities,

determined in each case at such time.

Control Event — means

(a) the execution by the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any letter of intent with respect to any proposed transaction or event or series of transactions or events that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Change in Control,

(b) the execution of any written agreement that, when fully performed by the parties thereto, would result in a Change in Control, or

(c) the making of any written offer by any Person to the holders of Voting Stock of the Company which offer, if accepted by the requisite number of such holders, would result in a Change in Control.

Control Prepayment Date — Section 4.3(a).

Credit Facility — means that certain Multi-Year Credit Agreement among the Company, certain of the Subsidiaries, JP Morgan Chase Bank as administrative agent and the lenders party thereto, providing for an aggregate amount of up to nine hundred million dollars ($900,000,000) in loans to the Company, as it may be amended, supplemented, or modified from time to time

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and any renewal, increase, extension, refunding, restructuring, replacement or refinancing thereof (whether with the original administrative agent and lenders or another administrative agent or agents or one or more other lenders and whether provided under the original Multi-Year Credit Agreement or one or more other credit or other agreements).

Debt — means, at any time, with respect to any Person, without duplication:

(a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money (including, without limitation, all obligations of such Person evidenced by any debenture, bond, note, commercial paper or Security, but also including all such obligations for borrowed money not so evidenced);

(b) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of Property or services, all conditional sale obligations of such Person and all obligations of such Person under any title retention agreements, provided that accounts payable incurred in the ordinary course of business of such Person shall be excluded from this clause (b);

(c) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person;

(d) all obligations for borrowed money secured by any Lien existing on Property owned by such Person (whether or not such obligations have been assumed by such Person or recourse in respect thereof is available against such Person); and

(e) any Guaranty of such Person of any obligation or liability of another Person of a type described in any of clause (a) through clause (d), inclusive, of this definition.

Debt of a Person shall include all obligations of such Person of the character described in clause (a) through clause (e) to the extent such Person remains legally liable in respect thereof notwithstanding that any such obligation is deemed to be extinguished under GAAP.

Deeds of Trust — means, collectively, the Wisconsin Deed of Trust, the Nebraska Deed of Trust, the Arizona Deed of Trust and the Michigan Deed of Trust.

Default — means an event or condition the occurrence of which would, with the lapse of time or the giving of notice or both, become an Event of Default.

Depreciation — means, for any fiscal year of the Company, the aggregate amount of depreciation attributable to the “Improvements” (as such term is defined in the Deeds of Trust) which would be included in the total amount of depreciation that would be shown on a statement of income prepared in respect of the Company and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for such fiscal year.

Distribution — means

(a) any dividend or other distribution, direct or indirect, on account of capital stock of the Company or any Subsidiary (except dividends payable solely in shares of capital stock other than Mandatorily Redeemable Stock of the Company or such Subsidiary), and

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(b) any redemption, retirement, purchase or other acquisition, direct or indirect, of any capital stock of the Company or any Subsidiary, or of any warrants, rights or other options to acquire any shares of such capital stock.

Environmental Indemnification Agreement — means one or more environmental indemnification agreements, executed in connection with the original issue of the Notes (as amended from time to time), by each of the Company, Packerland, Murco and Sun Land in favor of the Security Trustee.

Environmental Protection Law — means any federal, state, county, regional or local law, statute, or regulation (including, without limitation, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act, all amendments to any of the foregoing and all rules and regulations issued in connection therewith) enacted in connection with or relating to the protection or regulation of the environment, including, without limitation, those laws, statutes, and regulations regulating the disposal, removal, production, storing, refining, handling, transferring, processing, or transporting of Hazardous Substances, and any regulations, issued or promulgated in connection with such statutes by any Governmental Authority and any orders, decrees or judgments issued by any court of competent jurisdiction in connection with any of the foregoing.

ERISA — means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.

ERISA Affiliate — means any corporation or trade or business that

(i) is a member of the same controlled group of corporations (within the meaning of section 414(b) of the IRC) as the Company, or

(ii) is under common control (within the meaning of section 414(c) of the IRC) with the Company.

Event of Default — Section 8.1.

Excluded Transfers — Section 6.15(a)(iii).

Existing Note Purchase Agreement — Section 1.1.

Fair Market Value — means, at any time, with respect to any Property, the sale value of such Property that would be realized in an arm’s-length sale at such time between an informed and willing buyer, and an informed and willing seller, under no compulsion to buy or sell, respectively.

Financing Documents — means the Note Purchase Agreements, the Notes, the Joint and Several Guaranty, the Security Documents, the Intercreditor Agreement, the Environmental Indemnification Agreement and the other agreements and instruments to be executed pursuant to the terms of each of such Financing Documents, as each may be amended from time to time.

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Foreign Pension Plan — means any plan, fund or other similar program

(a) established or maintained outside of the United States of America by any one or more of the Company or the Subsidiaries primarily for the benefit of the employees (substantially all of whom are aliens not residing in the United States of America) of the Company or such Subsidiaries which plan, fund or other similar program provides for retirement income for such employees or results in a deferral of income for such employees in contemplation of retirement, and

(b) not otherwise subject to ERISA.

Funded Debt — means, at any time, with respect to any Person, without duplication:

(a) all Debt of such Person (including, without limitation, the current portion thereof) that by its terms or by the terms of any instrument or agreement relating thereto matures, or that is otherwise payable or unpaid, more than one (1) year from, or is directly or indirectly renewable or extendible at the option of such Person to a date more than one (1) year (including, without limitation, an option of the debtor under a revolving credit or similar agreement obligating the lender or lenders to extend credit over a period of more than one (1) year) from, the date of the creation of such Debt (notwithstanding that such Debt may be under certain contingencies payable on demand or within one (1) year after such date of creation), provided, however, that, with respect to the Company and the Subsidiaries, such Debt shall exclude the amount outstanding at such time under the Credit Facility and include an amount equal to the Bank Funded Debt Amount at such time;

(b) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person; and

(c) all Debt of such Person of the type specified in clause (e) of the definition of “Debt,” provided that such Debt of such Person is in respect of or in support of Funded Debt of another Person.

GAAP — means generally accepted accounting principles as set forth from time to time in the statements, opinions and pronouncements of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such statements, opinions and pronouncements of such other entities as shall be approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession in the United States of America.

Governmental Authority — means

(a) the government of

(i) the United States of America and any state or other political subdivision thereof, or

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(ii) any jurisdiction (A) in which the Company or any Subsidiary conducts all or any part of its business or (B) that asserts jurisdiction over the conduct of the affairs or Properties of the Company or any Subsidiary, or

(b) any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of, or pertaining to, any such government.

Great Lakes Cattle Merger — means the merger of The Ohio Feed Lot, Inc. and Great Lakes Cattle Credit Company, LLC, each Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries, into Beef Production Systems, Inc., a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, pursuant to a Certificate of Merger dated as of August 31, 2004 and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on September 13, 2004 so long as on or prior to October 29, 2004, Cattle Production Systems, Inc. (formerly Beef Production Systems, Inc.) shall have become party as a guarantor to the Joint and Several Guaranty.

Guarantor — means each of Brown’s of Carolina LLC, Brown’s Farms LLC, Carroll’s Foods LLC, Carroll’s Foods of Virginia LLC, Carroll’s Realty, Inc., Carroll’s Realty Partnership, Central Plains Farms LLC, Circle Four LLC, Coddle Roasted Meats, Inc., Great Lakes Cattle Credit Company, LLC, Gwaltney of Smithfield, Ltd., Hancock’s Old Fashioned Country Ham, Inc., Iowa Quality Meats, Ltd., John Morrell & Co., Lykes Meat Group, Inc., Moyer Packing Company, Murco Foods, Inc., Murphy-Brown LLC, Murphy Farms LLC, North Side Foods Corp., Packerland Holdings, Inc., Packerland Processing Company, Inc., Patrick Cudahy Incorporated, Premium Pork, Inc., Quarter M Farms LLC, Quik-To-Fix Foods, Inc., SFFC, Inc., Smithfield-Carroll’s Farms, Smithfield Packing Real Estate, LLC, Stadler’s Country Hams, Inc., Sun Land Beef Company, Sunnyland, Inc., The Smithfield Companies, Inc. and The Smithfield Packing Company, Incorporated and each other Person that becomes a “Guarantor” pursuant to the Joint and Several Guaranty.

Guaranty — means, with respect to any Person (for the purposes of this definition, the “Subject Guarantor”), any obligation (except the endorsement in the ordinary course of business of negotiable instruments for deposit or collection) of such Person guaranteeing or in effect guaranteeing any indebtedness, dividend or other obligation of any other Person (the “Primary Obligor”)in any manner (including, without limitation, obligations that arise as a matter of law or otherwise as a result of such Person’s status as a general partner in a partnership or a holder of equity or other Property interest in a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other business operation commonly referred to as a “joint venture”), whether directly or indirectly, including (without limitation) obligations incurred through an agreement, contingent or otherwise, by the Subject Guarantor:

(a) to purchase such indebtedness or obligation or any Property or assets constituting security therefor;

(b) to advance or supply funds

(i) for the purpose of payment of such indebtedness or obligation, or

(ii) to maintain working capital or other balance sheet condition or any income statement condition of the Primary Obligor or otherwise to advance or make available funds for the purchase or payment of such indebtedness or obligation;

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(c) to lease Property or to purchase Securities or other Property or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of such indebtedness or obligation of the ability of the Primary Obligor to make payment of the indebtedness or obligation; or

(d) otherwise to assure the owner of the indebtedness or obligation of the Primary Obligor against loss in respect thereof.

For purposes of computing the amount of any Guaranty, in connection with any computation of indebtedness or other liability, it shall be assumed that the indebtedness or other liabilities that are the subject of such Guaranty are direct obligations of the Subject Guarantor.

Hazardous Substances — means any and all pollutants, contaminants, toxic or hazardous wastes or any other substances that might pose a hazard to health or safety, the removal of which may be required or the generation, manufacture, refining, production, processing, treatment, storage, handling, transportation, transfer, use, disposal, release, discharge, spillage, seepage, or filtration of which is or shall be restricted, prohibited or penalized by any applicable law (including, without limitation, asbestos, radon gas, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, polychlorinated biphenyls, radioactive materials, petroleum and petroleum derivatives and by-products).

Indemnification Fee — Section 4.1(d)(vii).

Institutional Investor — means each of the Noteholders, any affiliate of any of the Noteholders, and any holder of Notes that is an “accredited investor” as defined in Section 2(15) of the Securities Act.

Intangible Assets — means, with respect to any Person at any time, the following:

(a) patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade names, service marks, brand names, franchises, goodwill, experimental expenses and other similar intangibles;

(b) deferred assets (other than prepaid taxes, prepaid insurance, prepaid contract payments, prepaid license fees and other prepaid expenses which are refundable);

(c) unamortized debt discount and expense; and

(d) all other Property which would be considered to be intangible under GAAP.

Intercreditor Agreement — means that certain intercreditor agreement (as may be amended from time to time) executed in connection with the original issue of the Notes, among the Company, the Guarantors, the Security Trustee and The JPMorgan Chase Bank (formerly the Chase Manhattan Bank), with respect to the Credit Facility.

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Interest Period — Section 4.1(d)(ii).

Investment — means any investment, made in cash or by delivery of Property, by the Company or any Subsidiary:

(a) in any Person, whether by acquisition of stock, indebtedness or other obligation or Security, or by loan, Guaranty, advance, capital contribution or otherwise; or

(b) in any Property.

IRC — means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, together with all rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto, as amended from time to time.

IRS — means the Internal Revenue Service and any successor agency.

Joint and Several Guaranty — means that certain Joint and Several Guaranty, executed in connection with the initial issue of the Notes, by each of the Guarantors in favor of the Security Trustee and the holders of the Notes.

Joint Venture Investment — means any Investment by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as a joint venturer or partner in, or lender to, any other Person (other than a Subsidiary) principally engaged in a business in which the Company and its Subsidiaries are permitted by Section 6.18 to be engaged.

Lien — means any interest in Property securing an obligation owed to, or a claim by, a Person other than the owner of the Property, whether such interest is based on the common law, statute or contract, and including but not limited to the security interest lien arising from a mortgage, deed of trust, encumbrance, pledge, conditional sale or trust receipt or a lease, consignment or bailment for security purposes, and the filing of any financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code of any jurisdiction, or an agreement to give any of the foregoing. The term “Lien” includes reservations, exceptions, encroachments, easements, rights-of-way, covenants, conditions, restrictions, leases and other title exceptions and encumbrances (including, with respect to stock, stockholder agreements, voting trust agreements, buy-back agreements and all similar arrangements) affecting Property. For the purposes of this definition, each of the Company and the Subsidiaries is deemed to be the owner of any Property that it shall have acquired or holds subject to a conditional sale agreement, Capital Lease or other arrangement pursuant to which title to the Property has been retained by or vested in some other Person for security purposes, and such retention or vesting is deemed a Lien. The term “Lien” does not include negative pledge clauses in agreements relating to the borrowing of money.

Make-Whole Amount — means, at any time,

(a) with respect to a principal amount of Series O Notes being prepaid (in whole or in part) or accelerated, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Discounted Value of the Remaining Scheduled Payments with respect to the Called Principal of the Notes of such Series over the amount of such Called Principal, provided that the Make-Whole Amount may in no event be less than zero;

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(b) with respect to a principal amount of Series P Notes being prepaid (in whole or in part) or accelerated, an amount sufficient to compensate the holder of such Series P Note for its loss of yield, if any, determined in accordance with the mark-to-market conventions then used by such holder and giving effect the payment of any Indemnification Fee paid as provided for in Section 4.1(d)(vii) with respect to such prepayment or acceleration.

For purposes of determining the Make-Whole Amount of the Series O Notes, the following terms have the following meanings:

Called Principal — means, with respect to any Series O Note, the principal of such Note that is to be prepaid pursuant to Section 4.3 or Section 4.4, or has become immediately due and payable pursuant to Section 8.2, as the context requires.

Discounted Value - means, with respect to the Called Principal of any Series O Note, the amount obtained by discounting all Remaining Scheduled Payments with respect to such Called Principal from their respective scheduled due dates to the Settlement Date with respect to such Called Principal, in accordance with accepted financial practice and at a discount factor (applied on the same periodic basis as that on which interest on the Series O Notes is payable) equal to the Reinvestment Yield with respect to such Called Principal.

Reinvestment Yield - means, with respect to the Called Principal of any Series O Note, one percent (1.00%) over the yield to maturity implied by (a) the yields reported, as of 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) on the second (2nd) Business Day preceding the Settlement Date with respect to such Called Principal, on the display designated as “Screens PX1 through PX7” on the Bloomberg Financial Markets Commodities News Screen (or such other display as may replace “Screens PX1 through PX7” on Bloomberg Financial Markets Commodities News Screen) for actively traded U.S. Treasury securities having a maturity equal to the Remaining Average Life of such Called Principal as of such Settlement Date, or (b) if such yields are not reported as of such time or the yields reported as of such time are not ascertainable (including by way of interpolation), the Treasury Constant Maturity Series Yields reported, for the latest day for which such yields have been so reported as of the second (2nd) Business Day preceding the Settlement Date with respect to such Called Principal, in Federal Reserve Statistical Release H. 15 (519) (or any comparable successor publication) for actively traded U.S. Treasury securities having a constant maturity equal to the Remaining Average Life of such Called Principal as of such Settlement Date. Such implied yield will be determined, if necessary, by (i) converting U.S. Treasury bill quotations to bond-equivalent yields in accordance with accepted financial practice and (ii) interpolating linearly between (x) the actively traded U.S. Treasury security with maturity closest to and greater than the Remaining Average Life and (y) the actively traded U.S. Treasury security with the maturity closest to and less than the Remaining Average Life.

Remaining Average Life - means, with respect to any Called Principal, the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth (1/12^th) year) obtained by dividing (x) such Called Principal into (y) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (a) the

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principal component of each Remaining Scheduled Payment with respect to such Called Principal by (b) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth (1/12^th) year) that will elapse between the Settlement Date with respect to such Called Principal and the scheduled due date of such Remaining Scheduled Payment.

Remaining Scheduled Payments - means, with respect to the Called Principal of any Series O Note, all payments of such Called Principal and interest thereon that would be due after the Settlement Date with respect to such Called Principal if no payment of such Called Principal were made prior to its scheduled due date; provided, if such Settlement Date is prior to July 31, 2006, it shall be assumed that all amounts outstanding on July 31, 2006 will be fully due and payable on such date; provided further that if such Settlement Date is not a date on which interest payments are due to be made under the terms of the Series O Notes, then the amount of the next succeeding scheduled interest payment will be reduced by the amount of interest accrued to such Settlement Date and required to be paid on such Settlement Date pursuant to Section 4.3, Section 4.4 or Section 8.2, as the case may be.

Settlement Date - means, with respect to the Called Principal of any Series O Note, the date on which such Called Principal is to be prepaid or paid pursuant to Section 4.3, Section 4.4 or Section 8.2, as the case may be.

Mandatorily Redeemable Stock — means, with respect to any Person, each share of such Person’s capital stock to the extent that it is (a) redeemable, payable or required to be purchased or otherwise retired or extinguished, or convertible into Debt of such Person (i) at a fixed or determinable date, whether by operation of a sinking fund or otherwise, (ii) at the option of any Person other than such Person or (iii) upon the occurrence of a condition not solely within the control of such Person, such as redemption required to be made out of future earnings or (b) convertible into other Mandatorily Redeemable Stock of such Person.

Material Adverse Effect — means, with respect to any event or circumstance (either individually or in the aggregate with all other events and circumstances), an effect caused thereby or resulting therefrom that would be materially adverse as to, or in respect of

(a) the business, prospects, profits, Properties or condition (financial or otherwise) of the Company (individually) or the Company and the Subsidiaries (taken as a whole),

(b) the ability of the Company to perform its obligations set forth herein and in the Notes or the ability of any Guarantor to perform its obligations under the Joint and Several Guaranty, or

(c) any of the rights or remedies of the holders of the Notes under any Financing Document or the enforceability of any Financing Document against the Company or any Guarantor.

Maximum Legal Rate of Interest — means, with respect to any Note, the maximum rate of interest that the holder of such Note may from time to time legally charge the Company by agreement and in regard to which the Company would be prevented successfully from raising the

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claim or defense of usury under the Applicable Interest Law as now or hereafter construed by courts having appropriate jurisdiction. The Company acknowledges and agrees that 12 U.S.C. section 2205 provides that institutions of the Farm Credit System are not subject to any interest rate limitation imposed by any state constitution or statute or other laws, and that any such limitations are preempted, and therefore any interest owing under the Notes, to the extent purchased or held by an institution of the Farm Credit System, is not subject to any ceiling.

Michigan Deed of Trust — means that certain mortgage, security agreement and assignment of rents and leases (as amended from time to time), in favor of the Security Trustee, executed in connection with the initial issue of the Notes by Murco with respect to Murco’s processing facility located in Plainwell, Michigan, securing Murco’s indebtedness and obligations under the Joint and Several Guaranty with the grant of a first-priority lien encumbering such processing facility.

Moody’s — means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.

Morrell — means John Morrell & Co., a Delaware corporation, and its successors and assigns.

Morrell Pension Plans — means, collectively, the defined benefit Pension Plan administered for salaried employees of Morrell and the defined benefit Pension Plan administered for hourly employees of Morrell, in each case as maintained on the Closing Date by Morrell.

Multiemployer Plan — means any multiemployer plan (as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA) in respect of which the Company or any ERISA Affiliate is an “employer” (as such term is defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA).

Multiple Employer Pension Plan — means any employee benefit plan within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA (other than a Multiemployer Plan), subject to Title IV of ERISA, to which the Company or any ERISA Affiliate and an employer (as such term is defined in Section 3 of ERISA) other than an ERISA Affiliate or the Company contribute.

Murco — means Murco Foods, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary.

Nebraska Deed of Trust — means that certain a deed of trust, security agreement and assignment of rents and leases (as amended from time to time), in favor of the Security Trustee, executed in connection with the original issue of the Notes by Packerland with respect to Packerland’s processing facility located in Gering, Nebraska, securing Packerland’s indebtedness and obligations under the Joint and Several Guaranty with the grant of a first-priority lien encumbering such processing facility.

Note — Section 1.1.

Noteholders — Section 1.1.

Note Purchase Agreements — Section 1.2(c).

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Obligors — means the Company and the Guarantors.

On-Going Business — means a distinct operating business, whether operated as a division of a larger business operation or operated independently, which regardless of the form of legal entity owns or operates the assets and has the liabilities, of such business.

Operating Lease — means any lease other than a Capital Lease.

Operating Rentals — means, at any time, all fixed and contingent payments (other than amounts constituting the purchase price payable by the lessee to acquire title to the Property which is the subject of a lease) that the lessee is required to make by the terms of any Operating Lease.

Packerland — means Packerland Processing Company, Inc. (formerly known as Packerland Packing Company, Inc.), a Delaware corporation and a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary.

PBGC — means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and any successor corporation or governmental agency.

Pension Plan — means, at any time, any “employee pension benefit plan” (as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA) maintained at such time by the Company or any ERISA Affiliate for employees of the Company or such ERISA Affiliate, excluding any Multiemployer Plan, but including, without limitation any Multiple Employer Pension Plan.

Permitted Distributions — Section 6.12(a).

Permitted Exceptions — means each of the items constituting a “Permitted Exception” in each of the Deeds of Trust.

Person — means an individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association, trust, unincorporated organization, or a government or agency or political subdivision thereof.

Prime Rate - means the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by JPMorgan Chase Bank (or its successor) as its prime rate in effect at its principal office in New York City; each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective from and including the date such change is publicly announced as being in effect.

Property - means any interest in any kind of property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, and whether tangible or intangible.

Purchase Money Lien — means:

(a) a Lien held by any Person (whether or not the seller of such Property) on tangible Property (or a group of related items of Property the substantial portion of which are tangible) acquired or constructed by the Company or any Subsidiary, which Lien secures all or a portion of the related purchase price or construction costs of such Property, provided that such Lien

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(i) is created contemporaneously with, or within one hundred eighty (180) days of, such acquisition or construction,

(ii) encumbers only Property purchased or constructed after the Closing Date and acquired with the proceeds of the Debt secured thereby, and

(iii) is not thereafter extended to any other Property; and

(b) any Lien existing on Property of any corporation at the time it becomes a Subsidiary, provided that

(i) no such Lien shall extend to or cover any Property other than the Property subject to such Lien at the time of any such transaction, and

(ii) such Lien was not created in contemplation of any such transaction.

Required Holders — means, at any time, the holder or holders of at least sixty percent (60%) in principal amount of the Notes at the time outstanding (exclusive of Notes then owned by any one or more of the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate), without regard to Series of such outstanding Notes.

Restatement Date — Section 1.2(b).

Restricted Investments — means, at any time, all Investments except the following:

(a) Investments in existence on March 1, 2002 and described on Part 9.1(RI) of Annex 2;

(b) Investments in certificates of deposit, repurchase agreements and banker’s acceptances issued by an Acceptable Bank, provided that such obligations mature within one (1) year from the date of acquisition thereof,

(c) Investments in commercial paper that (i) is rated either “P-1” or higher by Moody’s or “A-1” or higher by Standard & Poor’s (or comparable ratings by any comparable successor agency) and (ii) mature not more than two hundred seventy (270) days from the date of creation thereof,

(d) Investments in direct obligations of the United States of America, or any agency thereof, or obligations unconditionally guaranteed by the United States of America, provided that such obligations mature within one (1) year from the date of acquisition thereof;

(e) Investments in Property to be used in the ordinary course of business of the Company and the Subsidiaries;

(f) Investments in one or more Subsidiaries or in any corporation that concurrently with such Investment becomes a Subsidiary; and

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(g) Investments in any joint venture that is engaged in the businesses engaged in by the Company and the Subsidiaries on the Closing Date, provided that the Company and/or one or more of the Subsidiaries maintains significant control over the business operations of such joint venture.

Restricted Payment — means

(a) any Distribution, and

(b) any Subordinated Payment.

Revolving Credit Agreement — means, with respect to the Company or any Subsidiary, a credit or loan agreement to which the Company or such Subsidiary is a party and pursuant to which the Company or such Subsidiary is entitled to obtain working capital loans or other loans from the commercial bank or commercial banks party thereto, and shall include, without limitation, the Credit Facility.

Secured Obligations — means

(a) all obligations and undertakings of the Company in respect of the principal of, and interest and Make-Whole Amount (if any) on, the Notes and under the Note Purchase Agreements and the payment of all other amounts payable, and all other indebtedness owing, by the Company under each of the Financing Documents, and

(b) all obligations of each of the Guarantors to or for the benefit of the holders of the Notes under the Joint and Several Guaranty in respect of the payment obligations of the Company under clause (a) above and any other payment obligations of the Guarantors to or for the benefit of the holders of the Notes under the Joint and Several Guaranty or the other Financing Documents to which it is a party.

Securities Act — means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Security — means “security” as defined by Section 2(1) of the Securities Act.

Security Agreements— means those certain separate security agreements, executed in connection with the original issue of the Notes (each as amended or otherwise modified from time to time), by each of Packerland, Murco and Sun Land in favor of the Security Trustee, securing the indebtedness and obligations of each such Subsidiaries under the Joint and Several Guaranty with a lien encumbering certain personal property of such Guarantors, subject only to prior Liens permitted by such security agreements.

Security Documents — means the Trust Agreement, the Deeds of Trust, the Security Agreements and the other agreements and instruments executed or required to be executed pursuant to the terms of each of such Security Documents, as each may be amended from time to time.

Security Trustee — shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Trust Agreement.

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Senior Financial Officer — means the chief financial officer, the principal accounting officer, the controller or the treasurer of the Company.

Senior Officer — means the chairman of the Board of Directors, the chief executive officer, the chief operating officer, the president, the chief financial officer, the general counsel or any vice president of the Company.

Senior Subordinated Debt — means, at any time, the aggregate principal amount of the Company’s Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 outstanding at such time and any additional Debt of the Company outstanding at such time which has subordination provisions and other terms and conditions acceptable to the Required Holders.

Series — means any either or both of the Series O Notes or Series P Notes.

Series O Notes — Section 1.1(a).

Series O Rate — means, at any time, the interest rate applicable to the Series O Notes at such time.

Series P Agent — means CoBank or such other Person as shall have been appointed to be the Series P Agent by the holders of at least fifty one percent (51 %) in the principal amount of the Series P Notes (other than Series P Notes held by any one or more of the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate).

Series P Fixed Rate — means the fixed rate of interest established from time to time by the Series P Agent in its sole discretion.

Series P LIBOR Base Rate — means, on the date of any determination thereof, the per annum London Interbank Offered Rate (adjusted upward to the nearest one thousandth) offered for deposits of United States dollars on such date for an applicable period equal to:

(a) with respect to any calculation of the Series P Variable Rate, one week;

(b) with respect to any calculation of the Series P Three-Month LIBOR Rate, ninety (90) days;

(c) with respect to any calculation of the Series P Six-Month LIBOR Rate, one hundred eighty (180) days; and

(d) with respect to any calculation of the Series P Twelve-Month LIBOR Rate, three hundred and sixty (360) days; in each case indicated by Bridge Telerate (page 3750) as having been published by the British Bankers Association at 11:00 a.m. (London time).

(i) on the date of determination, or if such date is not a Banking Day, on the most recent Banking Day prior to such date of determination, with respect to the calculation of the Series P Variable Rate, and

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(ii) on the date of any determination thereof with respect to the calculation of any Series P LIBOR Rate, or if such rates are no longer indicated by Bridge Telerate (page 3750), or the Company and the Series P Agent agree otherwise, such other Bridge Telerate page or other service as in the reasonable opinion of the Series P Agent and the Company shall provide equivalent information.

Series P LIBOR Rate — means any one of the following: the Series P Three Month LIBOR Rate, the Series P Six-Month LIBOR Rate, or the Series P Twelve-Month LIBOR Rate.

Series P Notes — Section 1.1(b).

Series P Rate — means, at any time, the interest rate applicable to the Series P Notes at such time, as determined in accordance with Section 4.1(d).

Series P Six-Month LIBOR Rate — means, in respect of any date of determination, a rate per annum equal to the Series P LIBOR Base Rate as of such date of determination for the applicable one hundred eighty (180) day period plus the Applicable Margin on such date of determination.

Series P Three Month LIBOR Rate — means, in respect of any date of determination, a rate per annum equal to the Series P LIBOR Base Rate as of such date of determination for the applicable ninety (90) day period plus the Applicable Margin on such date of determination.

Series P Twelve Month LIBOR Rate — means, in respect of any date of determination, a rate per annum equal to the Series P LIBOR Base Rate as of such date of determination for the applicable three hundred sixty (360) day period plus the Applicable Margin on such date of determination.

Series P Variable Rate — means, in respect of any date of determination, the sum of the Series P LIBOR Base Rate as of such date of determination for the applicable weekly period plus the Applicable Margin on such date of determination.

Smithfield Canada — means, collectively, Smithfield Canada Limited and 2004171 Ontario Inc., each a corporation governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary.

Smithfield Canada Transfer — means the sale of Smithfield Canada to Maple Leaf Foods, Inc., a corporation governed by the laws of Canada, pursuant to the terms of the Smithfield Canada Transfer Agreement.

Smithfield Canada Transfer Agreement — means that certain Share Purchase Agreement dated as of September 24, 2003 between the Company and Maple Leaf Foods, Inc., a copy of which has been delivered to each of the holders of the Notes outstanding on such date, with such amendments and supplements thereto as may be agreed to by the parties which do not in the aggregate substantially modify the terms of such Share Purchase Agreement so delivered.

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Standard & Poor’s — means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Group, a division of McGraw-Hill, Inc.

Subordinated Payment — means payments of interest on, or payments or prepayments of principal of, or the setting apart of money for a sinking or other analogous fund for the purchase, redemption, retirement or other acquisition of any principal or interest on (a) Debt of the Company (including, without limitation, Senior Subordinated Debt) or any Guarantor which is subordinate or junior in right of payment or otherwise to the Debt evidenced by the Notes or the Joint and Several Guaranty or (b) Debt owing to any Affiliate.

Subsidiary — means, as to any Person, any corporation, association or other business entity in which such Person or one or more of its Subsidiaries or such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries owns sufficient equity or voting interests to enable it or them (as a group) ordinarily, in the absence of contingencies, to elect a majority of the directors (or Persons performing similar functions) of such entity, and any partnership or joint venture if more than a 50% interest in the profits or capital thereof is owned by such Person or one or more of its Subsidiaries or such Person and one or more of its Subsidiaries (unless such partnership can and does ordinarily take major business actions without the prior approval of such Person or one or more of its Subsidiaries). Unless the context otherwise clearly requires, any reference to a “Subsidiary” is a reference to a Subsidiary of the Company.

Subsidiary Stock — Section 6.15(b).

Sun Land — means Sun Land Beef Company, an Arizona corporation and a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary.

Surviving Corporation — Section 6.14(a)(i).

Third Party Debt — means any and all Debt (other than Debt evidenced by the Notes or the Joint and Several Guaranty).

Trademark Subsidiary — means a Subsidiary that has no material assets other than:

(a) patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and other similar licenses and intangibles used or useful in the conduct of the business of the Company or any Subsidiary;

(b) intercompany obligations in its favor obtained in respect of the granting of rights to the Company and the other Subsidiaries with respect to the patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names, copyrights and other similar licenses and intangibles held by it; and

(c) in the case of SF Investments, Inc., a Delaware corporation, certain other assets (including, without limitation, the capital stock of Smithfield Companies, Inc.) that are material but in any event whose primary assets are of the type described in clauses (a) and (b) above.

Transfer — Section 6.15(a).

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Trust Agreement — means that certain trust agreement (as amended from time to time), executed in connection with the initial issue of the Notes, by the Company and the Guarantors in favor of the Security Trustee.

USA Patriot Act — means United States Public Law 107-56, Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT ACT) Act of 2001, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder from time to time in effect.

Voting Stock — means capital stock of any class or classes of a corporation having power under ordinary circumstances to vote for the election of members of the board of directors, or Persons performing similar functions (irrespective of whether or not at the time stock of any of the class or classes shall have or might have special voting power or rights by reason of the happening of any contingency).

Wholly-Owned Subsidiary — means, at any time, any Subsidiary one hundred percent (100%) of all of the equity Securities (except directors’ qualifying shares) and voting Securities of which are owned by any one or more of the Company and the other Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries at such time.

Wisconsin Deed of Trust — means that certain mortgage, security agreement and assignment of rents and leases (as amended from time to time), in favor of the Security Trustee, executed in connection with the initial issue of the Notes by Packerland with respect to Packerland’s processing facility, warehouse facility and corporate headquarters, each located in Green Bay, Wisconsin, securing Packerland’s indebtedness and obligations under the Joint and Several Guaranty with the grant of a first-priority lien encumbering such properties.

9.2 GAAP.

Where the character or amount of any asset or liability or item of income or expense, or any consolidation or other accounting computation is required to be made for any purpose hereunder, it shall be done in accordance with GAAP as in effect on the date of, or at the end of the period covered by, the financial statements from which such asset, liability, item of income, or item of expense, is derived, or, in the case of any such computation, as in effect on the date as of which such computation is required to be determined, provided, that if any term defined herein includes or excludes amounts, items or concepts that would not be included in or excluded from such term if such term were defined with reference solely to GAAP, such term will be deemed to include or exclude such amounts, items or concepts as set forth herein.

9.3 Directly or Indirectly.

Where any provision herein refers to action to be taken by any Person, or that such Person is prohibited from taking, such provision shall be applicable whether such action is taken directly or indirectly by such Person, including actions taken by or on behalf of any partnership in which such Person is a general partner.

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9.4 Section Headings, Table of Contents and Construction.

The titles of the Sections and the Table of Contents appear as a matter of convenience only, do not constitute a part hereof and shall not affect the construction hereof. The words “herein,” “hereof,” “hereunder” and “hereto” refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular Section or other subdivision. Unless otherwise specified, references to Sections are to Sections of this Agreement, references to Annexes are to Annexes to this Agreement, references to Attachments are to Attachments to this Agreement and references to Exhibits are to Exhibits to this Agreement. Each covenant contained herein shall be construed (absent an express contrary provision herein) as being independent of each other covenant contained herein, and compliance with any one covenant shall not (absent such an express contrary provision) be deemed to excuse compliance with one or more other covenants.

9.5 Governing Law.

EXCEPT AS SUPERCEDED BY APPLICABLE FEDERAL LAW, THIS AGREEMENT AND THE NOTES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, INTERNAL VIRGINIA LAW, EXCLUDING CHOICE-OF-LAW PROVISIONS OF SUCH COMMONWEALTH THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF A JURISDICTION OTHER THAN SUCH COMMONWEALTH.

10. MISCELLANEOUS.

10.1 Communications.

(a) Method; Address. All communications hereunder or under the Notes shall be in writing and sent by telecopy with receipt thereof confirmed, or by registered or certified mail with return receipt requested (postage prepaid), or by overnight courier, and shall be addressed,

(i) if to the Company,

Smithfield Foods, Inc.

200 Commerce Street

Smithfield, Virginia 23430

Attn: Mr. C. Larry Pope

Fax: (757) 365-3023

or at such other address as the Company shall have furnished in writing to all holders of the Notes at the time outstanding,

(ii) if to any Guarantor,

c/o Smithfield Foods, Inc.

200 Commerce Street

Smithfield, Virginia 23430

Attn: Mr. C. Larry Pope

Fax: (757) 365-3023

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or at such other address as such Guarantor shall have furnished in writing to all holders of the Notes at the time outstanding,

(iii) if to any of the holders of the Notes,

(A) if such holders are the Noteholders, at their respective addresses set forth on Annex 1, and further including any parties referred to on Annex 1 that are required to receive notices in addition to such holders of the Notes, and

(B) if such holders are not the Noteholders, at their respective addresses set forth in the register for the registration and transfer of Notes maintained pursuant to Section 5.1,

or to any such party at such other address as such party may designate by notice duly given in accordance with this Section 10.1 to the Company and the Guarantors (which other address shall be entered in such register).

(b) When Given. Any communication so addressed and deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, by registered or certified mail (in each case, with return receipt requested) shall be deemed to be received on the third (3rd) succeeding Business Day after the day of such deposit (not including the date of such deposit). Any communication so addressed and delivered otherwise shall be deemed to be received when actually received at the address of the addressee.

10.2 Reproduction of Documents.

This Agreement and the other Financing Documents, and all documents relating hereto and thereto, including, without limitation, (a) consents, waivers and modifications that may hereafter be executed, (b) documents received by you at the closing of your purchase of the Notes (except the Notes themselves) and (c) financial statements, certificates and other information previously or hereafter furnished to you or any other holder of Notes, may be reproduced by any holder of Notes by any photographic, photostatic, microfilm, micro-card, miniature photographic, digital or other similar process and each holder of Notes may destroy any original document so reproduced. The Company and the Guarantors agree and stipulate that any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding (whether or not the original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by such holder of Notes in the regular course of business) and that any enlargement, facsimile or further reproduction of such reproduction shall likewise be admissible in evidence.

10.3 Survival.

All warranties, representations, certifications and covenants made by the Company and the Guarantors herein and in the other Financing Documents or in any certificate or other instrument delivered by the Company or the Guarantors or on their behalf pursuant to any of the Financing Documents shall be considered to have been relied upon by you and shall survive the delivery to you of the Notes regardless of any investigation made by you or on your behalf. All statements in any such certificate or other instrument shall constitute warranties and representations by the Company and the Guarantors hereunder.

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10.4 Successors and Assigns.

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of each of the parties hereto. The provisions hereof are intended to be for the benefit of all holders, from time to time, of Notes, and shall be enforceable by any such holder, whether or not an express assignment to such holder of rights hereunder shall have been made by you or your successor or assign.

10.5 Amendment and Waiver.

(a) Requirements. This Agreement may be amended, and the observance of any term hereof may be waived, with (and only with) the written consent of the Company and the Required Holders; provided that no such amendment or waiver of any of the provisions of Section 1 through Section 4 hereof, inclusive, shall be effective as to any holder of Notes unless consented to by such holder in writing; and provided further that no such amendment or waiver shall, without the written consent of the holders of all Notes (exclusive of Notes held by the Company or any Subsidiary) at the time outstanding,

(i) subject to Section 8.2, change the amount or time of any prepayment or payment of principal or Make-Whole Amount or the rate or time of payment of interest,

(ii) amend Section 8,

(iii) amend this Section 10.5, or

(iv) release any Guarantor from its obligations set forth in the Joint and Several Guaranty.

The holder of any Note may specify that any such written consent executed by it shall be effective only with respect to a portion of the Notes held by it (in which case it shall specify, by dollar amount, the aggregate principal amount of Notes with respect to which such consent shall be effective) and in the event of any such specification such holder shall be deemed to have executed such written consent only with respect to the portion of the Notes so specified.

(b) Solicitation of Noteholders.

(i) Solicitation. The Company will not negotiate with any holder of the Notes with respect to a material matter, nor will it solicit, request or negotiate in writing with respect to any proposed waiver or amendment of any of the provisions hereof or the Notes or any other Financing Document, unless each holder of the Notes (irrespective of the amount of Notes then owned by it) shall be informed thereof by the Company with sufficient information to enable it to make an informed decision with respect thereto. Executed or true and correct

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copies of any waiver or consent effected pursuant to the provisions of this Section 10.5 shall be delivered by the Company to each holder of outstanding Notes forthwith following the date on which the same shall have been executed and delivered by all holders of outstanding Notes required to consent or agree to such waiver or consent.

(ii) Payment. The Company shall not, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any remuneration, whether by way of supplemental or additional interest, fee or otherwise, or grant any security, to any holder of Notes as consideration for or as an inducement to the entering into by any holder of Notes of any waiver or amendment of any of the terms and provisions hereof unless such remuneration is concurrently paid, or security is concurrently granted, on the same terms, ratably to the holders of all Notes then outstanding.

(iii) Scope of Consent. Any consent made pursuant to this Section 10.5 by a holder of Notes that has transferred or has agreed to transfer its Notes to the Company, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate and has provided or has agreed to provide such written consent as a condition to such transfer shall be void and of no force and effect except solely as to such holder, and any amendments effected or waivers granted or to be effected or granted that would not have been or would not be so effected or granted but for such consent (and the consents of all other holders of Notes that were acquired under the same or similar conditions) shall be void and of no force and effect, retroactive to the date such amendment or waiver initially took or takes effect, except solely as to such holder.

(c) Binding Effect. Except as provided in Section 10.5(b), any amendment or waiver consented to as provided in this Section 10.5 shall apply equally to all holders of Notes and shall be binding upon them and upon each future holder of any Note and upon the Company whether or not such Note shall have been marked to indicate such amendment or waiver. No such amendment or waiver shall extend to or affect any obligation, covenant, agreement, Default or Event of Default not expressly amended or waived or impair any right consequent thereon.

10.6 Payments, When Received.

(a) Payments Due on Holidays. If any payment due on, or with respect to, any Note shall fall due on a day other than a Business Day, then such payment shall be made on the first Business Day following the day on which such payment shall have so fallen due; provided that if all or any portion of such payment shall consist of a payment of interest, for purposes of calculating such interest, such payment shall be deemed to have been originally due on such first following Business Day, and such interest shall accrue and be payable to (but not including) the actual date of payment.

(b) Payments, When Received. Any payment actually received by you before 11:00 a.m., New York time, by federal funds wire transfer on any Business Day, shall be deemed to have been received by you on such day. Any payment actually received by you at or after 11:00 a.m., New York time, by federal funds wire transfer on

77

any Business Day, shall be deemed to have been received on the next following Business Day. All payments received by you on a day other than a Business Day, or in a manner other than by federal funds wire transfer, shall be deemed to have been received by you on the Business Day such amounts actually become available to you prior to 11:00 a.m., New York time.

10.7 Entire Agreement.

This Agreement constitutes the final written expression of all of the terms hereof and is a complete and exclusive statement of those terms.

10.8 Duplicate Originals, Execution in Counterpart.

Two or more duplicate originals hereof may be signed by the parties, each of which shall be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts and shall be effective when at least one counterpart shall have been executed by each party hereto, and each set of counterparts which, collectively, show execution by each party hereto shall constitute one duplicate original.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank. Next page is signature page.]

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If this Agreement is satisfactory to you, please so indicate by signing the acceptance at the foot of a counterpart hereof and returning such counterpart to the Company, whereupon this Agreement shall become binding among us in accordance with its terms.

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
By:	/s/ Daniel G. Stevens
Name:	Daniel G. Stevens
Title:	Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

[Singature Page to Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement (O-P)]

The undersigned hereby ratify and confirm their obligations pursuant to the Joint and Several Guaranty (as defined in the foregoing Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) and consent to the amendments effected by the Agreement.

CODDLE ROASTED MEATS, INC.

GWALTNEY OF SMITHFIELD, LTD.

HANCOCK’S OLD FASHIONED COUNTRY HAM, INC.

IOWA QUALITY MEATS, LTD.

JOHN MORRELL & CO.

LYKES MEAT GROUP, INC.

MOYER PACKING COMPANY

NORTH SIDE FOODS CORP.

PACKERLAND HOLDINGS, INC.

PACKERLAND PROCESSING COMPANY, INC.

PACKERLAND-PLAINWELL, INC. (f/k/a Murco Foods, Inc.)

PATRICK CUDAHY INCORPORATED

PREMIUM PORK, INC.

QUIK-TO-FIX FOODS, INC.

SFFC, INC.

SMITHFIELD PURCHASE CORPORATION (successor by merger to Carroll’s Realty, Inc.)

STADLER’S COUNTRY HAMS, INC.

SUN LAND BEEF COMPANY

SUNNYLAND, INC.

THE SMITHFIELD COMPANIES, INC.

THE SMITHFIELD PACKING COMPANY INCORPORATED

MURPHY-BROWN LLC
By:	John Morrell & Co., as sole member

MURPHY FARMS LLC

QUARTER M FARMS LLC

CARROLL’S FOODS OF VIRGINIA LLC

CARROLL’S FOODS LLC

CIRCLE FOUR LLC

CENTRAL PLAINS FARMS LLC

BROWN’S OF CAROLINA LLC
By:	Murphy-Brown LLC, as sole member
By:	John Morrell & Co., as sole member
BROWN’S FARMS, LLC
By:	Brown’s of Carolina LLC, as sole member
By:	Murphy-Brown LLC, as sole member
By:	John Morrell & Co., as sole member
CARROLL’S REALTY PARTNERSHIP
By:	Smithfield Purchase Corporation, as general partner
SMITHFIELD PACKING REAL ESTATE, LLC
By:	The Smithfield Packing Company Incorporated, as sole member

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement (O-P)]

CATTLE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS, INC.
By:	Packerland Holdings, Inc., as sole member
SMITHFIELD-CARROLL’S FARMS
By:	Smithfield Purchase Corporation, as general partner
BROWN’S REALTY PARTNERSHIP
By:	Brown’s Farms, LLC, its partner
By:	Brown’s of Carolina LLC, its sole member and manager
By:	Murphy-Brown LLC, its sole member and manager
By:	John Morrell & Co., as sole member
	and
By:	Smithfield Purchase Corporation, its partner
SMITHFIELD PACKING REALTY PARTNERSHIP
By:	Smithfield Packing Real Estate, LLC, its partner
By:	The Smithfield Packing Company, Incorporated, its sole member and manager
	and
By:	Smithfield Purchase Corporation, its partner

By:	/s/ Daniel G. Stevens
Name:	Daniel G. Stevens
Title:	Vice President

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement (O-P)]

Accepted:

JOHN HANCOCK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
By:	/s/ Kenneth Warlick
Name:	Kenneth Warlick
Title:	Managing Director
SIGNATURE 5 L.P.
By: John Hancock Life Insurance Company, as Portfolio Advisor
By:	/s/ Kenneth Warlick
Name:	Kenneth Warlick
Title:	Managing Director
JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
By:	/s/ Kenneth Warlick
Name:	Kenneth Warlick
Title:	Managing Director
INVESTORS PARTNER LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
By:	/s/ Kenneth Warlick
Name:	Kenneth Warlick
Title:	Managing Director
COBANK, ACB
By:	/s/ Jeff Liggett
Name:	Jeff Liggett
Title:	Assistant Vice President

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement (O-P)]

ANNEX 1

INFORMATION AS TO NOTEHOLDERS

Current Noteholder	JOHN HANCOCK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series O: $14,883,333
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	Bank One, Illinois
	ABA # 071-100-269
	Acct.:	John Hancock Collection Account
	Acct. #:	617423884
	On order of Smithfield Foods, Inc.; 832248 E# 1  with contemporaneous advice of payment, setting forth the information above and the “Accompanying Information” below, to:  John Hancock Life Insurance Company  201 Knollwood Drive, Suite A  Champaign, IL 61820-7594
	Attn:	Accounting
	Fax:	217-356-1031

Accompanying Information	Name of Company:	SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:	Reset Rate Series O 5/10 Year
		Senior Secured Note due July 31, 2011
	PPN:	832248 E# 1
	Due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:

Address for Notices Related to Payments	Via fax and mail to:  John Hancock Life Insurance Company  201 Knollwood Drive, Suite A  Champaign, IL 61820-7594
	Attn:	Accounting
	Fax:	217-356-1031
	with a copy to:  John Hancock Life Insurance Company  200 Clarendon Street  Boston, MA 02117
	Attn:	Bond & Corporate Finance Group, T-57
	Fax:	617-572-1165

Annex 1-1

Current Noteholder	JOHN HANCOCK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Address for All Other Notices	Via fax and mail to:
	John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117
	Attn:	Bond & Corporate Finance Group, T-57
	Fax:	617-572-1165
	Copies of any notices regarding changes in issuer’s name, address or principal place of business or location of collateral, via fax and mail, to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117
	Attn:	Investment Law Division, T-30
	Fax:	617-572-9269
Other Instructions	JOHN HANCOCK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
	By:
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	04-1414660

Annex 1-2

Current Noteholder	SIGNATURE 5 L.P.
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series O: $3,916,667
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	Bank One, Illinois
	ABA # 071-100-269
	Acct:	John Hancock Collection Account
	Acct. #:	617423884
	On order of Smithfield Foods, Inc.; 832248 E# 1 with contemporaneous advice of payment, setting forth the information above and the “Accompanying Information” below, to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 201 Knollwood Drive, Suite A Champaign, IL 61820-7594
	Attn:	Accounting
	Fax:	217-356-1031

Accompanying Information	Name of Company:	SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:	Reset Rate Series O 5/10 Year
		Senior Secured Note due July 31, 2011
	PPN:	832248 E# 1
	Due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:

Address for Notices Related to Payments	Via fax and mail to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 201 Knollwood Drive, Suite A Champaign, IL 61820-7594
	Fax:	217-356-1031
	with a copy to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117
	Attn:	Bond & Corporate Finance Group, T-57
	Fax:	617-572-1165
Address for All Other Notices	Via fax and mail to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117
	Attn:	Bond & Corporate Finance Group, T-57
	Fax:	617-572-1165
	Copies of any notices regarding changes in issuer’s name, address or principal place of business or location of collateral, via fax and mail, to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117
	Attn:	Investment Law Division, T-30
	Fax:	617-572-9269

Annex 1-3

Current Noteholder	SIGNATURE 5 L.P.
Other Instructions	SIGNATURE 5 L.P.
	By:	John Hancock Life Insurance Company, as Portfolio Advisor
	By:
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	None

Annex 1-4

Current Noteholder	JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series O: $587,500
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	Bank One, Illinois
	ABA # 071-100-269
	Acct.:	John Hancock Collection Account
	Acct. #:	617423884
	On order of Smithfield Foods, Inc.; 832248 E# 1 with contemporaneous advice of payment, setting forth the information above and the “Accompanying Information” below, to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 201 Knollwood Drive, Suite A Champaign, IL 61820-7594
	Attn:	Accounting
	Fax:	217-356-1031
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:		SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:		Reset Rate Series O 5/10 Year
			Senior Secured Note due July 31, 2011
	PPN:		832248 E# 1
	Due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	Via fax and mail to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 201 Knollwood Drive, Suite A Champaign, IL 61820-7594
	Attn:	Accounting
	Fax:	217-356-1031
	with a copy to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117
	Attn:	Bond & Corporate Finance Group, T-57
	Fax:	617-572-1165
Address for All Other Notices	Via fax and mail to:
	John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117
	Attn:	Bond & Corporate Finance Group, T-57
	Fax:	617-572-1165
	Copies of any notices regarding changes in issuer’s name, address or principal place of business or location of collateral, via fax and mail, to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117
	Attn:	Investment Law Division, T-30
	Fax:	617-572-9269

Annex 1-5

Current Noteholder	JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Other Instructions	JOHN HANCOCK VARIABLE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
	By:
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	04-2664016

Annex 1-6

Current Noteholder	INVESTORS PARTNER LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series O: $195,833
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	Bank One, Illinois
	ABA # 071-100-269
	Acct.:	John Hancock Collection Account
	Acct. #:	617423884
	On order of Smithfield Foods, Inc.; 832248 E# 1 with contemporaneous advice of payment, setting forth the information above and the “Accompanying Information” below, to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 201 Knollwood Drive, Suite A Champaign, IL 61820-7594
	Attn:	Accounting
	Fax:	217-356-1031
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:		SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:		Reset Rate Series O 5/10 Year
			Senior Secured Note due July 31, 2011
	PPN:		832248 E# 1
	Due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	Via fax and mail to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 201 Knollwood Drive, Suite A Champaign, IL 61820-7594
	Attn:	Accounting
	Fax:	217-356-1031
	with a copy to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117
	Attn:	Bond & Corporate Finance Group, T-57
	Fax:	617-572-1165
Address for All Other Notices	Via fax and mail to:
	c/o John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117
	Attn:	Bond & Corporate Finance Group, T-57
	Fax:	617-572-1165
	Copies of any notices regarding changes in issuer’s name, address or principal place of business or location of collateral, via fax and mail, to: John Hancock Life Insurance Company 200 Clarendon Street Boston, MA 02117
	Attn:	Investment Law Division, T-30
	Fax:	617-572-9269

Annex 1-7

Current Noteholder	INVESTORS PARTNER LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Other Instructions	INVESTORS PARTNER LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
	By:
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	13-3072894

Annex 1-8

Current Noteholder	COBANK, ACB
Series of Note: Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Held	Series P: $23,500,000
Payment on Account of Note
Method	Federal Funds Wire Transfer
Account Information	CoBank, ACB
	Greenwood Village, Colorado ABA # 307-088-754 Reference # 31275522 On order of Smithfield Foods, Inc.
	Re:	(see “Accompanying Information” below)
Accompanying Information	Name of Company:		SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.
	Description of Security:		Adjustable Rate Series P 5/10 Year
			Senior Secured Note due July 31, 2011
	PPN:		832248 F# 0
	Due Date and Application (as among principal, premium and interest) of the payment being made:
Address for Notices Related to Payments	via mail and facsimile to: CoBank, ACB Department 167 Denver, CO 80291-0167
	Attn:	Betty Marshall
		Syndications Representative
	Fax:	303-740-4021
	with a copy to: CoBank, ACB 5500 South Quebec Street Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
	Attn:	Jim Stutzman
	Fax:	303-224-2691
	for all funding and repayment questions contact: Darla Moran Closing Specialist
	Tel:	303-740-4033
	Fax:	303-740-4021
	Deann Sullivan Syndications Manager
	Tel:	303-740-4315
	Fax:	303-740-4021

Annex 1-9

Current Noteholder	COBANK, ACB
Address for All Other Notices	CoBank, ACB 5500 South Quebec Street Greenwood Village, Colorado 80111
	Attn:	Jim Stutzman
	Fax:	303-224-2691
	for all loan closing and administration questions contact: Jim Stutzman Vice President
	Tel:	303-740-6585
	Fax:	303-224-2691
	Jeff Liggett Sr. Credit Officer
	Tel:	303-740-6470
	Fax:	303-224-2671
Other Instructions	COBANK, ACB
	By:
	Name:
	Title:
Tax Identification Number	84-1286705

Annex 1-10

EXHIBIT Al

[FORM OF RESET RATE SERIES O 5/10 YEAR SENIOR SECURED NOTE]

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

RESET RATE SERIES O 5/10 YEAR SENIOR SECURED NOTE

No. RO-[    ]	[Date]
$[            ]	PPN: 832248 E# 1

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC., a Virginia corporation (the “Company”), for value received, hereby promises to pay to [                                ] or registered assigns the principal sum of [                                ] DOLLARS ($[                    ]) on July 31, 2011 and to pay interest (computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months) on the unpaid principal balance thereof from the date of this Note at the Series O Rate as provided in the Note Purchase Agreement referred to below, monthly on the last day of each month in each year, commencing on the payment date next succeeding the date hereof, until the principal amount hereof shall become due and payable; and to pay on demand interest on any overdue principal (including any overdue prepayment of principal) and Make-Whole Amount, if any, and (to the extent permitted by applicable law) on any overdue installment of interest, at a rate equal to the lesser of (a) the Maximum Legal Rate of Interest or (b) the Series O Rate plus two percent (2%) per annum. The interest rate payable on this Note is subject to adjustment as provided in the Note Purchase Agreement referred to below.

Payments of principal, Make-Whole Amount, if any, and interest shall be made in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts to the registered holder hereof at the address shown in the register maintained by the Company for such purpose, in the manner provided in the Note Purchase Agreement referred to below.

This Note is one of an issue of Series O Senior Secured Notes of the Company issued in an aggregate principal amount limited to Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000) pursuant to the separate Note Purchase Agreements (collectively, as may be amended from time to time, the “Note Purchase Agreement”), each dated as of March 1, 2002, among the Company and the respective purchasers listed on Annex 1 thereto, and is entitled to the benefits thereof. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings specified in the Note Purchase Agreement. As provided in the Note Purchase Agreement, this Note is subject to prepayment, in whole or in part, in certain cases without a Make-Whole Amount and in other cases with a Make Whole Amount. The Company agree to make the scheduled required prepayments on account of such Notes in accordance with the provisions of the Note Purchase Agreement.

Exhibit A1-1

This Note is a registered Note and is transferable only by surrender hereof at the principal office of the Company as specified in the Note Purchase Agreement, duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer duly executed by the registered holder of this Note or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

Under certain circumstances, as specified in the Note Purchase Agreement, the principal of this Note (together with any applicable Make-Whole Amount) may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Note Purchase Agreement.

The Company waives presentment, protest and demand, notice of protest, demand and dishonor and agree to pay all costs of collection when incurred (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) and to perform and comply with each of the covenants, conditions, provisions and agreements of the undersigned contained in every Financing Document.

This Note is secured in accordance with, and entitled to the benefits of, the Security Documents.

All obligations evidenced by the Note are guarantied by the Guarantors pursuant to the Joint and Several Guaranty.

THIS AGREEMENT AND THE NOTES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, EXCLUDING CHOICE-OF-LAW PROVISIONS OF SUCH COMMONWEALTH THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF A JURISDICTION OTHER SUCH COMMONWEALTH.

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

By:

Name:

Title:

Exhibit A1-2

EXHIBIT A2

[FORM OF ADJUSTABLE RATE SERIES P 5/10 YEAR SENIOR SECURED NOTE]

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

ADJUSTABLE RATE SERIES P 5/10 YEAR SENIOR SECURED NOTE

No. RP-[    ]	[Date]
$[            ]	PPN: 832248 F# 0

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC., a Virginia corporation (the “Company”), for value received, hereby promises to pay to [                                ] or registered assigns the principal sum of [                                ] DOLLARS ($[                    ]) on July 31, 2011 and to pay interest (computed on the basis of a 360-day year and actual days elapsed) on the unpaid principal balance thereof from the date of this Note at the Series P Rate and on the dates as provided in the Note Purchase Agreement referred to below, until the principal amount hereof shall become due and payable; and to pay on demand interest on any overdue principal (including any overdue prepayment of principal) and Make-Whole Amount, if any, and (to the extent permitted by applicable law) on any overdue installment of interest, at a rate equal to the rate provided in Section 4 of the Note Purchase Agreement referred to below in respect of such overdue amounts.

Payments of principal, Make-Whole Amount, if any, and interest shall be made in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at the time of payment is legal tender for the payment of public and private debts to the registered holder hereof at the address shown in the register maintained by the Company for such purpose, in the manner provided in the Note Purchase Agreement referred to below.

This Note is one of an issue of Series P Senior Secured Notes of the Company issued in an aggregate principal amount limited to Thirty Million Dollars ($30,000,000) pursuant to the separate Note Purchase Agreements (collectively, as may be amended from time to time, the “Note Purchase Agreement”), each dated as of March 1, 2002, among the Company and the respective purchasers listed on Annex 1 thereto, and is entitled to the benefits thereof. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings specified in the Note Purchase Agreement. As provided in the Note Purchase Agreement, this Note is subject to prepayment, in whole or in part, in certain cases without a Make-Whole Amount and in other cases with a Make Whole Amount. The Company agrees to make the scheduled required prepayments on account of such Notes in accordance with the provisions of the Note Purchase Agreement.

This Note is a registered Note and is transferable only by surrender hereof at the principal office of the Company as specified in the Note Purchase Agreement, duly endorsed or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer duly executed by the registered holder of this Note or his attorney duly authorized in writing.

Under certain circumstances, as specified in the Note Purchase Agreement, the principal of this Note (together with any applicable Make-Whole Amount) may be declared due and payable in the manner and with the effect provided in the Note Purchase Agreement.

The Company waives presentment, protest and demand, notice of protest, demand and dishonor and agrees to pay all costs of collection when incurred (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees) and to perform and comply with each of the covenants, conditions, provisions and agreements of the undersigned contained in every Financing Document.

This Note is secured in accordance with, and entitled to the benefits of, the Security Documents.

All obligations evidenced by the Note are guarantied by the Guarantors pursuant to the Joint and Several Guaranty.

THIS AGREEMENT AND THE NOTES SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, EXCLUDING CHOICE-OF-LAW PROVISIONS OF SUCH COMMONWEALTH THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF A JURISDICTION OTHER SUCH COMMONWEALTH.

SMITHFIELD FOODS, INC.

By:

Name:

Title:

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

Certifications

I, Joseph W. Luter, III, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Smithfield Foods, Inc.;

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

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Date: December 9, 2004

/s/ Joseph W. Luter, III

Joseph W. Luter, III

Chairman of the Board and

Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

Certifications

I, Daniel G. Stevens, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Smithfield Foods, Inc.;

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

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) for the registrant and have:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Date: December 9, 2004

/s/ Daniel G. Stevens

Daniel G. Stevens

Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Smithfield Foods, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended August 1, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Joseph W. Luter, III, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

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

/s/ Joseph W. Luter, III

Joseph W. Luter, III

Chairman of the Board and

Chief Executive Officer

Date: December 9, 2004

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Smithfield Foods, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended August 1, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Daniel G. Stevens, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

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

/s/ Daniel G. Stevens

Daniel G. Stevens

Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

Date: December 9, 2004