DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA CO, S-1, 1998-09-30

DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA CO
S-1, 1998-09-30
MISCELLANEOUS FOOD PREPARATIONS & KINDRED PRODUCTS

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AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
REGISTRATION NO. 333-
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
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DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

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<S> <C> <C>
NORTH DAKOTA 2099 45-0423511
(State or other jurisdiction (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
of Classification Code Number) Identification
incorporation or organization) No.)
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ONE PASTA AVENUE, P.O. BOX 21, CARRINGTON, NORTH DAKOTA 58421-0021
(701) 652-2855

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)

MR. TIMOTHY J. DODD
PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER
DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY
ONE PASTA AVENUE, P.O. BOX 21
CARRINGTON, NORTH DAKOTA 58421-0021
(701) 652-2855

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including
area code, of agent for service)
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COPIES TO:
RONALD D. MCFALL, ESQ.
Doherty, Rumble & Butler P.A.
2800 Minnesota World Trade Center
30 East Seventh Street
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101
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APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO PUBLIC:
AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE.
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If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box. /X/

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. / /

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. / /

If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. / /
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CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

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<CAPTION>
PROPOSED MAXIMUM PROPOSED MAXIMUM
AMOUNT TO OFFERING PRICE AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF
TITLE OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED BE REGISTERED PER SHARE OFFERING PRICE(1) REGISTRATION FEE
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Membership Stock............................ 500 $125.00 $62,500.00 $18.44
Equity Stock................................ 3,679,000 $12.00 $44,148,000.00 $13,023.66
Total....................................... $44,210,500.00 $13,042.10
</TABLE>

(1) Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee pursuant
to Rule 457(a) under the Securities Act.
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THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.

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INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES
EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
<PAGE>
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998

DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY
UP TO 500 SHARES OF MEMBERSHIP STOCK
UP TO 3,679,000 SHARES OF EQUITY STOCK

The shares of Membership Stock and the shares of Equity Stock (the "Shares")
offered hereby are available for purchase only by members of the Company and
qualified wheat growers who wish to become members of the Company. Each share of
Equity Stock represents the right and obligation to deliver one bushel of durum
wheat to the Company. Each member has one vote regardless of the number of
shares of Equity Stock held. No public trading market exists for the Membership
Stock and Equity Stock, which are transferrable only with the consent of the
Company's Board of Directors.

The Shares are being offered at an estimated price range of $7.50 to $12.00
per Share on a priority basis to current members. Each member of the Company of
record as of December 1, 1998 will have the right to purchase one share of
Equity Stock for each two shares of Equity Stock owned as of that date. (The
availability of Shares to current members pursuant to that right is referred to
as "Pool 1".) Each member, at the time he or she subscribes for Shares in Pool
1, may also subscribe for an unlimited number of additional Shares by completing
the appropriate subscription materials and paying the subscription price for the
additional Shares. To the extent that all shares of Equity Stock offered are not
sold in Pool 1, the remaining Shares will be classified as part of "Pool 2".
Each member who has requested shares of Equity Stock in addition to those
subscribed for in Pool 1 will be entitled to acquire Shares in Pool 2, if Shares
become part of Pool 2. To the extent that Pool 2 does not contain an adequate
number of shares of Equity Stock to satisfy all subscriptions, the available
Shares will be allocated pro rata, based on the aggregate number of Shares
available and the number of Shares requested by each member. Subscription
materials with respect to Shares in Pool 1 and Pool 2 must be postmarked no
later than January 6, 1998. If all shares of Equity Stock are not purchased in
Pool 1 and Pool 2, the remaining Shares will be classified as "Pool 3" Shares.
Those Shares will be offered to other wheat growers who desire to become members
of the Company but at a price of $ per share of Equity Stock.
Subscription materials with respect to the purchase of Shares in Pool 3,
including payment of the subscription price, must be postmarked no later than
February 28, 1999. The Company does not have a commitment from any third party
to purchase all or any portion of the Membership Stock or Equity Stock offered
hereby.

THIS INVESTMENT INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK. PLEASE REFER TO "RISK
FACTORS," BEGINNING ON PAGE 7 OF THIS PROSPECTUS.

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PRICE TO
CURRENT
MEMBERS/NEW UNDERWRITING PROCEEDS TO
MEMBERS DISCOUNT(1) COMPANY(2)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Equity Stock (Maximum of 3,679,000 Shares)...................... $ /$ $0 $
Membership Stock(3) (Up to 500 shares).......................... $125.00 $0 $62,500(4)
</TABLE>

(1) The Company will offer and sell the Shares itself. Certain of the Company's
officers will be responsible for completing offers and sales of the Shares.
Such persons will not receive any special compensation for their selling
efforts.

(2) Before deducting offering expenses payable by the Company, estimated at
$150,000.

(3) Each prospective purchaser wishing to become a member of the Company must
acquire one (1) share of Membership Stock, which share is required for
membership in the Company, and such number of shares of Equity Stock as may
be desired. If the prospective purchaser is already a member of the Company,
he or she will already own a share of Membership Stock and will not be
required to acquire an additional share of Membership Stock. See
"Description of Capital Stock."

(4) If all shares of Equity Stock are sold to existing members, the Company will
not accept any subscriptions from persons who are not current members of the
Company and will not sell any shares of Membership Stock in this offering.

THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Company has filed a Registration Statement on Form S-1 with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC" or "Commission") under the
Securities Act with respect to the Shares offered hereby. This Prospectus, which
constitutes a part of the Registration Statement, does not contain all of the
information set forth in the Registration Statement, certain items of which are
contained in schedules and exhibits to the Registration Statement. For further
information with respect to the Company and the offering, reference is made to
such Registration Statement and the schedules and exhibits thereto. Statements
contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or any other
document are not necessarily complete. With respect to each such contract or
other document filed as part of or otherwise incorporated in the Registration
Statement, reference is made to the exhibit for a more complete description of
the matters involved, and each such statement shall be deemed qualified in its
entirety by such reference.

The Company is subject to the informational requirements of Section 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in
accordance therewith files reports and other information with the Commission.
The reports and other information filed by the Company with the Commission can
be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at
the Commission's Regional Offices located at 7 World Trade Center, New York, New
York 10048 and 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60611.
Copies of such materials also can be obtained from the Public Reference Section
of the Commission, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed
rates. The Commission maintains a World Wide Web site that contains reports and
other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the SEC. The address of such site is http:\\www.sec.gov.

The Company furnishes its members with annual reports containing audited
financial statements.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Prospectus contains forward-looking statements and information based
upon assumptions by the Company's management, as of the date of this Prospectus,
including assumptions about risks and uncertainties faced by the Company. These
forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking
terminology such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes" or similar verbs or
expressions. If any of management's assumptions prove incorrect or should
unanticipated circumstances arise, the Company's actual results could materially
differ from those anticipated by such forward-looking statements. The
differences could be caused by a number of factors or combination of factors
including, but not limited to, those factors identified in "Risk Factors"
beginning on page 7. Readers are strongly encouraged to consider those factors
when evaluating any such forward-looking statement. The Company undertakes no
obligation to update any forward-looking statements in this Prospectus to
reflect future events or developments.

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The Company has registered trademarks for Pasta Growers-Registered
Trademark- and Pasta Sanita-Registered Trademark-. The Company also has a
pending trademark application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for Zia
Briosa-TM-

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SUMMARY

THIS SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS SELECTED INFORMATION FROM THIS PROSPECTUS. IT IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY THE MORE DETAILED INFORMATION AND FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS CONTAINED ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS.

DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY

Dakota Growers Pasta Company ("Dakota Growers" or the "Company") is a North
Dakota agricultural cooperative founded in 1992 to mill durum wheat delivered by
its approximately 1,100 members into high quality semolina, which the Company
then processes into premium pasta products. The Company owns and operates a
state-of-the-art milling and production facility in Carrington, North Dakota and
has two production facilities and a distribution center in the Minneapolis,
Minnesota metropolitan area. The Company produces over 1,500 different
stock-keeping units ("SKUs") for its customers, as well as the Company's own
pasta brands (Pasta Growers, Zia Briosa and Pasta Sanita).

The Company's production volume has experienced average annual growth of 38%
since the Company began operations, making it one of the three largest pasta
producers in the United States. In fiscal 1998, pasta sales totaled over 254
million pounds, of which approximately 55% was sold to retail customers, 25% to
food service distributors and 20% to food manufacturers as ingredients in
finished food products. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, American
consumers have increased their average consumption of pasta during the past ten
years, at an annualized growth rate of approximately 2% to 3%. However, based on
the Company's analysis of the marketplace and information distributed by
industry and trade sources, the Company believes that the rate of growth in
pasta consumption in 1998 may approximate 1% to 2%.

Although the Company has been successful in increasing production and in
operating on a profitable basis, the Company participates in a very competitive
industry. The pasta industry is currently characterized by intense price
competition, arising from the current low cost of durum wheat and production
overcapacity. The basic raw material for pasta production is durum wheat; the
price for durum wheat has fallen to very low levels in comparison to recent
years, significantly decreasing the cost of pasta production in comparison to
previous years. In addition, a number of pasta producers have completed or
disclosed plans to build new production facilities or increase the capacity of
their existing facilities. As a result, the Company believes that competition,
focused on product pricing, will increase in the foreseeable future.

The Company believes that it possesses:

- A STABLE SUPPLY BASE. Given the nature of the Company's operating
structure in which its shareholders provide Dakota Growers' main raw
material, the Company has a strong, stable supply base. Durum wheat
growers have essentially a two-fold incentive for supplying wheat to the
Company. First, as durum wheat is used almost exclusively for pasta
production, the growers are assured a buyer (the Company) for their
product. Second, the growers enjoy the incremental profit from the
Company's conversion of wheat into finished pasta. For each of the last 3
fiscal years the Company has returned approximately 70% of net earnings to
members in the form of patronage dividends. Historically, the Company's
Board of Directors at its October meeting has determined what portion of
the Company's net earnings for the previous fiscal year will be
distributed as a patronage dividend.

- A DIVERSIFIED CUSTOMER BASE. The Company markets pasta to a well
diversified base of over 80 customers who are spread among various selling
segments, including RETAIL (supermarkets, warehouse clubs, discount
stores, drug stores and other retail outlets), INGREDIENT (pasta used by
food processors) and FOODSERVICE (restaurants, hotels, universities,
elementary and secondary schools). These customers include well-recognized
names such as Alliant Foodservice, ConAgra, Costco, Darden Restaurants
(the Olive Garden restaurant chain, one of the two largest Italian
restaurant

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chains in the U.S.), General Mills, Kroger, Luigino's, Safeway, U.S.
Foodservice (formerly JP Foodservices) and Western Family Foods. None of
the Company's customers account for 10% or more of the Company's total
revenues

- A LEADING POSITION IN PRIVATE-LABEL PASTA PRODUCTS. Contributing to the
Company's position as the third largest pasta producer in the U.S. is its
leading market share in retail private label pasta, which management
estimates at 37%. Customers include major food chains across the U.S.
Management believes the retail private label market is attractive, given
its growing market share. At calendar year end 1997, private labels' share
of the retail market increased to approximately 17%. The Company believes
this growth is due to favorable pricing and consumers recognition of the
comparable quality of today's private label pastas.

- STATE OF THE ART PROCESSING FACILITIES. The Company believes that its two
primary processing facilities, located in Carrington, North Dakota and New
Hope, Minnesota, are highly efficient, facilities for the production of a
wide variety of pasta shapes and products. When operated at full capacity,
those primary plants could produce a total of approximately 440 million
pounds of pasta per year. (The Company also operates a smaller facility
which provides an additional 30 million pounds of production capacity,
bringing the Company's total production capacity to 470 million pounds.)
The Company believes that the production capabilities and efficiencies of
its primary facilities allow the Company to compete effectively against
other pasta producers who have older, less efficient facilities.

THE OFFERING

The Company is offering up to 500 shares of its Membership Stock and up to
3,679,000 shares of its Equity Stock for sale to existing members of the Company
or other agricultural producers who qualify for membership in the Company. To
become a member of the Company, each agricultural producer must acquire a share
of the Company's Membership Stock. Each member of the Company is entitled to one
vote, based upon ownership of a share of Membership Stock. Each share of Equity
Stock entitles and obligates a member to deliver durum wheat to the Company each
year in an amount proportionate to the member's Equity Stock; that delivery
obligation arises pursuant to the terms and conditions of a "Growers Agreement"
which each member must enter into with the Company as part of his or her
purchase of Equity Stock in this offering. The Growers Agreement is described
later in this Prospectus and a copy is attached as an exhibit. Prospective
subscribers should review the Growers Agreement and carefully consider the terms
and conditions of that agreement.

The Shares are being offered on a priority basis to current members. Any
Shares not purchased by current members will be available for purchase by
prospective members. Each member of the Company of record as of December 1, 1998
will have the right to purchase one share of Equity Stock for each two shares of
Equity Stock owned as of that date. (The availability of Shares to members
pursuant to that right is referred to as "Pool 1".) Each member, at the time he
or she subscribes for Shares in Pool 1, may also subscribe for an unlimited
number of additional Shares by completing the appropriate subscription materials
and paying the subscription price for the additional Shares. (Any subscription
payments for Shares not issued to a particular subscriber will be returned
without interest or deduction.) To the extent that all shares of Equity Stock
offered are not sold in Pool 1, the remaining Shares will be classified as part
of "Pool 2". Each member who has requested shares of Equity Stock in addition to
those subscribed for in Pool 1 will be entitled to acquire Shares in Pool 2, if
Shares become part of Pool 2. To the extent that Pool 2 does not contain an
adequate number of shares of Equity Stock to satisfy all subscriptions, the
available Shares will be allocated pro rata, based on the aggregate number of
Shares available and the number of Shares requested by each member. Subscription
materials with respect to Shares in Pool 1 and Pool 2 must be postmarked no
later than January 6, 1999. If all shares of Equity Stock are not purchased in
Pool 1 or Pool 2, the remaining Shares will be classified as "Pool 3" Shares.
Pool 3 Shares will be available for purchase by agricultural producers who are
not members of the Company as of December 1, 1998, at a

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price of $ per Share. Subscription materials with respect to the
purchase of Shares in Pool 3, including payment of the subscription price, must
be postmarked no later than February 28, 1999. The minimum purchase for Pool 3
Shares is 1500 Shares.

USE OF PROCEEDS

The Company intends to use the offering proceeds to finance the expansion of
its milling capacity and for working capital, including enhancement of its
equity position.

MARKET FOR THE EQUITY STOCK

Since the transferability of the Shares is restricted to agricultural
producers with agricultural operations in North Dakota, Minnesota and Montana,
it is unlikely that an active and liquid trading market will develop. Investors
should have a long-term investment intent.

RISK FACTORS

A decision to purchase Shares subjects the purchaser to certain risks.
Accordingly, the purchase of Shares may not be appropriate for persons who
cannot afford to lose their entire investment. See "Risk Factors."

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SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
(IN THOUSAND, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS)

BALANCE SHEET DATA
Total Assets............................................ $ 45,215 $ 47,842 $ 49,894 $ 68,739 $ 119,637
Long-term Debt (excluding current maturities)(4)........ 28,477 24,822 18,860 27,131 66,056
Redeemable Preferred Stock.............................. 970 970 820 453 253
Members Investment...................................... 12,107 13,497 24,866 29,956 36,875
Working Capital(4)...................................... 2,001 2,400 8,184 6,329 22,813

OPERATING DATA
Ratio of Long-Term Debt to Members' Investment.......... 2.15x 1.84x .76x .91x 1.79x
</TABLE>

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(1) The Company's operations commenced on January 1, 1994, and, thus, the
financial data for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1994 contains only seven
months of operations. Accordingly, the financial information for the year
ended July 31, 1994 may not be comparable with subsequent years.

(2) Adjusted for the impact of the 3-for-2 stock split effective August 1, 1997.

(3) Patronage declarations have been made by the Board of Directors in October
of each year based on the patronage earnings and average shares for the
prior fiscal year ending July 31. Payments of patronage declarations have
been made in November of each year. 1998's declaration and payment have not
yet been determined.

(4) Reflects the issuance of $27 million of senior notes on August 11, 1998, and
the retirement of term loans and seasonal loans with the proceeds of such
issuance.

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RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information in this Prospectus, prospective
investors should carefully consider the following factors in evaluating an
investment in the Shares offered hereby. This Prospectus contains
forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's
actual results may differ significantly from the results discussed in the
forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include,
but are not limited to, those discussed in the following risk factors.

BRIEF OPERATING HISTORY

The Company began full operations on January 1, 1994. Therefore, it has a
short operating history with respect to producing and marketing pasta.
Notwithstanding its current operations and historical financial results, there
can be no assurance that the Company will continue to operate profitably or be
effective in managing its future growth.

TAX TREATMENT

Subchapter T of the Internal Revenue Code sets forth rules for the tax
treatment of cooperatives and applies both to cooperatives exempt from tax under
Section 521 of the Internal Revenue Code and to nonexempt corporations operating
on a cooperative basis. Dakota Growers is a nonexempt cooperative. As a
cooperative, Dakota Growers is not taxed on amounts of patronage sourced income
withheld from its members in the form of qualified per-unit retains or on
amounts distributed to its members in the form of qualified written notices of
allocation. Consequently, such amounts are taxed directly to the members.
However, revenue attributable to non-patronage sourced income is taxed at the
Company level and again upon distribution to the Company's members. If the
Company were not entitled to be taxed under Subchapter T or if a significant
portion of revenues are from non-patronage sourced income, its revenues would be
taxed when earned by the Company and the members would be taxed when dividends
are distributed. From time to time, the Internal Revenue Service challenges the
tax status of cooperatives, taking the position that the challenged entities are
not operating on a cooperative basis and are therefore not entitled to the tax
treatment described above. Those challenges can be based on a variety of
factors, including the nature of the cooperative's business, its interaction
with its members and the portion of its business done for or with its members.
The impact of most such challenges, regardless of the factor on which the
challenge is based, is that the Internal Revenue Service seeks to assert that
some or all of a cooperative's income does not arise from a "patronage"
transaction. As any income derived from non-patronage sources is subject to
taxation at the entity level, the effect of a successful challenge is that the
cooperative would be taxed as a corporation. The Internal Revenue Service has
not challenged the Company's tax status; the Company would vigorously defend any
such challenge. However, taxation at both the Company level and the shareholder
level would have a material, adverse impact on the Company.

TECHNOLOGICAL OBSOLESCENCE

The Company believes that one of its current business advantages is that the
Company's primary processing facilities contain state of the art production
technology, benefitting the Company by providing comparatively lower costs than
production facilities based on older production technologies. To the extent that
over time other pasta producers adopt similar technology or adopt new production
technologies which provide even greater efficiencies, the Company's current
perceived advantage may be decreased or eliminated and the Company may find
itself at a technological disadvantage, with higher production costs than its
competitors.

INTENSE AND VOLATILE COMPETITION

The pasta industry is highly competitive. The Company is in direct
competition with other more established pasta manufacturers that have
substantially greater resources. The pasta industry is also

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characterized by excess production capacity, with a variety of pasta producers
having disclosed that they intend to further increase production capacity by
either constructing new production facilities or by expanding the production
capacity of existing facilities by adding additional processing lines. Part of
that increase in production capacity has arisen from foreign producers
establishing production facilities in the United States. This excess capacity
has given rise to intense competition for sales, often focused on product price.
A variety of discount programs are used by industry participants seeking to sell
pasta products. The effect of such competition on the Company has been to put
pressure on profit margins and to involve the Company in vigorous competition to
obtain and retain product customers. There can be no assurance that the Company
can continue to grow and operate profitably in such an environment. See
"Business-- Competition."

PASTA, SEMOLINA AND DURUM WHEAT PRICES

The profitability of the Company will be subject to changes in the market
prices for finished pasta products, and semolina and durum wheat, matters over
which the Company will have little or no control. The current prices for durum
wheat, the primary ingredient in pasta, are at very low levels in comparison to
recent years. The effect of those lower prices for durum wheat and the resulting
semolina, when combined with the excess production capacity situation, has
placed downward pressure on the prices for which pasta products can be sold and
has intensified the competition in the pasta industry. While the Company has
from time to time in the past sold semolina to other pasta producers, the
Company's current need for all the semolina which can be produced in the
Company's milling operations has temporarily curtailed sales of semolina to
other pasta producers. See "Business--Products and Production."

PRODUCT CONCENTRATION

The Company competes exclusively in the dry pasta segment of the overall
pasta market. As a result, any decline in the demand or pricing for dry pasta,
any shift in consumer preferences away from dry pasta or any other factor
adversely affecting the dry pasta market could have a more significant adverse
effect on the Company's business and financial position than on pasta producers
that also produce other products.

OBLIGATION TO DELIVER WHEAT; POSSIBLE REDUCTION OF DELIVERY OBLIGATION

All members of the Company are obligated to deliver durum wheat to the
Company in proportion to the amount of Equity Stock owned by that member. If a
member is unable to grow and deliver the durum wheat required to be delivered to
the Company pursuant to the Growers Agreement, the member must purchase the
required quantity of durum wheat from other agricultural producers or other
owners of durum wheat for delivery to the Company. As a result, a member not
able to produce durum wheat for delivery to the Company would be exposed to the
risk that the price of acquiring durum wheat for delivery to the Company would
be in excess of the price to be paid for durum wheat by the Company under the
Growers Agreement. See "Business--Growers Agreement; Durum Delivery System" and
"Description of Capital Stock."

Under the Growers Agreement, the Company may, depending on its marketing
needs, reduce on a pro rata basis the quantity of durum wheat each member is
obligated to deliver to the Company. For fiscal year 1998, the delivery
obligation has been one bushel of durum wheat per share of Equity Stock owned.
In fiscal years 1997 and 1996 the delivery obligation was slightly less than one
bushel of durum wheat per share. There can be no assurance that the Company will
not reduce the amount of durum wheat to be delivered by members. In the event
that the Company reduces the amount of durum wheat to be delivered per share of
Equity Stock, each member would experience a proportionate reduction in the
patronage activity with the Company. See "Business--Growers Agreements."

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GOVERNMENT REGULATION AND TRADE POLICIES

Dakota Growers is subject to extensive federal and state environmental laws
and regulations with respect to water and air quality, solid-waste disposal and
odor and noise control. The Company conducts an on-going program designed to
comply with these laws and regulations. There are no pending regulatory
enforcement actions against the Company, and the Company believes that it
currently is and will continue to be in substantial compliance with all
applicable environmental laws and regulations.

As a producer of products intended for human consumption, the Company's
operations are subject to certain federal and state regulations, including
regulations promulgated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Company
believes that it is in material compliance with all applicable regulatory
requirements relating to food quality and safety.

The operations of the Company may be affected by governmental trade policies
and regulations, including those impacting the amount of durum wheat imported
from Canada and the volume of pasta imports. Pricing policy actions by the
Canadian Wheat Board in recent years may have resulted in increased sales of
Canadian durum wheat in the U.S. and lower durum wheat prices. These actions
have resulted in complaints from durum growers in the U.S. (including many of
the Company's grower-owners), and a continuing dispute over possible
restrictions on durum wheat imports. If restrictions are implemented, it could
impact both the milling and pasta areas of the Company's business operations.

Domestic pasta prices are also influenced by competition from foreign pasta
producers, and as such by the trade policies of both the U.S. government and
foreign governments. In 1996, a U.S. Department of Commerce investigation
determined that several Italian and Turkish pasta producers were selling pasta
at less than fair value in U.S. markets, and were benefitting from subsidies
from their respective governments. Consequently, the U.S. International Trade
Commission imposed punitive anti-dumping duties on pasta imported from both
nations, effective July, 1996. However, foreign pasta producers have also
entered the United States pasta market by establishing production facilities in
the United States, further increasing competition in the United States pasta
market.

RESTRICTIVE LOAN COVENANTS

The Company's loan agreements with the St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives (the
"Bank") obligate the Company to maintain or achieve certain amounts of equity
and working capital and achieve certain financial ratios. In addition to the
covenants regarding financial ratios, the various agreements require the Company
to acquire the Bank's consent with respect to certain cash distributions,
including payment of cash patronage in an amount greater than 20% of qualified
patronage allocations. To the extent that the Company is not able in the future
to satisfy the various conditions specified in the loan agreements, the
Company's ability to distribute either patronage distributions or any other
dividends to its members may be restricted or the Company may be prohibited from
returning unit retains withheld from durum wheat purchases from members. The
failure to comply with the various loan covenants may result in interest rate
penalties, restrict the Company's corporate activities or result in a default by
the Company which may materially adversely affect the Company's liquidity. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial
Condition--Liquidity and Capital Resources."

RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERABILITY OF SHARES; NO OBLIGATION TO REPURCHASE SHARES

The purchase of Equity Stock and Membership Stock should be considered a
long-term investment decision by each prospective purchaser. There is a very
limited private market for the Equity Stock and no market for the Membership
Stock. The Company has no current plans with respect to developing a general
public market for its securities. Shares of Equity Stock in the Company may be
transferred only with the consent of the Company's Board of Directors. Any
transferee of the Equity Stock must (i) satisfy the membership eligibility
requirements described in the Company's Bylaws, (ii) be approved for membership
by the Board of Directors, (iii) own one share of Membership Stock and (iv)
execute a Growers

9
<PAGE>
Agreement. The Company has no legal obligation to repurchase any Membership
Stock or Equity Stock at any time, even if the Company terminates a member's
membership. However, the Company has consistently repurchased shares of
Membership Stock from a member desiring to transfer all of the member's Equity
Stock to a qualified third party. As a result, persons who acquire Membership
Stock and Equity Stock may not be able to obtain liquidity with respect to their
purchase of such shares. See "Description of Capital Stock."

TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP INTEREST

Pursuant to the Company's governing documents, a stockholder's membership in
the Company automatically terminates upon ceasing to be a producer of
agricultural products or upon failing to patronize the Company for thirteen
consecutive calendar months. In addition, the Board of Directors may terminate a
membership for cause. "Cause" includes intentional or repeated breach of the
Bylaws, rules or regulations of the Company or failure to make timely payment of
debts to the Company, breach of any contract between the member and the Company,
and other causes determined by the Board of Directors in the exercise of honest
and good faith business judgment. Whether a membership is subject to termination
for breach of a contract may be determined by the Board of Directors without
regard to the commencement or outcome of any litigation arising from the
contract.

Upon termination of membership in the Company, a member will cease to have
voting rights and other rights of membership. However, loss of membership rights
will not relieve a member's obligation to deliver durum wheat to the Company
pursuant to the terms of the member's Growers Agreement or excuse a terminated
member from performing any other obligations under a contract between the
Company and the terminated member. The Growers Agreement will remain in effect
until the July 31 next following the termination of membership. The Company has
no obligation to repurchase the Membership Stock or Equity Stock of a member
determined to be ineligible as a member. See "Description of Capital Stock."

BOARD OF DIRECTORS DISCRETION REGARDING PATRONAGE DISTRIBUTIONS

The Company conducts its patronage business on a cooperative basis. The
quantity of durum wheat delivered to the Company by any member is used in
determining that particular member's patronage business with the Company and the
member's share of the Company's net proceeds. The Board of Directors of the
Company has absolute discretion to determine the manner and amount of payment of
patronage equity credits. See "Business--Growers Agreement; Durum Delivery
System" and "Description of Capital Stock."

UNIT RETAINS

As a means of raising capital, an agricultural cooperative may retain a
portion of the payments otherwise due members for their crops. This is called a
"unit retain" or "unit retention capital." A qualified unit retain is not
taxable income to the cooperative under federal law, but is available for the
general business purposes of the cooperative, including debt service. The
Company's Board of Directors may determine on an annual basis the amount of unit
retains to be applied to all members on a uniform basis. Unit retains may be
retained by the Company indefinitely. To date, Dakota Growers has not withheld a
unit retain but has paid the full price of durum wheat to the growers, less
applicable transaction fees established by the Board of Directors. Although the
Board does not envision using unit retains as a method to increase the Company's
capital, there can be no assurance that the Company's Board of Directors will
not exercise its authority to withhold unit retains under certain circumstances,
including but not limited to, maintaining sufficient capital to meet the capital
requirements imposed under any agreements with its lenders. See "Description of
Capital Stock."

10
<PAGE>
MEMBER'S CONSENT TO TAXATION FOR QUALIFIED ALLOCATIONS OF PER-UNIT RETAINS AND
PATRONAGE EARNINGS

Each member of the Company must agree that the amount of any qualified
per-unit retain allocations and patronage dividends with respect to patronage
which are made in money, qualified written notices of allocation (as defined in
26 U.S.C. Section 1388) or other property will be deemed to be taxable income to
the member in the taxable year in which such written notices of allocation are
received by the member. Therefore, qualified per-unit retains are taxable income
to the Company's members even though the member may not receive payment for such
qualified per-unit retains for several years.

To constitute a qualified written notice of allocation of patronage
dividends under federal tax law, the Company must pay to each member at least
20% of the patronage dividend in cash or by qualified check. Therefore, in the
event that the Company issues patronage dividends in the form of qualified
written notices of allocation the entire amount of such patronage dividend is
deemed to be taxable income to the member, even though the member may receive a
cash payment of only 20% of the patronage dividend.

USE OF PROCEEDS

Assuming the price per Share is $7.50, the net proceeds to the Company from
the sale of the Shares offered hereby are estimated to be approximately
$13,646,250 if 50% of the Shares are sold, $20,544,375 if 75% of the Shares are
sold and $27,442,500 if 100% of the Shares are sold, all calculated after
deducting estimated offering expenses of $150,000. The following table sets
forth the intended uses for the net proceeds assuming 50%, 75% and 100% of the
Shares are sold. There is no assurance that all Shares will be sold.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CATEGORY 50% 75% 100%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Mill Expansion...................................................... $ 10,500,000 $ 10,500,000 $ 10,500,000
Working Capital, including equity enhancement....................... 3,146,250 10,044,375 16,942,500
------------- ------------- -------------
$ 13,646,250 $ 20,544,375 $ 27,442,500
------------- ------------- -------------
------------- ------------- -------------
</TABLE>

The foregoing use of the net proceeds of the offering is based upon the
Company's assumptions concerning its business objectives, finances and other
matters affecting the Company. If current assumptions are not accurate or other
unforeseen conditions affecting the Company's business arise, there could be
material changes to the Company's projections. If the Company were to receive
less than 50% of the maximum proceeds shown above from the offering described in
this Prospectus, the Company may be required to adopt various alternative
strategies in order to solidify the Company's financial position and to complete
the mill expansion. Those strategies could include deferral or reduction of
capital expenditures, the adoption of a program to retain a larger portion of
patronage distributions than has been the Company's historical practice, the
adoption of a longer term unit retain program or obtaining additional debt
financing, which could be expected to be difficult to obtain and could be
expected to carry higher costs than the Company's previous financing activities.
Proceeds from the sale of shares of Membership Stock, if any, will be added to
the Company's working capital.

Pending application of the proceeds of this offering, the Company intends to
invest the net proceeds in short-term, high quality interest-bearing
instruments.

PAYMENTS TO MEMBERS

Members are obligated to deliver durum wheat to Dakota Growers under the
Growers Agreement. Commencing August 1, 1998, all durum wheat deliveries by
members must be made through an agency arrangement administered by Northern
Grains Institute ("NGI"), a North Dakota non-profit company. NGI acts as each
member's grain handling delivery agent in connection with deliveries of durum to
Dakota

11
<PAGE>
Growers See "Business--Growers Agreement; Durum Delivery System." Members making
actual delivery of durum to NGI receive the Dakota Growers' spot market price
within fourteen (14) days of delivery.

Durum wheat delivered to Dakota Growers by its members is processed and the
resulting semolina and pasta products are marketed on a cooperative basis. Each
member is paid for the durum wheat delivered to the Company. In addition, a
member may receive a portion of the net proceeds of the Company from its value
added processing operations, based on each member's patronage with the Company
as compared to total patronage of all members. The Company may withhold a
portion of the payments owed to members for their durum delivered to the Company
in the form of unit retains and may elect not to pay the entire amount of
patronage in cash.

A unit retain is a portion of the payment to the members for their durum
delivered to the Company, which portion is retained by the Company for use as
capital for the Company's business. Under IRS guidelines, the Company has the
option to treat the unit retains as taxable at the cooperative level or to treat
the unit retains as nontaxable by declaring the unit retains as "qualified."
Qualified unit retains are taxable to the member in the member's tax year of
notification. When a qualified per unit retain is reimbursed or "revolved" in
the form of a cash payment to the member, the member reports no additional
income, having already paid tax on the whole amount in the year of declaration.
Unit retains do not contain a minimum cash payment requirement to qualify for
this tax treatment.

The Board of Directors, in its absolute discretion, taking action pursuant
to reasonable policies of uniform application, is empowered to determine the
manner of distribution and payment of patronage which may be in cash, credits,
certificates of interest, revolving fund certificates, letters of advice,
promissory notes, or other certificates or securities of the Company or of other
associations or cooperatives, in other property, or in any combination thereof.
The Company may pay patronage dividends in the form of qualified written notices
of allocation of patronage earnings to the members, based on each member's
patronage business with the Company. If the Company pays patronage dividends in
the form of qualified written notices of allocation, the Company must pay at
least 20% of the allocation in cash in order for the patronage dividend to
constitute a qualified written notice of allocation under federal tax law. If
the written notice of allocation is "qualified", the entire amount of the
qualified patronage allocation is taxable income to the member in the year
declared, regardless of the amount distributed in cash.

The Company has no obligation, including upon its termination of a member,
to pay the members amounts retained as unit retains or patronage equity credits.
Moreover, various loan agreements between the Company and its lenders could
compel the Board to retain amounts as unit retains in order to satisfy capital
requirements under its loan agreements and could restrict the Board from paying
more than 20% of patronage as cash dividends. See "Description of Capital
Stock."

12
<PAGE>
CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company (i) as of
July 31, 1998; and (ii) on a pro forma basis after giving effect to the issuance
of $27 million of senior notes subsequent to July 31, 1998.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JULY 31, 1998
----------------------
ACTUAL PRO FORMA
--------- -----------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C>
SHORT-TERM DEBT:
Notes Payable and Current Portion of Long Term-Debt..................... $ 4,033 $ 4,033
--------- -----------

LONG-TERM DEBT:
Long-Term Debt(1)....................................................... 66,056 39,056
Senior Secured Notes.................................................... 0 27,000
--------- -----------
TOTAL LONG-TERM DEBT................................................ 66,056 66,056
--------- -----------

PREFERRED STOCK
Redeemable preferred stock:
Series A, 6% cumulative, $100 par value, 1,000 shares issued and
outstanding......................................................... 100 100
Series B, 2% non-cumulative, $100 par value, 1,525 shares issued and
outstanding......................................................... 153 153
--------- -----------
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK............................................... 253 253
--------- -----------

MEMBERS' EQUITY
Convertible preferred stock:
Series C, 6% non-cumulative, $100 par value, no shares issued and
outstanding(2)...................................................... -- --
Series D, 6% non-cumulative, $100 par value, 23,038 shares issued and
outstanding......................................................... 2,304 2,304
Membership stock, $125 par value, 1,101 issued and outstanding.......... 137 137
Equity stock, $2.50 par value, 7,356,059 shares issued and outstanding;
$3.85 par value, 4,904,034 shares issued and outstanding.............. 18,390 18,390
Additional paid in capital.............................................. 4,101 4,101
Accumulated allocated earnings.......................................... 2,914 2,914
Accumulated unallocated earnings........................................ 9,029 9,029
--------- -----------
TOTAL MEMBERS' INVESTMENT........................................... 36,875 36,875
--------- -----------
TOTAL CAPITALIZATION............................................ $ 107,217 $ 107,217
--------- -----------
--------- -----------
</TABLE>

- ------------------------

(1) See Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information
regarding long-term debt obligations.

(2) Excludes 5,728 shares of Series C convertible preferred stock issuable upon
the exercise of outstanding stock options.

13
<PAGE>
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The selected financial data presented below for the fiscal years ended July
31, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998 are derived from the financial statements of
the Company, which were audited by Eide Bailly LLP, independent accountants.
This section should be read in conjunction with the Company's financial
statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Prospectus.

FINANCIAL DATA
(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JULY 31
------------------------------------------------------
1994(1) 1995 1996 1997 1998
--------- --------- --------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
Net Revenue............................................. $ 20,008 $ 41,239 $ 50,494 $ 70,702 $ 119,621
Cost of Product Sold.................................... 17,954 35,789 43,318 58,357 100,229
--------- --------- --------- --------- ----------
Gross Proceeds.......................................... 2,054 5,450 7,176 12,345 19,392
Marketing, General and Administrative Expenses.......... 1,483 2,021 2,532 3,542 6,754
--------- --------- --------- --------- ----------
Operating Proceeds...................................... 571 3,429 4,644 8,803 12,638
Other Income (expense).................................. (780) (2,021) (2,022) (1,877) (3,264)
Provision for Income Taxes.............................. (2) (28) 4 0 0
--------- --------- --------- --------- ----------
Net Income (Deficit).................................... (207) 1,436 2,618 6,926 9,374
Dividends on Preferred Stock............................ 42 42 39 36 15
--------- --------- --------- --------- ----------
Earnings (loss) from Patronage and Non-Patronage
Business Available for Members........................ $ (249) $ 1,394 $ 2,579 $ 6,890 $ 9,359
--------- --------- --------- --------- ----------
--------- --------- --------- --------- ----------
Average Equity Shares Outstanding(2).................... 4,674 4,674 5,568 7,356 7,356
Earnings (loss) from Patronage and Non-Patronage
Business per Average Equity Share Outstanding(2)...... $ (.05) $ .30 $ .46 $ .94 $ 1.27
--------- --------- --------- --------- ----------
--------- --------- --------- --------- ----------
Patronage Dividends Per Share:(2)
Declared(3)........................................... -- $ .20 $ .32 $ .65
Distributed(3)........................................ -- .20 .32 .65
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash.................................................... $ 1 $ 155 $ 1,448 $ 5 $ 182
Working Capital(4)...................................... 2,001 2,400 8,184 6,329 22,813
Total Assets............................................ 45,215 47,842 49,894 68,739 119,637
Long-term Debt (excluding current maturities)(4)........ 28,477 24,822 18,860 27,131 66,056
Redeemable Preferred Stock.............................. 970 970 820 453 253
Member's Investment..................................... 12,107 13,497 24,866 29,956 36,875
OPERATING DATA
Ratio of Long-Term Debt to Members' Investment.......... 2.15x 1.84x .76x .91x 1.79x
</TABLE>

- ------------------------

(1) The Company's operations commenced on January 1, 1994, so the financial
statements contain only seven months of operations for the year ended July
31, 1994. Accordingly, the financial statements for the years ended July 31,
1994 may not be comparable.

(2) Adjusted for the impact of the 3-for-2 stock split effective August 1, 1997.

(4) Reflects the issuance of $27 million of senior notes on August 11, 1998, and
the retirement of term loans and seasonal loans with the proceeds of such
issuance.

14
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

COMPARISON OF FISCAL YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 1998 AND 1997

NET REVENUES. Net revenues for the fiscal year increased $48.9 million, or
69%, to $119.6 million. This increase was primarily due to increased pasta
volumes. Average unit prices of pasta were relatively unchanged in all segments
from last fiscal year.

Revenues from the retail segment increased by 69% due to higher sales
volumes. Most of the sales volume increase was due to new private label customer
business which was acquired either through the Primo purchase or due to the exit
from the private label market by Borden. A portion of the volume growth was
attributed to co-packing for other pasta manufacturers, which prior to the
purchase of Primo Piatto, Inc. ("Primo") was not available due to capacity
constraints.

Foodservice and ingredient revenues increased by 47% and 22%, respectively,
also due to higher sales volumes. Over half of the growth in foodservice sales
volumes is due to the annualization of volumes of new customers, with the
balance due to individual customer growth trends. The expansion of the Company's
participation with a major ingredient customer was the primary reason for the
increase in ingredient revenues.

While mill by-product sales volumes were up due to a 61% increase in durum
ground in the Company's milling facilities, revenues from these sales were up
only 14% as the Company utilized more of its semolina for internal pasta
production and average prices for mill feed and secondary flours declined by
over 20%.

COST OF PRODUCT SOLD. Most of the $41.9 million increase in cost of product
sold was due to increased pasta production volumes and the increase in the
proportion of retail sales. The average price of durum ground was unchanged from
last fiscal year.

MARKETING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ("MG&A") EXPENSES. Increased
marketing staffing and activities, including the efforts of the Company's
network of brokers, increased information technology expenditures and costs
associated with the acquisition of Primo were the primary reasons for the $3.2
million increase in MG&A expenses.

INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense increased $1.5 million, or 84%, to $3.3
million for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1998 due to higher debt levels
resulting from the acquisition of Primo.

NET INCOME. Net income for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1998 increased
$2.4 million to $9.4 million, a 35% increase over last year.

The Company anticipates that its earnings for the first and second quarters
of fiscal 1999 will be substantially less than its earnings for the first and
second quarters of fiscal 1998. The first and second quarters of fiscal 1998
benefited from the complete utilization of all of the Company's manufacturing
resources and low input costs relative to the market price of pasta which was
influenced by an industry shortage of capacity. The lower earnings comparison
for the first and second quarters of fiscal year 1999 is also due to the recent
competitiveness in the pasta market and to what the Company believes to be
temporary increases in its cost of goods sold resulting from the requirement to
toll mill a portion of the members' durum to meet semolina needs, the Company's
durum purchase commitment and costs associated with a lower utilization of pasta
manufacturing assets. Completion of the mill expansion project, which is
expected to occur in March 1999, will eliminate the dependency on toll milling.

15
<PAGE>
COMPARISON OF FISCAL YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 1997 AND 1996

NET REVENUES. Net revenues increased 40%, or $20.1 million, coinciding with
a 38% increase in pasta volumes sold.

Retail sales increased 67% over the same period last fiscal year and
represented 49% of total sales for the fiscal year, up from 40% in fiscal 1996.
The Company did not add any major retail customers in fiscal 1997, but the
impact of a full year of sales for three private label accounts added in fiscal
1996, significant increases at four existing private label accounts and the
development of the Company's "Zia Briosa" branded label sales provided most of
the increase. Revenues from co-packing were down $818,000 and government bid
sales decreased $600,000 from fiscal year 1996.

Representing 26% of fiscal 1997 total sales (34% in fiscal 1996),
foodservice sales volumes were up 7%. The foodservice increase was predominantly
the result of the addition of two new significant accounts late in fiscal 1996.
Several large accounts showed sales growth, but co-pack sales decreased $1.9
million.

Ingredient sales increased by 34% for the year and remained relatively
constant as a percentage of total sales at 25%. Most of the increase resulted
from a new customer added in the first quarter of fiscal 1996.

Overall, revenues were up by approximately $19.9 million due to pasta sales
volume increases. Lower average revenue per pound of pasta, on the other hand,
reduced revenues by almost $800,000.

While durum grind was up 28%, sales of flour and by-products were up only
13% as the Company utilized more of its semolina for internal pasta production.
Higher prices were realized for millfeed and secondary flours, but semolina
sales prices were down coinciding with lower durum prices. The net impact of
pricing was a reduction in revenues of $350,000, while the increased volume sold
increased revenues by approximately $970,000.

COST OF PRODUCT SOLD. Increased pasta production, with its resulting
increase in durum bushels ground, contributed $12.7 million of the $15.0 million
increase in cost of product sold. Because of short-term deficiencies during the
Company's expansion, the Company purchased over 10 million pounds of pasta more
in fiscal 1997 than in fiscal 1996, adding $3.5 million to the cost of sales. A
12% decrease in average cost of durum was partially offset by higher average
prices for packaging and freight.

MARKETING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ("MG&A") EXPENSES. Increased
marketing staffing and activities associated with the increase in sales and
increased information technology expenditures were the primary drivers in the
$1.0 million rise in MG&A expense. As a percentage of net revenues, however,
MG&A was unchanged at 5.0% of net revenues.

INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense for the year decreased by $311,000. The
average outstanding debt balance was $800,000 lower in fiscal 1997 than in
fiscal 1996, and the average interest rate was down one percent. The Company
capitalized $307,000 of interest in fiscal 1997. In fiscal 1997, the Company
adjusted its fiscal 1996 estimated patronage from the St. Paul Bank as the Bank
significantly reduced its patronage refunds for the calendar year fiscal 1996
from historical levels. Such adjustment increased fiscal 1997 interest expense
by $95,000. The Company has continued to accrue estimated patronage refunds at
the reduced level for calendar year 1997--such reduction increased fiscal 1997
interest expense by $167,000 from historical patronage levels.

NET INCOME. As a result of the above, net income increased $4,308,000, or
165%, over last year.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company's liquidity requirements include the construction or acquisition
of manufacturing facilities and equipment and the expansion of working capital
to meet its growth requirements. The

16
<PAGE>
Company meets these liquidity requirements from cash provided by operations,
sales of equity and outside debt financing.

In early 1996, the Company raised $9.7 million in net proceeds through the
sale of equity stock to its existing members and other durum growers. These
proceeds, together with long-term debt financing, were used in the Company's
$20.5 million expansion of its mill and pasta manufacturing facilities in
Carrington, North Dakota. In February 1998, the Company issued $11.0 million in
new debt, assumed $13.9 million of existing debt and issued $2.3 million in
preferred stock to acquire 100% of the outstanding common stock of Primo. With
this acquisition, the Company acquired manufacturing facilities specializing in
retail production. The acquisition has allowed the Company to meet customer
product demands internally and has provided the Company with capacity for future
marketing efforts. The addition of this debt reduced the Company's equity
position as it relates to outstanding debt.

The Company has utilized outside financing on a short-term basis to fund its
operations and expansion projects until permanent financing is issued. Such
short-term financing has been provided by the St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives
("the Bank"). The Company has a short-term line of credit with the Bank of
$11,000,000. Borrowings against the line are secured by cash, receivables and
inventories.

The Company's long-term financing requirements have historically been
provided exclusively by the Bank. In August 1998, the Company issued $27.0
million in debt through a private placement to institutional investors and used
the proceeds to repay certain outstanding long and short-term debt.

The various debt agreements with the Bank and institutional investors
obligate the Company to maintain or achieve certain amounts of equity and
certain financial ratios and impose restrictions on the Company. The Company is
required to maintain a current ratio of 1.35:1, a net ownership ratio (adjusted
to reflect a current ratio of 1.35:1) of not less than 40%, and a debt service
coverage ratio of not less than 1.25:1, measured for the previous twelve month
period ending July 31 of each year. The Company cannot, without Bank approval,
pay cash patronage greater than 20% of qualified patronage allocations, pay
dividends on capital stock in excess of minimum requirements, or revolve any
owner equity if such action will cause a noncompliance position in any financial
condition without the prior written consent of the Bank. The Company's
consolidated net worth may not be less than the sum of (a) $27,000,000 plus (b)
an aggregate amount equal to 30% of consolidated net income for each completed
fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year ended July 31, 1998. The Company's
trailing twelve month ratio of consolidated cash flow to consolidated fixed
charges may not be less than 2:1 at the end of each fiscal quarter, nor can the
ratio of consolidated funded debt to consolidated cash flow exceed 4:1 for the
period including July 31, 1999, 3.5:1 for the period ended January 31, 2000 and
3:1 thereafter. As of the date of this Prospectus, the Company is in compliance
with its debt agreements.

The Company's net cash used in operating activities was $2.8 million for the
twelve months ended July 31, 1998, compared to cash provided by operating
activities of $8.0 million and $3.6 million for the years ended July 31, 1997
and 1996, respectively. The negative cash provided by operations for fiscal year
1998 was primarily due to increased inventories of $10.5 million and the
prepayment of expenses for marketing and consulting services and durum
purchases. The increase in inventories was in response to sales growth,
especially in the retail segment, and the Company's commitment to meeting its
customers' delivery requirements.

While cash provided by operating activities declined by $10.8 million from
last year, consolidated cash flow (as defined in the Company's loan agreements)
increased from $12.3 million to $18.3 million.

Cash used in investing activities are primarily for the construction and
installation of milling and pasta equipment and, in fiscal year 1998, for the
acquisition of Primo. Expenditures for the purchase of property and equipment
totaled $9.2 million, $17.8 million and $1.5 million for the twelve months ended
July 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Additionally, the Company expended a
net $8.0 million in cash to acquire Primo. The increase in spending in fiscal
years 1997 and 1998 was for the addition of the second

17
<PAGE>
mill and two additional pasta manufacturing lines at the Company's Carrington,
North Dakota facility. In fiscal year 1998, the Company began the installation
of a seventh pasta line in Carrington, a $5.5 million project on which $4.0
million had been expended as of July 31, 1998. In fiscal year 1998, the Company
also entered into agreements for an estimated $10.5 million mill expansion
project and an estimated $1.3 million ERP software replacement project, for
which an aggregate of $1.5 million has been expended as of July 31, 1998. The
Company anticipates that the software project will be completed by December,
1998 and that the mill expansion project will be completed by March 1999.

Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $21.5 million and $8.6
million for the years ended July 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, while net cash
used in financing activities was $0.7 million for the year ended July 31, 1996.
The $21.5 million was the result of the issuance of $27.2 million in long and
short-term debt. In fiscal 1997, such debt issuances totaled $10.9 million.
Patronage distributions to members of the Cooperative from profits on the grain
provided by the members totaled $4.7 million, $1.8 million and $0.9 million for
the years ended July 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, which approximated
70% of the respective prior year's patronage earnings of the Cooperative. Such
distributions were declared in October and paid in November of each year. If the
Company's Board of Directors follows a consistent policy for the fiscal year
ended July 31, 1998, such a distribution would reduce the Company's equity
position below the 40% required under the terms of the loan agreements and would
require approval of the Company's lenders. While retention of these earnings
would maintain the equity position and reduce the Company's requirements for
additional equity, such retention would deny the members the opportunity to
assess their individual financial situation in making their investment
decisions.

The Company intends to use a portion of the net proceeds of this offering to
complete the mill expansion project, replace the working capital used in the
construction of the seventh pasta line and to re-enhance its equity position
which was reduced by the issuance and assumption of debt associated with the
Primo acquisition. The Company believes that cash generated from operations,
borrowings and net proceeds from the sale of at least 50% of the Shares in this
offering will be adequate to meet the capital and liquidity requirements of the
Company for the foreseeable future.

In the event that the Company does not receive at least 50% of the maximum
net proceeds from this offering, the Company will be required to consider other
alternatives which would provide access to the capital necessary for the
Company's continued activities and growth. Those strategies could include
deferral or reduction of capital expenditures, the adoption of a program to
retain a larger portion of patronage distributions than has been the Company's
historical practice, the adoption of a longer term unit retain program or
obtaining additional debt financing, which could be expected to be difficult to
obtain and could be expected to carry higher costs than the Company's previous
financing activities. In addition to consideration of such interim solutions,
the Board of Directors has engaged in preliminary analysis of longer-term
alternative activities and strategies which would provide the Company with
access to suitable amounts of capital; that preliminary analysis has included
consideration of a wide range of possibilities, including, but not limited to,
obtaining equity investment from institutional investors, the use of alternate
business structures, and entering into joint ventures with either strategic or
financial goals. However, the Company has not pursued any of the short-term or
long-term alternatives to date and expects to do so only to the extent that the
offering of Shares described herein and the Company's operations do not provide
the necessary resources for the Company.

YEAR 2000

Many computer and other software and hardware systems currently are not, or
will or may not be, able to read, calculate or output correctly using dates
after 1999, and such systems will require significant modification in order to
be year 2000 compliant. This issue may have a material adverse affect on the
operations and financial performance of the Company because computer and other
systems are integral parts of the Company's manufacturing and distribution
activities as well as its accounting and other

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information systems and because the Company will have to divert financial
resources and personnel to address this issue.

The Company is in the process of reviewing its computer and other hardware
and software systems and has recently begun upgrading systems that it has
identified as not being year 2000 compliant. The existing systems will be
upgraded either through modification or replacement. The Company currently
anticipates that this upgrading will be completed during fiscal year 1999. The
Company has alternate plans in the event that critical systems upgrading is not
completed on time which the Company believes are sufficient to meet the
Company's internal needs.

Although the Company is not aware of any material operational impediments
associated with upgrading its computer and other hardware and software systems
to be year 2000 compliant, the Company cannot make any assurance that the
upgrade of the Company's computer systems will be free of defects or that the
Company's alternate plans will meet the Company's needs. If any such risks
materialize, the Company could experience material adverse consequences to its
operations and financial performance, substantial costs or both.

Year 2000 compliance may also adversely affect the operations and financial
performance of the Company indirectly by causing complications of, or otherwise
affecting, the operations of any one or more of the Company's suppliers and
customers. The Company has begun contacting its significant suppliers and
customers as part of its Year 2000 compliance action plan, to identify any
potential year 2000 compliance issues with them. The Company is currently unable
to anticipate the magnitude of the operational or financial impact on the
Company of year 2000 compliance issues with its suppliers and customers.

The Company expects to incur up to $500,000 during fiscal 1999 to resolve
the Company's year 2000 compliance issues. All expenses incurred in connection
with becoming year 2000 compliant will be expensed as incurred, other than
acquisitions of new software or hardware, which will be capitalized.

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BUSINESS

INTRODUCTION

The Company is a North Dakota agricultural cooperative which was
incorporated on December 16, 1991. The Company owns and operates a vertically
integrated, state-of-the-art durum wheat milling and pasta producing facility in
Carrington, North Dakota. The facility, which became fully operational in 1994,
currently has the capacity to grind approximately seven million bushels of grain
annually and to produce approximately 270 million pounds of pasta annually. In
February 1998, the Company acquired all the outstanding stock of Primo Piatto, a
Minnesota corporation engaged in pasta manufacturing. Primo Piatto, now known as
the Minnesota Division of the Company, operates two processing plants and a
distribution center in the Minneapolis, Minnesota metropolitan area. The
addition of the Minnesota Division facilities has increased the Company's total
annual pasta production capacity to about 470 million pounds.

With membership limited to agricultural producers, the Company has a total
of approximately 1,100 members whose operations are located in North Dakota,
Minnesota or Montana. Each member of the Company (and each purchaser of Equity
Stock in this offering) must enter into a Growers Agreement with the Company.
That agreement obligates the member to deliver one bushel of durum wheat during
each processing year for each share of Equity Stock owned by that member,
subject to a pro rata downward adjustment depending on the production needs of
the Company.

THE MARKETS FOR PASTA AND DURUM PRODUCTS

PASTA

American consumers have increased their consumption of pasta during the past
ten years at a growth rate of between two and three percent per annum. As a
result, production of pasta products has also increased at a significant rate
during the last decade. The Company believes that the growth in domestic
consumption of pasta products has occurred as a result of a variety of factors.
Those factors include consumer perception of pasta as a "healthy" food, ease of
preparation, low cost in comparison to other types of foods, and flexibility of
pasta products as an ingredient in salads and entrees.

In 1997, consumption in North America exceeded 5.0 billion pounds. According
to the U.S. Department of Commerce, American consumers have increased their
average consumption of pasta during the past 10 years at an annualized growth of
approximately 2% to 3%. However, based on the Company's analysis of the
marketplace and trade and industry information, the Company believes that pasta
consumption growth rates in 1998 may approximate 1% to 2%. The Company estimates
that approximately 87.5% of domestic consumption is supplied by domestic
producers, with imported pasta totaling about 12.5% of the total U.S. demand for
dry pasta. In addition to the domestic market for dry pasta, much smaller
domestic markets exist for refrigerated and frozen pasta.

The domestic dry pasta market into which the Company sells its pasta
products consists of three basic segments, with each segment presenting
different product and sales and distribution requirements. The applicable market
segments are Retail, Ingredient and Foodservice.

RETAIL SEGMENT

The Retail segment, which includes sales to supermarkets, warehouse clubs,
discount stores, drug stores, and other consumer retail operations, represents
an estimated 37% of the total market for dry pasta in the United States. This
volume excludes dry macaroni and cheese dinners. Roughly 82% of the Retail
segment is represented by established national or regional pasta manufacturer
brands, including imports; the remaining 18% of the retail portion of the market
consists of retail sales under various private labels. The Company is focusing a
substantial portion of its marketing efforts on private label sales. A small
portion of the Retail segment consists of sales to federal and state government
entities.

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INGREDIENT SEGMENT

The Ingredient segment of the dry pasta market consists of pasta use by food
processors. Those entities use dry pasta as an ingredient or component in a
further-processed or combination food product. Such food products include dry
pasta dinners, including macaroni and cheese, frozen entrees, refrigerated
salads, canned entrees, baby food, and canned and dry soups. The Ingredient
segment represents about 43% of the total domestic dry pasta market. However,
roughly three quarters of the dry pasta used in the Ingredient market is
believed to be manufactured by end-product marketers for use in their own
products. Therefore, the Company is focusing its marketing efforts on those
companies that do not also manufacture the dry pasta ingredient for their
end-products. This portion of the Ingredient market represents approximately 500
million pounds of dry pasta.

FOODSERVICE SEGMENT

The Foodservice segment consists of sales of dry pasta to food preparation
operations such as restaurants, hotels, colleges and universities, elementary
and secondary schools, airlines, in-plant and in-office cafeteria facilities,
transportation services, and many other away-from-home eating places. The
Foodservice segment represents about 10% of the total domestic dry pasta market.
Marketing dry pasta to this segment of the marketplace generally consists of
selling to a network of competitive distribution organizations and buying
groups, and selling dry pasta to individual restaurant chains and other operator
organizations. The Company believes that over half the volume of pasta sold in
this market segment consists of sales of private label pasta products. A small
portion of the Foodservice segment consists of sales to federal and state
government entities.

CO-PACK ARRANGEMENTS

A portion of each end-user market segment is supplied under "co-pack"
arrangements between pasta manufacturers. These agreements involve the sale of
dry pasta products between pasta manufacturers in order to supply short-term
volume deficiencies such manufacturers suffer from time to time in meeting
customer requirements. Opportunities for co-pack arrangements have decreased in
recent periods due to the excess production capacity in the United States pasta
production industry. As described below, the Company's business involves co-pack
arrangements, although at a lower level than earlier in the Company's
operational history.

PRODUCTION AND PRODUCTS

The Company believes that its relationship with members provides a reliable
and consistent source of supply of milling-quality durum wheat. Pursuant to
Growers Agreements with the Company, the Company's members are obligated to
deliver durum wheat for the Company's use. The durum wheat is used in the
production of semolina which is then used by the Company to produce the
Company's dry pasta products. Upon delivery, the durum wheat is sampled,
weighed, precleaned and unloaded into the mill's grain silos. From the grain
silos, the durum wheat is preblended and conveyed into the mill's final mix
bins, which use electronic mass flow controllers for precision blending and flow
rate control. The wheat then proceeds to the cleaning and tempering sections of
the mill. In those sections of the process, foreign grains and weed seeds are
removed and the durum wheat is dampened to the optimum moisture level required
for milling. From the tempering bins, the cleaned and tempered durum wheat is
conveyed to the mill section of the Company's facilities, where grinding,
sifting and purifying is completed to produce a high quality semolina. In
addition to the semolina, five additional categories of product result from the
overall durum wheat milling and blending process: granulars, first clear (higher
grade) flour, second clear (lower grade) flour, semolina/durum wheat flour
blends, and millfeed. Millfeed and most second clear flour is sold primarily for
animal feed. Upon completion of the milling process, the Company's semolina,
first and second clear flour and mill feed are conveyed into bulk storage bins.

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From the semolina bulk bins, semolina is primarily conveyed to the Company's
pasta production semolina holding bins. (It may also be transferred to truck and
rail load-out bins for sale to other U.S. pasta manufacturers.) The first and
second clear flour is either blended with semolina and conveyed to pasta
production semolina holding bins or transferred to rail and truck load-out bulk
bins for sale to other users.

Pasta production is basically a mixing, extrusion and drying process.
Individual shapes are the result of extruding pasta "dough" through different
dies. Consistent monitoring and control is a key element in this process, which
begins with each production line receiving semolina from the holding bins. Each
pasta production line operates independently and produces either long or short
good items, the difference being in the way they are conveyed through the drying
operation. The long good items are conveyed while hanging on poles; the short
good items are conveyed on screens. Both processes utilize continuous ultra high
temperature dryers and coolers. The finished products are then collected in
storage silos and accumulators. The entire pasta production process is
controlled by programmable logic controllers located in control panels at the
beginning of each production line. This computer control system allows for all
of the production lines to be operated and monitored by one lead operator and an
assistant operator.

From the storage silos and accumulators, the finished dry pasta is conveyed
to various continuous box and film packaging machines. Dry pasta is packed to
meet different market segment and customer requirements. For example, macaroni
and cheese dinners are generally packed in 7 1/4 oz. boxes. All other pasta is
packed in containers ranging in size from 8 ounces to 2,000 pounds. The packaged
product is conveyed through metal detectors, check weighers and automatic case
packers. From the case packers, the case travels past jet print coders to a
palletizing and stretch wrapping operation.

The pasta products manufactured by the Company consist of over 80 different
shapes and are sold to customers in all market segments. In addition to the dry
pasta produced by the Company, the Company purchases less than 10 additional dry
pasta shapes from other manufacturers and resells them. This practice is widely
followed by many pasta manufacturers for efficiency reasons and allows
distribution of wider product lines to the Company's customers. Pasta products
purchased from other manufacturers historically has represented less than 3% of
the Company's total sales. With the acquisition of the assets comprising the
Company's Minnesota Division, outside purchases of pasta are expected to fall
below 1% of total sales.

In addition to its pasta products, the Company has in the past sold semolina
and durum wheat flour to other pasta manufacturers in bulk truckload or railcar
quantities. Such sales represented less than 4% of total net revenues in fiscal
year 1998. Given the Company's current need for all semolina it produces, the
Company does not anticipate having any semolina for sale until after completion
of the mill expansion project.

The cost of production of dry pasta is significantly impacted by changes in
durum wheat prices. The cost of milling quality durum wheat steadily increased
from the time the Company was organized and remained at high levels through
1996. A significant 1996 crop led to a reduction in prices in 1997, when the
1997 crop was significantly smaller and durum wheat prices increased. Worldwide,
many durum wheat producing areas are reporting a large crop for 1998, which has
led to lower durum wheat prices. This volatility with respect to the price of
the basic raw material for the Company's products leaves the Company subject to
wide variation in its costs from year to year. As a result, factors which impact
the size and quality of the durum wheat crop and the availability of such wheat
in the United States can have significant impact on the Company, and may have an
adverse impact. Those factors include such variables as the weather in the area
in which the Company's members reside, weather in other durum wheat production
areas in both the United States and other parts of the world, and import and
export policies and regulations.

Due to the intense competition present in the market for pasta products,
pasta manufacturers have generally been unable to implement price increases for
their dry pasta products in periods when higher

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durum wheat prices impacted the cost of pasta production. The Company believes
that such competition results primarily from excess production capacity in the
domestic pasta industry. Although Borden Pasta Division has closed five of its
ten manufacturing facilities in the past two years, some of those facilities
have remained in production under the ownership of other parties. Additional
industry capacity has been created through expansion programs followed by the
Company and American Italian Pasta Company and the establishment of new
production facilities by Barilla and other enterprises.

SALES, MARKETING AND CUSTOMERS

The Company markets its products through direct sales, supplemented by the
efforts of brokers retained by the Company. These brokers receive a commission
upon sale of the Company's products. Since its full operations began in 1994,
the Company's customer base for pasta products has continuously expanded. The
Company's pasta products are distributed on a broad basis throughout the U.S.
The Company does not directly export its pasta products, although several of its
customers have exported minor quantities. Within its pasta operation, the
Company has steadily reduced the level of concentration among its largest
customers. No one customer accounts for 10% or more of the Company's total
sales. The Company's top 10 customers accounted for 56% of total sales in fiscal
year 1997 and 48% in fiscal year 1998.

Sales in the Retail segment of the market represented approximately 55% of
the Company's pasta sales in fiscal year 1998, with sales to the Foodservice and
Ingredient markets representing about 25% and 20%, respectively. The current
distribution of the Company's sales reflects significant growth in the Company's
retail segment and modest growth in the Foodservice and Ingredients segments.

GROWERS AGREEMENT; DURUM DELIVERY SYSTEM

The durum wheat purchased and used in the Company's operations is obtained
through the delivery of grain pursuant to the Growers Agreements between the
Company and its members. The contractual obligations imposed on each member
under the Growers Agreement are intended to insure the availability of
sufficient quantities of durum wheat for use in the Company's processing
operations. A copy of the Growers Agreement will be provided with this
Prospectus and each prospective purchaser is urged to read the Growers Agreement
in its entirety.

The Growers Agreement is paired with ownership of the Equity Stock. For each
share of Equity Stock held, the member is obligated to delivery to the Company,
subject to adjustment as described below, one bushel of No. 1 hard amber U.S.
durum wheat. Delivery schedules have been established for three marketing
periods consisting of four months each during the fiscal year, with each member
given notice of the member's delivery obligation for the upcoming marketing
period. If a member sells or transfers Equity Stock, the member's obligations
under the Growers Agreement must also be assigned to the purchaser or
transferee. The term of the Growers Agreement is indefinite and may be
terminated by the member, effective upon the last day of a processing year, upon
not less than 18 months advance notice. The Company reserves the right to
terminate the Growers Agreement and a grower's membership if the member does not
comply with the obligations of the Agreement or if the member otherwise fails to
meet the criteria for membership in the Company. Upon the Company's termination
of a member's membership in the Company, the member will cease to have voting
rights and other rights of membership and the Growers Agreement will be
cancelled effective as of the following July 31. Until the effective date of
cancellation of the Growers Agreement, the member's obligation to deliver durum
wheat to the Company pursuant to the terms of the Growers Agreement executed by
the member will remain in effect.

The Company may, depending on the marketing needs of the Company, reduce on
a pro rata basis to all members the quantity of durum wheat to be delivered. For
fiscal year 1998, the delivery obligation was approximately one bushel per share
of Equity Stock owned.

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Effective August 1, 1998, the durum delivery system to the Company has been
modified to include deliveries made through Northern Grains Institute (NGI). NGI
administers the delivery arrangements and acts as each member's grain handling
and delivery agent for the purposes of satisfying that member's obligations
under the Growers Agreement. NGI is responsible for arranging the logistics of
durum deliveries and handling payment and accounting matters. Consistent with
Dakota Growers' policies and the Growers Agreement, NGI assigns each member a
delivery date by lottery for each of the three marketing periods, which are as
follows:

August 1--November 30; December 1--March 31; April 1--July 31

NGI acts only as the agent for the member, and the member retains the
economic risk and legal liability for such deliveries under the Growers
Agreement. Each member must agree to be bound by the Durum Pool Agreement among
the members of Dakota Growers Pasta Company and NGI. A copy of the Durum Pool
Agreement will be provided to each member along with the Growers Agreement.

In advance of each marketing period, NGI will invoice the members for the
price of the durum to be delivered in the members' names to Dakota Growers. The
member must make payment under the invoice in the amount indicated thereon,
which shall be equal to Dakota Growers' deduction for retainage on the durum to
be delivered, plus the per bushel transaction fee. Dakota Growers' deduction for
retainage is currently 10% of the projected pool price (the Growers Agreement
allows for retainage as high as 20%). For the current fiscal year, NGI will
charge a per bushel transaction fee of $.03 per bushel. This fee is refunded to
the member on the final settlement date (45 days after the close of each
marketing period) if the member sells and delivers under his own contract
milling quality durum to NGI in an amount equal to or exceeding his quota.

Upon the member's payment of the invoice, NGI will make delivery for the
member and receive on behalf of the member the initial payment from Dakota
Growers. Dakota Growers will pay directly to the members the amount of the
retainage on the settlement date 45 days after the marketing period, but only to
the extent that earnings provide necessary funds to make such payments and which
allow DGPC to remain in compliance with agreements with its lenders.

Members may make delivery to the NGI durum pool by contacting NGI and
arranging for a delivery date. Payment for such durum will be made at the Dakota
Growers' spot market price within 14 days of delivery.

COMPETITION

OVERVIEW

The markets for semolina/durum wheat flour and pasta are highly competitive
in most segments and geographic regions. In all, there are an estimated 60 to 65
significant plants in the U.S. which manufacture dry pasta. The intensity of
competition varies from time to time as a result of a number of factors,
including: (1) the degree of industry capacity utilization, (2) comparative
product distribution costs, (3) ability to render distinctive service to
customers, (4) the price of raw materials, parimarily durum wheat, and (5) a
distinguishing or unique ability to provide consistent product quality in line
with customer specifications. The Company believes that, in a broad sense, the
single most influential factor on the intensity of competitive conditions is
industry capacity utilization. (It should be noted that detailed information
regarding pasta production is somewhat difficult to obtain, as many pasta
producers are closely-held enterprises.)

PASTA

The pasta market is highly competitive and includes several well-established
enterprises. Those competitors are both independent companies and divisions or
subsidiaries of other, larger, food products companies. In addition, according
to United States government data, the overall U.S. pasta market has

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experienced rapid penetration by foreign suppliers, particularly in the last
three to four years. Those suppliers include Italian, Turkish and Mexican
enterprises.

Total domestic industry capacity, excluding self-supply capabilities within
the ingredient segment, is broadly estimated at over 3.8 billion pounds of pasta
per year. The Company's top competitors in the open market include Borden,
Hershey Pasta Group Division, AIPC, (including the long-term contract to produce
Muellers brand for Best Foods, Inc.), Philadelphia Macaroni Co. Inc., Barilla,
A. Zerega's Sons, Inc., and Gooch Foods (Archer Daniel Midland). Together with
the Company, these organizations represent in the aggregate in excess of 50% of
total industry production capacity and over 75% of the capacity excluding
self-supply. These companies market under their own labels and also supply
private label customers.

Industry changes will impact pasta market competition. In 1997, Borden
announced the closure of 5 of its 10 pasta plants and indicated that it planned
to exit the private label market, focusing on its branded label products.
Barilla, one of Italy's largest pasta marketers, is aggressively expanding its
branded label sales and is constructing a new pasta manufacturing facility in
Iowa.

Competition also comes from imported pasta, which represents approximately
12.5% of the total domestic market. The July, 1996 imposition of antidumping and
countervailing duties on certain imports from Italy and Turkey has had little
impact on pasta imports. Essentially flat from 1995 to 1996, imports were up
almost 4% in 1997 as the drop in imported pasta from Turkey was replaced by
increased imports from Mexico and Italy.

Approximately 25% of total domestic industry production capacity is
represented by the largest self-suppliers, which include Kraft, General Mills,
American Home Foods Products, Inc., Campbell Soup Co., Inc., ConAgra, Inc.,
Pillsbury and Stouffers Corp.

The Company markets in the retail area primarily as a private label
supplier. The Company's "Pasta Growers" label to date has most effectively
penetrated local area markets in the Dakotas and Minnesota, while "Zia Briosa"
is marketed through club stores on the west coast and its "Pasta Sanita" label
is sold in small niches ranging from Montana, Minnesota, Illinois and Ohio to
select markets in the northeast United States.

In the foodservice area, the Company also markets its pasta primarily as a
private label supplier, including sales to three of the largest foodservice
distributors in the country under their labels.

The Company focuses its ingredient marketing efforts on companies that do
not also manufacture the dry pasta ingredient for their end-products.

The Company sells most of its pasta under "purchase orders", whereby the
customer and the Company are not obligated for any pre-determined length of
time. Occasionally, a pricing commitment is agreed to with a term of one year or
less. In 1997, the Company and one of its major customers, U.S. Foodservice
(formerly JP Foodservice, Inc.), signed a long-term agreement including volume
and pricing commitments. The term of the agreement is through December 31, 2001.

The pasta manufacturing industry has experienced capacity changes and
restructuring in recent years. As indicated elsewhere herein, the Company
believes that current pasta production capacity exceeds the current demand for
pasta. The Company believes that certain competitors have elected to expand
production capacity in situations where those competitors have experienced
direct demand for their finished pasta products. In addition to the impact of
excess production capacity, the Company believes that price competition among
producers of branded pasta products has led to a reduction in the average price
of branded product. To the extent that the price differential between branded
pasta products and private label pasta products is less than in the past,
private label pasta products, such as those produced by the Company, will
experience greater competition than when the price differential is greater.

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SEMOLINA AND DURUM WHEAT FLOUR

Given the commodity nature of the market for semolina and durum flour, sales
volume is largely dependent on delivered price when adequate supply conditions
exist. Italgrani USA, Inc., Harvest States Cooperatives and Miller Milling all
have two or more active mills, and collectively are believed to represent more
than 60% of total domestic milling capacity; The Company's current milling
operation represents about 8% of total domestic milling capacity. Some of the
mills operated by the Company's competitors have established integrated pasta
production capabilities or have developed alliances with pasta manufacturers.
The Company believes that the integration of its milling and pasta production
facilities enables the Company to compete more effectively with those
competitors who also have integrated facilities.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION

TRADE POLICIES

The operations of the Company may be affected by governmental policies and
regulations, including those impacting the amount of durum wheat imported from
Canada and the volume of pasta imports.

Pricing policy actions by the Canadian Wheat Board may have resulted in
increased sales of Canadian durum wheat in the United States and lower durum
wheat prices. These actions have resulted in complaints from durum growers in
the United States, and a continuing dispute over possible restrictions on durum
wheat imports. If restrictions are implemented, it could impact both the milling
and pasta areas of the Company's business operations.

Lower durum wheat prices could ultimately lead to reduced pasta production
costs and provide opportunity for profit improvements for pasta manufacturers
without requiring price increases for finished pasta products, while higher
durum prices could trigger price increases or reduced margins dependent on the
industry capacity utilization and pasta import levels.

FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION REGULATION

As a producer of products intended for human consumption, the Company's
operations are subject to certain federal and state regulations, including
regulations promulgated by the United States Food and Drug Administration. The
Company believes that it is in material compliance with the applicable
regulatory requirements.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION

Dakota Growers is subject to extensive federal and state environmental laws
and regulations with respect to water and air quality, solid waste disposal and
odor and noise control. The Company conducts an on-going control program
designed to meet these environmental laws and regulations. There are no pending
regulatory enforcement actions and the Company believes that it is in
substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations.

The Company cannot predict whether future changes in environmental laws or
regulations might increase the cost of operating its facilities and conducting
its business. Any such changes could have adverse financial consequences for the
Company and its members.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

The Company relies on a combination of trade secret, and trademark law,
nondisclosure agreements and technical measures to establish and protect its
proprietary rights to its products and processes. The Company owns the following
trademarks that have been registered with the United States Patent and Trademark
Offices, the corporate logo, Dakota Growers Pasta Company-Registered Trademark-,
the design on its packaging, Pasta Growers-Registered Trademark- and Pasta
Sanita-Registered Trademark-. The Company also has a pending trademark
application for Zia Briosa-TM-.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

The Company supports research and development programs in North Dakota which
focus on improved varieties of durum wheat, including the Durum Education
Research and Marketing Committee

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and the activities of NGI. The Company, as part of its operations, maintains a
modern, well-equipped laboratory facility designed primarily to evaluate and
maintain high quality standards for incoming raw materials, ongoing product
manufacturing, and development of new pasta shapes.

EMPLOYEES

As of the date of this Prospectus, Dakota Growers had full-time
employees. Qualified full-time employees are provided health insurance, vacation
and holiday plans and are eligible to participate in the Company's 401(k)
savings plans. The Company considers its employee relations to be excellent.
Certain hourly employees at the recently acquired Minnesota Division facilities
are covered by collective bargaining agreements which expire June 30, 1999 and
December 1, 1999.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time and in the ordinary course of its business, the Company is
named as a defendant in legal proceedings related to various issues, including
worker's compensation claims, tort claims and contractual disputes. Other than
such routine litigation, the Company is not currently involved in any material
legal proceedings. In addition, the Company is not aware of other potential
claims which could result in the commencement of legal proceedings. The Company
carries insurance which provides protection against certain types of claims, up
to the policy limits of the Company's insurance.

PROPERTY AND PROCESSING FACILITIES

Dakota Growers operates a vertically integrated, state of the art durum
milling and pasta manufacturing plant in Carrington, North Dakota. The plant,
which became fully operational in January 1994 and has been expanded in 1996,
1997 and 1998, has the capacity to grind over seven million bushels of grain
each year. It has grain silos with a capacity to hold 370,000 bushels. The plant
has seven pasta production lines, three of which are operated as long goods
lines and four of which are short goods lines. The fourth short goods line was
added in July 1998. Electronic control scales are used throughout the facility
in order to continuously track production and yields. A central computer control
room allows one operator to monitor efficiently both the milling and the pasta
operations. Total dry pasta manufacturing capacity is 270 million pounds
annually. The Company owns the physical plant, and the land on which it is
located.

In early 1998, the Company acquired physical assets consisting of two pasta
production facilities and a distribution center located in the Minneapolis
metropolitan area. Those assets are operated as the Company's Minnesota
Division. The larger of the two production facilities, located in New Hope,
Minnesota, contains six production lines, capable of producing approximately 170
million pounds of dry pasta each year. The smaller production facility, located
in Minneapolis, Minnesota, contains four production lines and is capable of
producing approximately 30 million pound of dry pasta each year.

In order to support the expansion of its pasta manufacturing capabilities,
the Company is currently engaged in a major upgrade of its durum wheat grinding
and semolina milling facilities as well. The Company has launched an $11 million
capital improvements program for the milling portion of its Carrington, ND
plant, which is expected to be completed in February 1999. The expansion will
increase the Company's durum milling capacity from its current level of 20,000
bushels per day to approximately 40,000 bushels per day. In addition, the
expansion will include construction of additional grain storage silos, raising
the Company's on-site durum storage capacity from the present level of 370,000
bushels to 620,000 bushels. The Company expects that this expanded durum milling
capacity will be sufficient to supply the future semolina needs of both the
Carrington plant and the Minnesota Division facilities. As the Minnesota
Division must presently source its semolina flour on the open market, the
Company anticipates significant cost savings as the Company's increased durum
milling capacity permits the complete vertical integration of the Minnesota
Division facilities into the Company's operations.

In addition to these production facilities, the Company leases a warehousing
and distribution center in Fargo, North Dakota, and owns the Minnesota Division
distribution center in New Hope. These facilities are supplemented by various
public warehouses where inventory is maintained and redistributed for the needs
of specific customers.

27
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors consists of nine member-directors, each of whom
represents one of the nine geographic districts. Each Director is elected by
members residing in the district represented by the directors. Every three
years, the Bylaws require that the incumbent Board of Directors appoint a
redistricting committee to review the boundaries of the districts. The committee
will recommend any changes in the district boundaries necessary or appropriate
to maintain equitable representation of not more than a fifteen percent variance
of the number of members in each district. If the Board of Directors approves
the recommendations of the committee, the recommendation will be submitted to
the members for approval, rejection or modification. The next redistricting
review is scheduled to occur in calendar year 2000.

The table below sets forth certain information concerning the current
directors of the Company. The directors have been elected to serve three-year
terms expiring at the annual meeting in the calendar years indicated in the
table below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND ADDRESS AGE DISTRICT TERM EXPIRES
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- ------------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
John S. Dalrymple, III(1)(2) ............................................ 50 Cass-Barnes 2000
P.O. Box 220 Number 4
Casselton, ND 58012

Allyn K. Hart ........................................................... 59 Northeast 1999
RR 1, Box 61 Number 6
Wales, ND 58281

Roger A. Kenner(3) ...................................................... 49 Lake Region 2001
RR 2, Box 53 Number 8
Leeds, ND 58346

James F. Link ........................................................... 71 Southeast 2000
1304 4th Street North Number 3
Wahpeton, ND 58075

Eugene J. Nicholas(1)(2) ................................................ 53 North Central 2001
RR 1 Number 7
Cando, ND 58324

John D. Rice, Jr.(3) .................................................... 44 Durum Triangle 2000
RR 2, Box 104 Number 9
Maddock, ND 58348

Jeffrey O. Topp ......................................................... 39 South Central 2001
RR 1, Box 23 Number 2
Grace City, ND 58445

Curtis R. Trulson(1)(2) ................................................. 46 Western 1999
RR 1, Box 62 Number 1
Ross, ND 58776

Michael E. Warner(1)(2) ................................................. 48 East Central 1999
RR 2, Box 119 Number 5
Hillsboro, ND 58045
</TABLE>

- ------------------------

(1) Member of Compensation Committee

(2) Member of Audit Committee

(3) Mr. Kenner and Mr. Rice are first cousins.

28
<PAGE>
JOHN S. DALRYMPLE III. Mr. Dalrymple has been chairman of the board of
directors of the Company since 1991. He has been a state representative since
1984. Mr. Dalrymple also is Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and
Chairman of the Budget Section of the North Dakota House of Representatives. Mr.
Dalrymple also serves on the board of directors of United Spring Wheat
Processors and the U.S. Durum Growers Association. He has been a farmer in the
Casselton area since 1971. He received a bachelor of arts in American Studies
from Yale University.

ALLYN K. HART. Mr. Hart has been a director of the Company since 1991. He
has been a farmer in the Cavalier area since 1961. He is secretary and a member
of the board of directors of Cavalier County Job Development Authority. Mr. Hart
also serves on the board of directors of Maple Manor Nursing Home. Mr. Hart
received a bachelor of science from North Dakota State University.

ROGER A. KENNER. Mr. Kenner has been a director of the Company since 1991.
He is the State Chairman of the North Dakota Simmental Association. He also
serves on the board of directors of North Dakota State University President's
Advisory Council and the North Dakota Certified Seed Producer. He has been a
farmer in Leeds since 1964. Mr. Kenner received a bachelor of science in 1971
from North Dakota State University.

JAMES F. LINK. Mr. Link has been a director of the Company since 1991. Mr.
Link has served on the boards of directors of Farm Credit and Minn-Dak Farmers
Cooperative. Mr. Link served on the Pro-Gold Corn Plan Development Committee. He
has been a farmer in the Wahpeton area since 1947.

EUGENE J. NICHOLAS. Mr. Nicholas has been a director of the Company since
1991. Mr. Nicholas has been a state representative since 1974. He serves as
chairman of the North Dakota House of Representatives Agriculture Committee. Mr.
Nicholas also serves on the boards of directors of the U.S. Durum Growers
Association, Towner County Bank, Cando, and the Durum Triangle Economic
Development Committee. Mr. Nicholas received a bachelor of science in Business
Economics from North Dakota State University.

JOHN D. RICE, JR. Mr. Rice is the vice chairman of the board of directors
of the Company and has been a director of the Company since 1991. Mr. Rice
currently serves on the board of directors of the National Bank, Harvey, N.D.,
and as clerk of the Educational Trust. He also served on the boards of directors
of National Pasta Association and U.S. Durum Growers Association. Mr. Rice also
serves as a trustee for Maddock Zion Lutheran Church. He has been a farmer in
the Maddock area since 1968. Mr. Rice received an associate of science in
agricultural economics from North Dakota State University.

JEFFREY O. TOPP. Mr. Topp has been a director of the Company since 1991. He
is also president of the Eddy County Agriculture Improvement Association. He is
a partner of T-T Ranch. He has been a farmer in the Grace City area since 1978.

CURTIS R. TRULSON. Mr. Trulson has been secretary/treasurer of the Board of
Directors and a director of the Company since 1991. He serves on the board of
directors of the North Dakota Grain Growers Association and previously served on
the board of directors of the National Association of Wheat Growers. He has been
a farmer in Mountrail County, North Dakota, since 1975. Mr. Trulson received a
bachelor of science in Business Administration from the University of North
Dakota.

MICHAEL E. WARNER. Mr. Warner has been a director of the Company since
1992. Mr. Warner has been a farmer since 1967 and is currently owner/operator of
Mike Warner Farm near Hillsboro, North Dakota. Mr. Warner is chairman of the
board of directors of United Spring Wheat Processors and Northern Plains
Consortium, a regional development group. He also serves on the boards of
directors of Warner Equipment Co., and Meritcare Health Systems of Fargo, North
Dakota. Mr. Warner received a bachelor of science in pharmacy from North Dakota
State University.

29
<PAGE>
DIRECTORS COMPENSATION

The Board of Directors meets monthly. The Company provides its directors
with minimal compensation, consisting of (i) a per diem payment of $200 (except
for the Chairman who receives $250 per day) for any day on which a director
undertakes activities on the Company's behalf, including board meetings and
other Company functions, (ii) a monthly fee of $450, and (iii) reimbursement for
out-of-pocket expenses incurred on behalf of the Company.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The table below lists the principal officers of the Company. Officers are
elected annually by the Board of Directors.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
- -------------------------------- --- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Timothy J. Dodd................. 43 President and General Manager
Gary E. Mackintosh.............. 46 Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Susan M. Clemens................ 37 Vice President, Human Resources and Administration
James D. Cochran................ 31 Vice President, Supply Chain
Thomas P. Friezen............... 39 Vice President, Finance
Maurice D. Hanson............... 52 Vice President, Logistics
Radwan Ibrahim.................. 54 Vice President, Quality Assurance
John C. Lawrie.................. 48 Vice President, Operations (Minnesota)
David E. Tressler............... 44 Vice President, Operations (North Dakota)
</TABLE>

TIMOTHY J. DODD. Mr. Dodd is the President and General Manager of the
Company. Prior to joining the Company in December 1991, he had been since 1988
the vice president of manufacturing of the American Italian Pasta Co., a durum
milling and pasta production company located in Missouri. He received a bachelor
of science in Milling Science and Management from Kansas State University.

GARY E. MACKINTOSH. Mr. Mackintosh has been Executive Vice President--Sales
and Marketing since August 1, 1998. Mr. Mackintosh has served as Vice
President--Sales from 1996 to 1998 and General Manager of Sales from 1991 to
1995. From 1988 to 1991 he was director of retail sales at American Italian
Pasta Co. From 1978 to 1988 he was regional sales manager for The Prince
Company, a pasta manufacturer. He received a bachelor of business in
administration from The Barney School, University of Hartford, Connecticut.

SUSAN M. CLEMENS. Ms. Clemens has been Vice President--Human Resources and
Administration since February 20, 1998. From August 1997 to February 1998, she
was Vice President of Human Resources and Administration at Primo Piatto, Inc.
Ms. Clemens was Senior Human Resources Manager at Borden Foods from January 1993
to August 1997. Ms. Clemens also is a director of U-Ship, Inc. and Faribault
Woolen Mills. Ms Clemens has a bachelor's degree in business and education from
the University of Wisconsin--Stout.

JAMES D. COCHRAN. Mr. Cochran has been Vice President--Supply Chain since
February 20, 1998. From 1997 to 1998, he was Vice President of New Business
Development at Primo Piatto, Inc. Mr. Cochran held various positions with Borden
Foods from 1990 to 1996, most recently as Materials Manager. Mr. Cochran has a
bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering from Purdue University and
a masters degree in manufacturing engineering from the University of St. Thomas,
St. Paul, Minnesota.

THOMAS P. FRIEZEN. Mr. Friezen joined the Company in April 1995 as Vice
President--Finance. From September 1991 to April 1995 he was the Accounting
Supervisor at Arizona Electric Power Cooperative, an electricity generation and
transmission company. Prior to that Mr. Friezen was the Accounting Manager

30
<PAGE>
at Williston Basin Interstate Pipeline, a natural gas transmission company. He
received a bachelor of science in accounting from University of Mary, Bismarck,
North Dakota and is a certified public accountant.

MAURICE D. HANSON. Mr. Hanson has been with the Company since 1993. From
1989 to 1991, he was plant manager for American Italian Pasta Company. Before
that, Mr. Hanson worked for various food manufacturers for nine years as Traffic
Manager. He received his bachelor of science degree in business from Valley City
State University, North Dakota.

RADWAN IBRAHIM. Mr. Ibrahim has been Vice President--Quality Assurance
since February 20, 1998. From August 1997 to February 1998, he served as Chief
Technical Officer and Vice President of Primo Piatto, Inc. Mr. Ibrahim also was
Group Quality Control Manager at Borden Foods from 1992 to 1997. Mr. Ibrahim
received a bachelor of science degree in food science and a masters degree in
cereal technology from Alexandria University, Egypt and holds a Ph.D. degree in
cereal chemistry from North Dakota State.

JOHN C. LAWRIE. Mr. Lawrie, Vice President--Operations (Minnesota
facilities) since February 28, 1998, has over 25 years experience in the food
industry, with the last 16 years in the pasta industry. He spent 13 years as a
plant manager with Borden before organizing the management buy-out of the New
Hope and Minneapolis pasta plants from Borden in 1997. He received his Bachelor
of Science degree from Edinburgh University in Scotland.

DAVID E. TRESSLER. Mr. Tressler, currently Vice President--Operations
(Carrington facilities) joined the Company in February 1992 as a Project
Engineer. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Tressler worked as a director of
engineering at American Italian Pasta Comany, where he was responsible for
monitoring the completion of the initial pasta plant. From 1977 to 1988 he was
plant engineer at International Multi-Foods, Inc. He received a bachelor of
science degree in Industrial Engineering from Iowa State University at Ames,
Iowa.

31
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The following table summarizes the amount of compensation paid to the
Company's President and General Manager and each of the Company's most
highly-compensated officers officers for services rendered to the Company during
the fiscal year ended July 31, 1998 and the two prior fiscal years.

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
AWARDS
ANNUAL COMPENSATION ---------------
---------------------------------------- SECURITIES
FISCAL OTHER ANNUAL UNDERLYING
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION(1) OPTIONS
- ------------------------------------------------- --------- ---------- --------- ----------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Timothy J. Dodd ................................. 1998 $ 167,692 $ 56,561 $ 5,203 506
President and General Manager 1997 145,577 1,531 1,907 3,413
1996 120,000 1,426 1,800 --
Gary E. Mackintosh .............................. 1998 133,462 16,531 2,882 338
Executive Vice President--Sales and Marketing 1997 97,153 6,720 328 760
1996 72,038 14,800 332 --
Thomas P. Friezen ............................... 1998 103,519 14,531 4,232 169
Vice President, Finance 1997 75,715 1,531 757 542
1996 77,473 1,572 60 --
David E. Tressler ............................... 1998 91,454 21,226 1,198 --
Vice President, Operations 1997 78,728 31,226 1,820 --
(North Dakota) 1996 79,560 1,126 1,564 --
John C. Lawrie(2) ............................... 1998 46,891 -- 1,934 --
Vice President, Operations 1997 -- -- -- --
(Minnesota) 1996 -- -- -- --
</TABLE>

- ------------------------

(1) Includes the Company's 401(k) matching contribution and with respect to Mr.
Dodd, Mr. Mackintosh and Mr. Friezen the taxable portion of reimbursable
business expenses.

(2) Mr. Lawrie joined the Company in February, 1998 in connection with the Primo
acquisition.

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to stock
options granted to the named executive officers during the fiscal year ended
July 31, 1998.

OPTION GRANTS IN FISCAL YEAR 1998

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
VALUE AT ASSUMED
PREFERRED ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK
SHARES PERCENT PRICE APPRECIATION
UNDERLYING OF TOTAL EXERCISE FOR OPTION TERM(1)
OPTIONS OPTIONS PRICE EXPIRATION ---------------------
NAME GRANTED GRANTED ($/SH) DATE 5% 10%
- ------------------------------------------ ------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Timothy J. Dodd........................... 506 50% $ 150 1/1/2008 $ 48,576 $ 120,934
Gary E. Mackintosh........................ 338 33% $ 150 1/1/2008 32,448 80,782
Thomas P. Friezen......................... 169 17% $ 150 1/1/2008 16,224 40,391
David E. Tressler......................... -- -- -- -- -- --
John C. Lawrie............................ -- -- -- -- -- --
</TABLE>

- ------------------------

(1) The amounts shown as potential realizable value illustrate what might be
realized upon exercise immediately prior to expiration of the option term
using the 5% and 10% appreciation rates established in SEC regulations,
compounded annually. The potential realizable value is not intended to
predict future appreciation of the price of the Equity Stock. The values
shown do not consider nontransferability or termination of the unexercisable
options upon termination of such employee's service relationship with the
Company.

32
<PAGE>
The following table summarizes the total number of options held at the end
of fiscal year 1998 by the named executive officers. No options were granted or
exercised in fiscal 1998.

AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN FISCAL YEAR 1998 AND
FISCAL YEAR END OPTION VALUES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
NUMBER OF SECURITIES IN-THE-MONEY
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED OPTIONS AT JULY 31,
OPTIONS AT JULY 31, 1998 1998(1)
--------------------------- --------------------------
NAME EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ---------------------------------------------------------- ---------- --------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Timothy J. Dodd........................................... 2,000 1,919 $ 160,000 $ 128,220
Gary E. Mackintosh........................................ 1,098 -- $ 70,940 --
Thomas P. Friezen......................................... 711 -- $ 48,430 --
David E. Tressler......................................... -- -- -- --
John C. Lawrie............................................ -- -- -- --
</TABLE>

- ------------------------

(1) There is no public trading market for the Company's securities. The values
have been calculated assuming the conversion of each preferred share into 24
shares of Equity Stock and based on the assumed offering price of $7.50 per
Share less the option exercise price (before the payment of applicable
taxes.)

COMPENSATION PLANS

On January 31, 1997 the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors
(the "Compensation Committee") adopted the Dakota Growers Incentive Stock Option
Plan (the "Plan"). The purpose of the Plan is to provide benefits to
participants in the form of additional compensation for services which have been
or will be rendered as an inducement for continuing as employees of the Company.
The Plan was ratified by the members at the annual meeting in January 1998.

The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation
Committee or the Board of Directors has the power to determine the key
management employees of the Company to receive options and the number of shares
to be optioned to each of the employees.

Options granted under the Plan are for the purchase of Series C Convertible
Preferred Stock at fair market value, convertible into Equity Stock at the
option of the employee, under the applicable conversion ratio. The maximum
number of preferred shares which may be issued pursuant to options granted under
the Plan is fifteen thousand (15,000). Each share of Series C Preferred Stock
carries a non-cumulative dividend of 6% per annum. Under the terms of the Plan,
the option price may not be less than the fair market value of the Series C
Preferred Stock at the time the option is granted. To date no options have been
exercised or converted.

The conversion ratio with respect to each of the options is 24 shares of
Equity Stock for each share of Series C Preferred Stock after adjustment for the
3-for-2 stock split declared effective August 1, 1997. The conversion ratio is
proportionately adjusted if the Company increases the outstanding shares of
Equity Stock without the payment of consideration by the members for such
additional shares (e.g. stock split, stock dividend or other action).

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Each of the Company's directors is also an agricultural producer and a
member of the Company. By virtue of their membership status and ownership of
Equity Stock, each director is obligated to deliver durum wheat to the Company.
The Company makes payments to each director for such deliveries and the payments
often exceed $60,000. However, the amount and terms of the payments received by
the directors (or the entities they represent) are made on exactly the same
basis as those received by other members of

33
<PAGE>
the Company for the delivery of their durum wheat. Except for durum wheat sales,
none of the directors or executive officers of the Company have engaged in any
other transactions with the Company involving amounts in excess of $60,000.

PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

Since the Company is a cooperative with voting rights arising from ownership
of a share of Membership Stock, each member has equal voting rights of one vote
per member. No director or officer owns beneficially more than .65% of the
Company's issued and outstanding Membership Stock; the directors as a group
beneficially own approximately 2.3% of the issued and outstanding Membership
Stock. With regard to the Equity Stock, no director or officer owns beneficially
more than 3.5% of the issued and outstanding shares. The directors, as a group,
beneficially own approximately 8.7% of the Company's issued and outstanding
Equity Stock.

34
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

AUTHORIZED AND OUTSTANDING STOCK

Dakota Growers is authorized to issue 2,000 shares of Membership Stock with
a par value of $125 per share, 25,000,000 shares of Equity Stock with a par
value of $2.50 per value per share, and 50,000 shares of Preferred Stock with a
par value of $100 per share. As of the date of this Prospectus, 1,101 shares of
Membership Stock, 7,356,059 shares of Equity Stock, and 25,563 shares of
Preferred Stock are issued and outstanding.

Pursuant to the Company's Bylaws, by becoming a member of the cooperative,
the member acknowledges that the terms and provisions of the Articles of
Association and Bylaws and any reasonable policies, rules and regulations
adopted by the Board of Directors constitute a contract between the Company and
each member. This provision reflects decisions of the North Dakota Supreme Court
regarding the contractual relationship between a cooperative and its members. As
a result of the court decision and the applicable provisions of the Bylaws, the
relationship between the Company and its members is as if each member had
individually signed a separate document containing the terms and provisions of
the articles, Bylaws and all policies, rules, and regulations adopted by the
Company's Board of Directors. As a result, either the Company or a member would
have the ability to bring a claim for breach of contract if the other party were
to violate the terms of the various instruments constituting the contract
between the Company and its members.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR SHARE OWNERSHIP

Ownership of both Membership Stock and Equity Stock is restricted to
producers of agricultural products in the territory in which the Company is
engaged in business. All members of the Company must execute a Growers Agreement
and agree to abide by the Company's Bylaws and rules and policies of uniform
application.

Pursuant to the Company's governing documents, a stockholder's membership in
the Company automatically terminates upon ceasing to be a producer of
agricultural products or upon failing to patronize the Company for thirteen
consecutive calendar months. In addition, membership in the Company may be
terminated for cause, by action of the Board of Directors, provided the member
has an opportunity to appear before the Board and be heard. Written notice and a
statement of the alleged cause for a proposed termination of membership must be
mailed to the member at least ten days before the directors' meeting at which
the proposed termination is to be decided. "Cause" includes intentional or
repeated breach of the Bylaws, rules or regulations of the Company or failure to
make timely payment of debts to the Company, breach of any contract between the
member and the Company, and other causes determined by the Board of Directors in
the exercise of honest and good faith business judgment. Whether a membership is
subject to termination for breach of a contract may be determined by the Board
of Directors without regard to the commencement or outcome of any litigation
arising from the contract.

Upon termination of membership in the Company, a member will cease to have
voting rights and other rights of membership. However, loss of membership rights
will not relieve a member of the member's obligation to deliver durum wheat to
the Company pursuant to the terms of the Growers Agreement executed by the
member or excuse a terminated member from performing any other obligations under
a contract between the Company and the terminated member. The Growers Agreement
remains in effect until the July 31 next following the termination of
membership. The Company has no obligation to repurchase the Membership Stock or
Equity Stock of a member determined to be ineligible as a member.

35
<PAGE>
MEMBERSHIP STOCK

No member may own more than one share of Membership Stock. Only holders of a
share of Membership Stock are entitled to vote for the election of directors and
on other matters relating to the management and affairs of the Company
determined by shareholders. Each member has an equal vote on all matters,
including the election of directors (but only the director representing the
member's district), regardless of the volume of business done with Dakota
Growers or the number of shares of Equity Stock owned. One director is elected
from each of the Company's nine districts by the members voting in each such
district. The Company's Articles of Association prohibit the payment of
dividends on Membership Stock.

The Board of Directors may, by resolution, determine that a member is no
longer eligible for membership. Upon such termination, the member will cease to
have voting rights and other rights of membership. The Company has no obligation
to repurchase the Membership Stock of a grower determined to be ineligible as a
member. In addition, the Board of Directors may recall the Equity Stock or
retire any accumulated patronage capital.

The Company's Bylaws allow members to transfer shares of Membership Stock
upon approval by the Company's Board of Directors. However, the Company's
practice is to redeem the member's share of Membership Stock for its par value
and then issue the transferee a new share of Membership Stock upon payment of
the par value.

EQUITY STOCK

Ownership of shares of Equity Stock entitles and obligates a member to
deliver durum wheat (one bushel for each share owned) to the Company. The Board
may, depending on the marketing needs of the Company, reduce on a pro rata basis
to all members the quantity of durum wheat to be delivered. Shares of Equity
Stock have no voting rights. The Company has no obligation to repurchase the
Equity Stock of a grower found to be ineligible for continued membership.

Noncumulative dividends on the Equity Stock of not greater than six percent
(6%) of the par value of the Equity Stock may be fixed and declared by the Board
of Directors. To date, the Board of Directors has not declared the payment of
any cash dividends, other than patronage.

Patronage is based on the net proceeds of the Company, excluding certain
reserves, and is distributed and credited to patrons who are members of the
Company in accordance with the ratio by which their patronage bears to total
patronage. At least once annually, the Board of Directors determines and
allocates patronage which is equal to net income of the Company resulting from
members' business. In order for the Company to deduct the dividend for tax
purposes, the Company must pay 20% of the patronage in cash. In addition to the
20%, the Board may pay out as much as is prudent after establishing reasonable
and necessary reserves. Any amounts not distributed in cash are credited to the
patronage equity accounts of patrons who are members of the Company, in
accordance with the ratio by which their patronage bears to total patronage, and
are referred to as patronage equity credits. The Board of Directors, in its
absolute discretion, taking action pursuant to reasonable policies of uniform
application, may determine the manner of distribution and payment of patronage,
which may be in cash, credits, certificates of interest, revolving fund
certificates, letters of advice, promissory notes, or other certificates or
securities of the Company or of other associations or cooperatives, in other
property, or in any combination thereof.

Pursuant to the Bylaws, shares of Equity Stock are subject to assessment
solely for the purpose of payment of any debt of the Company incurred under a
contract specifically providing for assessment of the members' Equity Stock as a
source of funds to pay the debt after default by the Company. However, shares of
Equity Stock are not subject to assessment after the Equity Stock has attained a
market value exceeding book value. Currently, based on the limited information
available to the Company with respect to transfers

36
<PAGE>
of the Company's Equity Stock in the limited, private market for such Equity
Stock, the Company believes that the Equity Stock has a transfer price that
exceeds book value. Moreover, the Company included the assessment provision in
its Bylaws at the request of a lender. The loan with which the provision was
associated has been restructured and the Company currently is not a party to any
contract containing a provision which would trigger the ability of the Company
to levy an assessment on shares of Equity Stock.

PREFERRED STOCK

Preferred Stock may be held by persons who are not members of the Company.
Preferred stockholders have no voting rights or other rights of membership. The
Company's Articles of Association provide that the Board of Directors may fix
and declare noncumulative annual dividends of not greater than six percent (6%)
of the par value ($100) of the Preferred Stock. The preferred stockholders are
not entitled to participate in the profits of the Company, beyond the fixed
dividends. The Company has issued three separate series of Preferred Stock.

SERIES A PREFERRED STOCK

On October 28, 1992, the Company issued to the North Dakota Future Fund
7,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock at par value of $100 per share for a
total purchase price of $700,000. The Future Fund is the only holder of Series A
Preferred Stock. Under the Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement between the
Company and the North Dakota Future Fund, the Series A shares carry a six
percent (6%) per annum dividend accrued from the date of issuance and payable
upon declaration of the Board of Directors. On August 1, 1995, all accrued
dividends were due and payable, and annual dividends shall be paid on each
August 1st thereafter. On August 1, 1995, the Company paid to the Future Fund
accrued and unpaid dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock in a total amount
of $117,166.67. Dividends on the Preferred Stock have a preference over
dividends on the Equity Stock and issuance of any patronage dividends.

By Agreement dated August 26, 1995, the Company agreed to repurchase the
Series A Preferred Stock owned by the Future Fund. Under this Agreement, the
Company is obligated to repurchase 500 shares at the beginning of each quarter
of the Company's fiscal year, commencing on November 1, 1995, and concluding on
February 1, 1999. In addition, the Company must pay accrued and unpaid dividends
at six percent (6%) per annum with each installment payment. The Company, at its
discretion, may increase the number of shares repurchased at any quarterly
installment. The Company may postpone quarterly repurchases under either of the
following conditions:

i. The equity level of the Company falls below a level acceptable to
the St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives; or

ii. The Company submits a letter of explanation to the Future Fund
stating the business reason why the Company must postpone the scheduled
repurchase period.

SERIES B PREFERRED STOCK

There are 1,525 shares of Series B Preferred Stock issued and outstanding.
Holders of Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive, when and as
declared by the Board of Directors from the funds legally available, cash
dividends at the rate of $2.00 per share per annum computed from the issue date,
payable on such dates as determined by the Board of Directors. Dividends on the
Series B Preferred Stock shall not accumulate if not declared by the Board of
Directors. To date, the Board of Directors has not declared any dividends.

Since August 1, 1997, the holders of Series B Preferred Shares have been
entitled to require the Company to redeem all or any portion of such shares for
$100 per share plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends to the date fixed for
redemption.

37
<PAGE>
SERIES D CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK

As partial consideration for the acquisition of all of the shares of Primo
Piatto, Inc., the Company issued a total of 23,038 shares of Series D
Convertible Preferred Stock with certain registration rights. Each share of the
Series D Preferred Stock carries a non-cumulative dividend of 6% per annum,
calculated on the $100 par value of such stock. The non-cumulative dividend is
to be declared and paid each year prior to distribution by the Company of any
dividend or patronage distribution payable to the Company's members; the
dividend with respect to the Series D preferred shares also have priority over
dividends to be paid on the Series B Preferred Stock.

Each share of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock is convertible into ten
shares of the Company's Equity Stock; each holder may exercise his or her
conversion rights by providing written notice of the desire to convert such
Preferred Stock into Equity Stock at least 45 days prior to the end of the then
current marketing period. The conversion ratio with respect to the Series D
Convertible Preferred Stock is to be proportionately adjusted in the event of
certain stock splits and stock consolidations.

SALE AND TRANSFER OF SHARES

There is a very limited, private market for the Equity Stock and no market
for the Membership Stock. Any transfer of Equity Stock must be to a current
member or a grower eligible for membership in the Company. Membership Stock,
Equity Stock and Preferred Stock may not be transferred without the consent of
the Company's Board of Directors.

DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS UPON DISSOLUTION

The Company's Articles of Association establish the following order and
priority for distribution of the Company's assets upon dissolution, each
category to be satisfied in full before any distribution is made to the next:
first, all debts and liabilities of the Company must be paid; second, the par
value of the Preferred Stock must be returned; third, the par value of Equity
Stock shall be paid; fourth, all patronage and other credits shall be paid;
fifth, the par value of Membership Stock shall be paid; sixth, remaining
property and assets of the Company are then to be distributed among the equity
shareholders in proportion to the Equity Stock held by each member.

AMENDMENTS TO BYLAWS

The Company's Bylaws may be amended by a majority of shareholders present at
any regular or special meeting at which a quorum is present. The notice of such
meeting must contain a summary of the proposed amendment. The Board of Directors
may also amend the Bylaws, except those provisions relating to their
compensation, but any such amendments are subject to confirmation by the
membership at the next regular or special membership meeting.

UNIT RETAINS AND ALLOCATED PATRONAGE

Under the terms of the Growers Agreement and the Company's Bylaws, the
Company is authorized to retain a portion of the payments otherwise due to its
members for their durum delivered to the Company. This is called a "unit
retain." In the event a member is terminated, but still has obligations to
deliver durum wheat pursuant to the terms of the Growers Agreement, the Company
cannot withhold any amounts as unit retains. The Company's Board of Directors
may set annually the unit retain to be applied to all members on a uniform
basis. Any such unit retain is considered membership equity, and may be redeemed
by the Company through future payments of cash to the members. Under IRS
guidelines, the Company has the option to treat the unit retains as taxable at
the cooperative level or to treat the unit retains as nontaxable by declaring
the unit retains as "qualified." Qualified unit retains are taxable to the
member in the member's tax year of notification. When a qualified per unit
retain is reimbursed or "revolved" in the form of a cash payment to the member,
the member reports no additional income,

38
<PAGE>
having already paid tax on the whole amount in the year of declaration. Unit
retains do not contain a minimum cash payment requirement to qualify for this
tax treatment.

The Company may pay patronage dividends in the form of qualified written
notices of allocation of patronage earnings to the members, based on each
member's patronage business with the Company. Under federal tax law, to
constitute a qualified written notice of allocation, the Company must pay to the
member at least 20% of the allocation in cash. However, the entire amount of the
qualified patronage allocation is taxable income to the member.

TAX TREATMENT

As a cooperative, Dakota Growers is not taxed on amounts withheld from its
members in the form of qualified unit retains, patronage dividends, or on the
amounts distributed to its members in the form of payments for durum wheat.
Consequently, such amounts are taxed only at the member level. However,
allocation by the Board of Directors of nonqualified unit retains and patronage
dividends are taxable to the cooperative when allocated. Upon revolvement of the
nonqualified unit retains and patronage dividends, the amount is deductible to
the Company and taxable at the member level.

Income derived by Dakota Growers from non-member business is not entitled to
the "single tax" benefit of Subchapter T and is taxed to the cooperative at
corporate income tax rates. For the fiscal years ended July 31, 1997 and 1998,
Dakota Growers experienced approximately a $357,000 loss and $577,000 loss,
respectively, from its non-member business.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

The Company is offering and selling the Membership Stock and Equity Stock
without the assistance of any underwriter or agent. Instead, certain of the
Company's officers and directors will be responsible for completing the offer
and sale of the Membership Stock and Equity Stock. Such officers will not
receive any compensation or special remuneration for such activities, other than
their normal compensation as employees or directors of the Company. The offering
will be completed in three pools. Each member of the Company of record as of
December 1, 1998 will have the right to purchase one share of Equity Stock for
each two shares of Equity Stock owned as of that date. (If a member owns an odd
number of Shares, his right to purchase will be rounded up to the next whole
share of Equity Stock. The Company will not issue any fractional shares.) The
availability of Shares to members pursuant to that right is referred to as "Pool
1". Each member, at the time he or she subscribes for Shares in Pool 1, may also
subscribe for an unlimited number of additional Shares by completing the
appropriate subscription materials and paying the subscription price for the
additional Shares. To the extent that all shares of Equity Stock offered are not
sold in Pool 1, the remaining Shares will be classified as part of "Pool 2".
Each member who has requested shares of Equity Stock in addition to those
subscribed for in Pool 1 will be entitled to acquire Shares in Pool 2, if Shares
become part of Pool 2. To the extent that Pool 2 does not contain an adequate
number of shares of Equity Stock to satisfy all subscriptions, the available
Shares will be allocated pro rata, based on the aggregate number of Shares
available and the number of Shares requested by each member. Subscription
materials with respect to Shares in Pool 1 and Pool 2 must be postmarked no
later than January 6, 1999. If all shares of Equity Stock are not purchased in
Pool 1 or Pool 2, the remaining Shares will be classified as "Pool 3" Shares.
Shares of Equity Stock in Pool 3 may be purchased by qualified agricultural
producers who are not currently members of the Company. Subscription materials,
including payment of the subscription price for shares to be purchased in Pool
3, must be postmarked no later than February 28, 1999.

39
<PAGE>
The subscription price for Shares to be purchased in Pool 1 must be paid by
check payable to "Dakota Growers Pasta Company"; those amounts will, upon
acceptance of each subscription by the Company's Board of Directors, become the
assets of the Company and be immediately available for use in the Company's
operations. The subscription price for shares to be purchased in Pool 2 and Pool
3 must be paid by check payable to "Dakota Growers Pasta Company Escrow
Account". All proceeds received from subscribers in Pool 3 will be placed in
escrow with First American Bank West, Carrington, North Dakota.

The Company has the sole discretion to accept or reject any subscriptions
for Equity Stock. If the Company does not accept a subscription, the Company
will return any payment for shares not issued to the subscriber, without
interest or deduction. As described in "Description of Capital Stock," each
prospective purchaser of Membership Stock and Equity Stock must also satisfy the
requirements for membership in the Company contained in the Company's Articles
of Association and Bylaws.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the shares of Membership Stock and Equity Stock offered
hereby and certain other matters will be passed upon for the Company by Doherty,
Rumble & Butler P.A., St. Paul, Minnesota.

EXPERTS

The financial statements of the Company as of July 31, 1997 and 1998,
appearing in this Prospectus and Registration Statement, have been audited by
Eide Bailly LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon, and
are included in reliance upon the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.

40
<PAGE>
DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
-----
<S> <C>
Report of Independent Auditors............................................................................. F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheet................................................................................. F-3

Consolidated Statements of Operations...................................................................... F-5

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Members' Investment.................................................. F-6

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows...................................................................... F-7

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................................................................. F-8
</TABLE>

F-1
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To the Members of
Dakota Growers Pasta Company
Carrington, North Dakota

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Dakota
Growers Pasta Company (a North Dakota Cooperative) as of July 31, 1998, and
1997, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in members'
investments and cash flows for the years ended July 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996.
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated
financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
consolidated financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Dakota
Growers Pasta Company as of July 31, 1998, and 1997, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for the years ended July 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996,
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ Eide Bailly LLP

Fargo, North Dakota
September 3, 1998

F-2
<PAGE>
DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

JULY 31, 1998 AND 1997

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE INFORMATION)

ASSETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents................................................................ $ 182 $ 5
---------- ---------
Receivables:
Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for cash discounts and doubtful accounts of
$174 and $218........................................................................ 13,404 8,048
Other receivable....................................................................... 742 239
---------- ---------
Total receivables.................................................................. 13,146 8,287
---------- ---------
Inventories.............................................................................. 21,935 8,700
---------- ---------
Prepaid expenses......................................................................... 3,915 536
---------- ---------
Total current assets............................................................... 39,178 17,528
---------- ---------
Property and equipment:
In service............................................................................. 89,270 51,450
Construction in process................................................................ 5,463 5,709
Accumulated depreciation and amortization.............................................. (13,596) (8,635)
---------- ---------
Net property and equipment......................................................... 81,137 48,524
---------- ---------
Investment in St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives............................................. 2,086 1,804
---------- ---------
Other assets............................................................................. 2,136 883
---------- ---------
Total assets....................................................................... $ 124,537 $ 68,739
---------- ---------
---------- ---------
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements

F-3
<PAGE>
DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (CONTINUED)

JULY 31, 1998 AND 1997

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE INFORMATION)

LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' INVESTMENT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Current liabilities:
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt...................................... $ 4,033 $ 2,634
Accounts payable......................................................................... 5,748 3,432
Excess outstanding checks over cash on deposit........................................... 2,336 2,457
Accrued grower payments................................................................ 1,354 1,116
Accrued liabilities.................................................................... 2,894 1,560
---------- ---------
Total current liabilities.......................................................... 16,365 11,199

Commitments and contingencies
Long-term debt, net of current portion..................................................... 66,056 27,131
Deferred income taxes...................................................................... 4,900 --
Other liabilities.......................................................................... 88 --
---------- ---------
Total liabilities.................................................................. 87,409 38,330
---------- ---------
Preferred stock:
Redeemable preferred stock:
Series A, 6% cumulative, $100 par value, issued 1,000 and 3,000 shares in 1998 and 1997,
respectively........................................................................... 100 300
Series B, 2% non-cumulative, $100 par value, issued 1,525 shares in 1998 and 1997........ 153 153
---------- ---------
Total preferred stock.............................................................. 253 453
---------- ---------
Members' investment:
Convertible preferred stock:
Series D, 6% non-cumulative, $100 par value, issued 23,038 shares in 1998.............. 2,304 --
Membership stock, $125 par value, issued 1,101 and 1,084 shares in 1998 and 1997,
respectively........................................................................... 137 135
Equity stock, $2.50 par value, issued 7,356,059 shares in 1998 and $3.85 par value,
issued 4,904,034 shares in 1997........................................................ 18,390 18,881
Additional paid in capital............................................................... 4,101 3,610
Accumulated allocated earnings........................................................... 2,914 413
Accumulated unallocated earnings......................................................... 9,029 6,917
---------- ---------
Total members' investment............................................................ 36,875 29,956
---------- ---------
Total liabilities and members' investment.......................................... $ 124,537 $ 68,739
---------- ---------
---------- ---------
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements

F-4
<PAGE>
DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net revenues (net of discounts and allowances of $10,709, $7,694, and $5,452 for
1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively)............................................ $ 119,621 $ 70,702 $ 50,494
Cost of product sold............................................................ 100,229 58,357 43,318
---------- --------- ---------
Gross proceeds.................................................................. 19,392 12,345 7,176
Marketing and general and administrative expenses............................... 6,754 3,542 2,532
---------- --------- ---------
Operating proceeds.............................................................. 12,635 8,803 4,644
Other income (expense):
Interest and other income..................................................... 63 39 101
Loss on retirement of property, plant and equipment........................... -- (104) --
Interest expense, net......................................................... (3,327) (1,812) (2,123)
---------- --------- ---------
Income before income taxes...................................................... 9,374 6,926 2,622
Expense of (benefit from) income taxes.......................................... -- -- 4
---------- --------- ---------
Net income from patronage and non-patronage business............................ 9,374 6,926 2,618
Dividends on preferred stock.................................................... 15 36 39
---------- --------- ---------
Earnings from patronage and non-patronage business available for members........ $ 9,359 $ 6,890 $ 2,579
---------- --------- ---------
---------- --------- ---------
Average equity shares outstanding............................................... 7,356 7,356 5,568
Earnings from patronage and non-patronage business per average equity share
outstanding:
Basic....................................................................... $ 1.27 $ .94 $ .46
---------- --------- ---------
---------- --------- ---------
Fully diluted............................................................... $ 1.24 $ .94 $ .46
---------- --------- ---------
---------- --------- ---------
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-5
<PAGE>
DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN MEMBERS' INVESTMENTS

YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996

(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
UNALLOCATED
ACCUMULATED
ALLOCATED EARNING
SERIES D ADDITIONAL ACCUMULATED EARNINGS (DEFICIT)
PREFERRED MEMBERSHIP EQUITY PAID-IN ---------------------------- -----------
STOCK STOCK STOCK CAPITAL QUALIFIED NON-QUALIFIED PATRONAGE
----------- --------------- --------- ----------- ----------- --------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, JULY 31, 1995.... $ $ 122 $ 11,997 $ 782 $ $ $ 513
Preferred dividends
declared................ 13
Net membership stock
issued (redeemed)....... 6,884
Equity stock issued....... 2,950
Subscriptions forfeited... 2
Expenses of stock
offering................ (124)
Net income (loss) for the
year ended July 31,
1996.................... 2,635
Patronage allocations..... 935 (935)
Patronage paid............ (935)
----------- ----- --------- ----------- ----------- ------ -----------
BALANCE, JULY 31, 1996.... 135 18,881 3,610 0 2,213
Preferred dividends
declared................ (36)
Net income (loss) for the
year ended July 31,
1997.................... 7,283
Patronage allocations..... 1,800 413 (2,213)
Patronage paid............ (1,800)
----------- ----- --------- ----------- ----------- ------ -----------
BALANCE, JULY 31, 1997.... 135 18,881 3,610 0 413 7,247
Preferred dividends
declared................ (15)
Preferred Series D stock
issued.................. 2,304
Net membership stock
issued.................. 2
Reallocation of additional
paid-in capital due to
three for two equity
stock credit and
revolution of equity
stock par value from
$3.85 to $2.50 per
share................... (491) 9,951
Net income (loss) for the
year ended July 31,
1998.................... 491
Patronage allocations..... 4,746 2,501 (7,247)
Patronage paid............ (4,746)
----------- ----- --------- ----------- ----------- ------ -----------
BALANCE, JULY 31, 1998.... $ 2,304 $ 137 $ 18,390 $ 4,101 $ 0 $ 2,914 $ 9,936
----------- ----- --------- ----------- ----------- ------ -----------
----------- ----- --------- ----------- ----------- ------ -----------

NON-MEMBER TOTAL
--------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
BALANCE, JULY 31, 1995.... $ 83 $ 13,497
Preferred dividends
declared................ (39) (39)
Net membership stock
issued (redeemed)....... 13
Equity stock issued....... 9,834
Subscriptions forfeited... 2
Expenses of stock
offering................ (124)
Net income (loss) for the
year ended July 31,
1996.................... (17) 2,618
Patronage allocations.....
Patronage paid............ (935)
----- ---------
BALANCE, JULY 31, 1996.... 27 24,866
Preferred dividends
declared................ (36)
Net income (loss) for the
year ended July 31,
1997.................... (357) 6,926
Patronage allocations.....
Patronage paid............ (1,800)
----- ---------
BALANCE, JULY 31, 1997.... (330) 29,956
Preferred dividends
declared................ (15)
Preferred Series D stock
issued.................. 2,304
Net membership stock
issued.................. 2
Reallocation of additional
paid-in capital due to
three for two equity
stock credit and
revolution of equity
stock par value from
$3.85 to $2.50 per
share................... (577) 9,374
Net income (loss) for the
year ended July 31,
1998....................
Patronage allocations.....
Patronage paid............ (4,746)
----- ---------
BALANCE, JULY 31, 1998.... $ (907) $ 36,875
----- ---------
----- ---------
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-6
<PAGE>
DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996
(IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
--------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:
Net income............................................................................ $ 9,374 $ 6,926 $ 2,618
Add (deduct) non-cash items:
Depreciation and amortization....................................................... 4,849 3,138 2,430
Non-cash portion of patronage dividends............................................. (282) (51) (274)
Loss on retirement of property, plant and equipment................................. -- 164 --
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables................................................................... (990) (3,174) (1,404)
Other receivables................................................................... (96) 84 288
Inventories......................................................................... (10,462) (1,963) (50)
Prepaid expenses.................................................................... (3,078) (386) (120)
Other assets........................................................................ (433) -- --
Accounts payable.................................................................... (1,413) 543 136
Excess outstanding checks over cash on deposit...................................... (121) 2,457 --
Grower payables..................................................................... 238 (729) 262
Other accrued liabilities........................................................... (345) 1,026 (262)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities................................. (2,759) 8,035 3,624
--------- --------- ---------
Cash flows for investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment................................................. (9,389) (17,837) (1,489)
Acquisition of Primo net of cash acquired........................................... (8,011) -- --
Payments for package design costs................................................... (1,172) (263) (140)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities............................................... (18,572) (18,100) (1,629)
--------- --------- ---------
Cash flows from (for) financing activities:
Net issuance of short-term debt..................................................... 7,608 2,200 --
Issuance of long-term debt.......................................................... 19,618 8,700 --
Payments on long-term debt.......................................................... (759) (67) (9,195)
Retirement of preferred stock....................................................... (200) (367) (150)
Dividends paid on preferred stock................................................... (15) (44) (147)
Membership stock issued............................................................. 2 2 14
Membership stock retired............................................................ -- (2) (1)
Equity stock issued................................................................. -- -- 9,834
Subscriptions forfeited............................................................. -- -- 2
Expenses of stock offering.......................................................... -- -- (124)
Patronage distributions............................................................. (4,746) (1,800) (935)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash from (for) financing activities.............................................. 21,508 8,622 (702)
--------- --------- ---------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents.................................. 177 (1,443) 1,293
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period........................................ 5 1,448 155
--------- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period.............................................. $ 182 $ 5 $ 1,448
--------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- ---------
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash payments for:
Interest.......................................................................... $ 4,411 $ 2,120 $ 2,556
--------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- ---------
Income taxes...................................................................... $ -- $ -- $ (72)
--------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- ---------
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Accrued dividends on Series A preferred stock....................................... $ -- $ -- $ 8
--------- --------- ---------
--------- --------- ---------
Acquisition of Primo Piatto, Inc.
Working capital over the cash..................................................... $ 1,439
Property and equipment, net....................................................... 27,721
Deferred income tax liability..................................................... (4,900)
Other long-term liabilities....................................................... (88)
Long-term debt assumed............................................................ (13,857)
Preferred stock issued............................................................ (2,304)
---------
Cash paid to acquire Primo Piatto, Inc............................................ $ 8,011
---------
---------
</TABLE>

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-7
<PAGE>
DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

ORGANIZATION--

Dakota Growers Pasta Company ("the Company" or "the Cooperative") was formed
on December 16, 1991 and commenced operation on January 1, 1994. The Company is
organized as a farmers' cooperative for purposes of manufacturing food for human
consumption from durum and other grain products.

The ownership of membership stock, which signifies membership in the
Cooperative, is restricted to producers of agricultural products. The ownership
of equity stock is restricted to members of the Cooperative. Preferred stock may
be held by persons who are not members of the Cooperative.

Net proceeds are allocated to patrons who are members on the basis of their
participation in the cooperative. Equity requirements, as determined by the
Board of Directors, may be retained from amounts due to patrons and credited to
members' investments in the form of unit retains or undistributed allocated
patronage.

The Cooperative reserves the right to acquire any of its stock offered for
sale and the right to recall the stock of any stockholder. In the event this
right is exercised, the consideration paid for such stock shall be the fair
market value at that point in time.

The Company acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of Primo Piatto, Inc.
("Primo"), a Minnesota-based pasta manufacturer, on February 23, 1998. The
acquisition has been recorded using the purchase method of accounting.

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION--

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary. All significant intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the preparation of the
consolidated financial statements.

ESTIMATES--

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at
the date of the consolidated financial statements and reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.

RECLASSIFICATIONS--

Certain amounts previously reported in the financial statements as of July
31, 1997 and for the years ended July 31, 1997 and 1996 have been reclassified
to facilitate comparability with the statements as of July 31, 1998 and for the
year ended July 31, 1998. Such reclassifications have no effect of the net
result of operations.

ADVERTISING--

Costs of advertising and promotions are expensed as incurred.

F-8
<PAGE>
DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS--

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and in financial
institutions.

TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE AND REVENUE--

The Cooperative grants credit to its customers located throughout the United
States. Trade accounts receivable are presented net of allowances for cash
discounts and doubtful accounts which totaled $293,000 and $218,000 as of July
31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

Revenues are presented net of discounts and allowances of $10,709,000,
$7,694,000 and $5,452,000 for the years ended July 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. No customer represented greater than 10% of revenues for the years
ended July 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.

INVENTORIES--

Finished goods, mill by-products and durum are valued at estimated net
realizable value. This is determined based on current selling price less any
remaining cost to finish, transport, warehouse and sell the product. Packaging
and ingredient inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is
determined based on actual purchase cost on a FIFO basis, while market is
current replacement cost.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT--

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for renewals and
improvements that significantly add to the productive capacity or extend the
useful life of an asset are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance and
repairs are charged to expense as incurred. When depreciable properties are
retired or sold, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated
from the accounts and the resultant gain or loss is reflected in income.

Interest capitalized totaled $186,000 and $307,000 for the years ended July
31, 1998 and 1997. Direct labor capitalized totaled $124,000 and $55,000 for the
years ended July 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

The initial acquisition of land is stated at the estimated fair value of the
land at acquisition. Subsequent land acquisitions are recorded at cost.

Depreciation is provided for over the estimated useful lives of the
individual assets using the straight-line method. The estimated useful lives
used in the computation of depreciation expense range from 3 to 39.5 years.
Depreciation expense totaled $4,497,000, $2,862,000 and $2,318,000 for the years
ended July 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

As a result of the purchase of Primo Piatto, Inc., the Company has an excess
of its cost of investment over the book value of net assets acquired from the
subsidiary This amount has been recorded as an increase in the value of property
and equipment and is being amortized over a 15 year period.

INVESTMENTS IN THE ST. PAUL BANK FOR COOPERATIVES (THE "BANK")--

Investments in the St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives are stated at cost, plus
unredeemed patronage refunds received in the form of capital stock. Patronage
refunds estimated to be received are shown as other receivables or other assets.

F-9
<PAGE>
DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
ACCRUED GROWER PAYMENTS--

Accrued grower payments represent amounts due to growers for amounts
withheld from durum purchases pursuant to the growers agreement and delivery
policy.

INTEREST EXPENSE, NET--

The Company earns patronage refunds from the St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives
(the "Bank") based on its share of the net interest income earned by the Bank.
These patronage refunds received or estimated to be received are applied against
interest expense.

INCOME TAXES--

The Company is a non-exempt cooperative for federal income tax purposes.
Business conducted with its members constitutes patronage business as defined by
the Internal Revenue Code. The Company is subject to income taxes on earnings
from non-patronage sources. The provision for income taxes relates to the
results of operations from non-patronage business, state income taxes and
certain other permanent differences between financial and income tax reporting.
For the years ended July 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, net income allocable to
patronage business totaled $9,951,000, $7,283,000 and $2,635,000, respectively.

MEMBERS' INVESTMENT--

The Cooperative is a nonprofit membership corporation, organized with
capital stock.

Accumulated unallocated earnings represents cumulative net income which has
not been allocated to members, while accumulated non-qualified allocated
earnings represents earnings which have been allocated to members based on
patronage but not distributed or qualified for income tax purposes.

The Company calculates income from patronage sources based on income derived
from bushels of durum delivered by members. Non-patronage income is derived from
the resale of wheat flour containing spring wheat flour purchased from
non-members, the resale of pasta purchased from non-members, the resale of
semolina purchased from non-members, interest income on invested funds and any
income taxes assessed on non-member business.

Cooperative organizations have 8 1/2 months after their fiscal year-end to
make patronage allocations in the form of written notices of allocation or cash.
As such, these allocations are normally reflected in the financial statements in
the period in which such allocations are declared by the Board of Directors.
Accordingly, the allocations for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1998 are not
reflected in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

STOCK OPTIONS--

The Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)
No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" and related interpretations
in accounting for its employee stock options. Under APB No. 25, no compensation
expense is recognized on the granting or exercise of stock options because the
exercise price is equal to or greater than the market price of the underlying
stock on the date of grant.

F-10
<PAGE>
DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996

NOTE 2. INVENTORIES

The major components of inventories as of July 31, 1998 and 1997 are as
follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Durum.................................................................... $ 1,091 $ 1,536
Finished goods and by-products........................................... 17,815 5,896
Packaging and ingredients................................................ 3,029 1,268
--------- ---------
$ 21,935 $ 8,700
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
</TABLE>

NOTE 3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Details relative to property and equipment are as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Land and improvements.................................................. $ 2,156 $ 922
Buildings and equipment................................................ 14,754 12,285
Equipment.............................................................. 55,139 38,243
Excess of cost over net the book value of assets acquired from the
subsidiary........................................................... 17,221
---------- ---------
Property and equipment in service.................................. 89,270 51,450
Construction in process............................................ 5,463 5,709
Accumulated depreciation and amortization............................ (13,596) (8,635)
---------- ---------
$ 81,137 $ 48,524
---------- ---------
---------- ---------
</TABLE>

NOTE 4. OTHER ASSETS

The breakdown of other assets is as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Syndication and trademark costs--net......................................... $ 7 $ 22
Package design costs--net.................................................... 1,471 636
Estimated patronage refunds.................................................. 369 211
Debt issuance costs.......................................................... 238
Other........................................................................ 51 14
--------- ---------
$ 2,136 $ 883
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
</TABLE>

The syndication and trademark costs are recorded at cost and are being
amortized on a straight-line basis over five years beginning at the commencement
of operations on January 1, 1994.

The Company capitalizes the initial cost incurred in the development of
packaging designs for new customers and products. These costs are amortized over
five years. Minor revisions are expensed as incurred. If a product design is
discontinued or replaced prior to the end of the amortization period, the
remaining unamortized balance is charged to expense.

F-11
<PAGE>
DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996

NOTE 4. OTHER ASSETS (CONTINUED)
Effective August 1, 1996 the Company revised the period over which it
depreciates packaging printing plates and packaging design development costs
from 15 years to 5 years. Such change in accounting estimate reduced net income
for the year ended July 31, 1997 by $285,000.

The debt issuance costs relate to expenditures incurred in obtaining
long-term debt. These costs are being amortized over the life of the related
debt.

NOTE 5. SHORT-TERM DEBT

The Cooperative has a $11.0 million seasonal line of credit with the St.
Paul Bank for Cooperatives, which is secured by property and equipment and
current assets of the company.

The seasonal line of credit has a variable interest rate and matures on
January 31, 1999. For the years ended July 31, 1998 and 1997, the balances were
$9,808,000 and $2,200,000 respectively. Due to the refinancing on August 11,
1998, described in Note 6, the seasonal line of credit is presented in the long-
term debt for comparative purposes.

Maximum borrowings, average borrowing levels and average interest rates for
short-term debt for the years ended July 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 are as follows
(in thousands, except interest rates):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
--------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum borrowings.............................................. $ 10,823 $ 4,825 $ 4,700
Average borrowing levels........................................ 5,748 2,205 1,268
Average interest rates.......................................... 7.67% 7.57% 8.89%
</TABLE>

F-12
<PAGE>
DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996

NOTE 6. LONG-TERM DEBT

Information regarding long-term debt at July 31, 1998 and 1997 is as follows
(in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Term loans due to St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives due in quarterly
installments of $685,000 plus interest through December 31, 2004,
interest at 8.14% to 10.22%, with first lien on substantially all
property and equipment................................................ $ 17,724 $ 18,409
Construction Term loan due to St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives due in
quarterly installments of $625,000 plus interest through December 31,
2004, interest at 8.14% to 8.76%, collateralized by property and
equipment............................................................. 14,175 8,700
Term loan due to St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives due in quarterly
installments of $1,000,000 plus interest through September 30, 2005,
variable interest, currently 8.14%, collateralized by property and
equipment............................................................. 16,000 --
Term loan from St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives due in annual principal
installments of $1,200,000 through September 30, 2008, interest at
5.71%, collateralized by property and equipment....................... 12,000 --
Seasonal loan, variable interest, currently 7.69%....................... 9,808 2,200
Term loan from the City of Carrington, due in monthly installments
through 2003, interest rate of 4%..................................... 282 336
Convertible debt from Northern Plains Cooperative, due in annual
installments through 2003, non-interest bearing....................... 50 60
Convertible debt from Dakota Central Telecommunications, due in annual
installments through 2003, non-interest bearing....................... 50 60
--------- ---------
Total long-term debt................................................ 70,089 29,765
Current maturities.................................................. (4,033) (2,634)
--------- ---------
NET LONG-TERM DEBT.................................................. $ 66,056 $ 27,131
--------- ---------
--------- ---------
</TABLE>

Aggregate future maturities required on long-term debt are as follows (in
thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TWELVE MONTHS ENDING JULY 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
1999............................................................................... $ 4,033
2000............................................................................... 4,448
2001............................................................................... 6,521
2002............................................................................... 6,523
2003............................................................................... 6,503
Thereafter......................................................................... 42,061
---------
$ 70,089
---------
---------
</TABLE>

F-13
<PAGE>
DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996

NOTE 6. LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)
On August 11, 1998, the Cooperative issued $18.0 million 7.04% Senior
Secured Guaranteed Notes, Series A, due August 1, 2008 and $9.0 million 7.14%
Senior Secured Guaranteed Notes, Series B, due August 1, 2010. Proceeds from the
note issuance was used to retire: the $16.0 million St. Paul Bank for
Cooperatives term loan due September 30, 2005; prepay $175,000 of the St. Paul
Bank Construction Term Loan due December 31, 2004; and prepay $4.7 million of
the St. Paul Bank Term Loan due December 31, 2004. The remaining $6.1 million
was used to reduce the Cooperative's seasonal St. Paul Bank operating loan. The
Cooperative incurred debt issuance costs of approximately $238,000 which will be
amortized over the life of the notes. Future minimum principal payments required
as a result of the issuance have been reflected in the above amounts.

The company has a $12,000,000 letter of credit commitment with the St. Paul
Bank for Cooperatives. The letter of credit commitment is subject to a
commitment fee of .625% on an annualized basis and expires December 31, 2008.
Advances on the letter of credit commitment are payable on demand.

The Company has a loan agreement with the Bank containing certain covenants
related to, among other matters, the maintenance of certain working capital,
ownership and debt service ratios. As of July 31, 1998 and 1997, the Company has
met these loan covenants.

The Company has convertible debt related to two non-interest bearing notes
with annual installments of $10,000 each. Per the loan agreements, from March 1,
1995 through February 1, 2003, the Company shall have the privilege of
converting the unpaid balance of indebtedness into series B preferred stock. The
holders of the debt do not have the option to convert this debt.

The Company incurred $4,137,000, $2,187,000, and $2,485,000 of interest on
long and short-term debt and other obligations in fiscal years 1998, 1997 and
1996, respectively. $186,000 and $307,000 of interest was capitalized in 1998
and 1997, respectively. Patronage income from the Bank of $624,000, $68,000, and
$362,000 has been netted for the years ended July 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively.

NOTE 7. MEMBERS' INVESTMENT

On July 24, 1997, the Board of Directors voted to split the outstanding
equity stock on a three for two basis effective August 1, 1997. The Board of
Directors also voted to adjust the par value per share of equity stock to $2.50.
Each member of record as of August 31, 1997 received three shares of equity
stock, par value $2.50, in exchange for two shares, par value $3.85. At July 31,
1998 the Company had issued and outstanding 1,101 shares of membership stock and
7,356,059 shares of equity stock.

Under the terms of the Cooperative's bylaws, the Cooperative's net income,
determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied, shall be distributed annually based on the volume of
patronage business (bushels of durum delivered, which approximates one bushel of
durum per equity share). The distribution can be in the form of cash or credits
to each member-producer's patronage credit account which has been established on
the books of the cooperative. For presentation purposes only, the company has
calculated net income per share by dividing earnings from patronage and
non-patronage business available for members (net income less preferred
dividends) by the weighted average number of equity shares outstanding during
the period. The Company has reflected the effect of the three for two stock
split effective August 1, 1997 as if it were in effect during the years ended
July 31, 1997 and 1996.

F-14
<PAGE>
DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996

NOTE 7. MEMBERS' INVESTMENT (CONTINUED)
A qualified patronage allocation of $4,745,258 ($1.00 per bushel) and a
non-qualified patronage allocation of $2,500,751 ($.527 per bushel) representing
the allocation of the 1997 fiscal earnings, was authorized by the Board of
Directors in October 1997. $4,745,258 of the qualified allocation was
distributed in November 1997. A patronage allocation of $1,800,000, $.50 per
bushel, representing the allocation of 1996 fiscal earnings, was authorized by
the Board of Directors in October 1996 and was distributed in November 1996.
Additionally, $413,000 ($.115 per bushel) was allocated to the members but not
distributed or qualified for income tax purposes.

NOTE 8. PREFERRED STOCK

The Company is authorized to issue 50,000 shares of preferred stock with a
par value of $100 per share. As of July 31, 1998 the Company has 25,563 issued
and outstanding shares of preferred stock in three series. Preferred Stock
Series A and B are redeemable pursuant to agreement and Preferred Stock Series D
is convertible.

Each share of preferred series A stock entitles its holder to receive a 6%
annual dividend accrued from the date of issuance and payable upon declaration
by the Board of Directors.

Pursuant to an agreement with the holder of series A preferred stock, on
August 1, 1995, the Company paid all accrued dividends and, quarterly beginning
November 1, 1995, shall redeem 500 shares at par value of $100 per share, plus
accrued dividends. The Company, at its discretion, may increase the number of
shares redeemed at any quarterly installment. The Company may postpone quarterly
redemptions if the equity level falls below an acceptable level set by the Bank,
shortages in working capital or for unforeseen short-term business
opportunities.

As of July 31, 1998 the Company has 1,000 shares of preferred series A stock
outstanding.

Each share of preferred series B stock entitles its holder to receive an
annual cash dividend at the rate of $2.00 per share, when and as declared by the
Board of Directors. Dividends on the preferred series B stock shall not
accumulate if not declared by the board.

Two thousand two hundred fifty (2,250) shares of the preferred series B
stock may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company at any
time after August 1, 1997, at the redemption price of $100 per share, plus any
declared but unpaid dividends. On or after August 1, 1997, the stockholder may
require the Company to redeem all or a said portion of the shares for $100 per
share, plus any declared but unpaid dividends, if both (1) the equity exclusive
of the preferred series A and B stock is 40% or greater of the total capital as
of July 31, 1997, and (2) the Company made dividend payments on the equity stock
for the year ended July 31, 1997.

Four hundred fifty (450) shares of the preferred series B stock are governed
by a repurchase agreement obligating the Company to repurchase their shares as
of September 1, 1998, at the par value of $100 per share, plus any declared but
unpaid dividends. These shares may be redeemed by the Cooperative on or after
August 1, 1997, in agreement with the terms stated above.

One shareholder of preferred series B stock, representing one thousand one
hundred seventy-five (1,175) shares, notified the Company of its desire to
exercise its redemption rights available on August 1, 1997. By vote of the Board
of Directors, this redemption was made on July 31, 1997.

F-15
<PAGE>
DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996

NOTE 8. PREFERRED STOCK (CONTINUED)
As of July 31, 1998 the Company has 1,525 shares of preferred series B stock
outstanding.

Each share of preferred series D stock shall receive payment of
non-cumulative dividends at the rate of 6% per annum, calculated on the par
value of the preferred stock. The preferred series D stock dividends shall be
declared and paid each year prior to any patronage dividend or other dividend or
distributions being paid to the Company's membership. The preferred series D
stock dividends shall also be paid prior to any dividends paid on preferred
series B stock.

Each share of preferred series D stock is convertible into ten shares of the
Company's equity stock upon written notice to the Company at least 45 days prior
to the end of the then current trimester marketing period. The conversion ratio
shall be proportionately adjusted at any time the outstanding shares of equity
stock are increased or decreased without payment by or to the Company or the
Company's members.

As of July 31, 1998, 23,038 shares of preferred stock series D are
outstanding.

NOTE 9. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Dakota Growers Pasta Company and Primo Piatto, Inc. have implemented 401(k)
plans covering employees who have met age and service requirements. The plans
cover employees who have reached 21 years of age and completed six-months of
service as defined in the plan document. The amount to be contributed annually
by the companies is discretionary. Contributions totaled $135,000, $31,000 and
$28,000 for the years ended July 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

Primo Piatto, Inc. is also required to contribute to a multi-employer
pension plan covering certain hourly employees subject to a collective
bargaining agreement. Contributions for the period from February 23, 1998 to
July 31, 1998 totaled $49,000.

NOTE 10. INCOME TAXES

The Company is a non-exempt cooperative as defined by Section 1381(a)(2) of
the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, net margins from business done with
member patrons which are allocated and paid as prescribed in Section 1382 of the
code (hereafter referred to as "qualified") will be taxable to the members and
not to the Cooperative. Net margins and member allocations are determined on the
basis of accounting used for financial reporting purposes. To the extent that
net margins are not qualified as stated above or arise from business done with
non-members, the Cooperative shall have taxable income subject to corporate
income tax rates.

Tax expense in 1996 represents taxes paid to various states pursuant to
their respective tax provisions.

Certain temporary differences exist between financial statement and income
tax reporting purposes that also create a difference in the amount of patronage
income determined on either basis. As these differences are ultimately allocated
to the members through patronage allocations, no deferred taxes are provided for
these temporary differences.

A deferred income tax liability of $4.9 million was recorded in 1998 related
to timing differences associated with the excess of cost over the net book value
of the Primo Piatto, Inc. assets acquired during

F-16
<PAGE>
DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996

NOTE 10. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
1998. The timing difference totaled $12.3 million. The deferred tax liability
was calculated using an income tax rate of 40%.

NOTE 11. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The fair value of a financial instrument is generally defined as the amount
at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between
willing parties, other than in a forced liquidation sale. Quoted market prices
are generally not available for the Company's financial instruments.
Accordingly, fair values are based on judgements regarding anticipated cash
flows, future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk
characteristics of various financial instruments and other factors. These
estimates involve uncertainties and matters of judgement, and therefore cannot
be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect
the estimates.

The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, payables,
short-term debt and other current liabilities approximates fair value because of
the short maturity and/or frequent repricing of those instruments.

The Company believes it is not practical to estimate the fair value of the
securities of non-subsidiary cooperatives without incurring excessive costs
because there is no established market for these securities and it is
inappropriate to estimate future cash flows which are largely dependent on
future patronage earnings of the non-subsidiary cooperatives.

Based upon current borrowing rates with similar maturities, the fair value
of the long-term debt approximates the carrying value as of July 31, 1998.

NOTE 12. OPERATING LEASES

The Company leases various warehouse facilities in North Dakota, as well as
various items of equipment, primarily forklifts and computers.

Future obligations for the above leases for the fiscal years ended July 31
are as follows (in thousands):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TWELVE MONTHS ENDING JULY 31,
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
1999................................................................................. $ 694
2000................................................................................. 656
2001................................................................................. 573
2002................................................................................. 344
2003................................................................................. 7
---------
$ 2,274
---------
---------
</TABLE>

Lease expense totaled $798,000, $404,000, and $304,000 for the years ended
July 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

F-17
<PAGE>
DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996

NOTE 13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

During fiscal 1998, the Company entered agreements for an estimated $10.5
million mill expansion project. At July 31, 1998, $881,000 has been expended.
The Company also entered agreements for an ERP software replacement project. The
total project cost, including installation costs, is estimated at $1.3 million,
of which $622,000 has been expended in the year ended July 31, 1998.

In July 1997 the Company entered into agreements to purchase an additional
pasta line. The total estimated project cost, including mill enhancements and
packaging equipment, is expected to aggregate $5.5 million, of which $4.0
million has been expended through July 31, 1998.

On January 1, 1996, the Company became self-insured with respect to certain
employee medical costs. Terms of the plan include a stop-loss provision which
limits the Company's liability to $20,000 per claim with an aggregate stop-loss
maximum totaling approximately $466,000 for calendar year 1998. Through July 31,
1998 the Company has charged $253,000 against its 1998 maximum liability.

The Company forward contracts for a certain portion of its future durum
wheat requirements. At July 31, 1998, the Company has outstanding commitments
for grain purchases totaling $7,549,000.

In accordance with the Stock Purchase Agreement, each of the previous Primo
shareholders have the right to elect to receive a loan from Dakota Growers Pasta
Company for the payment of taxes attributable to the preferred stock portion of
the purchase price. The Company shall loan in the aggregate the lesser of the
computed tax liability or $900,000. Amounts advanced by the Company will provide
for the payment of simple interest at a rate of 6% payable annually, with all
outstanding principal and interest being due three years from the original date
of the loan. Each note shall be secured by preferred stock shares.

The Cooperative is subject to various lawsuits and claims which arise in the
ordinary course of its business. While the results of such litigation and claims
cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes the disposition of all
such proceedings, individually or in aggregate, should not have a material
adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or
cash flows.

NOTE 14. STOCK OPTION PLANS

On January 31, 1997 the Company's Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors (the "Compensation Committee") adopted the Dakota Growers Incentive
Stock Option Plan (the "Plan"). The purpose of the Plan is to provide benefits
to participants in the form of additional compensation for services which have
been or will be rendered as an inducement for continuing as employees of the
Company. The Plan was ratified by membership at its annual meeting on January
10, 1998.

The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation
Committee or the Board of Directors have the power to determine the key
management employees of the Company to receive options and the number of shares
to be optioned to each of the employees.

Options granted under the Plan are for the purchase of preferred stock at
fair market value, convertible into equity stock at the option of the employee,
under the applicable conversion ratio. The maximum number of preferred shares
which may be issued pursuant to options granted under the Plan is fifteen
thousand (15,000).

The conversion ratio with respect to each of the options is 24 shares of
Equity Stock for each share of Preferred Stock. The conversion ratio shall be
proportionately adjusted if the Company increases the

F-18
<PAGE>
DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996

NOTE 14. STOCK OPTION PLANS (CONTINUED)
outstanding shares of equity stock without the payment of consideration by the
members for such additional shares (e.g. stock split, stock dividend or other
action).

5,728 options have been granted under this Plan and must be exercised within
ten years from the date such options are granted. Options are exercisable only
by the employee during the employee's lifetime. In the event of the employee's
termination with the Company, all exercisable options may be exercised within 90
days of the termination date. If not exercised, such options lapse. The employee
must sell or dispose of the preferred stock, or equity stock upon conversion,
within 15 months from the date of employment termination.

If the preferred stock is changed into another kind of capital stock or debt
as a result of any capital reorganization, reclassification or any merger or
consolidation with another entity in which the Company is not the surviving
entity, the option entitles the employee to acquire upon exercise the kind and
number of shares of stock or other securities or property to which the employee
would have been entitled if he had held the preferred stock issuable upon the
exercise of this option immediately prior to such capital reorganization,
reclassification, merger or consolidation.

As of July 31, 1998 the Company had outstanding options to purchase 5,728
preferred shares. As of July 31, 1998, 3,809 options are exercisable,
convertible into 91,416 shares of equity stock. No options have been exercised
as of July 31, 1998.

The Company did not record any compensation expense during the year ended
July 31, 1998 and July 31, 1997 related to the issuance or exercise of stock
options.

The pro forma application of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard
(SFAS) No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" would not have a
material impact on net income and earnings per share.

Assumptions used to estimate the fair values of the options:

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Risk-free interest rate........................................... 6.54%
Expected life..................................................... 10 years
Expected dividends................................................ None
</TABLE>

NOTE 15. ACQUISITION

On February 23, 1998, Dakota Growers Pasta Company acquired 100% of the
outstanding stock of Primo Piatto, Inc., a Minnesota-based pasta manufacturer,
for cash and convertible preferred stock. Primo's physical assets consist of two
pasta production facilities and a distribution center located in the
Minneapolis, Minnesota metropolitan area. The Company has accounted for the
acquisition using the purchase method. The statement of operations for the year
ended July 31, 1998 contains the operating results of Primo for the period
February 23, 1998 through July 31, 1998.

The shares of Primo were acquired for consideration consisting of a cash
payment of $11,000,000 and the issuance of 23,038 shares ($100 par) of Dakota
Grower's convertible preferred stock. 3,864 shares of the convertible preferred
stock will be held in escrow pending the resolution of certain outstanding
issues.

F-19
<PAGE>
DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED JULY 31, 1998, 1997 AND 1996

NOTE 15. ACQUISITION (CONTINUED)
Assets and liabilities purchased were as follows:

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Cash.............................................................. $ 2,989
Accounts receivable............................................... 3,773
Inventory......................................................... 2,772
Prepaid expenses.................................................. 301
P P & E (Historic cost)........................................... 10,500
Excess of cost over the net book value of assets acquired......... 17,221
Less liabilities assumed........................................ (24,252)
---------
Total consideration........................................... $ 13,304
---------
---------
</TABLE>

The following summary presents the pro forma consolidated result of
operations of the Company as if the business combination had occurred on August
1, 1996 (in thousands except earnings per share):

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDING JULY 31,
---------------------
1998 1997
---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues............................................................... $ 125,535 $ 70,702
Earnings from patronage and non-patronage business..................... 9,560 6,926
Earnings from patronage and non-patronage business per average equity
share outstanding:
Basic.............................................................. $ 1.30 $ .94
Fully diluted...................................................... 1.26 .94
</TABLE>

The above pro forma results do not necessarily represent results which would
have occurred if the business combination had taken place at the date assumed
above.

F-20
<PAGE>
- -------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------

NO DEALER, SALESPERSON, OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS IN
CONNECTION WITH THE OFFERING MADE HEREBY. IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR
REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY.
THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR AN OFFER TO PURCHASE ANY
SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE MEMBERSHIP STOCK AND EQUITY STOCK TO WHICH IT RELATES
OR AN OFFER TO ANY PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH AN OFFER WOULD BE
UNLAWFUL. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER
SHALL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION
CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF.

------------------------

TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
-----
<S> <C>
Summary........................................ 3
Risk Factors................................... 7
Use of Proceeds................................ 11
Payments to Members............................ 11
Capitalization................................. 13
Selected Financial Data........................ 14
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results
of Operation and Financial Condition......... 15
Business....................................... 20
Property and Processing Facilities............. 27
Management..................................... 28
Related Party Transactions..................... 33
Principal Shareholders......................... 34
Description of Capital Stock................... 35
Plan of Distribution........................... 39
Legal Matters.................................. 40
Experts........................................ 40
Index to Financial Statements.................. F-1
</TABLE>

500 SHARES OF
MEMBERSHIP STOCK
$125.00 PER SHARE

3,679,000 SHARES OF
EQUITY STOCK
$ PER SHARE

DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY

---------------------

PROSPECTUS

---------------------

ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
SEC registration fee.............................................. $ 13,042
Accounting fees and expenses...................................... 20,000
Legal fees and expenses........................................... 100,000
Printing expenses................................................. 12,000
Blue Sky fees and expenses........................................ 500
Miscellaneous..................................................... 4,458
---------
Total......................................................... $ 150,000
---------
---------
</TABLE>

Except for the SEC registration fees, all of the foregoing expenses have
been estimated.

ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.

The Company's Bylaws provide for the indemnification of certain corporate
agents, including the Company's directors, officers and employees. The
indemnification provided to the Company's directors, officers and employees
includes coverage for amounts actually and reasonably incurred by such
individuals in connection with proceedings arising by reason of each such
individual's status as an officer, director or employee. The amount for which
the director, employee or officer is to be indemnified includes expenses,
including attorney's fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement of
claims.

The Registrant also carries a directors' and officers' liability insurance
policy in the amount of $2,000,000.

ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.

In early 1998, the Company issued a total of 23,038 shares of its Series D
Convertible Preferred Stock as partial consideration for the acquisition of all
of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Primo Piatto, Inc. The
Series D Convertible Preferred Stock was issued to 11 persons in that
transaction, which was completed in reliance upon the exemption from
registration provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
- --------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S>
(3) 3.1 Certified Articles of Incorporation of Dakota Growers Pasta Company
(3) 3.2 Bylaws of Dakota Growers Pasta Company
*5.1 Opinion of Legal Counsel
10.1 Form of Subscription Agreement (Pool 1--Current Members Only) between the
Company and purchasers in this offering who are members of the Company
10.2 Form of Subscription Agreement (Pool 2--Current Members) between the
Company and purchasers in this offering who are members of the Company
10.3 Form of Subscription Agreement (Pool 3--New Members) between the Company
and purchasers in this offering who are not members of the Company
(3) 10.4 Form of Growers Agreement between the Company and members of the Company
*10.5 Loan Agreement in the aggregate amount of $72,849,007.38 dated July 23,
1998 between the Company and St. Paul Bank for Cooperatives and related
promissory notes
</TABLE>

II-1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
- --------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C> <S>
(4) 10.3 Nonnegotiable Note of Dakota Growers Pasta Company in the principal amount
of $5,000,000.00 dated March 31, 1997
(4) 10.4 Real Estate Mortgage executed by Dakota Growers Pasta Company to the St.
Paul Bank for Cooperatives in the amount of $42,000,000 dated May 15,
1997
(1) 10.5 Series A Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement dated October 28, 1992 between
the Company and the State of North Dakota acting by and through North
Dakota Future Fund, Inc., including Amendment to Preferred Stock
Purchase Between Dakota Growers Pasta Company and North Dakota Future
Fund dated August 26, 1995
(1) 10.6 Loan Agreement in the aggregate amount of $100,000 dated February 5, 1993
between the Company and Dakota Central Telecommunications Cooperative
(1) 10.7 Promissory Note in the principal amount of $100,000 dated February 5, 1993
between the Company and Dakota Central Telecommunications Cooperative
(1) 10.8 Loan Agreement in the aggregate amount of $100,000 dated February 5, 1993
between the Company and Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc.
(1) 10.9 Promissory Note in the principal amount of $100,000 dated February 5, 1993
between the Company and Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Inc.
(5) 10.10 Indenture of Lease between RLN Leasing, Inc. and Dakota Growers Pasta
Company, dated May 1, 1997
(2) 10.11 Lease Agreement between Congress, Inc. and Dakota Growers Pasta Company,
dated March 13, 1995
(1) 10.12 Sample Broker Agreement between Dakota Growers Pasta Company and Sinco,
Inc. dated May 1, 1995
(5) 10.13 Agreement between Dakota Growers Pasta Company and JP Foodservice, Inc.
dated March 7, 1997
(5) 10.14 Consulting Agreement between Dakota Growers Pasta Company and Peninsula
Trading Company, Inc. dated October 15, 1997
*10.16 Escrow Agreement between the Company and First American Bank West dated
October , 1998
(6) 10.17 Incentive Stock Plan
23.1 Consent of Independent Auditors
23.2 Consent of Legal Counsel (incorporated in Exhibit 5.1)
24.1 Power of Attorney (included in the signature page to this Registration
Statement)
27 Financial Data Schedule
</TABLE>

- ------------------------

(1) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form
S-1, File No. 33-99834, declared effective January 26, 1996.

(2) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form
S-1, File No. 33-99834, declared effective January 26, 1996. Confidential
treatment was granted with respect to portions of these agreements.

(3) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended January 31, 1997.

(4) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended April 30, 1997.

(5) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, as amended on September 30, 1998.
Confidential treatment has been requested with respect to portions of
Exhibits 10.10 and 10.13.

II-2
<PAGE>
(6) Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended April 30, 1998.

- ------------------------

* To be filed by amendment to this registration statement

ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.

The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made,
a post-effective amendment to this registrations statement:

(i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the
Securities Act of 1933;

(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the
aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in
the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase
or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of
securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any
deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering
range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the
Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in
volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum
aggregate offering price set for in the "Calculation of Registration Fee"
table in the effective registration statement;

(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or
any material change to such information in the registration statement;

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed
to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to
be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.

(4) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and
controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions,
or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the
event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than
the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of
any action, suit or proceeding( is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the
Registrant will, unless in the opinion of counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against
public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.

(5) for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act
of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part
of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a
form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4)
or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

II-3
<PAGE>
(6) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of
prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to
the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
time shall be deemed to be initial bona fide offering thereof.

II-4
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Carrington, State of
North Dakota on September 30, 1998.

<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY

By: /s/ TIMOTHY J. DODD
-----------------------------------------
Timothy J. Dodd
PRESIDENT
</TABLE>

POWER OF ATTORNEY

Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints
each of John S. Dalrymple III, Timothy J. Dodd and Thomas P. Friezen, such
person's true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent will full power of
substitution and resubstitution for such person and in such name, place and
stead, in any and all capacities, to sign the Registration Statement on Form S-1
of Dakota Growers Pasta Company and any or all amendments (including
post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement (or to any other
registration statement for the same offering that is to be effective upon filing
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act) , and to file the same, with
all exhibits hereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as such person might or could do
in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, or either of them, or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do
or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on September 30, 1998.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE
- ------------------------------ --------------------------

<C> <S>
/s/ TIMOTHY J. DODD President and General
- ------------------------------ Manager (Principal
Timothy J. Dodd Executive Officer)

/s/ THOMAS P. FRIEZEN Vice President--Finance
- ------------------------------ (Principal Financial and
Thomas P. Friezen Accounting Officer)

/s/ JOHN S. DALRYMPLE III
- ------------------------------ Director
John S. Dalrymple III

/s/ JOHN D. RICE
- ------------------------------ Director
John D. Rice
</TABLE>

II-5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE
- ------------------------------ --------------------------

<C> <S>
/s/ ALLYN K. HART
- ------------------------------ Director
Allyn K. Hart

/s/ JAMES F. LINK
- ------------------------------ Director
James F. Link

/s/ MICHAEL E. WARNER
- ------------------------------ Director
Michael E. Warner

/s/ EUGENE J. NICHOLAS
- ------------------------------ Director
Eugene J. Nicholas

/s/ CURT R. TRULSON
- ------------------------------ Director
Curt R. Trulson

/s/ JEFFREY O. TOPP
- ------------------------------ Director
Jeffrey O. Topp

/s/ ROGER A. KENNER
- ------------------------------ Director
Roger A. Kenner
</TABLE>

II-6

<PAGE>
SUBSCRIPTION DOCUMENT A [POOL 1 - CURRENT MEMBERS ONLY]
DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY
A NORTH DAKOTA COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION
SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
NAME AND ADDRESS OF SUBSCRIBER NUMBER OF EQUITY SHARES OWNED BY SUBSCRIBER
AS OF DECEMBER 1, 1998:
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF EQUITY SHARES SUBSCRIBER
MAY PURCHASE IN POOL 1:
(One (1) share of Equity Stock for each two
(2) shares owned as of December 1, 1998)
</TABLE>

NUMBER OF EQUITY SHARES THE SUBSCRIBER DESIRES TO PURCHASE IN POOL 1:

-------------------------------------------

(Maximum Purchase Is Indicated Above)

PLEASE FILL IN THE APPROPRIATE SPACES ABOVE FROM THE MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION SET
FORTH IN THE COVER LETTER TO YOU.

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
PLEASE COMPLETE AND MAIL OR DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY
DELIVER WITH PAYMENT TO: ONE PASTA AVENUE, P.O. BOX 21
CARRINGTON, ND 58421-0021
</TABLE>

The undersigned hereby subscribes for and agrees to purchase that number of
shares of Equity Stock of Dakota Growers Pasta Company (the "Company") listed
above, at a price of $ per Equity Share.

With the return of this completed Subscription Agreement, the undersigned
must make full payment for all Equity Shares subscribed for in Pool 1. This
completed Subscription Agreement and the accompanying payment must be received
by the Company at its corporate offices on or before 5:00 P.M., January 6, 1999.
Subscription Agreements and accompanying payments that are received by the
Company after that date, but which are postmarked on or before January 6, 1999,
will be deemed to be timely received. The undersigned hereby represents:

1. The undersigned is a current member - shareholder and has authority to
execute the Subscription Agreement on the behalf of the subscriber.

2. The subscription is for the undersigned's own account and not for the
purpose of redistribution of the stock to others.

3. The subscriber is an agricultural producer, which includes tenants of
land used for the production of agricultural products and lessors who
receive as rent a part of the produce of such land.

4. The undersigned has been provided a copy of the Company's Bylaws and
Articles of Association and agrees to be bound by them in all respects
and consents to include all qualified allocated patronage dividends and
per unit retains (both cash and certificate) as income for income tax
purposes.

5. The subscriber agrees to comply with all present and future eligibility
requirements for membership and to abide by rules and policies of uniform
application as adopted by the Board of Directors.

6. The subscriber acknowledges that a member may be expelled from
membership in the Company should it be determined that such member is not
qualified for membership as provided for in the Bylaws of the Company.
<PAGE>
7. The Prospectus dated November , 1998, has been received and read in
its entirety and the undersigned's decision to purchase Equity Stock is
based solely on the information and representations contained therein.
The undersigned recognizes that ownership of the securities involve
various risk factors including those discussed in the Prospectus. This
representation does not constitute a waiver of the undersigned's rights
under the Securities Act of 1933.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GROWERS AGREEMENT

BY THE EXECUTION OF THIS SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT, AND UPON ITS FULL OR
PARTIAL ACCEPTANCE BY THE COMPANY, THE UNDERSIGNED IS ALSO DEEMED TO HAVE
EXECUTED THE GROWERS AGREEMENT, AND AGREES TO BE BOUND IN ALL RESPECTS BY THAT
GROWERS AGREEMENT TO THE SAME EFFECT AND PURPOSE AS IF THE UNDERSIGNED'S
SIGNATURE WAS APPLIED TO THAT AGREEMENT. SAID GROWERS AGREEMENT IS CONTAINED IN
THE COMPANY'S REGISTRATION STATEMENT (FILE NO. 333- ) DECLARED EFFECTIVE BY
THE SEC ON NOVEMBER , 1998, AND IS BY THIS REFERENCE INCORPORATED INTO THIS
SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT AND MADE A PART HEREOF.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PAYMENT
_________ Number of Equity Shares Subscribed in Pool 1
$_________ Amount of Enclosed

Make check payable to Dakota Growers Pasta Company. The funds paid hereunder
will, upon acceptance of the subscription by the Company, become the assets of
the Company and be immediately available for use for the Company's operations.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This Subscription Agreement has been signed by the undersigned at
____________________________, ___________________________ on ____________, 1998.

(City/Town) (State) (Month and Day)

INSTRUCTIONS: If the member consists of co-owners or joint owners, each
should sign. If the member is a corporation, limited liability company, or other
legal entity, an officer should sign and give his title. If the member is a
partnership, the authorized partner should sign and give his title.

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
- -------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
(Signature) (Title)

- -------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
(Signature) (Title)
</TABLE>

ACCEPTANCE. The above Subscription Agreement for Equity Shares is
accepted as of this day of , 1998.

DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY
By _____________________________________
Its ____________________________________

<PAGE>
SUBSCRIPTION DOCUMENT B [POOL 2 - CURRENT MEMBERS]
DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY
A NORTH DAKOTA COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION
SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
NAME AND ADDRESS OF SUBSCRIBER NUMBER OF SHARES OF EQUITY STOCK THE
SUBSCRIBER DESIRES TO PURCHASE IN POOL 2:
PLEASE COMPLETE AND MAIL OR DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY
DELIVER WITH PAYMENT TO: ONE PASTA AVENUE, P.O. BOX 21
CARRINGTON, ND 58421-0021
</TABLE>

In the event that all shares of Equity Stock offered in Pool 1 are not sold,
the undersigned hereby subscribes for and agrees to purchase that number of
Equity Shares of Dakota Growers Pasta Company (the "Company") listed above, at a
price of $ per Equity Share.

The undersigned understands that the full number of Equity Shares requested
will be available only if the shares available for purchase in Pool 2 of the
Company's stock offering are sufficient to satisfy the requests of all
subscribers. In the event that the number of Equity Shares requested by
subscribers in Pool 2 exceeds the number of Equity Shares available in Pool 2,
then the Company will allocate the Pool 2 shares on a pro rata basis based on
the number of shares of Equity Stock requested by each subscribing member.
Please review the "Plan of Distribution" section of the Prospectus dated
November , 1998 for a full description of the distribution process.

With the return of this completed Subscription Agreement, the undersigned
must make full payment for the number of Equity Shares desired to be purchased
in Pool 2. This completed Subscription Agreement and the accompanying payment
must be received by the Company at its corporate offices on or before 5:00 P.M.,
January 6, 1999. Subscription Agreements and accompanying payments that are
received by the Company after that date, but which are postmarked on or before
January 6, 1999, will be deemed to be timely received.

The undersigned hereby reaffirms all of the representations and declarations
as set forth in the undersigned's executed Subscription Document A (Pool 1)
submitted to the Company.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PAYMENT DUE NOW

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Number of Equity Shares Requested in Pool 2
$ Amount of Payment Enclosed
</TABLE>

Make check payable to Dakota Growers Pasta Company Escrow Account

The payment will be held in escrow with First American Bank West until the
Company has completed the Pool 2 allocation of shares. In the event that no
shares are issued to the undersigned, the full amount of the payment to the
Company hereunder will be refunded, without interest, to the subscriber within
five (5) days of the date that the Company has completed its plan of
distribution.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
The subscription has been signed by the undersigned at
____________________________, ___________________________ on ____________, 1998.

(City/Town) (State) (Month and Day)

INSTRUCTIONS: If the member consists of co-owners or joint owners, each
should sign. If the prospective member is a corporation, limited liability
company, or other legal entity, an officer should sign and give his title. If
the member is a partnership, the authorized partner should sign and give his
title.

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
(signature) (title)

(signature) (title)
</TABLE>

ACCEPTANCE. The above Subscription Agreement for ______ Equity Shares is
accepted as of this __ day of ____________, 1998.

<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY

By
------------------------------------------

Its
------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
SUBSCRIPTION DOCUMENT C [POOL 3 - NEW MEMBERS]
DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY
A NORTH DAKOTA COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
AND SUBSCRIPTION AGREEMENT

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
NAME AND ADDRESS OF SUBSCRIBER ONE SHARE OF MEMBERSHIP STOCK:
$125.00
NUMBER OF SHARES OF EQUITY STOCK THE
SUBSCRIBER DESIRES TO PURCHASE:
(Minimum Purchase = 1,500 shares)

PLEASE COMPLETE AND MAIL OR DELIVER WITH DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY
PAYMENT TO: ONE PASTA AVENUE, P.O. BOX 21
CARRINGTON, ND 58421-0021
</TABLE>

The undersigned hereby applies for membership and subscribes for and agrees
to purchase one (1) share of Membership Stock, at a price of $125.00 per share,
and that number of shares of Equity Stock of Dakota Growers Pasta Company (the
"Company") listed above, at a price of $ per Equity Share.

The undersigned understands that the share of Membership Stock and the
number of Equity Shares requested will be available only if all Equity Shares
offered by the Company are not purchased by existing members in Pool 1 and Pool
2. In the event that the number of Equity Shares requested by subscribers
exceeds the number of Equity Shares available in Pool 3, then all subscribers
shall receive the first 1,500 of their requested shares of Equity Stock. The
Company will then allocate the remaining shares of Equity Stock on a pro rata
basis based on the number of shares of Equity Stock requested in excess of
1,500. If the number of available shares of Equity Stock in Pool 3 is
insufficient for each subscriber to receive the first 1,500 shares of Equity
Stock requested, then the Company will conduct a random drawing to determine the
purchasers of shares in Pool 3. Please review the "Plan of Distribution" section
of the Prospectus dated November , 1998 for a full description of the
distribution process. The undersigned agrees to purchase that number of Equity
Shares as determined in accordance with the Plan of Distribution, even if less
than the number of shares requested.

With the return of this completed Subscription Agreement, the undersigned
must pay the full purchase price for the number of Equity Shares desired to be
purchased hereunder. The completed Subscription Agreement and the accompanying
payment must be received by the Company at its corporate offices on or before
5:00 P.M., February 28, 1999. Subscription Agreements and accompanying payments
that are received by the Company after that date, but which are postmarked on or
before February 28, 1999, will be deemed to be timely received.

The undersigned hereby declares and represents to the Company that:

1. The undersigned has authority to execute the Subscription Agreement on
the behalf of the subscriber.

2. The undersigned is a resident of North Dakota or Minnesota.

3. The subscription is for the undersigned's own account and not for the
purpose of redistributing the stock to others.

4. The subscriber is an agricultural producer, which includes tenants of
land used for the production of agricultural products and lessors who
receive as rent a part of the produce of such land.

5. The undersigned has been given the opportunity to review the Company's
Bylaws and Articles of Association and agrees to be bound by them in all
respects and consents to include all qualified
<PAGE>
allocated patronage dividends and per unit retains (both cash and
certificate) as income for income tax purposes.

6. The subscriber agrees to comply with all present and future eligibility
requirements for membership and to abide by rules and policies of
uniform application as adopted by the Board of Directors.

7. The subscriber acknowledges that a member may be expelled from
membership in the Company should it be determined that such member is
not qualified for membership as provided for in the Bylaws of the
Company.

8. The Prospectus dated November , 1998, has been received and read in
its entirety and the undersigned's decision to purchase Membership Stock
and Equity Stock is based solely on the information and representations
contained therein. The undersigned recognizes that ownership of the
securities involve various risk factors including those discussed in the
Prospectus. This representation does not constitute a waiver of the
undersigned's rights under the Securities Act of 1933.

GROWERS AGREEMENT

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PAYMENT DUE NOW

<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
$ (Number of Equity Shares Requested X $ per Equity Share)
$125 1 Share of Membership Stock
$ Total Payment Enclosed
</TABLE>

Make check payable to Dakota Growers Pasta Company Escrow Account

The full payment hereunder will be held in escrow with First American Bank
West until the Company has completed the Pool 1 and Pool 2 distribution and
determined the final allocation of shares to Pool 3 subscribers. In the event
that no shares are issued to the undersigned, the entire payment made to the
Company hereunder will be refunded, without interest, to the subscriber within
five (5) days of the date that the Company has completed its plan of
distribution.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
The subscription has been signed by the undersigned at
____________________________, ___________________________ on ____________, 1998.

(City/Town) (State) (Month and Day)

INSTRUCTIONS: If the prospective members are co-owners or joint owners, each
should sign. If the prospective member is a corporation, limited liability
company, or other legal entity, an officer should sign and give his title. If
the prospective member is a partnership, the authorized partner should sign and
give his title.

<TABLE>
<S> <C>
(signature) (title)

(signature) (title)
</TABLE>

ACCEPTANCE. The above Application for Membership and Subscription Agreement
for ______ shares of Equity Stock and one (1) share of Membership Stock is
accepted as of this __ day of ___________, 1998.

<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
DAKOTA GROWERS PASTA COMPANY

By
------------------------------------------

Its
------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

[LETTERHEAD]

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to the
use of our report dated September 3, 1998, with respect to the financial
statements of Dakota Growers Pasta Company in the Registration Statement Form
S-1 and the related prospectus of Dakota Growers Pasta Company.

/s/ Eide Bailly LLP
- ------------------------
EIDE BAILLY LLP
September 30, 1998
Fargo, North Dakota

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> JUL-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> AUG-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> JUL-31-1998
<CASH> 182
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 13,320
<ALLOWANCES> 174
<INVENTORY> 21,935
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 39,178
<PP&E> 94,733
<DEPRECIATION> 13,596
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 124,537
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 16,365
<BONDS> 66,056
100
2,457
<COMMON> 137
<OTHER-SE> 34,434
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 124,537
<SALES> 119,621
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 119,621
<CGS> 100,229
<TOTAL-COSTS> 106,983
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 3,327
<INCOME-PRETAX> 0
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 3,327
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 9,374
<EPS-PRIMARY> 1.27
<EPS-DILUTED> 1.24

</TABLE>