CREDO PETROLEUM CORP
10QSB, 2000-09-14
CRUDE PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS
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________________________________________________________________


               SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                     Washington, D.C. 20549



                           Form 10-QSB



[X]  QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

                 For Quarter Ended July 31, 2000

                  Commission File Number 0-8877



                   CREDO PETROLEUM CORPORATION



           Colorado                          84-0772991
   (State of Incorporation)        (IRS Employer Identification)

   1801 Broadway, Suite 900                     80202
      Denver, Colorado                        (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive office)

                          303-297-2200
                        (Telephone Number)

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's
classes of common stock, net of treasury stock, as of
August 31, 2000:  Common stock, $.10 par value - 2,979,000
                  Preferred stock, no par value - None issued


________________________________________________________________

<PAGE>
                   CREDO PETROLEUM CORPORATION

                      Index to Form 10-QSB

                 For Quarter Ended July 31, 2000

________________________________________________________________


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Consolidated Balance Sheets
  As of July 31, 2000 (Unaudited)  and October 31, 1999

Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Changes in Retained
  Earnings (Unaudited) For the Nine and Three Month Periods
  Ended July 31, 2000 and 1999

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
  For the Nine Month Periods Ended July 31, 2000 and 1999

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
  Condition and Results of Operations


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Not Applicable



The financial information furnished in this Form 10-QSB reflects
all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management,
necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position of
the company for the periods presented.

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                   CREDO PETROLEUM CORPORATION
                   Consolidated Balance Sheets

                           A S S E T S

                                           July 31,   October 31,
                                          2000          1999
                                       -----------   -----------
                                       (Unaudited)
<S>                                    <C>           <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
 Cash and cash equivalents             $   246,000   $   184,000
 Short term investments                  5,017,000     4,055,000
 Receivables:
  Trade                                    364,000       443,000
  Accrued oil and gas sales                483,000       362,000
  Other                                     59,000        77,000
                                       -----------   -----------
                                         6,169,000     5,121,000
                                       -----------   -----------

OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES, net, at cost,
 full cost method:
  Unevaluated                            1,011,000       788,000
  Evaluated                              5,046,000     5,126,000
                                       -----------   -----------
                                         6,057,000     5,914,000
                                       -----------   -----------

OTHER, net                                  78,000        43,000
                                       -----------   -----------

                                       $12,304,000   $11,078,000
                                       ===========   ===========

   L I A B I L I T I E S   A N D   S T O C K H O L D E R S '
                          E Q U I T Y

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 Accounts payable                      $   729,000   $   739,000
 Income taxes payable                      246,000       147,000
                                       -----------   -----------
                                           975,000       886,000
                                       -----------   -----------

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                    1,359,000     1,227,000
                                       -----------   -----------

COMMITMENTS                            ___________   ___________
                                       -----------   -----------

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
 Preferred stock, without
  par value 5,000,000 shares
  authorized, none issued                     -             -
 Common stock, $.10 par value,
  20,000,000 shares authorized,
  3,678,000 shares issued                  367,000       367,000
 Capital in excess of par value          6,235,000     6,235,000
 Retained earnings                       4,583,000     3,578,000
 Treasury stock, at cost, 699,000
  shares in 2000 and 1999               (1,215,000)   (1,215,000)
                                       -----------   -----------
                                         9,970,000     8,965,000
                                       -----------   -----------

                                       $12,304,000   $11,078,000
                                       ===========   ===========


                     See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                          CREDO PETROLEUM CORPORATION
              Consolidated Statements of Earnings And Changes in
                         Retained Earnings - Unaudited


                         Nine Months   Nine Months     Quarter      Quarter
                            Ended         Ended         Ended        Ended
                           July 31,      July 31,      July 31,     July 31
                            2000          1999          2000         1999
                         -----------   -----------   -----------  -----------
<S>                      <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>
REVENUES:
 Oil and gas sales       $ 2,100,000   $ 1,799,000   $   784,000  $   554,000
 Operating                   316,000       322,000       104,000      105,000
 Investment income
  and other                  399,000       296,000        54,000       51,000
 Non-recurring
  litigation settlement      345,000          -             -            -
                         -----------   -----------   -----------  -----------
                           3,160,000     2,417,000       942,000      710,000
                         -----------   -----------   -----------  -----------

COSTS AND EXPENSES:
 Oil and gas production      680,000       591,000       246,000      210,000
 Depreciation, depletion
  and amortization           434,000       664,000       146,000      183,000
 General and
  administrative             610,000       550,000       167,000      161,000
                         -----------   -----------   -----------  -----------
                           1,724,000    1 ,805,000       559,000      554,000
                         -----------   -----------   -----------  -----------

INCOME BEFORE
 INCOME TAXES              1,436,000       612,000       383,000      156,000

INCOME TAXES                (431,000)     (214,000)      (94,000)     (54,000)
                         -----------   -----------   -----------  -----------

NET INCOME                 1,005,000       398,000       289,000      102,000

RETAINED EARNINGS,
 BEGINNING OF PERIOD       3,578,000     2,967,000     4,294,000    3,263,000
                         -----------   -----------   -----------  -----------

RETAINED EARNINGS,
 END OF PERIOD           $ 4,583,000   $ 3,365,000   $ 4,583,000  $ 3,365,000
                         ===========   ===========   ===========  ===========


BASIC NET INCOME
 PER SHARE               $       .34   $       .13   $       .10  $       .03
                         ===========   ===========   ===========  ===========

DILUTED NET INCOME
 PER SHARE               $       .32   $       .13   $       .09  $       .03
                         ===========   ===========   ===========  ===========


                            See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                        CREDO PETROLEUM CORPORATION
             Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Unaudited

                                                   Nine Months Ended
                                                        July 31,
                                              --------------------------
                                                  2000           1999
                                              ------------   -----------
<S>                                            <C>           <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 Net income                                    $ 1,005,000   $   398,000
 Noncash expenses included in net income:
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization         434,000       664,000
  Deferred income taxes                            132,000       214,000
  Other                                             28,000         9,000
 Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
  Proceeds from short term investments           1,261,000     1,906,000
  Purchase of short term investments            (2,223,000)   (2,885,000)
  Trade receivables                                 79,000       (69,000)
  Accrued oil and gas sales                       (121,000)      (48,000)
  Other                                             18,000          -
  Accounts payable                                 (10,000)      506,000
  Income tax payable                                99,000      (133,000)
                                               -----------   -----------

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES          702,000       562,000
                                               -----------   -----------


INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 Oil and gas properties, net                      (577,000)     (486,000)
 Changes in long-term assets                       (63,000)      (15,000)
                                               -----------   -----------

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES             (640,000)     (501,000)
                                               -----------   -----------


FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 Purchase of treasury stock                           -          (95,000)
                                               -----------   -----------

NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES                 -          (95,000)
                                               -----------   -----------


INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH
 AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                               62,000       (34,000)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
 Beginning of Period                               184,000       349,000
                                               -----------   -----------

 End of Period                                 $   246,000   $   315,000
                                               ===========   ===========

                          See accompanying notes.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

                   CREDO PETROLEUM CORPORATION
        Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
               Condition and Results of Operations
                          July 31, 2000


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     The company's working capital and cash flow represent a
significant capital resource and source of liquidity.  At third
quarter end, working capital was $5,194,000, up 29% from the
fiscal year ended October 31, 1999.  Cash flow from operating
activities before working capital changes totaled $1,599,000 for
the nine months, up 24% from the same period last year.  Cash
flow was used to fund oil and gas property expenditures totaling
$1,095,000, before $518,000 of property sales proceeds.  Excess
cash flow is reflected in the increase in working capital.

     Existing working capital and anticipated cash flow are
expected to be sufficient to fund fiscal 2000 operations.
However, if the company were to make one or more major
acquisition during the coming year, bank borrowing, issuance of
additional stock, or other forms of debt financing would be
considered.  Because earnings are anticipated to be reinvested in
operations, cash dividends are not expected to be paid in the
foreseeable future.

     Commitments for future capital expenditures were not
material at third quarter-end.  The timing of most capital
expenditures for exploration and development is relatively
discretionary.  Therefore, the company can plan expenditures to
coincide with available funds in order to minimize business
risks.

PRODUCT PRICES, PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS

     Numerous uncertainties exist in the oil and gas exploration
and production industry which are beyond the company's ability to
predict with reasonable accuracy.

     Gas price decontrol, the advent of an active spot market for
natural gas, and increased energy commodity market trading have
resulted in gas prices received by the company being subject to
significant monthly fluctuations.  Gas prices generally
accelerate in peak demand periods such as the winter months and
subside during lower demand periods.

     Uncertainties also exist with respect to the supply of oil
available to world markets.  OPEC and other major foreign
producers exercise considerable influence over the worldwide oil
supply which in turn affects prices for petroleum products.

     Although product prices are key to the company's ability to
operate profitably and to budget capital expenditures, they are
beyond the company's control and are difficult to predict.  The
company periodically hedges the price of its oil and gas
production when the potential for significant downward price
movement is anticipated.  Hedging transactions take the form of
forward, or  short', selling in the NYMEX futures market, and are
closed by purchasing offsetting  long' positions.  Such hedges do
not exceed anticipated production volumes, are expected to have
reasonable correlation between price movements in the futures
market and the cash markets where the company's production is
located, and are authorized by the company's Board of Directors.
Hedges are expected to be closed and gains or losses recognized
for financial reporting purposes as related production occurs.
However, hedges may be closed earlier if the anticipated downward
price movement occurs or if the company believes that the
potential for such movement has abated.  All other futures
transactions are accounted for as speculative transactions and
gains and losses are immediately recognized.

<PAGE>
     The company's present natural gas hedge covers the months of
August 2000 through October 2000.  At July 31, 2000, open hedge
positions totaled 60,000 Mcfg (thousand cubic feet gas) at an
average price of $3.01 per Mcf and represented approximately 35%
of expected natural gas production for the months of August
through October 2000.

     Hedging losses of $48,000 are included in oil and gas income
for the three and nine month periods ended July 31, 2000.  The
company had hedging losses of $35,000 for the third quarter 1999
and hedging gains of $167,000 for the nine months ended July 31,
1999.  At July 31, 2000, hedging losses related to futures
contract months beyond third quarter-end (August through October)
have been deferred and will be recognized as the related
production occurs.  These losses totaled $45,000 of which $14,000
are realized and $31,000 are unrealized.  Current natural gas
prices are continuing to be above the company's $3.01 average
hedge price as fundamentals have steadily improved.  Accordingly,
the company expects to realize a significant hedging loss on the
remaining portion of the hedge which should be offset by
increased cash market prices expected to be received by the
company.

     Oil and gas sales volume and price comparisons for the
indicated periods are set forth below.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  Nine Months           Nine Months
             Ended July 31, 2000   Ended July 31, 1999  Percent   Percent
             -------------------   -------------------   Volume    Price
Product        Volume   Price        Volume   Price      Change    Change
-------       -------  -------      -------  -------    -------   -------
<S>           <C>      <C>          <C>      <C>          <C>      <C>
Gas (Mcf)     511,800  $ 2.62(1)    650,900  $ 2.12(2)    - 21%    + 24%
Oil (bbls)     28,400  $26.72        29,400  $14.21       -  3%    + 88%
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                Three Months           Three Months
             Ended July 31, 2000   Ended July 31, 1999  Percent   Percent
             -------------------   -------------------   Volume    Price
Product       Volume    Price        Volume   Price      Change    Change
-------      -------   ------       -------  ------     -------   -------
<S>           <C>      <C>          <C>      <C>          <C>      <C>
Gas (Mcf)     166,400  $ 3.09(3)    197,400  $ 1.88(4)    - 16%    + 64%
Oil (bbls)      9,300  $28.90        10,200  $17.97       -  9%    + 61%

(1) Includes $.09 Mcf hedging loss.
(2) Includes $.26 Mcf hedging gain.
(3) Includes $.29 Mcf hedging loss.
(4) Includes $.18 Mcf hedging loss.
</TABLE>

     The decline in fiscal 2000 oil and gas production for the
nine month and three month periods compared to the same periods
last year primarily reflects the sale of the Tracy Federal #1
well and a steep (but expected) production decline on the Cline
#11-1 well, both as discussed below.

     During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999, the company sold
its 78% interest in the Tracy Federal #1 well for $487,000. The
well accounted for 9% and 7%, respectively, of the company's gas
production for the three and nine month periods ended July 31,
1999.  At the time of the sale, the well was producing
approximately 300 Mcfgd.  The sale was precipitated by declining
production rates and concern that the wellbore was  loading-up'
with fluids which could not be efficiently removed due to the
well's depth, its remote location, and pipeline restraints.
Proved reserves attributed to the well at the time of sale were
455,000 Mcfg and 6,000 barrels of oil.  Sale proceeds were
recorded as a reduction to oil and gas property costs.

<PAGE>
     During fiscal 1999, the Cline #11-1 was the company's
largest producing well accounting for 28% of gas production for
both the three and nine month periods ended July 31, 1999.
Production from the well declined steeply and accounted for only
3% and 7%, respectively, of the company's gas production for the
comparable three and nine month periods ended July 31, 2000.  Of
four productive Morrow sands in the wellbore, only the Basal
Morrow sand was opened for production due to mechanical issues
related to completing all four sands at the same time.  In the
area, the Basal Morrow sand is generally  wet', but in the Cline
#11-1 well it was slightly above the gas/water contact and had
excellent porosity and permeability.  The Basal Morrow sand
produced high volumes of gas but pressures depleted rapidly
indicating a limited gas reservoir above the water contact.  It
was, therefore, expected that the Basal Morrow zone would have a
limited life, and as anticipated, it  watered out' and was
abandoned during the third quarter of 1999.  It produced over
1.10 Bcfg and 6,700 barrels of oil in about 26 months. Three
additional Morrow zones located above the Basal Morrow sand are
currently being completed for production.  Combined estimated
reserves and production from the upper sands are expected to
exceed those of the Basal sand, however, the upper sands are not
as porous and, thus, are expected to produce at significantly
lower rates than the Basal sand.  The company owns 49% of the
well and is the operator.

     Lower fiscal 2000 gas production resulting from the rapid
production decline from the Basal Morrow sand in the Cline #11-1
well and sale of the Tracy Federal #1 well (both described above)
was partially offset by new wells added which accounted for 20%
and 25% of the company's gas production for the three and nine
month periods ended July 31, 2000, respectively.  One such well,
the J. C. Carroll #1, on which the company installed the patented
fluid lift technology discussed below, is presently the company's
largest producing well accounting for 13% and 18% of the
company's gas production for the three and nine month periods
ended July 31, 2000, respectively.  The well is currently
producing 600 to 630 Mcfgd.  The Carroll well was expected to
contribute a greater percentage of production in the nine month
period, however, it was down approximately two and a half months
due to down-hole pressure control problems related to down-hole
valves being cut by sand produced from the Morrow formation.
After several attempts, the company successfully modified the
valves, and the well has produced since late February 2000
without recurrence of the problem.  Estimated reserves attributed
to the well are 1.5 Bcfge of which the company's share is 886,000
Mcfge.  The well has a very limited operating history using the
new fluid lift technology, and accordingly, production levels and
reserve estimates must be viewed as being subject to significant
change as more data about the well becomes available.  The
company owns a 75% working interest and a 60% net revenue
interest in the J. C. Carroll well and is the operator.

     As previously reported, the company participated in
developing new fluid lift technology for low-pressure
(significantly depleted) gas reservoirs.  This patented
technology employs down-hole pressure differentials to
efficiently lift fluids from the wellbores.  Among other things,
removing the fluids from the wellbore reduces the hydrostatic
pressure against the formation thereby allowing gas to flow into
the wellbore.  The technology is most effective in wells deeper
than 10,000 feet where conventional fluid lift systems lose
efficiency.  The technology is installed on a total of five
wells, including the J. C. Carroll well discussed above, with
depths ranging from 6,500 to 12,000 feet.  All but one have
equaled or exceeded expectations.  The J. C. Carroll well ranks
as the company's largest producing well while another application
ranks as the company's fourth largest well.

     During the third fiscal quarter 2000, in an attempt to
significantly extend the operating limits of the Technology, the
company installed it on an 18,600-foot well located in Oklahoma.
The Technology operated successfully lifting approximately 20
barrels of water per day to the surface.  However analysis of the
water indicated that it was from an up-hole casing leak.  The
company elected to expose the casing to the producing formation
based on results of a casing integrity test that proved to be
inaccurate.  Had the casing integrity test provided accurate
information about the condition of the casing, the problem would
have been avoided.  The Technology has been removed in order to
perform remedial work on the well.  Remedial work consists of
isolating the casing leak (which has been done), and then
reperforating and acidizing the Hunton formation to attempt to
re-establish communication between the wellbore and the
formation.  If that work is successful, the Technology will be
reinstalled on the well.  If it is not successful, the well will
be abandoned and the Technology will be removed to another well.

<PAGE>
     Three additional installations or expected to be completed
on 12,000 foot, or deeper, wells during the next six to eight
months.  The company believes that the technology will prove to
be a cost effective, low risk, and repeatable means to
significantly increase its gas production and reserves.

     During fiscal 1999 and the first quarter of fiscal 2000, the
company participated in a significant wildcat drilling program to
develop coal bed methane (CBM) reserves on its 13,000 gross acre
(1,253 net acre) Sheridan Prospect located on the west side of
Wyoming's Powder River Basin.  Approximately 100 wells were
drilled on the prospect.  The company estimated that its share of
drilling and infrastructure (gathering, electricity, water
disposal, etc.) costs incurred was $600,000 to $700,000.  There
has been no significant production from the prospect, and the
company's share of total costs to fully develop the prospect
ranged up to $3,000,000.  During the second quarter of fiscal
2000, the company sold its remaining interest in the Sheridan
Prospect for approximately $375,000 plus assumption by the buyer
of all drilling and infrastructure costs incurred by the company
from inception of the project. The company also retained a small
overriding royalty interest in the prospect.  Sales proceeds were
recorded as a reduction in oil and gas property costs.

     The company also owns 17,000 gross (3,900 net) acres of CBM
leases located on the eastern side of the Powder River Basin,
including the 5,000 gross acre Recluse Prospect in which the
company owns a 10% interest.  Approximately 20 wells have been
drilled on the Recluse Prospect that have been logged and are
awaiting completion for production.  Logs indicate that the
prospect area contains productive coals.  Production testing and
pipeline connection are expected during the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2000.

INCOME TAXES

     The company accounts for income taxes in accordance with
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting
for Income Taxes (SFAS 109), which requires the asset and
liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the
temporary differences between the financial statement and tax
basis of assets and liabilities.  Deferred tax assets or
liabilities at the end of each period are determined using the
tax rate in effect at that time.

     The total future deferred income tax liability under SFAS
109 is extremely complicated for any oil company to estimate due
in part to the long-lived nature of depleting oil and gas
reserves and variables such as product prices.  Accordingly, the
liability is subject to continual recalculation, revision of the
numerous estimates required, and may change significantly in the
event of such things as major acquisitions, divestitures, product
price changes, changes in reserve estimates, changes in reserve
lives, and changes in tax rates or tax laws.

<PAGE>
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Nine Months Ended July 31, 2000 Compared to Nine Months Ended
July 31, 1999

     For the nine months ended July 31, 2000, net income
increased 153% to $1,005,000 compared to $398,000 for the same
period last year.

     Total revenues increased 31% to $3,160,000 for the nine
months ended July 31, 2000 compared to $2,417,000 last year.  Oil
and gas sales increased $301,000, or 17%, to $2,100,000.  Refer
to the table and discussion on pages 7 and 8 for details of oil
and gas prices and volumes for the applicable periods.  Total gas
price realizations rose 24% to $2.62 per Mcf compared to $2.12
last year.  Hedging transactions decreased 2000 price
realizations by $.09 per Mcf, or 3% compared to an increase in
1999 price realizations from hedging transactions of $.26 per
Mcf, or 14%.  Net wellhead prices for gas increased 46% to $2.71
per Mcf compared to $1.86 last year.  Net wellhead oil price
realizations increased 88% to $26.72 per barrel compared to
$14.21 last year.  The net effect of these price changes,
including hedging transactions, was to increase oil and gas sales
$705,000.  Gas volumes declined 21% and oil volumes declined 3%.
The net effect of volume changes was to reduce oil and gas sales
by $404,000.  Operating income was slightly lower due to sale of
several marginal operated properties.  Investment income
increased 35% due to a substantial increase in funds invested.
An Illinois trust company in which the company deposited funds to
be managed by a professional money manager recently filed
bankruptcy due to a theft of funds by a related company.  The
trust company's assets were approximately $2.0 billion and it had
approximately 20,000 customer accounts.  The loss is
approximately $68 million representing about 3.5% of the trust
company's assets.  The trust company served only as a conduit and
accounting service for the company's funds which were immediately
transferred to a major brokerage house.  The court has allowed
continued investment of the company's funds by its money manager.
The company has filed motions to be excluded from the loss
allocation.  Due to uncertainties related to this matter and the
company's conviction that its account should be excluded from any
loss allocation, the company has not reserved for any potential
loss.  The company currently believes that its maximum exposure
to loss allocation is approximately $75,000.

     Non-recurring litigation settlement income of $345,000
($241,000 after tax) resulted from settlement of a lawsuit
related to investment losses incurred by the company in 1990.

     Total costs and expenses were $1,724,000 for the nine months
ended July 31, 2000 compared to $1,805,000 last year.  General
and administrative expenses rose 11% due to inflationary
pressures, additional staffing and the timing of certain
expenditures.  Depreciation, depletion and amortization fell 35%
primarily due to proceeds from sale of certain oil and gas
properties reducing the property amortization base, certain
operating rights becoming fully amortized during fiscal 1999, and
lower gas production volumes in fiscal 2000 compared to fiscal
1999.  The 15% increase in oil and gas production expenses
primarily reflects increased production taxes on higher oil and
gas revenues and costs associated with timing of workovers and
repairs. Income taxes were provided at 30% in fiscal year 2000
and 35% in the prior year.  The tax rate reduction is based in
part on actual tax rates for the prior fiscal year which were
determined when the final tax return was filed.

<PAGE>
Quarter Ended July 31, 2000 Compared to Quarter Ended July 31,
1999

     Net income for the quarter ended July 31, 2000 increased
183% to $289,000 compared to $102,000 for the same quarter last
year.

     Total revenues increased 33% to $942,000 in the third
quarter of 2000.  Oil and gas sales increased 42% to $784,000.
Refer to the table and discussion on pages 7 and 8 for details of
oil and gas prices and volumes for the applicable periods.  Total
gas price realizations rose 64% to $3.09 per Mcf compared to
$1.88 last year.  Hedging transactions decreased third quarter
2000 price realizations by $.29 per Mcf, or 9%, compared to a
decrease in 1999 price realizations from hedging transactions of
$.18 per Mcf, or 7%.  Net wellhead prices for gas increased 64%
to $3.38 per Mcf compared to $2.06 last year.  Net wellhead oil
price realizations increased 61% to $28.90 per barrel compared to
$17.97 last year.  The net effect of these price changes and
hedging transactions was to increase oil and gas sales $343,000.
Gas volumes declined 16% and oil volumes declined 9%.  The net
effect of volume changes was to reduce oil and gas sales by
$113,000.  Operating income did not vary significantly between
the periods.  Investment income increased 6% due to an increase
in funds invested.

     Total costs and expenses were $559,000 in the third quarter
of 2000 compared to $554,000 last year.  General and
administrative expenses rose 4% due to inflationary pressures,
additional staffing and the timing of certain expenditures.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization fell 20% primarily due
to proceeds from sale of certain oil and gas properties reducing
the property amortization base and lower gas production in fiscal
2000 compared to fiscal 1999.  The 17% increase in oil and gas
production expenses primarily reflects increased production taxes
on higher oil and gas sales revenue.  Income taxes were provided
at 25% in the third quarter of fiscal 2000 and 35% in 1999.  The
tax rate reduction is based in part on actual tax rates for the
prior fiscal year which were determined when the final tax return
was filed.

                           SIGNATURES

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



Date:  September 12, 2000    By:   /s/ James T. Huffman
                                  --------------------------
                                  James T. Huffman
                                  President and
                                  Chief Executive Officer



                             By:   /s/ John A. Alsko
                                  --------------------------
                                  John A. Alsko
                                  Vice President
                                  and Chief Financial Officer




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