TERRA INDUSTRIES INC
10-K405, 1999-03-23
MISCELLANEOUS NONDURABLE GOODS
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<PAGE>
 
================================================================================

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549

                                   FORM 10-K

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998      Commission file number: 1-8520

                             TERRA INDUSTRIES INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                                    Maryland
                        (State or other jurisdiction of
                         incorporation or organization)

                                   52-1145429
                                (I.R.S. Employer
                              Identification No.)

                                  Terra Centre
                               600 Fourth Street
                                 P. O. Box 6000
                                Sioux City, Iowa
                    (Address of principal executive offices)

                                   51102-6000
                                   (Zip Code)

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (712) 277-1340
                                        
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

                                                     Name of each exchange
                Title of each class                   on which registered
                -------------------                  ---------------------
 
          Common Shares, without par value          New York Stock Exchange
                                                     Toronto Stock Exchange
           10 3/4% Senior Notes Due 2003                      N/A
 
           10 1/2% Senior Notes Due 2005                      N/A

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:    None
                                 ______________

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

     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained to the
best of Registrant's knowledge in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ X ]

     The aggregate market value of the Registrant's voting stock held by non-
affiliates of the Registrant, at January 31, 1999, was approximately $230
million.

     On January 31, 1999, the Registrant's outstanding voting stock consisted of
75,466,040 Common Shares, without par value.

===============================================================================
<PAGE>
 
                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
                                        
     Annual Report to Stockholders of Registrant for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1998.  Certain information therein is incorporated by reference
into Part I, Part II and Part IV hereof.

     Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Registrant to be
held on May 4, 1999.  Certain information therein is incorporated by reference
into Part III hereof.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                        PART I
                                        ------
<S>             <C>                                                                        <C>
Items 1 and 2.  Business and Properties...................................................   1

Item 3.         Legal proceedings.........................................................  10

Item 4.         Submission of matters to a vote of security holders.......................  11

                Executive officers of the Company.........................................  11

                                        PART II
                                        -------

Item 5.         Market for Terra Industries' common
                 equity and related stockholder matters...................................  12

Item 6.         Selected financial data...................................................  12

Item 7.         Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition
                and results of operations.................................................  12

Item 8.         Financial statements and supplementary data...............................  12

Item 9.         Changes in and disagreements with accountants on accounting
                and financial disclosure..................................................  12

                                        PART III
                                        --------

Item 10.        Directors and executive officers of the Company...........................  13

Item 11.        Executive compensation....................................................  13

Item 12.        Security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management............  13

Item 13.        Certain relationships and related transactions............................  13

                                        PART IV
                                        -------

Item 14.        Exhibits, financial statement schedules and reports on Form 8-K...........  13

Signatures................................................................................  18

Index to financial statement schedules, reports and consents.............................. S-1
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                                     PART I
                                     ------

Items 1 and 2.  BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES.

  Terra Industries Inc., a Maryland corporation, conducts its ongoing operations
primarily through its various subsidiaries. Unless otherwise referred to herein
or the context otherwise requires, references to the "Company" or "Terra" shall
mean Terra Industries Inc., including, where the context so requires, its direct
and indirect subsidiaries.  The subsidiaries that are not wholly owned include
two limited partnerships operating the businesses of the Beaumont Facility in
one case and both the Verdigris Facility and the Blytheville Facility in the
other case.  Terra is the sole general partner and majority partner in both
partnerships.  The principal corporate office of the Company is located at Terra
Centre, 600 Fourth Street, Sioux City, Iowa 51102-6000 and its telephone number
is 712-277-1340.

Business Overview

  The Company is a leader in each of its three business segments: (i) the
distribution of crop inputs and services, (ii) the manufacture and marketing of
nitrogen fertilizer products and (iii) the manufacture and marketing of
methanol.  The Company owns and operates the largest independent farm service
center network in North America and is the second largest distributor of crop
inputs in the United States.  The Company is also one of the largest producers
of anhydrous ammonia and nitrogen solutions in the United States and Canada, as
well as the largest producer of ammonium nitrate in the United Kingdom.  In
addition, the Company is one of the largest U.S. manufacturers and marketers of
methanol.

  The Company's distribution network serves the United States and eastern region
of Canada and includes 403 Company operated farm service centers as of December
31, 1998.  This network distributes and markets a comprehensive line of
fertilizers, crop protection products, seed and services.

  The Company's principal production facilities are comprised of:

     .  seven nitrogen fertilizer plants located in the following places:
        Oklahoma (the "Woodward Facility" and the "Verdigris Facility"), Iowa
        (the "Port Neal Facility"), Ontario, Canada (the "Courtright Facility")
        Arkansas (the "Blytheville Facility") and the United Kingdom (the
        "Billingham Facility" and the "Severnside Facility"); and

     .  a methanol production plant located in Texas (the "Beaumont
        Facility"). (The Woodward Facility also includes methanol production,
        and an ammonia loop is being constructed at the Beaumont Facility.)

  For certain financial information regarding the Company's industry segments
(Distribution, Nitrogen Products and Methanol), see Note 21 to the Company's
Consolidated Financial Statements incorporated herein.

Distribution

  The Company's farm service center network is a distribution and marketing
system for a comprehensive line of fertilizers, crop protection products, seed
and services.  The Company's customers are primarily farmers and dealers located
in the midwestern and southern regions of the United States, and the
southeastern region of Canada.

  Products. The Company markets a full range of crop protection products
(herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, adjuvants, plant growth regulators,
defoliants, desiccants and other products), fertilizer (nitrogen, phosphates,
potash and micronutrients) and seed.

  Although most crop protection products marketed by the Company are purchased
from a number of other agricultural suppliers, the Company also markets its own
Riverside(R) brand products. Riverside products represented approximately 12% of
the Company's total crop protection product sales in 1998. As of December 31,
1998, the Riverside line includes over 200 products.  The Riverside line of
products consists of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, adjuvants, seed
treatments, plant growth regulators, defoliants and desiccants.  Many of the

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
Riverside(R) products are formulated or packaged by Omnium LLC, the Company's
50% owned joint venture. The Riverside(R) line includes several formulations
produced exclusively by the Company, but does not include patented agricultural
chemicals. Riverside(R) products generally provide higher margins for the
Company than products manufactured by unaffiliated suppliers. The sale of such
products, however, involves additional indirect costs, including the cost of
maintaining inventory, advertising, disposing of excess inventory and
potentially greater liability for product defects. The Company possesses and
processes the registrations required by the EPA for Riverside(R) pesticide
products.

  The Company markets several major seed brands and, in its United States
marketing area, is one of the largest independent seed distributors. The Company
focuses marketing efforts on proprietary Terra(R) brand seeds for corn hybrids,
soybean, wheat and cotton varieties, which generally provide higher margins.
These products represented approximately 17% of the Company's total seed sales
in 1998. The Company offered genetically enhanced seeds under the Terra(R) brand
for the 1998 growing season and plans to expand these offerings for the 1999
growing season. Biotech advances make seeds more sophisticated by incorporating
resistance to specific herbicides or pests, or enhancing the nutritional
characteristics of the crop. The Company also features DEKALB brand seed in the
Midwest.

  Services. In addition to selling products used to grow crops, the Company's
farm service centers offer a wide variety of services to grower customers. These
services include soil and plant tissue analysis, crop production program
recommendations, custom blending of fertilizers, field application services,
field inspections for pest control and crop performance, feed and grain
merchandising, and precision agriculture support.

  The farm service centers utilize the Company's analytical services laboratory
to analyze nutrient levels in soil and plant tissue samples. The results of
these tests are used to provide specific, localized soil fertility
recommendations for specific crops on a field-by-field basis. Recommendations
can be made for practically all crops grown in the Company's markets. The
Company also provides "least cost" nutrient blending formula recommendations,
makes seed variety recommendations based on hybrid characteristics and other
factors important to the individual grower, and maintains crop input records for
grower customers.

  Terra is taking an active role in precision agriculture. Precision agriculture
relies on global positioning satellites (GPS) as a navigation aid to site-
specific locations in a field for which various crop response characteristics
are identified through soil sampling and yield monitoring. Variable rate
applicators apply prescription rates of various crop inputs using the
information and technology available for precision agriculture. Growers utilize
the GPS technology in their planting and harvesting equipment and gain
additional information for crop production decisions. The Company has invested
in hardware, software and personnel to meet the demand of its Precision in
Agriculture(R) program, including the addition in 1998 of a center for geo-
processing data gathered by using GPS technology.

  The Company's feed and grain merchandising business enhances Terra's
effectiveness in helping a grower through the planning, planting, growing and
crop marketing cycle.

  In connection with product sales to dealers, the Company provides warehousing
and delivery services. For selected dealer customers, the Company offers
environmental and safety services, access to the Company's soil and plant tissue
testing laboratory, and other services.

  Marketing and Distribution. The Company markets its products primarily to
agricultural customers, including both dealers and growers. For 1998,
approximately 75% of the Company's distribution revenues were attributable to
grower sales through farm service center locations and approximately 25% were
attributable to sales to dealers.

  The Company also markets its products through its Professional Products(R)
group to non-farm customers, including turf growers, nurseries, golf courses,
parks, athletic facilities and utility companies. The Company offers these
customers herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, fertilizer, adjuvants, plant
growth regulators, seed and agronomic services. The Professional Products(R)
personnel generally utilize the Company's farm service centers for delivery,
billing and other systems and services.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
  The Company's distribution operations are organized for management purposes
into two divisions with five regions reporting to them and, as of December 31,
1998, these regions have 28 areas reporting to them. Field personnel receive
regular training through Terra University(R), a series of courses designed to
develop skills in agronomy, management, sales, environmental responsibility,
personal safety and crop inputs application. Terra's company-wide database
marketing initiative, named LOCALMOTION(TM), has created a platform for Terra
sales representatives to improve communications with customers by providing
timely information specific to their individual needs as well as by aiding the
development of customized product and service offerings. The field salespeople
are supported by an analytical services laboratory, a staff of technical service
representatives and research stations where the efficacy of various crop
protection products and the performance of numerous seed varieties are tested.

  Properties. The Company's farm service centers are located on a combination of
owned and leased properties, and a majority of the buildings and other
improvements at these locations are owned in fee. The leases have varying
expiration dates through the year 2007. The Company also leases or, in some
cases, owns a number of additional fertilizer storage facilities and various
rolling stock equipment.

  Product Formulations. The Company formulates crop protection products through
its Omnium LLC joint venture, which is jointly owned and controlled with
Farmland Industries Inc. The St. Joseph Formulation Facility makes liquid crop
protection products and the Blytheville Formulation Facility makes dry flowable
("DF") crop protection products. Dry, water-dispersible DF products are mixed
with water before application. Water-based or solvent-based liquid products are
also mixed with water before application. In addition to Riverside(R) products,
these facilities formulate products for Farmland Industries and others. These
facilities are owned by the Omnium joint venture in fee.

Nitrogen Products

  Nitrogen is one of three primary nutrients essential for plant growth.
Nitrogen fertilizer products must be reapplied each year in agricultural areas
because of absorption by crops and leaching from the soil. There are currently
no substitutes for nitrogen fertilizer in the cultivation of high-yield crops.

  The Company is a major producer and distributor of nitrogen products,
principally fertilizers. The Company's principal nitrogen products in North
America are ammonia, urea and urea ammonium nitrate solution ("UAN"). The
Company's principal nitrogen products manufactured in the U.K. are ammonia and
ammonium nitrate ("AN"). A significant portion of the Company's ammonia
production is upgraded into other nitrogen fertilizer products such as urea, UAN
and AN. Other important products manufactured in the U.K. include nitric acid
and carbon dioxide.

  Products.  Although, to some extent, the various nitrogen fertilizer products
are interchangeable, each has its own distinct characteristics which produce
agronomic preferences among end users. Farmers decide which type of nitrogen
fertilizer to apply based on the crop planted, soil and weather conditions,
regional farming practices, relative nitrogen fertilizer prices, and the cost
and availability of appropriate storage, handling and application equipment.

  Ammonia.  Anhydrous ammonia is the simplest form of nitrogen fertilizer and is
the feedstock for the production of most other nitrogen fertilizers, including
urea and UAN. It is produced by natural gas reacting with steam and air at high
temperatures and pressures in the presence of catalysts. It has a nitrogen
content of 82% by weight and is generally the least expensive form of fertilizer
per pound of nitrogen. Ammonia has a distinctive odor and requires refrigeration
or pressurization for transportation and storage.

  Urea. Urea is produced for both the animal feed and fertilizer market by
converting ammonia and carbon dioxide into liquid urea, which can be turned into
a solid form. Urea has a nitrogen content of 46% by weight, the highest level
for any solid nitrogen product. The Company produces both solid urea in the
granulated form, generally for the fertilizer market, and urea liquor for animal
feed supplements.

  UAN. The Company produces UAN at all five of its North American fertilizer
manufacturing facilities. The Verdigris Facility in Oklahoma is the largest UAN
production facility in North America. UAN is produced by

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
combining liquid urea and liquid ammonium nitrate in water. The nitrogen content
of UAN is typically 28% to 32% by weight. UAN is a liquid fertilizer and, unlike
ammonia, is generally odorless and does not need to be refrigerated or
pressurized for transportation or storage.

  UAN may be applied separately or may be mixed with various crop protection
products, permitting the application of several materials simultaneously, and
thus reducing energy and labor costs and accelerating field preparation for
planting.  In addition, UAN may be applied from ordinary tanks and trucks and
can be sprayed or injected into the soil, or applied through irrigation systems,
throughout the growing season.  UAN is relatively expensive to transport and
store because of its high water content.  Due to its stable nature, UAN may be
used for no-till row crops where fertilizer is spread upon the surface but may
be subject to volatilization losses. The use of conservation tilling, which
reduces erosion, has increased in the United States over the past decade, and
the Company believes this trend, if continued, should increase UAN demand.

  AN. The Company produces AN at its two plants in the U.K. AN is produced by
combining nitric acid and ammonia into a liquid form which is then turned into a
solid. The nitrogen content of AN is 34.5% by weight. Most of the AN sold by the
U.K. Business is for the fertilizer market.

  The Company's sales mix of its principal nitrogen products for each of the
last three years (including the U.K. Business for 1998 only) was approximately
(based on tons sold):

<TABLE>
<S>                      <C>             <C>             <C>
                         1998            1997            1996
                         ----            ----            ----
     Ammonia              21%             22%             23%
     Urea                 11%             12%             13%
     UAN                  55%             66%             64%
     AN                   13%             N/A             N/A
</TABLE>

  Plants. All the Company's plants in North America are integrated facilities
for the production of ammonia, liquid urea and UAN. In addition, the Blytheville
Facility and the Courtright Facility produce granular urea. The Company's two
plants in the U.K. are integrated facilities for the production of ammonia,
nitric acid, ammonium nitrate and liquid carbon dioxide. The following nitrogen
facilities are operated by the Company:

<TABLE>
<S>                              <C>                    <C>
                                 Gross Annual Ammonia   Year when Terra first
                                 Capacity (short tons)     acquired interest
                                 ---------------------  ---------------------

 Port Neal Facility (Iowa)                 350,000                1965
 Woodward Facility (Oklahoma)*             440,000                1976
 Courtright Facility (Canada)              480,000                1993
 Verdigris Facility (Oklahoma)           1,050,000                1994
 Blytheville Facility (Arkansas)           420,000                1994
 Billingham Facility (England)             550,000                1997
 Severnside Facility (England)             265,000                1997
                                         ---------

              Total                      3,555,000

</TABLE>
  *  Ammonia capacity depends, in part, on desired rate of methanol production
at this facility.

  Each of the Company's seven fertilizer manufacturing facilities is designed to
operate continuously, except for planned shutdowns (usually biennial) for
maintenance and efficiency improvements.  Capacity utilization (gross tons
produced divided by capacity tons at expected operating rates and on stream
factors) of the Company's fertilizer manufacturing facilities (including the
U.K. facilities in 1998 only) was 102% in 1998, 103% in 1997 and 101% in 1996.

  The Port Neal Facility was the site of a major explosion on December 13, 1994.
The Company repaired the facility, with ammonia production resuming in December
1995 and the urea and UAN upgrading facilities production 

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
resuming in May 1996. The Company further completed in November 1997 a $23
million capital project at the Port Neal Facility to increase annual nitric acid
production which increases UAN production capacity to 810,000 tons from 490,000
tons. The Company owns the Port Neal Facility in fee.

  The Woodward Facility includes not only an ammonia plant and a UAN plant, but
also a methanol plant with annual capacity of up to about 40 million gallons.
The Woodward Facility is owned in fee.

  The Courtright Facility's liquid urea and granulation capacities increased as
a result of a $32 million plant upgrade project completed in July 1996. The
project enabled the upgrade of up to an additional 65,000 tons of ammonia
annually into urea and UAN. The Company owns the Courtright Facility in fee, but
this facility is subject to an encumbrance in favor of lenders.

  Located at the Verdigris Facility are two ammonia plants, two nitric acid
plants and two UAN plants and the Port Terminal. The plants are owned in fee by
the Company, while the Port Terminal is leased from the Tulsa-Rogers County Port
Authority. The leasehold interest on the Port Terminal is scheduled to expire in
April 2004, and the Company has the option to renew the lease for an additional
term of five years. The Company's assets at this facility are subject to an
encumbrance in favor of lenders.

  The Blytheville Facility consists of an anhydrous ammonia plant, a granular
urea plant and a UAN plant. The UAN plant began production in late 1994. The
ammonia plant at the Blytheville Facility is leased from the City of Blytheville
at a nominal annual rental. The ammonia plant lease term is scheduled to expire
in November 2004, and the Company has the option to extend the lease for eleven
successive terms of five years each at the same rental rate. The Company has the
unconditional right to purchase the plant for a nominal price at the end of the
lease term (including any renewal term). The urea plant is also leased from the
City of Blytheville. The urea plant lease is scheduled to expire in November
2005, and the Company has the option to renew the lease for three successive
periods of five years each at a nominal annual rental. The Company also has an
option to purchase the urea plant for a nominal price. The Company's assets at
this facility are subject to an encumbrance in favor of lenders.

  The Billingham Facility consists of an ammonia plant, three nitric acid
plants, a sodium nitrite plant, an ammonium nitrate plant and a carbon dioxide
recovery unit. The Billingham Facility also provides to customers certain site
services and utilities including steam and electricity. The Company owns the
Billingham Facility in fee, but this facility is subject to an encumbrance in
connection with the financing for the 1997 purchase of the U.K. Business.

  The Severnside Facility includes two ammonia plants, two nitric acid plants,
an ammonium nitrate plant and a carbon dioxide recovery unit. This facility is
owned in fee, but it is subject to an encumbrance in connection with the
financing for the 1997 purchase of the U.K. Business.

  Terra announced in October 1997 a $57 million capital project to add an
ammonia production loop to its Beaumont Facility. This project is expected to
add 255,000 tons of annual ammonia capacity without reducing methanol capacity.
It is expected to be operational in the fourth quarter of 1999.

  Marketing and Distribution. The Company's principal customers for its North
American manufactured nitrogen products are independent dealers, national retail
chains, cooperatives and industrial customers. The U.K. Business revenues are
virtually split evenly between agricultural and industrial customers. For the
Nitrogen Products segment as a whole, industrial customers accounted for
approximately 23% of the Company's 1998 tons, while they accounted for
approximately 12% of the Company's 1997 tons. In 1998, approximately 13% of the
Company's North American fertilizer production tonnage was supplied to its farm
service center locations for sale to growers, while the rest was sold to outside
customers. In 1998, no outside customer accounted for greater than 5% of
revenues for Nitrogen Products.

  The Company's production facilities, combined with significant storage
capacity in about 60 locations, throughout the Midwestern U.S. and in other
major fertilizer consuming regions, allow it to be a major supplier of nitrogen
fertilizers.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
  Under an ammonium nitrate agreement with ICI, the Company has agreed to make
payments based on the market price of ammonium nitrate in connection with the
Company's U.K. Business. The Company will be required to make a payment for each
year through 2002 if average ammonium nitrate prices exceed certain thresholds
during any year, subject to maximum payments of (Pounds) 58 million ($95.7
million USD at the time of signing) over the term of the agreement. As a result
of making any such payments, the Company will not benefit fully from the U.K.
price of ammonium nitrate over certain thresholds during the term of this
agreement. For 1998, the Company did not make any such payments to ICI.

Methanol

  The Company has approximately 320 million gallons of annual methanol
production capacity, representing approximately 13% of the total United States
rated capacity in production at the end of 1998.

  Product. Methanol is a liquid petrochemical made primarily from natural gas.
It is used as a feedstock in the production of other chemical products such as
formaldehyde, acetic acid and chemicals used in the building products industry.
Methanol is also used as a feedstock in the production of MTBE, an oxygenate
used as an additive in reformulated gasoline and an octane enhancer used in non-
reformulated gasoline. Reformulated gasoline has lower volatility and is less
aromatic than non-reformulated gasoline. The methanol manufacturing process
involves heating the natural gas feedstock, mixing it with steam and passing it
over a nickel-based catalyst, which breaks it down into carbon monoxide, carbon
dioxide and hydrogen. This reformed gas is then cooled, compressed and passed
over a copper-zinc based catalyst to produce crude methanol. Crude methanol
consists of approximately 80% methanol and 20% water. In order to convert it to
high-purity chemical grade methanol suitable for sale, the crude methanol is
distilled to remove the water and other impurities.

  Plants. The Company's Woodward Facility operates a methanol loop with capacity
to produce up to about 40 million gallons methanol annually. This facility
produced 31 million, 34 million and 38 million gallons in 1996, 1997 and 1998,
respectively. This facility is owned by the Company in fee.

  The Beaumont Facility is among the largest methanol production plants in the
United States, with approximately 280 million gallons of annual methanol
capacity. This facility produced 280 million, 276 million and 258 million
gallons in 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively. This plant was temporarily idled
in early 1999 due to low methanol sales prices.

  The plant and processing equipment at the Beaumont Facility are owned by the
Company, and the land is leased from E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
("DuPont"), for a nominal annual rental under a lease agreement which expires in
2090. Because the Beaumont Facility is entirely contained in a complex owned and
operated by DuPont (the "Beaumont Complex"), the Company depends on DuPont for
access to the Beaumont Facility. The Company also relies on DuPont for access
and certain essential services relating to the wharf located at the Beaumont
Complex through which most of the finished methanol product is shipped to
customers. The Company also depends on DuPont for access to the pipelines used
to transport methanol and to obtain natural gas, as well as for certain
utilities, waste water treatment facilities and other essential services.

  Marketing and Distribution; Contracts. Methanol customers are primarily large
chemical or MTBE producers located in the United States; however, some product
is exported to, for example, Central and South America. The Company has a number
of long-term methanol sales contracts, the most significant of which is with
DuPont. In 1998, the Company sold over 60% of its production under such
contracts. At December 31, 1998, the Company had contracted to sell over 60% of
its 1999 scheduled production at prices indexed to published sources. Most of
these sales contracts (other than the DuPont contract noted below) cover fixed
volumes and have terms of up to three years.

  Under the DuPont contract, as amended, DuPont has agreed to purchase 54
million gallons of methanol each year until 2001 (representing 19% of the
Beaumont Facility capacity). The price for the methanol delivered under the
DuPont contract is generally indexed to a published source. The DuPont contract
continues in effect until terminated by either party on two years' notice.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
Credit

  A substantial portion of the Company's sales to its grower and dealer
customers is made on credit terms customary in the industry. The Company also
maintains a grower finance program to provide secured, interest-bearing
financing to qualified customers for their operating and crop input requirements
on extended payment terms. The Company provided approximately $66 million in
1996, $65 million in 1997, and $85 million in 1998 on credit lines to grower
customers under this program. Alliances with third-party lenders are in place to
provide financing to the Company's customers in 1999 on a basis with limited or
no recourse against the Company.

  The Company's bad debt experience is affected by the financial condition of
its customers which, in turn, is affected by weather conditions, crop prices,
and other factors. Bad debt write-offs were $17.9 million in 1996, $8.1 million
in 1997, and $10.4 million in 1998. The elevated 1996 write-off level is due
principally to two years of drought conditions in the South and mid-South
regions of the U.S. Poor weather conditions and unusually low crop prices
hampered 1998 collections.

Seasonality and Volatility

  The crop inputs business is seasonal, based upon the planting, growing and
harvesting cycles. Inventories must be accumulated to be available for seasonal
sales, requiring significant storage capacity. Inventory accumulations are
financed by suppliers or short-term borrowings, which are retired with the
proceeds of the sales of such inventory. In times of lower demand, the Company
can reduce purchases of crop inputs for the distribution portion of its
business, thereby decreasing inventory carrying costs. In the past, over half of
the Company's sales generally occurred during the second quarter of each year.
This seasonality also generally results in higher fertilizer prices during peak
periods, with prices typically reaching their highest point in the spring,
decreasing in the summer, increasing in the fall (as depleted inventories are
restored) through the spring.

  The crop inputs business can also be volatile as a result of a number of other
factors, the most important of which, for North American markets, are weather
patterns and field conditions (particularly during periods of high fertilizer
consumption), quantities of fertilizers imported to and exported from North
America and current and projected grain inventories and prices, which are
heavily influenced by U.S. exports and world-wide grain markets. U.S.
governmental policies may directly or indirectly influence the number of acres
planted, the level of grain inventories, the mix of crops planted and crop
prices. The U.S. farm bill passed in 1996 put an end to acreage reduction and
production control measures, allowing farmers more flexibility in planting.

  Nitrogen fertilizer price levels can be volatile and are influenced by the
world supply and demand balance for ammonia and nitrogen-based products. Long-
term demand is affected by population growth and rising living standards that
determine food consumption. Supply is affected by worldwide capacity and the
availability of nitrogen product exports from major producing regions such as
the former Soviet Union, the Middle East and South America. Due to several years
of favorable economics in the industry, capacity additions in the form of new
and expanded production facilities have been undertaken. Consequently, new
nitrogen fertilizer supplies came on-stream and profit margins have been under
pressure. Profit margins will continue to be under pressure until demand is
sufficient to absorb the new supplies or marginal production capacity is shut
down.

   As with any commodity chemical, the price of methanol can be volatile. The
industry has experienced cycles of oversupply, resulting in depressed prices and
idled capacity, followed by periods of shortage and rapidly rising prices. At
the end of 1998, methanol sales prices were below the low end of their historic
sales price range and there can be no assurance as to whether or when prices may
turn higher. Future demand for methanol will depend in part on the regulatory
environment with respect to reformulated gasoline. Most methanol sold in the
U.S. is sold pursuant to long-term contracts based on market index pricing and a
fixed volume.

Raw Materials

  The principal raw material used to produce nitrogen fertilizer and methanol is
natural gas. Natural gas costs in 1998, including transportation and forward
pricing activities, comprised about 49% of the costs and expenses

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
associated with the Company's North American Nitrogen Products segment and about
24% for its U.K. nitrogen manufacturing operations. Natural gas costs
represented about 65% of the costs and expenses associated with its Methanol
segment in 1998. A significant increase in the price of natural gas that is not
recovered through an increase in nitrogen fertilizer or methanol prices could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's profitability and cash flow.

  The Company's natural gas procurement policy is to effectively fix or cap the
price of between 40% and 80% of its natural gas requirements for the upcoming
one-year period and up to 50% of its natural gas requirements for the subsequent
two-year period using supply contracts, financial derivatives and other forward
pricing techniques. Consequently, if natural gas prices were to increase during
this period, the Company may benefit from these forward pricing techniques, but
conversely, if natural gas prices were to fall, the Company may incur costs
above the spot market price as a result of such policies. The settlement dates
are scheduled to coincide with gas purchases during such future periods. These
contracts are based on a designated price, which price is referenced to market
natural gas prices or appropriate NYMEX futures contract prices. The Company
believes that there is sufficient supply to allow acceptable costs for the
foreseeable future and has entered into firm supply contracts to minimize the
risk of interruption or curtailment of natural gas supplies.

  Reliable sources for supply of crop inputs at competitive prices are critical
to the distribution portion of the Company's business. The Company's sources for
fertilizer, agricultural chemicals and seed are typically manufacturers of the
products without an internal capability to distribute products to the North
American grower.

Transportation

  The Company uses several modes of transportation to receive materials and
distribute products to customers and its own locations, including railroad cars,
common carrier trucks, barges, common carrier pipelines and Company-owned or
leased vehicles. The Company utilizes approximately 90 liquid, dry and anhydrous
ammonia fertilizer terminal storage facilities in twenty-five states and one
Canadian province for both the Distribution and Nitrogen Products segments. The
Company also has varying amounts of warehouse space at each of its farm service
centers and has one methanol storage facility in Beaumont, Texas. For the
Beaumont Facility, the Company transports products primarily by marine vessels
and via pipeline to selected customers.

  At its North American manufacturing facilities, formulation facilities and
liquid fertilizer storage locations, the Company utilizes railcars as the major
method of transportation. The Company leases approximately 2,600 railcars and
owns ten nitric acid railcars. In England, AN is transported primarily by
contract carriers' trucks and ammonia is primarily transported by owned
pipelines.

  The Company provides some transportation services to its own facilities and
customers as a contract carrier. The Company uses approximately 90 owner-
operators and 14 employee drivers to deliver fertilizer, crop protection
products, seed, feed ingredients and other products to its own facilities and
customers.

  The Company transports purchased natural gas for the Woodward Facility and the
Verdigris Facility through an intrastate pipeline that is not an open access
carrier; however, the Company is able to transport gas supplies from any in-
state source connected to this widespread pipeline system, and has limited
access to supplies outside the state. The Beaumont Facility purchases natural
gas on a delivered basis via four intrastate pipelines. The Courtright Facility
utilizes local gas storage service provided by a local utility, and purchased
gas is transported from western Canada through the TransCanada Pipeline under
various delivery contracts. The Company transports purchased natural gas for the
Blytheville Facility through a natural gas pipeline company. Purchased natural
gas is transported to the Port Neal Facility via an interstate pipeline
operating as an open access natural gas transporter. Under a Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission order, the Port Neal Facility maintains direct access to
its interstate pipeline shipper; however, the Company has retained its
alternative connection to a local utility service to preserve some flexibility.
Purchased natural gas is transported to the Billingham and Severnside Facilities
via a nationwide pipeline operating as an open access natural gas transporter.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
Research and Development

  The Company owns and operates an 80-acre research station near its Port Neal
Facility that is utilized for program development, product testing and
demonstration. Product testing and protocols encompass a wide range of subjects,
including: fertilization, weed control, insect control, disease control, crop
varieties and precision agriculture. Corn, soybeans and wheat are the primary
crops grown, with an area set aside for various turf experiments. Trials are
viewed by farmers, dealers, university extension personnel, representatives from
other product manufacturers, investors and Terra employees. Recently, the
emphasis has been placed on examining and viewing the new gene altered or
specific trait corn hybrid and soybean variety production systems.

  Terra conducts an on-going cotton breeding project in the southern U.S. and
has developed several varieties of cotton for grower usage. Terra's seed
specialists observe experimental corn hybrids and soybean varieties in many U.S.
locations to identify and select appropriate seed for the Terra(R) brand cotton,
corn and soybean lines. Emphasis is placed on high yielding cotton, corn and
soybean lines which also exhibit herbicide, insect and disease resistance. In
addition, Terra technical services representatives establish various evaluation
projects with universities and private research companies to examine the
efficacy of specific Riverside(R) brand crop protection products that the
Company markets.

Competition

  The market for the fertilizer, crop protection products and seed distributed
by the Company is highly competitive. In 1998, sales attributable to the
Company's farm service centers accounted for roughly 5% of total crop production
products sold in the U.S. Within the specific market areas served by its farm
service centers, however, the Company's share of the market was substantially
higher. The Company's competitors include cooperatives, divisions of diversified
agribusiness companies, regional distributors and independent dealers, some of
which have substantially greater financial and other resources than the Company.
The Company competes in its Distribution business primarily by providing a
comprehensive line of products and what the Company believes to be superior
services to growers and dealers, as well as on price.

  Nitrogen fertilizer is a global commodity and the Company's customers include
end-users, dealers and other fertilizer producers. Customers base their
purchasing decisions principally on the delivered price and availability of the
product. The Company competes with a number of U.S. and foreign producers,
including state-owned and government-subsidized entities. Some of the Company's
principal competitors may have greater total resources and may be less dependent
on earnings from nitrogen fertilizer sales than the Company. Some foreign
competitors may have access to lower cost or government-subsidized natural gas
supplies. A significant amount of additional nitrogen fertilizer manufacturing
capacity was brought into production recently and more capacity is expected. The
Company believes that it competes with other manufacturers of nitrogen
fertilizer on delivery terms and availability of products, as well as on price.

  The methanol industry, like the fertilizer industry, is highly competitive and
such competition is based largely on price, reliability and deliverability of
this global commodity. The relative cost and availability of natural gas and the
efficiency of production facilities are important competitive factors.
Significant determinants of a methanol manufacturing plant's competitive
position are the natural gas acquisition and transportation contracts that a
plant negotiates with its major suppliers. Domestic competitors for methanol
include a number of large integrated petrochemical producers, many of which are
better capitalized than the Company.

Environmental and Other Regulatory Matters

  The Company's operations are subject to various federal, state and local
environmental, safety and health laws and regulations, including laws relating
to air quality, hazardous and solid wastes and water quality. Terra's operations
in Canada are subject to various federal and provincial regulations regarding
such matters, including the Canadian Environmental Protection Act administered
by Environment Canada, and the Ontario Environmental Protection Act administered
by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment. Terra's operations in the U.K. are
subject to
          
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
similar regulations under a variety of acts governing hazardous chemicals,
transportation and worker health and safety. The Company is also involved in the
manufacture, handling, transportation, storage and disposal of materials that
are or may be classified as hazardous or toxic by federal, state, provincial or
other regulatory agencies. Precautions are taken to reduce the likelihood of
accidents involving these materials. If such materials have been or are disposed
of at sites that are targeted for investigation and remediation by federal or
state regulatory authorities, the Company may be responsible under CERCLA or
analogous laws for all or part of the costs of such investigation and
remediation.

  Terra has been designated as a potentially responsible party ("PRP") under
CERCLA and its state analogues with respect to various sites. Under such laws,
all PRPs may be held jointly and severally liable for the costs of investigation
and remediation of an environmentally damaged site regardless of fault or
legality of original disposal. After consideration of such factors as the number
and levels of financial responsibility of other PRPs, the existence of
contractual indemnities, the availability of defenses and the speculative nature
of the costs involved, the Company's management believes that its liability with
respect to these matters will not be material.

  Certain state regulatory agencies have enacted requirements to provide
secondary containment for crop protection product storage facilities present at
the Company's farm service centers and terminals. It is expected that other
states will adopt similar requirements pursuant to federal mandate. The Company
has commenced construction of these facilities at its farm service centers and
terminals, and estimates that the future cost of complying with these existing
regulations at these locations in 1999 and beyond will be less than $10 million.

  With respect to the Verdigris Facility and Blytheville Facility, Freeport-
McMoRan Resource Partners, Limited Partnership ("FMRP") (a former owner and
operator of such facilities) retained liability for certain environmental
matters. With respect to the Beaumont Facility, DuPont retains responsibility
for certain environmental costs and liabilities stemming from conditions or
operations to the extent such conditions or operations existed or occurred prior
to the 1991 disposition by DuPont. The Company does not believe that such
environmental costs and liabilities, whether or not retained by FMRP or DuPont,
will have a material effect on the Company's results of operations, financial
position or net cash flows.

  The Company may be required to install additional air and water quality
control equipment, such as low nitrous oxide burners, scrubbers, ammonia sensors
and continuous emission monitors, at certain of its facilities in order to
maintain compliance with Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and similar
requirements. These equipment requirements are also typically applicable to
competitors as well. The Company estimates that the cost of complying with these
existing requirements in 1999 and beyond will be less than $10 million.

  The Company endeavors to comply (and has incurred substantial costs in
connection with such compliance) in all material respects with applicable
environmental, safety and health regulations. Because these regulations are
expected to continue to change and generally be more restrictive than current
requirements, the costs of compliance will likely increase. The Company does not
expect its compliance with such regulations to have a material adverse effect on
the Company's results of operations, financial position or net cash flows.

Employees

  The Company had 4,185 full-time employees at December 31, 1998, with only the
U.K. employees being covered by anything equivalent to a collective bargaining
agreement. The Company also employs part-time employees from time to time (about
80 at December 31, 1998) and temporary employees on a seasonal basis. The
Company hired approximately 1,400 temporary employees during the peak of its
spring selling season in 1998.

Item 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

  Various legal proceedings are pending against the Company and its
subsidiaries. Management of the Company considers that the aggregate liability
resulting from these proceedings will not be material to the Company.

                                      10
<PAGE>
 
Item 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

  No items were submitted to a vote of security holders of the Company during
the fourth quarter of 1998.


                       EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY

  The following paragraphs set forth the name, age and offices of each present
executive officer of Terra, the period during which each executive officer has
served as such and each executive a business experience during the past
five years:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      
                                                   Present positions and offices with the Company
             Name and age                         and principal occupations during the past five years
- --------------------------------------            -----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>
Michael L. Bennett (45)                 Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Terra since
                                        February 1997; President and Chief Executive Officer of Terra Nitrogen
                                        Division since June 1998; President of Terra Distribution Division from
                                        November 1995 to February 1997; Senior Vice President of Terra from
                                        February 1995 to February 1997; Senior Vice President, Distribution of
                                        Terra International from October 1994 to February 1997; Vice President,
                                        Northern Division thereof from January 1992 to October 1994.

Burton M. Joyce (57)                    President and Chief Executive Officer of Terra since May 1991; Executive
                                        Vice President and Chief Operating Officer thereof from February 1988 to
                                        May 1991.

William R. Loomis, Jr. (50)             Chairman of the Board of Terra since May 1996 and a director thereof since
                                        February 1996; Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Minorco
                                        (U.S.A.) Inc. from 1996 to 1998; Managing Director of Lazard Freres & Co.
                                        LLC since June 1995 and General Partner in the Banking Group of Lazard
                                        Freres & Co. from 1984 to June 1995.

Francis G. Meyer (47)                   Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Terra since November
                                        1995; Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Terra from November
                                        1993 to November 1995.

Paula C. Norton (53)                    Vice President, Corporate and Investor Relations of Terra since February
                                        1995; Director, Corporate Relations of Terra from January 1993 to February
                                        1995.

Charles J. Pero (50)                    Vice President, Human Resources of Terra since June 1998; Vice President,
                                        Environmental, Health & Safety of Terra from February 1998 to June 1998;
                                        Vice President, Human Resources of Terra Nitrogen Corporation from
                                        February 1990 to February 1998.

W. Mark Rosenbury (51)                  Vice President, European Operations of Terra and Managing Director of
                                        Terra Nitrogen UK since January 1998; Vice President, Business Development
                                        and Strategic Planning of Terra from November 1995 to January 1998;
                                        President of Terra Nitrogen Corporation from November 1994 to February
                                        1996; Executive Vice President of Terra from November 1993 to November
                                        1995; Chief Operating Officer thereof from November 1993 to November 1994.
</TABLE> 

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      
                                                   Present positions and offices with the Company
             Name and age                         and principal occupations during the past five years
- --------------------------------------            -----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>
Wynn Stevenson (44)                     Vice President, Taxes and Corporate Development of Terra since May 1998;
                                        Vice President, Taxes of Terra from April 1996 to May 1998; Director,
                                        Taxes of Terra from June 1992 to April 1996.

Monty R. Summa (46)                     President of Terra Distribution Division and Senior Vice President of
                                        Terra since April 1997; Senior Vice President and General Manager of Crop
                                        Protection Chemicals for American Cyanamid Corp. from prior to 1994 to
                                        April 1997.

George H. Valentine (50)                Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Terra
                                        since November 1995; Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate
                                        Secretary of Terra from November 1993 to November 1995.
</TABLE>

  There are no family relationships among the executive officers and directors
of Terra or arrangements or understandings between any executive officer and any
other person pursuant to which any executive officer was selected as such.
Officers of Terra are elected annually to serve until their respective
successors are elected and qualified.

                                  PART II
                                  -------

Item 5.  MARKET FOR THE COMPANY'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

  Information with respect to the market for the Company's common equity and
related stockholder matters contained in Terra's 1998 Annual Report to
Stockholders under the captions "Quarterly Financial and Stock Market Data
(Unaudited)" and "Stockholders" is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

  Information with respect to selected financial data contained in Terra's 1998
Annual Report to Stockholders under the caption "Financial Summary" is
incorporated herein by reference.

Item 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
         OF OPERATIONS.

  Information with respect to management's discussion and analysis of financial
condition and results of operations contained in Terra's 1998 Annual Report to
Stockholders under the caption "Financial Review" is incorporated herein by
reference.

Item 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

  The consolidated financial statements, together with the notes thereto and the
report of independent auditors thereon, and the information set forth under the
caption "Quarterly Financial and Stock Market Data (Unaudited)" contained in
Terra's 1998 Annual Report to Stockholders are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
         FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

  Not applicable.

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
                                  PART III
                                  --------

Item 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY.

  Information with respect to directors of the Company under the caption
"Election of Directors" in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders of Terra to be held on May 4, 1999, is incorporated herein by
reference.  Information with respect to executive officers of the Company
appears under the caption "Executive Officers of the Company" in Part I hereof
and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

  Information with respect to executive compensation under the caption
"Executive Compensation and Other Information" in the Proxy Statement for the
Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Terra to be held on May 4, 1999, is
incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.

  Information with respect to security ownership of certain beneficial owners
and management under the caption "Equity Security Ownership" in the Proxy
Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Terra to be held on May 4,
1999, is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

  Information with respect to certain relationships and related transactions
under the caption "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" in the Proxy
Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Terra to be held on May 4,
1999, is incorporated herein by reference.

                                    PART IV
                                    -------

Item 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

(a)  Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules.

     1.       Consolidated Financial Statements of Terra and its subsidiaries
              (incorporated herein by reference to Terra's 1998 Annual Report to
              Stockholders).

              Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at December 31, 1998
              and 1997.

              Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December
              31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.

              Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December
              31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.

              Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the
              years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.

              Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

              Independent Auditors' Report.

              Quarterly Production Data (Unaudited).

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
              Quarterly Financial and Stock Market Data (Unaudited).

              Revenues (Unaudited).

              Volumes and Prices (Unaudited).

              Stockholders.

              Financial Summary.

     2.       Index to Financial Statement Schedules.

              See Index to Financial Statement Schedules of Terra and its
              subsidiaries at page S-1.

     3.       Other Financial Statements.

              Individual financial statements of Terra's subsidiaries are
              omitted because all such subsidiaries are included in the
              consolidated financial statements being filed. Individual
              financial statements of 50% or less owned persons accounted for on
              the equity method have been omitted because such 50% or less owned
              persons considered in the aggregate, as a single subsidiary, would
              not constitute a significant subsidiary.

(b)  Executive Compensation Plans and Arrangements.

     Exhibits 10.1.1 through 10.1.20 are incorporated herein by reference.

(c)  Reports on Form 8-K

     None

(d)  Exhibits

     3.1.1    Articles of Restatement of Terra Industries filed with the State
              of Maryland on September 11, 1990, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Terra
              Industries' Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1990, is
              incorporated herein by reference.

     3.1.2    Articles of Amendment of Terra Industries filed with the State of
              Maryland on May 6, 1992, filed as Exhibit 3.1.2 to Terra
              Industries' Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992, is
              incorporated herein by reference.

     3.1.3    Articles Supplementary of Terra Industries filed with the State of
              Maryland on October 13, 1994, filed as Exhibit 4.1.3 to Terra
              Industries' Form 8-K/A dated November 3, 1994, is incorporated
              herein by reference.

     3.2      By-Laws of Terra Industries, as amended through August 7, 1991,
              filed as Exhibit 3 to Terra Industries' Form 8-K dated September
              30, 1991, is incorporated herein by reference.

     4.1      Indenture dated as of October 15, 1993 among Terra Industries (as
              successor by merger to Agricultural Minerals and Chemicals Inc.)
              and Society National Bank, including form of Senior Note, filed as
              Exhibit 99.2 to Terra Industries' Registration Statement on Form 
              S-3, as amended (File No. 33-52493), is incorporated herein by
              reference.

     4.2      Indenture, dated as of June 22, 1995 between the Company and First
              Trust National Association, as trustee, including form of Exchange
              Note, filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Terra
            
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
              Industries' Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended (File
              No. 33-60853), is incorporated herein by reference.

     4.3      Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "1998 Credit
              Agreement") dated as of March 31, 1998 among Terra Capital, Inc.,
              Terra Nitrogen, Limited Partnership, Certain Guarantors, Certain
              Lenders, Certain Issuing Banks and Citibank, N.A. without exhibits
              or schedules, filed as Exhibit 4.4 to Terra Industries' Form 10-Q
              for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, is incorporated herein by
              reference.

     4.4      Amendment No. 1 dated as of September 30, 1998 to the 1998 Credit
              Agreement, filed as Exhibit 4.5 to Terra Industries' Form 10-Q for
              the quarter ended September 30, 1998, is incorporated herein by
              reference.

              Other instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt
              are not being filed because the total amount of securities
              authorized under any such instrument does not exceed 10 percent of
              the total assets of Terra Industries and its subsidiaries on a
              consolidated basis. Terra Industries agrees to furnish a copy of
              any such instrument to the Commission upon request.

     10.1.1   Resolution adopted by the Personnel Committee of the Board of
              Directors of Terra Industries with respect to supplemental
              retirement benefits for certain senior executive officers of Terra
              Industries, filed as Exhibit 10.4.2 to Terra Industries' Form 10-Q
              for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1991, is incorporated
              herein by reference.

     10.1.2   1992 Stock Incentive Plan of Terra Industries filed as Exhibit
              10.1.6 to Terra Industries' Form 10-K for the year ended December
              31, 1992, is incorporated herein by reference.

     10.1.3   Form of Restricted Stock Agreement of Terra Industries under its
              1992 Stock Incentive Plan filed as Exhibit 10.1.7 to Terra
              Industries' Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992, is
              incorporated herein by reference.

     10.1.4   Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement of Terra Industries under
              its 1992 Stock Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.1.8 to Terra
              Industries' Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992, is
              incorporated herein by reference.

     10.1.5   Form of Nonqualified Stock Incentive Agreement of Terra Industries
              under its 1992 Stock Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.1.9 to
              Terra Industries' Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992,
              is incorporated herein by reference.

     10.1.6   Excess Benefit Plan of Terra Industries, as amended effective as
              of January 1, 1992, filed as Exhibit 10.1.13 to Terra Industries'
              Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1992, is incorporated
              herein by reference.

     10.1.7   Terra Industries Inc. Supplemental Deferred Compensation Plan
              effective as of December 20, 1993 filed as Exhibit 10.1.9 to Terra
              Industries' Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993, is
              incorporated herein by reference.

     10.1.8   Amendment No. 1 to the Terra Industries Inc. Supplemental Deferred
              Compensation Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.1.15 to Terra Industries'
              Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1995, is
              incorporated herein by reference.

     10.1.9   Revised Form of Performance Share Award of Terra Industries under
              its 1992 Stock Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.1.11 to Terra
              Industries' Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, is
              incorporated herein by reference.

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
     10.1.10  Revised Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement of Terra
              Industries under its 1992 Stock Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibit
              10.1.12 to Terra Industries' Form 10-K for the year ended December
              31, 1996, is incorporated herein by reference.

     10.1.11  Revised Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement of Terra
              Industries under its 1992 Stock Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibit
              10.1.13 to Terra Industries' Form 10-K for the year ended December
              31, 1996, is incorporated herein by reference.

     10.1.12  1997 Stock Incentive Plan of Terra Industries, filed as Exhibit
              10.1.14 to Terra Industries' Form 10-K for the year ended December
              31, 1996, is incorporated herein by reference.

     10.1.13  Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement of Terra Industries under
              its 1997 Stock Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.1.14 to Terra
              Industries' Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, is
              incorporated herein by reference.

     10.1.14  Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement of Terra Industries
              under its 1997 Stock Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibit 10.1.15 to
              Terra Industries' Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997,
              is incorporated herein by reference.

     10.1.15  Form of Performance Share Award of Terra Industries under its 1997
              Stock Incentive Plan.

     10.1.16  1998 Incentive Award Program for Officers and Key Employees of
              Terra Industries, filed as Exhibit 10.1.16 to Terra Industries'
              Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, is incorporated
              herein by reference.

     10.1.17  Executive Retention Agreement for William R. Loomis, Jr.

     10.1.18  Executive Retention Agreement for Burton M. Joyce.

     10.1.19  Form of Executive Retention Agreement for Other Executive
              Officers.
              
     10.1.20  1999 Incentive Award Program for Officers and Key Employees of
              Terra Industries.

     10.2     Agreement of Limited Partnership of TNCLP (formerly known as
              Agricultural Minerals Company, L.P.) dated as of December 4, 1991,
              filed as Exhibit 99.3 to Terra Industries' Registration Statement
              on Form S-3, as amended, (File No. 33-52493), is incorporated
              herein by reference.

     10.3     Agreement of Limited Partnership of TNLP (formerly known as
              Agricultural Minerals, Limited Partnership) dated as of December
              4, 1991, filed as Exhibit 99.4 to Terra Industries' Registration
              Statement on Form S-3, as amended, (File No. 33-52493), is
              incorporated herein by reference.

     10.4     General and Administrative Services Agreement Regarding Services
              by Terra Industries Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.11 to Terra
              Industries Inc. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1995, is
              incorporated herein by reference.

     10.5     General and Administrative Services Agreement Regarding Services
              by Terra Nitrogen Corporation, filed as Exhibit 10.12 to Terra
              Industries Inc. Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1995, is
              incorporated herein by reference.

     10.6     Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of August 20, 1996 among
              Terra Funding Corporation, Terra Capital, Inc., Certain Financial
              Institutions and Bank of America National
                                    
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
              Trust and Savings Association filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Terra
              Industries' Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1996, is
              incorporated herein by reference.

     10.7     Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of August 20, 1996 among
              Terra International, Inc., Terra Nitrogen, Limited Partnership,
              Beaumont Methanol, Limited Partnership, Terra Funding Corporation
              and Terra Capital, Inc., filed as Exhibit 10.13 to the Terra
              Industries' Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1996, is
              incorporated herein by reference.

     10.8     Sale of Business Agreement dated November 20, 1997 between ICI
              Chemicals & Polymers Limited, Imperial Chemical Industries PLC,
              Terra Nitrogen (U.K.) Limited (f/k/a Terra Industries Limited) and
              Terra Industries Inc. filed as Exhibit 2 to Terra Industries' Form
              8-K/A dated December 31, 1997, is incorporated herein by
              reference.

     10.9     Ammonium Nitrate Agreement dated December 31, 1997 between Terra
              International (Canada) Inc and ICI Chemicals & Polymers Limited
              filed as Exhibit 99 to Terra Industries' Form 8-K/A dated December
              31, 1997, is incorporated herein by reference.

    *10.10    Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of
              Beaumont Methanol, Limited Partnership dated March 31, 1998 by and
              among Terra Methanol Corporation, BMC Holdings, Inc. and Nova
              Products LLC, filed as Exhibit 10.11 to Terra Industries' Form 10-
              Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1998, is incorporated herein by
              reference.

     10.11    Amendment No. 1 dated as of September 30, 1998 to the Second
              Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Beaumont
              Methanol, Limited Partnership, filed as Exhibit 10.12 to Terra
              Industries' Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1998, is
              incorporated herein by reference.

     13       Financial Review and Consolidated Financial Statements as
              contained in the Annual Report to Stockholders of Terra Industries
              for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.

     21       Subsidiaries of Terra Industries.

     24       Powers of Attorney.

     27       Financial Data Schedule. [EDGAR filing only]

- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Confidential treatment has been requested in connection with this document.

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

                                 TERRA INDUSTRIES INC.

Date:  March 22, 1999         By:  /s/ FRANCIS G. MEYER
                                   --------------------
                                   Francis G. Meyer
                                   Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
                                   Officer

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

Signature                         Title
- ---------                         -----

*                                 Chairman of the Board
- -----------------------------                       
William R. Loomis, Jr.

*                                 Director, Chief Executive
- -----------------------------                           
                                  Officer and President
Burton M. Joyce                   (Principal Executive Officer)

*                                 Senior Vice President and Chief
- -----------------------------   
Francis G. Meyer                  (Principal Financial Officer)

*                                 
- -----------------------------     Director                        
Edward G. Beimfohr

*                                 Director
- -----------------------------               
Carole L. Brookins

*                                 Director
- -----------------------------          
Edward M. Carson

*                                 Director
- -----------------------------          
David E. Fisher

*                                 Director
- -----------------------------          
Anthony W. Lea

*                                 Director
- -----------------------------          
John R. Norton III

*                                 Director
- -----------------------------          
Henry R. Slack


Date: March 22, 1999          *By: /s/ GEORGE H. VALENTINE
                                   -----------------------
                                   George H. Valentine
                                   Attorney-in-Fact

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
          INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, REPORTS AND CONSENTS
          ------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                    Page
                                                                    ----
<S>                                                                 <C>

Report of Deloitte & Touche LLP on Financial Statement Schedules.....S-2

Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.....................................S-2

Schedule No.
- ------------

     I      Condensed Financial Information of Registrant............S-3

     II     Valuation and Qualifying Accounts:
            Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.............S-8

</TABLE>

Financial statement schedules not included in this report have been omitted
because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the
consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.

                                      S-1
<PAGE>
 
                        INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT ON
                        -------------------------------
                         FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
                         -----------------------------



To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Terra Industries Inc.:

     We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Terra Industries
Inc. as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1998, and have issued our report thereon dated
February 5, 1999; such financial statements and report are included in the 1998
Annual Report to Stockholders of Terra Industries Inc. and are incorporated
herein by reference. Our audits also included the Financial Statement Schedules
of Terra Industries Inc. listed in Item 14(a) of this Form 10-K. These Financial
Statement Schedules are the responsibility of the management of Terra Industries
Inc. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits. In our
opinion, such Financial Statement Schedules, when considered in relation to the
basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all
material respects the information set forth therein.



DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Omaha, Nebraska
February 5, 1999



                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
                         -----------------------------

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectuses
constituting part of the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Registration Nos.
333-32869, 33-46735, 33-46734, 33-30058 and 33-4939) and Registration Statements
on Form S-3 (Registration Nos. 333-31769, 2-90808, 2-84876 and 2-84669) of Terra
Industries Inc. of our report dated February 5, 1999, included in the 1998
Annual Report to Stockholders of Terra Industries Inc. which is incorporated by
reference in this Form 10-K. We also consent to the incorporation by reference
in such Prospectuses of our report on the Financial Statement Schedules,
appearing above.



DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Omaha, Nebraska
March 16, 1999

                                      S-2
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      SCHEDULE I
                             TERRA INDUSTRIES INC.

                 CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
                 ---------------------------------------------


                        STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(in thousands)                                            December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     1998            1997
                                              ----------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>             <C>
Assets
  Cash and short-term investments             $     6,041     $    14,993
  Accounts receivable, net                          1,349             866
  Deferred tax asset - current                     12,131           5,945
  Other current assets                                312             352
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current assets                               19,833          22,156
Investment in and advances to subsidiaries      1,218,454       1,256,246
  Other assets                                     12,892          13,452
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets                                  $ 1,251,179     $ 1,291,854
================================================================================
Liabilities
  Income taxes payable                        $    18,441     $    20,514
  Accrued and other liabilities                     3,266           2,466
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current liabilities                          21,707          22,980
  Long-term debt                                  358,755         358,755
  Deferred income taxes                           104,718         104,349
  Other liabilities                                18,147          15,441
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities                                 503,327         501,525
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stockholders' Equity
  Capital stock                                   127,887         127,581
  Paid-in capital                                 552,893         548,772
  Accumulated other comprehensive income          (14,157)         (8,488)
  Retained earnings                                81,229         122,464
  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total stockholders' equity                        747,852         790,329
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity    $ 1,251,179     $ 1,291,854
================================================================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements.

                                      S-3
<PAGE>
 
                             TERRA INDUSTRIES INC.

                 CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
                 ---------------------------------------------


            CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND RETAINED EARNINGS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


(in thousands, except per-share amounts)      For the Year Ended December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    1998     1997      1996
                                                -------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>        <C>       <C>
Income (Loss)
  Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries     $ (4,185)  $250,064  $ 160,204
  Interest and other income                           32        294        123
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total income (loss)                               (4,153)   250,358    160,327
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses
  Selling, general and administrative expense      4,874      4,843      2,544
  Interest expense                                38,861     39,507     38,725
  Infrequent item                                    ---     10,000        ---
  Income tax benefit                             (21,639)   (13,874)   (14,893)
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total expenses                                    22,096     40,476     26,376
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) before extraordinary item          (26,249)   209,882    133,951
Extraordinary loss on early retirement of debt       ---     (2,995)       ---
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss)                                (26,249)   206,887    133,951
Cash dividends paid to common stockholders       (14,986)   (13,481)   (11,582)
Retained earnings (deficit) - beginning of year  122,464    (70,942)  (193,311)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained earnings (deficit) - end of year       $ 81,229   $122,464  $ (70,942)
===============================================================================

Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share:
  Income (loss) before extraordinary item       $  (0.35)  $   2.84  $    1.74
  Extraordinary loss on early retirement of debt     ---      (0.04)       ---
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss)                               $  (0.35)  $   2.80  $    1.74
===============================================================================

Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share:
  Income (loss) before extraordinary item       $  (0.35)  $   2.80  $    1.72
  Extraordinary loss on early retirement of debt     ---      (0.04)       ---
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss)                               $  (0.35)  $   2.76  $    1.72
===============================================================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements.

                                      S-4
<PAGE>
 
                             TERRA INDUSTRIES INC.

                 CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
                 ---------------------------------------------


                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
================================================================================
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in thousands)                                                   For the Year Ended December 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               1998           1997           1996
                                                            -----------------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>            <C>            <C>
Operating Activities
Net income (loss)                                           $  (26,249)    $  206,887     $  133,951
Adjustments to reconcile net income
to net cash used by operations:
  Equity in earnings of subsidiaries                             4,185       (250,064)      (160,204)
  Deferred income taxes                                         (5,817)       (13,543)        24,689
  Other non-cash items                                             556         10,556          1,588
  Change in working capital components                          (1,716)        23,529        (30,726)
  Other                                                          2,508            125            480
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash Used in Operating Activities                          (26,533)       (22,510)       (30,222)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financing Activities
  Dividends                                                    (14,986)       (13,481)       (11,582)
  Stock (repurchase) issuance - net                                286        (21,264)       (91,131)
  Advances from (to) subsidiaries - net                         37,950         72,999        129,701
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities                       23,250         38,254         26,988
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign Exchange Effect on Cash and
  Short-term Investments                                        (5,669)        (7,058)        (1,159)
  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Cash                                     (8,952)         8,686         (4,393)
Cash and Investments at Beginning of Year                       14,993          6,307         10,700
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and Investments at  End of Year                        $    6,041     $   14,993     $    6,307
====================================================================================================

Interest Paid                                               $   38,862     $   39,505     $   39,639
====================================================================================================

Income Taxes Paid (Received)                                $  (17,244)    $   20,698     $   58,809
====================================================================================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to the Condensed Financial Statements.

                                      S-5
<PAGE>
 
                             TERRA INDUSTRIES INC.

                 CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
                 ---------------------------------------------


                  NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Basis of Presentation

The Condensed Financial Statements include the Registrant only and reflect the
equity method of accounting for its beneficially owned subsidiaries, Terra
Capital, Inc., Terra International, Inc., Terra Nitrogen Corporation, Beaumont
Methanol Limited Partnership and Terra Funding Corporation.

2. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
(in thousands)                        1998        1997
- --------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>         <C>
Senior Notes, 10.5%, due 2005     $  200,000  $  200,000
Senior Notes, 10.75%, due 2003       158,755     158,755
- --------------------------------------------------------
                                     358,755     358,755
Less current maturities                  ---         ---
- --------------------------------------------------------
Total                             $  358,755  $  358,755
========================================================
</TABLE>

In 1995, the Registrant issued $200 million unsecured 10.5% Senior Notes due in
full June 15, 2005.  The 10.5% Senior Notes are redeemable at the option of the
Registrant, in whole or part, at any time on or after June 15, 2000, initially
at 105.250% of their principal amount, plus accrued interest, declining to
102.625% on or after June 15, 2001, and declining to 100% on or after June 15,
2002.  The 10.5% Senior Notes Indenture contains certain restrictions, including
the issuance of additional debt, payment of dividends, issuance of capital
stock, certain transactions with affiliates, incurrence of liens, sale of
assets, and sale-leaseback transactions.

The 10.75% unsecured Senior Notes are redeemable at the option of the
Registrant, in whole or part, at any time on or after September 30, 1998,
initially at 105.375% of their principal amount, plus accrued interest,
declining to 102.688% on or after September 30, 1999, and declining to 100% on
or after September 30, 2000.  The 10.75% Senior Notes Indenture contains
restrictions similar to those in the 10.5% Senior Notes Indenture.

3. Commitments and Contingencies

The Registrant is contingently liable for retiree medical benefits of employees
of coal mining operations sold on January 12, 1993.  Under the purchase
agreement, the purchaser agreed to indemnify the Registrant against its
obligations under certain employee benefit plans.  Due to the Coal Industry
Retiree Health Benefit Act of 1992, certain retiree medical benefits of union
coal miners have become statutorily mandated, and all companies owning 50
percent or more of any company liable for such benefits as of certain specified
dates becomes liable for such benefits if the company directly liable is unable
to pay them. During 1998, the purchaser ceased operations and declared
bankruptcy. The Registrant has provided reserves adequate to cover the estimated
present value of these liabilities at December 31, 1998.

The Registrant had letters of credit outstanding totaling $4.7 million at
December 31, 1998 and $5.5 million at December 31, 1997, guaranteeing various
insurance and financing activities.  Short-term investments of $4.6 million at
December 31, 1998 are restricted to collateralize certain of the letters of
credit.

                                      S-6
<PAGE>
 
4. Income Taxes

The Registrant files a consolidated U.S. federal tax return. Beginning in 1995,
the Registrant adopted tax sharing agreements, under which all domestic
operating subsidiaries provide for and remit income taxes to the Registrant
equal to their pretax accounting income, adjusted for permanent differences
between pretax accounting income and taxable income. The tax sharing agreements
allocate the benefits of operating losses and temporary differences between
financial reporting and tax basis income to the Registrant.

                                      S-7
<PAGE>
 
                                                                     SCHEDULE II
                             TERRA INDUSTRIES INC.

                       VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                 Years Ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996
                 ---------------------------------------------
                                (in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                              Additions       Less
                                 Balance at   Charged to  Write-offs,   Balance
                                  Beginning   Costs and      Net of     at End
Description                       of Period    Expenses    Recoveries  of Period
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>
Year Ended December 31, 1998:
- ----------------------------

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts    $13,154     $9,633      $(7,653)     $15,134


Year Ended December 31, 1997:
- ----------------------------

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts    $11,391     $7,090      $(5,327)     $13,154


Year Ended December 31, 1996:
- ----------------------------

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts    $10,626    $15,428     $(14,663)     $11,391
</TABLE>

                                      S-8
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX


10.1.15   Form of Performance Share Award of Terra Industries under its 1997
          Stock Incentive Plan.

10.1.17   Executive Retention Agreement for William R. Loomis, Jr.

10.1.18   Executive Retention Agreement for Burton M. Joyce.

10.1.19   Form of Executive Retention Agreement for Other Executive Officers.

10.1.20   1999 Incentive Award Program for Officers and Key Employees of Terra
          Industries.

13        Financial Review and Consolidated Financial Statements as contained
          in the Annual Report to Stockholders of Terra Industries for the
          fiscal year ended December 31, 1998.

21        Subsidiaries of Terra Industries.

24        Powers of Attorney.

27        Financial Data Schedule. [EDGAR filing only]

<PAGE>
                                                            Exhibit 10.1.15
                            PERFORMANCE SHARE AWARD                          
                                        

                                             Date of Award:December 14,1998
                                                  Number of Shares Awarded:


 



Dear:

     We are pleased to inform you that as a key employee of Terra Industries
Inc. (the "Corporation") or a Subsidiary thereof, you have been awarded, under
the 1997 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan"), the number of Common Shares of the
Corporation set forth above, subject to certain restrictions, terms and
conditions set forth in this letter and in the Plan.  The restricted Common
Shares issued to you are referred to in this letter as the "Performance Shares."

1.   From the date hereof until the restrictions on the Performance Shares
terminate (the "Restriction Period"), the Performance Shares shall not be sold,
exchanged, transferred, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise disposed; provided,
however, that any of the Performance Shares may be exchanged for any other
Common Shares that are similarly restricted.

2.   The Restriction Period shall terminate at the following times:

     a. The Restriction Period shall terminate with respect to one hundred
percent (100%) of the Performance Shares on the business day following any
period, occurring on or before the second anniversary of the Date of Award, of
thirty consecutive business days during which the average closing price of the
Common Shares on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions (or if the
Common Shares do not trade on the New York Stock Exchange, on the principal
securities market on which the Common Shares are traded) equals or exceeds a
100% increase in the closing market price of the Common Shares on the Date of
Award, or $11.50.

     b. The Restriction Period shall terminate with respect to one hundred
percent (100%) of the Performance Shares on the day any one of the following
occurs within two (2) years of the Date of Award: (i) any person or group of
persons acting in concert (other than Minorco, a company incorporated under the
laws of Luxembourg as a societe anonyme, and its affiliates or a group
consisting solely of such persons (the "Minorco Affiliates")) acquires

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Securities and
Exchange Commission promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) of
the outstanding securities (the "Voting Shares") of the Corporation in an amount
having, or convertible into securities having, 25% or more of the ordinary
voting power for the election of directors of the Corporation, provided that
this 25% beneficial ownership trigger shall apply only when the Minorco
Affiliates no longer own 50% or more of the Voting Shares; (ii) during a period
of not more than 24 months, a majority of the Board of Directors of the
Corporation ceases to consist of the existing membership or successors nominated
by the existing membership or their similar successors; (iii) all or
substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners
of the Corporation's outstanding securities entitled to vote do not own more
than 60% of such securities in substantially the same proportions following a
shareholder approved reorganization, merger, or consolidation; or (iv)
shareholder approval of either (A) a complete liquidation or dissolution of the
Corporation or (B) a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of
the assets of the Corporation, or a transaction having a similar effect.

     c. The Restriction Period shall terminate with respect to one hundred
percent (100%) of the Performance Shares on the business day following the
second anniversary of the Date of Award.

The Corporation shall retain possession of the Performance Shares until the
later to occur of the termination of the Restriction Period and the termination
of the security interest described in Section 6 of this letter.

3.   If your employment with the Corporation and all Subsidiaries terminates
during the term of this agreement, all Performance Shares subject to the
Restriction Period shall automatically be forfeited by you and reconveyed to the
Corporation, except as follows:

     a. If your employment terminates by reason of death, the Performance Shares
shall continue to be eligible for vesting pursuant to Section 2.

     b.  If your employment terminates by reason of Total Disability, the
Performance Shares shall continue to be eligible for vesting pursuant to Section
2.

     c.  In cases of special circumstances the Committee may, in its sole
discretion when it finds that a waiver would be in the best interests of the
Corporation, extend the period for vesting or terminate the Restriction Period
with respect to all or a portion of your Performance Shares.

4.   This award shall not be effective unless you sign a copy of this letter and
deliver it to the Corporate Secretary of the Corporation, Terra Centre, 600
Fourth Street, Sioux City, Iowa 51101, before 4:30 p.m. central time on December
23, 1998.  If the Corporate Secretary does not have your properly executed copy
of this letter before such time, then, anything in this letter to the contrary
notwithstanding, this award shall terminate and be of no effect.   Your signing
and delivering a copy of this letter shall evidence your acceptance of the

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
Performance Shares upon the terms and conditions of this Award.  Attached is a
copy of your Stock Certificate and Stock Power.  Your execution of the stock
power will permit the Corporation to enforce the security interest described in
Section 6 of this letter or reconvey the Performance Shares to the Corporation
in the event the Award is forfeited.

5.   Except as set forth in this letter, upon the issuance of the Performance
Shares you shall have all of the rights of a stockholder, including the right to
vote the Performance Shares and the right to receive dividends thereon.  The
certificates for any Performance Shares shall bear an appropriate legend
reciting the terms, conditions and restrictions applicable thereto, and shall be
subject to appropriate stop-transfer orders.  The Corporation shall issue your
Performance Shares promptly after the Corporation's Corporate Secretary receives
the documents set forth in Section 4, the Performance Shares have been listed
(or authorized for listing upon official notice of issuance) upon each stock
exchange upon which the Common Shares of the Corporation are listed and there
has been compliance with such laws and regulations as the Corporation may deem
applicable.  The Corporation agrees to use its best efforts to effect such
listing and compliance.

6.   You hereby agree to pay to the Corporation, or otherwise make arrangements
satisfactory to the Corporation regarding payment of, any federal, state or
local taxes required or authorized by law to be withheld with respect to the
award of the Performance Shares or the termination of the Restriction Period
(the "Withholding Taxes").  The Corporation shall have, to the extent permitted
by law, the right to deduct from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the
Employee, any Withholding Taxes and to condition the delivery of the Performance
Shares after the termination of the Restriction Period on the payment to the
Corporation of the Withholding Taxes.  You hereby grant to the Corporation a
security interest in the Performance Shares to secure the reconveyance of the
Performance Shares to the Corporation upon any forfeiture and to ensure adequate
provision for the Withholding Taxes.  The Corporation shall release its security
interest in respect of any Performance Shares on which (i) the Restriction
Period has terminated and (ii) all Withholding Taxes have been paid.  In lieu of
the payment of such amounts in cash, you may pay all or a portion of the
Withholding Taxes by (a) the delivery of Common Shares not subject to any
Restriction Period or (b) having the Corporation withhold a portion of the
Common Shares otherwise to be delivered upon vesting of the Performance Shares.

7.   The Corporation may, in its sole discretion, at any time or from time to
time, in lieu of the delivery of all or any portion of your Performance Shares,
pay to you cash equal to the Fair Market Value (as defined in the 1997 Stock
Incentive Plan) of such shares on the day the Restriction Period terminates.

8.   If any distribution is made to the holders of Performance Shares other than
a cash dividend and new, different, or additional shares or other securities of
the Corporation or of another company are received by the holders of the
Performance Shares, or if any recapitalization or reclassification, split-up or
consolidation of the Performance Shares shall be effected, or, if in connection
with a merger or consolidation of the Corporation or a sale by 

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
the Corporation of all or a part of its assets, the Performance Shares are
exchanged for a different number or class of shares of stock or other securities
of the Corporation or for shares of stock or other securities of any other
company, then any such other securities shall be subject to similar restrictions
as the Performance Shares, and the number and class of Performance Shares, and
the restrictions, terms and other conditions applicable to any such other
securities shall be equitably determined by the Committee.

9.   Nothing in this Agreement shall confer upon the Employee any right to
continue in the employ of the Corporation or a Subsidiary, or affect the right
of the Corporation or of any Subsidiary to terminate the employment of the
Employee, with or without cause.

     These Performance Shares are awarded pursuant to the Plan and are subject
to its terms.  Capitalized terms used in this letter have the same meanings as
defined in the Plan. A copy of the Plan is being furnished to you with this
letter and also is available on request from the Corporate Secretary of the
Corporation.

                              Very truly yours,

                              TERRA INDUSTRIES INC.


                         By:
                              ________________________________________  
                              President and Chief Executive Officer


                         By:
                              ________________________________________
                              Senior Vice President, General Counsel
                              and Corporate Secretary


I hereby agree to the terms and conditions set forth above and acknowledge
receipt of the 1997 Stock Incentive Plan and the Prospectus covering shares
issued under that Plan.


- ------------------------
Signature of Employee

                                       4

<PAGE>
 
                                                                 Exhibit 10.1.17

                         EXECUTIVE RETENTION AGREEMENT

 
          AGREEMENT made and effective this ___ day of December, 1998 by and
between Terra Industries Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates (the "Company")
and William R. Loomis, Jr. (the "Executive").

          The Company has determined that both the Executive's performance and
the Company's ability to retain Executive as Chairman of the Board will be
significantly enhanced if Executive is provided with fair and reasonable
protection from the risks of a termination following a change in control of the
Company. Accordingly, the Company and Executive agree as follows:

          1.   Defined Terms.
               ------------- 

          Unless otherwise indicated, capitalized terms used in this Agreement
shall have the meanings set forth in Schedule A.

          2.   Effective Date; Term.
               -------------------- 

          This Agreement shall be effective on the date hereof and shall remain
in effect until the Company terminates this Agreement by giving Executive at
least one (1) year advance written notice of termination. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, this Agreement shall, if in effect on the date of a Change of
Control, remain in effect for at least two (2) years following such Change of
Control, and such additional time as may be necessary to give effect to the
terms of the Agreement.

          3.   Change of Control Benefits.
               -------------------------- 

          If Executive's position with the Company is terminated at any time
within the two (2) years following a Change of Control by the Company without
Cause, or by Executive for Good Reason (the effective date of any such
termination hereafter referred to as the "Termination Date"), Executive shall be
entitled to the benefits provided hereunder. If Executive's position with the
Company is terminated prior to a Change of Control at the request of any party
acquiring control of the Company, Executive's Termination Date shall be deemed
to have occurred immediately following the Change of Control, and the Executive
shall be entitled to the benefits provided herein.

          (a) Payment.  Company shall pay to Executive within ten (10) days of
     termination five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) in a lump sum.

          (b) Payment of Accrued But Unpaid Amounts.  Within seven (7) business
     days after the Termination Date, Company shall pay Executive any unpaid
     portion of compensation previously earned by Executive.
<PAGE>
 
          4.   Mitigation.
               ---------- 

          Executive shall not be required to seek other employment after
termination and any compensation earned from other employment shall not reduce
the amounts otherwise payable under this Agreement.

          5.   Taxes.
               ----- 

          In the event that the aggregate of all payments or benefits made or
provided to the Executive under this Agreement and under all other programs and
arrangements of the Company (the "Aggregate Payment") is determined to
constitute an "excess parachute payment," as such term is defined in Section
280G(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Company shall pay to the Executive
prior to the time any excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue
Code ("Excise Tax") is payable with respect to such Aggregate Payment, an
additional amount which, after the imposition of all income and excise taxes
thereon, is equal to the Excise Tax on the Aggregate Payment. The determination
of whether the Aggregate Payment constitutes an excess parachute payment and, if
so, the amount to be provided to the Executive and the time of payment pursuant
to this Section 5 shall be made by Deloitte & Touche or such other nationally
recognized public accounting firm selected by the Company (the "Auditor").
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the amount of the Executive's
Excise Tax liability is subsequently determined to be greater than the Excise
Tax liability with respect to which any initial payment to the Executive under
this Section 5 has been made, the company shall pay to the Executive an
additional amount (grossed up for all taxes), with respect to such additional
Excise Tax (and any interest and penalties thereon) at the time and in the
amount reasonably determined by the Auditor. Similarly, if the amount of the
Executive's Excise Tax liability is subsequently determined to be less than the
Excise Tax liability with respect to which any prior payment to the Executive
has been made under this paragraph 5, the Executive shall refund to the Company
the excess amount received, promptly after the Executive has received any
corresponding refund. The Executive and the Company shall cooperate with each
other in connection with any proceeding or claim relating to the existence or
amount of liability for Excise Tax, and all expenses incurred by the Executive
in connection therewith shall be paid by the Company promptly upon notice of
demand from the Executive.

          6.   Termination for Cause.
               --------------------- 

          Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent the Company
from terminating Executive's position for Cause. If Executive is terminated for
Cause, Company shall have no obligation to make any payments under this
Agreement, except for payment of compensation that may otherwise be payable.

          7.   Indemnification; Director's and Officer's Liability Insurance.
               ------------------------------------------------------------- 

          Executive shall, after the Termination Date, retain all rights to
indemnification under applicable law or under the Company's Articles of
Incorporation or By-Laws, as they
                                 
                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
may be amended or restated from time to time. In addition, the Company shall
maintain Director's and Officer's liability insurance on behalf of Executive, at
the level in effect immediately prior to the Termination Date, for the two (2)
year period following the Termination Date, and throughout the period of any
applicable statute of limitations.

          8.   Executive Covenants.
               ------------------- 

          (a)  Confidential Information.  During the twelve (12) month period
     following the Termination Date, Executive shall not disclose to any person,
     or use to the significant disadvantage of any of the Company, any non-
     public information relating to business plans, marketing plans, customers
     or employees of the Company other than information the disclosure of which
     cannot reasonably be expected to adversely affect the business of the
     Company ("Confidential Information"), provided that nothing contained in
     this Section 8 shall prevent Executive from being employed by, or serving
     with, a competitor of the Company or utilizing Executive's general skills,
     experience, and knowledge, including those developed while serving the
     Company.

          (b)  Nondisclosure.  Executive shall not disclose the existence of
     this agreement or its terms to anyone except (i) those outside advisors of
     Executive which have a need to know such information for tax or other
     planning purposes or (ii) as is necessary for the enforcement of this
     agreement or (iii) as required by law.

          (c)  Release.  In consideration for the protection and benefits
     provided for under this Agreement, Executive hereby agrees to execute a
     release substantially in the form of Schedule B.

          9.   Disputes.
               -------- 

          Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this
Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Sioux City, Iowa in
accordance with the Rules of the American Arbitration Association then in
effect. At the election of the Executive the arbitrators shall be a panel
consisting of Burton Joyce, Gregg Williams and Francis Meyer, or such person or
persons selected by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its
rules. Judgment may be entered on an arbitrator's award relating to this
Agreement in any court having jurisdiction.

          10.  Costs of Proceedings.
               -------------------- 

          The Company shall pay all costs and expenses, including attorneys'
fees and disbursements, at least monthly, of Executive in connection with any
legal proceeding (including arbitration), whether or not instituted by the
Company or Executive, relating to the interpretation or enforcement of any
provision of this Agreement, except that if Executive instituted the proceeding
and the judge, arbitrator or other individual presiding over the proceeding
affirmatively finds that Executive instituted the proceeding in bad faith,

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
Executive shall pay all costs and expenses, including attorney's fees and
disbursements, of Executive.

          11.  Assignment.
               ---------- 

          Except as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement shall be binding
upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Company and Executive
and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns. If
the Company shall be merged into or consolidated with another entity, the
provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
the entity surviving such merger or resulting from such consolidation. The
Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase,
merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business
or assets of the Company, by agreement in form and substance satisfactory to
Executive, to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same
manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it
if no such succession had taken place. The provisions of this paragraph 11 shall
continue to apply to each successive employer of Executive hereunder in the
event of any merger, consolidation or transfer of assets of a successor
employer.

          12.  Applicable Law.
               -------------- 

          This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of Iowa applicable to contracts made and to be performed
therein.

          13.  Entire Agreement.
               ---------------- 

          This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties
and, except as expressly provided herein, supersedes all other prior agreements
concerning the effect of a Change of Control on the relationship between the
Company and Executive. This Agreement may be changed only by a written agreement
executed by the Company and Executive.

                       *               *               *

     The parties have executed this Agreement on the ___ day of December, 1998.


EXECUTIVE:                          TERRA INDUSTRIES INC:


_________________________           By:___________________________
William R. Loomis, Jr.

                                        Its:  ________________________

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
                                   Schedule A

                              CERTAIN DEFINITIONS


          As used in this Agreement, and unless the context requires a different
meaning, the following terms, when capitalized, have the meaning indicated:

          "Cause" shall mean:

          (i) the willful and continued failure of the Executive to perform
     substantially the Executive's duties with the Company (other than any such
     failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), after
     a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Executive
     by the Board of Directors of the Company or any successor to the Company
     (the "Board") which specifically identifies the manner in which the Board
     believes that the Executive has not substantially performed the Executive's
     duties, or

          (ii) the willful engaging by the Executive in illegal conduct or gross
     misconduct which is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company.

          For purposes of this provision, no act or failure to act, on the part
of the Executive, shall be considered "willful" unless it is done, or omitted to
be done, by the Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that the
Executive's action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. The
termination of the Executive shall not be deemed to be for Cause unless and
until there shall have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution
duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters of the
entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for
such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to the Executive and the
Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the
Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive is
guilty of the conduct described in subparagraph (i) or (ii) above and specifying
the particulars thereof in detail.

          "Change of Control" shall mean any one of the following:

          (i) any person (as such term is used in Section 13(d) of the
     Securities Exchange Act of 1934, hereafter the "Exchange Act") or group of
     persons acting in concert (other than Minorco, a company incorporated under
     the laws of Luxembourg as a societe anonyme, and its affiliates or a group
     consisting solely of such persons) acquires beneficial ownership (within
     the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Securities and Exchange Commission
     promulgated under the Exchange Act) of the outstanding securities of the
     Company in an amount having, or convertible into securities having 25% or
     more of the ordinary voting power for the election of directors of the
     Company;

                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
          (ii) during a period of not more than 24 months, a majority of the
     Board of Directors of the Company ceases to consist of the existing
     membership or successors nominated by the existing membership or their
     similar successors;

          (iii) shareholder approval of a merger or consolidation of the Company
     with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which
     would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding
     immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining
     outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving
     entity) more than 60% of the combined voting power of the voting securities
     of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such
     merger or consolidation; or

          (iv) shareholder approval of either (A) a complete liquidation or
     dissolution of the Company or (B) a sale or other disposition of all or
     substantially all of the assets of the Company, or a transaction having a
     similar effect.

          "Change of Control" shall not in any event mean any transaction which
results from the sale of part or all of the interests of Minorco and its
affiliates to the Company or a transaction in which the officers of the Company
acquire voting securities of the Company which represent more than 5% of the
combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company (such percentage
to be determined on a fully diluted basis, assuming the exercise of any stock
options granted such management in connection with the transaction).

          "Good Reason" shall mean any of the following actions, without
Executive's express prior written approval, other than due to Executive's
permanent disability;

          (1) any diminution in Executive's titles, duties, responsibilities or
     status from the positions, duties, responsibilities or status existing
     immediately prior to a Change of Control.

          (2) the removal of Executive from, or any failure to re-elect
     Executive to, any of the offices Executive held immediately prior to a
     Change of Control;

          (3) the failure of the Company to pay Executive any compensation when
     due;

          (4) any reduction of Executive's annual compensation;

          For these purposes, permanent disability shall mean Executive's
inability, by reason of any physical or mental impairment, to substantially
perform regular duties which inability is reasonably contemplated to continue
for at least one (1) year from its incurrence.

                                      A-2
<PAGE>
 
                                  Schedule B
                                    SAMPLE

                                GENERAL RELEASE
                                ---------------


          For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of
which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned, with the intention of binding
himself/herself, his/her heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, does
hereby release and forever discharge Terra Industries Inc., a Maryland
corporation ("Company"), and its present and former officers, directors,
executives, agents, employees, affiliated companies, subsidiaries, successors,
predecessors and assigns (collectively the "Released Parties"), from any and all
claims, actions, causes of action, demands, rights, damages, debts, accounts,
suits, expenses, attorneys' fees and liabilities of whatever kind or nature in
law, equity, or otherwise, whether now known or unknown, which the undersigned
now has, owns or holds, or has at any time heretofore had, owned or held against
any Released Party, arising out of or in any way connected with the
undersigned's service relationship with the Company, its subsidiaries,
predecessors or affiliated entities, or the termination thereof, including
without limitation, any claim for severance, unpaid compensation, breach of
contract, wrongful discharge, impairment of economic opportunity, intentional
infliction of emotional harm or other tort or employment discrimination under
any applicable federal, state or local statute, provision, order or regulation
including but not limited to, any claim under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
("Title VII"), the federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act ("ADEA") and any
similar or analogous state statute, excepting only (i) those obligations of the
Company under that certain Executive Retention Agreement between the Company and
the undersigned effective December ___, 1998 (the "Agreement"), pursuant to
which this General Release is being executed and delivered, and (ii) any rights
to indemnification the undersigned may have under applicable corporate law, the
by-laws or certificate of incorporation of any Released Party or as an insured
under any D & O or liability insurance policy now or previously in force.

          The undersigned understands that by releasing discrimination claims
against the Released Parties, the undersigned also forever releases and
discharges any rights he may have to file or recover in a lawsuit he may bring
himself/herself on the same claims and also any right that he may have to any
relief that he might otherwise be entitled to as a result of any proceedings
instituted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other
comparable enforcement authority or by the representative(s) of any class to
which it is alleged the undersigned may belong.

          The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that neither the Agreement nor
this General Release is to be construed in any way as an admission of any
liability whatsoever by any Released Party under Title VII, ADEA, or any other
federal or state statute or the principles of common law, any such liability
having been expressly denied.

          The undersigned further declares and represents that he has carefully
read and fully understands the terms of this General Release and the Agreement,
that he has been advised and had the opportunity to seek the advice and
assistance of counsel with
                          
                                      B-1
<PAGE>
 
regard to this General Release and the Agreement, that he may take up to and
including forty-five (45) days from receipt of this General Release, to consider
whether to sign this General Release, that he may revoke this General Release
within seven (7) calendar days after signing it by delivering to Company, at its
Sioux City, Iowa offices, written notification of revocation, and that he
knowingly and voluntarily, of his/her own free will, without any duress, being
fully informed and after due deliberate action, accepts the terms of and signs
the same as his/her own free act.

 

Dated:                              Signature:


_____________________________       __________________________
                                    William R. Loomis, Jr.


                                      B-2
 

<PAGE>
 
                                                                 Exhibit 10.1.18

                         EXECUTIVE RETENTION AGREEMENT
                                        

          AGREEMENT made and effective this ___ day of December, 1998 by and
between Terra Industries Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates (the  "Company")
and Burton M. Joyce (the "Executive").

          The Company has determined that both the Executive's performance and
the Company's ability to retain Executive as President and Chief Executive
Officer will be significantly enhanced if Executive is provided with fair and
reasonable protection from the risks of a termination of employment following a
change in control of the Company. Accordingly, the Company and Executive agree
as follows:

          1.   Defined Terms.
               ------------- 

          Unless otherwise indicated, capitalized terms used in this Agreement
shall have the meanings set forth in Schedule A.

          2.   Effective Date; Term.
               -------------------- 

          This Agreement shall be effective on the date hereof and shall remain
in effect until the Company terminates this Agreement by giving Executive at
least one (1) year advance written notice of termination.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, this Agreement shall, if in effect on the date of a Change of
Control, remain in effect for at least three (3) years following such Change of
Control, and such additional time as may be necessary to give effect to the
terms of the Agreement.

          3.   Change of Control Benefits.
               -------------------------- 

          If Executive's employment with the Company is terminated at any time
within the three (3) years following a Change of Control by the Company without
Cause, or by Executive for Good Reason (the effective date of any such
termination hereafter referred to as the "Termination Date"), Executive shall be
entitled to the benefits provided hereunder.  If Executive's employment by the
Company is terminated prior to a Change of Control at the request of any party
acquiring control of the Company, Executive's Termination Date shall be deemed
to have occurred immediately following the Change of Control, and the Executive
shall be entitled to the benefits provided herein.

          (a)  Continuation Payments.

               (i) Company shall continue to pay Executive for three (3) years
     following the Termination Date, the Executive's per annum base salary of
     six hundred seventy thousand dollars ($670,000) in effect on the date
     hereof ("Base Salary"). Company shall also pay to Executive an amount equal
     to three hundred percent (300%) of the four hundred thousand dollar
     ($400,000) average annual
<PAGE>
 
     bonus earned by the Executive during 1995, 1996 and 1997 ("Average Bonus")
     ratably over a three (3) year period following the Termination Date. The
     amount and period of Base Salary and Average Bonus continuation payments
     provided for herein shall be reduced by a fraction, the numerator of which
     is the number of whole months during which the Executive is employed with
     the Company following a Change of Control and the denominator of which is
     36.

               (ii) As an alternative to the payments described in subparagraph
     (i) above, the Executive may elect within ten (10) days after the
     Termination Date to receive an amount equal to the Base Salary and Average
     Bonus continuation payments provided for in subparagraph (i) in a lump sum
     payment payable within seven (7) days of election.

               (iii) Any periodic payments to be made pursuant to sub-paragraph
     (i) above shall be made in accordance with the Company's normal payroll
     procedures.

     If the Executive's termination occurs on or after September 1 of any year,
the Company shall also pay to the Executive the Executive's target bonus then in
effect multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of
days Executive was employed by the Company in the fiscal year in which the
Termination Date occurs and the denominator of which shall be 365, payable
within thirty (30) days after termination.

          (b) Continued Benefits.  Until the third anniversary of the
Termination Date, Company shall, at its expense (subject to Executive's payment
of the normal premium, if any, then in effect for employees generally) provide
Executive with medical and dental benefits at the highest level provided to
Executive during the period beginning immediately prior to the Change of Control
and ending on the Termination Date.  In addition, the Executive will qualify for
the Terra Industries Health, Life Benefit Plan upon termination of employment.
Nothing contained herein shall adversely affect the Executive's rights under the
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985.

          (c) Payment of Accrued But Unpaid Amounts.  Within seven (7) business
days after the Termination Date, Company shall pay Executive any unpaid portion
of compensation previously earned by Executive.

          (d) Pension Benefits. On the Termination Date, the Executive shall
become vested in the benefits provided under the Terra Industries Inc. Excess
Benefit Plan (the "SERP"). For purposes of computing the Executive's accrued
benefits under the SERP, the Company shall credit the Executive with eight (8)
additional years of credited service (as defined in the Employee's Retirement
Plan of Terra Industries Inc. (the "Qualified Plan")) under the SERP and eight
(8) years of age over the actual years of credited service and age of the
Executive on the Termination Date; provided, such eight (8) year period shall be
reduced by the number of whole months during which the Executive is employed
with the Company following a Change of Control. In addition, the
                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
Executive's accrued benefit under the SERP shall be computed as if the Executive
retired at age sixty-five (65) without any reduction for early retirement.
However, the Executive shall not qualify for receipt of the accrued SERP
benefits to the extent enhanced pursuant to this paragraph (d) until he reaches
age 60. The Executive shall also qualify for retirement benefits under the
Qualified Plan. Based on the foregoing provisions of this paragraph (d) and the
current actuarial assumptions in effect under the Qualified Plan and the SERP
and on the assumption that Executive will receive compensation as defined in the
plans in each calendar year after 1998 in the same amount as received in 1998
(which assumption could change based upon any future increase in compensation or
change in actuarial assumptions), Executive would receive under those two plans
and this paragraph (d), an estimated aggregate monthly lifetime benefit based on
a single life annuity of $31,450. Nothing contained herein shall prevent the
Executive from electing a joint and survivor annuity benefit (or making any
other permissible election) upon retirement.

          (e)  Effect on Existing Plans.  All Change of Control provisions
applicable to Executive and contained in any plan, program, agreement or
arrangement maintained on or after the date hereof by the Company (including,
but not limited to, any stock option, restricted stock or pension plan) shall
remain in effect for such period after the date of a Change of Control as is
necessary to carry out such provisions and provide the benefits payable
thereunder, and may not be altered in a manner which adversely affects Executive
without Executive's prior written approval.

          (f)   Outplacement Counseling.  Until the earlier of the third
anniversary of the Termination Date or the date on which Executive becomes
employed on a full time basis by a new employer, the Company shall make
available to Executive at the Company's expense professional outplacement
services provided by qualified consultants employed by the firm of Challenger,
Gray & Associates or a comparable firm selected by the Company.

          (g)  Office Space; Secretarial Support.  The Company shall provide the
Executive with office space within 25 miles of his primary residence and
secretarial support for a one (1) year period following the Termination Date.
The Executive may elect within (10) days after the Termination Date to forego
the provision of office space and secretarial support and receive in lieu
thereof a lump sum payment in the amount of seventy-five thousand dollars
($75,000) within seven (7) days of election.

          (h)  Benefits In Lieu of Severance.  Except as may be otherwise
specifically provided in an amendment adopted in accordance with paragraph 14,
payments under this paragraph 3 shall be in lieu of any severance that may be
otherwise payable to or on behalf of the Employee pursuant to the terms of any
severance pay arrangement of the Company.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
          4.   Mitigation.
               ---------- 

          Executive shall not be required to seek other employment after
termination and any compensation earned from other employment shall not reduce
the amounts otherwise payable under this Agreement.

          5.   Taxes.
               ----- 

          In the event that the aggregate of all payments or benefits made or
provided to the Executive under this Agreement and under all other programs and
arrangements of the Company (the "Aggregate Payment") is determined to
constitute an "excess parachute payment," as such term is defined in Section
280G(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Company shall pay to the Executive
prior to the time any excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue
Code ("Excise Tax") is payable with respect to such Aggregate Payment, an
additional amount which, after the imposition of all income and excise taxes
thereon, is equal to the Excise Tax on the Aggregate Payment.  The determination
of whether the Aggregate Payment constitutes an excess parachute payment and, if
so, the amount to be provided to the Executive and the time of payment pursuant
to this Section 5 shall be made by Deloitte & Touche or such other nationally
recognized public accounting firm selected by the Company (the "Auditor").
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the amount of the Executive's
Excise Tax liability is subsequently determined to be greater than the Excise
Tax liability with respect to which any initial payment to the Executive under
this Section 5 has been made, the company shall pay to the Executive an
additional amount (grossed up for all taxes), with respect to such additional
Excise Tax (and any interest and penalties thereon) at the time and in the
amount reasonably determined by the Auditor.  Similarly, if the amount of the
Executive's Excise Tax liability is subsequently determined to be less than the
Excise Tax liability with respect to which any prior payment to the Executive
has been made under this paragraph 5, the Executive shall refund to the Company
the excess amount received, promptly after the Executive has received any
corresponding refund.  The Executive and the Company shall cooperate with each
other in connection with any proceeding or claim relating to the existence or
amount of liability for Excise Tax, and all expenses incurred by the Executive
in connection therewith shall be paid by the Company promptly upon notice of
demand from the Executive.

          6.   Termination for Cause.
               --------------------- 

          Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent the Company
from terminating Executive's employment for Cause.  If Executive is terminated
for Cause, Company shall have no obligation to make any payments under this
Agreement, except for payments that may otherwise be payable under then existing
employee benefit plans, programs and arrangements of the Company.

                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
          7.   Indemnification; Director's and Officer's Liability Insurance.
               ------------------------------------------------------------- 

          Executive shall, after the Termination Date, retain all rights to
indemnification under applicable law or under the Company's Articles of
Incorporation or By-Laws, as they may be amended or restated from time to time.
In addition, the Company shall maintain Director's and Officer's liability
insurance on behalf of Executive, at the level in effect immediately prior to
the Termination Date, for the three (3) year period following the Termination
Date, and throughout the period of any applicable statute of limitations.

          8.   Executive Covenants.
               ------------------- 

          (a) Confidential Information.  During the twelve (12) month period
following the Termination Date, Executive shall not disclose to any person, or
use to the significant disadvantage of the Company, any non-public information
relating to business plans, marketing plans, customers or employees of the
Company other than information the disclosure of which cannot reasonably be
expected to adversely affect the business of the Company ("Confidential
Information"), provided that nothing contained in this Section 8 shall prevent
Executive from being employed by a competitor of the Company or utilizing
Executive's general skills, experience, and knowledge, including those developed
while employed by the Company.

          (b) Nondisclosure.  Executive shall not disclose the existence of this
agreement or its terms to anyone except (i) those outside advisors of Executive
which have a need to know such information for tax or other planning purposes or
(ii) as is necessary for the enforcement of this Agreement or (iii) as required
by law.

          (c) Release. In consideration for the protection and benefits provided
for under this Agreement, Executive hereby agrees to execute a release
substantially in the form of Schedule B.

          9.   Disputes.
               -------- 

          Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this
Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Sioux City, Iowa in
accordance with the Rules of the American Arbitration Association then in
effect.  At the election of the Executive the arbitrators shall be a panel
consisting of Gregg Williams, William R. Loomis, Jr., and John R. Norton III, or
such person or persons selected by the American Arbitration Association in
accordance with its rules.  Judgment may be entered on an arbitrator's award
relating to this Agreement in any court having jurisdiction.  In the event of
the resignation of a named panel member, the remaining members shall select a
replacement. If a replacement is not named within ten (10) days of such
resignation, the remaining member or members shall act as the panel.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
          10.  Costs of Proceedings.
               -------------------- 

          The Company shall pay all costs and expenses, including attorneys'
fees and disbursements, at least monthly, of Executive in connection with any
legal proceeding (including arbitration), whether or not instituted by the
Company or Executive, relating to the interpretation or enforcement of any
provision of this Agreement, except that if Executive instituted the proceeding
and the judge, arbitrator or other individual presiding over the proceeding
affirmatively finds that Executive instituted the proceeding in bad faith,
Executive shall pay all costs and expenses, including attorney's fees and
disbursements, of Executive.

          11.  Assignment.
               ---------- 

          Except as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement shall be binding
upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Company and Executive
and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns.  If
the Company shall be merged into or consolidated with another entity, the
provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
the entity surviving such merger or resulting from such consolidation.  The
Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase,
merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business
or assets of the Company, by agreement in form and substance satisfactory to
Executive, to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same
manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it
if no such succession had taken place.  The provisions of this paragraph 11
shall continue to apply to each successive employer of Executive hereunder in
the event of any merger, consolidation or transfer of assets of a successor
employer.
 
          12.  Withholding.
               ----------- 

          Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs 4 and 5 hereof, Company
may, to the extent required by law, withhold applicable federal, state and local
income and other taxes from any payments due to Executive hereunder.

          13.  Interest.
               -------- 

          In the event of any delay in the payment of any amount required to be
paid pursuant to this Agreement for any reason whatsoever, the Company shall pay
to the Executive at the time of such delayed payment interest thereon from the
date payment was required to be made pursuant to this Agreement to the date of
actual payment.  The rate of interest shall be equal to the greater of 9% or the
ten-year United States Treasury Bill rate in effect from time to time during the
period in which the payment was delayed and shall be compounded quarterly.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
          14.  Applicable Law.
               -------------- 

          This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of Iowa applicable to contracts made and to be performed
therein.

          15.  Entire Agreement.
               ---------------- 

          This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties
and, except as expressly provided herein, supersedes all other prior agreements
concerning the effect of a Change of Control on the relationship between the
Company and Executive. This Agreement may be changed only by a written agreement
executed by the Company and Executive.

                       *               *               *

     The parties have executed this Agreement on the ___ day of December, 1998.
 

EXECUTIVE:                          TERRA INDUSTRIES INC:


_________________________           By:___________________________
Burton M. Joyce                        William R. Loomis, Jr.
                                    
                                    Its: Chairman of the Board of Directors

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
                                   Schedule A

                              CERTAIN DEFINITIONS


          As used in this Agreement, and unless the context requires a different
meaning, the following terms, when capitalized, have the meaning indicated:

          "Cause" shall mean:

          (i) the willful and continued failure of the Executive to perform
     substantially the Executive's duties with the Company (other than any such
     failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), after
     a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Executive
     by the Board of Directors of the Company or any successor to the Company
     (the "Board")  which specifically identifies the manner in which the Board
     believes that the Executive has not substantially performed the Executive's
     duties, or

          (ii) the willful engaging by the Executive in illegal conduct or gross
     misconduct which is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company.

          For purposes of this provision, no act or failure to act, on the part
of the Executive, shall be considered "willful" unless it is done, or omitted to
be done, by the Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that the
Executive's action or omission was in the best interests of the Company.  The
termination of employment of the Executive shall not be deemed to be for Cause
unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a
resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters
of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held
for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to the Executive and the
Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the
Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive is
guilty of the conduct described in subparagraph (i) or (ii) above and specifying
the particulars thereof in detail.

          "Change of Control" shall mean any one of the following:

          (i) any person (as such term is used in Section 13(d) of the
     Securities Exchange Act of 1934, hereafter the "Exchange Act") or group of
     persons acting in concert (other than Minorco, a company incorporated under
     the laws of Luxembourg as a societe anonyme, and its affiliates or a group
     consisting solely of such persons) acquires beneficial ownership (within
     the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Securities and Exchange Commission
     promulgated under the Exchange Act) of the outstanding securities of the
     Company in an amount having, or convertible into securities having 25% or
     more of the ordinary voting power for the election of directors of the
     Company;

                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
          (ii) during a period of not more than 24 months, a majority of the
     Board of Directors of the Company ceases to consist of the existing
     membership or successors nominated by the existing membership or their
     similar successors;

          (iii) shareholder approval of a merger or consolidation of the Company
     with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which
     would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding
     immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining
     outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving
     entity) more than 60% of the combined voting power of the voting securities
     of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such
     merger or consolidation; or

          (iv) shareholder approval of either (A) a complete liquidation or
     dissolution of the Company or (B) a sale or other disposition of all or
     substantially all of the assets of the Company, or a transaction having a
     similar effect.

          "Change of Control" shall not in any event mean any transaction which
     results from the sale of part or all of the interests of Minorco and its
     affiliates to the Company or a transaction in which the officers of the
     Company acquire voting securities of the Company which represent more than
     5% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company
     (such percentage to be determined on a fully diluted basis, assuming the
     exercise of any stock options granted such management in connection with
     the transaction).

          "Good Reason" shall mean any of the following actions, without
     Executive's express prior written approval, other than due to Executive's
     permanent disability;

          (1) any diminution in Executive's titles, duties, responsibilities or
     status from the positions, duties, responsibilities or status existing
     immediately prior to a Change of Control.

          (2) the removal of Executive from, or any failure to re-elect
     Executive to, any of the offices Executive held immediately prior to a
     Change of Control;

          (3) the failure of the Company to pay Executive any compensation when
     due;

          (4) any reduction of Executive's base salary or target bonus;

          (5) any material reduction in Executive's retirement, insurance or
     fringe benefits; or

          (6) the change of Executive's principal place of employment to a
     location more than 25 miles from Executive's principal place of employment
     immediately prior to the Change of Control.

                                      A-2
<PAGE>
 
          For these purposes, permanent disability shall mean Executive's
inability, by reason of any physical or mental impairment, to substantially
perform regular duties which inability is reasonably contemplated to continue
for at least one (1) year from its incurrence.

                                      A-3
<PAGE>
 
                                  Schedule B
                                    SAMPLE

                                GENERAL RELEASE
                                ---------------


          For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of
which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned, with the intention of binding
himself/herself, his/her heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, does
hereby release and forever discharge Terra Industries Inc., a Maryland
corporation ("Company"), and its present and former officers, directors,
executives, agents, employees, affiliated companies, subsidiaries, successors,
predecessors and assigns (collectively the "Released Parties"), from any and all
claims, actions, causes of action, demands, rights, damages, debts, accounts,
suits, expenses, attorneys' fees and liabilities of whatever kind or nature in
law, equity, or otherwise, whether now known or unknown, which the undersigned
now has, owns or holds, or has at any time heretofore had, owned or held against
any Released Party, arising out of or in any way connected with the
undersigned's employment relationship with the Company, its subsidiaries,
predecessors or affiliated entities, or the termination thereof, including
without limitation, any claim for severance or vacation benefits, unpaid wages,
salary or bonus, breach of contract, wrongful discharge, impairment of economic
opportunity, intentional infliction of emotional harm or other tort or
employment discrimination under any applicable federal, state or local statute,
provision, order or regulation including but not limited to, any claim under
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act ("Title VII"), the federal Age Discrimination
in Employment Act ("ADEA") and any similar or analogous state statute, excepting
only (i) those obligations of the Company under that certain Executive Retention
Agreement between the Company and the undersigned effective ________, 1998 (the
"Agreement"), pursuant to which this General Release is being executed and
delivered, and (ii) any rights to indemnification the undersigned may have under
applicable corporate law, the by-laws or certificate of incorporation of any
Released Party or as an insured under any D & O or liability insurance policy
now or previously in force.

          The undersigned understands that by releasing employment
discrimination claims against the Released Parties, the undersigned also forever
releases and discharges any rights he may have to file or recover in a lawsuit
he may bring himself/herself on the same claims and also any right that he may
have to any relief that he might otherwise be entitled to as a result of any
proceedings instituted by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any
other comparable enforcement authority or by the representative(s) of any class
to which it is alleged the undersigned may belong.

          The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that neither the Agreement nor
this General Release is to be construed in any way as an admission of any
liability whatsoever by any Released Party under Title VII, ADEA, or any other
federal or state statute or the principles of common law, any such liability
having been expressly denied.

          The undersigned further declares and represents that he has carefully
read and fully understands the terms of this General Release and the Agreement,
that he has 

                                      B-1
<PAGE>
 
been advised and had the opportunity to seek the advice and assistance of
counsel with regard to this General Release and the Agreement, that he may take
up to and including forty-five (45) days from receipt of this General Release,
to consider whether to sign this General Release, that he may revoke this
General Release within seven (7) calendar days after signing it by delivering to
Company, at its Sioux City, Iowa offices, written notification of revocation,
and that he knowingly and voluntarily, of his/her own free will, without any
duress, being fully informed and after due deliberate action, accepts the terms
of and signs the same as his/her own free act.
 

Dated:                              Signature:


_________________________           ___________________
                                    Burton M. Joyce

                                      B-2

<PAGE>
 
                                                                 Exhibit 10.1.19

                         EXECUTIVE RETENTION AGREEMENT

          AGREEMENT made and effective this ___ day of _________, 1998 by and
between Terra Industries Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates (the  "Company")
and ___________________________ (the "Executive").

          The Company has determined that both the Executive's performance and
the Company's ability to retain Executive as an employee will be significantly
enhanced if Executive is provided with fair and reasonable protection from the
risks of a termination of employment following a change in control of the
Company.  Accordingly, the Company and Executive agree as follows:

          1.   Defined Terms.
               ------------- 

          Unless otherwise indicated, capitalized terms used in this Agreement
shall have the meanings set forth in Schedule A.

          2.   Effective Date; Term.
               -------------------- 

          This Agreement shall be effective on the date hereof and shall remain
in effect until the Company terminates this Agreement by giving Executive at
least one (1) year advance written notice of termination.  Notwithstanding the
foregoing, this Agreement shall, if in effect on the date of a Change of
Control, remain in effect for at least two (2) years following such Change of
Control, and such additional time as may be necessary to give effect to the
terms of the Agreement.

          3.   Change of Control Benefits.
               -------------------------- 

          If Executive's employment with the Company is terminated at any time
within the two (2) years following a Change of Control by the Company without
Cause, or by Executive for Good Reason (the effective date of any such
termination hereafter referred to as the "Termination Date"), Executive shall be
entitled to the benefits provided hereunder.  If Executive's employment by the
Company is terminated prior to a Change of Control at the request of any party
acquiring control of the Company, Executive's Termination Date shall be deemed
to have occurred immediately following the Change of Control, and the Executive
shall be entitled to the benefits provided herein.

          (a)  Continuation Payments.
               --------------------- 

               (i) Company shall continue to pay Executive for two (2) years
     following termination, the Executive's per annum base salary in effect on
     the date of the Change of Control ("Base Salary").
<PAGE>
 
               (ii) Company shall pay to Executive within ten (10) days of
     termination an amount equal to 200 percent of the Executive's target bonus
     of ___ percent of Base Salary ("Target Bonus") ratably over a two (2) year
     period following termination.

               (iii) As an alternative to the payments described in sub-
     paragraphs (i) and (ii) above, the Executive may elect, within ten (10)
     days after termination, to receive (A) an amount equal to two (2) years
     Base Salary plus 200 percent of the Target Bonus, in a lump sum payment
     payable within seven (7) days of election, or (B) an amount equal to two
     (2) years Base Salary plus 200 percent of the Target Bonus over a three (3)
     year period of payment.

               (iv) Any periodic payments to be made pursuant to sub-paragraphs
     (i), (ii) or (iii)(B) above shall be made in accordance with the Company's
     normal payroll procedures.

          If the Executive's termination occurs on or after September 1 of any
year, the Company shall also pay to the Executive the Executive's Target Bonus
of ___ percent of Base Salary multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which
shall be the number of days Executive was employed by the Company in the fiscal
year in which the Termination Date occurs and the denominator of which shall be
365, payable within thirty (30) days after termination.

          (b) Continued Benefits. Until the earlier of the second anniversary of
the Termination Date or the date on which Executive becomes employed by a new
employer, Company shall, at its expense (subject to Executive's payment of the
normal premium, if any, then in effect for employees generally) provide
Executive with medical and dental benefits at the highest level provided to
Executive during the period beginning immediately prior to the Change of Control
and ending on the Termination Date, provided, however, that if Executive becomes
employed by a new employer which maintains a major medical plan that either (i)
does not cover Executive with respect to a pre-existing condition which was
covered under the Company's major medical plan, or (ii) does not cover Executive
for a designated waiting period, Executive's coverage under the Company's major
medical plan shall continue (but shall be limited in the event of noncoverage
due to a preexisting condition, to the preexisting condition itself) until the
earlier of the end of the applicable period of noncoverage under the new
employer's plan or the second anniversary of the Termination Date. Nothing
contained herein shall adversely affect the Executive's rights under the
Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985.

          (c) Payment of Accrued But Unpaid Amounts. Within seven (7) business
days after the Termination Date, Company shall
                                      
                                      -2-

<PAGE>
 
pay Executive any unpaid portion of compensation previously earned by Executive.

          (d)  SERP Benefits.  On the Termination Date, the Executive shall
become vested in the benefits provided under the Terra Industries Inc. Excess
Benefit Plan (the "SERP"). For purposes of computing the Executive's accrued
benefits under the SERP, the Company shall credit the Executive with the excess
of two (2) years of participation in the SERP and two (2) years of age over the
actual years of participation and age credited to Executive on the Termination
Date.

          (e)  Effect on Existing Plans.  All Change of Control provisions
applicable to Executive and contained in any plan, program, agreement or
arrangement maintained on or after the date hereof by the Company (including,
but not limited to, any stock option, restricted stock or pension plan) shall
remain in effect for such period after the date of a Change of Control as is
necessary to carry out such provisions and provide the benefits payable
thereunder, and may not be altered in a manner which adversely affects Executive
without Executive's prior written approval.

          (f)  Outplacement Counseling.  Until the earlier of the second
anniversary of the Termination Date or the date on which Executive becomes
employed by a new employer, the Company shall make available to Executive at the
Company's expense professional outplacement services provided by qualified
consultants employed by the firm of Challenger, Gray & Associates or a
comparable firm selected by the Company.

          (g)  Benefits In Lieu of Severance.  Except as may be otherwise
specifically provided in an amendment adopted in accordance with paragraph 14,
payments under this paragraph 3 shall be in lieu of any severance that may be
otherwise payable to or on behalf of the Employee pursuant to the terms of any
severance pay arrangement of the Company.

          4.   Mitigation.

          Executive shall not be required to seek other employment after
termination and any compensation earned from other employment shall not reduce
the amounts otherwise payable under this Agreement.

          5.   Taxes.

          In the event that the aggregate of all payments or benefits made or
provided to the Executive under this Agreement and under all other programs and
arrangements of the Company (the "Aggregate Payment") is determined to
constitute an "excess parachute payment," as such term is defined in Section
280G(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Company shall pay to the Executive


                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
prior to the time any excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue
Code ("Excise Tax") is payable with respect to such Aggregate Payment, an
additional amount which, after the imposition of all income and excise taxes
thereon, is equal to the Excise Tax on the Aggregate Payment. The determination
of whether the Aggregate Payment constitutes an excess parachute payment and, if
so, the amount to be provided to the Executive and the time of payment pursuant
to this Section 5 shall be made by Deloitte & Touche or such other nationally
recognized public accounting firm selected by the Company (the "Auditor").
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the amount of the Executive's
Excise Tax liability is subsequently determined to be greater than the Excise
Tax liability with respect to which any initial payment to the Executive under
this Section 5 has been made, the company shall pay to the Executive an
additional amount (grossed up for all taxes), with respect to such additional
Excise Tax (and any interest and penalties thereon) at the time and in the
amount reasonably determined by the Auditor. Similarly, if the amount of the
Executive's Excise Tax liability is subsequently determined to be less than the
Excise Tax liability with respect to which any prior payment to the Executive
has been made under this paragraph 5, the Executive shall refund to the Company
the excess amount received, promptly after the Executive has received any
corresponding refund. The Executive and the Company shall cooperate with each
other in connection with any proceeding or claim relating to the existence or
amount of liability for Excise Tax, and all expenses incurred by the Executive
in connection therewith shall be paid by the Company promptly upon notice of
demand from the Executive.

          6.   Termination for Cause.

          Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent the Company
from terminating Executive's employment for Cause. If Executive is terminated
for Cause, Company shall have no obligation to make any payments under this
Agreement, except for payments that may otherwise be payable under then existing
employee benefit plans, programs and arrangements of the Company.

          7.   Indemnification; Director's and Officer's Liability Insurance.

          Executive shall, after the Termination Date, retain all rights to
indemnification under applicable law or under the Company's Articles of
Incorporation or By-Laws, as they may be amended or restated from time to time.
In addition, the Company shall maintain Director's and Officer's liability
insurance on behalf of Executive, at the level in effect immediately prior to
the Termination Date, for the two (2) year period following the Termination
Date, and throughout the period of any applicable statute of limitations.


                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
          8.   Executive Covenants.

          (a)  Confidential Information.  During the twelve (12) month period
following the Termination Date, Executive shall not disclose to any person, or
use to the significant disadvantage of any of the Company, any non-public
information relating to business plans, marketing plans, customers or employees
of the Company other than information the disclosure of which cannot reasonably
be expected to adversely affect the business of the Company ("Confidential
Information"), provided that nothing contained in this Section 8 shall prevent
Executive from being employed by a competitor of the Company or utilizing
Executive's general skills, experience, and knowledge, including those developed
while employed by the Company.

          (b)  Nondisclosure.  Executive shall not disclose the existence of
this agreement or its terms to anyone except (i) those outside advisors of
Executive which have a need to know such information for tax or other planning
purposes or (ii) as is necessary for the enforcement of this agreement or (iii)
as required by law.

          (c)  Release.  In consideration for the protection and benefits
provided for under this Agreement, Executive hereby agrees to execute a release
substantially in the form of Schedule B.

          9.   Disputes.

          Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this
Agreement shall be settled exclusively by arbitration in Sioux City, Iowa in
accordance with the Rules of the American Arbitration Association then in
effect. At the election of the Executive the arbitrators shall be a panel
consisting of Burton Joyce, Gregg Williams and Francis Meyer, or such person or
persons selected by the American Arbitration Association in accordance with its
rules. Judgment may be entered on an arbitrator's award relating to this
Agreement in any court having jurisdiction.

          10.  Costs of Proceedings.

          The Company shall pay all costs and expenses, including attorneys'
fees and disbursements, at least monthly, of Executive in connection with any
legal proceeding (including arbitration), whether or not instituted by the
Company or Executive, relating to the interpretation or enforcement of any
provision of this Agreement, except that if Executive instituted the proceeding
and the judge, arbitrator or other individual presiding over the proceeding
affirmatively finds that Executive instituted the proceeding in bad faith,
Executive shall pay all costs and expenses, including attorney's fees and
disbursements, of Executive.


                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
          11.  Assignment.
               ---------- 

          Except as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement shall be binding
upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Company and Executive
and their respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and assigns. If
the Company shall be merged into or consolidated with another entity, the
provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
the entity surviving such merger or resulting from such consolidation. The
Company will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase,
merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business
or assets of the Company, by agreement in form and substance satisfactory to
Executive, to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same
manner and to the same extent that the Company would be required to perform it
if no such succession had taken place. The provisions of this paragraph 11 shall
continue to apply to each successive employer of Executive hereunder in the
event of any merger, consolidation or transfer of assets of a successor
employer.

          12.  Withholding.
               ----------- 

          Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs 4 and 5 hereof, Company
may, to the extent required by law, withhold applicable federal, state and local
income and other taxes from any payments due to Executive hereunder.

          13.  Applicable Law.
               -------------- 

          This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of Iowa applicable to contracts made and to be performed
therein.

          14.  Entire Agreement.
               ---------------- 

          This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties
and, except as expressly provided herein, supersedes all other prior agreements
concerning the effect of a Change of Control on the relationship between the
Company and Executive. This Agreement may be changed only by a written agreement
executed by the Company and Executive.

                       *               *               *

          The parties have executed this Agreement on the ___ day of
_____________, 1998.

EXECUTIVE:                          TERRA INDUSTRIES INC:


_________________________           By:___________________________


                                    Its:  ________________________

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
                                  Schedule A

                              CERTAIN DEFINITIONS


          As used in this Agreement, and unless the context requires a different
meaning, the following terms, when capitalized, have the meaning indicated:

          "Cause" shall mean:

          (i) the willful and continued failure of the Executive to perform
     substantially the Executive's duties with the Company (other than any such
     failure resulting from incapacity due to physical or mental illness), after
     a written demand for substantial performance is delivered to the Executive
     by the Board of Directors of the Company or any successor to the Company
     (the "Board") which specifically identifies the manner in which the Board
     believes that the Executive has not substantially performed the Executive's
     duties, or

          (ii) the willful engaging by the Executive in illegal conduct or gross
     misconduct which is materially and demonstrably injurious to the Company.

For purposes of this provision, no act or failure to act, on the part of the
Executive, shall be considered "willful" unless it is done, or omitted to be
done, by the Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that the
Executive's action or omission was in the best interests of the Company. The
termination of employment of the Executive shall not be deemed to be for Cause
unless and until there shall have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a
resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than three-quarters
of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held
for such purpose (after reasonable notice is provided to the Executive and the
Executive is given an opportunity, together with counsel, to be heard before the
Board), finding that, in the good faith opinion of the Board, the Executive is
guilty of the conduct described in subparagraph (i) or (ii) above and specifying
the particulars thereof in detail.

          "Change of Control" shall mean any one of the following:

          (i) any person (as such term is used in Section 13(d) of the
     Securities Exchange Act of 1934, hereafter the "Exchange Act") or group of
     persons acting in concert (other than Minorco, a company incorporated under
     the laws of Luxembourg as a societe anonyme, and its affiliates or a group
     consisting solely of such persons) acquires beneficial ownership (within
     the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Securities and Exchange Commission
     promulgated under the Exchange Act) of the outstanding securities of the
     Company
            
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
     in an amount having, or convertible into securities having 25% or more of
     the ordinary voting power for the election of directors of the Company;

          (ii) during a period of not more than 24 months, a majority of the
     Board of Directors of the Company ceases to consist of the existing
     membership or successors nominated by the existing membership or their
     similar successors;

          (iii) shareholder approval of a merger or consolidation of the Company
     with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which
     would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding
     immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining
     outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving
     entity) more than 60% of the combined voting power of the voting securities
     of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after such
     merger or consolidation; or

          (iv) shareholder approval of either (A) a complete liquidation or
     dissolution of the Company or (B) a sale or other disposition of all or
     substantially all of the assets of the Company, or a transaction having a
     similar effect.

          "Change of Control" shall not in any event mean any transaction which
     results from the sale of part or all of the interests of Minorco and its
     affiliates to the Company or a transaction in which the officers of the
     Company acquire voting securities of the Company which represent more than
     5% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company
     (such percentage to be determined on a fully diluted basis, assuming the
     exercise of any stock options granted such management in connection with
     the transaction).

          "Good Reason" shall mean any of the following actions, without
     Executive's express prior written approval, other than due to Executive's
     permanent disability;

          (1) any diminution in Executive's titles, duties, responsibilities or
     status from the positions, duties, responsibilities or status existing
     immediately prior to a Change of Control.

          (2) the removal of Executive from, or any failure to re-elect
     Executive to, any of the offices Executive held immediately prior to a
     Change of Control;

          (3) the failure of the Company to pay Executive any compensation when
     due;

          (4) any reduction of Executive's base salary or target bonus;

                                      A-2
<PAGE>
 
          (5) any material reduction in Executive's retirement, insurance or
fringe benefits; or

          (6) the change of Executive's principal place of employment to a
location more than 25 miles from Executive's principal place of employment
immediately prior to the Change of Control.

          For these purposes, permanent disability shall mean Executive's
inability, by reason of any physical or mental impairment, to substantially
perform regular duties which inability is reasonably contemplated to continue
for at least one (1) year from its incurrence.

                                      A-3
<PAGE>
 
                                  Schedule B
                                    SAMPLE

                                GENERAL RELEASE
                                ---------------


          For good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of
which is hereby acknowledged, the undersigned, with the intention of binding
himself/herself, his/her heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, does
hereby release and forever discharge Terra Industries Inc., a Maryland
corporation ("Company"), and its present and former officers, directors,
executives, agents, employees, affiliated companies, subsidiaries, successors,
predecessors and assigns (collectively the "Released Parties"), from any and all
claims, actions, causes of action, demands, rights, damages, debts, accounts,
suits, expenses, attorneys' fees and liabilities of whatever kind or nature in
law, equity, or otherwise, whether now known or unknown, which the undersigned
now has, owns or holds, or has at any time heretofore had, owned or held against
any Released Party, arising out of or in any way connected with the
undersigned's employment relationship with the Company, its subsidiaries,
predecessors or affiliated entities, or the termination thereof, including
without limitation, any claim for severance or vacation benefits, unpaid wages,
salary or bonus, breach of contract, wrongful discharge, impairment of economic
opportunity, intentional infliction of emotional harm or other tort or
employment discrimination under any applicable federal, state or local statute,
provision, order or regulation including but not limited to, any claim under
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act ("Title VII"), the federal Age Discrimination
in Employment Act ("ADEA") and any similar or analogous state statute, excepting
only (i) those obligations of the Company under that certain Executive Retention
Agreement between the Company and the undersigned effective ________, 1998 (the
"Agreement"), pursuant to which this General Release is being executed and
delivered, and (ii) any rights to indemnification the undersigned may have under
applicable corporate law, the by-laws or certificate of incorporation of any
Released Party or as an insured under any D & O or liability insurance policy
now or previously in force.

          The undersigned understands that by releasing employment
discrimination claims against the Released Parties, the undersigned also forever
releases and discharges any rights (s)he may have to file or recover in a
lawsuit (s)he may bring himself/herself on the same claims and also any right
that (s)he may have to any relief that (s)he might otherwise be entitled to as a
result of any proceedings instituted by the Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission or any other comparable enforcement authority or by the
representative(s) of any class to which it is alleged the undersigned may
belong.

          The undersigned acknowledges and agrees that neither the Agreement nor
this General Release is to be construed in any way as an admission of any
liability whatsoever by any Released 


                                      B-1
<PAGE>
 
Party under Title VII, ADEA, or any other federal or state statute or the
principles of common law, any such liability having been expressly denied.

          The undersigned further declares and represents that (s)he has
carefully read and fully understands the terms of this General Release and the
Agreement, that (s)he has been advised and had the opportunity to seek the
advice and assistance of counsel with regard to this General Release and the
Agreement, that (s)he may take up to and including forty-five (45) days from
receipt of this General Release, to consider whether to sign this General
Release, that (s)he may revoke this General Release within seven (7) calendar
days after signing it by delivering to Company, at its Sioux City, Iowa offices,
written notification of revocation, and that (s)he knowingly and voluntarily, of
his/her own free will, without any duress, being fully informed and after due
deliberate action, accepts the terms of and signs the same as his/her own free
act.

 

Dated:                              Signature:

_________________________                        ______________________________


                                      B-2
 

<PAGE>

                                                                 Exhibit 10.1.20

                             TERRA INDUSTRIES INC.

                          INCENTIVE AWARD PROGRAM FOR
                           OFFICERS & KEY EMPLOYEES

                                     1999
                                     ----

I.   Purpose of the Plan
     -------------------

     The purpose of this Incentive Award Program is to motivate and reward
     officers and key employees of the Company toward achievement of planned
     annual goals and improved results.

II.  Eligibility in the Plan
     -----------------------

     Participation in this Incentive Award Program is limited to officers and
     key employees of Terra Industries Inc., Terra Distribution and Terra
     Nitrogen whose efforts are expected to contribute directly to the success
     and accomplishment of the Company's planned goals.

III.  Special Provisions and Considerations
      -------------------------------------

     Terra's incentive plan year coincides with the company's fiscal year. The
     Chief Executive Officer will establish corporate financial goals, which are
     approved by the Board of Directors, which will be used to establish the
     1999 incentive pool. Each officer and key employee participating in this
     plan will be assigned an index directly linked to their position's salary
     grade which establishes the target incentive as a percentage of year-end
     base salary. Some Division participants will participate in this Plan and a
     Division plan and their individual indices will be split or allocated
     between this plan and their Division plan in establishing the year-end pool
     for this and their Division Plan.

     The Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer or appropriate Senior
     Officer, is responsible for approving each plan participant's individual
     goals as soon as practicable in 1999 (See Section IV below). The importance
     of each goal is reflected in the weight assigned to each goal which sums to
     one hundred percent (100%). Each plan participant must periodically report
     on his/her goal achievement to the Chief Executive Officer. These
     individual goals or objectives will be used in determining the
     participant's final incentive payment.
<PAGE>
 

IV.  Funding the Officers and Key Employees Incentive Award Program
     --------------------------------------------------------------

     The 1999 Plan contemplates a split of incentive awards between a portion
     based upon Company financial performance (which would constitute up to 75%
     of an individual's target bonus) and a portion based upon individual
     performance on personal goals (which would constitute up to 34% of each
     participant's target bonus). As noted above in Part III, Division
     participants may have their target bonuses split or allocated between
     overall Company performance and Division performance, as well as the
     portion based upon individual performance.

     The funding for the Company performance portion of the incentive award pool
     is based on the accomplishment of Terra Industries Inc.'s approved return-
     on-equity (ROE) objectives. The Company performance portion of the pool
     starts to fund at fifty percent (50%) when the Company's ROE reaches seven
     percent (7%) and increases on a straight-line basis where twelve percent
     (12%) ROE equals one hundred percent (100%) funding. Maximum funding of two
     hundred percent (200%) is achieved at twenty percent (20%) ROE. Any funding
     for performance over 20% ROE or under 7% ROE is at the discretion of the
     Personnel Committee of the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive
     Officer.

     Funding of the individual performance portion of the incentive award pool
     is not tied to Company performance. Each participant will develop up to
     five goals that will be used as the measurement in determining payments
     under the personal goals section. These goals should be reviewed and
     approved by the appropriate Senior Officer and the Chief Executive Officer.
     Accordingly, a participant could earn the portion of his or her bonus based
     on achieving personal goals even if there is no funding of the Company
     performance portion of the pool.

V.   Basis of the Incentive Award
     ----------------------------

     The starting point in determining each participant's individual incentive
     award is the evaluation of the individual objectives. The participant's
     individual raw award is calculated by taking each participant's year-end
     salary, times his/her individual index (or that portion of his/her index
     used to calculate this pool) and then adjusted by his/her individual
     performance. The sum of all participants' adjusted raw awards creates an
     adjusted raw pool. This adjusted raw pool is compared with the sum of the
     plan participant's year-end salary, times their index (or a portion of
     his/her index used to calculate this pool) which is then adjusted by the
     Company's composite performance to form the incentive pool. This adjusted
     raw pool is adjusted up or down to match the incentive pool. All
     participant incentives are paid from the incentive pool.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
       The Chief Executive Officer has the discretion to adjust any individual's
       participation up or down to reflect unusual or unplanned events or to
       reflect the degree of difficulty of the goals. He may adjust amounts
       between plan participants and may add amounts from the discretionary part
       of the pool. The Chief Executive Officer may also choose to award less
       than the full amount of the pool or add as much as 20% to the pool.

VI.    Review, Revision and Modification of the Goals
       ----------------------------------------------

       Under normal business conditions, the corporate goals or individual
       objectives will not be altered or revised once established for the year.
       Unexpected and unforeseen developments during the course of the year may
       prompt re-examination of an officer's or key employee's established
       goals. It is the responsibility of each officer and key employee to note
       the conditions of change which would prompt such a review and take timely
       action. Such action would include review with the Chief Executive Officer
       for the need for revision of an established goal as soon as possible
       after the detected change. The change(s) is subject to final approval of
       the Chief Executive Officer.

VII.   Payment of Award
       ----------------

       The incentive award will be paid each officer and key employee by check
       as soon as possible after the close of the fiscal year and after approval
       of the Chief Executive Officer's recommendations by the Personnel
       Committee of the Board of Directors.

       To be eligible for full payment, the officer or key employee must have
       been in the employ of Terra Industries Inc. or one of its subsidiaries as
       of January 1 of the incentive plan year and must be actively employed by
       the company on the date the incentive award is paid.

VIII.  Special Provision
       -----------------

       A newly elected officer or key employee will participate in this
       incentive program in proportion to the number of full months worked as an
       officer or key employee during the incentive program year.

       A participant who retires, becomes permanently disabled or dies shall
       cease to participate in this program as of the end of the month
       coincident with retirement, disability or death. The proportionate
       incentive award will be paid as soon as possible after the close of the
       fiscal year. While it is the intent of the company to make awards under
       this plan and to continue the plan from year to year, it reserves the
       right to amend or terminate the plan entirely at its discretion.

                                      -3-

<PAGE>
                                                                     Exhibit 13 



                             TERRA INDUSTRIES INC.
                              1998 ANNUAL REPORT
                               FINANCIAL SECTION
                                        



                                        

                      FINANCIAL TABLE OF CONTENTS


                      Financial Review
                      
                      Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

                      Consolidated Statements of Operations 

                      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 

                      Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders'Equity

                      Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

                      Responsibility for Financial Statements

                      Independent Auditors' Report

                      Quarterly Production Data

                      Quarterly Financial and Stock Market Data

                      Revenues

                      Volumes and Prices

                      Stockholders

                      Financial Summary






<PAGE>
 
FINANCIAL REVIEW

OVERVIEW OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

The Corporation reported a net loss for 1998 of $(26.2) million compared with
net income of $206.9 million in 1997 and $134.0 million in 1996 with diluted
earnings (loss) per share of $(0.35), $2.76 and $1.72, respectively, and basic
earnings (loss) per share of $(0.35), $2.80 and $1.74, respectively.  Revenues
increased to $2.55 billion in 1998 from $2.54 billion in 1997 and $2.32 billion
in 1996.

Reduced margins and sales volumes in both the nitrogen and methanol segments as
well as lower sales of crop protection products have significantly impacted the
Corporation's 1998 results. The Corporation recorded a pretax gain of $163
million ($1.31 per diluted share, after-tax) in 1997 to reflect settlement of
insurance claims related to the Port Neal plant rebuild.  Net income in 1997 was
reduced by $3.0 million ($0.04 per share) due to the write-off of deferred
financing fees in connection with the early retirement of debt. In 1996, income
taxes were reduced $18 million ($0.23 per share) as a result of a transaction
with a Canadian subsidiary of Minorco, the Corporation's majority shareholder.

FINANCIAL COMPARABILITY

On December 31, 1997, the Corporation acquired the United Kingdom fertilizer
business assets of Imperial Chemical Industries PLC ("ICI") for approximately
$338 million.  In connection with the acquisition, the Corporation issued $125
million of long-term debt and funded a portion of the acquisition with a $225
million minority preferred limited interest in a partnership that operates the
Corporation's methanol plant located at Beaumont, Texas.  The acquisition had no
effect on 1997 operations except to reduce income tax expense by $8 million.
See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for pro forma results of
operations related to the United Kingdom acquisition.  The Corporation adds
distribution locations each year through acquisitions of distributors in its
marketing area and disposes of under-performing locations.

FACTORS THAT AFFECT OPERATING RESULTS

Factors that may affect the Corporation's future operating results include:  the
relative balance of supply and demand for nitrogen fertilizers and methanol, the
number of planted acres - which is impacted by both worldwide demand and
governmental policies - the types of crops planted, the effects general weather
patterns

                                                                               2
<PAGE>
 
have on the timing and duration of field work for crop planting and harvesting,
the supply of crop inputs, technological advances that can affect crop input
product mix, the availability and cost of natural gas, the effect of
environmental legislation on demand for the Corporation's products, the
availability of financing sources to fund seasonal working capital needs, and
the potential for interruption to operations due to accident or natural
disaster.

Prices for nitrogen products are influenced by the world supply and demand
balance for ammonia and nitrogen-based products. Long-term demand is affected by
population growth and rising living standards that determine food consumption.
Supply is affected by worldwide capacity and the availability of nitrogen
product exports from major producing regions such as the former Soviet Union,
the Middle East and South America. Due to several years of favorable economics
in the industry, capacity additions in the form of new and expanded production
facilities have been undertaken. Consequently, new nitrogen fertilizer supplies
came on-stream and profit margins have been under pressure. Profit margins will
continue to be under pressure until demand is sufficient to absorb the new
supplies or marginal production capacity is shut down.

Methanol is used as a raw material in the production of formaldehyde, methyl
tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), acetic acid and numerous other chemical
derivatives. The price of methanol is highly influenced by the supply and demand
in each of these secondary markets, in particular MTBE, an oxygenate used in
reformulated gasoline and an octane enhancer used in non-reformulated gasoline.
Currently, the methanol industry is experiencing low methanol prices due to
oversupply conditions caused by increased worldwide production and decreased
worldwide demand.

Due to the concentration of the Corporation's distribution locations and the
higher quantities of crop inputs per acre for corn and cotton compared with
other major crops, changes in corn and cotton acreages have a more significant
effect on the demand for the Corporation's products and services than changes in
other crops. Industry analysts expect planted acreage for corn to remain steady
at 80 million acres in 1999. They also expect planted cotton acreage in the U.S.
to stay constant at 13.5 million acres. Passage of the Federal Agriculture
Improvement and Reform Act of 1996 eliminated annual acreage set-asides and base
acreage restrictions for most crops. The Act provides farmers more freedom in
making decisions regarding what crops are planted.



Weather can have a significant effect on the Corporation's operations. Weather
conditions that delay or intermittently disrupt field work during the planting
and growing season may result in fewer-than-normal crop inputs being applied
and/or shift plantings to crops with shorter growing seasons. Similar conditions
following

                                                                               3
<PAGE>
 
harvest may delay or eliminate opportunities to apply fertilizer in the fall.
Weather can also have an adverse effect on crop yields, which lowers the income
of growers and could impair their ability to pay for crop inputs purchased from
the Corporation and its dealer customers.

Reliable sources for supply of crop inputs at competitive prices are critical to
the Distribution portion of the Corporation's business. The Corporation's
sources for fertilizer, crop protection products and seed are typically
manufacturers without the capability to distribute products to the North
American grower. The Corporation has entered into purchase agreements which
should ensure an adequate supply of products for its grower and dealer customers
through 1999.

The principal raw material used to produce manufactured nitrogen products and
methanol is natural gas. Natural gas costs in 1998 comprised about 49% of the
cost of sales for the North American nitrogen manufacturing plants and 24% of
the cost of sales for the U.K. manufacturing plants and 65% of the cost of sales
associated with the Methanol segment. The Corporation's natural gas procurement
policy is to effectively fix or cap the price of approximately 40% to 80% of its
natural gas requirements for a one-year period and up to 50% of its natural gas
requirements for the subsequent two-year period through various supply
contracts, financial derivatives and other forward pricing techniques. The
Corporation believes that there is a sufficient supply to allow acceptable costs
for the foreseeable future and has entered into firm contracts to minimize the
risk of interruption or curtailment of natural gas supplies during the heating
season.

The Corporation's Distribution business segment is highly seasonal with the
majority of sales occurring during the second quarter in conjunction with spring
planting activity. Due to the seasonality of the business and the relatively
brief periods during which products can be used by customers, the Corporation
builds inventories during the first quarter of the year in order to ensure
timely product availability during the peak sales season. For its current level
of sales, the Corporation requires lines of credit to fund inventory increases
and to support customer credit terms. The Corporation believes that its credit
facilities are adequate for expected sales levels in 1999 and for the next
several years.

The Corporation's manufacturing operations may be subject to significant
interruption if one or more of its facilities were to experience a major
accident or were damaged by severe weather or other natural disaster. The
Corporation currently maintains insurance (including business interruption
insurance) and expects that it will continue to do so in an amount which it
believes is sufficient to allow the Corporation to withstand major damage to any
of its facilities.

                                                                               4
<PAGE>
 
Many of the same factors which affect the Corporation's North American nitrogen
products business also impact the nitrogen products business in the United
Kingdom. Additional factors which affect the United Kingdom operations include
European Community protections against the dumping of cheap fertilizer on the
market, continued deregulation of natural gas and collective bargaining issues.


RISK MANAGEMENT AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact the financial position,
results of operations or cash flows of the Corporation due to adverse changes in
financial and commodity market prices and rates. The Corporation uses derivative
financial instruments to manage risk in the areas of (a) foreign currency
fluctuations, (b) changes in natural gas prices and (c) changes in interest
rates. (See Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional
information on the use of derivative financial instruments.)

It is the general policy of the Corporation to avoid unnecessary risk and to
limit, to the extent practical, risks associated with operating activities.
Management of the Corporation may not engage in activities that expose the
Corporation to speculative or non-operating risks. Management is expected to
limit risks to acceptable levels. The use of derivative financial instruments is
consistent with the overall business objectives of the Corporation. Derivatives
are used to manage operating risk within the limits established by Corporation's
Board of Directors, and in response to identified exposures, provided they
qualify as hedge activities. As such, derivative financial instruments are used
to manage exposure to interest rate fluctuations, to hedge specific assets and
liabilities denominated in foreign currency, to hedge firm commitments and
forecasted commodity purchase transactions, and to protect against foreign
exchange rate movements between different currencies that impact revenue and
earnings expressed in U.S. dollars.

                                                                               5
<PAGE>
 
Foreign Currency Fluctuations

It is the policy of the Corporation to manage risk associated with foreign
currency fluctuations by entering into exchange forward and option contracts
covering specific currency obligations or net foreign currency operating
requirements. Such hedging is limited to the amounts and duration of the
specific obligations being hedged and, in the case of operating requirements, no
more than 75% of the forecast requirements, which include firm commitments to
purchase natural gas, for a twelve-month period. The primary currencies to which
the Corporation is exposed include the Canadian dollar and the British pound.
The table below summarizes forward contracts held at December 31, 1998. All
contracts are valued in U.S. dollars using December 31, 1998 exchange rates and
mature in 1999.

Contracts to Purchase Foreign Currency
                                          Notional     Exchange     Fair
                                          Value        Rate         Value
Currency Purchased   Currency Exchanged   (Millions)   (FC/1USD$)   (Millions)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canadian Dollar      U.S. Dollar                3.0         1.55          ---
==============================================================================


Natural Gas Prices -- North American Operations

It is the policy of the Corporation to hedge 40-80% of its natural gas
requirements for the upcoming 12 months and up to 50% of its requirements for
the following 13-36 month period. Natural gas is the principal raw material used
to manufacture nitrogen and methanol. Natural gas market prices are volatile and
the Corporation manages this volatility through the use of derivative commodity
instruments. Annual procurement requirements for natural gas are approximately
134 million MMBtu. The Corporation has hedged 59% of its 1999 requirements and
15% of its 2000 requirements. The fair value of these instruments is estimated
based on quoted market prices from brokers, and computations prepared by the
Corporation. Market risk is estimated as the potential loss in fair value
resulting from a hypothetical 10 percent adverse change in price. As of December
31, 1998, the Corporation's market risk exposure related to future natural gas
requirements being hedged was $17.9 million based on a sensitivity analysis.
Changes in the market value of these derivative instruments have a high
correlation to changes in the spot price of natural gas. This hypothetical
adverse impact on natural gas derivative instruments would be more than offset
by lower costs for natural gas purchases.

Natural Gas Prices - United Kingdom Operations - To meet natural gas production
requirements at the Corporation's United Kingdom production facilities, the
Corporation enters into one or two-year gas supply contracts with fixed prices
for 40-80% of total volume requirements. As of December 31, 1998, the

                                                                               6
<PAGE>
 
Corporation had contracts for 68% of 1999 natural gas requirements. Accordingly,
the Corporation does not use derivative commodity instruments for its United
Kingdom natural gas needs.


Interest Rate Fluctuations


It is the policy of the Corporation to limit the extent of uncapped, variable
rate debt to no more than 50% of its total outstanding debt. The Corporation
manages interest rate risk to reduce the potential volatility of earnings that
may arise from changes in interest rates. The table below provides information
about the Corporation's derivative financial instruments and other financial
instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates, including debt
obligations and interest rate swaps. For debt obligations, the table presents
principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates by expected
maturity dates. For interest rate swaps, the table presents notional amounts and
weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates. Notional amounts are
used to calculate contractual payments to be exchanged under the contract.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Interest Rate Sensitivity
(in millions)                                                             Expected Maturity Date
                                       ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>        <C>            <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>
                                        1999       2000           2001       2002         2003      Thereafter   Total    Fair Value
                                       ------     -------        ------     ------       ------     ----------   ------   ----------
Long-Term Debt
Senior Notes, fixed rate ($US)         $   --      $   --        $   --     $   --       $   --        $200.0    $200.0     $207.0
  Average interest rate                 10.50%      10.50%        10.50%     10.50%       10.50%        10.50%

Senior Notes, fixed rate ($US)             --          --            --         --        158.8            --     158.8      161.1
  Average interest rate                 10.75%      10.75%        10.75%     10.75%       10.75%        10.75%

Bank Term Notes, LIBOR based ($US)        7.8         7.8           7.8         --         93.8            --     117.2      117.2
  Average interest rate                  7.11%       7.05%         7.20%      7.30%        7.43%

IDR Bonds, various rates ($US)            0.3         0.3           0.3        0.4          0.5           6.6       8.4        9.0
  Average interest rate                  6.74%       6.76%         6.77%      6.78%        6.78%         6.79%

Other Debt, various rates ($US)           1.4         3.1           0.3        7.2          0.6            --      12.6       12.6
  Average interest rate                  7.82%       7.85%         7.29%      7.31%        7.20%
                                       --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Long-Term Debt                   $  9.5      $ 11.2        $  8.4     $  7.6       $253.7        $206.6    $497.0     $506.9
                                       ============================================================================================

Short-Term Borrowings
Revolving credit facility, notional
 amount ($US)                          $330.0      $330.0        $330.0     $330.0                                         $   0.0
  Variable interest rate:  LIBOR based   7.11%       7.05%         7.20%      7.30%

Accounts Receivable Securitization
Maximum proceeds available ($US)       $150.0                                                                              $ 136.0
  Variable interest rate:  LIBOR based   5.62%

Preferred Minority Interest
BMLP limited interest, notional
 amount ($US)                          $225.0      $225.0                                                                   $225.0
  Variable interest rate:  LIBOR based   8.28%       8.22%

Interest Rate Swap
  Variable to fixed, notional
   amount ($US)                        $300.0      $300.0        $300.0     $300.0                                          $(11.2)
  Average pay rate                       6.09%       6.09%         6.09%      6.09%
Average receive rate                    LIBOR       LIBOR         LIBOR      LIBOR
                                       ============================================================================================
</TABLE>

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - 1998 COMPARED WITH 1997

Consolidated Results


The Corporation reported a net loss of $(26.2) million on revenues of $2.55
billion for 1998 compared with net income of $206.9 million on revenues of $2.54
billion in 1997. Basic earnings (loss) per share for 1998 was $(0.35) compared
with $2.80 for 1997. Diluted earnings (loss) per share was $(0.35) and $2.76,
respectively, for 1998 and 1997. The 1997 results reflect a gain of $1.31 per
diluted share for the settlement of insurance claims related to the rebuild of
the Port Neal plant. Worldwide overcapacity in both nitrogen and methanol
markets has lowered prices and margins for these products which substantially
accounts for the decline in earnings in 1998.


The Corporation classifies its operations into three business segments:
Distribution, Nitrogen Products and Methanol. The Distribution segment includes
sales of products purchased from manufacturers, including the Corporation, and
resold by the Corporation. Distribution revenues are derived primarily from
grower and dealer customers through sales of crop protection products,
fertilizers, seed and services. The Nitrogen Products segment represents only
those operations directly related to the wholesale sales of nitrogen products
produced at the Corporation's ammonia manufacturing and upgrading facilities.
The Methanol segment represents wholesale sales of methanol produced at the
Corporation's two methanol manufacturing facilities.

Total revenues and operating income (loss) by segment for the years ended
December 31, 1998 and 1997 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
(in thousands)                                 1998         1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>          <C>
REVENUES:
Distribution                                $1,734,257   $1,786,673
Nitrogen Products                              751,597      621,410
Methanol                                        96,547      180,646
Other - net of intercompany eliminations       (30,383)     (46,360)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                            $2,552,018   $2,542,369
                                            =======================
 
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS):
 
Distribution                                $   21,387   $   40,686
Nitrogen Products                               39,329      150,270
Methanol                                        (7,891)      63,662
Other expense - net                             (7,468)      (1,302)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                            $   45,357   $  253,316
                                            =======================
 
</TABLE>

                                                                               8

<PAGE>
 
Distribution


Revenues from the Distribution segment for the years ended December 31, 1998 and
1997 were as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
Distribution Revenues
- -------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)                 1998                   1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>                 <C>
Resale fertilizer           $  401,447            $  443,751
Crop protection products     1,006,173             1,059,077
Seed                           124,928               106,557
Other                          201,709               177,288
- -------------------------------------------------------------
                            $1,734,257            $1,786,673
                         ====================================
 
</TABLE>


Distribution revenues for 1998 were $1.73 billion, a decrease of $52.4 million
from the comparable 1997 period. Operating income for the Distribution segment
was $21.4 million and $40.7 million, respectively, for the years ended December
31, 1998 and 1997.  Acquisitions, net of closed locations (due to under-
performance), contributed $21.2 million in revenues, while revenues at existing
locations declined $73.6 million in comparison with the prior year.  Operating
income at new locations, net of closed locations amounted to $0.2 million for
the year ended December 31, 1998.  Operating income at existing locations
declined $19.5 million in comparison with 1997.

Fertilizer revenues were $42.3 million lower in 1998.  Selling prices were 6%
lower or $19.2 million driven principally by lower nitrogen prices and
correspondingly fertilizer cost of sales declined $20.5 million. Fertilizer
volumes decreased by 5% lowering gross profit by $2.7 million for the year ended
December 31, 1998 compared with 1997.  Heavy fall applications in 1997 combined
with continuously rainy weather in the spring of 1998 throughout the Corn Belt
more than offset a volume increase across the Southern division.

Crop protection products revenues for 1998 amounted to $1.01 billion, or $52.9
million less than 1997.  Dealer sales were $32.7 million lower and grower sales
declined $22.3 million in 1998 compared with 1997. The impact of low grain
prices reduced crop protection products demand from both dealers and growers.
In addition, the increased use of genetically engineered seed (with built-in
resistance to specific insects or herbicides) also reduced crop protection
product revenues.  Correspondingly, gross profits for crop protection products
declined $8.6 million for 1998 in comparison with 1997.

                                                                               9
<PAGE>
 
A marketing focus on seed sales as well as an increase in demand and
availability of specialized seeds led to an increase in seed revenues of $18.4
million for 1998 in comparison with 1997. The increase in sales contributed to a
$3.9 million increase in seed gross profit.

Other distribution revenues increased $24.4 million in 1998 compared with 1997.
Grain and feed have contributed $12.5 million of new revenues with a
corresponding gross profit of $7.0 million. Licensing fees related to
biotechnical seed varieties added $14.3 million to revenues in 1998 and $2.3
million to gross profits. Partially offsetting these increases was a reduction
in customer service charges on past-due accounts of $1.8 million.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $18.0 million in 1998 in
comparison with 1997. Acquisitions, net of closed locations increased expenses
by $6.9 million while expenses at existing locations increased by $11.1 million.
Bad debt expense increased $3.2 million in comparison to 1997 as low grain
prices and poor weather conditions impacted growers' ability to pay for crop
inputs. The 1997 period included a $5.3 million decrease to employee benefits
expense related to a reduction in retiree medical benefits.

Nitrogen Products

Volumes and prices for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 were as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Volumes and Prices
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(excludes the Distribution segment)           1998                 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Sales     Average    Sales     Average
(quantities in thousands of tons)      Volumes  Unit Price  Volumes  Unit Price
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>      <C>         <C>      <C>
Ammonia                                  1,349       $ 143    1,182       $ 187
Nitrogen solutions                       3,548          66    3,440          82
Urea                                       631         118      671         145
Ammonium nitrate                           809         134       45         149
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>


Nitrogen Products revenues increased by $130.2 million to $751.6 million for
1998 in comparison with 1997. Revenue for 1998 at the Corporation's U.K. plants,
which were acquired December 31, 1997, amounted to $279.4 million. Revenue for
1998 at the North American plants declined by $149.2 million in comparison with
1997 as a result of lower prices for all products and lower sales volumes for
ammonia and urea. Ammonia, nitrogen solutions and urea prices decreased by 27%,
20% and 19%, respectively, causing revenues to decline by $131.1 million. Lower
worldwide demand for urea and increased worldwide nitrogen production capacity
created excess nitrogen supplies and caused prices to fall. For the North
American operations, ammonia sales volumes declined 9%, and urea sales volumes
declined 6%, while nitrogen solutions sales volumes increased 3% in the year
ended

                                                                              10
<PAGE>
 
December 31, 1998 compared with 1997. Weather conditions during the 1998 period
favored nitrogen solutions applications while the weather in 1997 favored
ammonia applications.

The Nitrogen Products segment reported operating income of $39.3 million and
$150.3 million for 1998 and 1997, respectively. U.K. operations contributed
$300,000 towards operating income. North American operating income declined by
$111.2 million for 1998 in comparison with 1997. Pricing pressures and lower
volumes as discussed above accounted for the significant decline to operating
income. Those factors were partially offset by lower operating expenses and
reduced natural gas costs which declined by 2% in comparison with 1997. The
Corporation's use of financial derivatives to forward price a portion of its
natural gas needs resulted in cost savings of $11.9 million compared with 1998
spot prices.


Methanol

Methanol revenues were $96.5 million compared with $180.6 million for the years
ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Average methanol sales prices
were $0.34 per gallon and $0.58 per gallon for 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Lower prices in 1998 were a result of oversupply conditions due to higher
production and lower worldwide demand. Methanol sales volumes declined by 8% to
286 million gallons for 1998 compared with 1997. The Corporation began reducing
production of methanol in the third quarter of 1998 due to market conditions.
The decline in prices resulted in a revenue decline of $69.3 million while the
volume decrease accounted for $14.8 million of the decline.

The Methanol segment reported an operating loss of $7.9 million for 1998 and an
operating income of $63.7 million for the comparable 1997 period. The decline in
prices and volumes discussed above accounted for the decline in operating
income. Partially offsetting these was a 6% decline in the cost of natural gas.
During 1998, natural gas hedging activities reduced the Corporation's natural
gas costs by $3.5 million compared with spot prices. The Corporation temporarily
shut down production at its Beaumont methanol plant in January 1999. Current
expectations are to re-start the plant in March 1999. The Beaumont plant has an
annual production capacity of 280 million gallons. The Corporation has adequate
inventory to meet sales commitments until the plant is restarted in March.

                                                                              11
<PAGE>
 
Other Expense - Net

Other expenses, which represent costs associated with general corporate
activities not attributable to a specific business segment, increased $6.1
million in 1998 due primarily to vesting of restricted stock grants and
professional fees related to the proposed sale of the Corporation's outstanding
common stock. (See the "Pending Change of Control" section of this discussion.)


Interest Expense - Net

Net interest expense was $59.1 million in 1998 compared with $56.6 million in
1997. Interest expense increased as a result of additional borrowings used to
fund the U.K. acquisition, partially offset by decreased borrowings for working
capital needs.


Minority Interest

Minority interest, represents interest in the earnings of the publicly held
common units of Terra Nitrogen Company, L.P. (TNCLP) and a third-party's limited
partnership interest in Beaumont Methanol, Limited Partnership (BMLP). Minority
interest was $27.5 million for 1998 compared with $27.6 million in 1997.
Minority interest declined $18.0 million due to lower earnings from TNCLP
operations. Minority interest increased $17.9 million in 1998 due to the BMLP
minority interest issued by the Corporation on December 31, 1997 and not
outstanding in 1997.


Income Taxes

Income tax expense was recorded at an effective rate of 36.4% for 1998 compared
with 36.8% in 1997.

                                                                              12
<PAGE>
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - 1997 COMPARED WITH 1996


Consolidated Results

The Corporation reported net income of $206.9 million, or $2.76 per diluted
share and $2.80 per basic share, on revenues of $2.5 billion for 1997 compared
with net income of $134.0 million, or $1.72 per diluted share and $1.74 per
basic share, on revenues of $2.3 billion in 1996. The Corporation recorded a
gain, net of income taxes, of $1.31 per diluted share in 1997 to reflect
settlement of insurance claims related to the Port Neal plant rebuild (see Note
8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

Total revenues and operating income by segment for the years ended December 31,
1997 and 1996 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in thousands)                                    1997         1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>          <C>
REVENUES:
Distribution                                   $1,786,673   $1,580,142
Nitrogen Products                                 621,410      654,486
Methanol                                          180,646      132,533
Other - net of intercompany eliminations          (46,360)     (50,675)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               $2,542,369   $2,316,486
                                               ========================
OPERATING INCOME:
Distribution                                   $   40,686   $   23,872
Nitrogen Products                                 150,270      255,263
Methanol                                           63,662       18,520
Other expense - net                                (1,302)      (2,474)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               $  253,316   $  295,181
                                               ========================

Distribution

Revenues from the Distribution segment for the years ended December 31, 1997 and
1996 were as follows:

Distribution Revenues
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)                                       1997         1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Resale fertilizer                              $  443,751   $  386,774
Crop protection products                        1,059,077      981,267
Seed                                              106,557       90,175
Other                                             177,288      121,926
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               $1,786,673   $1,580,142
                                               ========================
</TABLE>

Distribution revenues for 1997 amounted to $1.8 billion compared with $1.6
billion for 1996. New distribution locations generated $101 million of revenues
in 1997 and existing locations generated $106 million of additional revenues
compared with 1996 results. Higher volumes contributed to the increase in
revenue for all product lines due to new locations and increased market share.

                                                                              13
<PAGE>
 
Operating income for 1997 for the Distribution segment was $41 million compared
with $24 million for 1996. Expansion of the distribution network contributed $4
million to the operating income increase while existing locations generated an
increase of $13 million. Gross profits increased $49 million due primarily to
the increased sales volume. Selling, general and administrative expenses
increased $33 million in 1997 compared with the 1996 expenses. Additional
equipment, employees and new locations to meet the demands of the 1997 season
contributed to increases in depreciation, operating, maintenance and
compensation expenses. Offsetting these expense increases was a decrease to bad
debt expense of $8 million and a decrease to employee benefits expense of $5
million related to a reduction in retiree medical benefits.


Nitrogen Products

Volumes and prices for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 were as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Volumes and Prices
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(excludes the Distribution segment)          1997                   1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       Sales      Average     Sales      Average
(quantities in thousands of tons)    Volumes   Unit Price   Volumes   Unit Price
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>       <C>          <C>       <C>
Ammonia                                1,182        $ 187     1,174        $ 185
Nitrogen solutions                     3,440           82     3,180           94
Urea                                     671          145       575          179
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Nitrogen Products revenues totaled $621 million for 1997 compared with $654
million for 1996. The $33 million decline in revenues was caused by lower sales
prices for nitrogen solutions and urea offset somewhat by higher sales volumes.
Lower worldwide demand for urea during 1997, particularly in China, caused urea
prices to fall from prior-year levels. Weather conditions during the 1997
planting season were more favorable for ammonia application which kept ammonia
prices relatively strong while nitrogen solutions prices declined. In contrast,
1996 weather conditions forced a late planting season and favored nitrogen
solutions applications resulting in higher prices than in 1997. Higher 1997
sales volumes were due in part to increased corn acres, which require more
nitrogen than most other crops. Urea sales volumes in 1997 benefitted from
expansion and efficiency improvement projects at the Courtright and Blytheville
plants. Additionally, nitrogen solutions sales volumes were higher in 1997
reflecting the impact of production from the Port Neal plant which began
production of nitrogen solutions in May 1996.

Operating income for the Nitrogen Products segment was $150 million and $255
million for 1997 and 1996, respectively. Lower sales prices, as discussed above,
and 27% higher natural gas costs combined to reduce margins by $103 million in
1997 in comparison with 1996 results. In addition, depreciation expense
increased $7 million during 1997 compared with 1996 due to the rebuilt Port Neal
plant's higher depreciation base. The

                                                                              14
<PAGE>
 
Corporation's use of financial derivatives to forward price a portion of its
natural gas needs resulted in costs that were $42 million lower than if bought
at 1997 spot prices. The increased sales volume contributed $16 million to 1997
operating income.

Methanol

Revenues for the Methanol segment amounted to $181 million and $133 million for
1997 and 1996, respectively. Average methanol sales prices were $0.58 per gallon
for 1997 and $0.42 per gallon for 1996 which substantially accounted for the
increase in revenues. The higher methanol prices reflect the tighter methanol
market conditions caused by industry-wide planned and unplanned production
outages and increased worldwide demand. Sales volumes declined 1% in 1997 to 311
million gallons compared with 1996.

Methanol operating income increased $45 million in 1997 compared with 1996
results. The increase is due to higher methanol sales prices which more than
offset a 9% increase in natural gas costs. The Corporation's use of financial
derivatives to forward price a portion of its natural gas needs resulted in cost
savings of $15 million compared with buying at 1997 spot prices.

Interest Expense - Net

Net interest expense was $57 million in 1997 compared with $53 million in 1996.
Interest expense increased as a result of additional borrowings used to fund
operations.

Minority Interest

Minority interest, representing primarily third-party unitholder interest in the
earnings of Terra Nitrogen Company, L.P. (TNCLP), was $28 million for 1997
compared with $45 million in 1996. Minority interest declined primarily due to
lower earnings from TNCLP operations.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was recorded at an effective rate of 37% for 1997 compared
with 32% in 1996. The 1997 tax provision includes an $8 million (2%) benefit
from the recovery of amounts provided in prior years. During 1996, the
Corporation purchased tax benefits from a Canadian subsidiary of Minorco,
resulting in a deferred tax asset for the Corporation which reduced the
effective tax rate by 9%.

                                                                              15
<PAGE>
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Corporation's primary uses of funds will be to fund its working capital
requirements, make payments on its indebtedness and other obligations, make
quarterly distributions to minority interests, disburse quarterly dividends on
common stock, make capital expenditures and acquisitions and fund repurchases of
TNCLP common units. The principal sources of funds will be cash flow from
operations and borrowings under available bank facilities

Cash provided by operations in 1998 was $141 million, or $199 million less than
1997 primarily as a result of lower operating income. The 1998 decline to
earnings resulted primarily from lower prices for nitrogen products and methanol
produced by the Corporation. Nitrogen and methanol prices are expected to remain
at or near current levels into 1999. Nevertheless, the Corporation expects over
$120 million of non-cash charges to 1999 income and consequently believes that
cash from operations and available financing sources will be sufficient to meet
anticipated cash requirements.

The Corporation has available a $330 million revolving credit facility for
working capital needs. As of December 31, 1998, $7.0 million was outstanding
under this facility.

The Corporation funded plant and equipment investments of $100.4 million and
expended $6.6 million to acquire new distribution locations in 1998. The
Corporation began construction in the fourth quarter of 1997 of a $57 million
ammonia production loop at the Beaumont, Texas methanol plant with the facility
expected to be fully operational by the end of 1999. The Corporation expects
1999 capital expenditures to approximate $90 million consisting of the
expenditures related to completing the Beaumont ammonia production loop,
expansion of existing service centers, routine replacement of equipment, and
efficiency improvements at manufacturing facilities.

During 1998, the Corporation distributed $2.89 per unit, or $17.2 million, to
minority TNCLP Common Unitholders, distributed a preferred return of $17.9
million to BMLP's minority partner, and paid a dividend of $0.20 per Common
Share which totaled $15.0 million.

On December 17, 1997, the Corporation announced that it was resuming purchases
of common units of TNCLP on the open market and through privately negotiated
transactions. Under an existing authorization of the Board of Directors, the
Corporation may acquire up to five million common units. The Corporation
acquired 632,500 common units during 1998 for $16.5 million, bringing its total
number of common units acquired under this authorization, to 1.6 million units.

                                                                              16
<PAGE>
 
Cash balances at December 31, 1998 were $141.6 million of which $4.6 million is
used to collateralize letters of credit supporting recorded liabilities.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards 133 (SFAS 133), "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities".  SFAS 133 is effective for fiscal years
beginning after June 15, 1999.  The Corporation has reviewed SFAS 133 and
intends to implement the standard on January 1, 2000.  At this time, the
Corporation has not determined the impact SFAS 133 will have on its financial
position, results of operations or cash flows.

YEAR 2000 ISSUES

The Year 2000 issue concerns computer programs that use only the last two digits
to identify the year in date fields. If not corrected, many of these computer
applications could fail or create erroneous results near January 1, 2000. This
issue affects virtually every company.

The Corporation has assigned dedicated resources to address its Year 2000 issues
with a Year 2000 Steering Committee providing management oversight and
coordination. The Corporation has also published Year 2000 Information and
Readiness Disclosures on its website (http://www.terraindustries.com). In
general, management believes the "State of Readiness" for the Corporation is
such that it will be ready for Year 2000 issues on time.

The Corporation's management information systems (MIS) environment has been
assessed for year 2000 issues and some remedial actions have been identified.
The cost of remedial actions for the MIS area is not material to the
Corporation. Nearly all of these remedial actions are complete with minimal
cost. Testing is substantially complete with the mainframe hardware systems and
the associated software, with the exception of a few software packages
originally purchased from third parties that are scheduled to be updated in
1999.

The Corporation recently completed an organization-wide review of all possible
computing functions, including the process control systems and instrumentation
in the manufacturing facilities and the diverse operations in the distribution
segment. Some remedial actions have been identified in a few areas, with the
bulk of those remaining principally associated with the Corporation's U.K.
operations. The cost of these remedial actions is not expected to be material to
the Corporation. Testing is substantially complete at three of the Corporation's
manufacturing facilities and at a small part of the operations at the lower risk
distribution segment.

                                                                              17
<PAGE>
 
The Corporation is also assessing Year 2000 issues in relation to its customers,
suppliers and other constituents because the action or inaction of third parties
may materially affect the Corporation. An initial assessment of key third
parties, including utility suppliers, has been completed and some follow up is
ongoing.

Although the Corporation expects that there will be no significant adverse
consequences relating to its Year 2000 issues, the Corporation believes its most
reasonably likely worst case Year 2000 scenario involves the interruption of its
manufacturing facilities due to failed utility supplies or some other cause. The
Corporation has in place contingency plans to deal with such interruptions,
although restarting these facilities may be dependent on the resumption of
utilities from sole source suppliers. Other general contingency planning efforts
continue to be evaluated and refined for precautionary purposes.

The Corporation anticipates that it will complete all assessment, remediation,
testing and contingency planning efforts for Year 2000 issues in the third
quarter of 1999. Based on substantial completion of these activities to date,
the Corporation anticipates that Year 2000 issues, including the historical and
estimated costs of remediation, will not have a material effect on its business,
results of operations or financial condition. However, the costs or consequences
of incomplete or untimely resolution of Year 2000 issues by the Corporation or
third parties could have a material adverse affect on the Corporation.

PENDING CHANGE OF CONTROL

Minorco, S.A., through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, owns 56% of the
Corporation's outstanding shares. In October 1998, Minorco announced its
intention to dispose of its interest in the Corporation. Minorco and the
Corporation are in discussion with prospective purchasers for the Minorco
interests and/or all of Corporation's outstanding common shares.

FORWARD LOOKING PRECAUTIONS

Information contained in this report, other than historical information, may be
considered forward looking. Forward looking information reflects Management's
current views of future events and financial performance that involve a number
of risks and uncertainties. The factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially include, but are not limited to, the following: general
economic conditions within the agricultural industry, competitive factors and
price changes (principally, sales prices of nitrogen and methanol products and
natural gas costs), changes in product mix, changes in the seasonality of demand
patterns, changes in weather conditions, changes in agricultural regulations,
and other risks detailed in the "Factors that Affect Operating Results" section
of this discussion.

                                                                              18
<PAGE>

                                                                              19

 
                 Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
                                        
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
=======================================================================================
                                                                        At December 31,
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)                                                   1998              1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>               <C>
Assets
  Cash and short-term investments                          $  141,643        $  180,062
  Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful
   accounts of $15,134 and $13,154                            138,751           111,690
  Inventories                                                 419,704           395,940
  Other current assets                                         38,592            51,287
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total current assets                                        738,690           738,979
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Equity and other investments                                 25,334            24,485
  Property, plant and equipment, net                        1,159,313         1,181,384
  Excess of cost over net assets of acquired businesses       291,325           304,567
  Deferred tax asset                                            6,202            10,794
  Other assets                                                 94,283            99,745
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total assets                                             $2,315,147        $2,359,954
=======================================================================================
Liabilities
  Debt due within one year                                 $    9,470        $    9,538
  Accounts payable                                            257,484           203,554
  Accrued and other liabilities                               209,453           223,163
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total current liabilities                                   476,407           436,255
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Long-term debt                                              487,560           497,030
  Deferred income taxes                                       204,153           193,456
  Other liabilities                                            62,671            82,315
  Minority interest                                           336,504           360,569
  Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total liabilities                                         1,567,295         1,569,625
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stockholders' Equity
  Capital stock
    Common Shares, authorized 133,500 shares;
    75,465 and 74,977 shares outstanding                      127,887           127,581
  Paid-in capital                                             552,893           548,772
  Accumulated other comprehensive income                      (14,157)           (8,488)
  Retained earnings                                            81,229           122,464
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total stockholders' equity                                  747,852           790,329
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity               $2,315,147        $2,359,954
=======================================================================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
<PAGE>

                                                                              20


                     Consolidated Statements of Operations

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
==================================================================================================
                                                                   Year ended December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands, except per-share amounts)                        1998        1997        1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>          <C>
Revenues
  Net sales                                                   $2,472,961   $2,462,081   $2,264,509
  Other income, net                                               79,057       80,288       51,977
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               2,552,018    2,542,369    2,316,486
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost and Expenses
  Cost of sales                                                2,152,392    1,967,344    1,722,450
  Selling, general and administrative expense                    357,441      323,975      300,897
  Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates                 (3,172)      (2,266)      (2,042)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               2,506,661    2,289,053    2,021,305
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Income from operations                                          45,357      253,316      295,181
  Insurance recovery - damaged facility                               --      163,427           --
  Interest income                                                  4,553        6,525        7,102
  Interest expense                                               (63,649)     (63,153)     (59,947)
  Minority interest                                              (27,510)     (27,633)     (44,485)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Income (loss) before income taxes and extraordinary item       (41,249)     332,482      197,851
  Income tax provision (benefit)                                 (15,000)     122,600       63,900
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Income (loss) before extraordinary item                        (26,249)     209,882      133,951
  Extraordinary loss on early retirement of debt                      --       (2,995)          --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income (Loss)                                             $  (26,249)  $  206,887   $  133,951
==================================================================================================

Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share:
  Income (loss) before extraordinary item                     $    (0.35)  $     2.84   $     1.74
  Extraordinary loss on early retirement of debt                      --        (0.04)          --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income (Loss)                                             $    (0.35)  $     2.80   $     1.74
==================================================================================================
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share:
  Income (loss) before extraordinary item                     $    (0.35)  $     2.80   $     1.72
  Extraordinary loss on early retirement of debt                      --        (0.04)          --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income (Loss)                                             $    (0.35)  $     2.76   $     1.72
==================================================================================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              21

                     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
============================================================================================
                                                                  Year ended December 31,
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)                                                  1998        1997        1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>         <C>         <C>
Operating Activities
Net income (loss)                                          $ (26,249)  $ 206,887   $ 133,951
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by (used in) operating activities:
  Insurance recovery - damaged facility                           --    (163,427)         --
  Depreciation and amortization                              131,004      96,091      83,210
  Deferred income taxes                                       11,319      66,342      15,959
  Minority interest in earnings                               27,510      27,633      44,485
  Other non-cash items                                        (2,197)     (4,306)     (3,059)
Change in current assets and liabilities, excluding
working capital purchased:
  Accounts receivable                                        (25,393)     (9,649)    100,359
  Inventories                                                (21,987)     86,253     (53,185)
  Other current assets                                         3,780      45,276     (42,849)
  Accounts payable                                            53,921     (15,144)     (8,291)
  Accrued and other liabilities                              (17,616)     (1,127)    (27,952)
Reimbursed Port Neal casualty expenses                        14,314       7,629     (26,498)
Other                                                         (7,015)     (1,695)    (14,291)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities                    141,391     340,763     201,839
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investing Activities
  Acquisitions, net of cash acquired                          (6,623)   (384,284)    (16,181)
  Purchase of property, plant and equipment                 (100,414)    (55,249)    (99,326)
  Port Neal plant construction                                    --     (29,860)    (86,323)
  Insurance proceeds from plant casualty                          --      95,057      26,675
  Other                                                        8,709       3,451       6,659
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities                        (98,328)   (370,885)   (168,496)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financing Activities
  Net short-term borrowings                                       --    (116,332)     90,318
  Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                        --     132,867         151
  Principal payments on long-term debt                        (9,538)    (33,611)     (4,412)
  Stock (repurchase) issuance - net                              286     (21,264)    (91,131)
  Distributions to minority interests                        (35,052)    (34,402)    (53,493)
  Repurchase of TNCLP common units                           (16,523)         --          --
  Redemption of preferred stock                                   --     (24,950)         --
  Sale of minority interest in subsidiary                         --     225,000          --
  Dividends                                                  (14,986)    (13,481)    (11,582)
  Other                                                           --       2,673          --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Cash  Provided by (Used In) Financing Activities         (75,813)    116,500     (70,149)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign Exchange Effect on Cash
and Short-Term Investments                                    (5,669)     (7,058)     (1,159)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Short-Term Investments       (38,419)     79,320     (37,965)
Cash and Short-Term Investments at Beginning of Year         180,062     100,742     138,707
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and Short-Term Investments at End of Year             $ 141,643   $ 180,062   $ 100,742
============================================================================================
Interest Paid                                              $  61,907   $  61,446   $  58,706
============================================================================================
Income Taxes Paid (Received)                               $  (7,085)  $  18,519   $  80,340
============================================================================================
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:
Stock issuance for distribution locations acquisition      $      --   $  19,112   $   2,842
============================================================================================
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              22

          Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
================================================================================

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      Accumulated
                                                    Capital Stock                     Other             Retained
                               Comprehensive     ------------------       Paid-In     Comprehensive     Earnings
(in thousands)                    Income         Shares      Amount       Capital     Income            (Deficit)      Total
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>               <C>       <C>           <C>          <C>               <C>            <C>
December 31, 1995                                81,173    $133,970      $631,195     $   (271)         $(193,311)     $571,583
Comprehensive Income
  Net income                        $133,951        ---         ---           ---          ---            133,951       133,951
  Foreign currency
    translation adjustments           (1,159)       ---         ---           ---       (1,159)               ---        (1,159)
                                    --------
  Total                             $132,792
                                    ========
Issuance of Common Shares                           219         219         2,623          ---                ---         2,842
Repurchase of Common Shares                      (6,827)     (6,827)      (84,963)         ---                ---       (91,790)

Exercise of stock options, net                      144         144           515          ---                ---           659
Stock Incentive Plan                                301         108         1,480          ---                ---         1,588
Dividends                                           ---         ---           ---          ---            (11,582)      (11,582)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31, 1996                                75,010     127,614       550,850       (1,430)           (70,942)      606,092
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Comprehensive Income
  Net income                        $206,887        ---         ---           ---          ---            206,887       206,887
  Foreign currency
    translation adjustments           (7,058)       ---         ---           ---       (7,058)               ---        (7,058)
                                    --------
 Total                              $199,829
                                    ========
Issuance of Common Shares                         1,499       1,499        17,613          ---                ---        19,112
Repurchase of Common Shares                      (1,673)     (1,673)      (20,759)         ---                ---       (22,432)
Exercise of stock options, net                      141         141         1,068          ---                ---         1,209
Dividends                                           ---         ---           ---          ---            (13,481)      (13,481)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31, 1997                                74,977     127,581       548,772       (8,488)           122,464       790,329
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Comprehensive Income
  Net loss                          $(26,249)       ---         ---           ---          ---            (26,249)      (26,249)
  Foreign currency
    translation adjustments           (5,669)       ---         ---           ---       (5,669)               ---        (5,669)
                                    --------
  Total                             $(31,918)
                                    ========
Exercise of stock options, net                       43          43           243          ---                ---           286
Stock Incentive Plan                                445         263         3,878          ---                ---         4,141
Dividends                                           ---         ---           ---          ---            (14,986)      (14,986)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 31, 1998                                75,465    $127,887      $552,893     $(14,157)         $  81,229      $747,852
===============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

See accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                              23

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

1.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of presentation:
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Terra Industries
Inc. and all majority owned subsidiaries (the Corporation). All significant
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Description of business:
The Corporation produces and markets nitrogen fertilizer, crop protection
products, seed and services for farmers, dealers, and professional growers. The
Corporation also produces and markets nitrogen products and methanol for the
industrial sector.

Foreign exchange:
Results of operations for the foreign subsidiaries are translated using average
currency exchange rates during the period while assets and liabilities are
translated using current rates. Resulting translation adjustments are recorded
as foreign currency translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive
income in stockholders' equity. These translation adjustments are the only
component of accumulated other comprehensive income.

Cash and short-term investments:
The Corporation considers short-term investments with an original maturity of
three months or less to be cash equivalents which are reflected at their
approximate fair value.

Inventories:
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or estimated net realizable value.
The cost of inventories is determined using the first-in, first-out method.

Property, plant and equipment:
Expenditures for plant and equipment additions, replacements and major
improvements are capitalized. Related depreciation is charged to expense on a
straight-line basis over estimated useful lives ranging from 15 to 20 years for
buildings and 3 to 18 years for plant and equipment. Maintenance and repair
costs are expensed as incurred.

Excess of costs over net assets of acquired businesses:
The Corporation amortizes costs in excess of fair value of net assets of
businesses acquired using the straight-line method over periods ranging from 15
to 18 years. Management periodically determines the recoverability of this asset
through an assessment of expected cash flows from future operations.

Plant turnaround costs:
Costs related to the periodic scheduled major maintenance of continuous process
production facilities (plant turnarounds) are deferred and charged to product
costs on a straight-line basis during the period until the next scheduled
turnaround, generally two years.

Hedging transactions:
Realized gains and losses from hedging activities and premiums paid for option
contracts are deferred and recognized in the month to which the hedged
transactions relate (see Note 13 - Derivative Financial Instruments).

Stock-based compensation:
The Corporation recognizes compensation costs for stock-based employee
compensation plans based on the difference, if any, between the quoted market
price of the stock and the amount an employee pays to acquire the stock.

<PAGE>

                                                                              24
 
Estimates:
The preparation of 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 and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications:
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years' financial statements to
conform with current year presentation.

Per-share results:
Basic earnings per share data are based on the weighted-average number of Common
Shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share data are based
on the weighted-average number of Common Shares outstanding and the effect of
all dilutive potential common shares including stock options, restricted shares
and contingent shares.


Recently issued accounting standards:
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities," which will be effective for fiscal years
beginning after June 15, 1999. The Corporation will adopt SFAS 133 effective
January 1, 2000. At this time, the Corporation has not determined the impact of
SFAS 133 on its results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

2.  Acquisitions

On December 31, 1997, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation, Terra
International (Canada) Inc. (Terra Canada) acquired two nitrogen fertilizer
manufacturing plants in the United Kingdom from Imperial Chemical Industries PLC
(ICI) for approximately $338 million. The plants, located in Billingham and
Severnside, England, produce nitrogen products for sale in the agricultural and
industrial markets in the U.K. and western Europe. The acquisition has been
accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The Corporation funded
the acquisition with $125 million from a five-year term loan provided by a bank
group and secured by the assets of Terra Canada, $175 million as part of a
contribution to the Corporation for a $225 million minority preferred limited
interest in its Beaumont Methanol, Limited Partnership subsidiary, and the
balance with available cash. The excess of the purchase price over the fair
value of the assets acquired of $31 million is being amortized on a straight
line basis over 18 years which is estimated to be the average remaining useful
life of the manufacturing plants acquired.

Under an ammonium nitrate agreement with ICI, related to the acquisition, which
covers 500,000 metric tons per year, the Corporation has agreed to make payments
based on the market price of ammonium nitrate in connection with the
Corporation's U.K. Business. The Corporation will be required to make a payment
for each year through 2002 if average ammonium nitrate prices exceed certain
thresholds during any year, subject to maximum payments of 58 million British 
Pound Sterling ($95.7 million USD at the time of signing) over the term of the
agreement. As a result of making any such payments, the Corporation will not
benefit fully from the U.K. price of ammonium nitrate over certain thresholds
during the term of this agreement. No payments were due under this agreement in
1998.
<PAGE>

                                                                              25

Operating results subsequent to the date of acquisition are reflected in the
1998 Consolidated Statements of Operations. The following represents unaudited
pro forma results of operations of the Corporation and the acquired
manufacturing plants as if the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of
1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        Year Ended December 31,
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands, except per-share data)                      1997         1996
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>          <C>
Revenues                                                $2,845,200   $2,671,200
Income before extraordinary item                           204,000      179,100
Net income                                                 204,000      176,100
Basic EPS
  Income before extraordinary item                      $      2.76  $     2.32
  Net income                                                   2.76        2.28
Diluted EPS
  Income before extraordinary item                      $      2.72  $     2.30
  Net income                                                   2.72        2.26
===============================================================================
</TABLE>
The pro forma operating results were adjusted to include depreciation of the
fair value of capital assets acquired based on estimated useful lives,
amortization of intangibles, interest expense of the acquisition borrowings and
the effect of income taxes. The pro forma information listed above does not
purport to be indicative of the results that would have been obtained if the
operations were combined during the above period, and is not intended to be a
projection of future operating results or trends.

3.   Earnings Per Share

The following table provides a reconciliation between Basic and Diluted Earnings
(Loss) Per Share.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in thousands, except per-share data)                         1998       1997       1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>        <C>        <C>
Basic earnings (loss) per share computation:
Earnings (loss) available before extraordinary item         $(26,249)  $209,882   $133,951
Extraordinary loss on debt retirement                             --     (2,995)        --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings (loss) available to common shareholders            $(26,249)  $206,887   $133,951
==========================================================================================

Basic weighted average shares outstanding                     73,954     73,830     77,178
==========================================================================================

Earnings (loss) per share before extraordinary item         $  (0.35)  $   2.84   $   1.74
Extraordinary loss per share                                      --      (0.04)        --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic earnings (loss) per share                             $  (0.35)  $   2.80   $   1.74
==========================================================================================

Diluted earnings (loss) per share computation:
Earnings (loss) available before extraordinary item         $(26,249)  $209,882   $133,951
Extraordinary loss on debt retirement                             --     (2,995)        --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings (loss) available to common shareholders            $(26,249)  $206,887   $133,951
==========================================================================================

Basic weighted average shares outstanding                     73,954     73,830     77,178
Stock options                                                     --        513        572
Restricted shares                                                 --        346         83
Contingent shares                                                 --        336         --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding                   73,954     75,025     77,833
==========================================================================================

Earnings (loss) per share before extraordinary item         $  (0.35)  $   2.80   $   1.72
Extraordinary loss per share                                      --      (0.04)        --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted earnings (loss) per share                           $  (0.35)  $   2.76   $   1.72
==========================================================================================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

                                                                              26
 
4.   Accounts Receivable

On August 20, 1996, the Corporation, through Terra Funding Corporation (TFC), a
beneficially owned subsidiary of the Corporation and a limited purpose
corporation, entered into an agreement with a financial institution to sell an
undivided interest in its accounts receivable. Under the agreement, which
expires August 20, 1999, the Corporation may sell without recourse an undivided
interest in a designated pool of its accounts receivable and receive up to $150
million in proceeds. Undivided interests in new receivables may be sold as
amounts are collected on previously sold interests. As of December 31, 1998, the
proceeds of the uncollected balance of accounts receivable sold totaled $136
million. The Corporation pays a monthly discount fee on the outstanding amount
of the accounts receivable sold which is included in interest expense in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations. TFC is a separate legal entity whose
creditors have received security interests in its assets.

5.   Inventories

Inventories consisted of the following at December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in thousands)                                                                                 1998           1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                         <C>            <C>
Raw materials                                                                               $   60,676     $   41,724
Finished goods                                                                                 359,028        354,216
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                                                       $  419,704     $  395,940
=====================================================================================================================

6.   Other Current Assets

Other current assets consisted of the following at December 31:

(in thousands)                                                                                 1998           1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred tax asset - current                                                                $   15,307     $    8,332
Income taxes recoverable - foreign                                                                 813             --
Insurance recoverable                                                                               --         14,314
Other current assets                                                                            22,472         28,641
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                                                       $   38,592     $   51,287
=====================================================================================================================

7.   Property, Plant and Equipment, Net

Property, plant and equipment, net consisted of the following at December 31:

(in thousands)                                                                                 1998           1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                         <C>            <C>
Land and buildings                                                                          $  170,424     $  143,816
Plant and equipment                                                                          1,281,514      1,216,481
Construction in progress                                                                        75,962         81,561
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                             1,527,900      1,441,858
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization                                                (368,587)      (260,474)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                                                       $1,159,313     $1,181,384
=====================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
8.   Port Neal Casualty

On December 13, 1994, the Corporation's Port Neal facility in Iowa was
extensively damaged as a result of an explosion. Insurance was in force to cover
the Corporation's property damage, business interruption and third-party
liability claims. During 1997, the Corporation reached a settlement with all its
insurance carriers, who agreed to pay the Corporation a total claim fixed at
$321 million. Estimated lost profits under the business interruption policy were
included in income in 1996 and 1995. The rebuild of the Port Neal plant required
the recognition of a new cost basis for the facility, which resulted in
recording a substantial gain in 1997 representing the difference between the
property insurance settlement received on the Port Neal plant and the carrying
value of the facility at the time of the

<PAGE>

                                                                              27

explosion less uninsured expenses. The Corporation capitalized $249 million
related to the rebuild of the Port Neal manufacturing facility.

9.   Debt Due Within One Year

Debt due within one year consisted of the following at December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(in thousands)                                           1998           1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>            <C>
Short-term borrowings                                  $     --       $     --
Current maturities of long-term debt                      9,470          9,538
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                  $  9,470       $  9,538
==============================================================================

Weighted average short-term borrowings                 $ 15,534       $ 96,741
==============================================================================

Weighted average interest rate                              8.0%           7.6%
==============================================================================
</TABLE>
The Corporation has a credit agreement to provide revolving credit facilities of
up to $330 million for seasonal working capital needs and other corporate
purposes. There was $7.0 million outstanding at December 31, 1998 and 1997 which
was classified as long-term debt under the facility. Interest on borrowings
under this line is charged at current market rates.

Under the credit agreement, the Corporation has agreed, among other things, to
maintain certain financial covenants including minimum net worth and interest
coverage ratios and maximum debt to cash flow ratios, and to adhere to certain
limitations on additional debt, capital expenditures, acquisitions, liens, asset
sales, investments, prepayment of subordinated indebtedness, changes in lines of
business and transactions with affiliates. The revolving credit facilities
expire December 31, 2002. A commitment fee is charged on the unused portion of
the facilities under the credit agreement, currently 1/2 percent adjustable
based on the Corporation's most recent quarter debt to cash flow ratio. The
credit agreement is secured by the stock of certain principal subsidiaries of
the Corporation as well as substantially all the property of certain
subsidiaries.

10.  Accrued and Other Liabilities

Accrued and other liabilities consisted of the following at December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(in thousands)                                           1998           1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>            <C>
Customer deposits                                      $ 81,119       $ 99,582
Payroll and benefit costs                                30,822         35,684
Income taxes - federal                                    1,649         14,487
Income taxes - foreign                                       --          1,741
Income taxes - state                                      3,498          4,286
Other                                                    92,365         67,383
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                  $209,453       $223,163
==============================================================================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

                                                                              28

11.  Long-Term Debt
 
Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in thousands)                                                      1998             1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                               <C>              <C>
Senior Notes, 10.5%, due 2005                                     $200,000         $200,000
Senior Notes, 10.75%, due 2003                                     158,755          158,755
Bank Term Notes, due 2003                                          117,187          125,000
Industrial Development Revenue Bonds bearing interest at an
 average 6.85% with increasing payments from 1999 to 2011            8,405            8,645
Other                                                               12,683           14,168
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                   497,030          506,568
Less current maturities                                             (9,470)          (9,538)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                             $487,560         $497,030
===========================================================================================
</TABLE>

Scheduled principal payments for each of the five years 1999 through 2003 are
$9.5 million, $11.2 million, $8.4 million, $7.6 million and $253.7 million,
respectively.

In 1995, the Corporation issued $200 million unsecured 10.5% Senior Notes due in
full June 15, 2005. The 10.5% Senior Notes are redeemable at the option of the
Corporation, in whole or part, at any time on or after June 15, 2000, initially
at 105.250% of their principal amount, plus accrued interest, declining to
102.625% on or after June 15, 2001, and declining to 100% on or after June 15,
2002. The 10.5% Senior Notes Indenture contains certain restrictions, including
the issuance of additional debt, payment of dividends, issuance of capital
stock, certain transactions with affiliates, incurrence of liens, sale of
assets, and sale-leaseback transactions.

The 10.75% unsecured Senior Notes are redeemable at the option of the
Corporation, in whole or part, at any time on or after September 30, 1998,
initially at 105.375% of their principal amount, plus accrued interest,
declining to 102.688% on or after September 30, 1999, and declining to 100% on
or after September 30, 2000. The 10.75% Senior Notes Indenture contains
restrictions similar to those in the 10.5% Senior Notes Indenture.

The Bank Term Notes are secured by substantially all assets of Terra
International (Canada) Inc., a beneficially owned subsidiary of the Corporation.
The Notes require specified annual payments with the balance due January 2,
2003. The Notes bear interest at a rate based on current market rates, currently
7.31%. The Notes include covenants similar to the credit agreement described in
Note 9 - Debt Due Within One Year.

The Industrial Development Revenue Bonds due in 2011 are secured by a letter of
credit guaranteed by the Corporation and, along with certain other long-term
debt due in 2003, by the Corporation's headquarters building located in Sioux
City, Iowa.
<PAGE>

                                                                              29

12.  Commitments and Contingencies

The Corporation and its subsidiaries are committed to various non-cancelable
operating leases for agricultural equipment, and office, production, and storage
facilities expiring on various dates through 2017. Total minimum rental payments
are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in thousands)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>
1999                                                                    $ 49,775
2000                                                                      39,313
2001                                                                      24,434
2002                                                                      16,121
2003 and thereafter                                                       27,475
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                                   $157,118
================================================================================
</TABLE>
Total rental expense under all leases, including short-term cancelable operating
leases, was approximately $58.4 million, $54.3 million and $54.1 million for the
years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

The Corporation is contingently liable for retiree medical benefits of employees
of coal mining operations sold on January 12, 1993. Under the purchase
agreement, the purchaser agreed to indemnify the Corporation against its
obligations under certain employee benefit plans. Due to the Coal Industry
Retiree Health Benefit Act of 1992, certain retiree medical benefits of union
coal miners have become statutorily mandated, and all companies owning 50% or
more of any company liable for such benefits as of certain specified dates
becomes liable for such benefits if the company directly liable is unable to pay
them. During 1998, the purchaser ceased operations and declared bankruptcy. The
Corporation has provided reserves adequate to cover the estimated present value
of these liabilities at December 31, 1998.

The Corporation is involved in various legal actions and claims, including
environmental matters, arising from the normal course of business. It is the
opinion of management that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not
have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, financial position
or net cash flows of the Corporation.

13.  Derivative Financial Instruments

The Corporation manages three categories of risk using derivative financial
instruments: (a) foreign currency fluctuations, (b) changes in natural gas
supply prices and (c) interest rate fluctuations. Derivative financial
instruments have credit risk and market risk.

To manage credit risk, the Corporation enters into derivative transactions only
with counter-parties who are currently rated BBB or better or equivalent as
recognized by a national rating agency. The Corporation will not enter into
transactions with counter-parties if the additional transaction will result in
credit exposure exceeding $20 million. The credit rating of counter-parties may
be modified through guarantees, letters of credit or other credit enhancement
vehicles.

Market risk related to derivative financial instruments should be substantially
offset by changes in the valuation of the underlying items being hedged.

The Corporation classifies a derivative financial instrument as a hedge if all
of the following conditions are met:

1.   The item to be hedged must expose the Corporation to currency, interest or
     price risk.
2.   It must be probable that the results of the hedge position substantially
     offset the effects of currency, interest or price changes on the hedged
     item (e.g., there is a high correlation between the hedge position and
     changes in market value of the hedge item).
3.   The derivative financial instrument must be designated as a hedge of the
     item at the inception of the hedge.
<PAGE>

                                                                              30
 
A change in the market value of a derivative financial instrument is recognized
as a gain or loss in the period of the change unless the instrument meets the
criteria to qualify as a hedge. If the hedge criteria are met, the accounting
for the derivative financial instrument is related to the accounting for the
hedged item so that changes in the market value of the derivative financial
instrument are recognized in income when the effects of related changes in the
currency rate, interest rate or price of the hedged item are recognized.

A change in the market value of a derivative financial instrument that is a
hedge of a firm commitment is included in the measurement of the transaction
that satisfies the commitment. The Corporation accounts for a change in the
market value of a derivative financial instrument that hedges an anticipated
transaction in the measurement of the subsequent transaction. If a derivative
financial instrument that has been accounted for as a hedge is closed before the
date of the anticipated transaction, the Corporation carries forward the
accumulated change in value of the contract and includes it in the measurement
of the related transaction.

Foreign Currency Fluctuations - The Corporation enters into foreign exchange
forward and option contracts to manage risk associated with foreign currency
exchange rate fluctuations. The contracts are designated as hedges of fixed
obligations and hedges of net foreign currency positions. Contract maturities
are consistent with the settlement dates of items being hedged. Foreign currency
hedges require cash settlement at termination. Gains and losses on these
contracts are deferred and included as a component of the related transaction.
The cash flows related to these transaction gains and losses are reported as
cash flows from operating activities.

A significant portion of the Corporation's Canadian production is sold in the
U.S., or is based on U.S. prices, but many of the production costs are in
Canadian dollars. As a result, the Corporation's earnings will decline when the
Canadian dollar increases in value compared with the U.S. dollar. Consequently,
the Corporation buys Canadian dollars forward or uses derivatives to fix future
exchange rates over a twelve-month period to cover a portion of its estimated
net Canadian dollar requirements which include firm commitments to purchase
natural gas. As of December 31, 1998, the existing forward contracts represented
approximately 15% of anticipated net 1999 Canadian dollar requirements of
approximately $20 million (Cdn).

Natural Gas Prices - United Kingdom Operations - To meet natural gas production
requirements at the Corporation's United Kingdom production facilities, the
Corporation enters into one or two-year term gas supply contracts with fixed
prices for 40-80% of total volume requirements. As of December 31, 1998, the
Corporation had contracts for 68% of 1999 natural gas requirements. Accordingly,
the Corporation does not use derivative financial instruments for its United
Kingdom natural gas needs.

Natural Gas Prices - North American Operations - Natural gas supplies to meet
production requirements at the Corporation's production facilities are purchased
at market prices. Natural gas market prices, as with other commodities, are
volatile and the Corporation effectively fixes prices for a portion of its
natural gas production requirements and inventory through the use of futures
contracts, swaps and options. These contracts reference physical natural gas
prices or appropriate NYMEX futures contract prices. Contract physical prices
are frequently based on prices at the Henry Hub in Louisiana, the most common
and financially liquid location of reference for financial derivatives related
to natural gas. However, natural gas supplies for the Corporation's six
production facilities are purchased for each plant at locations other than Henry
Hub, which often creates a location basis differential between the contract
price and the physical price of natural gas. Accordingly, the use of financial
derivatives may not exactly offset the change in the price of physical gas. The
contracts are traded in months forward and settlement dates are scheduled to
coincide with gas purchases during that future period.

A swap is a contract between the Corporation and a third party to exchange cash
based on a designated price. Option contracts give the holder the right to
either own or sell a futures or swap contract. The futures contracts require
maintenance of cash balances generally 10% to 20% of the contract value and
option contracts require initial premium payments ranging from 2% to 5% of
contract value. Basis swap contracts require payments to or from the Corporation
for the amount, if any, that monthly published gas prices from the source
specified in the contract differ from prices of NYMEX natural gas futures during
a specified period. There are no initial cash requirements related to the swap
and basis swap agreements.
<PAGE>
 
                                                                              31

The following summarizes open natural gas contracts at December 31, 1998 and
1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(in thousands)                 1998                             1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Contract      Unrealized         Contract     Unrealized
                     MMBtu         Gain (Loss)          MMBtu      Gain (Loss)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>           <C>                <C>          <C>
Futures                1,200       $      (46)           (540)     $      ---
Swaps                 86,565          (11,698)        133,570          29,219
Options               16,480              (55)            ---             ---
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     104,245       $  (11,799)        133,030      $   29,219
==============================================================================
Basis swaps           19,165       $    2,213         104,575      $   (2,034)
==============================================================================
</TABLE>

Annual production requirements are approximately 134 million MMBtu. Contracts
were in place at December 31, 1998 to cover 59% of 1999 natural gas requirements
and 15% of 2000 natural gas requirements.

Gains and losses on settlement of these contracts and premium payments on option
contracts are credited or charged to cost of sales in the month in which the
hedged transaction occurs. The risk and reward of outstanding natural gas
positions are directly related to increases or decreases in natural gas prices
in relation to the underlying NYMEX natural gas contract prices. Realized losses
on closed contracts of $3.9 million relating to future periods have been
deferred and are included in other current assets as of December 31, 1998. Cash
flows related to natural gas hedging are reported as cash flows from operating
activities.

During 1998, 1997 and 1996, natural gas hedging activities reduced the
Corporation's natural gas costs by approximately $15.4 million, $57.6 million
and $74.3 million, respectively, compared with spot prices.

Interest Rate Fluctuations - The Corporation has entered into interest rate swap
agreements to fix the interest rate on a portion of its floating rate
obligations at an average rate of approximately 6.09% per annum. The interest
rate swap agreements are designated as hedges. At December 31, 1998, the
notional amount of the swap agreement was $300 million. The agreements expire
December 31, 2002. The differential paid or received on interest rate swap
agreements is recognized as an adjustment to interest expense. Cash flows for
the interest rate swap agreements are classified as cash flows from operations.

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of
the Corporation's derivative financial instruments at December 31, 1998 and
1997. SFAS 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments", defines
the fair value of a financial instrument as the amount at which the instrument
could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            1998                    1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
                    Carrying      Fair       Carrying     Fair
(in millions)        Amount      Value        Amount     Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                 <C>        <C>           <C>         <C>
Foreign currency    $   ---    $    ---      $    ---    $ (0.1)
Natural gas            (3.9)      (13.5)          5.7      32.9
Interest rate           ---       (11.2)          ---      (2.1)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of
each class of derivative financial instrument:

Foreign currency contracts: Estimated based on quotations received from a
quotation service and computations prepared by the Corporation.

Natural gas futures, swaps, options and basis swaps: Estimated based on quoted
market prices from brokers, and computations prepared by the Corporation.

Interest rate swap agreements: Estimated based on quotes from the market makers
of these instruments.

<PAGE>

                                                                              32
 
14.  Financial Instruments and Concentrations of Credit Risk

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of
the Corporation's financial instruments at December 31, 1998 and 1997. SFAS 107
defines the fair value of a financial instrument as the amount at which the
instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               1998                 1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Carrying     Fair    Carrying    Fair
(in millions)                            Amount     Value     Amount    Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>
Financial Assets
     Cash and short-term investments    $  141.6  $  141.6   $  180.1  $  180.1
     Receivables                           138.8     138.8      111.7     111.7
     Equity and other investments           25.3      26.8       24.5      26.3
     Other assets                            9.3       9.3        9.9       9.9
Financial Liabilities
     Long-term debt                       (497.0)   (506.9)    (506.6)   (530.5)
===============================================================================
</TABLE>

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of
each class of financial instrument:

Cash and receivables: The carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the
short maturity of those instruments.

Equity and other investments: Investments in untraded companies are valued on
the basis of management's estimates and, when available, comparisons with
similar companies whose shares are publicly traded.

Other assets: The amounts reported relate to notes receivable obtained from sale
of previous operating assets. The fair value is estimated based on current
interest rates and repayment terms of the individual notes.

Long-term debt: The fair value of the Corporation's long-term debt is estimated
based on the quoted market price of these or similar issues or by discounting
expected cash flows at the rates currently offered to the Corporation for debt
of the same remaining maturities.

Concentration of Credit Risk - The Corporation is subject to credit risk through
trade receivables and short-term investments. Although a substantial portion of
its debtors' ability to pay is dependent upon the agribusiness economic sector,
credit risk with respect to trade receivables generally is minimized due to a
large customer base and its geographic dispersion. Short-term cash investments
are placed in short duration corporate and government debt securities funds with
well capitalized, high quality financial institutions. By policy, the
Corporation limits the amount of credit exposure in any one type of investment
instrument.

Financial Instruments - At December 31, 1998, the Corporation had letters of
credit outstanding totaling $27.9 million, guaranteeing various insurance and
financing activities. Short-term investments of $4.6 million and $5.4 million at
December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively are restricted to collateralize certain
letters of credit.

<PAGE>
 
15.  Stockholders' Equity

The Corporation allocates $1.00 per share upon the issuance of Common Shares to
the Common Share capital account.

At December 31, 1998, 2.1 million Common Shares were reserved for issuance upon
award of restricted shares and exercise of employee stock options.

The Corporation has authorized 16,500,000 Trust Shares for issuance.  There was
no activity related to the Trust Shares from December 31, 1995 to December 31,
1998 and no Trust Shares were outstanding at December 31, 1998.

16.  Stock-Based Compensation

The Corporation accounts for its stock-based compensation under the provisions
of Accounting Principles Board Opinion 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees", which utilizes the intrinsic value method. Compensation cost related
to stock-based compensation was $4.2 million, $1.2 million and $2.8 million for
the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.

The Corporation's 1997 Stock Incentive Plan authorized granting key employees
awards in the form of options, rights, performance units or restricted stock.
The aggregate number of Common Shares that may be subject to awards under the
plan may not exceed 3.8 million shares. There were no outstanding rights or
performance units at December 31, 1998. Options generally may not be exercised
prior to one year or more than ten years from the date of grant. Stock options
and restricted shares vest over specified periods, or in some cases upon the
attainment, prior to a termination date, of pre-established market price
objectives for the Corporation's Common Shares. The restricted shares are
entitled to normal voting rights and earn dividends as declared during the
performance periods. At December 31, 1998, 2.6 million Common Shares were
available for grant under the 1997 Plan.

<PAGE>

                                                                              34
 
A summary of the Corporation's stock-based compensation activity related to
stock options for the years ended December 31, is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(options in thousands)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             1998                   1997                   1996
                                      -------------------    -------------------    -------------------
                                                 Weighted               Weighted               Weighted
                                                 Average                Average                Average
                                                 Exercise               Exercise               Exercise
                                      Number      Price      Number      Price       Number     Price
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>          <C>       <C>
Outstanding - beginning of year        2,428     $  10.47     1,719     $   9.44      1,350    $   6.92
Granted                                   35         8.47       871        12.23        535       14.62
Expired/terminated                       269        11.75        21        14.49          8       10.50
Exercised                                 43         6.69       141         8.23        158        5.36
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding - end of year              2,151     $  10.35     2,428     $  10.47      1,719    $   9.44
=======================================================================================================
</TABLE>
 
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and
exercisable at December 31, 1998:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(options in thousands)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Options Outstanding               Options Exercisable
                         ----------------------------------------------------------------
                                         Weighted     Weighted                   Weighted
                                          Average     Average                    Average
     Range of            Number          Remaining    Exercise       Number      Exercise
     Exercise Prices     Outstanding       Life         Price     Exercisable     Price
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>          <C>         <C>             <C>          <C>         <C>            <C>
  $3.00      $  5.99        515          3.3 years    $   5.00        515        $   5.00
   6.00         8.99        152          2.6              6.94        125            6.75
   9.00        11.99        286          6.1             10.51        139           10.50
  12.00        14.99      1,198          8.6             13.05        533           13.45
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total                    2,151          6.6          $  10.35      1,312        $   9.18
=========================================================================================
</TABLE>

There were 1,073,000 and 1,035,000 options exercisable at December 31, 1997 and
1996, respectively.

The weighted average fair value of options granted was $2.83 per option for
1998, $3.58 per option for 1997 and $4.34 per option for 1996. The fair value of
options granted was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option
pricing model with the following assumptions:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               1998       1997       1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>        <C>        <C>
Risk-free interest rate        5.52%      5.77%      5.93%
Dividend yield                 2.30%      1.40%      1.00%
Expected volatility           42.00%     28.00%     27.00%
Expected life (years)           4.0        4.6        4.5
==========================================================
</TABLE>

There were 610,000 restricted shares granted during 1998 with a weighted average
fair value of $5.75 per share. There were 20,000 restricted shares granted
during 1997 with a weighted average fair value of $14.63 per share. There were
376,000 restricted shares granted during 1996 with a weighted average fair value
of $14.40 per share. The restricted shares granted in 1997 and 1996 became fully
vested in 1998 and are included as increases to stockholders' equity.

<PAGE>

                                                                              35
 
The pro forma impact on net income and diluted earnings per share of accounting
for stock-based compensation using the fair value method required by SFAS 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in thousands, except per-share data)          1998        1997        1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>          <C>         <C>
Net income (loss)
     As reported                            $(26,249)    $206,887    $133,951
     Pro forma                               (28,270)     205,626     133,816
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
     As reported                            $  (0.35)    $   2.76    $   1.72
     Pro forma                                 (0.38)        2.74        1.72
=============================================================================
</TABLE>

The pro forma impact takes into account only stock-based compensation grants
since January 1, 1995 and is likely to increase in future years as additional
awards are granted and amortized ratably over the vesting period.

17.  Retirement Plans

The Corporation and its subsidiaries maintain pension plans that cover
substantially all salaried and hourly employees. Benefits are based on a final
pay formula for the salaried plans and a flat benefit formula for the hourly
plans. The plans' assets consist principally of equity securities and corporate
and government debt securities. The Corporation and its subsidiaries also have
certain non-qualified pension plans covering executives, which are unfunded. The
Corporation accrues pension costs based upon annual independent actuarial
valuations for each plan and funds these costs in accordance with statutory
requirements. The components of net periodic pension expense were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in thousands)                                1998        1997        1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>          <C>         <C>
Service cost                               $  8,319     $ 5,394     $ 5,280
Interest cost                                 9,689       6,651       6,098
Expected return on plan assets              (13,523)     (6,344)     (5,552)
Amortization of transition asset               (307)       (306)       (306)
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss           (64)         42         385
Amortization of prior service cost               79          84          85
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pension expense                            $  4,193     $ 5,521     $ 5,990
============================================================================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

The following table reconciles the plans' funded status to amounts included in
the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position at December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
(in thousands)                                      1998       1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>        <C>
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit Obligation-beginning of year              $ 94,593   $ 89,166  
Acquisition                                         52,035         --
Service cost                                         8,319      5,394
Interest cost                                        9,689      6,650
Participants' contributions                            322         --
Amendments                                              --        (75)
Actuarial (gain) loss                               12,871     (3,400)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes                (805)      (672)
Benefits paid                                       (3,099)    (2,470)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Benefit Obligation-end of year                     173,925     94,593
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------

Change in Plan Assets
Fair value plan assets-beginning of year            87,357     71,596
Acquisition                                         59,759         --
Actual return on plan assets                        (2,113)    16,202
Foreign currency exchange rate changes                (876)      (750)
Employer contribution                                6,215      2,779
Participants' contributions                            322         --
Benefits paid                                       (3,099)    (2,470)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Fair value plan assets-end of year                 147,565     87,357
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------

Funded status                                      (26,360)    (7,236)
Unrecognized net actuarial (gain) loss              19,377     (7,496)
Unrecognized prior service cost                        238        272
Unrecognized net transition (asset) obligation      (1,292)    (1,598)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued benefit cost                              $ (8,037)  $(16,058)
======================================================================
</TABLE>

The non-qualified pension plans are unfunded and have an Accumulated Benefit
Obligation of $4.7 million at December 31, 1998.

The assumptions used to determine the actuarial present value of benefit
obligations and pension expense during each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1998 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                             1998     1997     1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>       <C>      <C>
Weighted average discount rate                6.7%     7.3%     7.5%
Long-term per annum compensation increase     4.2%     4.0%     5.0%
Long-term return on plan assets               8.9%     9.5%     9.5%
====================================================================
</TABLE>

As of December 31, 1997, the Corporation acquired two fertilizer manufacturing
plants in the United Kingdom from Imperial Chemical Industries PLC (ICI).
Employees of these plants became employees of the Corporation.   These employees
were eligible to transfer their ICI pension to the Corporation's pension plans
in 1998.  The transfer of U.K. employees' pension was fully funded by ICI.

The Corporation also sponsors a qualified savings plan covering most full-time
employees.  Contributions made by participating employees are matched based on a
specified percentage of employee contributions up to 6% of the employees' pay
base.  The cost of the Corporation's matching contribution to the savings plan
totaled $4.9 million in 1998, $4.6 million in 1997 and $4.0 million in 1996.

<PAGE>
   
                                                                              37
 
18.  Post-Retirement Benefits

The Corporation also provides health care benefits for eligible retired
employees of one of its wholly owned subsidiaries. Participants generally become
eligible after reaching retirement age with ten years of service. The plan pays
a stated percentage of most medical expenses reduced for any deductible and
payments made by government programs. The plan is unfunded. Employees hired
prior to January 1, 1990 are eligible for participation in the plan. Participant
contributions and co-payments are subject to escalation.

The following table indicates the components of the post-retirement medical
benefits obligation included in the Corporation's Consolidated Statements of
Financial Position at December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(in thousands)                               1998      1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                         <C>       <C>
Change in Benefit Obligation
Benefit Obligation-beginning of year        $ 5,298   $ 9,236
Service cost                                    118       409
Interest cost                                   372       644
Participants' contributions                     172       195
Amendments                                     (464)     (358)
Actuarial (gain) loss                          (547)    1,413
Foreign currency exchange rate changes          (32)      (24)
Curtailment (gain) loss                          --    (5,869)
Benefits paid                                  (545)     (348)
- -------------------------------------------------------------
Benefit Obligation-end of year                4,372     5,298
- -------------------------------------------------------------

Change in Plan Assets
Fair value plan assets-beginning of year         --        --
Employer contribution                           373       153
Participants' contributions                     172       195
Benefits paid                                  (545)     (348)
- -------------------------------------------------------------
Fair value plan assets-end of year               --        --
- -------------------------------------------------------------

Funded status                                (4,372)   (5,298)
Unrecognized net actuarial (gain) loss       (1,713)   (1,619)
Unrecognized prior service cost                (908)     (701)
- -------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued benefit cost                        $(6,993)  $(7,618)
=============================================================
</TABLE>

Net periodic post-retirement medical benefit cost consisted of the following
components:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

(in thousands)                                   1998     1997      1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>     <C>       <C>
Service cost                                     $ 118   $   409   $ 424
Interest cost                                      372       644     638
Amortization of prior service cost                (236)     (169)   (128)
Amortization of actuarial gain                    (403)     (170)   (132)
Effect of curtailment                               --    (7,004)     --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Post-retirement medical benefit cost (income)    $(149)  $(6,290)  $ 802
========================================================================
</TABLE>

During 1997, the Corporation amended its retiree medical plan to eliminate
retiree medical benefits for eligible employees who do not retire and elect
participation on or before January 1, 2002. The impact of the amendment was a
$7.0 million decrease to post-retirement medical benefit expense.

The Corporation limits its future obligation for post-retirement medical
benefits by capping at 5% the annual rate of increase in the cost of claims it
assumes under the plan. The weighted average discount rate used in determining
the

<PAGE>
                                                                              38
 
accumulated post-retirement medical benefit obligation was 7.00% in 1998, 7.25%
in 1997, and 7.50% in 1996. The assumed annual health care cost trend rate was
7.00% in 1998 and is assumed to decrease 1.00% per year to 5.00% in 2000 and
remain at that level thereafter. A 1% increase in the assumed health care cost
trend rate would increase total service and interest cost by $7,000 while a 1%
decline would decrease cost by $32,000. The impact on the benefit obligation of
a 1% increase in the assumed health care cost trend rate would be $33,000 while
a 1% decline in the rate would decrease the benefit obligation by $182,000.

19. Other Income, Net

Other income consisted of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
(in thousands)                                   1998       1997     1996
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>        <C>       <C>
Fertilizer service revenue                     $37,276    $33,623   $28,529
Service charge income                            6,570     11,074    10,318
Other                                           35,211     35,591    13,130
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                          $79,057    $80,288   $51,977
===========================================================================
</TABLE> 

20. Income Taxes
 
Components of the income tax provision (benefit) applicable to operations are as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
(in thousands)                                   1998       1997       1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>
Current:
   Federal                                     $(25,345)  $ 48,214   $28,853
   Foreign                                          981      2,352    12,939
   State                                         (1,955)     5,692     6,149
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                (26,319)    56,258    47,941
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred:   
   Federal                                        8,586     43,938    49,994
   Foreign                                        2,464     16,923   (34,876)
   State                                            269      5,481       841
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 11,319     66,342    15,959
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total income tax provision (benefit)           $(15,000)  $122,600  $ 63,900
============================================================================
</TABLE>

The following table reconciles the income tax provision (benefit) per the
Consolidated Statements of Operations to the federal statutory provision:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(in thousands)                                   1998       1997       1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>
Income (loss) from operations before taxes:
 Domestic                                      $(51,665)  $281,850   $138,318
 Foreign                                         10,416     50,632     59,533
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               $(41,249)  $332,482   $197,851
=============================================================================
Statutory income tax provision (benefit):
 Domestic                                      $(18,083)  $ 98,648   $ 48,411
 Foreign                                          4,100     19,240     22,801
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                (13,983)   117,888     71,212
Purchased Canadian tax benefit                   (4,344)    (8,144)   (18,000)
Non-deductible expenses, primarily goodwill       6,884      6,632      6,312
State and local income taxes                       (700)     9,225      6,069
Benefit of loss carryforwards                      (442)      (975)    (1,001)
Other                                            (2,415)    (2,026)      (692)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income tax provision (benefit)                 $(15,000)  $122,600   $ 63,900
=============================================================================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
 
Current deferred tax assets totaled $15.3 million and $8.3 million at December
31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, while deferred tax liabilities totaled $204.1
million and $193.5 million, respectively. Deferred tax assets, non-current
totaled $6.2 million and $10.8 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively. The tax effect of net operating loss (NOL) and tax credit
carryforwards and significant temporary differences between reported and taxable
earnings that gave rise to net deferred tax (liabilities) assets were as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
(in thousands)                                       1998            1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>             <C>
Depreciation                                      $(181,788)      $(173,155)
Investments in partnership                          (27,514)        (28,320)
Unfunded employee benefits                           17,177          16,335
Discontinued business costs                           9,677          10,880
Valuation allowance                                  (6,695)         (7,107)
NOL, capital loss and tax credit carryforwards        4,786           4,869
Inventory valuation                                   2,636           3,349
Accrued liabilities                                  (1,590)         (1,738)
Other                                                   667             557
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  $(182,644)      $(174,330)
================================================================================
</TABLE>

The Corporation's capital loss carryforwards totaled $4.6 million at December
31, 1998. Capital loss carryforwards that are not utilized will expire in 2003.
A valuation allowance is provided since the realization of tax benefits of
capital loss carryforwards is not assured.

During 1996, the Corporation, after receiving a favorable ruling from Revenue
Canada, refreshed its tax basis in plant and equipment at its Canadian
subsidiary by entering into a transaction with a Canadian subsidiary of Minorco,
resulting in a deferred tax asset for the Corporation. Minorco, through its
beneficial ownership of Common Shares, owned approximately 56% of the equity of
the Corporation at December 31, 1998. The ultimate realization of the deferred
tax asset will require future taxable income in Canada. The Corporation assessed
its past earnings history and trends and established a valuation allowance of
$5.1 million related to the transaction as of December 31, 1998 and 1997. The
Corporation will continue to review this valuation allowance and make
adjustments as appropriate.

Components of income tax provision (benefit) included in net income other than
from continuing operations are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
(in thousands)                               1998          1997          1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>           <C>           <C>
Current:   
   Federal                                  $ ---        $(1,944)       $ ---
   State                                      ---            (87)         ---
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            $ ---        $(2,031)       $ ---
================================================================================
</TABLE>

Current tax benefits in 1997 result from losses on early retirement or 
refinancing of long-term debt.

<PAGE>
                                                                              40

 
21.  Industry Segment Data

The Corporation operates in three principal industry segments - Distribution,
Nitrogen Products and Methanol.  The Distribution segment sells crop inputs -
fertilizer, crop protection products, seed and services - through its farm
service center network.  These inputs include both Terra's own brands and vendor
products from virtually all other agricultural chemical and seed suppliers. The
Nitrogen Products business produces and distributes ammonia, urea, nitrogen
solutions and ammonium nitrate to farmers and industrial users. The Methanol
business manufactures and distributes methanol, which is principally used as a
raw material in the production of a variety of chemical derivatives and in the
production of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), an oxygenate and an octane
enhancer for gasoline.  Management evaluates performance based on operating
earnings of each segment.  The Corporation does not allocate interest, income
taxes or infrequent items to the business segments.  Intersegment revenues have
been recorded at amounts approximating market.   Included in Other are general
corporate activities not attributable to a specific industry segment and
eliminations of intersegment activity.  The following summarizes additional
information about the Corporation's industry segments:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                 Nitrogen
(in thousands)                    Distribution   Products   Methanol     Other      Total
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>           <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>
1998
 External revenues                  $1,734,257  $  698,558  $ 96,547   $ 22,656   $2,552,018
 Intersegment revenues                     ---      53,039       ---     23,710       76,749
 Operating earnings (loss)              21,387      39,329    (7,891)    (7,468)      45,357
 Total assets                          735,559   1,332,765   176,197     70,626    2,315,147
 Depreciation and amortization          29,951      81,933    12,821      6,299      131,004
 Capital expenditures                   45,087      53,908     1,354         65      100,414
 Equity earnings                         1,936       1,236       ---        ---        3,172
 Equity investments                     23,349       1,985       ---        ---       25,334
 Minority interest in earnings             ---       9,633    17,877        ---       27,510
============================================================================================
1997
 External revenues                  $1,786,673  $  561,460  $180,646   $ 13,590   $2,542,369
 Intersegment revenues                     ---      59,950       ---     52,133      112,083
 Operating earnings (loss)              40,686     150,270    63,662     (1,302)     253,316
 Total assets                          747,904   1,322,413   189,088    100,549    2,359,954
 Depreciation and amortization          23,777      55,501    13,027      3,786       96,091
 Capital expenditures                   36,692      43,890     2,428      2,099       85,109
 Equity earnings                         2,266         ---       ---        ---        2,266
 Equity investments                     22,556       1,929       ---        ---       24,485
 Minority interest in earnings             ---      27,633       ---        ---       27,633
============================================================================================
1996
 External revenues                  $1,580,142  $  588,502  $132,533   $ 15,309   $2,316,486
 Intersegment revenues                     ---      65,984       ---     51,026      117,010
 Operating earnings (loss)              23,872     255,263    18,520     (2,474)     295,181
 Total assets                          656,787   1,048,241   194,635     69,702    1,969,365
 Depreciation and amortization          18,125      47,690    12,866      4,529       83,210
 Capital expenditures                   27,310     156,833     1,327        179      185,649
 Equity earnings                         2,042         ---       ---        ---        2,042
 Equity investments                     16,579         ---       ---        ---       16,579
 Minority interest in earnings             ---      44,485       ---        ---       44,485
============================================================================================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
                                                                              41

 
The following summarizes geographic information about the Corporation:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                Revenues                       Long-lived Assets
                  -----------------------------------  ----------------------------------
(in thousands)       1998        1997         1996        1998        1997        1996
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
United States     $2,204,774   $2,472,340  $2,220,992  $1,190,995  $1,215,824  $1,170,604
Canada                67,846       70,029      95,494      70,404      87,347      86,467
United Kingdom       279,398          ---         ---     315,058     317,804         ---
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  $2,552,018   $2,542,369  $2,316,486  $1,576,457  $1,620,975  $1,257,071
=========================================================================================
 
</TABLE>
22.  Agreements of Limited Partnerships

Terra Nitrogen Company, L.P. (TNCLP)
In accordance with the Agreement of Limited Partnership of TNCLP, quarterly
distributions to Unitholders and TNC (the General Partner) are made in an amount
equal to 100% of its Available Cash, as defined in the partnership agreement.
During the period which commenced December 4, 1991, and ended on December 31,
1996 (the Preference Period), Senior Preference Units (SPUs) and Common Units
participated equally in distributions after each class of units received its
Minimum Quarterly Distribution, subject to the General Partner's right to
receive cash distributions.  The General Partner receives a combined minimum 2%
of total cash distributions, and as an incentive, the General Partner's
participation increases if cash distributions exceed specified target levels.

Pursuant to the provisions of the TNCLP Agreement of Limited Partnership, the
Preference Period for TNCLP ended on December 31, 1996.  Until March 31, 1997,
the holders of all SPUs had the right to elect to convert their SPUs into Common
Units on a one-for-one basis, effective as of December 31, 1996.  Any SPUs which
did not convert continued (until redeemed) to be entitled to the Minimum
Quarterly Distribution (MQD) but did not participate with the Common Units in
any additional distributions.

As of March 31, 1997 (the end of the Conversion Period) holders of 13,329,162
SPUs converted their units to Common Units and 307,202 units remained SPUs.  The
Common Units began trading on the New York Stock Exchange on April 1, 1997 under
the symbol TNH.  Pursuant to the provisions of the Agreement of Limited
Partnership, on May 27, 1997, the Partnership redeemed all SPUs that did not
convert to Common Units.  The redemption price was $21.50 per unit.  The SPUs
received the MQD of $0.605 per unit for the quarter ended March 31, 1997 in
addition to the redemption price.  As a result of the redemption of the SPUs on
May 27, 1997, the Reserve Amount was no longer required to be maintained.  The
Reserve Amount of $18.5 million was distributed out of Available Cash on May 27,
1997 to holders of the Common Units and to the General Partner.

If at any time less than 25% of the issued and outstanding units are held by
non-affiliates of the General Partner, the Partnership may call, or assign to
the General Partner or its affiliates its right to acquire, all such outstanding
units held by non-affiliated persons.  The Corporation owned 69% of the Common
Units at December 31, 1998.  If, and when the 75% ownership threshold is met,
TNCLP shall give at least 30 but not more than 60 days notice of its decision to
purchase the outstanding units.  The purchase price per unit will be the greater
of (1) the average of any previous twenty trading days' closing prices as of the
date five days before the purchase is announced or (2) the highest price paid by
the General Partner or any of its affiliates for any unit within the 90 days
preceding the date the purchase is announced.

Beaumont Methanol, Limited Partnership (BMLP)
BMLP sold a 42% limited interest for $225 million to Nova Investors LLC (Nova),
an entity not otherwise affiliated with the Corporation, in December 1997.  BMLP
used $175 million of proceeds to partially fund the U.K. acquisition.  The
remaining $50 million is being used to fund construction of the $57 million
ammonia loop at the Beaumont plant.  Terra Methanol Corporation (the General
Partner) and BMC Holdings, Inc. (a limited partner), beneficially owned
subsidiaries of the Corporation, own the 58% majority interest in BMLP.
<PAGE>
                                                                              42
 
Nova receives a first priority return from BMLP approximating LIBOR plus 3.17%
on its $225 million investment.  The Corporation may receive a second priority
return that is expected to be 1.5% above the first priority return.  Earning
will first be allocated to satisfy the first priority return.  Any earnings in
excess of the first and second priority returns, will be allocable 1% or less to
Nova and the remainder to the Corporation.  Specific allocations to the
Corporation of certain BMLP expenses, if any, are made to preserve Nova's first
priority return and its capital account.  The first priority return is
cumulative and must be paid in full before any cumulative second priority
returns can be paid.

The partnership will terminate in 2014.  The first priority rate of return is
fixed through December 31, 2000, whereupon it will be renegotiated between the
Corporation and Nova.  If the partners cannot agree on new rates, the
partnership will terminate or the Corporation may purchase Nova's interest.  At
the termination of the partnership, the assets will be liquidated, and the
partners will receive proceeds in accordance with their capital accounts.

The publicly held TNCLP Common Units and the BMLP limited interest are reflected
in the financial statements as minority interest.


23.  Pending Change of Control

Minorco, S.A., through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, owns 56% of the
Corporation's outstanding shares.  In October 1998, Minorco announced its
intention to dispose of its interest in the Corporation.  Minorco and the
Corporation are in discussion with prospective purchasers for the Minorco
interests and/or all of Corporation's outstanding common shares.

<PAGE>
                                                                              43

 
RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements of Terra Industries Inc. and
its subsidiaries have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles appropriate in the circumstances.  The integrity and
objectivity of data in these financial statements and supplemental data,
including estimates and judgments related to matters not concluded by year end,
are the responsibility of management.

The Corporation has a system of internal accounting controls that provides
management with reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded and executed
in accordance with its authorizations, that assets are properly safeguarded and
accounted for, and that financial records are maintained to permit preparation
of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles.  This system includes written policies and procedures, an
organizational structure that segregates duties, and a comprehensive program of
periodic audits by the internal auditors.  The Corporation also has instituted
policies and guidelines that require employees to maintain the highest level of
ethical standards.

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for the review and
oversight of the financial statements and reporting practices used, as well as
the internal audit function.  The Audit Committee meets periodically with
management, internal auditors and the independent accountants.  The independent
accountants and internal auditors have access to the Audit Committee and,
without management present, have the opportunity to discuss the adequacy of
internal accounting controls and to review the quality of financial reporting.

The Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this Annual Report have been
audited by our independent accountants.  Their audits included a review of
internal accounting controls to establish a basis for reliance thereon in
determining the nature, extent and timing of audit tests applied in their audits
of the Consolidated Financial Statements.



 
Burton M. Joyce                                 Francis G. Meyer
President and                                   Senior Vice President and
Chief Executive Officer                         Chief Financial Officer

<PAGE>
                                                                              44
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT


To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Terra Industries Inc.



We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position
of Terra Industries Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and changes in
stockholders' equity for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1998.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Corporation's management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
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 financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Terra Industries Inc. and
subsidiaries at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of their operations
and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1998 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.




DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Omaha, Nebraska

February 5, 1999

<PAGE>
                                                                              45
<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
Quarterly Production Data (unaudited)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                Quarter   Quarter  Quarter    Quarter     Year
                                 Ended     Ended    Ended      Ended      Ended
                                March 31  June 30  Sept. 30   Dec. 31    Dec. 31
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>       <C>      <C>       <C>        <C>
1998 Net Production (tons):
  Anhydrous ammonia              303,365  371,928   356,316    344,807  1,376,416
  Nitrogen solutions             904,776  960,590   925,535  1,004,696  3,795,597
  Urea                           159,805  169,139   173,801    148,226    650,971
  Ammonium nitrate               246,070  217,297   244,616    227,430    935,413
  Methanol (million gallons)        85.1     57.4      77.7       75.7      295.9
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 Net Production (tons):
  Anhydrous ammonia              280,460  312,478   305,187    266,327  1,164,452
  Nitrogen solutions             852,907  862,120   815,337    924,278  3,454,642
  Urea                           166,284  165,503   165,884    163,837    661,508
  Methanol (million gallons)        79.6     64.8      82.5       83.4      310.3
=================================================================================
 
</TABLE>

Quarterly Financial and Stock Market Data (unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
(in thousands, except
per-share data and stock prices)         March 31,    June 30,     Sept. 30,     Dec. 31,
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------         
<S>                                   <C>            <C>            <C>          <C>
1998 
 Total revenues                          $465,672    $1,259,249     $462,717     $364,380
 Gross profit                              70,990       214,187       63,467       50,982
 Net income (loss)                        (18,280)       50,618      (21,824)     (36,763)
Per Share:
 Basic earnings (loss) per share         $  (0.25)   $     0.68     $  (0.30)    $  (0.50)
 Diluted earnings (loss) per share          (0.25)         0.67        (0.30)       (0.50)
 Dividends                                   0.05          0.05         0.05         0.05
Common Share Price:
 High                                    $  13.13    $    11.75     $   9.06     $   8.06
 Low                                        10.94          8.75         3.88         4.88
1997
 Total revenues                          $433,710    $1,221,894     $495,836     $390,929
 Gross profit                              95,658       270,778      114,525       94,064
 Income before extraordinary item           3,902        89,804       67,515       48,661
 Net income                                 3,902        89,804       67,515       45,666
Per Share:
 Income before extraordinary item:
  Basic earnings per share               $   0.05    $     1.22     $   0.91     $   0.66
  Diluted earnings per share                 0.05          1.20         0.90         0.65
 Net income:
  Basic earnings per share               $   0.05    $     1.22     $   0.91     $   0.62
  Diluted earnings per share                 0.05          1.20         0.90         0.61
 Dividends                                   0.04          0.04         0.05         0.05
Common Share Price:
 High                                    $  15.00    $    14.13     $  13.94     $  13.44
 Low                                        12.50         10.63        11.00        11.00
=========================================================================================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>                                                    
                                                                              46
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Revenues (unaudited)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)                                     1998        1997        1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                           <C>         <C>         <C>
Manufactured nitrogen products                  $  751,597  $  621,410  $  654,486
Methanol                                            96,547     180,646     132,533
Resale fertilizer                                  401,447     443,751     386,774
Crop protection products                         1,006,173   1,059,077     981,267
Seed                                               124,928     106,557      90,175
Other                                              171,326     130,928      71,251
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                           $2,552,018  $2,542,369  $2,316,486
==================================================================================


Volumes & Prices (unaudited)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Excludes the Distribution segment)           1998                   1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        Sales    Realized      Sales      Realized
(quantities in thousands)              Volumes  Price/unit    Volumes    Price/unit
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anhydrous ammonia (tons)                1,349     $ 143         1,182      $ 187
Nitrogen solutions (tons)               3,548        66         3,440         82
Urea (tons)                               631       118           671        145
Ammonium nitrate (tons)                   809       134            45        149
Methanol (gallons)                    285,958      0.34       311,476       0.58
===================================================================================
</TABLE>

STOCKHOLDERS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Corporation's Common Shares are traded principally on the New York Stock
Exchange. At January 31, 1999, 75 million Common Shares were outstanding and
held by 4,071 stockholders.
<PAGE>

                                                                              47
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
Financial Summary
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands, except
per-share and employee data)                   1998          1997          1996          1995          1994
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
Financial Position
  Working capital                          $   262,283   $   302,724   $   187,157   $   307,873   $   273,941
  Total assets                               2,315,147     2,359,954     1,969,365     1,867,858     1,687,970
  Long-term debt                               497,030       506,568       407,312       411,573       121,384
  Stockholders' equity                         747,852       790,329       606,092       571,583       418,429
Results of Operations
  Revenues                                 $ 2,552,018   $ 2,542,369   $ 2,316,486   $ 2,292,173   $ 1,665,947
  Costs and expenses                        (2,506,661)   (2,289,053)   (2,021,305)   (1,914,471)   (1,550,652)
  Infrequent item                                  ---       163,427           ---           ---           ---
  Interest income                                4,553         6,525         7,102        13,811         5,541
  Interest expense                             (63,649)      (63,153)      (59,947)      (64,897)      (22,082)
  Minority interest                            (27,510)      (27,633)      (44,485)      (47,234)       (8,809)
  Income tax benefit (provision)                15,000      (122,600)      (63,900)     (115,500)      (33,700)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Income (loss) from
   continuing operations                       (26,249)      209,882       133,951       163,882        56,245
  Extraordinary item                               ---        (2,995)          ---        (4,338)       (3,060)
   Cumulative effect of   
   accounting changes                              ---           ---           ---           ---         3,376
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net income (loss)                        $   (26,249)  $   206,887   $   133,951   $   159,544   $    56,561
==============================================================================================================

Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share:
  Continuing operations                    $     (0.35)  $      2.84   $      1.74   $      2.03   $      0.77
  Extraordinary item                               ---         (0.04)          ---         (0.05)        (0.04)
  Cumulative effect of
  accounting changes                               ---           ---           ---           ---          0.05
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income (Loss)                          $     (0.35)  $      2.80   $      1.74   $      1.98   $      0.78
==============================================================================================================

Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share:
  Continuing operations                    $     (0.35)  $      2.80   $      1.72   $      2.01   $      0.77
  Extraordinary item                               ---         (0.04)          ---         (0.05)        (0.04)
  Cumulative effect of
  accounting changes                               ---           ---           ---           ---          0.05
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income (Loss)                          $     (0.35)  $      2.76   $      1.72   $      1.96   $      0.78
==============================================================================================================
Dividends Per Share                        $      0.20   $      0.18   $      0.15   $      0.10   $      0.08
==============================================================================================================

Capital Expenditures                       $   100,414   $    85,109   $   185,649   $   177,129   $    31,213
==============================================================================================================

Permanent employees
 at end of period                                4,185         4,435         3,575         3,415         3,210
==============================================================================================================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
 
                             TERRA INDUSTRIES INC.
                   MAJORITY AND PARTIALLY OWNDED SUBSDIARIES
                                MARCH 10, 1999

<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
                                               Percentage        Percentage                      
Name of Company                                Held by TRA       Held by Sub          Jurisdiction
- ---------------                                -----------       -----------          ------------
<S>                                       <C>               <C>                     <C>
I.   El Rancho Rock & Sand, Inc.                  100                                  California
                                                                                       
II.  Hudson Bay Gold Inc.                         100                                  Canada
                                                                                       
III. Inspiration Coal Inc.                        100                                  Delaware
                                                                                       
IV.  Inspiration Coal Development Company         100                                  Delaware
     which owns                                                                        
- ----------------------------------                                                     
     A.    Ashland Mining Corporation                                  100             W. Virginia
     B.    Briarwood Mining Inc.                                       100             Virginia
     C.    Plateau Fuels, Inc.                                         100             Kentucky
     D.    Southern Floyd Coal, Inc.                                   100             Kentucky
                                                                                       
V.   Inspiration Consolidated Copper Company      100                                  Maine
     which owns                                                                        
- ----------------------------------                                                     
     A.    Black Pine Mining Company                                   100             Montana
     B.    Inspiration Development Company                             100             Delaware
                                                                                       
VI.  Inspiration Gold Incorporated                100                                  Delaware
                                                                                       
VII. Terra Capital Holdings, Inc.                 100                                  Delaware
     which owns                                                                        
- ----------------------------------                                                     
     A.    Terra Capital, Inc.                                         100             Delaware
           which owns                                                                  
- ----------------------------------                                                     
           1.   Terra Methanol Corporation                             100             Delaware
           2.   Terra International, Inc.                              100             Delaware
                which owns                                                             
- ----------------------------------                                                     
                a. Farmbelt Chemicals, Inc.                            100             Delaware
                b. Farmers Agricultural Credit Corporation             100             Iowa
                c. Northern Agricultural Credit Corporation            100             Minnesota
                d. Terra International (Oklahoma) Inc.                 100             Delaware
                e. Terra Real Estate Corporation                       100             Iowa
                f. Terra Real Estate Development Corporation           100             Iowa
                g. Terra Express, Inc.                                 100             Delaware
                h. Omnium, LLC                                          50             Missouri
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                             TERRA INDUSTRIES INC.
                   MAJORITY AND PARTIALLY OWNDED SUBSDIARIES
                                MARCH 10, 1999

<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
                                               Percentage        Percentage                      
Name of Company                                Held by TRA       Held by Sub          Jurisdiction
- ---------------                                -----------       -----------          ------------
<S>                                       <C>               <C>                     <C>
     A.    Terra Capital, Inc. (continued)
     -------------------------------------
           2.   Terra International, Inc. (continued)
                i.  Terra International (Canada) Inc.                  100             Ontario, Canada
                    which owns                                            
- ------------------------------------------                                
                    1.  Terra Nitrogen (U.K.) Limited  100 England        
                    2.  Belmont Farm Supply Inc.                        50             Federal
                    3.  Bluewater Agromart Limited                      50             Ontario
                    4.  Brussels Agromart Ltd.                          50             Ontario
                    5.  Cardinal Farm Supply                              
                        Limited                                         50             Ontario
                    6.  Fingal Farm Supply Limited                      50             Ontario
                    7.  Grand Falls Agromart Ltd.                       50             Federal
                    8.  Hartland Agromart Ltd.                          50             Federal
                    9.  Harvex Agromart Inc.                            50             Ontario
                   10.  Hoegy's Farm Supply Limited                     50             Ontario
                   11.  Lakeside Grain & Feed Limited                   50             Ontario
                   12.  Macroblend Limited                              50             Ontario
                   13.  Maple Farm Supply Limited                       50             Ontario
                   14.  Max Underhill's Farm Supply Limited             50             Ontario
                   15.  Munro Agromart Ltd.                             50             Ontario
                   16.  Oakwood Agromart Ltd.                           50             Ontario
                   17.  Oxford Agropro Ltd.                             50             Ontario
                   18.  Scotland Agromart Ltd.                          50             Ontario
                   19.  Setterington's Fertilizer Service Limited       50             Ontario
                   20.  Sprucedale Agromart Limited                     50             Ontario
                   21.  Tri-County Agromart Ltd.                        50             Ontario
                j. Royster-Clark, Inc.                                  40             Delaware
                k. Port Neal Corporation                               100             Delaware
                l. Delta Data Systems, Inc.                            100             Mississippi

</TABLE> 
<PAGE>
 
                             TERRA INDUSTRIES INC.
                   MAJORITY AND PARTIALLY OWNDED SUBSDIARIES
                                MARCH 10, 1999

<TABLE>
<CAPTION> 
                                               Percentage        Percentage                      
Name of Company                                Held by TRA       Held by Sub          Jurisdiction
- ---------------                                -----------       -----------          ------------
<S>                                       <C>               <C>                     <C>
           3.   BMC Holdings, Inc.                                     100             Delaware
           which owns                                                                  
- ---------------------------                                                            
           a.   Beaumont Methanol, Limited Partnership/1/               58             Delaware
                   which owns                                                          
- ---------------------------                                                            
                   1.  Terra (U.K.) Holdings Inc.                      100             Delaware
                       which owns                                                      
- ------------------------------------------------------                                 
                       a.  Beaumont Ammonia Inc.                       100             Delaware
                                                                                       
           4.   Terra Nitrogen Corporation                             100             Delaware
           which owns                                                                  
- ------------------------------------                                                   
           a.   Terra Nitrogen Company, L.P./2/                         70             Delaware
                   which owns                                                          
- ------------------------------------                                                   
                   1.  Terra Nitrogen, Limited Partnership/3/           99             Delaware
                       a.  Oklahoma Co2 Partnership                     50             Oklahoma
                                                                                       
           5.   Terra Capital Funding LLC/4/                            99             Delaware
                a.     Terra Funding Corporation/5/                    100             Delaware
 
VIII. Western Gold Exploration and Mining Company,
           Limited Partnership                                          50             Delaware

</TABLE> 
- ----------------------- 
/1/Terra Methanol Corporation is 1% General Partner.
/2/Terra Nitrogen Corporation's interest includes 1.0101% as General Partner and
   some of TNCLP is owned directly by Terra Capital, Inc.
/3/Terra Nitrogen Corporation is 1% General Partner.
/4/Terra Capital Holdings, Inc. has a 1% interest.
/5/An outside investor owns one share of Class SV Preferred Shares with limited
voting rights.

<PAGE>

                                                                      Exhibit 24
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

                    KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That I,

                              EDWARD G. BEIMFOHR


hereby constitute and appoint George H. Valentine, Francis G. Meyer and Burton
M. Joyce, or each of them, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name, place and stead, to sign my
name as a director of Terra Industries Inc. (the "Company") to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and any
amendments or supplements thereto, and to file said Annual Report and any
amendment or supplement thereto, with the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

     I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys, or each of them, or
his substitute or substitutes, have done or shall lawfully do by virtue of this
Power of Attorney.

     WITNESS my hand this 18th day of February, 1999.


                              /s/ Edward G. Beimfohr
                              ----------------------------
                              EDWARD G. BEIMFOHR
<PAGE>
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

                    KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That I,

                              CAROLE L. BROOKINS


hereby constitute and appoint George H. Valentine, Francis G. Meyer and Burton
M. Joyce, or each of them, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name, place and stead, to sign my
name as a director of Terra Industries Inc. (the "Company") to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and any
amendments or supplements thereto, and to file said Annual Report and any
amendment or supplement thereto, with the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

     I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys, or each of them, or
his substitute or substitutes, have done or shall lawfully do by virtue of this
Power of Attorney.

     WITNESS my hand this 18th day of February, 1999.



                              /s/ Carole L. Brookins
                              --------------------------
                              CAROLE L. BROOKINS
<PAGE>
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

                    KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That I,

                               EDWARD M. CARSON


hereby constitute and appoint George H. Valentine, Francis G. Meyer and Burton
M. Joyce, or each of them, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name, place and stead, to sign my
name as a director of Terra Industries Inc. (the "Company") to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and any
amendments or supplements thereto, and to file said Annual Report and any
amendment or supplement thereto, with the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

     I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys, or each of them, or
his substitute or substitutes, have done or shall lawfully do by virtue of this
Power of Attorney.

     WITNESS my hand this 18th day of February, 1999.


                              /s/ Edward M. Carson
                              -----------------------
                              EDWARD M. CARSON
<PAGE>
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

                    KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That I,

                                DAVID E. FISHER

hereby constitute and appoint George H. Valentine, Francis G. Meyer and Burton
M. Joyce, or each of them, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name, place and stead, to sign my
name as a director of Terra Industries Inc. (the "Company") to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and any
amendments or supplements thereto, and to file said Annual Report and any
amendment or supplement thereto, with the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

     I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys, or each of them, or
his substitute or substitutes, have done or shall lawfully do by virtue of this
Power of Attorney.

     WITNESS my hand this 18th day of February, 1999.


                              /s/ David E. Fisher
                              --------------------------------------------------
                              DAVID E. FISHER
<PAGE>
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

                    KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That I,

                                BURTON M. JOYCE

hereby constitute and appoint George H. Valentine and Francis G. Meyer, or each
of them, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, my true and lawful
attorney, for me and in my name, place and stead, to sign my name as a director
of Terra Industries Inc. (the "Company") to the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and any amendments or
supplements thereto, and to file said Annual Report and any amendment or
supplement thereto, with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

     I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys, or each of them, or
his substitute or substitutes, have done or shall lawfully do by virtue of this
Power of Attorney.

     WITNESS my hand this 18th day of February, 1999.



                              /s/ Burton M. Joyce
                              -----------------------------------------------
                              BURTON M. JOYCE
<PAGE>
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

                    KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That I,

                                ANTHONY W. LEA


hereby constitute and appoint George H. Valentine, Francis G. Meyer and Burton
M. Joyce, or each of them, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name, place and stead, to sign my
name as a director of Terra Industries Inc. (the "Company") to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and any
amendments or supplements thereto, and to file said Annual Report and any
amendment or supplement thereto, with the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

     I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys, or each of them, or
his substitute or substitutes, have done or shall lawfully do by virtue of this
Power of Attorney.

     WITNESS my hand this 18th day of February, 1999.



                                   /s/ Anthony W. Lea
                                  -----------------------------------
                                  ANTHONY W. LEA
<PAGE>
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

                    KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That I,

                              JOHN R. NORTON III


hereby constitute and appoint George H. Valentine, Francis G. Meyer and Burton
M. Joyce, or each of them, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name, place and stead, to sign my
name as a director of Terra Industries Inc. (the "Company") to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and any
amendments or supplements thereto, and to file said Annual Report and any
amendment or supplement thereto, with the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

     I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys, or each of them, or
his substitute or substitutes, have done or shall lawfully do by virtue of this
Power of Attorney.

     WITNESS my hand this 18th day of February, 1999.



                                   /s/ John R. Norton, III
                                  ------------------------------------
                                  JOHN R. NORTON III
<PAGE>
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

                    KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That I,

                                HENRY R. SLACK


hereby constitute and appoint George H. Valentine, Francis G. Meyer and Burton
M. Joyce, or each of them, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name, place and stead, to sign my
name as a director of Terra Industries Inc. (the "Company") to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and any
amendments or supplements thereto, and to file said Annual Report and any
amendment or supplement thereto, with the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

     I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys, or each of them, or
his substitute or substitutes, have done or shall lawfully do by virtue of this
Power of Attorney.

     WITNESS my hand this 18th day of February, 1999.



                                   /s/ Henry R. Slack
                                  ------------------------------------
                                  HENRY R. SLACK
<PAGE>
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

                    KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That I,

                               FRANCIS G. MEYER

hereby constitute and appoint George H. Valentine and Burton M. Joyce, or each
of them, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, my true and lawful
attorney, for me and in my name, place and stead, to sign my name as Senior Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer of Terra Industries Inc. (the "Company")
to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1998 and any amendments or supplements thereto, and to file said Annual
Report and any amendment or supplement thereto, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

     I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys, or each of them, or
his substitute or substitutes, have done or shall lawfully do by virtue of this
Power of Attorney.

     WITNESS my hand this 18th day of February, 1999.



                              /s/ Francis G. Meyer
                              -------------------------------------------------
                              FRANCIS G. MEYER
<PAGE>
 
                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

                    KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, That I,

                            WILLIAM R. LOOMIS, JR.

hereby constitute and appoint George H. Valentine, Francis G. Meyer and Burton
M. Joyce, or each of them, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
my true and lawful attorney, for me and in my name, place and stead, to sign my
name as a director of Terra Industries Inc. (the "Company") to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 and any
amendments or supplements thereto, and to file said Annual Report and any
amendment or supplement thereto, with the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

     I hereby ratify and confirm all that said attorneys, or each of them, or
his substitute or substitutes, have done or shall lawfully do by virtue of this
Power of Attorney.

     WITNESS my hand this 18th day of February, 1999.



                              /s/ William R. Loomis, Jr.
                              --------------------------------------------------
                              WILLIAM R. LOOMIS, JR.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This Schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
consolidated statement of financial position of Terra Industries inc. as of
December 31, 1998 and the related consolidated statement of income for the year
the ended.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1998
<CASH>                                         114,905
<SECURITIES>                                    26,738
<RECEIVABLES>                                  153,885
<ALLOWANCES>                                  (15,134)
<INVENTORY>                                    419,704
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               738,690
<PP&E>                                       1,527,900
<DEPRECIATION>                               (368,587)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,315,147
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          476,407
<BONDS>                                        487,560
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                       127,887
<OTHER-SE>                                     619,965
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 2,315,147
<SALES>                                      2,472,961
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             2,552,018
<CGS>                                        2,152,392
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                2,152,392
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 9,633
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              63,649
<INCOME-PRETAX>                               (41,249)
<INCOME-TAX>                                  (15,000)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                           (26,249)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                  (26,249)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (0.35)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (0.35)
        

</TABLE>


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