Market Matters Blog

MINNEAPOLIS (DTN) -- The DTN average price for domestic distillers dried grains (DDG) from 35 locations reporting for the week ended April 13 was $259 per ton, up $1 from one week ago. Prices were mixed but higher on average as plants are taking seasonal maintenance downtime, which is causing DDG to be in short supply where that is taking place.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) at midweek showed total domestic ethanol production slid 44,000 barrels per day (bpd) to a 13-week low 959,000 bpd as of April 7, 3.6% below a year ago. The four-week average output at 991,000 bpd was 28,000 bpd lower than the same four weeks in 2022. Midwest PADD 2 ethanol production tumbled 45,000 bpd on the week to 912,000 bpd, the lowest output rate since the first week of January. The four-week average output in PADD 2 at 945,000 bpd was 18,000 bpd lower than the same time last year.

Based on the average of prices collected by DTN, the value of DDG relative to corn for the week ended April 13 was 1.11%. The value of DDG relative to soybean meal was 55.87%, and the cost per unit of protein for DDG was $9.59 compared to the cost per unit of protein for soybean meal at $9.76.

In its weekly DDGS export update, the U.S. Grains Council said: "The pipeline for product to the river system remains tight again this week but barge CIF NOLA prices are steady to $2 lower and offered at $339 for last-half April and $332 for May. FOB NOLA offers, however, are $3 to $4 metric ton (mt) higher and average $343 mt for spot positions with a -$5 carry to May. Offers for 40-foot containers to Southeast Asia are higher this week and average $399 mt for Q2 positions."

NOTE: All prices listed below can change at any time and are subject to confirmation from seller.

Mary Kennedy can be reached at mary.kennedy@dtn.com

Follow her on Twitter @MaryCKenn

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