Market Matters Blog

MINNEAPOLIS (DTN) -- The DTN price for domestic distillers dried grains (DDG) from 33 locations reporting for the week ended Sept. 5 was higher on average at $141 per ton versus one week ago. DDG prices overall were mixed but prices were slightly higher for the week on average. Weekly plant production was lower and the cash corn price was higher for the week. The DTN National Average Corn Index was up 16 cents versus one week ago.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported overall ethanol production in the United States averaged 1.061 million barrels per day (bpd) in the final week of August, down 10,000 bpd week-on-week, while 49,000 bpd, or 4.6%, higher than the same week last year. Four-week average output at 1.076 million bpd was 42,000 bpd above the same four weeks last year. Midwest ethanol production averaged 1.002 million bpd, down 10,000 bpd week-on-week and 51,000 bpd, or 5.1%, higher than the same week last year. Four-week average output at 1.017 million bpd was 40,000 bpd above the same four weeks last year.

Based on the average of prices collected by DTN, the value of DDG relative to corn for the week ended Sept. 5 was 1.01%. The value of DDG relative to soybean meal was 43.97 and the cost per unit of protein for DDG was $5.22 compared to the cost per unit of protein for soybean meal at $6.75. (Table is still using September futures).

U.S. Grains Council in its weekly DDGS export market prices report showed as of Sept. 4, October CIF NOLA barge price was at $178 metric ton (mt), up $7 versus one week ago, and FOB vessel Gulf price was unchanged at $186; rail delivered PNW was down $15 at $211 and rail delivered to California was unchanged at $230 mt.

Export DDGS are finding support again from higher barge freight and the low water issues in the lower Mississippi River. Barge groundings the past week have slowed traffic as water levels continue to fall. Water levels at Memphis are currently at minus 6.75 feet below zero gauge.

USDA used Census Bureau data released this week to provide more details for July exports of DDGS. U.S. exports of DDGS totaled 1,090,004 mt in July, up from 945,592 mt in June and up 11% from a year ago. Mexico was the top destination in July, taking 23% of U.S. exports and was followed by South Korea and Indonesia. In the first seven months of 2024, DDGS exports were up 15% from a year ago.

Note: All prices subject to change/confirmation.

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

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