January 5—DDG prices climbed through December and January, as did most products. The extreme dryness in Texas and Oklahoma brought a sharp increase in demand, and poor run times at Midwestern ethanol plants kept supplies extremely tight. Wet cake production remained strong as natural gas prices stayed firm, and winter cattle demand took all that could be produced, which will probably be the case for the rest of this winter.
Logistics remain a problem, with railcar turn times still not improving. Also, the inability of some suppliers to perform as agreed created several instances of late unit train shipments to California, which ran prices up as locals waited for trucks.
The export market continues to be firm, especially in the containers. The bids for New Orleans gulf barges are not keeping up with domestic strength but will provide a floor if prices ease through the spring. Barge freight is historically high, but given the expensive diesel prices, it is not abnormal. Barge movement for the calendar year should not be radically different from past years.
Going ahead, it looks as though the strong Texas/Oklahoma demand is going to continue through the spring. The high prices of winter are going to pull the typically lower spring numbers up, unless there are some huge surprises in the Southern Hemisphere, or planting intentions. Suppliers are growing, and continued research will be necessary to ensure usage in all feed sectors. EP
MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER | MINNEAPOLIS,MINNESOTA
Serving the Global Sustainable Aviation Fuel Industry
Taking place in September, the North American SAF Conference & Expo, produced by SAF Magazine, in collaboration with the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI) will showcase the latest strategies for aviation fuel decarbonization, solutions for key industry challenges, and highlight the current opportunities for airlines, corporations and fuel producers.View More
GAYLORD OPRYLAND RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER | NASHVILLE,TN
Now in its 19th year, the International Biomass Conference & Expo is expected to bring together more than 900 attendees, 160 exhibitors and 65 speakers from more than 25 countries. It is the largest gathering of biomass professionals and academics in the world. The conference provides relevant content and unparalleled networking opportunities in a dynamic business-to-business environment. In addition to abundant networking opportunities, the largest biomass conference in the world is renowned for its outstanding programming—powered by Biomass Magazine–that maintains a strong focus on commercial-scale biomass production, new technology, and near-term research and development. Join us at the International Biomass Conference & Expo as we enter this new and exciting era in biomass energy.View More