MINNEAPOLIS (DTN) -- The DTN price for domestic distillers dried grains (DDG) from 33 locations reporting for the week ended May 2 was down $3 on average versus one week ago at $167 per ton. DDG prices were pushed lower again as demand has been slow and in spite of a rise in cash corn prices since last week. The DTN National Average Corn Index was up 11 cents versus one week ago.

The Energy Information Administration on Wednesday reported overall ethanol production in the United States averaged 987,000 barrels per day (bpd) in the week ended April 26, the Energy information Administration reports, up 33,000 bpd week-on-week and 11,000 bpd, or 1.1% higher than in the same week last year. Four-week average output at 995,000 bpd was 13,000 bpd above the same four weeks last year. Midwest ethanol production averaged 930,000 bpd, up 27,000 bpd week-on-week and 8,000 bpd, or 0.9% higher than in the same week last year. Four-week average output at 941,000 bpd was 10,000 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 May 2 was 1.03%. The value of DDG relative to soybean meal was 46.77 and the cost per unit of protein for DDG was $6.19 compared to the cost per unit of protein for soybean meal at $7.52.

USDA used Census Bureau data released Thursday to provide more details for exports of DDGs. U.S. exports of DDGs totaled 1,055,692 metric tons (mt) in March, up from 986,337 mt in February and up 18% from a year ago. Mexico was the top destination in March, taking 16% of U.S. exports, and was followed by South Korea and Turkey. In the first three months of 2024, DDGs exports were up 21% from a year ago.

*All prices are subject to confirmation.

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

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