NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — Distillers dried grains (DDG) remain a key livestock feed ingredient, and their value continues to move closely with corn and soybean meal, according to Dr. Michael Langemeier of Purdue’s Center for Commercial Agriculture.
DDGs, produced at roughly 18 pounds per bushel of corn, offer higher protein content than corn alone and often replace part of both corn and soybean meal in rations. Historical price data from 2007–2024 show DDG values typically rise and fall alongside these feed inputs, though short-term disconnects emerge during unusual demand patterns or supply disruptions.
Langemeier’s analysis shows that even small changes in feedgrain markets translate into meaningful DDG price movement. A 10-cent increase in corn price typically adds more than $2 per ton to DDGs, while a $10 increase in soybean meal lifts DDGs by a similar amount. Combined, corn and meal trends explain most of the variation in DDG pricing, though factors such as ethanol plant operations, export flows, and local ration adjustments can temporarily push DDG prices above or below expected levels.
Using projected corn at $4.00 and soybean meal at $325, expected DDG prices for late 2025 and early 2026 are estimated to range from $145 to $155 per ton. A 10 percent swing in feedgrain prices pushes that range to as low as $125–$135 per ton or $160–$170 per ton, underscoring how sensitive DDG markets remain to broader feed conditions.
Farm-Level Takeaway: DDG values follow corn and soybean meal trends, with ethanol grind and feed demand shaping costs into early 2026.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
Dave Kestel, a farmer from Will County and member of the Illinois Farm Bureau, joins us to share a boots-on-the-ground update on the 2025 corn harvest.
October 03, 2025 02:30 PM
·
American Coalition for Ethanol’s Ron Lamberty shares the significance of California’s approval, opening up the country’s largest gasoline market to a cleaner-burning, often lower-cost fuel option.
October 03, 2025 01:12 PM
·
University of Illinois Ag Economist Gary Schnitker says early projections indicate soybeans will be more profitable than corn in 2026.
October 03, 2025 11:53 AM
·
Beef demand could be influencing other economic sectors, as consumers adjust spending habits to prioritize higher-priced beef products.
October 02, 2025 01:39 PM
·
Dr. Beetham outlined the background of the EU’s decision to modernize seed regulations and where the process stands today, and its impact on global agriculture and food security.
October 02, 2025 01:24 PM
·
Jeremy Kelly explains how Darling Ingredients’ mission aligns with FFA’s values and why investing in future ag leaders is so important.
October 02, 2025 12:20 PM
·
In a final rule published in the Federal Register, the Department states that it will no longer base wage rates on the Farm Labor Survey.
October 02, 2025 11:20 AM
·
USDA’s report shows wheat strength overall, with winter wheat yields setting records, while spring wheat and rye saw declines. Oats and barley remain constrained by record-low acreage despite stable or rising yields.
October 01, 2025 04:24 PM
·
Bigger-than-expected corn and wheat stocks are bearish for prices, while soybean figures were neutral. Farmers may face additional price pressure as harvest accelerates.
October 01, 2025 04:02 PM
·
