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
Chris Bliley with Growth Energy discusses ongoing concerns about U.S. ethanol exports and the expansion of market access promised under the Phase One deal between the U.S. and China.
October 30, 2025 02:30 PM
·
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS) shares his perspective on the U.S.-China trade developments and their potential impact on American producers, farmers, and ranchers.
October 30, 2025 12:56 PM
·
Rich Nelson, a commodity broker for Allendale Inc., joins us to break down what the U.S.-China trade agreement means for the ag economy.
October 30, 2025 12:04 PM
·
Global agriculture is stabilizing after years of price swings, with flat to modestly rising returns expected as productivity offsets slower demand growth.
October 29, 2025 03:35 PM
·
Expect incremental near-term lift for feed grains, proteins, and ethanol as tariff cuts and smoother approvals translate into real orders.
October 29, 2025 03:04 PM
·
Trade pacts with Malaysia and Cambodia unlock tariff-free and preferential lanes for key U.S. farm goods, expanding long-term demand in Southeast Asia.
October 28, 2025 02:08 PM
·
Input costs are top of mind for farmers, as they contribute to higher prices and smaller profits.
October 28, 2025 12:00 PM
·
Export volumes remain positive year-to-date, but weaker soybean loadings and slowing wheat movement hint at early bottlenecks in global demand or river logistics. Farmers should watch basis levels and freight conditions as export competition heats up.
October 28, 2025 10:58 AM
·
John Appel with the Farmers Business Network (FBN) joins us for a closer look at the 2026 Crop Protection Market Outlook Report.
October 27, 2025 01:00 PM
·
