Distillers Grains Prices Slip Again to $178
DTN's weekly spot average for domestic distillers dried grains dropped $5 per short ton as corn and soybean meal prices weakened.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Agriculture
DTN reported the average spot price for domestic distillers dried grains fell $5 per short ton to $178 for the week ended Nov. 5. The decline followed pressure from lower cash corn and soybean meal prices.
Why it matters
Distillers dried grains are a feed ingredient, so lower prices affect the cost of feed for livestock producers and the value of ethanol byproducts. The weekly move reflects broader pressure across the feed grain complex.
DTN's average spot price for domestic distillers dried grains was $178 per short ton, down $5 from the prior week, while U.S. ethanol production averaged 1.143 million barrels per day in the week ended Oct. 30. The source does not provide a forecast for prices beyond the reported week.
The players
DTN
DTN is an agricultural data and market information company that publishes weekly price averages for grain and feed commodities.
The details
DTN's average is calculated from prices collected at 33 reporting locations and reflects the futures market with the highest volume. On a relative basis, distillers dried grains were valued at 1.13% of corn and 56.12% of soybean meal, with a cost per unit of protein of $6.59 versus $6.68 for soybean meal.
Timeline
Oct. 30: U.S. ethanol production averaged 1.143 million barrels per day.
Nov. 5: DTN's average spot price for distillers dried grains reached $178 per short ton.
Market Landscape
The weekly DTN distillers dried grains series has repeatedly moved lower alongside the DTN National Average Corn Index and soybean meal futures. This week's decline extends that pattern as the byproduct's price remains tied to the broader feed grain complex.
Livestock and dairy producers buying distillers dried grains as a feed ingredient may see lower input costs at current prices. Ethanol producers selling the byproduct will receive less revenue per ton than in the prior week.
The takeaway
Feed buyers should track weekly DTN averages alongside corn and soybean meal futures, since byproduct prices move with those markets. Watching the cost per unit of protein comparison can help when choosing between feed ingredients.
Further reading
For more on how feed ingredient prices move with grain markets, see Agriculture coverage across the United States.
Source note: This article includes information reported by DTN Progressive Farmer.
