DDG Spot Price Slips to $177 Per Ton
Domestic distillers dried grains dipped $1 per short ton in the week ended Nov. 12, according to DTN's average spot-price survey.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Organic Food
DTN reported the average spot price for domestic distillers dried grains fell $1 to $177 per short ton for the week ended Nov. 12, based on prices from 33 reporting locations. The U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council also reported December DDGS export prices as of the same date.
Why it matters
DDG is a byproduct of ethanol production used as livestock feed, so its price shifts feed into costs for animal agriculture and the broader grain market. Its value relative to corn and soybean meal helps show how competitively the feed is priced.
The DTN survey averages prices from 33 locations, with DDG at $177 per short ton versus soybean meal futures up $8.20 per short ton over the same week. Cost per unit of protein stood at $6.56 for DDG compared with $6.85 for soybean meal.
The players
DTN
DTN is a Minneapolis-based agricultural data and news provider whose weekly price surveys are widely used by grain and feed markets.
U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council
The U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council is an industry group that promotes exports of U.S. grain and bioproduct commodities, including distillers dried grains.
U.S. Energy Information Administration
The U.S. Energy Information Administration is the federal statistical agency that publishes weekly data on U.S. ethanol production.
The details
DTN's weekly survey found domestic DDG spot prices averaged $177 per short ton, while the DTN National Average Corn Index rose 4 cents per bushel. Separately, December CIF NOLA barge prices were $267 per metric ton and FOB Gulf vessel prices were $278 per metric ton, as of Nov. 12.
Timeline
Week ended Nov. 6: EIA reported ethanol production averaged 1.13 million bpd.
Week ended Nov. 12: DTN reported the average spot DDG price of $177 per short ton.
Nov. 12: U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council reported December DDGS export prices.
Thursday, Nov. 13, 2026: EIA scheduled its next weekly ethanol production report.
Macro View
The $177 per short ton reading is one weekly data point in DTN's ongoing DDG price series, which tracks how the ethanol byproduct trades against corn and soybean meal. The one-dollar weekly decline sits within normal week-to-week movement in that series.
Livestock producers who buy DDG as feed can compare its current price against corn and soybean meal when planning rations. Because DDG is priced at 54.39% of soybean meal on a protein-cost basis, it may be a cheaper protein option for some feed buyers.
The takeaway
Tracking weekly DDG prices against corn and soybean meal helps feed buyers judge whether the byproduct offers better protein value. Checking the DTN survey and EIA data each week can keep those comparisons current.
What happens next
The EIA is scheduled to release its next weekly ethanol production data on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2026.
Further reading
For broader context on grain and feed markets, explore more in Organic Food.
Source note: This article includes information reported by DTN Progressive Farmer.
