News

Corn grind, soybean crush both down in 2019

The USDA says corn and soybean processing declined from 2018 to 2019, reflecting a trying year for some ethanol and biodiesel producers. Renewable fuel production in general was affected by poor ethanol margins, small refinery waiver exemptions, and uncertainties about export demand because of trade issues.

Corn for ethanol use last year was 5.331 billion bushels, down 4% from the year before, with dry mill co-product production also declining. DDGS production was 22.592 million tons, a decrease of 5%, DWG with 65% or higher moisture production was 15.665 million tons, 3% lower, and DDG production was 4.296 million tons, a decline of 7%.

The soybean crush was reported at 62,574,532 tons, about 2.297 billion bushels, 1% lower than in 2018, but crude soybean oil production was up less than 1% on the year at 24.127 billion pounds, thanks to a slightly more favorable crush yield.

The USDA’s next corn for ethanol use and biodiesel demand estimates are out March 10th.