Weekly National Molasses Report

SPRINGFIELD - Feb 15/05 - SNS -- The USDA released its latest weekly national report covering the sugarcane molasses market in that country. The report covers both cane blackstrap and feed grade merchandise

National Molasses Report

The Houston area prices increased 8.00 to 10.00 from the previous report.
Very good world demand along with lighter domestic supplies continues to drive
prices upward. Demand remains good in the feed industry however; other
alternatives are being looked at based on relative feed valves.

Type and Market Area       As of Noon:          Previous Report     Last Year
                           02/15/2005             02/01/2005        02/17/2004
Cane Blackstrap-

 New Orleans               no quote                no quote        52.50-55.00
 Houston                  90.00-100.00            82.50-90.00      60.00
 South Florida             no quote                no quote        62.50

1/ Per ton prices are based on 171 gallons for blackstrap molasses. To
compute cents per gallon prices on cane molasses divide dollars per ton by
171 gallons ($ per ton divided by 171 gallons = cents per gallon). Ton-
2,000 lbs; Gallon= U.S. gallon.

2/ Effective Jan 1, 2005 Molasses market news will be published on business day
closest to the 1st and 15th of each month.

3/ Above prices reflect both contract and spot prices from the previous 15 days.

Source:  USDA-IL Dept of Ag Market News Springfield, IL 217-782-4925

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STAT News Service