Weekly National Molasses Report

SPRINGFIELD - Mar 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 rose 10.00 from the previous report.  Demand and
supplies are moderate.  As temperatures warm up throughout much of the country
pastures are beginning to show new growth.  Cow calf producers have started to
utilize the greener pastures limiting use of supplements.  With the increase of
prices for molasses some feed yards are looking for alternative additives.

Type and Market Area       As of Noon:          Previous Report     Last Year
                           03/15/2005             03/01/2005        03/15/2004
Cane Blackstrap-

 New Orleans               no quote                no quote        52.50-55.00
 Houston                 100.00-110.00            90.00-100.00     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