Weekly National Molasses Report

SPRINGFIELD - Sep 23/02 - 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

Prices for sugarcane molasses were unchanged. Domestic supplies were moderate 
to heavy. Demand was light. Abundant supplies of competitive feedstuffs and 
slow seasonal feed demand continued to pressure the domestic molasses market. 
The Louisiana and Texas harvests were delayed by wet weather. The Florida 
season is expected to begin in early to mid-October. Hurricane Isidore struck 
Cuba and Mexico's Yucatan penisula. The storm is weakening now that it's made 
landfall but forecasters feel it could strengthen if it re-enters the Gulf Of 
Mexico and it could pose a threat to the Texas and Louisiana Gulf coast region.

Feed Molasses (minimum 79.5 brix, 43% sugars, except where noted) wholesale 
prices, tank car or truck, fob terminal, prompt delivery, dollars/ton, 1/

Type and Market Area       As of Noon:      Last Week         Last Year
                           09/23/2002       09/16/2002        09/24/01
Cane Blackstrap                                                         
 New Orleans               60.00-65.00      60.00-65.00       75.00-80.00
                                                              mostly 75.00
 Houston                   67.50            67.50             80.00
 South Florida             72.50            72.50             80.00
 Savannah (46% Sugars)     87.50            87.50             87.50
 Baltimore/Philadelphia    85.00            85.00             95.00-100.00
 Upper Mississippi River
   Distribution Points*    80.00-85.00      80.00-85.00       95.00
 Los Angeles (48% Sugars)  82.50            82.50             95.00-102.50
 Stockton (48% Sugars)     82.50            82.50             95.00-102.50

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.
**Prices represent sales fob terminal to the general feed trade in the 
respective areas but do not necessarily reflect sales to other trade
areas.**
* Includes the major Upper Mississippi river tributaries with the exception 
of the Missouri River.

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

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STAT News Service

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