Weekly National Molasses Report

SPRINGFIELD - Jan 5/04 - 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

Sugarcane molasses prices are unchanged. Demand was moderate to good with 
moderate to heavy offerings of new crop molasses. The abundance of competitive 
feed ingredients such as corn steepwater and desugared beet molasses continued 
to pressure the domestic sugarcane molasses market. Several Louisiana mills 
have completed their grind season. There were some transportation delays due to 
shortened work weeks during the extended holiday period. There were concerns 
that the case of BSE in Washington state could hurt the feed industry but demand 
for molasses and liquid feed remained at normal levels for this time of year.

Feed Molasses (minimum 79.5 brix, 43% sugars, except where noted) offers only 
(premiums amd discounts to apply) and tank car or truck, fob terminal, prompt 
delivery, dollars/ton, 1/

Type and Market Area       As of Noon:      Last Week         Last Year
                           01/05/2004       12/29/2003        01/06/2003
Cane Blackstrap- *Offers only (premiums and discounts to apply)*   
                                                      
 New Orleans               52.50-55.00      52.50-55.00       60.00
                           mostly 52.50     mostly 52.50
 Houston                   60.00            60.00             65.00
 South Florida             62.50            62.50             67.50

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.

***Effective 9/15/03 there were some changes to National Molasses Market 
Report. Due to market transparency issues, prices at several points have 
been discontinued on a weekly basis. As of today the remaining pricing 
points are New Orleans, Houston and South Florida. Other points will be 
reported when there is market activity.***

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

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STAT News Service

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