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Southern Minnesota ethanol plant reports excellent corn quality, high yields

The CEO of an ethanol plant in southern Minnesota is pleased with the corn being delivered during harvest.

Brian Kletscher with Highwater Ethanol in Lamberton says moisture ranges from 13 to 18 percent.

“Most of the corn has been between 14 and 15 and-a-half (percent), so really good quality corn coming in. Test weights have been in that 55.8 to 59 (pounds), every once in a while we’ll see a 60. But been very good quality corn this year, and very happy with the yields.

He tells Brownfield area farmers are reporting yields ranging from 210 to 260 bushels per acre.

Basis levels at Highwater are around 37 under December Corn futures.

“And then in January we go to -43. That’s going to give and take a little bit as we go into November, December, and January on how the corn is moving. Are the farmers willing to move it out of their bins? That will have a little bit to do with basis levels.”

He says the ethanol plant has had to close early a few times already this harvest because bins filled up.

Kletscher made these comments during Brownfield affiliate KNUJ’s Farm Forum Friday moderated by Mark Dorenkamp.