Top 10 Companies in the Modified Distillers Grains (MDG) Industry (2025): Market Leaders Elevating Animal Nutrition Solutions

In Business Insights
August 18, 2025

The Global Modified Distillers Grains (MDG) Market was valued at USD 6.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 9.5 billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.7% during the forecast period (2024-2030). This expansion is fueled by rising ethanol production globally, increasing demand for cost-efficient animal feed ingredients, and growing awareness of MDG’s nutritional profile among livestock producers.

As feed manufacturers seek sustainable byproduct utilization strategies, MDG producers are transforming ethanol co-products into high-value nutritional solutions. This analysis profiles the Top 10 Companies in the Modified Distillers Grains Industry—processing innovators and supply chain leaders driving this essential feed market forward.


🔟 10. Glacial Lakes Energy

Headquarters: Watertown, South Dakota, USA
Key Offering: Corn-based MDG with solubles

Glacial Lakes Energy operates three ethanol production facilities across the Midwest, converting approximately 270 million bushels of corn annually into ethanol and MDG co-products. Their modified distillers grains offer a balanced profile of protein, energy and phosphorus for livestock diets.

Operational Highlights:

  • Annual MDG production capacity exceeding 1.1 million tons
  • Dedicated quality control laboratories at each facility
  • Specialized low-fiber formulations for monogastric animals

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9️⃣ 9. ICM Inc

Headquarters: Colwich, Kansas, USA
Key Offering: Process optimization systems and MDG production

A pioneer in biofuel technology, ICM provides both MDG products and proprietary production systems to ethanol plants globally. Their vertical approach ensures consistent product quality across client facilities.

Technological Advantages:

  • Patented separation and drying technologies
  • Custom nutritional profiling services
  • Intellectual property portfolio of 200+ patents

8️⃣ 8. Flint Hills Resources

Headquarters: Wichita, Kansas, USA
Key Offering: Standard and specialty MDG products

With seven ethanol plants across the Corn Belt, Flint Hills Resources processes over 1 billion bushels of corn annually into fuel and feed ingredients. Their MDG products serve both domestic and international livestock markets.

Supply Chain Strengths:

  • 2.4 million metric tons annual MDG capacity
  • Dedicated export terminals for international shipments
  • ISO 22000 certified food safety management

7️⃣ 7. Green Plains Inc.

Headquarters: Omaha, Nebraska, USA
Key Offering: High-protein feed ingredients

Operating 11 biorefineries across the U.S., Green Plains has strategically positioned itself as both an ethanol producer and nutritional solutions provider. Their Ultra-High Protein MDG contains 50%+ protein content through proprietary separation.

Innovation Focus:

  • Protein concentration technologies
  • Specialty feed ingredient development
  • Integrated supply chain from farm to feed

6️⃣ 6. Valero Energy Corporation

Headquarters: San Antonio, Texas, USA
Key Offering: Export-grade MDG products

Valero’s ethanol segment operates 14 plants across North America, making it one of the largest MDG producers globally. The company has established strong supply chains to key Asian livestock markets.

Global Distribution:

  • 3.4 million metric tons annual distillers grains output
  • Long-term contracts with Asian feed manufacturers
  • Quality assurance protocols for international shipments

5️⃣ 5. Pacific Ethanol

Headquarters: Sacramento, California, USA
Key Offering: Specialty MDG formulations

Pacific Ethanol’s West Coast operations focus on producing tailored MDG products for regional dairy and livestock producers. Their product development emphasizes consistency and nutritional optimization.

Regional Specialization:

  • Nutritionally-enhanced West Coast formulations
  • Partnerships with university research programs
  • Pelletized options for improved handling

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Modified Distillers Grains (MDG) Market – View in Detailed Research Report


4️⃣ 4. POET Nutrition

Headquarters: Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA
Key Offering: Comprehensive feed solutions portfolio

As the feed division of ethanol giant POET, this company operates an extensive network of biorefineries across the Midwest, supplying consistent, high-quality MDG products to domestic and international markets.

Production Scale:

  • 33 production facilities across 8 states
  • 4.1 million tons annual MDG capacity
  • Advanced laboratory testing capabilities

3️⃣ 3. Cargill

Headquarters: Wayzata, Minnesota, USA
Key Offering: Integrated animal nutrition systems

Cargill combines MDG with its global animal nutrition expertise to deliver comprehensive feed solutions. Their supply chain integrates MDG into complete feed formulations for optimal livestock performance.

Value-Added Services:

  • Nutritional consulting and formulation
  • Feed manufacturing services
  • Quality assurance programs

2️⃣ 2. Bunge Limited

Headquarters: St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Key Offering: Specialty MDG products

Bunge leverages its grain processing and feed expertise to produce specialized MDG formulations. Their product line targets specific nutritional requirements across livestock sectors and geographies.

Market Differentiation:

  • Amino acid-fortified formulations
  • Mycotoxin management solutions
  • Global distribution network

1️⃣ 1. Archer Daniels Midland (ADM)

Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Key Offering: Complete feed ingredient solutions

ADM leads the MDG market through its extensive production footprint, research capabilities and global distribution network. The company processes corn into ethanol and MDG across North America, South America and Europe.

Industry Leadership:

  • 5.2 million metric tons annual MDG production
  • Pioneering nutritional research initiatives
  • Global supply chain infrastructure

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Modified Distillers Grains (MDG) Market – View in Detailed Research Report


🌍 Outlook: Evolving Landscape of MDG in Animal Nutrition

The MDG market continues to transform, driven by technological advancements in ethanol production and growing recognition of its value in livestock diets. As the industry navigates sustainability challenges, these protein-rich co-products will play an increasingly important role in global feed formulation strategies.

📈 Key Trends Driving Market Evolution:

  • Expanding inclusion rates in ruminant and monogastric diets
  • Advancements in processing technologies to enhance digestibility
  • Growing export opportunities in developing livestock markets
  • Increasing focus on consistent quality standards

Get Full Report Here:
Modified Distillers Grains (MDG) Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies profiled represent the vanguard of feed ingredient innovation, converting ethanol production byproducts into sustainable nutritional solutions that enhance global livestock productivity.