Lake Area Corn Processors (LKCRU) 10-Q 14 Aug 18 2018 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Aug. 14, 2018
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS LLC
Entity Central Index Key	1,156,174
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		29,620,000

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 74,938	$ 5,102,959
Accounts receivable	1,905,406	3,186,530
Other receivables	13,142	38,704
Inventory	7,657,107	5,526,094
Derivative financial instruments	1,011,100	862,840
Prepaid expenses	143,129	219,741
Total current assets	10,804,822	14,936,868
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Land	874,473	874,473
Land improvements	8,558,720	8,558,720
Buildings	8,997,854	8,955,206
Equipment	57,832,600	53,060,482
Construction in progress	12,512,784	8,475,840
Gross Property and Equipment	88,776,431	79,924,721
Less accumulated depreciation	(41,465,528)	(39,955,791)
Net property and equipment	47,310,903	39,968,930
OTHER ASSETS
Goodwill	10,395,766	10,395,766
Investments	17,368,394	18,739,259
Other	125,624	31,417
Total other assets	27,889,784	29,166,442
TOTAL ASSETS	86,005,509	84,072,240
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Outstanding checks in excess of bank balance	948,918	674,936
Accounts payable	5,991,751	6,123,995
Accrued liabilities	560,804	582,487
Derivative financial instruments	960,722	410,785
Current maturities of notes payable	1,000,000	1,000,000
Other	13,556	13,556
Total current liabilities	9,475,751	8,805,759
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Notes payable	7,857,546	6,971,944
Other	8,000	12,000
Total long-term liabilities	7,865,546	6,983,944
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
MEMBERS' EQUITY (29,620,000 units issued and outstanding)	68,664,212	68,282,537
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY	$ 86,005,509	$ 84,072,240

Consolidated Balance Sheets Par

Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical - shares	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Members' equity outstanding	29,620,000	29,620,000
Members' equity issued	29,620,000	29,620,000

Consolidated Statements of Oper

Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
REVENUES	$ 20,077,335	$ 21,612,598	$ 39,881,607	$ 44,326,225
COSTS OF REVENUES	18,011,878	19,597,243	35,204,029	40,090,415
GROSS PROFIT	2,065,457	2,015,355	4,677,578	4,235,810
OPERATING EXPENSES	992,448	863,605	1,975,691	1,870,177
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	1,073,009	1,151,750	2,701,887	2,365,633
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
Interest and other income	12,950	25,826	51,305	39,631
Equity in net income of investments	381,019	137,712	590,483	521,437
Interest expense	0	(989)	0	(1,978)
Total other income	393,969	162,549	641,788	559,090
NET INCOME	$ 1,466,978	$ 1,314,299	$ 3,343,675	$ 2,924,723
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER UNIT	$ 0.05	$ 0.04	$ 0.11	$ 0.10
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF UNITS OUTSTANDING FOR THE CALCULATION OF BASIC & DILUTED EARNINGS PER UNIT	29,620,000	29,620,000	29,620,000	29,620,000
DISTRIBUTIONS DECLARED PER UNIT	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0.10	$ 0.10

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 3,343,675	$ 2,924,723
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	1,523,363	1,497,250
Distributions in excess of earnings from investments	1,571,532	2,203,563
(Increase) decrease in
Receivables	1,306,685	1,085,707
Inventory	(2,131,013)	(1,416,482)
Prepaid expenses	76,614	103,309
Derivative financial instruments	401,677	(642,735)
Accounts payable	(2,685,255)	(2,889,985)
Accrued and other liabilities	(25,683)	(209,167)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES	3,381,595	2,656,183
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of property and equipment	(6,298,699)	(433,899)
Purchase of investments	(200,667)	0
NET CASH (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES	(6,499,366)	(433,899)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Increase in outstanding checks in excess of bank balance	273,982	355,570
Notes Payable Issued	3,873,268	0
Principal payments on notes payable	(3,000,000)	0
Financing costs paid	95,500	0
Distributions paid to members	(2,962,000)	(2,962,000)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES	(1,910,250)	(2,606,430)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(5,028,021)	(384,146)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	5,102,959	9,993,335
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	74,938	9,609,189
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid during the period for interest, net of capitalized interest of $98,131 and $0 in 2018 and 2017, respectively	0	1,987
Capital expenditures in accounts payable	$ 2,664,400	$ 65,123

Consolidated Statements of Cas6

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) Cash Flow Parenthetical - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Interest Paid, Capitalized, Investing Activities	$ 248,000	$ 0

Nature of Operations

Nature of Operations	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Nature of Operations [Abstract]
Nature of Operations	NATURE OF OPERATIONS Principal Business Activity Lake Area Corn Processors, LLC and subsidiary (the "Company") is a South Dakota limited liability company. The Company owns and manages Dakota Ethanol, LLC ("Dakota Ethanol"), a 40 million -gallon (annual nameplate capacity) ethanol plant, located near Wentworth, South Dakota. Dakota Ethanol sells ethanol and related products to customers located in North America. In addition, the Company has investment interests in five companies in ethanol-related industries. See note 4 for further details.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The unaudited financial statements contained herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information not misleading. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the accompanying financial statements. All adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 , contained in the annual report on Form 10-K for 2017. Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of its wholly owned subsidiary, Dakota Ethanol. All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Revenue Recognition Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the new guidance of ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), using the modified retrospective approach. Topic 606 requires the Company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new guidance requires the Company to apply the following steps: (1) identify the contract with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when, or as, the Company satisfies a performance obligation. The Company generally recognizes revenue at a point in time. The majority of the Company’s contracts with customers have one performance obligation and a contract duration of one year or less. The adoption of this new guidance did not result in any changes to the timing or amount of revenue recognized prior to January 1, 2018, but did result in expanded disclosures in our consolidated financial statements. The following is a description of principal activities from which we generate revenue. Revenues from contracts with customers are recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration that we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. • sales of ethanol • sales of distillers grains • sales of distillers corn oil Disaggregation of revenue: All revenue recognized in the income statement is considered to be revenue from contracts with customers. The following table depicts the disaggregation of revenue according to product line: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Revenues ethanol $ 15,819,799 $ 17,294,654 $ 31,371,366 $ 35,325,983 Revenues distillers grains 3,731,086 3,551,264 7,425,421 7,445,268 Revenues distillers corn oil 526,450 766,680 1,084,820 1,554,974 $ 20,077,335 $ 21,612,598 $ 39,881,607 $ 44,326,225 Contract assets and contract liabilities: The Company has no significant contract assets or contract liabilities from contracts with customers. The Company receives payments from customers based upon contractual billing schedules; accounts receivable are recorded when the right to consideration becomes unconditional. Contract liabilities include payments received in advance of performance under the contract, and are realized with the associated revenue recognized under the contract. Shipping costs Shipping costs incurred by the Company in the sale of ethanol, dried distillers grains and corn oil are not specifically identifiable and as a result, revenue from the sale of those products is recorded based on the net selling price reported to the Company from the marketer. When the Company performs shipping and handling activities after the transfer of control to the customers (e.g., when control transfers prior to delivery), they are considered as fulfillment activities, and accordingly, the costs are accrued for when the related revenue is recognized. Operating Segment The Company uses the "management approach" for reporting information about segments in annual and interim financial statements. The management approach is based on the way the chief operating decision-maker organizes segments within a company for making operating decisions and assessing performance. Reportable segments are based on products and services, geography, legal structure, management structure and any other manner in which management disaggregates a company. Based on the "management approach" model, the Company has determined that its business is comprised of a single operating segment. Cost of Revenues The primary components of cost of revenues from the production of ethanol and related co-product are corn expense, energy expense (natural gas and electricity), raw materials expense (chemicals and denaturant), and direct labor costs. Shipping costs on modified and wet distillers grains are included in cost of revenues. Inventory Valuation Inventories are generally valued using methods which approximate the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or net realizable value. In the valuation of inventories and purchase commitments, net realizable value is based on estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation. Receivables and Credit Policies Accounts receivable are uncollateralized customer obligations due under normal trade terms requiring payment within fifteen days from the invoice date. Unpaid accounts receivable with invoice dates over thirty days old bear interest at 1.5% per month. Accounts receivable are stated at the amount billed to the customer. Payments of accounts receivable are allocated to the specific invoices identified on the customer’s remittance advice or, if unspecified, are applied to the earliest unpaid invoices. The carrying amount of trade receivables is reduced by a valuation allowance that reflects management’s best estimate of the amounts that will not be collected. Management regularly reviews trade receivable balances and based on an assessment of current creditworthiness, estimates the portion, if any, of the balance that will not be collected. The valuation allowance was $2,131 as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 respectively. Investment in commodities contracts, derivative instruments and hedging activities The Company is exposed to certain risks related to our ongoing business operations. The primary risks that the Company manages by using forward or derivative instruments are price risks on anticipated purchases of corn and natural gas and the sale of ethanol, distillers grains and distillers corn oil. The Company is subject to market risk with respect to the price and availability of corn, the principal raw material the Company uses to produce ethanol and ethanol by-products. In general, rising corn prices result in lower profit margins and, therefore, represent unfavorable market conditions. This is especially true when market conditions do not allow us to pass along increased corn costs to our customers. The availability and price of corn is subject to wide fluctuations due to unpredictable factors such as weather conditions, farmer planting decisions, governmental policies with respect to agriculture and international trade and global demand and supply. Certain contracts that literally meet the definition of a derivative may be exempted from derivative accounting as normal purchases or normal sales. Normal purchases and normal sales are contracts that provide for the purchase or sale of something other than a financial instrument or derivative instrument that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period in the normal course of business. Contracts that meet the requirements of normal purchases or sales are documented as normal and exempted from the accounting and reporting requirements of derivative accounting. The Company does not apply the normal purchase and sales exemption for forward corn purchase contracts. As of June 30, 2018 , the Company is committed to purchasing approximately 4.5 million bushels of corn on a forward contract basis with an average price of $3.41 per bushel. The total corn purchase contracts represent 24% of the annual projected plant corn usage. The Company enters into firm-price purchase commitments with natural gas suppliers under which the Company agrees to buy natural gas at a price set in advance of the actual delivery. Under these arrangements, the Company assumes the risk of a price decrease in the market price of natural gas between the time the price is fixed and the time the natural gas is delivered. At June 30, 2018 , the Company is committed to purchasing approximately 390,000 MMBtu’s of natural gas on a forward contract basis with an average price of $2.48 per MMBtu. The Company accounts for these transactions as normal purchases, and accordingly, does not mark these transactions to market. The natural gas purchase contracts represent 33% of the annual plant requirements. The Company enters into firm-price sales commitments with distillers grains customers under which the Company agrees to sell distillers grains at a price set in advance of the actual delivery. Under these arrangements, the Company assumes the risk of a price increase in the market price of distillers grain between the time the price is fixed and the time the distillers grains are delivered. At June 30, 2018 , the Company is committed to selling approximately 16,000 dry equivalent tons of distillers grains with an average price of $118 per ton. The Company accounts for these transactions as normal sales, and accordingly, does not mark these transactions to market. The distillers grains sales represent approximately 11% of the projected annual plant production. The Company enters into firm-price sales commitments with distillers corn oil customers under which the Company agrees to sell distillers corn oil at a price set in advance of the actual delivery. Under these arrangements, the Company assumes the risk of a price increase in the market price of distillers corn oil between the time the price is fixed and the time the distillers corn oil is delivered. At June 30, 2018 , the Company is committed to selling approximately 2.8 million pounds of distillers corn oil with an average price of $0.24 per pound. The Company accounts for these transactions as normal sales, and accordingly, does not mark these transactions to market. The distillers corn oil sales represent approximately 25% of the projected annual plant production. The Company does not have any firm-priced sales commitments for ethanol as of June 30, 2018 . The Company enters into short-term forward, option and futures contracts for ethanol, corn and natural gas as a means of managing exposure to changes in commodity and energy prices. All of the Company's derivatives are designated as non-hedge derivatives, and accordingly are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Although the contracts are considered economic hedges of specified risks, they are not designated as and accounted for as hedging instruments. As part of our trading activity, the Company uses futures and option contracts offered through regulated commodity exchanges to reduce risk of loss in the market value of inventories and purchase commitments. To reduce that risk, the Company generally takes positions using forward and futures contracts and options. Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were as follows: Balance Sheet Classification June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017* Forward contracts in gain position $ 9,206 $ 3,856 Futures contracts in gain position 1,163,988 119,825 Futures contracts in loss position — (1,363 ) Total forward and futures contracts 1,173,194 122,318 Cash held by (due to) broker (162,094 ) 740,522 Current Assets $ 1,011,100 $ 862,840 Forward contracts in loss position (Current Liabilities) $ (960,722 ) $ (410,785 ) *Derived from audited financial statements Futures contracts and cash held by broker are all with one party and the right of offset exists. Therefore, on the balance sheet, these items are netted in one balance regardless of position. Forward contracts are with multiple parties and the right of offset does not exist. Therefore, these contracts are reported at the gross amounts on the balance sheet. Realized and unrealized gains and losses related to futures and options contracts related to corn and natural gas purchases are included as a component of cost of revenues and futures and options contracts related to ethanol sales are included as a component of revenues in the accompanying financial statements. Realized and unrealized gains and losses related to forward contracts for corn are included as a component of cost of revenues. Statement of Income Three Months Ended June 30, Classification 2018 2017 Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) related to purchase contracts: Futures contracts Cost of Revenues $ 1,776,896 $ 72,650 Forward contracts Cost of Revenues (1,372,315 ) (173,900 ) Statement of Operations Six Months Ended June 30, Classification 2018 2017 Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) related to purchase contracts: Futures contracts Cost of Revenues $ 993,051 $ 95,937 Forward contracts Cost of Revenues (654,344 ) (225,926 ) Investments The Company has investment interests in five companies in related industries. All of these interests are at ownership shares less than 20%. These investments are all flow-through entities. Per ASC 323-30-S99-1, they are being accounted for by the equity method of accounting under which the Company’s share of net income is recognized as income in the Company’s statements of income and added to the investment account. Distributions or dividends received from the investments are treated as a reduction of the investment account. The Company consistently follows the practice of recognizing the net income from investments based on the most recent reliable data. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include the fair value of derivative financial instruments, lower of cost or net realizable value accounting for inventory and forward purchase contracts and goodwill impairment evaluation. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)" (ASU 2016-02). ASU 2016-02 requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for all leases greater than one year in duration and classified as operating leases under previous GAAP. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and for interim periods within that fiscal year. The Company does not expect this standard to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)" (ASU 2017-04). ASU 2107-04 simplifies the test for goodwill impairment. It eliminates the two-step process of assessing goodwill impairment and replaces it with one step which compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value up to the amount of the goodwill attributed to the reporting unit. ASU 2017-04 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and for interim periods within that fiscal year. The Company does not expect this standard to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Inventory

Inventory	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Inventory [Abstract]
Inventory	INVENTORY Inventory consisted of the following as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017* Raw materials $ 4,453,773 $ 2,466,493 Finished goods 1,308,700 1,193,552 Work in process 482,138 516,362 Parts inventory 1,412,496 1,349,687 $ 7,657,107 $ 5,526,094 *Derived from audited financial statements.

Investments

Investments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	INVESTMENTS Dakota Ethanol has a 6% investment interest in the Company’s ethanol marketer, Renewable Products Marketing Group, LLC (RPMG). The net income which is reported in the Company’s income statement for RPMG is based on RPMG’s March 31, 2018 unaudited interim results. The carrying amount of the Company’s investment was approximately $1,233,000 and $1,206,000 as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Dakota Ethanol has a 10% investment interest in Lawrenceville Tanks, LLC (LT), a partnership to operate an ethanol storage terminal in Georgia. The net income which is reported in the Company’s income statement for LT is based on LT’s June 30, 2018 unaudited interim results. The carrying amount of the Company’s investment was approximately $326,000 and $327,000 as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Lake Area Corn Processors has a 10% investment interest in Guardian Hankinson, LLC (GH), a partnership to operate an ethanol plant in North Dakota. The net income which is reported in the Company’s income statement for GH is based on GH’s June 30, 2018 unaudited interim results. The carrying amount of the Company’s investment was approximately $5,561,000 and $7,151,000 as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Lake Area Corn Processors has a 17% investment interest in Guardian Energy Management, LLC (GEM), a partnership to provide management services to ethanol plants. The net income which is reported in the Company’s income statement for GEM is based on GEM’s June 30, 2018 unaudited interim results. The carrying amount of the Company’s investment was approximately $33,000 as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . Lake Area Corn Processors has an 11% investment interest in Ring-neck Energy and Feeds, LLC (REF), a partnership to operate an ethanol plant in South Dakota. The net income which is reported in the Company’s income statement for REF is based on REF’s June 30, 2018 unaudited interim results. The carrying amount of the Company’s investment was approximately $10,217,000 and $10,023,000 as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. 2017 was the initial year for the investment in REF and the ethanol plant is currently under construction. The carrying amount of the investment exceeds the underlying equity in net assets by approximately $820,000 . The excess is comprised of a basis adjustment of approximately $474,000 and capitalized interest of $346,000 . The excess will be amortized over 20 years when the plant becomes operational. The amortization will be recorded in equity in net income of investments. Condensed, combined unaudited financial information of the Company’s investments in RPMG, LT, GH, GEM and REF is as follows: Balance Sheet June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Current Assets $ 219,480,846 $ 212,154,680 Other Assets 187,423,202 164,254,183 Current Liabilities 180,530,107 131,152,747 Long-term Liabilities 54,265,848 54,754,437 Members' Equity 172,108,093 190,501,679 Three Months Ended Income Statement June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 Revenue $ 64,632,725 $ 61,701,731 Gross Profit 6,440,517 4,769,239 Net Income 3,830,403 1,659,330 Six Months Ended Income Statement June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 Revenue $ 130,531,566 $ 125,127,195 Gross Profit 12,769,094 11,007,630 Net Income 6,563,811 5,499,147 The following table shows the condensed financial information of Guardian Hankinson: Balance Sheet June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Current Assets $ 20,846,888 $ 22,771,808 Other Assets 111,063,875 117,344,930 Current Liabilities 25,639,879 17,619,748 Long-term Liabilities 51,042,972 51,352,566 Members' Equity 55,227,912 71,144,424 Three Months Ended Income Statement June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 Revenue $ 60,993,899 $ 57,972,481 Gross Profit 4,437,756 2,571,475 Net Income 2,792,315 947,849 Six Months Ended Income Statement June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 Revenue $ 123,767,642 $ 118,350,229 Gross Profit 8,961,093 6,898,042 Net Income 6,083,486 4,139,524 The following table shows the condensed financial information of Ring-neck Energy & Feed: Balance Sheet June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Current Assets $ 19,295,158 $ 50,000,088 Other Assets 73,071,082 42,640,650 Current Liabilities 5,418,488 4,716,781 Long-term Liabilities 3,222,876 3,230,871 Members' Equity 83,724,876 84,693,086 Three Months Ended Income Statement June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 Revenue $ — $ — Gross Profit — — Net Income 666,130 — Six Months Ended Income Statement June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 Revenue $ — $ — Gross Profit — — Net Income (77,891 ) — The Company recorded equity in net income of approximately $279,000 and $572,000 from GH for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 , respectively. The Company recorded equity in net income of approximately $95,000 and $414,000 from GH for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 , respectively. The Company recorded equity in net income (loss) of approximately $78,000 and $(7,000) from REF for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 , respectively. The Company recorded equity in net income of approximately $24,000 and $26,000 from its other investments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 , respectively. The Company recorded equity in net income of approximately $43,000 and $107,000 from its other investments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 , respectively.

Revolving Operating Note

Revolving Operating Note	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Short Term Note Payable [Abstract]
Revolving Operating Note	REVOLVING OPERATING NOTE On February 6, 2018, Dakota Ethanol executed a revolving promissory note from Farm Credit Services of America (FCSA) in the amount up to $10,000,000 or the amount available in accordance with the borrowing base calculation, whichever is less. Interest on the outstanding principal balance will accrue at 300 basis points above the 1 month LIBOR rate and is not subject to a floor. The rate was 5.0% at June 30, 2018 . There is a non-use fee of 0.25% on the unused portion of the $10,000,000 availability. The note is collateralized by substantially all assets of the Company. The note expires on November 1, 2019. On June 30, 2018 , Dakota Ethanol had $574,000 outstanding and $3,984,000 available to be drawn on the revolving promissory note under the borrowing base.

Long Term Notes Payable

Long Term Notes Payable	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Long Term Note Payable [Abstract]
Long Term Notes Payable	LONG-TERM NOTES PAYABLE On August 1, 2017, Dakota Ethanol executed a term note from FCSA in the amount of $8,000,000 . Dakota Ethanol agreed to make monthly interest payments starting September 1, 2017 and annual principal payments of $1,000,000 starting on August 1, 2018. The notes matures on August 1, 2025. Interest on the outstanding principal balance will accrue at 325 basis points above the 1 month LIBOR rate and is not subject to a floor. The rate was 5.15% at June 30, 2018 . On June 30, 2018 , Dakota Ethanol had $8,000,000 outstanding on the note. On February 6, 2018, Dakota Ethanol executed a reducing revolving promissory note from FCSA in the amount up to $40,000,000 or the amount available in accordance with the borrowing availability under the credit agreement. The amount Dakota Ethanol can borrow on the note decreases by $1,750,000 semi-annually starting on January 1, 2020 until the maximum balance reaches $26,000,000 on July 1, 2023. The note matures on January 1, 2026. Interest on the outstanding principal balance will accrue at 325 basis points above the 1 month LIBOR rate and is not subject to a floor. The rate was 5.15% at June 30, 2018 . The note contains a non-use fee of 0.50% on the unused portion of the note. On June 30, 2018 , Dakota Ethanol had $300,000 outstanding and $29,700,000 available to be drawn on the note. As part of the note payable agreement, Dakota Ethanol is subject to certain restrictive covenants establishing financial reporting requirements, distribution and capital expenditure limits, minimum debt service coverage ratios, net worth and working capital requirements. The note is collateralized by substantially all assets of the Company. The balances of the notes payable are as follows: June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017* Note Payable - FCSA $ 8,874,268 $ 8,001,000 Less unamortized debt issuance costs (16,722 ) (29,056 ) 8,857,546 7,971,944 Less current portion (1,000,000 ) (1,000,000 ) $ 7,857,546 $ 6,971,944 *Derived from audited financial statements Principal maturities for the next five years are estimated as follows: Years Ending June 30, Principal 2019 $ 1,000,000 2020 1,574,268 2021 1,000,000 2022 1,000,000 2023 1,000,000 thereafter 3,300,000

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS The Company complies with the fair value measurements and disclosures standard which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosure for those assets and liabilities carried on the balance sheet on a fair value basis. The Company’s balance sheet contains derivative financial instruments that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurements and disclosures require that assets and liabilities carried at fair value be classified and disclosed according to the process for determining fair value. There are three levels of determining fair value. Level 1 uses quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 uses observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. Level 3 uses unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data. A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below. Derivative financial instruments . Commodity futures and options contracts are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs. For these contracts, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes and live trading levels from the CBOT and NYMEX markets. Over-the-counter commodity options contracts are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these contracts, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes and live trading levels from the over-the-counter markets. Forward purchase contracts are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these contracts, the Company obtains fair value measurements from local grain terminal bid values. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include live trading bids from local elevators and processing plants which are based off the CBOT markets. The following table summarizes financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value: Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 June 30, 2018 Assets: Derivative financial instruments, futures contracts $ 1,163,988 $ 1,163,988 $ — $ — forward contracts $ 9,206 $ — $ 9,206 — Liabilities: Derivative financial instruments, futures contracts $ — $ — $ — $ — forward contracts $ (960,722 ) $ — $ (960,722 ) $ — December 31, 2017* Assets: Derivative financial instruments, futures contracts $ 119,825 $ 119,825 $ — $ — forward contracts $ 3,856 $ — $ 3,856 — Liabilities: Derivative financial instruments, futures contracts $ (1,363 ) $ (1,363 ) $ — $ — forward contracts $ (410,785 ) $ — $ (410,785 ) $ — *Derived from audited financial statements. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 , the Company did not make any changes between Level 1 and Level 2 assets and liabilities. As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the Company did not have any Level 3 assets or liabilities. Certain financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). Financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis were not significant at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . Disclosure requirements for fair value of financial instruments require disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including those financial assets and financial liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or nonrecurring basis. The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring or non recurring basis are discussed above. The Company believes the carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents (level 1), accounts receivable (level 2), other receivables (level 2), accounts payable and accruals (level 2) and short-term debt (level 3) approximates fair value. The carrying amount of long-term obligations (level 3) at June 30, 2018 of $8,874,268 had an estimated fair value of approximately $8,874,268 based on estimated interest rates for comparable debt. The carrying amount of long-term obligations at December 31, 2017 of $8,001,000 had an estimated fair value of approximately $8,001,000 .

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Dakota Ethanol has a 6% interest in RPMG, and Dakota Ethanol has entered into marketing agreements for the exclusive rights to market, sell and distribute the entire ethanol, dried distillers grains and corn oil inventories produced by Dakota Ethanol. The marketing fees are included in net revenues. Revenues and marketing fees related to the agreements are as follows: Three Months Ended June 30 Six Months Ended June 30 2018 2017 2018 2017 Revenues ethanol $ 15,846,685 $ 17,355,914 $ 31,462,839 $ 35,448,504 Revenues distillers dried grains 526,450 1,238,830 615,072 2,775,884 Revenues corn oil 531,046 772,499 1,094,420 1,567,015 Marketing fees ethanol 65,865 61,260 131,730 122,520 Marketing fees distillers dried grains 3,164 9,869 3,738 22,344 Marketing fees corn oil 4,544 5,819 9,524 12,040 June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017* Amounts due included in accounts receivable $ 1,551,445 $ 2,749,502 *Derived from audited financial statements. The Company purchased corn and services from members of its Board of Managers that farm and operate local businesses. The Company also purchased ingredients from RPMG. Purchases during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 totaled approximately $439,000 and $861,000 , respectively. Purchases during the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 totaled approximately $376,000 and $686,000 , respectively. As of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the amount we owed to related parties was approximately $26,000 and $45,000 , respectively.

Commitments

Commitments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2017
Commitments [Abstract]
Commitments Disclosure [Text Block]	COMMITMENTS Dakota Ethanol entered into a design-build agreement with Nelson Engineering Co. for the design and construction of the plant expansion to increase its production capacity to approximately 90 million gallons of ethanol per year. The cost of the expansion is expected to be approximately $33 million . There is approximately $21.0 million remaining as of June 30, 2018 . The expansion is currently under construction. The Company anticipates that the expansion will be complete during the Company's second quarter of 2019. The Company will pay for the project with cash flows from operations and the long-term revolving debt as amended on February 6, 2018.

Summary of Significant Accoun16

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of its wholly owned subsidiary, Dakota Ethanol. All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the new guidance of ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), using the modified retrospective approach. Topic 606 requires the Company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new guidance requires the Company to apply the following steps: (1) identify the contract with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when, or as, the Company satisfies a performance obligation. The Company generally recognizes revenue at a point in time. The majority of the Company’s contracts with customers have one performance obligation and a contract duration of one year or less. The adoption of this new guidance did not result in any changes to the timing or amount of revenue recognized prior to January 1, 2018, but did result in expanded disclosures in our consolidated financial statements. The following is a description of principal activities from which we generate revenue. Revenues from contracts with customers are recognized when control of the promised goods or services are transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration that we expect to receive in exchange for those goods or services. • sales of ethanol • sales of distillers grains • sales of distillers corn oil Disaggregation of revenue: All revenue recognized in the income statement is considered to be revenue from contracts with customers. The following table depicts the disaggregation of revenue according to product line: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Revenues ethanol $ 15,819,799 $ 17,294,654 $ 31,371,366 $ 35,325,983 Revenues distillers grains 3,731,086 3,551,264 7,425,421 7,445,268 Revenues distillers corn oil 526,450 766,680 1,084,820 1,554,974 $ 20,077,335 $ 21,612,598 $ 39,881,607 $ 44,326,225 Contract assets and contract liabilities: The Company has no significant contract assets or contract liabilities from contracts with customers. The Company receives payments from customers based upon contractual billing schedules; accounts receivable are recorded when the right to consideration becomes unconditional. Contract liabilities include payments received in advance of performance under the contract, and are realized with the associated revenue recognized under the contract.
Shipping Costs	Shipping costs Shipping costs incurred by the Company in the sale of ethanol, dried distillers grains and corn oil are not specifically identifiable and as a result, revenue from the sale of those products is recorded based on the net selling price reported to the Company from the marketer. When the Company performs shipping and handling activities after the transfer of control to the customers (e.g., when control transfers prior to delivery), they are considered as fulfillment activities, and accordingly, the costs are accrued for when the related revenue is recognized.
Operating Segment	Operating Segment The Company uses the "management approach" for reporting information about segments in annual and interim financial statements. The management approach is based on the way the chief operating decision-maker organizes segments within a company for making operating decisions and assessing performance. Reportable segments are based on products and services, geography, legal structure, management structure and any other manner in which management disaggregates a company. Based on the "management approach" model, the Company has determined that its business is comprised of a single operating segment.
Cost of Revenues	Cost of Revenues The primary components of cost of revenues from the production of ethanol and related co-product are corn expense, energy expense (natural gas and electricity), raw materials expense (chemicals and denaturant), and direct labor costs. Shipping costs on modified and wet distillers grains are included in cost of revenues.
Inventory Valuation	Inventory Valuation Inventories are generally valued using methods which approximate the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or net realizable value. In the valuation of inventories and purchase commitments, net realizable value is based on estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation.
Receivables and credit policies	Receivables and Credit Policies Accounts receivable are uncollateralized customer obligations due under normal trade terms requiring payment within fifteen days from the invoice date. Unpaid accounts receivable with invoice dates over thirty days old bear interest at 1.5% per month. Accounts receivable are stated at the amount billed to the customer. Payments of accounts receivable are allocated to the specific invoices identified on the customer’s remittance advice or, if unspecified, are applied to the earliest unpaid invoices. The carrying amount of trade receivables is reduced by a valuation allowance that reflects management’s best estimate of the amounts that will not be collected. Management regularly reviews trade receivable balances and based on an assessment of current creditworthiness, estimates the portion, if any, of the balance that will not be collected. The valuation allowance was $2,131 as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 respectively.
Investment in commodities contracts, derivative instruments and hedging activities	Investment in commodities contracts, derivative instruments and hedging activities The Company is exposed to certain risks related to our ongoing business operations. The primary risks that the Company manages by using forward or derivative instruments are price risks on anticipated purchases of corn and natural gas and the sale of ethanol, distillers grains and distillers corn oil. The Company is subject to market risk with respect to the price and availability of corn, the principal raw material the Company uses to produce ethanol and ethanol by-products. In general, rising corn prices result in lower profit margins and, therefore, represent unfavorable market conditions. This is especially true when market conditions do not allow us to pass along increased corn costs to our customers. The availability and price of corn is subject to wide fluctuations due to unpredictable factors such as weather conditions, farmer planting decisions, governmental policies with respect to agriculture and international trade and global demand and supply. Certain contracts that literally meet the definition of a derivative may be exempted from derivative accounting as normal purchases or normal sales. Normal purchases and normal sales are contracts that provide for the purchase or sale of something other than a financial instrument or derivative instrument that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period in the normal course of business. Contracts that meet the requirements of normal purchases or sales are documented as normal and exempted from the accounting and reporting requirements of derivative accounting. The Company does not apply the normal purchase and sales exemption for forward corn purchase contracts. As of June 30, 2018 , the Company is committed to purchasing approximately 4.5 million bushels of corn on a forward contract basis with an average price of $3.41 per bushel. The total corn purchase contracts represent 24% of the annual projected plant corn usage. The Company enters into firm-price purchase commitments with natural gas suppliers under which the Company agrees to buy natural gas at a price set in advance of the actual delivery. Under these arrangements, the Company assumes the risk of a price decrease in the market price of natural gas between the time the price is fixed and the time the natural gas is delivered. At June 30, 2018 , the Company is committed to purchasing approximately 390,000 MMBtu’s of natural gas on a forward contract basis with an average price of $2.48 per MMBtu. The Company accounts for these transactions as normal purchases, and accordingly, does not mark these transactions to market. The natural gas purchase contracts represent 33% of the annual plant requirements. The Company enters into firm-price sales commitments with distillers grains customers under which the Company agrees to sell distillers grains at a price set in advance of the actual delivery. Under these arrangements, the Company assumes the risk of a price increase in the market price of distillers grain between the time the price is fixed and the time the distillers grains are delivered. At June 30, 2018 , the Company is committed to selling approximately 16,000 dry equivalent tons of distillers grains with an average price of $118 per ton. The Company accounts for these transactions as normal sales, and accordingly, does not mark these transactions to market. The distillers grains sales represent approximately 11% of the projected annual plant production. The Company enters into firm-price sales commitments with distillers corn oil customers under which the Company agrees to sell distillers corn oil at a price set in advance of the actual delivery. Under these arrangements, the Company assumes the risk of a price increase in the market price of distillers corn oil between the time the price is fixed and the time the distillers corn oil is delivered. At June 30, 2018 , the Company is committed to selling approximately 2.8 million pounds of distillers corn oil with an average price of $0.24 per pound. The Company accounts for these transactions as normal sales, and accordingly, does not mark these transactions to market. The distillers corn oil sales represent approximately 25% of the projected annual plant production. The Company does not have any firm-priced sales commitments for ethanol as of June 30, 2018 . The Company enters into short-term forward, option and futures contracts for ethanol, corn and natural gas as a means of managing exposure to changes in commodity and energy prices. All of the Company's derivatives are designated as non-hedge derivatives, and accordingly are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Although the contracts are considered economic hedges of specified risks, they are not designated as and accounted for as hedging instruments. As part of our trading activity, the Company uses futures and option contracts offered through regulated commodity exchanges to reduce risk of loss in the market value of inventories and purchase commitments. To reduce that risk, the Company generally takes positions using forward and futures contracts and options. Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were as follows: Balance Sheet Classification June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017* Forward contracts in gain position $ 9,206 $ 3,856 Futures contracts in gain position 1,163,988 119,825 Futures contracts in loss position — (1,363 ) Total forward and futures contracts 1,173,194 122,318 Cash held by (due to) broker (162,094 ) 740,522 Current Assets $ 1,011,100 $ 862,840 Forward contracts in loss position (Current Liabilities) $ (960,722 ) $ (410,785 ) *Derived from audited financial statements Futures contracts and cash held by broker are all with one party and the right of offset exists. Therefore, on the balance sheet, these items are netted in one balance regardless of position. Forward contracts are with multiple parties and the right of offset does not exist. Therefore, these contracts are reported at the gross amounts on the balance sheet. Realized and unrealized gains and losses related to futures and options contracts related to corn and natural gas purchases are included as a component of cost of revenues and futures and options contracts related to ethanol sales are included as a component of revenues in the accompanying financial statements. Realized and unrealized gains and losses related to forward contracts for corn are included as a component of cost of revenues. Statement of Income Three Months Ended June 30, Classification 2018 2017 Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) related to purchase contracts: Futures contracts Cost of Revenues $ 1,776,896 $ 72,650 Forward contracts Cost of Revenues (1,372,315 ) (173,900 ) Statement of Operations Six Months Ended June 30, Classification 2018 2017 Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) related to purchase contracts: Futures contracts Cost of Revenues $ 993,051 $ 95,937 Forward contracts Cost of Revenues (654,344 ) (225,926 )
Investments	Investments The Company has investment interests in five companies in related industries. All of these interests are at ownership shares less than 20%. These investments are all flow-through entities. Per ASC 323-30-S99-1, they are being accounted for by the equity method of accounting under which the Company’s share of net income is recognized as income in the Company’s statements of income and added to the investment account. Distributions or dividends received from the investments are treated as a reduction of the investment account. The Company consistently follows the practice of recognizing the net income from investments based on the most recent reliable data.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include the fair value of derivative financial instruments, lower of cost or net realizable value accounting for inventory and forward purchase contracts and goodwill impairment evaluation
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)" (ASU 2016-02). ASU 2016-02 requires the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for all leases greater than one year in duration and classified as operating leases under previous GAAP. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and for interim periods within that fiscal year. The Company does not expect this standard to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In January 2017, FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350)" (ASU 2017-04). ASU 2107-04 simplifies the test for goodwill impairment. It eliminates the two-step process of assessing goodwill impairment and replaces it with one step which compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value up to the amount of the goodwill attributed to the reporting unit. ASU 2017-04 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and for interim periods within that fiscal year. The Company does not expect this standard to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Summary of Significant Accoun17

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	The following table depicts the disaggregation of revenue according to product line: Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Revenues ethanol $ 15,819,799 $ 17,294,654 $ 31,371,366 $ 35,325,983 Revenues distillers grains 3,731,086 3,551,264 7,425,421 7,445,268 Revenues distillers corn oil 526,450 766,680 1,084,820 1,554,974 $ 20,077,335 $ 21,612,598 $ 39,881,607 $ 44,326,225
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments at June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 were as follows: Balance Sheet Classification June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017* Forward contracts in gain position $ 9,206 $ 3,856 Futures contracts in gain position 1,163,988 119,825 Futures contracts in loss position — (1,363 ) Total forward and futures contracts 1,173,194 122,318 Cash held by (due to) broker (162,094 ) 740,522 Current Assets $ 1,011,100 $ 862,840 Forward contracts in loss position (Current Liabilities) $ (960,722 ) $ (410,785 ) *Derived from audited financial statements
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) related to purchase contracts	Statement of Income Three Months Ended June 30, Classification 2018 2017 Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) related to purchase contracts: Futures contracts Cost of Revenues $ 1,776,896 $ 72,650 Forward contracts Cost of Revenues (1,372,315 ) (173,900 ) Statement of Operations Six Months Ended June 30, Classification 2018 2017 Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) related to purchase contracts: Futures contracts Cost of Revenues $ 993,051 $ 95,937 Forward contracts Cost of Revenues (654,344 ) (225,926 )

Inventory (Tables)

Inventory (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Inventory [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory	Inventory consisted of the following as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 : June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017* Raw materials $ 4,453,773 $ 2,466,493 Finished goods 1,308,700 1,193,552 Work in process 482,138 516,362 Parts inventory 1,412,496 1,349,687 $ 7,657,107 $ 5,526,094 *Derived from audited financial statements.

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	Balance Sheet June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Current Assets $ 219,480,846 $ 212,154,680 Other Assets 187,423,202 164,254,183 Current Liabilities 180,530,107 131,152,747 Long-term Liabilities 54,265,848 54,754,437 Members' Equity 172,108,093 190,501,679 Three Months Ended Income Statement June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 Revenue $ 64,632,725 $ 61,701,731 Gross Profit 6,440,517 4,769,239 Net Income 3,830,403 1,659,330 Six Months Ended Income Statement June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 Revenue $ 130,531,566 $ 125,127,195 Gross Profit 12,769,094 11,007,630 Net Income 6,563,811 5,499,147 The following table shows the condensed financial information of Guardian Hankinson: Balance Sheet June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Current Assets $ 20,846,888 $ 22,771,808 Other Assets 111,063,875 117,344,930 Current Liabilities 25,639,879 17,619,748 Long-term Liabilities 51,042,972 51,352,566 Members' Equity 55,227,912 71,144,424 Three Months Ended Income Statement June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 Revenue $ 60,993,899 $ 57,972,481 Gross Profit 4,437,756 2,571,475 Net Income 2,792,315 947,849 Six Months Ended Income Statement June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 Revenue $ 123,767,642 $ 118,350,229 Gross Profit 8,961,093 6,898,042 Net Income 6,083,486 4,139,524 The following table shows the condensed financial information of Ring-neck Energy & Feed: Balance Sheet June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017 Current Assets $ 19,295,158 $ 50,000,088 Other Assets 73,071,082 42,640,650 Current Liabilities 5,418,488 4,716,781 Long-term Liabilities 3,222,876 3,230,871 Members' Equity 83,724,876 84,693,086 Three Months Ended Income Statement June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 Revenue $ — $ — Gross Profit — — Net Income 666,130 — Six Months Ended Income Statement June 30, 2018 June 30, 2017 Revenue $ — $ — Gross Profit — — Net Income (77,891 ) —

Long Term Notes Payable (Tables

Long Term Notes Payable (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Long Term Note Payable [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017* Note Payable - FCSA $ 8,874,268 $ 8,001,000 Less unamortized debt issuance costs (16,722 ) (29,056 ) 8,857,546 7,971,944 Less current portion (1,000,000 ) (1,000,000 ) $ 7,857,546 $ 6,971,944 *Derived from audited financial statements
Schedule of Principal repayment and amortization of debt issuance cost	Years Ending June 30, Principal 2019 $ 1,000,000 2020 1,574,268 2021 1,000,000 2022 1,000,000 2023 1,000,000 thereafter 3,300,000

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	The following table summarizes financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value: Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 June 30, 2018 Assets: Derivative financial instruments, futures contracts $ 1,163,988 $ 1,163,988 $ — $ — forward contracts $ 9,206 $ — $ 9,206 — Liabilities: Derivative financial instruments, futures contracts $ — $ — $ — $ — forward contracts $ (960,722 ) $ — $ (960,722 ) $ — December 31, 2017* Assets: Derivative financial instruments, futures contracts $ 119,825 $ 119,825 $ — $ — forward contracts $ 3,856 $ — $ 3,856 — Liabilities: Derivative financial instruments, futures contracts $ (1,363 ) $ (1,363 ) $ — $ — forward contracts $ (410,785 ) $ — $ (410,785 ) $ —

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions	Three Months Ended June 30 Six Months Ended June 30 2018 2017 2018 2017 Revenues ethanol $ 15,846,685 $ 17,355,914 $ 31,462,839 $ 35,448,504 Revenues distillers dried grains 526,450 1,238,830 615,072 2,775,884 Revenues corn oil 531,046 772,499 1,094,420 1,567,015 Marketing fees ethanol 65,865 61,260 131,730 122,520 Marketing fees distillers dried grains 3,164 9,869 3,738 22,344 Marketing fees corn oil 4,544 5,819 9,524 12,040 June 30, 2018 December 31, 2017* Amounts due included in accounts receivable $ 1,551,445 $ 2,749,502

Nature of Operations (Details)

Nature of Operations (Details) gal in Millions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018gal
Product Information [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments, Number of Entities	5
Ethanol [Member] | Product [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Annual production capacity	40

Summary of Significant Accoun24

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Investments (Details)	Jun. 30, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments, Number of Entities	5

Summary of Significant Accoun25

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Derivative Instruments - Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Liabilities	$ 960,722	$ 410,785
Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Assets	1,011,100	862,840
Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Due to Correspondent Brokers	(162,094)
Cash held by broker		740,522
Current Assets [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Current	1,173,194	122,318
Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Assets	1,011,100	862,840
Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments and Hedges, Liabilities	960,722	410,785
Forward Contracts [Member] | Current Assets [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Current	9,206	3,856
Futures contracts in gain position [Member] | Future [Member] | Current Assets [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Assets, Current	1,163,988	119,825
Futures Contracts held in loss position [Member] | Future [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Liability, Current	$ 0	$ 1,363

Summary of Significant Accoun26

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Derivative Instruments - Income Statement (Details) T in Thousands, bu in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)buT$ / T$ / bu$ / usd_per_lb	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)buT$ / T$ / bu$ / usd_per_lb	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)
Corn [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | bu	4.5		4.5
Derivative, Average Forward Price | $ / bu	3.41		3.41
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Percent of Required Need, Coverage	24.00%		24.00%
Natural Gas [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	390,000		390,000
Derivative, Average Forward Price | $ / T	2.48		2.48
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Percent of Required Need, Coverage	33.00%		33.00%
Distillers Grain [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount | T	16		16
Derivative, Average Forward Price | $ / T	118		118
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Percent of Required Need, Coverage	11.00%		11.00%
Corn Oil [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount	2,800,000		2,800,000
Derivative, Average Forward Price | $ / usd_per_lb	0.24		0.24
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Percent of Required Need, Coverage	25.00%		25.00%
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net | $	$ (1,372,315)	$ (173,900)	$ (654,344)	$ (225,926)
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member] | Future [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net | $	$ 1,776,896	$ 72,650	$ 993,051	$ 95,937

Summary of Significant Accoun27

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Receivables and Credit Policies (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018
Receivables [Abstract]
Trade Receivable, Unpaid Balance, Interest Rate	1.50%
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Amount	$ 2,131	$ 2,131

Summary of Significant Accoun28

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Revenue from customers (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	$ 20,077,335	$ 21,612,598	$ 39,881,607	$ 44,326,225
Payment term			15 days
Payment term before interest is applied			30 days
Ethanol [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	15,819,799	17,294,654	$ 31,371,366	35,325,983
Distillers Grain [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	3,731,086	3,551,264	7,425,421	7,445,268
Corn Oil [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax	$ 526,450	$ 766,680	$ 1,084,820	$ 1,554,974

Inventory (Details)

Inventory (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Inventory [Abstract]
Raw Materials	$ 4,453,773	$ 2,466,493
Finished Goods	1,308,700	1,193,552
Work in Process	482,138	516,362
Parts Inventory	1,412,496	1,349,687
Inventory	$ 7,657,107	$ 5,526,094

Investments (Details)

Investments (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Investments	$ 17,368,394		$ 17,368,394		$ 18,739,259
Current Assets	219,480,846		219,480,846		212,154,680
Other Assets	187,423,202		187,423,202		164,254,183
Current Liabilities	180,530,107		180,530,107		131,152,747
Long-term Liabilities	54,265,848		54,265,848		54,754,437
Members' Equity	172,108,093		172,108,093		190,501,679
Revenue	64,632,725	$ 61,701,731	130,531,566	$ 125,127,195
Gross Profit	6,440,517	4,769,239	12,769,094	11,007,630
Net Income	3,830,403	1,659,330	6,563,811	5,499,147
Equity in net income of investments	$ 381,019	137,712	$ 590,483	521,437
Renewable Products Marketing Group, LLC (RPMG) [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	6.00%		6.00%
Investments	$ 1,233,000		$ 1,233,000		1,206,000
Lawrenceville Tanks, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	10.00%		10.00%
Investments	$ 326,000		$ 326,000		327,000
Guardian Hankinson, LLC [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	10.00%		10.00%
Investments	$ 5,561,000		$ 5,561,000		7,151,000
Current Assets	20,846,888		20,846,888		22,771,808
Other Assets	111,063,875		111,063,875		117,344,930
Current Liabilities	25,639,879		25,639,879		17,619,748
Long-term Liabilities	51,042,972		51,042,972		51,352,566
Members' Equity	55,227,912		55,227,912		71,144,424
Revenue	60,993,899	57,972,481	123,767,642	118,350,229
Gross Profit	4,437,756	2,571,475	8,961,093	6,898,042
Net Income	2,792,315	947,849	6,083,486	4,139,524
Equity in net income of investments	279,000	95,000	572,000	414,000
GEM, LT, PGVP, RPMG Combined [Domain]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity in net income of investments	$ 24,000	43,000	$ 26,000	107,000
Guardian Energy Management [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	17.00%		17.00%
Investments	$ 33,000		$ 33,000		33,000
Ring-Neck Energy and Feeds, LLC [Domain]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	11.00%		11.00%
Investments	$ 10,217,000		$ 10,217,000		10,023,000
Ring-neck Energy and Feeds [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Accretion (Amortization) of Discounts and Premiums, Investments					820,000
Basis adjustment					474,000
Capitalized interest					$ 346,000
Amortization period for amortization of investment premium					20 years
Current Assets	19,295,158		19,295,158		$ 50,000,088
Other Assets	73,071,082		73,071,082		42,640,650
Current Liabilities	5,418,488		5,418,488		4,716,781
Long-term Liabilities	3,222,876		3,222,876		3,230,871
Members' Equity	83,724,876		83,724,876		$ 84,693,086
Revenue	0	0	0	0
Gross Profit	0	0	0	0
Net Income	666,130	0	$ (77,891)	$ 0
Equity in net income of investments	$ 78,000	$ (7,000)

Revolving Operating Note (Detai

Revolving Operating Note (Details) - Farm Credit Services of America [Member] - Line of Credit [Member]	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate	3.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 10,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	5.00%
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage	0.25%
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 574,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	$ 3,984,000

Long Term Note Payable (Details

Long Term Note Payable (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months	$ 1,000,000	$ 1,000,000
Long-term Debt, Gross	8,874,268	8,874,268	$ 8,001,000
Long-term Debt	8,857,546	8,857,546	7,971,944
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	(16,722)	(16,722)	(29,056)
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	(1,000,000)	(1,000,000)	(1,000,000)
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities	7,857,546	7,857,546	$ 6,971,944
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two	1,574,268	1,574,268
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three	1,000,000	1,000,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four	1,000,000	1,000,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five	1,000,000	1,000,000
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five	3,300,000	3,300,000
Farm Credit Services of America [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	40,000,000	40,000,000
Periodic decrease in line of credit availability		1,750,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 26,000,000	$ 26,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End	5.15%	5.15%
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage		0.50%
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 300,000	$ 300,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	29,700,000	$ 29,700,000
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		3.25%
Farm Credit Services of America [Member] | Medium-term Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate		3.25%
Medium-term Notes	8,000,000	$ 8,000,000
Debt Instrument, Annual Principal Payment	$ 1,000,000	1,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period	5.15%
Medium-term Notes, Current	$ 8,000,000	$ 8,000,000

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 8,874,268	$ 8,001,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	8,874,268	8,001,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Future [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	1,163,988	119,825
Derivative Liability	0	1,363
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Future [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	1,163,988	119,825
Derivative Liability	0	1,363
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Future [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	0	0
Derivative Liability	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Future [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	0	0
Derivative Liability	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	9,206	3,856
Derivative Liability	960,722	410,785
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	0	0
Derivative Liability	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	9,206	3,856
Derivative Liability	960,722	410,785
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Forward Contracts [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Derivative Asset	0	0
Derivative Liability	$ 0	$ 0

Related Party Transactions (Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party	$ 439,000	$ 376,000	$ 861,000	$ 686,000
Due from Related Parties, Current	1,551,445		1,551,445		$ 2,749,502
Due to Related Parties	$ 26,000		$ 26,000		$ 45,000
Renewable Products Marketing Group, LLC (RPMG) [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	6.00%		6.00%
Ethanol [Member] | Renewable Products Marketing Group, LLC (RPMG) [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties	$ 15,846,685	17,355,914	$ 31,462,839	35,448,504
Marketing Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	65,865	61,260	131,730	122,520
Distillers Grain [Member] | Renewable Products Marketing Group, LLC (RPMG) [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties	526,450	1,238,830	615,072	2,775,884
Marketing Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	3,164	9,869	3,738	22,344
Corn Oil [Member] | Renewable Products Marketing Group, LLC (RPMG) [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revenue from Related Parties	531,046	772,499	1,094,420	1,567,015
Marketing Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	$ 4,544	$ 5,819	$ 9,524	$ 12,040

Commitments (Details)

Commitments (Details) - Product [Member] - Ethanol [Member] gal in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)gal	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed		$ 21
Annual production capacity after expansion | gal	90
Estimated Expansion Costs	$ 33