Cardinal Ethanol (CRDE) 10-Q 7 Feb 19 2019 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Feb. 07, 2019
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Cardinal Ethanol LLC
Entity Central Index Key	1,352,081
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		14,606

Condensed Balance Sheets

Condensed Balance Sheets - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Current Assets
Cash	$ 13,441,278	$ 17,989,013
Restricted cash	938,151	1,248,979
Trade accounts receivable	8,433,770	9,539,007
Miscellaneous receivables	197,784	519,721
Inventories	26,680,276	16,552,600
Prepaid and other current assets	471,703	170,953
Total current assets	50,364,094	46,351,013
Property, plant, and equipment, net	95,206,651	96,948,671
Other Assets
Investment	1,295,192	1,295,192
Total other assets	1,295,192	1,295,192
Total Assets	146,865,937	144,594,876
Current Liabilities
Advances from customers	1,600,000	0
Accounts payable	2,644,976	2,711,578
Accounts payable-grain	15,145,954	9,597,822
Accrued expenses	1,178,316	1,289,929
Commodity derivative instruments	389,531	1,913,913
Current maturities of long-term debt	1,428,571	1,428,571
Total current liabilities	22,387,348	16,941,813
Long-Term Debt, net of current maturities	6,810,438	7,314,867
Commitments and Contingencies
Members’ Equity
Members' contributions, net of cost of raising capital, 14,606 units authorized, issued and outstanding	70,912,213	70,912,213
Retained earnings	46,755,938	49,425,983
Total members' equity	117,668,151	120,338,196
Total Liabilities and Members’ Equity	146,865,937	144,594,876
Commodity Futures And Options [Member]
Current Assets
Derivatives	159,175	281,438
Commodity Forward [Member]
Current Assets
Derivatives	$ 41,957	$ 49,302

Condensed Balance Sheets (Paren

Condensed Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - shares	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Members' contributions, units issued and outstanding	14,606	14,606

Condensed Statements of Operati

Condensed Statements of Operations (Unaudited) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 50,134,468	$ 55,855,489
Cost of Goods Sold	50,994,861	52,454,137
Gross Profit (Loss)	(860,393)	3,401,352
Operating Expenses	1,740,777	1,638,748
Operating Income (Loss)	(2,601,170)	1,762,604
Other Income (Expense)
Interest expense	(111,321)	(188,867)
Miscellaneous income	42,446	30,771
Total	(68,875)	(158,096)
Net Income (Loss)	$ (2,670,045)	$ 1,604,508
Weight Average Units Outstanding - basic and diluted (in units)	14,606	14,606
Net Income (Loss) Per Unit - basic and diluted (in dollars per unit)	$ (183)	$ 110
Distributions Per Unit (in dollars per unit)	$ 0	$ 400

Condensed Statements of Cash Fl

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income (loss)	$ (2,670,045)	$ 1,604,508
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation	2,825,613	2,890,328
Change in fair value of commodity derivative instruments	(1,394,774)	(477,367)
Loss (gain) on sale of equipment	1,218	(9,560)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivables	1,109,037	3,767,287
Miscellaneous receivable	321,937	161,778
Inventories	(10,127,676)	(12,498,330)
Prepaid and other current assets	(300,750)	(277,892)
Commodity derivative instruments	0	128,991
Advances from customers	1,600,000	1,500,000
Accounts payable	(51,327)	(1,430,727)
Accounts payable-grain	5,548,132	8,106,647
Accrued expenses	(111,613)	1,010,472
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(3,250,248)	4,218,153
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	0	(1,580,724)
Payments for construction in progress	(1,103,886)	(89,525)
Proceeds from sale of equipment	0	10,000
Net cash used for investing activities	(1,103,886)	(1,660,249)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Distributions paid	0	(5,842,400)
Proceeds from long-term debt	0	3,524,049
Payments on long-term debt	(504,429)	(789,108)
Net cash used for financing activities	(504,429)	(3,107,459)
Net Decrease in Cash and Restricted Cash	(4,858,563)	(549,555)
Cash and Restricted Cash – Beginning of Period	19,237,992	19,397,161
Cash and Restricted Cash – End of Period	14,379,429	18,847,606
Reconciliation of Cash and Restricted Cash
Cash and Restricted Cash	19,237,992	19,397,161
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Interest paid	115,335	202,869
Supplemental Disclosure of Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities
Construction in process included in accrued expenses and accounts payable	$ 8,368	$ 139,451

Condensed Statements of Changes

Condensed Statements of Changes in Members' Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($)	Total	Member Contributions [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
Beginning balance at Sep. 30, 2017		$ 70,912,213	$ 55,670,618
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	$ 1,604,508	0	1,604,508
Member Distributions		0	(5,842,400)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2017		70,912,213	51,432,726
Beginning balance at Sep. 30, 2018	120,338,196	70,912,213	49,425,983
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(2,670,045)	0	(2,670,045)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 117,668,151	$ 70,912,213	$ 46,755,938

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted as permitted by such rules and regulations. These financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's audited financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2018 , contained in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, the interim condensed financial statements reflect all adjustments considered necessary for fair presentation. Nature of Business Cardinal Ethanol, LLC, (the “Company”) is an Indiana limited liability company currently producing fuel-grade ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil and carbon dioxide near Union City, Indiana and sells these products throughout the continental United States. During the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , the Company produced approximately 30,044,000 and 32,051,000 gallons of ethanol, respectively. Reportable Segments Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 280, “Segment Reporting,” establishes the standards for reporting information about segments in financial statements. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available that are evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Based on the related business nature and expected financial results criteria set forth in ASC 280, the Company has two reportable operating segments for financial reporting purposes. • Ethanol Production Division. Based on the nature of the products and production process and the expected financial results, the Company’s operations at its ethanol plant, including the production and sale of ethanol and its co-products, are aggregated into one financial reporting segment. • Trading Division. During 2017, the Company constructed a grain loading facility within our single site to buy, hold and sell inventories of agricultural grains, primarily soybeans. We perform no additional processing of these grains, unlike the corn inventory we hold and use in ethanol production. The activities of buying, selling and holding of grains other than for ethanol and co-product production comprise this financial reporting segment. Accounting Estimates Management uses estimates and assumptions in preparing these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Those estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and expenses. The Company uses estimates and assumptions in accounting for the following significant matters, among others; the useful lives of fixed assets, the valuation of inventory purchase and sale commitments derivatives, inventory, patronage dividends, long-lived assets and inventory purchase commitments. Actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts, and such differences may be material to the financial statements. The Company periodically reviews estimates and assumptions, and the effects of revisions are reflected in the period in which the revision is made. Restricted Cash As a part of its commodities hedging activities, the Company is required to maintain cash balances with our commodities trading companies for initial and maintenance margins on a per futures contract basis. Changes in the market value of contracts may increase these requirements. As the futures contracts expire, the margin requirements also expire. Accordingly, we record the cash maintained with the traders in the margin accounts as restricted cash. Since this cash is immediately available to us upon request when there is a margin excess, we consider this restricted cash to be a current asset. Trade Accounts Receivable Credit terms are extended to customers in the normal course of business. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition and, generally, requires no collateral. Accounts receivable are recorded at their estimated net realizable value. Accounts are considered past due if payment is not made on a timely basis in accordance with the Company's credit terms. Amounts considered uncollectible are written off. The Company's estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts is based on historical experience, its evaluation of the current status of receivables, and unusual circumstances, if any. At December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018 , the Company determined that an allowance for doubtful accounts was not necessary. Advances from Customers The Company receives cash from time to time from customers before it fulfills its performance obligations to those customers. In those cases, the company records those advance payments as a current liability. The Company has not yet received advances that are expected to remain open beyond one year. Inventories Ethanol production division inventories consist of raw materials, work in process, finished goods and parts. Corn is the primary raw material. Finished goods consist of ethanol, dried distiller grains and corn oil. Inventories are stated at the lower of weighted average cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the normal course of business, less reasonably predictable selling costs. Trading division inventories consist of grain. Soybeans were the only grains held and traded at December 31, 2018 . These inventories are stated at market value, which may include reductions for quality. Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided over estimated useful lives by use of the straight line depreciation method. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred; major improvements and betterments are capitalized. Construction in progress expenditures will be depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives once the assets are placed into service. On November 6, 2018, we experienced an explosion in one of our distillers grain silos. There were no injuries related to the incident and the damage was limited to the distillers grains silos and the associated materials handling equipment. Operations at the plant were temporarily suspended for four days pending an evaluation and assessment of the situation. The plant resumed operations but did not return to full production rates until mid to late December. The extent of the monetary damages related to the incident has not yet been fully determined. We have presently engaged an engineering firm to help us assess the extent of the damage and cost of repairs needed and to assist us with substantiating the claims with the insurance carrier. We believe that and the carrier has informed us that our policies cover the damages to the silo and the business interruption costs. Long-Lived Assets The Company reviews its long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment and financing costs, subject to depreciation and amortization, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset be tested for possible impairment, the Company first compares undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by an asset to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third-party independent appraisals, as considered necessary. Investments Investments consist of the capital stock and patron equities of the Company's distillers grains marketer. The investments are stated at the lower of cost or fair value and adjusted for non cash patronage equities received. Patronage dividends are recognized when received and included within revenue in the condensed statements of operations. Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised products or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those products or services. Our contracts primarily consist of agreements with marketing companies and other customers as described below. Our performance obligations consist of the delivery of ethanol, distillers' grains, corn oil, soybeans and carbon dioxide to our customers. The consideration we receive for these products is fixed based on current observable market prices at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, generally, and adjusted for local market differentials. Our contracts have specific delivery modes, rail or truck, and dates. Revenue is recognized when the Company delivers the products to the mode of transportation specified in the contract, at the transaction price established in the contract, net of commissions, fees, and freight. We sell each of the products via different marketing channels as described below. • Ethanol. The Company sells its ethanol via a marketing agreement with Murex, LLC. Murex sells one hundred percent of the Company's ethanol production based on agreements with end users at prices agreed upon mutually among the end user, Murex and the Company. Murex then provides a schedule of deliveries required and an order for each rail car or tankers needed to fulfill their commitment with the end user. These are individual performance obligations of the Company. The marketing agreement calls for control and title to pass when the delivery vehicle is filled. Revenue is recognized then at the price in the agreement with the end user, net of commissions, freight, and insurance. • Distillers grains. The Company engages another third-party marketing company, CHS, Inc, to sell one hundred percent of the distillers grains it produces at the plant. The process for selling the distillers grains is like that of ethanol, except that CHS takes title and control once a rail car is released to the railroad or a truck is released from the Company's scales. Prices are agreed upon among the three parties and CHS provides schedules and orders representing performance obligations. Revenue is recognized net of commissions, freight and fees. • Distillers corn oil (corn oil). The Company sells its production of corn oil directly to commercial customers. The customer is provided with a delivery schedule and pick up orders representing performance obligations are fulfilled when the customer’s driver picks up the scheduled load. The price is agreed upon at the time each contract is made, and the Company recognizes revenue at the time of delivery at that price. • Carbon dioxide. The Company sells a portion of the carbon dioxide it produces to a customer that maintains a plant on-site for a set price per ton. Delivery is defined as transference of the gas from our stream to their plant. • Soybeans and other grains. The Company sells soybeans exclusively to commercial mills, processors or grain traders. Contracts are negotiated directly with the parties at prices based on negotiated prices. Derivative Instruments From time to time the Company enters into derivative transactions to hedge its exposures to commodity price fluctuations. The Company is required to record these derivatives in the balance sheet at fair value. In order for a derivative to qualify as a hedge, specific criteria must be met and appropriate documentation maintained. Gains and losses from derivatives that do not qualify as hedges, or are undesignated, must be recognized immediately in earnings. If the derivative does qualify as a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative will be either offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through earnings or recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. Changes in the fair value of undesignated derivatives are recorded in the statement of operations, depending on the item being hedged. Additionally, the Company is required to evaluate its contracts to determine whether the contracts are derivatives. Certain contracts that literally meet the definition of a derivative may be exempted 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 accounting and reporting requirements, and therefore, are not marked to market in our financial statements. The Company has elected for its Ethanol Division to apply the normal purchase normal sale exemption to all forward commodity contracts. For the Trading Division, the Company has elected not to apply the normal purchase normal sale exemption to its forward purchase and sales contracts and therefore marks these derivative instruments to market. Net Income per Unit Basic net income per unit is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of members' units outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per unit is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of members' units and members' unit equivalents outstanding during the period. There were no member unit equivalents outstanding during the periods presented; accordingly, the Company's basic and diluted net income per unit are the same. Recently Issued or Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Accounting for Leases (Evaluating) In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which provides guidance for accounting for leases. The new guidance requires companies to recognize the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leased assets, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments. The accounting guidance for lessors is largely unchanged. The ASU is effective for the Company beginning in October 2019. It is to be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s financial statements and anticipates the new guidance will significantly impact its financial statements given the Company has leased a significant number of rail cars for transporting Dried Distillers' Grains with Solubles (DDGS) to its customers. Revenue Recognition (Adopted) Effective October 1, 2018, the Company adopted the amended guidance in ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Refer to Note 1 - Accounting policies and Note 2 - Revenue for further details.

Revenue

Revenue	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue	REVENUE Adoption of ASC Topic 606 On October 1, 2018, the Company adopted the amended guidance in ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , and all related amendments (“new revenue standard”) and applied it to all contracts using the modified retrospective transition method. There were no adjustments to the October 1, 2018 balance sheet for the adoption of the new revenue standard. As such, comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. In addition, there was no impact of adoption on the statements of operations or balance sheets for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 . Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized at a single point in time when the Company satisfies its performance obligation under the terms of a contract with a customer. Generally, this occurs with the transfer of control of products or services. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected, as specified in the contract with a customer, to be received in exchange for transferring goods or providing services. Revenue by Source All revenues from contracts with customers under ASC Topic 606 are recognized at a point in time. The following table disaggregates revenue by major source for the three months ended December 31, 2018: Three Months Ended December 31, 2018 Ethanol Production Grain Trading Total Revenues from contracts with customers under ASC Topic 606 Ethanol $ 32,613,479 $ — $ 32,613,479 Distillers' grains 10,166,079 — 10,166,079 Corn Oil 1,767,284 — 1,767,284 Carbon Dioxide 139,520 — 139,520 Other 14,151 4,500 18,651 Total revenues from contracts with customers 44,700,513 4,500 44,705,013 Revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives under ASC Topic 815 (1) Soybeans and other grains — 5,429,455 5,429,455 Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives — 5,429,455 5,429,455 Total Revenues $ 44,700,513 $ 5,433,955 $ 50,134,468 (1) Revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives represent physically settled derivative sales that are outside the scope of ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC Topic 606), where the company recognizes revenue when control of the inventory is transferred within the meaning of ASC Topic 606 as required by ASC Topic 610-20, Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets. Payment Terms The Company has contractual payment terms with each respective marketer that sells ethanol and distillers grains. These terms are generally 10 - 20 days after the week of the transfer of control. The Company has standard payment terms of net 10 days for its invoices for corn oil. The contractual terms with the carbon dioxide customer calls for an annual settlement. Shipping and Handling Costs Shipping and handling costs related to contracts with customers for sale of goods are accounted for as a fulfillment activity and are included in cost of goods sold. Accordingly, amounts billed to customers for such costs are included as a component of revenue. Contract Liabilities The Company records unearned revenue when consideration is received, or such consideration is unconditionally due, from a customer prior to transferring goods or services to the customer under the terms of its contracts with customers.

Concentrations

Concentrations	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Concentrations	CONCENTRATIONS Two major customers accounted for approximately 91% of the outstanding accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2018 and 87% at September 30, 2018 . These same two customers accounted for approximately 85% of revenue for the three month period ended December 31, 2018 and 87% of revenue for the three month period ended December 31, 2017. UNCERTAINTIES IMPACTING THE ETHANOL INDUSTRY AND OUR FUTURE OPERATIONS The Company has certain risks and uncertainties that it experiences during volatile market conditions, which can have a severe impact on operations. The Company's revenues are primarily derived from the sale and distribution of ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil to customers primarily located in the U.S. Corn for the production process is supplied to the plant primarily from local agricultural producers and from purchases on the open market. Ethanol sales average approximately 65% of total revenues and corn costs average 67% of total cost of goods sold. The Company's operating and financial performance is largely driven by prices at which the Company sells ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil, and the related cost of corn. The price of ethanol is influenced by factors such as supply and demand, weather, government policies and programs, and the unleaded gasoline and the petroleum markets, although, since 2005, the prices of ethanol and gasoline began a divergence with ethanol selling for less than gasoline at the wholesale level. Excess ethanol supply in the market, in particular, puts downward pressure on the price of ethanol. The Company's largest cost of production is corn. The cost of corn is generally impacted by factors such as supply and demand, weather, government policies and programs. The Company's risk management program is used to protect against the price volatility of these commodities.

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories	INVENTORIES Inventories consist of the following as of: December 31, 2018 (Unaudited) September 30, 2018 Ethanol Division: Raw materials $ 7,865,631 $ 7,053,371 Work in progress 1,310,142 1,299,716 Finished goods 4,166,598 1,929,177 Spare parts 2,798,580 2,927,438 Ethanol Division Subtotal $ 16,140,951 $ 13,209,702 Trading Division: Grain inventory $ 10,539,325 $ 3,342,898 Trading Division Subtotal $ 10,539,325 $ 3,342,898 Total Inventories $ 26,680,276 $ 16,552,600 The Company had a net realizable value write-down of Ethanol Division inventory of approximately $616,000 and $83,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into forward purchase contracts for its commodity purchases and sales. Certain contracts that literally meet the definition of a derivative may be exempted from derivative accounting as normal purchases or normal sales. At December 31, 2018 , the Company had forward corn purchase contracts at various fixed prices for various delivery periods through May 2020 for approximately 5.1% of expected production needs for the next 17 months. Approximately 4.9% of the forward corn purchases were with related parties. Given the uncertainty of future ethanol and corn prices, the Company could incur a loss on the outstanding corn purchase contracts in future periods. Management has evaluated these forward contracts using a methodology similar to that used in the lower of cost or net realizable value evaluation with respect to inventory valuation, and has determined that no impairment existed at December 31, 2018 or September 30, 2018 . The Company has elected not to apply the normal purchase and sale exemption to its forward soybean contracts and therefore treats them as derivative instruments. At December 31, 2018 , the Ethanol Division had forward dried distiller grains sales contracts for approximately 24.1% of expected production for the next 3 months at various fixed prices for delivery periods through March 2019 . At December 31, 2018 , the Company had forward corn oil contracts at various prices for delivery through February 2019 , which approximates just part of that month's production. Also, at December 31, 2018 , the Company had forward natural gas contracts for approximately 29.6% of expected purchases for the next 22 months at various prices for various delivery periods through October 2020 . Additionally, at December 31, 2018 , the Trading Division had forward soybean purchase contracts for various delivery periods through November 2019 (See Note 4). Approximately 10.8% of the forward soybean purchases were with related parties.

Derivative Instruments

Derivative Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments	DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS The Company enters into corn, ethanol, natural gas and soybean derivative instruments, which are required to be recorded as either assets or liabilities at fair value in the balance sheet. Derivatives qualify for treatment as hedges when there is a high correlation between the change in fair value of the derivative instrument and the related change in value of the underlying hedged item. The Company must designate the hedging instruments based upon the exposure being hedged as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge or a hedge against foreign currency exposure. The Company formally documents, designates, and assesses the effectiveness of transactions that receive hedge accounting initially and on an on-going basis. Commodity Contracts The Company enters into commodity-based derivatives, for corn, ethanol, natural gas and soybeans in order to protect cash flows from fluctuations caused by volatility in commodity prices. This is also done to protect gross profit margins from potentially adverse effects of market and price volatility on commodity based purchase commitments where the prices are set at a future date. These derivatives are not designated as effective hedges for accounting purposes. For derivative instruments that are not accounted for as hedges, or for the ineffective portions of qualifying hedges, the change in fair value is recorded through earnings in the period of change. The changes in the fair market value of ethanol derivative instruments are included as a component of revenue. The changes in the fair market value of corn, natural gas, and soybean derivative instruments are included as a component of cost of goods sold. At December 31, 2018 , the Ethanol Division had a net short (selling) position of 3,215,000 bushels of corn under derivative contracts used to hedge its forward corn contracts, corn inventory and ethanol sales. These corn derivatives are traded on the Chicago Board of Trade as of December 31, 2018 and are forecasted to settle for various delivery periods through March 2020 . At December 31, 2018 , the Company had a net short (selling) position of 420,000 gallons of ethanol under derivative contracts used to hedge its future ethanol sales. These ethanol derivatives are traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange and are forecasted to settle for various delivery periods through May 2019 . At December 31, 2018 , the Trading Division also had a net short (selling) position of 1,480,000 bushels of soybeans under derivative contracts used to hedge its forward soybean contract purchases. These soybean derivatives are traded on the Chicago Board of Trade and are, as of December 31, 2018 , forecasted to settle for various delivery periods through November 2019 . These derivatives have not been designated as effective hedges for accounting purposes. The following table provides balance sheet details regarding the Company's derivative financial instruments at December 31, 2018 : Instrument Balance Sheet Location Assets Liabilities Ethanol Futures and Options Contracts Commodity Derivative Instruments - Current $ — $ 8,967 Corn Futures and Options Contracts Commodity Derivative Instruments - Current $ 159,175 $ — Soybean Futures and Options Contracts Commodity Derivative Instruments - Current $ — $ 89,446 Soybean Forward Purchase and Sales Contracts Commodity Derivative Instruments - Current $ 41,957 $ 291,118 Totals Commodity Derivative Instruments - Current $ 201,132 $ 389,531 As of December 31, 2018 , the Company had approximately $938,000 cash collateral (restricted cash) related to ethanol, corn, and soybean derivatives held by four brokers. The following table provides balance sheet details regarding the Company's futures and options derivative financial instruments at September 30, 2018 : Instrument Balance Sheet Location Assets Liabilities Ethanol Futures and Options Contracts Commodity Derivative Instruments - Current $ — $ 118,062 Corn Futures and Options Contracts Commodity Derivative Instruments - Current $ — $ 156,056 Soybean Futures and Options Contracts Commodity Derivative Instruments - Current $ 281,438 $ — Soybean Forward Purchase and Sales Contracts Commodity Derivative Instruments - Current $ 49,302 $ 1,639,795 Totals Commodity Derivative Instruments - Current $ 330,740 $ 1,913,913 As of September 30, 2018 , the Company had approximately $1,249,000 of cash collateral (restricted cash) related to ethanol, corn and soybean derivatives held by two brokers. The following table provides details regarding the gains and (losses) from the Company's derivative instruments in the statements of operations, none of which are designated as hedging instruments for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018 : Instrument Statement of Operations Location Three Months Ended December 31, 2018 Three Months Ended December 31, 2017 Corn Futures and Options Contracts Cost of Goods Sold $ (74,454 ) $ 256,335 Ethanol Futures and Options Contracts Revenues 21,739 (72,784 ) Natural Gas Futures and Options Contracts Cost of Goods Sold 37,727 120,429 Soybean Futures and Options Contracts Cost of Good Sold (199,602 ) 350,214 Soybean Forward Purchase Contracts Cost of Goods Sold 1,649,846 (176,827 ) Totals $ 1,435,256 $ 477,367

Fair Value Instruments

Fair Value Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS The following table provides information on those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2018 : Instruments Carrying Amount Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Corn Futures and Options Contracts $ 159,175 $ 159,175 $ 159,251 $ (76 ) $ — Ethanol Futures and Options Contracts $ (8,967 ) $ (8,967 ) $ (8,967 ) $ — $ — Soybean Futures and Options Contracts $ (89,446 ) $ (89,446 ) $ (98,638 ) $ 9,192 $ — Soybean Forward Purchase Contracts $ (249,161 ) $ (249,161 ) $ — $ (249,161 ) $ — Soybean Inventory $ 10,539,325 $ 10,539,325 $ — $ 10,539,325 $ — The following table provides information on those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2018 : Instruments Carrying Amount Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Corn Futures and Options Contracts $ (156,056 ) $ (156,056 ) $ (164,625 ) $ 8,569 $ — Ethanol Futures and Options Contracts $ (118,062 ) $ (118,062 ) $ (118,062 ) $ — $ — Soybean Futures and Options Contracts $ 281,438 $ 281,438 $ 281,438 $ — $ — Soybean Forward Purchase Contracts $ (1,590,493 ) $ (1,590,493 ) $ — $ (1,590,493 ) $ — Soybean Inventory $ 3,342,898 $ 3,342,898 $ — $ 3,342,898 $ — We determine the fair value of commodity futures derivative instruments utilizing Level 1 inputs by obtaining 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 Chicago Board of Trade market and New York Mercantile Exchange. Corn futures and options and soybean forward purchase contracts are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs from current contract prices that are being issued by the Company. Estimated fair values for inventories carried at market are based on exchange-quoted prices, adjusted for differences in local markets and quality.

Bank Financing

Bank Financing	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Bank Financing	BANK FINANCING The Company has a loan agreement consisting of three loans, the Declining Revolving Loan (Declining Loan), the Revolving Credit Loan and the Grain Loadout Facility Loan (formerly the Construction Loan) in exchange for liens on all property (real and personal, tangible and intangible) which include, among other things, a mortgage on the property, a security interest on commodity trading accounts and assignment of material contracts. The loan agreement assigns an interest rate of LIBOR plus 290 basis points (2.9%) to each of the individual loans. The Revolving Credit Loan is assigned the one month LIBOR rate which changes on the first day of every month. The Declining Loan and the Grain Loadout Facility Loan each have interest charged based on the ninety day (three month) LIBOR rate. The interest rate is assigned at the beginning of the ninety day period and not all of the loans have the same interest rate beginning and ending dates. Declining Note The maximum availability of the Declining Loan is $5,000,000 with such amount to be available for working capital purposes. The interest rate on the Declining Loan at December 31, 2018 was 5.30% and at September 30, 2018 was 5.24% . There were no borrowings outstanding on the Declining Loan at December 31, 2018 or at September 30, 2018 . Revolving Credit Loan The Revolving Credit Loan has a limit of $15,000,000 supported by a borrowing base made up of the Company's corn, ethanol, dried distillers grain, corn oil and soybean inventories reduced by accounts payable associated with those inventories having a priority. It is also supported by the eligible accounts receivable and commodity trading account excess margin funds.The interest rate at December 31, 2018 was 5.25% and at September 30, 2018 was 5.01% . There were no borrowings outstanding on the Revolving Credit Loan at December 31, 2018 or at September 30, 2018 . Grain Loadout Facility Loan The Grain Loadout Facility Loan (formerly Construction Loan) had a limit of $10,000,000 . The interest rate at December 31, 2018 was 5.64% and at September 30, 2018 was 5.23% . There were borrowings in the amount of approximately $8,239,000 and $8,743,000 outstanding on the Grain Loadout Facility Loan at December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018 , respectively. The principal balance on the Construction Loan of $10,000,000 was converted to term debt effective December 31, 2017. The Grain Loadout Facility Loan requires monthly installment payments of principal of approximately $119,000 plus interest accrued in arrears from the date of the last payment, such payments commenced on February 1, 2018, with a final maturity date of February 28, 2023. These loans are subject to protective covenants, which require the Company to maintain various financial ratios. The covenants include a working capital requirement of $15,000,000 , and a capital expenditures covenant that allows the Company $5,000,000 of expenditures per year without prior approval. There is also a requirement to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of no less than 1.15 :1.0 measured quarterly. Long-term debt, as discussed above, consists of the following at December 31, 2018 : Grain Loadout facility loan $ 8,239,009 Less amounts due within one year $ 1,428,571 Net long-term debt $ 6,810,438 The estimated maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2018 are as follows: January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 $ 1,428,571 January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 1,428,571 January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 1,428,571 January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 1,428,571 January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 2,524,725 Total long-term debt $ 8,239,009

Leases

Leases	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	LEASES At December 31, 2018 , the Company had entered into an agreement with its ethanol marketer to lease 225 tank cars needed for ethanol rail transportation at a rate up to current market rates per tank car per month through November 2022. The ethanol purchase and sale agreement was amended from the previous agreement which charged the Company a fixed price per gallon of ethanol through July 27, 2018. This amendment results in a commitment classified as an operating lease as reported in the table below. At December 31, 2018 , the Company had the following operating lease minimum commitments for payments of rentals under leases which at inception had a non-cancellable term of more than one year: Total January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 $ 2,503,260 January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 2,839,360 January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 2,762,860 January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 1,921,360 January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 335,160 Total minimum lease commitments $ 10,362,000

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Legal Proceedings Patent Infringement In February 2010, a lawsuit against the Company was filed by an unrelated party claiming the Company's operation of the oil separation system in a patent infringement. In connection with the lawsuit, in February 2010, the agreement for the construction and installation of the tricanter oil separation system was amended. In this amendment the manufacturer and installer of the tricanter oil separation system indemnifies the Company against all claims of infringement of patents, copyrights or other intellectual property rights from the Company's purchase and use of the tricanter oil system and agrees to defend the Company in the lawsuit filed at no expense to the Company. On October 23, 2014, the court granted summary judgment finding that all of the patents claimed were invalid and that the Company had not infringed. In addition, on September 15, 2016, the United States District Court granted summary judgment finding that the patents were invalid due to inequitable conduct before the US Patent and Trademark Office by the inventors and their attorneys. The Company has since settled with the attorneys for the inventors. A motion to reconsider the decision regarding inequitable conduct is pending. In addition, an appeal regarding the current ruling on inequitable conduct has been filed. The manufacturer has, and the Company expects it will continue, to vigorously defend itself and the Company in these lawsuits and in any appeal filed. If the ruling was to be successfully appealed, the Company estimates that damages sought in this litigation if awarded would be based on a reasonable royalty to, or lost profits of, the plaintiff. If the court deems the case exceptional, attorney's fees may be awarded and are likely to be $1,000,000 or more. The manufacturer has also agreed to indemnify the Company for these fees. However, in the event that damages are awarded and if the manufacturer is unable to fully indemnify the Company for any reason, the Company could be liable. In addition, the Company may need to cease use of its current oil separation process and seek out a replacement or cease oil production altogether. Air Permit On January 4, 2018, the Company received a letter from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Office of Air Quality (“IDEM”) alleging violations of the Company's air permit. While the Company believes it has certain defenses to these allegations, it is currently unable to determine with any certainty the outcome of this matter including the extent of any potential monetary sanctions that may result.

Uncertainties Impacting the Eth

Uncertainties Impacting the Ethanol Industry and Our Future Operations	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Uncertainties Impacting the Ethanol Industry and Our Future Operations	CONCENTRATIONS Two major customers accounted for approximately 91% of the outstanding accounts receivable balance at December 31, 2018 and 87% at September 30, 2018 . These same two customers accounted for approximately 85% of revenue for the three month period ended December 31, 2018 and 87% of revenue for the three month period ended December 31, 2017. UNCERTAINTIES IMPACTING THE ETHANOL INDUSTRY AND OUR FUTURE OPERATIONS The Company has certain risks and uncertainties that it experiences during volatile market conditions, which can have a severe impact on operations. The Company's revenues are primarily derived from the sale and distribution of ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil to customers primarily located in the U.S. Corn for the production process is supplied to the plant primarily from local agricultural producers and from purchases on the open market. Ethanol sales average approximately 65% of total revenues and corn costs average 67% of total cost of goods sold. The Company's operating and financial performance is largely driven by prices at which the Company sells ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil, and the related cost of corn. The price of ethanol is influenced by factors such as supply and demand, weather, government policies and programs, and the unleaded gasoline and the petroleum markets, although, since 2005, the prices of ethanol and gasoline began a divergence with ethanol selling for less than gasoline at the wholesale level. Excess ethanol supply in the market, in particular, puts downward pressure on the price of ethanol. The Company's largest cost of production is corn. The cost of corn is generally impacted by factors such as supply and demand, weather, government policies and programs. The Company's risk management program is used to protect against the price volatility of these commodities.

Business Segments

Business Segments	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Business Segments	BUSINESS SEGMENTS Based on the growth of the Company's Trading Division during the first quarter of fiscal 2018 and operations in fiscal 2018, the Company has determined it now has two reportable operating segments. Segment reporting is intended to give financial statement users a better view of how the Company manages and evaluates its businesses. The accounting policies for each segment are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Segment income or loss does not include any allocation of shared-service costs. Segment assets are those that are directly used in or identified with segment operations. Inter-segment balances and transactions have been eliminated. The following tables summarize financial information by segment and provide a reconciliation of segment revenue, gross profit, grain inventories, operating income, and total assets: Three Months Ended December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Revenue: (unaudited) (unaudited) Ethanol production $ 44,700,513 $ 50,718,988 Grain trading $ 5,433,955 $ 5,136,501 Total Revenue $ 50,134,468 $ 55,855,489 Three Months Ended December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Gross Profit (Loss): (unaudited) (unaudited) Ethanol production $ (709,568 ) $ 3,051,662 Grain trading $ (150,825 ) $ 349,690 Total Gross Profit (Loss) $ (860,393 ) $ 3,401,352 Three Months Ended December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Operating Income (Loss): (unaudited) (unaudited) Ethanol production $ (2,133,101 ) $ 1,597,479 Grain trading $ (468,069 ) $ 165,125 Total Operating Income (Loss) $ (2,601,170 ) $ 1,762,604 December 31, 2018 September 30, 2018 Grain Inventories: (unaudited) Ethanol production $ 7,865,631 $ 7,053,371 Grain trading $ 10,539,325 $ 3,342,898 Total Grain Inventories $ 18,404,956 $ 10,396,269 December 31, 2018 September 30, 2018 Total Assets: (unaudited) Ethanol production $ 124,753,466 $ 128,960,169 Grain trading $ 22,112,471 $ 15,634,707 Total Assets $ 146,865,937 $ 144,594,876

Summary of Significant Accoun_2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Reportable Segments	Reportable Segments Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 280, “Segment Reporting,” establishes the standards for reporting information about segments in financial statements. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available that are evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. Based on the related business nature and expected financial results criteria set forth in ASC 280, the Company has two reportable operating segments for financial reporting purposes. • Ethanol Production Division. Based on the nature of the products and production process and the expected financial results, the Company’s operations at its ethanol plant, including the production and sale of ethanol and its co-products, are aggregated into one financial reporting segment. • Trading Division. During 2017, the Company constructed a grain loading facility within our single site to buy, hold and sell inventories of agricultural grains, primarily soybeans. We perform no additional processing of these grains, unlike the corn inventory we hold and use in ethanol production. The activities of buying, selling and holding of grains other than for ethanol and co-product production comprise this financial reporting segment.
Accounting Estimates	Accounting Estimates Management uses estimates and assumptions in preparing these financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Those estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and expenses. The Company uses estimates and assumptions in accounting for the following significant matters, among others; the useful lives of fixed assets, the valuation of inventory purchase and sale commitments derivatives, inventory, patronage dividends, long-lived assets and inventory purchase commitments. Actual results may differ from previously estimated amounts, and such differences may be material to the financial statements. The Company periodically reviews estimates and assumptions, and the effects of revisions are reflected in the period in which the revision is made.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash As a part of its commodities hedging activities, the Company is required to maintain cash balances with our commodities trading companies for initial and maintenance margins on a per futures contract basis. Changes in the market value of contracts may increase these requirements. As the futures contracts expire, the margin requirements also expire. Accordingly, we record the cash maintained with the traders in the margin accounts as restricted cash. Since this cash is immediately available to us upon request when there is a margin excess, we consider this restricted cash to be a current asset.
Trade Accounts Receivable	Trade Accounts Receivable Credit terms are extended to customers in the normal course of business. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition and, generally, requires no collateral. Accounts receivable are recorded at their estimated net realizable value. Accounts are considered past due if payment is not made on a timely basis in accordance with the Company's credit terms. Amounts considered uncollectible are written off. The Company's estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts is based on historical experience, its evaluation of the current status of receivables, and unusual circumstances, if any. At December 31, 2018 and September 30, 2018 , the Company determined that an allowance for doubtful accounts was not necessary.
Revenue Recognition	Advances from Customers The Company receives cash from time to time from customers before it fulfills its performance obligations to those customers. In those cases, the company records those advance payments as a current liability. The Company has not yet received advances that are expected to remain open beyond one year. Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised products or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those products or services. Our contracts primarily consist of agreements with marketing companies and other customers as described below. Our performance obligations consist of the delivery of ethanol, distillers' grains, corn oil, soybeans and carbon dioxide to our customers. The consideration we receive for these products is fixed based on current observable market prices at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, generally, and adjusted for local market differentials. Our contracts have specific delivery modes, rail or truck, and dates. Revenue is recognized when the Company delivers the products to the mode of transportation specified in the contract, at the transaction price established in the contract, net of commissions, fees, and freight. We sell each of the products via different marketing channels as described below. • Ethanol. The Company sells its ethanol via a marketing agreement with Murex, LLC. Murex sells one hundred percent of the Company's ethanol production based on agreements with end users at prices agreed upon mutually among the end user, Murex and the Company. Murex then provides a schedule of deliveries required and an order for each rail car or tankers needed to fulfill their commitment with the end user. These are individual performance obligations of the Company. The marketing agreement calls for control and title to pass when the delivery vehicle is filled. Revenue is recognized then at the price in the agreement with the end user, net of commissions, freight, and insurance. • Distillers grains. The Company engages another third-party marketing company, CHS, Inc, to sell one hundred percent of the distillers grains it produces at the plant. The process for selling the distillers grains is like that of ethanol, except that CHS takes title and control once a rail car is released to the railroad or a truck is released from the Company's scales. Prices are agreed upon among the three parties and CHS provides schedules and orders representing performance obligations. Revenue is recognized net of commissions, freight and fees. • Distillers corn oil (corn oil). The Company sells its production of corn oil directly to commercial customers. The customer is provided with a delivery schedule and pick up orders representing performance obligations are fulfilled when the customer’s driver picks up the scheduled load. The price is agreed upon at the time each contract is made, and the Company recognizes revenue at the time of delivery at that price. • Carbon dioxide. The Company sells a portion of the carbon dioxide it produces to a customer that maintains a plant on-site for a set price per ton. Delivery is defined as transference of the gas from our stream to their plant. • Soybeans and other grains. The Company sells soybeans exclusively to commercial mills, processors or grain traders. Contracts are negotiated directly with the parties at prices based on negotiated prices. Payment Terms The Company has contractual payment terms with each respective marketer that sells ethanol and distillers grains. These terms are generally 10 - 20 days after the week of the transfer of control. The Company has standard payment terms of net 10 days for its invoices for corn oil. The contractual terms with the carbon dioxide customer calls for an annual settlement. Shipping and Handling Costs Shipping and handling costs related to contracts with customers for sale of goods are accounted for as a fulfillment activity and are included in cost of goods sold. Accordingly, amounts billed to customers for such costs are included as a component of revenue. Contract Liabilities The Company records unearned revenue when consideration is received, or such consideration is unconditionally due, from a customer prior to transferring goods or services to the customer under the terms of its contracts with customers. Revenue Recognition Revenue is recognized at a single point in time when the Company satisfies its performance obligation under the terms of a contract with a customer. Generally, this occurs with the transfer of control of products or services. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected, as specified in the contract with a customer, to be received in exchange for transferring goods or providing services.
Inventories	Inventories Ethanol production division inventories consist of raw materials, work in process, finished goods and parts. Corn is the primary raw material. Finished goods consist of ethanol, dried distiller grains and corn oil. Inventories are stated at the lower of weighted average cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the normal course of business, less reasonably predictable selling costs. Trading division inventories consist of grain. Soybeans were the only grains held and traded at December 31, 2018 . These inventories are stated at market value, which may include reductions for quality.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided over estimated useful lives by use of the straight line depreciation method. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred; major improvements and betterments are capitalized. Construction in progress expenditures will be depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives once the assets are placed into service.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets The Company reviews its long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment and financing costs, subject to depreciation and amortization, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset be tested for possible impairment, the Company first compares undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by an asset to the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third-party independent appraisals, as considered necessary.
Investments	Investments Investments consist of the capital stock and patron equities of the Company's distillers grains marketer. The investments are stated at the lower of cost or fair value and adjusted for non cash patronage equities received. Patronage dividends are recognized when received and included within revenue in the condensed statements of operations.
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments From time to time the Company enters into derivative transactions to hedge its exposures to commodity price fluctuations. The Company is required to record these derivatives in the balance sheet at fair value. In order for a derivative to qualify as a hedge, specific criteria must be met and appropriate documentation maintained. Gains and losses from derivatives that do not qualify as hedges, or are undesignated, must be recognized immediately in earnings. If the derivative does qualify as a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative will be either offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities, or firm commitments through earnings or recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. Changes in the fair value of undesignated derivatives are recorded in the statement of operations, depending on the item being hedged. Additionally, the Company is required to evaluate its contracts to determine whether the contracts are derivatives. Certain contracts that literally meet the definition of a derivative may be exempted 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 accounting and reporting requirements, and therefore, are not marked to market in our financial statements. The Company has elected for its Ethanol Division to apply the normal purchase normal sale exemption to all forward commodity contracts. For the Trading Division, the Company has elected not to apply the normal purchase normal sale exemption to its forward purchase and sales contracts and therefore marks these derivative instruments to market.
Net Income per Unit	Net Income per Unit Basic net income per unit is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of members' units outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per unit is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of members' units and members' unit equivalents outstanding during the period. There were no member unit equivalents outstanding during the periods presented; accordingly, the Company's basic and diluted net income per unit are the same.
Recently Issued or Adopted Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Issued or Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Accounting for Leases (Evaluating) In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which provides guidance for accounting for leases. The new guidance requires companies to recognize the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by leased assets, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments. The accounting guidance for lessors is largely unchanged. The ASU is effective for the Company beginning in October 2019. It is to be adopted using a modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on the Company’s financial statements and anticipates the new guidance will significantly impact its financial statements given the Company has leased a significant number of rail cars for transporting Dried Distillers' Grains with Solubles (DDGS) to its customers. Revenue Recognition (Adopted) Effective October 1, 2018, the Company adopted the amended guidance in ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Refer to Note 1 - Accounting policies and Note 2 - Revenue for further details. Adoption of ASC Topic 606 On October 1, 2018, the Company adopted the amended guidance in ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , and all related amendments (“new revenue standard”) and applied it to all contracts using the modified retrospective transition method. There were no adjustments to the October 1, 2018 balance sheet for the adoption of the new revenue standard. As such, comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods. In addition, there was no impact of adoption on the statements of operations or balance sheets for the three months ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 .

Revenue (Tables)

Revenue (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	The following table disaggregates revenue by major source for the three months ended December 31, 2018: Three Months Ended December 31, 2018 Ethanol Production Grain Trading Total Revenues from contracts with customers under ASC Topic 606 Ethanol $ 32,613,479 $ — $ 32,613,479 Distillers' grains 10,166,079 — 10,166,079 Corn Oil 1,767,284 — 1,767,284 Carbon Dioxide 139,520 — 139,520 Other 14,151 4,500 18,651 Total revenues from contracts with customers 44,700,513 4,500 44,705,013 Revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives under ASC Topic 815 (1) Soybeans and other grains — 5,429,455 5,429,455 Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives — 5,429,455 5,429,455 Total Revenues $ 44,700,513 $ 5,433,955 $ 50,134,468 (1) Revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives represent physically settled derivative sales that are outside the scope of ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASC Topic 606), where the company recognizes revenue when control of the inventory is transferred within the meaning of ASC Topic 606 as required by ASC Topic 610-20, Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets.

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory	Inventories consist of the following as of: December 31, 2018 (Unaudited) September 30, 2018 Ethanol Division: Raw materials $ 7,865,631 $ 7,053,371 Work in progress 1,310,142 1,299,716 Finished goods 4,166,598 1,929,177 Spare parts 2,798,580 2,927,438 Ethanol Division Subtotal $ 16,140,951 $ 13,209,702 Trading Division: Grain inventory $ 10,539,325 $ 3,342,898 Trading Division Subtotal $ 10,539,325 $ 3,342,898 Total Inventories $ 26,680,276 $ 16,552,600

Derivative Instruments (Tables)

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location	The following table provides balance sheet details regarding the Company's derivative financial instruments at December 31, 2018 : Instrument Balance Sheet Location Assets Liabilities Ethanol Futures and Options Contracts Commodity Derivative Instruments - Current $ — $ 8,967 Corn Futures and Options Contracts Commodity Derivative Instruments - Current $ 159,175 $ — Soybean Futures and Options Contracts Commodity Derivative Instruments - Current $ — $ 89,446 Soybean Forward Purchase and Sales Contracts Commodity Derivative Instruments - Current $ 41,957 $ 291,118 Totals Commodity Derivative Instruments - Current $ 201,132 $ 389,531 As of December 31, 2018 , the Company had approximately $938,000 cash collateral (restricted cash) related to ethanol, corn, and soybean derivatives held by four brokers. The following table provides balance sheet details regarding the Company's futures and options derivative financial instruments at September 30, 2018 : Instrument Balance Sheet Location Assets Liabilities Ethanol Futures and Options Contracts Commodity Derivative Instruments - Current $ — $ 118,062 Corn Futures and Options Contracts Commodity Derivative Instruments - Current $ — $ 156,056 Soybean Futures and Options Contracts Commodity Derivative Instruments - Current $ 281,438 $ — Soybean Forward Purchase and Sales Contracts Commodity Derivative Instruments - Current $ 49,302 $ 1,639,795 Totals Commodity Derivative Instruments - Current $ 330,740 $ 1,913,913
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	The following table provides details regarding the gains and (losses) from the Company's derivative instruments in the statements of operations, none of which are designated as hedging instruments for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2018 : Instrument Statement of Operations Location Three Months Ended December 31, 2018 Three Months Ended December 31, 2017 Corn Futures and Options Contracts Cost of Goods Sold $ (74,454 ) $ 256,335 Ethanol Futures and Options Contracts Revenues 21,739 (72,784 ) Natural Gas Futures and Options Contracts Cost of Goods Sold 37,727 120,429 Soybean Futures and Options Contracts Cost of Good Sold (199,602 ) 350,214 Soybean Forward Purchase Contracts Cost of Goods Sold 1,649,846 (176,827 ) Totals $ 1,435,256 $ 477,367

Fair Value Instruments (Tables)

Fair Value Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	The following table provides information on those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2018 : Instruments Carrying Amount Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Corn Futures and Options Contracts $ 159,175 $ 159,175 $ 159,251 $ (76 ) $ — Ethanol Futures and Options Contracts $ (8,967 ) $ (8,967 ) $ (8,967 ) $ — $ — Soybean Futures and Options Contracts $ (89,446 ) $ (89,446 ) $ (98,638 ) $ 9,192 $ — Soybean Forward Purchase Contracts $ (249,161 ) $ (249,161 ) $ — $ (249,161 ) $ — Soybean Inventory $ 10,539,325 $ 10,539,325 $ — $ 10,539,325 $ — The following table provides information on those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2018 : Instruments Carrying Amount Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Corn Futures and Options Contracts $ (156,056 ) $ (156,056 ) $ (164,625 ) $ 8,569 $ — Ethanol Futures and Options Contracts $ (118,062 ) $ (118,062 ) $ (118,062 ) $ — $ — Soybean Futures and Options Contracts $ 281,438 $ 281,438 $ 281,438 $ — $ — Soybean Forward Purchase Contracts $ (1,590,493 ) $ (1,590,493 ) $ — $ (1,590,493 ) $ — Soybean Inventory $ 3,342,898 $ 3,342,898 $ — $ 3,342,898 $ —

Bank Financing (Tables)

Bank Financing (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments	Long-term debt, as discussed above, consists of the following at December 31, 2018 : Grain Loadout facility loan $ 8,239,009 Less amounts due within one year $ 1,428,571 Net long-term debt $ 6,810,438
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	The estimated maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2018 are as follows: January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 $ 1,428,571 January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 1,428,571 January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 1,428,571 January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 1,428,571 January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 2,524,725 Total long-term debt $ 8,239,009

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Payments for Capital and Operating Leases	At December 31, 2018 , the Company had the following operating lease minimum commitments for payments of rentals under leases which at inception had a non-cancellable term of more than one year: Total January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 $ 2,503,260 January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 2,839,360 January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 2,762,860 January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 1,921,360 January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023 335,160 Total minimum lease commitments $ 10,362,000

Business Segments (Tables)

Business Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment	The following tables summarize financial information by segment and provide a reconciliation of segment revenue, gross profit, grain inventories, operating income, and total assets: Three Months Ended December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Revenue: (unaudited) (unaudited) Ethanol production $ 44,700,513 $ 50,718,988 Grain trading $ 5,433,955 $ 5,136,501 Total Revenue $ 50,134,468 $ 55,855,489 Three Months Ended December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Gross Profit (Loss): (unaudited) (unaudited) Ethanol production $ (709,568 ) $ 3,051,662 Grain trading $ (150,825 ) $ 349,690 Total Gross Profit (Loss) $ (860,393 ) $ 3,401,352 Three Months Ended December 31, 2018 December 31, 2017 Operating Income (Loss): (unaudited) (unaudited) Ethanol production $ (2,133,101 ) $ 1,597,479 Grain trading $ (468,069 ) $ 165,125 Total Operating Income (Loss) $ (2,601,170 ) $ 1,762,604 December 31, 2018 September 30, 2018 Grain Inventories: (unaudited) Ethanol production $ 7,865,631 $ 7,053,371 Grain trading $ 10,539,325 $ 3,342,898 Total Grain Inventories $ 18,404,956 $ 10,396,269 December 31, 2018 September 30, 2018 Total Assets: (unaudited) Ethanol production $ 124,753,466 $ 128,960,169 Grain trading $ 22,112,471 $ 15,634,707 Total Assets $ 146,865,937 $ 144,594,876

Summary of Significant Accoun_3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) gal in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018segmentgal	Dec. 31, 2017gal
Product Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments	2
Number of operating segments	2
Ethanol [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Annual production capacity | gal	30,044	32,051

Revenue - Disaggregation of Rev

Revenue - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues from contracts with customers	$ 44,705,013
Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives	5,429,455
Total Revenues	50,134,468	$ 55,855,489
Ethanol [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues from contracts with customers	32,613,479
Distillers Grains [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues from contracts with customers	10,166,079
Corn Oil [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues from contracts with customers	1,767,284
Carbon Dioxide [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues from contracts with customers	139,520
Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues from contracts with customers	18,651
Soybeans And Other Grains [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives	5,429,455
Ethanol Segment [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues from contracts with customers	44,700,513
Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives	0
Total Revenues	44,700,513	50,718,988
Ethanol Segment [Member] | Ethanol [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues from contracts with customers	32,613,479
Ethanol Segment [Member] | Distillers Grains [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues from contracts with customers	10,166,079
Ethanol Segment [Member] | Corn Oil [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues from contracts with customers	1,767,284
Ethanol Segment [Member] | Carbon Dioxide [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues from contracts with customers	139,520
Ethanol Segment [Member] | Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues from contracts with customers	14,151
Ethanol Segment [Member] | Soybeans And Other Grains [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives	0
Grain Trading Segment [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues from contracts with customers	4,500
Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives	5,429,455
Total Revenues	5,433,955	$ 5,136,501
Grain Trading Segment [Member] | Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues from contracts with customers	4,500
Grain Trading Segment [Member] | Soybeans And Other Grains [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total revenues from contracts accounted for as derivatives	$ 5,429,455

Revenue - Narrative (Details)

Revenue - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Corn Oil [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue From Contract With Customer, Payment Terms	10 days
Minimum [Member] | Ethanol And Distillers' Grains [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue From Contract With Customer, Payment Terms	10 days
Maximum [Member] | Ethanol And Distillers' Grains [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue From Contract With Customer, Payment Terms	20 days

Concentrations (Details)

Concentrations (Details) - Customer Concentration Risk [Member]	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounts Receivable [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk	91.00%		87.00%
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk	85.00%	87.00%

Inventories - Schedule of Inven

Inventories - Schedule of Inventory (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Inventory [Line Items]
Raw materials	$ 18,404,956	$ 10,396,269
Inventory, Net	26,680,276	16,552,600
Ethanol Segment [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Raw materials	7,865,631	7,053,371
Work in progress	1,310,142	1,299,716
Finished goods	4,166,598	1,929,177
Spare parts	2,798,580	2,927,438
Inventory, Net	16,140,951	13,209,702
Grain Trading Segment [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Raw materials	10,539,325	3,342,898
Inventory, Net	$ 10,539,325	$ 3,342,898

Inventories - Narrative (Detail

Inventories - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Ethanol Segment [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory written down	$ 616	$ 83
Corn [Member] | Ethanol Segment [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Expected production needed	5.10%
Number of months of coverage	17 months
Distillers Grains [Member] | Ethanol Segment [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Expected production needed	24.10%
Number of months of coverage	3 months
Natural Gas [Member] | Ethanol Segment [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Expected production needed	29.60%
Number of months of coverage	22 months
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Corn [Member] | Ethanol Segment [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Expected production needed	4.90%
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Soybean [Member] | Grain Trading Segment [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Expected production needed	10.80%

Derivative Instruments - Narrat

Derivative Instruments - Narrative (Details) gal in Thousands, bu in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)brokerbugal	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)broker
Derivative [Line Items]
Cash collateral | $	$ 938	$ 1,249
Derivative, Number Of Brokers | broker	4	2
Ethanol Segment [Member] | Corn [Member] | Short [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, nonmonetary notional amount, volume (in bushels or gallons)	3,215
Ethanol Segment [Member] | Ethanol [Member] | Short [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, nonmonetary notional amount, volume (in bushels or gallons) | gal	420
Grain Trading Segment [Member] | Soybean [Member] | Short [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, nonmonetary notional amount, volume (in bushels or gallons)	1,480

Derivative Instruments - Balanc

Derivative Instruments - Balance Sheet (Details) - Commodity Contract [Member] - Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	$ 201,132	$ 330,740
Liabilities	389,531	1,913,913
Future [Member] | Ethanol [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	0	0
Liabilities	8,967	118,062
Future [Member] | Corn [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	159,175	0
Liabilities	0	156,056
Future [Member] | Soybean [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	0	281,438
Liabilities	89,446	0
Forward Contracts [Member] | Soybean [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Assets	41,957	49,302
Liabilities	$ 291,118	$ 1,639,795

Derivative Instruments - Income

Derivative Instruments - Income Statement (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in income	$ 1,435,256	$ 477,367
Future [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Corn [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in income	(74,454)	256,335
Future [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Ethanol [Member] | Sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in income	21,739	(72,784)
Future [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Natural Gas [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in income	37,727	120,429
Future [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Soybean [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in income	1,649,846	(176,827)
Forward Contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Soybean [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) recognized in income	$ (199,602)	$ 350,214

Fair Value Instruments (Details

Fair Value Instruments (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Soybean [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net		$ 3,342,898
Soybean [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	$ 10,539,325	3,342,898
Soybean [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	0	0
Soybean [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	10,539,325	3,342,898
Soybean [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	0	0
Future [Member] | Corn [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	159,175	(156,056)
Future [Member] | Corn [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	159,175	(156,056)
Future [Member] | Corn [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	159,251	(164,625)
Future [Member] | Corn [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	(76)	8,569
Future [Member] | Corn [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	0	0
Future [Member] | Ethanol [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	(8,967)	(118,062)
Future [Member] | Ethanol [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	(8,967)	(118,062)
Future [Member] | Ethanol [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	(8,967)	(118,062)
Future [Member] | Ethanol [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	0	0
Future [Member] | Ethanol [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	0	0
Future [Member] | Soybean [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	(89,446)	281,438
Future [Member] | Soybean [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	(89,446)	281,438
Future [Member] | Soybean [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	(98,638)	281,438
Future [Member] | Soybean [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	9,192	0
Future [Member] | Soybean [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	0	0
Forward Contracts [Member] | Soybean [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	(249,161)	(1,590,493)
Forward Contracts [Member] | Soybean [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	(249,161)	(1,590,493)
Forward Contracts [Member] | Soybean [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	0	0
Forward Contracts [Member] | Soybean [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	(249,161)	(1,590,493)
Forward Contracts [Member] | Soybean [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Derivative assets (liabilities), at fair value, net	$ 0	$ 0

Bank Financing - Narrative (Det

Bank Financing - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)loan	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of loans | loan	3
Declining Note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum availability		$ 5,000,000
Interest rate	5.30%	5.24%
Borrowings outstanding	$ 0	$ 0
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum availability	$ 15,000,000
Interest rate	5.25%	5.01%
Borrowings outstanding	$ 0	$ 0
Grain Loadout Facility Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum availability	$ 10,000,000		$ 10,000,000
Interest rate	5.64%	5.23%
Borrowings outstanding	$ 8,239,000	$ 8,743,000
Monthly installment payment of principal and interest	119,000
Working capital requirement	15,000,000
Covenant, maximum capital expenditures per year without prior approval	$ 5,000,000
Minimum fixed charge coverage ratio	1.15
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Declining Note [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.90%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.90%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Grain Loadout Facility Loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate	2.90%

Bank Financing - Schedule of Lo

Bank Financing - Schedule of Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Total long-term debt	$ 8,239,009
Less amounts due within one year	1,428,571	$ 1,428,571
Net long-term debt	$ 6,810,438	$ 7,314,867

Bank Financing - Schedule of De

Bank Financing - Schedule of Debt Maturities (Details)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019	$ 1,428,571
January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020	1,428,571
January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021	1,428,571
January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022	1,428,571
January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023	2,524,725
Total long-term debt	$ 8,239,009

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018tank_car
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Number of tank cars leased | tank_car		225
Transportation Equipment [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019	$ 2,503,260
January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020	2,839,360
January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021	2,762,860
January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022	1,921,360
January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023	335,160
Total minimum lease commitments	$ 10,362,000

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Pending Litigation [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated Litigation Liability	$ 1

Uncertainties Impacting the E_2

Uncertainties Impacting the Ethanol Industry and Our Future Operations (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Member] | Ethanol [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk	65.00%
Cost of Goods, Segment [Member] | Corn [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk	67.00%

Business Segments - Narrative (

Business Segments - Narrative (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	2
Number of operating segments	2

Business Segments - Schedule of

Business Segments - Schedule of Business Segments (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 50,134,468	$ 55,855,489
Gross profit (loss)	(860,393)	3,401,352
Operating income (loss)	(2,601,170)	1,762,604
Grain inventories	18,404,956		$ 10,396,269
Total assets	146,865,937		144,594,876
Ethanol Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	44,700,513	50,718,988
Gross profit (loss)	(709,568)	3,051,662
Operating income (loss)	(2,133,101)	1,597,479
Grain inventories	7,865,631		7,053,371
Total assets	124,753,466		128,960,169
Grain Trading Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Revenues	5,433,955	5,136,501
Gross profit (loss)	(150,825)	349,690
Operating income (loss)	(468,069)	$ 165,125
Grain inventories	10,539,325		3,342,898
Total assets	$ 22,112,471		$ 15,634,707