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Inventories
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]  
Inventories
Inventories        
 
November 30, 2014
 
August 31, 2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Grain and oilseed
$
1,749,134

 
$
961,327

Energy
891,913

 
875,719

Crop nutrients
377,039

 
374,023

Feed and farm supplies
545,191

 
448,454

Processed grain and oilseed
81,890

 
84,498

Other
14,806

 
16,232

Total inventories
$
3,659,973

 
$
2,760,253


As of November 30, 2014, we valued approximately 12% of inventories, primarily related to Energy, using the lower of cost, determined on the LIFO method, or market (16% as of August 31, 2014). If the FIFO method of accounting had been used, inventories would have been higher than the reported amount by $359.5 million and $538.7 million at November 30, 2014 and August 31, 2014, respectively. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method can be made only at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Interim LIFO calculations are based on management's estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs, and are subject to the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation.