10-Q

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the quarterly period ended	June 30, 2018

or

o	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the transition period from ______________________ to _______________________

Commission File Number: 000-51764

LINCOLNWAY ENERGY, LLC

Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Iowa	20-1118105
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
59511 W. Lincoln Highway, Nevada, Iowa	50201
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

515-232-1010

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

N/A

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

þ  Yes     o   No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

þ   Yes     o  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

	Large accelerated filer  o	Accelerated filer  o
	Non-accelerated filer þ	Smaller reporting company  o
		Emerging growth company o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

o Yes þ No

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 42,049 membership units outstanding at August 10, 2018.

LINCOLNWAY ENERGY, LLC

FORM 10-Q

For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2018

INDEX

			Page
Part I.	Financial Information
	Item 1.	Unaudited Financial Statements
		a)   Balance Sheets	2
		b)   Statements of Operations	4
		c)   Statements of Cash Flows	5
		d)   Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements	6
	Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	12
	Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	23
	Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	25
Part II.	Other Information
	Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	25
	Item 1A.	Risk Factors	26
	Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	26
	Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	26
	Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	26
	Item 5.	Other Information	26
	Item 6.	Exhibits	27
Signatures			28
Exhibits Filed With This Report
	Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer		E-1
	Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Director of Finance		E-2
	Section 1350 Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer		E-3
	Section 1350 Certification of Director of Finance		E-4
	Interactive Data Files (filed electronically herewith)

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.    Unaudited Financial Statements.

Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Balance Sheets

	June 30, 2018			September 30, 2017
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	446,659		$	690,513
Derivative financial instruments (Note 7 and 8)	360,517			428,666
Trade and other accounts receivable (Note 6)	3,070,744			3,229,474
Inventories (Note 3)	4,965,924			5,684,729
Prepaid expenses and other	309,478			375,787
Total current assets	9,153,322			10,409,169
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Land and land improvements	7,148,360			7,148,360
Buildings and improvements	3,267,119			3,220,876
Plant and process equipment	83,310,689			80,951,321
Office furniture and equipment	478,800			473,517
Construction in progress	15,167,772			6,178,622
	109,372,740			97,972,696
Accumulated depreciation	(60,949,307		)	(58,027,513		)
Total property and equipment	48,423,433			39,945,183
OTHER ASSETS	828,695			818,971
Total assets	$	58,405,450		$	51,173,323

See Notes to Unaudited  Financial Statements.

2

Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Balance Sheets (continued)

	June 30, 2018		September 30, 2017
	(Unaudited)
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	$1,940,481		$3,276,755
Accounts payable, related party (Note 5)	345,431		642,726
Accrued expenses	1,420,814		1,313,244
Total current liabilities	3,706,726		5,232,725
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
Long-term debt, less current maturities (Note 4)	13,900,000		3,000,000
Deferred revenue	333,333		444,444
Other	536,664		498,516
Total noncurrent liabilities	14,769,997		3,942,960
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 6)
MEMBERS' EQUITY
Member contributions, 42,049 units issued and outstanding	38,990,105		38,990,105
Retained earnings	938,622		3,007,533
Total members' equity	39,928,727		41,997,638
Total liabilities and members' equity	$	58,405,450	$	51,173,323

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Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Statements of Operations

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	June 30, 2018			June 30, 2017			June 30, 2018			June 30, 2017
	(Unaudited)						(Unaudited)
Revenues (Notes 2 and 6)	$	27,100,886		$	26,292,741		$	76,359,668		$	82,171,442
Cost of goods sold (Note 6)	26,233,030			26,373,459			75,505,673			77,923,482
Gross profit (loss)	867,856			(80,718		)	853,995			4,247,960
General and administrative expenses	735,719			841,842			2,465,237			2,424,853
Operating income (loss)	132,137			(922,560		)	(1,611,242		)	1,823,107
Other income (expense):
Interest income	19,516			680			41,447			1,662
Interest expense	(28,675		)	(38,943		)	(28,675		)	(68,317		)
Other income	199,526			—			580,784			—
	190,367			(38,263		)	593,556			(66,655		)
Net income (loss)	$	322,504		$	(960,823	)	$	(1,017,686	)	$	1,756,452
Weighted average units outstanding	42,049			42,049			42,049			42,049
Net income (loss) per unit - basic and diluted	$	7.67		$	(22.85	)	$	(24.20	)	$	41.77
Distributions per unit - basic and diluted	$	—		$	—		$	25.00		$	—

See Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements.

4

Lincolnway Energy, LLC	Nine Months Ended			Nine Months Ended
Statements of Cash Flows	June 30, 2018			June 30, 2017
	(Unaudited)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss)	$	(1,017,686	)	$	1,756,452
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	3,139,546			2,891,241
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	36,123			16,001
Gain on equity dividend	(7,518		)	(3,614		)
Changes in working capital components:
Trade and other accounts receivable	158,730			181,829
Inventories	718,805			482,566
Prepaid expenses and other	102,251			4,513
Accounts payable	(1,461,294		)	(1,462,769		)
Accounts payable, related party	(297,295		)	(21,159		)
Accrued expenses and deferred revenue	178,829			110,763
Derivative financial instruments	68,149			245,945
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,618,640			4,201,768
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of property and equipment	(11,711,269		)	(7,081,882		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from long-term borrowings	53,800,000			44,500,000
Payments on long-term borrowings	(42,900,000		)	(41,627,571		)
Member distributions	(1,051,225		)	—
Net cash provided by financing activities	9,848,775			2,872,429
Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(243,854		)	(7,685		)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Beginning	690,513			613,139
Ending	$	446,659		$	605,454
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW
INFORMATION, cash paid for interest, including capitalized interest for 2018 of $360,117 and 2017 of $24,467	$	312,488		$	55,657
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH
INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Construction in progress included in accounts payable	$	308,020		$	145,706
Construction in progress included in accrued expenses	40,439			2,228

See Notes to Unaudited  Financial Statements.

5

Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Note 1.    Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies

Principal business activity:  Lincolnway Energy, LLC (the "Company"), located in Nevada, Iowa, was formed in May 2004 to build and operate a 50 million gallon annual production dry mill corn-based ethanol plant.  The Company began making sales on May 30, 2006 and became operational during the quarter ended June 30, 2006. The Company is directly influenced by commodity markets and the agricultural and energy industries and, accordingly, its results of operations and financial condition may be significantly affected by cyclical market trends and the regulatory, political and economic conditions in these industries.

Basis of presentation and other information: The balance sheet as of September 30, 2017 was derived from the Company's audited balance sheet as of that date.  The accompanying financial statements as of June 30, 2018 and for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 are unaudited and reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and operating results for the interim periods.  These unaudited financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto, for the year ended September 30, 2017 contained in the Company's Annual Report  on Form 10-K.  The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year.

Use of estimates:  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and cash equivalents: The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Although the Company maintains its cash accounts in one bank, the Company believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.

Trade accounts receivable: Trade accounts receivable are recorded at original invoice amounts less an estimate made for doubtful receivables based on a review of all outstanding amounts on a monthly basis. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and considering customers financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions. Receivables are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of receivables written off are recorded when received. A receivable is considered past due if any portion of the receivable is outstanding more than 90 days. There was no allowance for doubtful accounts balance as of June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017.

Inventories:  Inventories are stated at the lower of net realizable value or actual cost using the first-in, first-out method.  In the valuation of inventories and purchase commitments, net realizable value is defined as estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonable predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation.

Derivative financial instruments:  The Company periodically enters into derivative contracts to hedge the Company’s exposure to price risk related to forecasted corn needs, forward corn purchase contracts and ethanol sales.  The Company does not typically enter into derivative instruments other than for hedging purposes.  All the derivative contracts are recognized on the balance sheet at their fair market value.  Although the Company believes its derivative positions are economic hedges, none have been designated as a hedge for accounting purposes.   Accordingly, any realized or unrealized gain or loss related to corn and natural gas derivatives is recorded in the statement of operations as a component of cost of goods sold.  Any realized or unrealized gain or loss related to ethanol derivative instruments is recorded in the statement of operations as a component of revenue. The Company reports all

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Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

contracts with the same counter party on a net basis on the balance sheet. Unrealized gains and losses on forward contracts, in which delivery has not occurred, are deemed “normal purchases and normal sales”, and therefore are not marked to market in the Company’s financial statements, but are subject to a lower of cost or market assessment.   

Revenue recognition:  Revenue from the sale of the Company’s ethanol and distillers grains is recognized at the time title and all risks of ownership transfer to the customers.  This generally occurs upon the loading of the product.  For ethanol, title passes at the time the product crosses the loading flange in either a railcar or truck.  For distillers grain, title passes upon the loading into trucks or railcars.    Shipping and handling costs incurred by the Company for the sale of distillers grain are included in costs of goods sold. Ethanol revenue is reported free on board (FOB) and all shipping and handling costs are incurred by the ethanol marketer. Commissions for the marketing and sale of ethanol and distiller grains are included in costs of goods sold.

Deferred revenue: Deferred revenue represents fees received under a service agreement in advance of services being performed. The related revenue is deferred and recognized as the services are performed over the 10 year agreement.

Income taxes:  The Company is organized as a partnership for federal and state income tax purposes and generally does not incur income taxes.  Instead, the Company’s earnings and losses are included in the income tax returns of the members.  Therefore, no provision or liability for federal or state income taxes has been included in these financial statements.

Earnings per unit:  Basic and diluted net income (loss) per unit have been computed on the basis of the weighted average number of units outstanding during each period presented.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements:  In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes all existing revenue recognition requirements, including most industry-specific guidance. The new standard requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that the company expects to receive for those goods or services. The new standard will be effective for the Company on October 1, 2018. The Company is evaluating the impact it will have on the financial statements, however it will expand certain disclosures of its revenue streams.

In February 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-2 "Leases" ("ASU 2016-02"). ASU 2016-02 requires the recognition of operating leases under previous GAAP. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018.

7

Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Note 2.    Revenues

Components of revenues are as follows:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	June 30, 2018		June 30, 2017		June 30, 2018		June 30, 2017
Ethanol, net of hedging gain (loss)	$	20,779,432	$	21,085,207	$	57,905,465	$	66,205,355
Distillers Grains	4,424,605		3,223,158		12,859,885		10,212,515
Other	1,896,849		1,984,376		5,594,318		5,753,572
Total	$	27,100,886	$	26,292,741	$	76,359,668	$	82,171,442

Note 3.    Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

	June 30, 2018		September 30, 2017
Raw materials, including corn, chemicals and supplies	$	3,592,702	$	4,166,618
Work in process	853,627		773,978
Ethanol and distillers grains	519,595		744,133
Total	$	4,965,924	$	5,684,729

Note 4.    Long-Term Debt

The Company has a revolving term loan, with a bank, available for up to $21,000,000. Borrowings will be reduced by $3,600,000 every year starting July 1, 2019 until July 1, 2024 when the loan expires. The Company will pay interest on the unpaid balance at a variable interest rate (adjusted on a weekly basis) based upon the one-month LIBOR index rate plus 3.15%. The Company also pays a commitment fee on the average daily unused portion of the loan at the rate of .50% annum, payable monthly. The loan is secured by substantially all assets of the Company and subject to certain financial and nonfinancial covenants as defined in the master agreement. There were outstanding borrowings of $13,900,000 and $3,000,000, respectively, on the revolving term loan at June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017.

8

Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Note 5.    Related-Party Transactions

The Company had the following related-party activity with members during the three and nine months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:

Corn Commitment:
June 30, 2018
	Corn Forward Purchase Commitment		Basis Corn Commitment (Bushels)	Commitment Through	Amount Due
Related Parties	$	1,911,437	1,380,000	June 2019	$	345,431

Corn Purchased:
	Three Months Ended June 30, 2018		Three Months Ended June 30, 2017		Nine Months Ended June 30, 2018		Nine Months Ended June 30, 2017
Related Parties	$	11,219,193	$	12,174,539	$	31,140,482	$	31,826,145

Note 6.    Commitments and Major Customers

The Company has an agreement with an unrelated entity for marketing, selling and distributing all of the ethanol produced by the Company. Revenues from this entity were $20,776,282 and $57,915,314, respectively, for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2018. Revenues with this entity were $21,096,610 and $66,369,245, respectively for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2017. Trade accounts receivable of $1,791,122 were due from this entity as of June 30, 2018. As of June 30, 2018, the Company had ethanol unpriced sales commitments with this entity of approximately 14.9 million gallons through December 2018.

The Company has an agreement with an unrelated entity for marketing, selling and distributing all of the distillers grains produced by the Company. Revenues from this entity including both distillers grains and corn oil were $4,479,177 and $12,971,145, respectively, for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2018. Revenues with this entity were $3,769,434 and $10,918,329, respectively, for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2017. The Company sells corn oil to this entity as a third party broker independent of its agreement with the entity relating to distillers grain sales. Trade accounts receivable of $627,695 were due from this entity as of June 30, 2018. The Company had distillers grain sales commitments with this entity of approximately 3,675 tons, for a total sales commitment of approximately $463,000.

As of June 30, 2018, the Company had purchase commitments for corn forward contracts with various unrelated parties, totaling approximately $5.8 million. These contracts mature at various dates through July 2019. The Company also had basis contract commitments with unrelated parties to purchase 121,700 bushels of corn. These contracts mature at various dates through December 2018.

The Company has an agreement with an unrelated party for the transportation of natural gas to the Company's ethanol plant. Under the agreement, the Company is committed to future monthly usage fees totaling approximately $3.6 million over the 10 year term which commenced in November 2014. The Company assigned an irrevocable standby letter of credit to the counter-party to stand as security for the Company's obligation under the agreement maturing May 2021. The letter of credit will be reduced over time as the Company makes payments under the agreement. At June 30, 2018, the remaining commitment was approximately $1.9 million.

9

Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

As of June 30, 2018, the Company had purchase commitments for natural gas basis contracts with an unrelated party totaling 209,110 MMBtu's maturing at various dates through October 2018.

The Company signed contracts with unrelated parties for the installation of a grain drying and cooling system. The total commitments are for $11.9 million plus a potential performance bonus of $450,000. The Company made progress payments of $10.1 million under this contract through June 30, 2018. The remaining payments will be made as invoiced throughout the life of the project. The project is estimated to be completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018.

The Company has an agreement with an unrelated party for fermentation expansions. The total commitment is for $2.7 million. Through June 30, 2018, the Company made progress payments of $2.4 million. The remaining payments will be made as invoiced throughout the life of the project. The project is estimated to be completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018.

Note 7.    Risk Management

The Company's activities expose it to a variety of market risks, including the effects of changes in commodity prices.  These financial exposures are monitored and managed by the Company as an integral part of its overall risk management program.  The Company's risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of commodity markets and seeks to reduce the potentially adverse effects that the volatility of these markets may have on its operating results.

The Company maintains a risk management strategy that uses derivative instruments to minimize significant, unanticipated earnings fluctuations caused by market fluctuations.  The Company's specific goal is to protect the Company from large moves in the commodity costs.

To reduce price risk caused by market fluctuations, the Company generally follows a policy of using exchange-traded futures and options contracts to minimize its net position of merchandisable agricultural commodity inventories and forward purchase and sale contracts.  Exchange traded futures and options contracts are designated as non-hedge derivatives and are valued at market price with changes in market price recorded in operating income through cost of goods sold for corn derivatives and through revenue for ethanol derivatives. The Company treats all contracts with the same counterparty on a net basis on the balance sheet.

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are as follows:

	June 30, 2018			September 30, 2017
Derivative assets - corn contracts	$	1,093,838		$	506,187
Derivative assets - natural gas contracts	1,740			—
Derivative liabilities - corn contracts	(183,650		)	(275		)
Derivative liabilities - ethanol contracts	—			(12,310		)
Derivative liabilities - natural gas contracts	(7,320		)	(1,980		)
Cash (due to) broker	(544,091		)	(62,956		)
Total	$	360,517		$	428,666

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Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The effects on operating income from derivative activities are as follows:

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	June 30, 2018			June 30, 2017			June 30, 2018			June 30, 2017
Gains (losses) in revenues due to derivatives related to ethanol sales:
Realized gain (loss)	$	11,781		$	(74,949	)	$	(9,849	)	$	(288,621	)
Unrealized gain (loss)	(8,631		)	63,546			—			124,731
Total effect on revenues	3,150			(11,403		)	(9,849		)	(163,890		)
Gains (losses) in cost of goods sold due to derivatives related to corn costs:
Realized gain	317,981			120,488			738,706			1,304,969
Unrealized gain (loss)	1,050,763			(27,550		)	404,275			(1,039,713		)
Total effect on corn cost	1,368,744			92,938			1,142,981			265,256
Gains (losses) in cost of goods sold due to derivatives related to natural gas costs:
Realized gain	17,820			2,500			48,759			5,490
Unrealized gain (loss)	(5,580		)	960			8,710			960
Total effect on natural gas cost	12,240			3,460			57,469			6,450
Total effect on cost of goods sold	1,380,984			96,398			1,200,450			271,706
Total gain due to derivative activities	$	1,384,134		$	84,995		$	1,190,601		$	107,816

Unrealized gains and losses on forward contracts, in which delivery has not occurred, are deemed “normal purchases and normal sales”, and therefore are not marked to market in the Company's financial statements but are subject to a lower of cost or market assessment.

Note 8.    Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  In determining fair value, the Company uses various methods including market, income and cost approaches.  Based on these approaches, the Company often utilizes certain assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and/or the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique.  These inputs can be readily observable, market-corroborated, or generally unobservable inputs.  The Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.  Based on the observability of the inputs used in the valuation techniques, the Company is required to provide the following information according to the fair value hierarchy.  The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values.  Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

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Lincolnway Energy, LLC

Notes to Unaudited Financial Statements

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Level 1 -	Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in active markets from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 -	Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in less active dealer or broker markets. Valuations are obtained from third-party pricing services for identical or similar assets or liabilities.
Level 3 -	Valuations incorporate certain assumptions and projections in determining the fair value assigned to such assets or liabilities.

A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, including the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below.  These valuation methodologies were applied to all of the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities carried at fair value.

Derivative financial instruments:  Commodity futures and exchange-traded commodity options contracts are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs.  For these contracts, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service.  The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes and live trading levels from the CME and NYMEX markets.  The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes and live trading levels from the over-the-counter markets. 

The following table summarizes the financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:

	June 30, 2018
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets, derivative financial instruments	$	1,095,578	$	1,095,578	$	—	$	—
Liabilities, derivative financial instruments	$	190,970	$	190,970	$	—	$	—
	September 30, 2017
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets, derivative financial instruments	$	506,187	$	506,187	$	—	$	—
Liabilities, derivative financial instruments	$	14,565	$	14,565	$	—	$	—

Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

General

The following discussion and analysis provides information which management of Lincolnway Energy, LLC (the “Company”, “we,” “us,” and “our”) believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our financial condition and results of operations. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements included herewith and notes to the financial statements and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2017 ("Fiscal 2017") including the financial statements, accompanying notes and the risk factors contained herein.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements

Various discussions and statements in this quarterly report are or contain forward-looking statements that express our current beliefs, forecasts, projections and predictions about future events.  All statements other than statements of historical fact are

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forward-looking statements, and include statements with respect to financial results and condition; anticipated trends in business, revenues, net income, net profits or net losses; projections concerning ethanol prices, distillers grain prices, corn prices, gas prices, operations, capital needs and cash flow; investment, business, growth, joint venture, expansion, acquisition and divestiture opportunities and strategies; management's plans or intentions for the future; competitive position or circumstances; and other forecasts, projections, predictions and statements of expectation.  Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "plans," "may," "will," "contemplates," "forecasts," "strategy," "future," "potential," "predicts," "projects," "prospects," "possible," "continue," "hopes," "intends," "believes," "seeks," "should," "could," "thinks," "objectives" and other similar expressions or variations of those words or those types of words help identify forward-looking statements.

Actual future performance, outcomes and results may differ materially from those suggested by or expressed in forward-looking statements as a result of numerous and varied factors, risks and uncertainties, some that are known and some that are not, and many of which are beyond the control of the Company and its management.  We cannot guarantee our future results, performance or business conditions, and strong or undue reliance must not be placed on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. While it is impossible to identify all such factors, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated by the Company include:

• Changes in the availability and price of corn and natural gas;

• Negative impacts resulting from reductions in, or other modifications to, the renewable fuel volume requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard issued by the Environmental Protection Agency;

• Changes in federal mandates relating to the blending of ethanol with gasoline, including, without limitation reductions to, or the elimination of, the Renewable Fuel Standard volume obligations;

• The potential for additional ethanol demand through higher level blends of ethanol, including E15 and E85;

• The inability to comply with the covenants and other requirements of our various loan agreements;

• Negative impacts that hedging activities may have on our operations or financial condition;

• Decreases in the market prices of ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil;

• Ethanol supply exceeding demand and corresponding ethanol price reductions;

• Changes in the environmental regulations that apply to our plant operations;

• Changes in plant production capacity or technical difficulties in operating the plant;

• Changes in general economic conditions or the occurrence of certain events causing an economic impact in the agriculture, oil or automobile industries;

• Changes in other federal or state laws and regulations relating to the production and use of ethanol;

• Changes and advances in ethanol production technology;

• Competition from larger producers as well as from alternative fuel additives;

• Changes in interest rates and lending conditions of the loan covenants in the Company loan agreements;

• Negative impacts resulting from recent tax reform legislation;

• Volatile commodity and financial markets;

• Disruptions, failures or security breaches relating to our information technology infrastructure

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• Negative impacts of higher ethanol tariffs and other disruptions to international agricultural trade related to current trade actions announced by the Trump administration and responsive actions announced by trading partners; and

• Decreased export demand due to the imposition of duties and tariffs by foreign governments on ethanol and distillers grains produced in the United States.

These forward-looking statements are based on management’s estimates, projections and assumptions as of the date hereof and include the assumptions that underlie such statements. Our actual results or actions could and likely will differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements for many reasons, including the reasons described in this report.   Any expectations based on these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and other important factors, including those discussed in this report and in the section titled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 and in our other prior Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These and many other factors could affect our future financial condition and operating results and could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations based on forward-looking statements made in this document or elsewhere by the Company or on its behalf.  We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements.  The forward-looking statements contained in this report are included in the safe harbor protection provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).

General Overview

Lincolnway Energy is an Iowa limited liability company that operates a dry mill, natural gas fired ethanol plant located in Nevada, Iowa.  We have been processing corn into fuel grade ethanol and distillers grains at the ethanol plant since May 22, 2006.  Our ethanol plant has a nameplate production capacity of 50,000,000 gallons of ethanol per year.

All of the ethanol we produce is marketed by Eco-Energy, LLC (“Eco-Energy”) and all of our distillers grains are marketed by Gavilon Ingredients, LLC (“Gavilon”). Our revenues are derived primarily from the sale of our ethanol and distillers grains.

We also extract corn oil from the syrup generated in the production of ethanol. We market and distribute all of our corn oil directly to end users and third party brokers within the domestic market.

Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., formerly known as EPCO Carbon Dioxide Products, Inc. (“Air Products”), has a plant located on the Company’s site that collects the carbon dioxide gas that is produced as part of the fermentation process and converts that raw carbon dioxide gas into liquid carbon dioxide. Air Products also markets and sells the liquid carbon dioxide.

We expect to fund our operations during the next 12 months using cash flow from continuing operations and the revolving term loan that is available to us.

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

On December 22, 2017, the H.R. 1, originally known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “2017 Tax Reform Act”), was signed into law. The 2017 Tax Reform Act includes significant changes to the taxation of business entities, including a permanent reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective in 2018 and changes in the deductibility of interest on debt obligations. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the 2017 Tax Reform Act, as well as potential future regulations implementing the new tax law and interpretations of the new tax law with its professional advisers. The full impact of the Tax Act on the Company in future periods cannot be predicted at this time.

Renewable Fuel Standard

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The ethanol industry is dependent on the Federal Renewable Fuels Standard (the “RFS”) , a federal ethanol support and economic incentive which mandates ethanol use, and the RFS continues to be a driving factor in the growth of ethanol usage. The RFS requires that in each year a certain amount of renewable fuels must be used in the United States. The RFS is a national program that does not require that any renewable fuels be used in any particular area or state, allowing refiners to use renewable fuel blends in those areas where it is most cost-effective.   The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) is responsible for revising and implementing regulations to ensure that transportation fuel sold in the United States contains a minimum volume of renewable fuel.

The RFS usage requirements increase incrementally each year through 2022 when the mandate requires that the United States use 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels.  Starting in 2009, the RFS required that a portion of the RFS must be met by certain “advanced” renewable fuels. These advanced renewable fuels include ethanol that is not made from corn, such as cellulosic ethanol and biomass based biodiesel. The use of these advanced renewable fuels increases each year as a percentage of the total renewable fuels required to be used in the United States.

Annually, the EPA is supposed to pass a rule that establishes the number of gallons of different types of renewable fuels that must be used in the United States which is called the renewable volume obligation. On July 5, 2017, the EPA released a proposed rule to set the 2018 renewable volume requirements which proposed setting the annual volume requirements for renewable fuel at 19.24 billion gallons of renewable fuels per year (the “Proposed 2018 Rule”). On November 30, 2017, the EPA issued the final rule for 2018 which varied only slightly from the Proposed 2018 Rule with the annual volume requirement for renewable fuel set at 19.29 billion gallons of renewable fuels per year (the "Final 2018 Rule"). Although the volume requirements set forth in the Final 2018 Rule are slightly higher than the 19.28 billion gallons required under the final 2017 renewable fuel volume requirements, the 2018 volume requirements are still significantly below the 26 billion gallons statutory mandate for 2018 with significant reductions in the volume requirements for advanced biofuels. However, the Final 2018 Rule does maintain the number of gallons which may be met by conventional renewable fuels such as corn-based ethanol at 15.0 billion gallons.

On June 26, 2018, the EPA issued a proposed rule that would set the 2019 annual volume requirements for renewable fuel at 19.88 billion gallons of renewable fuels per year and maintaining the number of gallons which may be met by conventional renewable fuels such as corn based ethanol at 15 billion gallons (the "Proposed 2019 Rule"). It is expected that the EPA will finalize the rule by November 30, 2018.

Under the RFS, if mandatory renewable fuel volumes are reduced by at least 20% for two consecutive years, the EPA is required to modify, or reset, statutory volumes through 2022. Since 2018 is the first year the total proposed volume requirements are more than 20% below statutory levels, the EPA Administrator directed his staff to initiate the required technical analysis to perform any future reset consistent with the reset rules. The Proposed 2019 Rule is 29% below the statutory levels; therefore, if the Proposed 2019 Rule is finalized as proposed, the reset will be triggered under the RFS and the EPA will be required to modify statutory volumes through 2022 within one year of the trigger event, based on the same factors used to set the volume requirements post-2022.

On October 19, 2017, EPA Administrator Pruitt issued a letter (the "Pruitt Letter") to several U.S. Senators representing states in the Midwest reiterating his commitment to the text and spirit of the RFS, among other topics, he stated the EPA is actively exploring its authority to remove arbitrary barriers to the year-rounds use of E15 and other mid-level ethanol blends so that E15 may be sold throughout the year without disruption and that the EPA will not pursue regulations to allow ethanol exports to generate renewable identification numbers (“RINs”). In addition, on April 12, 2018, as part of a series of meetings focused on RIN prices and E15 year-round sales involving President Trump, Senators, key federal agency and industry leaders, President Trump indicated that EPA would be moving forward to authorize year-round sales of E15 by rulemaking designed to address the waiver that currently inhibits sales of E15 in certain markets during summer driving months. The letter and these statements represent actions that would likely have a positive impact on the ethanol industry either directly or indirectly.

The letter also stated that the EPA would soon finalize a decision to deny the request to change the point of obligation for renewable identification numbers, or RINs, from refiners and importers to blenders. The EPA assigns individual refiners, blenders and importers the volume of renewable fuels they are obligated to use based on their percentage of total fuel sales. Obligated parties use RINs to show compliance with RFS-mandated volumes. RINs are attached to renewable fuels by producers and detached when the renewable fuel is blended with transportation fuel or traded in the open market. The market price of detached RINs affects the price of ethanol in certain markets and influences purchasing decisions by obligated parties. Consistent with the position in his letter, on November 22, 2017, the EPA issued a Notice of Denial of Petitions for rulemaking to change the RFS point of obligation which resulted in the EPA confirming the point of obligation will not change.

Despite the Pruitt Letter and the recent statements by President Trump relating to E15, there continues to be uncertainty regarding the future of the RFS as a result of the recently revealed EPA grants of a number of small refiner exemptions from the volume purchase requirements of the RFS, as well as an exemption granted to a refiner as part of bankruptcy proceedings. Additionally,

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the EPA has announced that it is reviewing RFS waivers denied to small refiners by the Obama administration and has retroactively awarded biofuels credits to at least two refiners to alleviate their 2018 obligations. The joint impact of large increases in small refiner waivers granted by the EPA and the expected reduction in Chinese imports has had a very negative impact on ethanol D6 RINs prices. RINs prices have fallen by over 60%, largely removing a powerful blending incentive from the ethanol marketplace.

Legal challenges are underway to the EPA's recent reductions in the RFS volume requirements, including the Final 2018 Rule and the Proposed 2019 Rule as well as the denial of petitions to change the RFS point of obligation and the recent small refiner waivers. If the EPA's decision to reduce the volume requirements under the RFS is allowed to stand, if the volume requirements are further reduced, if the RFS point of obligation were changed or if the EPA continues to grant waivers to small refiners, the market price and demand would be adversely effective which would negatively impact our financial performance.

On May 18, 2018, the Advanced Biofuel Association initiated a legal challenge to the EPA’s process for granting exemptions from compliance under the RFS to small refineries. In its petition, the Advanced Biofuel Association seeks judicial review of the EPA’s decision to modify criteria to lower the threshold by which the agency determines whether to grant small refineries an exemption for the RFS for reasons of disproportionate economic hardship. 

Additionally, on May 29, 2018, the National Corn Growers Association, National Farmers Union and the Renewable Fuels Association filed a petition challenging the EPA’s grant of waivers to three specific refineries seeking that the court reject the waivers granted to the three as an abuse of EPA authority.  These waived gallons are not redistributed to obligated parties, and in effect, reduce the aggregate RVOs under the RFS. If the specific waivers granted by the EPA and/or its lower criteria for granting small refinery waivers under the RFS are allowed to stand, or if the volume requirements are further reduced, it could have an adverse effect on the market price and demand for ethanol which would negatively impact our financial performance.

Related to the recent lawsuits, the Renewable Fuels Association, American Coalition for Ethanol, Growth Energy, National Biodiesel Board, National Corn Growers Association, Biotechnology Industry Organization, and National Farmers Union petitioned the EPA on June 4, 2018 to change its regulations to account for lost volumes of renewable fuel resulting from the retroactive small refinery exemptions. This petition to the EPA seeks a broader, forward-looking remedy to account for the collective lost volumes caused by the recent increase in retroactive small refinery RVO exemptions. It is unclear what regulatory changes, if any, will emerge from the petition to the EPA. 

Although the maintenance of the 15 billion gallon threshold for volume requirements that may be met with corn-based ethanol in the Final 2018 Rule and the Proposed 2019 Rule together with the Pruitt Letter and the resulting actions taken by the EPA consistent with Pruitt Letter signals support from the EPA and the Trump administration for domestic ethanol production, there is still significant uncertainty about the level of support for the RFS the Trump administration. The Trump administration could still elect to materially modify, repeal or otherwise invalidate the RFS and it is unclear what regulatory framework and renewable volume requirements, if any, will emerge as a result of any such reforms; however, any such reform could adversely affect the demand and price for ethanol and the Company's profitability.

Executive Summary

Highlights for the three months ended June 30, 2018, are as follows:

•Total revenues increased 3.1%, or $.8 million, compared to the 2017 comparable period.

•Total cost of goods sold decreased .5%, or $.1 million, compared to the 2017 comparable period.

•Net income was approximately $.3 million, which was an increase of $1.3 million when compared to the net (loss) of $1.0 million for the 2017 comparable period.

The Company entered into agreements with third parties for the installation of a grains drying and cooling system. The total commitments are for $11.9 million plus a potential performance bonus of $450,000. The Company made progress payments of $10.1 million under this contract as of June 30, 2018. The remaining payments will be made as invoiced throughout the life of the project. The project is estimated to be completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018. This new drying and cooling system will aid in our development of a new high quality species specific animal feed which we have branded as PureStream™ protein.  We currently intend to market this new product to the growing swine and poultry markets in Iowa.  When compared to traditional distillers grains, our new PureStream™ protein animal feed products are expected to be higher in crude protein and richer in the essential amino acids that drive growth in swine and poultry.

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Results of Operations

The following table shows the results of operations and the percentages of revenues, cost of goods sold, operating expenses and other items to total revenues in our statement of operations for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 (dollars in thousands):

	Three Months Ended June 30,									Nine Months Ended June 30,
	(Unaudited)									(Unaudited)
Income Statement Data	2018				2017					2018					2017
Revenue	$27,101		100.0	%	$26,293			100.0	%	$76,360			100.0	%	$82,171			100.0	%
Cost of goods sold	26,233		96.8	%	26,374			100.3	%	75,506			98.9	%	77,923			94.8	%
Gross profit (loss)	868		3.2	%	(81		)	(0.3	)%	854			1.1	%	4,248			5.2	%
General and administrative expenses	736		2.7	%	842			3.2	%	2,465			3.2	%	2,425			3.0	%
Operating income (loss)	132		0.5	%	(923		)	(3.5	)%	(1,611		)	(2.1	)%	1,823			2.2	%
Other income (expense), net	191		0.7	%	(38		)	(0.1	)%	593			0.8	%	(67		)	(0.1	)%
Net income (loss)	$	323	1.2	%	$	(961	)	(3.4	)%	$	(1,018	)	(1.3	)%	$	1,756		2.1	%

Results of Operations for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 as Compared to the Three Months Ended June 30, 2017

Revenues. Total revenues increased by 3.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2017. Ethanol sales decreased by 1.5% and sales from co-products increased by 21.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2017. The change in ethanol revenue was a result of a 4.3% decrease in the price per gallon received which was partially offset by a 2.4% increase in sales volume for the three months ended June 30, 2018, when compared to the three months ended June 30, 2017. Ethanol prices decreased due to relatively high inventories in the domestic market coupled with ongoing record production of ethanol. Our sales volume increased due to better production rates with the implementation of new process improvements. Ethanol revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2018 also included a $3,150 net gain for ethanol derivatives, compared to a $11,403 net loss in the same quarter for the prior period.

Sales from co-products increased by 21.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2018 from the three months ended June 30, 2017. Co-products include dried distillers grains, wet distillers grains, corn oil, syrup and carbon dioxide. The change in co-product sales was primarily due to a $1.2 million increase in distillers grain revenue. Distillers grain revenue increased as market prices increased in response to increased export demand as Argentina, the world's biggest meal exporter, suffers from continued drought.

Cost of goods sold. Cost of goods sold decreased by 0.5% or approximately $.1 million, for the three months ended June 30, 2018 from the three months ended June 30, 2017. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in corn costs offset by increases in repairs and maintenance. Cost of goods sold includes corn costs, process chemicals, denaturant, natural gas costs, electricity, production labor, repairs and maintenance, and depreciation.

Corn costs, including hedging, decreased $.6 million or 3.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2017. The decrease was due to hedging gains which were partially offset by higher corn prices. For the three months ended June 30, 2018 corn costs included a $1.4 million net gain for derivatives relating to corn costs, compared to a $92,938 net gain in the same quarter for the prior year. Corn costs represented 67.7% of cost of goods sold for the three months ended June 30, 2018, compared to 69.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2017.

Repairs and maintenance increased approximately 32.0% or $.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 from the three months ended June 30, 2017. The increase was due to higher maintenance and repair costs on the older equipment. A large number of repairs were made to our steam tube dryers. The Company has also increased its focus on preventative maintenance to maximize production days and increase efficiency.

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General and administrative costs decreased by $106,123 or 12.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2018 from the three months ended June 30, 2017. The decrease is due to higher research and development and farming expenses as well as certain relocation fees incurred during the three months ended June 30, 2017.

Results of Operations for the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2018 as Compared to the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2017

Revenues. Revenues decreased by $5.8 million, or 7.1%, for the nine months ended June 30, 2018 from the nine months ended June 30, 2017. Ethanol sales decreased $8.3 million, or 12.5%, for the nine months ended June 30, 2018 from the nine months ended June 30, 2017. The change in ethanol revenue was a result of a 11.1% decrease in the price per gallon received as well as a 1.9% decrease in sales volume for the nine months ended June 30, 2018, when compared to the nine months ended June 30, 2017. The decrease in sales volume was due to mechanical issues in the plant. Ethanol prices decreased due to relatively high inventories in the domestic market coupled with ongoing record production of ethanol. The nine months ended June 30, 2018 also included a $9,849 net loss for derivatives related to ethanol sales, compared to a $163,890 net loss in the prior period.

Sales from co-products increased by 15.6%, or $2.5 million, for the nine months ended June 30, 2018 from the nine months ended June 30, 2017. Co-products include dried distillers grains, wet distillers grains, corn oil, syrup and carbon dioxide. Co-product revenue increased primarily due to a 25.9% increase in dried distillers grains revenue for the nine months ended June 30, 2018 from the nine months ended June 30, 2017. Distillers grain revenue increased as market prices climbed in response to increased export demand as Argentina, the world's biggest meal exporter, suffers from continued drought.

Cost of goods sold. Cost of goods sold decreased by 3.1% or $2.4 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2018 from the nine months ended June 30, 2017. Cost of goods sold includes corn costs, process chemicals, denaturant, natural gas, electricity, production labor, repairs and maintenance, and depreciation. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in corn costs, natural gas and railcar expense offset by increases in ingredients costs as well as repairs and maintenance.

Corn costs, including hedging, decreased by $2.4 million, or 4.3%, for the nine months ended June 30, 2018 from the nine months ended June 30, 2017. The decrease was due a large hedging gain and improved ethanol yields.. For the nine months ended June 30, 2018, corn costs included a $1.1 million net gain for derivatives relating to future contracts, compared to a $.3 million gain for the nine months ended June 30, 2017. Corn costs represented 68.7% of cost of goods sold for the nine months ended June 30, 2018, compared to 69.6% for the nine month June 30, 2017.

Ingredient costs increased approximately 8.7% or $.4 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2018 from the nine months ended June 30, 2017. The increase was due to switching to higher priced process chemicals as required by government regulations for animal food.

Natural gas costs decreased approximately 8.9% or $.5 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2018 from the nine months ended June 30, 2017. The decrease was due to lower natural gas prices, running the plant more efficiently at higher yields and lower production levels.

Repairs and maintenance increased approximately 20.0%, or $.6 million, for the nine months ended June 30, 2018 from the nine months ended June 30, 2017. The increase was due to higher maintenance and repair costs on the older equipment. A large number of repairs were made to our steam tube dryers. The Company has also increased its focus on preventative maintenance to maximize production days and increase efficiency.

Railcar expenses decreased approximately $.3 million, or 21.6% for the nine months ended June 31, 2018 from the nine months ended June 30, 2017. The decrease is due to inspection and cleaning costs in previous period during the transition of old leases to new leases. The number of railcars leased was also reduced.

Other income increased $.7 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2018 from the nine months ended June 30, 2017. The increase is due to a settlement payment received by Lincolnway Energy in a litigation matter.

Industry Factors that May Affect Future Operating Results

During the three months ended June 30, 2018, the ethanol industry experienced modestly rising ethanol production margins as a result of a combination of factors including the following:

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•Corn prices were generally very weak during the three months ended June 30, 2018. The price per bushel rallied modestly in April but broke sharply thereafter as the market assessed the impact of generous post planting rains throughout the U.S. Corn Belt. However recent trade disputes with China, Mexico and Canada resulted in market concern for a potential reduction in U.S. agricultural exports resulting from various tariffs and sanctions resulting from these trade disputes. The soybean market fell under particularly heavy pressure and dragged corn prices down 70 cents per bushel. Farmer selling diminished on the price break and corn basis rose modestly from historically low levels.

•The latest estimates of supply and demand provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (the "USDA") held steady with 2018 ending corn stocks of 2.1 billion bushels. However, projections for 2019 ending corn stocks indicate a reduction of 25%, reflecting lower beginning stocks and a reduced crop size. Given excellent early season weather and trade war concerns, the market shrugged off any potential supply concerns and prices plummeted.

•Gasoline demand during the second quarter of calendar year 2018 rose a modest 0.7% versus 2017. Domestic ethanol usage was only 0.3% above the weak consumption during the second calendar quarter of 2017. This resulted in a modest ethanol price drop. With near 3% annualized economic growth rates topping and low unemployment rates bottoming over the next 6-9 months, gasoline demand may stagnate and result in a corresponding stagnation in ethanol demand.

•A growing U.S. economy should have contributed to modest growth in gasoline demand in the past year. Falling unemployment means more people driving to work each day. Unemployment has reached record lows in many parts of the U.S. Unfortunately, changing demographics, driving habits and vehicle choices have combined to register virtually zero growth in domestic gasoline demand over the last 3 years. Domestic ethanol demand has therefore also shown only fractional growth. What ethanol demand growth there has been has been almost wholly in exports. That export demand growth is now in serious jeopardy and could well begin a contraction. Both China and Brazil have instituted significant protective tariffs in the last 18 months. Current U.S. policy appears likely to aggravate the situation further. The industry can no longer look to exports for growth. Concurrently, the U.S. governments’ policies impacting domestic offtake of ethanol have become hostile. Exemptions for small refiner blending of ethanol have been granted wholesale and not replaced elsewhere. The possibility of the EPA allowing an E15 blend rate appears very remote. Yet ethanol production capacity growth continues in excess of 2% per year. Management is concerned about negative margin impacts and following these circumstances closely.

•Ethanol continues trading at a large discount to gasoline which has improved export demand somewhat, particularly among price opportunistic foreign buyers. Typically such an ethanol trading discount would also bolster the penetration of E15 blends in the domestic market. However, the impact of large increases in small refiner waivers granted by the EPA and the expected reductions in both Chinese and Brazilian imports continues to have a negative impact on prices for D6 RINs (the RINs associated with corn-based ethanol). RINS prices remain subdued, removing a powerful blending incentive from the ethanol marketplace.

•The EPA’s maintenance in the Proposed 2019 Rule of the number of gallons which may be met by conventional renewable fuels such as corn-based ethanol at 15.0 billion gallons appeared to signal continued support by the Trump administration of the RFS for ethanol. However, large questions remain given the legal status of the EPA’s small refiner waivers of RFS obligations, the retirement of RINS on exported gallons and the national approval of E15 blends.

•Despite the threats to export demand outlined above, the primary driving force moving our margins higher during the quarter was year over year increased export demand. Year over year quarterly export demand increased nearly 50%. While export increases are helpful, domestic offtake constitutes 90% of overall demand, and while exports were excellent, they do vary widely over time. Given the current political climate surrounding trade, the potential impacts of increasing or decreasing exports on our margins is uncertain; however, given the current over supply in domestic ethanol inventories, any decrease in export demand will have an adverse impact on market price and negatively impact our margins.

We use futures and options strategies on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to hedge some of the risk involved with changing corn prices, as well as the purchase and physical delivery of corn contracts from area farmers and commercial suppliers. We also incorporate risk management strategies to cover some of the risk involved with changing ethanol and distillers market prices. We continue to monitor the markets and attempt to provide for an adequate supply of corn and protection against rapid price increases for corn and price decreases for ethanol and distillers grains.

Management currently believes that our margins will remain flat during the remainder of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018 (“Fiscal 2018”). Continued large old crop corn supplies, expected large new crop supplies and ethanol production capacity increases could have a negative impact on the market price of ethanol which could adversely impact our profitability. This negative impact could worsen in the event that domestic ethanol inventories remain high or grow, or if U.S. exports of ethanol decline. The ethanol industry is

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currently experiencing growth in production capacity principally through plant optimization and some new construction. During 2018 to date, increasing ethanol production rates have equaled domestic E10 gasoline demand plus export growth, leading to stable ethanol inventory levels near historic highs. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administarion, as of June 30, 2018, weekly ending stocks of ethanol were 2% higher than the same time last year and 21% higher than the previous five-year average. Despite the steady domestic demand and 27% higher net exports during the first six months of 2018, ending stocks of ethanol on June 30, 2018 slightly exceeded the ending stocks on June 30, 2017. Although ethanol exports have provided some support for ethanol prices with the increase in export demand resulting from the low domestic ethanol prices, if ethanol prices decrease further, this may not positively impact export demand. The adjustments in the renewable volume obligations and small refiner waivers granted by the EPA also may result in an oversupply of renewable fuel credits which could decrease demand for corn-based ethanol despite the statutory requirements set forth in the Final 2018 Rule and the Proposed 2019 Rule. Neither the Final 2018 Rule nor the Proposed 2019 Rule renewable volume included any material growth and as a result, unless additional demand can be found in foreign or domestic markets, a maintenance of the continued level of ethanol stocks or any increase in domestic ethanol supply could adversely impact the price of ethanol.

Our margins have been positively impacted in the second calendar quarter of 2018 due to the higher prices received for our distillers grains. During the second calendar quarter of 2018, our distillers grains prices improved as a result of relatively firm world soybean meal prices which management believes are attributable to the Argentinian drought. Argentina is the third largest soybean producer in the world and a leading exporter of soybean meal. In addition to being an animal feed substitute for corn, distillers grains are increasingly considered a protein feed substitute for soybean meal. In 2018, strong protein meal prices have enabled distillers grains prices to rally versus corn, our basic raw material. Management currently believes that the impact of the Chinese imposition of antidumping and countervailing duties on distillers grains produced in the U.S. has been fully absorbed into the current market and therefore should not result in further prices declines. However, domestic feeding margins in cattle and hogs in particular could have a negative impact on total distillers grains domestic offtake. While we remain optimistic on distillers grains usage relative to other feed and protein sources, declining feeding margins in the red meat sector are an ongoing concern.

The Final 2019 Rule raised the renewable volume requirements for advanced biofuels from the 2018 level and left biomass based diesel unchanged. This could negatively impact the demand for corn oil as U.S. corn oil supplies are expected to grow by well in excess of 5%. World oilseed supplies are projected to be lower, and world soybean supplies are expected to contract modestly. The most important factor currently is the uncertainty about what the United States Government may do in regard to tariffs on a wide range of imports and the potential impact to international biodiesel flows. Large amounts of biodiesel often flow into the U.S. from Argentina and the Far East. While these flows have moderated, corn oil prices have moved to multiyear lows as U.S. production exceeds corn oil biodiesel production capacity. Management sees little potential for an increase in corn oil prices given production increases and large trade flow uncertainty.

Credit and Counterparty Risks

Through our normal business activities, we are subject to significant credit and counterparty risks that arise through normal commercial sales and purchases, including forward commitments to buy and sell, and through various other over-the-counter (OTC) derivative instruments that we utilize to manage risks inherent in our business activities.  We define credit and counterparty risk as a potential financial loss due to the failure of a counterparty to honor its obligations.  The exposure is measured based upon several factors, including unpaid accounts receivable from counterparties and unrealized gains (losses) from OTC derivative instruments (including forward purchase and sale contracts).   Part of our risk management strategy requires that we actively monitor credit and counterparty risk through credit analysis.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Based on the financial projections prepared by management, we anticipate that we will have sufficient cash from existing cash, our current credit facilities, and cash from operations to continue to operate the ethanol plant for the next 12 months. Management believes that an abundant corn supply will cause corn prices to remain near current levels and an anticipated increase in the supply of ethanol will cause ethanol prices to stay near current levels. Working capital was approximately $5.4 million as of June 30, 2018 and is projected to be sufficient with current cash balances and credit facilities available for the remainder of the fiscal year. Management continues to monitor our liquidity position on a weekly basis.

Our financial position and liquidity are, and will continue to be, influenced by a variety of factors, including, without limitation:

• our ability to generate cash flows from operations;

• the level of our outstanding indebtedness and the interest we are obligated to pay;

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• our capital expenditure requirements, which consists primarily of plant improvements to improve efficiencies and expenditures for our new PureStream™ protein process; and

• our margin maintenance requirements on all commodity trading accounts.

The following table summarizes our sources and uses of cash and cash equivalents from the unaudited statement of cash flows for the periods presented:

	Nine Months Ended June 30,
	(Unaudited)
Cash Flow Data:	2018			2017
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	1,618,640		$	4,201,768
Net cash (used in) investing activities	(11,711,269		)	(7,081,882		)
Net cash provided by financing activities	9,848,775			2,872,429
Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	$	(243,854	)	$	(7,685	)

Cash Flow Provided by Operations

For the nine months ended June 30, 2018, net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $2.6 million when compared to net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended June 30, 2017. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities is due to net loss and the timing in working capital components.

Cash Flow Used in Investing Activities

Cash flows from investing activities reflect the impact of property and equipment acquired for the ethanol plant. Net cash used in investing activities increased by $4.6 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the nine months ended June 30 2017. The increase is due to initial progress payments on the installation of a grains drying and cooling system. The project is estimated to be completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018.

Cash Flow Provided by Financing Activities

Cash flows from financing activities include transactions and events whereby cash is obtained from, or paid to, depositors, creditors or investors. Net cash provided by financing activities increased by $7.0 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the nine months ended June 30, 2017. The increase is due to borrowings on our term revolver offset by distributions paid to members.

Critical Accounting Estimates and Accounting Policies

Our financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and follow general practices within the industries in which we operate. This preparation requires management to make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates, assumptions and judgments are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements; accordingly, as this information changes, actual results could differ from the estimates, assumptions, and judgments reflected in the financial statements. Certain policies inherently have a greater reliance on the use of estimates, assumptions, and judgments and, as such, have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported. Management believes the following policies are both important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require subjective or complex judgments; therefore, management considers the following to be critical accounting policies.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from the sale of our ethanol and distillers grains is recognized at the time title and all risks of ownership transfer to the marketing company. This generally occurs upon the loading of the product. For ethanol, title passes from the Company at the time the product crosses the loading flange into either a railcar or truck. For railcar shipments, this takes place when the railcar is filled and the marketer receives written notice that the railcars have been loaded and are available for billing. For distillers grains,

21

title passes upon the loading of distillers grains into trucks. Shipping and handling costs incurred by us for the sale of ethanol and distillers grain are included in costs of goods sold.

All of our ethanol production is sold to Eco-Energy. The purchase price payable to us under our agreement with Eco-Energy is the purchase price set forth in the applicable purchase order, less a marketing fee payable to Eco-Energy.

We have an agreement with Gavilon to purchase all of the distillers grains produced at our ethanol plant. The purchase price payable to us is the corresponding price being paid to Gavilon for the distillers grains, less certain logistics costs and a service fee.

Derivative Instruments

We enter into derivative contracts to hedge our exposure to price risk related to forecasted corn needs, forward corn purchase contracts and ethanol sales. We do not typically enter into derivative instruments other than for hedging purposes. All future derivative contracts are recognized on the June 30, 2018 balance sheet at their fair value. Although we believe our derivative positions are economic hedges, none have been designated as a hedge for accounting purposes. Accordingly, any realized or unrealized gain or loss related to these derivative instruments is recorded in the statement of operations as a component of cost of goods sold for corn contracts and as a component of revenue for ethanol contracts.

Unrealized gains and losses on forward contracts, in which delivery has not occurred, are deemed “normal purchases and normal sales”, and therefore are not marked to market in our financial statements but are subject to a lower of cost or market assessment.

Inventories and Lower of Cost or Market

Inventories are stated at the lower of net realizable value or actual cost using the first-in, first-out method.  In the valuation of inventories and purchase commitments, net realizable value is defined as estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonable predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We currently do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

22

Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

In addition to the various risks inherent in the ethanol industry and our operations, we are exposed to various market risks.  The primary market risks arise as a result of possible changes in certain commodity prices and changes in interest rates.

Commodity Price Risk

We are exposed to market risk with respect to the price of ethanol, which is our principal product, and the price and availability of corn and natural gas, which are the principal commodities we use to produce ethanol.  Our other primary product is distillers grains, and we are also subject to market risk with respect to the price for distillers grains.  The prices for ethanol, distillers grains, corn and natural gas are volatile, and we may experience market conditions where the prices we receive for our ethanol and distillers grains are declining, but the price we pay for our corn, natural gas and other inputs is increasing. Our results will therefore vary substantially over time, and include the possibility of losses, which could be substantial.

In general, rising ethanol and distillers grains prices result in higher profit margins, and therefore represent favorable market conditions.  We are, however, subject to various material risks related to our production of ethanol and distillers grains and the price for ethanol and distillers grains.  For example, ethanol and distillers grains prices are influenced by various factors beyond the control of our management, including the supply and demand for gasoline, the availability of substitutes, international trade and the effects of domestic and foreign laws, regulations and government policies.

In general, rising corn prices result in lower profit margins and, accordingly, represent unfavorable market conditions.  We will generally not be able to pass along increased corn costs to our ethanol customers.  We are subject to various material risks related to the availability and price of corn, many of which are beyond our control.  For example, the availability and price of corn is subject to wide fluctuations due to various unpredictable factors, including weather conditions, crop yields, farmer planting decisions, governmental policies with respect to agriculture, and local, regional, national and international trade, demand and supply. If our corn costs were to increase $.10 per bushel from one year to the next, the impact on costs of goods sold would be approximately $2.1 million for the year, assuming corn use of 21 million bushels during the year.

Falling ethanol prices indicate weak market conditions and will usually negatively impact profit margins. Lincolnway Energy will typically be unable to pass through the impact of decreased ethanol revenues to its corn suppliers. Lincolnway Energy is subject to various material risks related to the demand for and price of ethanol, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. For example, the demand for and price of ethanol is subject to significant fluctuations due to various unpredictable factors which are beyond the control of Lincolnway Energy's management, including driving habits, consumer vehicle buying decisions, petroleum price movement, plant capacity utilization, and government policies with respect to biofuel use, railroad transportation requirements, national and international trade and supply and demand. If Lincolnway Energy's ethanol revenue were to decrease $.05 per gallon from one year to the next, the impact on gross revenues would be approximately $3.1 million for the year.

During the quarter ended June 30, 2018, corn prices based on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange daily futures data ranged from a low of $3.39 per bushel for July 2018 delivery to a high of $4.12 per bushel for July 2018 delivery.  The corn prices based on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange daily futures data during the quarter ended June 30, 2017 ranged from a low of $3.56 per bushel for July 2017 delivery to a high of $3.92 per bushel for July 2017 delivery.

The average price we received for our ethanol during the three months ended June 30, 2018 was $1.32 per gallon, as compared to $1.38 per gallon during the three months ended June 30, 2017.

During the quarter ended June 30, 2018, ethanol prices based on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange daily futures data ranged from a low of $1.36 per gallon for July 2018 delivery to a high of $1.54 per gallon for July 2018 delivery. The ethanol prices based on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange daily futures data during the three months ended June 30, 2017 ranged from a low of $1.45 per gallon for July 2017 delivery to a high of $1.62 per gallon for July 2017 delivery.

We may from time to time take various cash, futures, options or other positions in an attempt to minimize or reduce our price risks related to corn and ethanol. The extent to which we enter into such positions may vary substantially from time to time and based on various factors, including seasonal factors and our views as to future market trends. Those activities are, however, also subject to various material risks, including that price movements in the cash and futures corn and ethanol markets are highly volatile and

23

are influenced by many factors and occurrences that are beyond our control. We could incur substantial losses on our cash, futures, options or other positions.

Although we intend our futures and option positions to accomplish an economic hedge against our future purchases of corn or futures sales of ethanol, we have chosen not to use hedge accounting for those positions, which would match the gain or loss on the positions to the specific commodity purchase being hedged.  To avoid the higher costs associated with hedge accounting, we are instead using fair value accounting for the positions. Generally that means as the current market price of the positions changes, the realized or unrealized gains and losses are immediately recognized in our costs of goods sold in the statement of operations for corn positions or as a component of revenue in the statement of operations for ethanol positions.  The immediate recognition of gains and losses on those positions can cause net income to be volatile from quarter to quarter due to the timing of the change in value of the positions relative to the cost and use of the commodity being hedged.  For example, our net gain on corn derivative financial instruments that was included in our cost of goods sold for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was $1,368,744, as opposed to a net gain of $92,938 for the three months ended June 30, 2017.

We attempt to offset or hedge some of the risk involved with changing corn prices through the trading of futures and options on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, as well as through purchase and physical delivery contracts from suppliers. We continue to stay at a near neutral corn position due to an uptrend in ethanol sales margins. We continue to monitor and attempt to ensure adequate corn supply and protection against rapid price increases. As noted above those activities are, however, subject to various material risks, including that price movements in the cash corn and corn futures markets are highly volatile and are influenced by many factors and occurrences which are beyond our control.

Another important raw material for our production of ethanol is natural gas. Our cost per MMBTU is subject to various factors that are outside of the control of our management. The factors include changes in weather, increase in transportation costs and the overall economic activity.  Our natural gas costs will therefore vary, and the variations could be material.  Our natural gas costs for the three months ended June 30, 2018 represented approximately 4.7% of our total cost of goods sold for that period.

Interest Rate Risk

We have various outstanding loan agreements that expose us to market risk related to changes in the interest rate imposed under the loan agreement and promissory notes.

We have entered into loan agreements, including an irrevocable letter of credit, with Farm Credit Services of America, FLCA and Farm Credit Services of America, PCA (collectively, "Farm Credit"). The interest rate on the Farm Credit revolving term loan and irrevocable letter of credit is a variable interest rate based on the one-month LIBOR index plus 3.15%. We do not anticipate any significant increase in interest rates during Fiscal 2018.

24

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our  management,  under the supervision and with  the  participation  of  our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Director of Finance (our principal financial officer), have evaluated the  effectiveness of our disclosure  controls  and  procedures  (as defined in Rule  13a-15(e) under the Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934) as of the end of the  period covered by this quarterly report.  Based on that evaluation,  our President and Chief Executive Officer and our Director of Finance have  concluded  that, as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, our disclosure controls and procedures have been effective to provide  reasonable  assurance that the information required to be disclosed in the reports our  files or submits  under the Securities Exchange  Act of 1934 is (i)  recorded,  processed, summarized and reported within the time  periods  specified  in the  Securities  and  Exchange Commission's   rules  and  forms,  and  (ii)  accumulated  and  communicated  to management,  including our  principal executive and principal financial officers or persons performing such functions,  as appropriate,  to allow timely decisions regarding  disclosure.  We believe that a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute  assurance that the  objectives of the control system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide  absolute  assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud,  if any, within a company have been detected.

No Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

No change in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the period covered by this quarterly report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings.

From time to time the Company is involved in various litigation matters arising in the ordinary course of its business. None of these matters, either individually or in the aggregate, currently is material to the Company except as reported in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, there were no material developments to such matters.

25

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 and in Item 1A of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2017 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2018 other than as provided below. Additional risks and uncertainties, including risk and uncertainties not presently known to us, or that we currently deem immaterial, could also have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Recent trade actions by the Trump Administration, particularly those affecting the agriculture sector and related industries, could adversely affect our operations and profitability.

Government policies and regulations significantly impact domestic agricultural commodity production and trade flows and governmental policies affecting the agricultural industry, such as taxes, trade tariffs, duties, subsidies, import and export restrictions on commodities and commodity products, can influence industry profitability, the planting of certain crops, the location and size of crop production, whether unprocessed or processed commodity products are traded, and the volume and types of imports and exports. International trade disputes can also adversely affect trade flows by limiting or disrupting trade between countries or regions. Future governmental policies, regulations or actions affecting our industry may adversely affect the supply of, demand for and prices of our products, restrict our ability to do business and cause our financial results to suffer.

As a result of recent trade actions announced by the Trump administration and responsive actions announced by our trading partners, including by China, we may experience negative impacts of higher ethanol tariffs and other disruptions to international agricultural trade. On April 2, 2018, the Chinese government increased the tariff on U.S. ethanol imports into China from 30% to 45%. The increased tariff is expected to reduce overall U.S. ethanol export demand, which could have a negative effect on U.S. domestic ethanol prices, especially given the current oversupply in domestic ethanol inventories.

Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

None.

Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4.     Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

Item 5.    Other Information.

None.

26

Item 6.    Exhibits.

The following exhibits are filed as part of this quarterly report.

Description of Exhibit			Page
10	10.1	Amendment No. 1 to Ethanol Marketing Agreement Between Lincolnway Energy, LLC and Eco-Energy, LLC**	*
31	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
	31.1	Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer	E-1
	31.2	Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Director of Finance	E-2
32	Section 1350 Certifications
	32.1	Section 1350 Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer †	E-3
	32.2	Section 1350 Certification of Director of Finance†	E-4
101	Interactive Data Files (furnished electronically herewith pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T)
* Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Committee on July 3, 2018.
** Material has been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment and such material has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
† This certification is not deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. Such certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference.

27

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	LINCOLNWAY ENERGY, LLC
August 10, 2018	By:	/s/   Eric Hakmiller
	Name:    Eric Hakmiller
	Title:     President and Chief Executive Officer
August 10, 2018	By:	/s/   Kristine Strum
	Name:    Kristine Strum
	Title:      Director of Finance (Principal Financial Officer)

28

EX-31.1

RULE 13a-14(a) CERTIFICATION

I, Eric Hakmiller, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Lincolnway Energy, LLC.

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 10, 2018

/s/ Eric Hakmiller

Name:  Eric Hakmiller

Title: President and Chief Executive Officer

E-3

EX-31.2

RULE 13a-14(a) CERTIFICATION

I, Kristine Strum, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Lincolnway Energy, LLC.

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: August 10, 2018

/s/ Kristine Strum

Name:  Kristine Strum

Title: Director of Finance

E-4

EX-32.1

SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, I, Eric Hakmiller, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lincolnway Energy, LLC, certify that to my knowledge (i) Lincolnway Energy, LLC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (ii) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Lincolnway Energy, LLC.

Date:  August 10, 2018

/s/  Eric Hakmiller

Name:  Eric Hakmiller

Title:  President and Chief Executive Officer

[A signed original of this written statement has been provided to Lincolnway Energy, LLC and will be retained by Lincolnway Energy, LLC and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.]

E-5

EX-32.2

SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, I, Kristine Strum, Director of Finance of Lincolnway Energy, LLC, certify that to my knowledge (i) Lincolnway Energy, LLC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 (the "Report") fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (ii) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Lincolnway Energy, LLC.

Date:  August 10, 2018 .

/s/ Kristine Strum

Name:  Kristine Strum

Title:  Director of Finance

[A signed original of this written statement has been provided to Lincolnway Energy, LLC and will be retained by Lincolnway Energy, LLC and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.]

E-6

XML

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018 shares
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	LINCOLNWAY ENERGY, LLC
Entity Central Index Key	0001350420
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--09-30
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	42,049

XML

Balance Sheets Statement - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash	$ 446,659	$ 690,513
Derivative financial instruments (Note 7 and 8)	360,517	428,666
Trade and other accounts receivable (Note 6)	3,070,744	3,229,474
Inventories (Note 3)	4,965,924	5,684,729
Prepaid expenses and other	309,478	375,787
Total current assets	9,153,322	10,409,169
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Land and land improvements	7,148,360	7,148,360
Buildings and improvements	3,267,119	3,220,876
Plant and process equipment	83,310,689	80,951,321
Office furniture and equipment	478,800	473,517
Construction in progress	15,167,772	6,178,622
Property, plant and equipment, gross	109,372,740	97,972,696
Accumulated depreciation	(60,949,307)	(58,027,513)
Property, plant and equipment, net	48,423,433	39,945,183
OTHER ASSETS
Other assets, noncurrent	828,695	818,971
Assets	58,405,450	51,173,323
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	1,940,481	3,276,755
Accounts payable, related party (Note 5)	345,431	642,726
Accrued expenses	1,420,814	1,313,244
Total current liabilities	3,706,726	5,232,725
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
Long-term debt, less current maturities (Note 4)	13,900,000	3,000,000
Deferred revenue	333,333	444,444
Other	536,664	498,516
Total noncurrent liabilities	14,769,997	3,942,960
MEMBERS' EQUITY
Member contributions, 42,049 units issued and outstanding	38,990,105	38,990,105
Retained earnings	938,622	3,007,533
Members' Equity	39,928,727	41,997,638
Liabilities and Equity	$ 58,405,450	$ 51,173,323

XML

Balance Sheets Parenthetical Statement - USD ($)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
OTHER ASSETS
Financing costs, net of amortization of	$ 401,823	$ 375,522
MEMBER'S EQUITY
Units issued and outstanding	42,049	42,049

XML

Statements of Operations Statement - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Revenues (Notes 2 and 6)	$ 27,100,886	$ 26,292,741	$ 76,359,668	$ 82,171,442
Cost of goods sold (Note 6)	26,233,030	26,373,459	75,505,673	77,923,482
Gross profit (loss)	867,856	(80,718)	853,995	4,247,960
General and administrative expenses	735,719	841,842	2,465,237	2,424,853
Operating income (loss)	132,137	(922,560)	(1,611,242)	1,823,107
Other income (expense):
Interest income	19,516	680	41,447	1,662
Interest expense	(28,675)	(38,943)	(28,675)	(68,317)
Other Income	199,526	0	580,784	0
Other income (expense)	190,367	(38,263)	593,556	(66,655)
Net income (loss)	$ 322,504	$ (960,823)	$ (1,017,686)	$ 1,756,452
Weighted average units outstanding	42,049	42,049	42,049	42,049
Net income (loss) per unit - basic and diluted	$ 7.67	$ (22.85)	$ (24.20)	$ 41.77
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, Distributions Paid, Per Unit	$ 0	$ 0	$ 25.00	$ 0

XML

Statement of Cash Flows Statement - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Interest Paid, Capitalized	$ 360,117	$ 24,467
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	(1,017,686)	1,756,452
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	3,139,546	2,891,241
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment	36,123	16,001
Retained Patronage Allocations	(7,518)	(3,614)
Changes in working capital components:
Trade and other accounts receivable	158,730	181,829
Inventories	718,805	482,566
Prepaid expenses and other	102,251	4,513
Accounts payable	(1,461,294)	(1,462,769)
Accounts payable, related party	(297,295)	(21,159)
Accrued expenses and deferred revenue	178,829	110,763
Derivative financial instruments	(68,149)	(245,945)
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,618,640	4,201,768
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of property and equipment	(11,711,269)	(7,081,882)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	53,800,000	44,500,000
Payments on long-term borrowings	42,900,000	41,627,571
Distribution Made to Limited Liability Company (LLC) Member, Cash Distributions Paid	(1,051,225)	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	9,848,775	2,872,429
Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(243,854)	(7,685)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Beginning	690,513	613,139
Ending	446,659	605,454
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW
INFORMATION, cash paid for interest, including capitalized interest for 2018 of $360,117 and 2017 of $24,467	312,488	55,657
Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Construction in Progress Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid	308,020	145,706
Construction in progress included in accrued expenses	$ 40,439	$ 2,228

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Notes)
gal in Millions

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2018

USD ($)

gal

Sep. 30, 2017

USD ($)

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies

Principal business activity:  Lincolnway Energy, LLC (the "Company"), located in Nevada, Iowa, was formed in May 2004 to build and operate a 50 million gallon annual production dry mill corn-based ethanol plant.  The Company began making sales on May 30, 2006 and became operational during the quarter ended June 30, 2006. The Company is directly influenced by commodity markets and the agricultural and energy industries and, accordingly, its results of operations and financial condition may be significantly affected by cyclical market trends and the regulatory, political and economic conditions in these industries.

Basis of presentation and other information: The balance sheet as of September 30, 2017 was derived from the Company's audited balance sheet as of that date.  The accompanying financial statements as of June 30, 2018 and for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 are unaudited and reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and operating results for the interim periods.  These unaudited financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto, for the year ended September 30, 2017 contained in the Company's Annual Report  on Form 10-K.  The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year.

Use of estimates:  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and cash equivalents: The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Although the Company maintains its cash accounts in one bank, the Company believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.

Trade accounts receivable: Trade accounts receivable are recorded at original invoice amounts less an estimate made for doubtful receivables based on a review of all outstanding amounts on a monthly basis. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and considering customers financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions. Receivables are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of receivables written off are recorded when received. A receivable is considered past due if any portion of the receivable is outstanding more than 90 days. There was no allowance for doubtful accounts balance as of June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017.

Inventories:  Inventories are stated at the lower of net realizable value or actual cost using the first-in, first-out method.  In the valuation of inventories and purchase commitments, net realizable value is defined as estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonable predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation.

Derivative financial instruments:  The Company periodically enters into derivative contracts to hedge the Company’s exposure to price risk related to forecasted corn needs, forward corn purchase contracts and ethanol sales.  The Company does not typically enter into derivative instruments other than for hedging purposes.  All the derivative contracts are recognized on the balance sheet at their fair market value.  Although the Company believes its derivative positions are economic hedges, none have been designated as a hedge for accounting purposes.   Accordingly, any realized or unrealized gain or loss related to corn and natural gas derivatives is recorded in the statement of operations as a component of cost of goods sold.  Any realized or unrealized gain or loss related to ethanol derivative instruments is recorded in the statement of operations as a component of revenue. The Company reports all

contracts with the same counter party on a net basis on the balance sheet. Unrealized gains and losses on forward contracts, in which delivery has not occurred, are deemed “normal purchases and normal sales”, and therefore are not marked to market in the Company’s financial statements, but are subject to a lower of cost or market assessment.   

Revenue recognition:  Revenue from the sale of the Company’s ethanol and distillers grains is recognized at the time title and all risks of ownership transfer to the customers.  This generally occurs upon the loading of the product.  For ethanol, title passes at the time the product crosses the loading flange in either a railcar or truck.  For distillers grain, title passes upon the loading into trucks or railcars.    Shipping and handling costs incurred by the Company for the sale of distillers grain are included in costs of goods sold. Ethanol revenue is reported free on board (FOB) and all shipping and handling costs are incurred by the ethanol marketer. Commissions for the marketing and sale of ethanol and distiller grains are included in costs of goods sold.

Deferred revenue: Deferred revenue represents fees received under a service agreement in advance of services being performed. The related revenue is deferred and recognized as the services are performed over the 10 year agreement.

Income taxes:  The Company is organized as a partnership for federal and state income tax purposes and generally does not incur income taxes.  Instead, the Company’s earnings and losses are included in the income tax returns of the members.  Therefore, no provision or liability for federal or state income taxes has been included in these financial statements.

Earnings per unit:  Basic and diluted net income (loss) per unit have been computed on the basis of the weighted average number of units outstanding during each period presented.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements:  In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes all existing revenue recognition requirements, including most industry-specific guidance. The new standard requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that the company expects to receive for those goods or services. The new standard will be effective for the Company on October 1, 2018. The Company is evaluating the impact it will have on the financial statements, however it will expand certain disclosures of its revenue streams.

In February 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-2 "Leases" ("ASU 2016-02"). ASU 2016-02 requires the recognition of operating leases under previous GAAP. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018.

Principal Business Activity [Policy Text Block]

Principal business activity:  Lincolnway Energy, LLC (the "Company"), located in Nevada, Iowa, was formed in May 2004 to build and operate a 50 million gallon annual production dry mill corn-based ethanol plant.  The Company began making sales on May 30, 2006 and became operational during the quarter ended June 30, 2006. The Company is directly influenced by commodity markets and the agricultural and energy industries and, accordingly, its results of operations and financial condition may be significantly affected by cyclical market trends and the regulatory, political and economic conditions in these industries.

Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Basis of presentation and other information: The balance sheet as of September 30, 2017 was derived from the Company's audited balance sheet as of that date.  The accompanying financial statements as of June 30, 2018 and for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 are unaudited and reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and operating results for the interim periods.  These unaudited financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto, for the year ended September 30, 2017 contained in the Company's Annual Report  on Form 10-K.  The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Use of estimates:  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and cash equivalents: The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Although the Company maintains its cash accounts in one bank, the Company believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.

Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Trade accounts receivable: Trade accounts receivable are recorded at original invoice amounts less an estimate made for doubtful receivables based on a review of all outstanding amounts on a monthly basis. Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and considering customers financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions. Receivables are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of receivables written off are recorded when received. A receivable is considered past due if any portion of the receivable is outstanding more than 90 days. There was no allowance for doubtful accounts balance as of June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017.

Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Inventories:  Inventories are stated at the lower of net realizable value or actual cost using the first-in, first-out method.  In the valuation of inventories and purchase commitments, net realizable value is defined as estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonable predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation.

Financial Instruments Disclosure [Text Block]

Derivative financial instruments:  The Company periodically enters into derivative contracts to hedge the Company’s exposure to price risk related to forecasted corn needs, forward corn purchase contracts and ethanol sales.  The Company does not typically enter into derivative instruments other than for hedging purposes.  All the derivative contracts are recognized on the balance sheet at their fair market value.  Although the Company believes its derivative positions are economic hedges, none have been designated as a hedge for accounting purposes.   Accordingly, any realized or unrealized gain or loss related to corn and natural gas derivatives is recorded in the statement of operations as a component of cost of goods sold.  Any realized or unrealized gain or loss related to ethanol derivative instruments is recorded in the statement of operations as a component of revenue. The Company reports all contracts with the same counter party on a net basis on the balance sheet. Unrealized gains and losses on forward contracts, in which delivery has not occurred, are deemed “normal purchases and normal sales”, and therefore are not marked to market in the Company’s financial statements, but are subject to a lower of cost or market assessment.

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue recognition:  Revenue from the sale of the Company’s ethanol and distillers grains is recognized at the time title and all risks of ownership transfer to the customers.  This generally occurs upon the loading of the product.  For ethanol, title passes at the time the product crosses the loading flange in either a railcar or truck.  For distillers grain, title passes upon the loading into trucks or railcars.    Shipping and handling costs incurred by the Company for the sale of distillers grain are included in costs of goods sold. Ethanol revenue is reported free on board (FOB) and all shipping and handling costs are incurred by the ethanol marketer. Commissions for the marketing and sale of ethanol and distiller grains are included in costs of goods sold.

Deferred Revenue [Policy Text Block]

Deferred revenue: Deferred revenue represents fees received under a service agreement in advance of services being performed. The related revenue is deferred and recognized as the services are performed over the 10 year agreement.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income taxes:  The Company is organized as a partnership for federal and state income tax purposes and generally does not incur income taxes.  Instead, the Company’s earnings and losses are included in the income tax returns of the members.  Therefore, no provision or liability for federal or state income taxes has been included in these financial statements.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Earnings per unit:  Basic and diluted net income (loss) per unit have been computed on the basis of the weighted average number of units outstanding during each period presented.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable | $

$ 0

$ 0

Annual ethanol production | gal

50

Number of days outstanding for a past due trade receivables

90 days

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Revenue

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2018

Revenue by product [Abstract]

Revenue

Revenues

Components of revenues are as follows:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	June 30, 2018		June 30, 2017		June 30, 2018		June 30, 2017
Ethanol, net of hedging gain (loss)	$	20,779,432	$	21,085,207	$	57,905,465	$	66,205,355
Distillers Grains	4,424,605		3,223,158		12,859,885		10,212,515
Other	1,896,849		1,984,376		5,594,318		5,753,572
Total	$	27,100,886	$	26,292,741	$	76,359,668	$	82,171,442

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Inventories

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2018

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventories

Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

	June 30, 2018		September 30, 2017
Raw materials, including corn, chemicals and supplies	$	3,592,702	$	4,166,618
Work in process	853,627		773,978
Ethanol and distillers grains	519,595		744,133
Total	$	4,965,924	$	5,684,729

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Long-Term Debt

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2018

Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt

Long-Term Debt The Company has a revolving term loan, with a bank, available for up to $21,000,000. Borrowings will be reduced by $3,600,000 every year starting July 1, 2019 until July 1, 2024 when the loan expires. The Company will pay interest on the unpaid balance at a variable interest rate (adjusted on a weekly basis) based upon the one-month LIBOR index rate plus 3.15%. The Company also pays a commitment fee on the average daily unused portion of the loan at the rate of .50% annum, payable monthly. The loan is secured by substantially all assets of the Company and subject to certain financial and nonfinancial covenants as defined in the master agreement. There were outstanding borrowings of $13,900,000 and $3,000,000, respectively, on the revolving term loan at June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017.

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Related-Party Transactions

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2018

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Purchase Commitment, Excluding Long-term Commitment [Table Text Block]

Corn Commitment:
June 30, 2018
	Corn Forward Purchase Commitment		Basis Corn Commitment (Bushels)	Commitment Through	Amount Due
Related Parties	$	1,911,437	1,380,000	June 2019	$	345,431

Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]

Corn Purchased:
	Three Months Ended June 30, 2018		Three Months Ended June 30, 2017		Nine Months Ended June 30, 2018		Nine Months Ended June 30, 2017
Related Parties	$	11,219,193	$	12,174,539	$	31,140,482	$	31,826,145

Related-Party Transactions

Related-Party Transactions

The Company had the following related-party activity with members during the three and nine months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017:

Corn Commitment:
June 30, 2018
	Corn Forward Purchase Commitment		Basis Corn Commitment (Bushels)	Commitment Through	Amount Due
Related Parties	$	1,911,437	1,380,000	June 2019	$	345,431

Corn Purchased:
	Three Months Ended June 30, 2018		Three Months Ended June 30, 2017		Nine Months Ended June 30, 2018		Nine Months Ended June 30, 2017
Related Parties	$	11,219,193	$	12,174,539	$	31,140,482	$	31,826,145

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Commitments and Major Customer

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2018

Commitments and Major Customer [Abstract]

Commitments and Major Customer

Commitments and Major Customers

The Company has an agreement with an unrelated entity for marketing, selling and distributing all of the ethanol produced by the Company. Revenues from this entity were $20,776,282 and $57,915,314, respectively, for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2018. Revenues with this entity were $21,096,610 and $66,369,245, respectively for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2017. Trade accounts receivable of $1,791,122 were due from this entity as of June 30, 2018. As of June 30, 2018, the Company had ethanol unpriced sales commitments with this entity of approximately 14.9 million gallons through December 2018.

The Company has an agreement with an unrelated entity for marketing, selling and distributing all of the distillers grains produced by the Company. Revenues from this entity including both distillers grains and corn oil were $4,479,177 and $12,971,145, respectively, for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2018. Revenues with this entity were $3,769,434 and $10,918,329, respectively, for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2017. The Company sells corn oil to this entity as a third party broker independent of its agreement with the entity relating to distillers grain sales. Trade accounts receivable of $627,695 were due from this entity as of June 30, 2018. The Company had distillers grain sales commitments with this entity of approximately 3,675 tons, for a total sales commitment of approximately $463,000.

As of June 30, 2018, the Company had purchase commitments for corn forward contracts with various unrelated parties, totaling approximately $5.8 million. These contracts mature at various dates through July 2019. The Company also had basis contract commitments with unrelated parties to purchase 121,700 bushels of corn. These contracts mature at various dates through December 2018.

The Company has an agreement with an unrelated party for the transportation of natural gas to the Company's ethanol plant. Under the agreement, the Company is committed to future monthly usage fees totaling approximately $3.6 million over the 10 year term which commenced in November 2014. The Company assigned an irrevocable standby letter of credit to the counter-party to stand as security for the Company's obligation under the agreement maturing May 2021. The letter of credit will be reduced over time as the Company makes payments under the agreement. At June 30, 2018, the remaining commitment was approximately $1.9 million.

As of June 30, 2018, the Company had purchase commitments for natural gas basis contracts with an unrelated party totaling 209,110 MMBtu's maturing at various dates through October 2018.

The Company signed contracts with unrelated parties for the installation of a grain drying and cooling system. The total commitments are for $11.9 million plus a potential performance bonus of $450,000. The Company made progress payments of $10.1 million under this contract through June 30, 2018. The remaining payments will be made as invoiced throughout the life of the project. The project is estimated to be completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018.

The Company has an agreement with an unrelated party for fermentation expansions. The total commitment is for $2.7 million. Through June 30, 2018, the Company made progress payments of $2.4 million. The remaining payments will be made as invoiced throughout the life of the project. The project is estimated to be completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2018.

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Risk Management

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2018

Risk Management [Abstract]

Risk Management

Risk Management

The Company's activities expose it to a variety of market risks, including the effects of changes in commodity prices.  These financial exposures are monitored and managed by the Company as an integral part of its overall risk management program.  The Company's risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of commodity markets and seeks to reduce the potentially adverse effects that the volatility of these markets may have on its operating results.

The Company maintains a risk management strategy that uses derivative instruments to minimize significant, unanticipated earnings fluctuations caused by market fluctuations.  The Company's specific goal is to protect the Company from large moves in the commodity costs.

To reduce price risk caused by market fluctuations, the Company generally follows a policy of using exchange-traded futures and options contracts to minimize its net position of merchandisable agricultural commodity inventories and forward purchase and sale contracts.  Exchange traded futures and options contracts are designated as non-hedge derivatives and are valued at market price with changes in market price recorded in operating income through cost of goods sold for corn derivatives and through revenue for ethanol derivatives. The Company treats all contracts with the same counterparty on a net basis on the balance sheet.

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are as follows:

	June 30, 2018			September 30, 2017
Derivative assets - corn contracts	$	1,093,838		$	506,187
Derivative assets - natural gas contracts	1,740			—
Derivative liabilities - corn contracts	(183,650		)	(275		)
Derivative liabilities - ethanol contracts	—			(12,310		)
Derivative liabilities - natural gas contracts	(7,320		)	(1,980		)
Cash (due to) broker	(544,091		)	(62,956		)
Total	$	360,517		$	428,666

The effects on operating income from derivative activities are as follows:

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	June 30, 2018			June 30, 2017			June 30, 2018			June 30, 2017
Gains (losses) in revenues due to derivatives related to ethanol sales:
Realized gain (loss)	$	11,781		$	(74,949	)	$	(9,849	)	$	(288,621	)
Unrealized gain (loss)	(8,631		)	63,546			—			124,731
Total effect on revenues	3,150			(11,403		)	(9,849		)	(163,890		)
Gains (losses) in cost of goods sold due to derivatives related to corn costs:
Realized gain	317,981			120,488			738,706			1,304,969
Unrealized gain (loss)	1,050,763			(27,550		)	404,275			(1,039,713		)
Total effect on corn cost	1,368,744			92,938			1,142,981			265,256
Gains (losses) in cost of goods sold due to derivatives related to natural gas costs:
Realized gain	17,820			2,500			48,759			5,490
Unrealized gain (loss)	(5,580		)	960			8,710			960
Total effect on natural gas cost	12,240			3,460			57,469			6,450
Total effect on cost of goods sold	1,380,984			96,398			1,200,450			271,706
Total gain due to derivative activities	$	1,384,134		$	84,995		$	1,190,601		$	107,816

Unrealized gains and losses on forward contracts, in which delivery has not occurred, are deemed “normal purchases and normal sales”, and therefore are not marked to market in the Company's financial statements but are subject to a lower of cost or market assessment.

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Fair Value Measurements

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2018

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  In determining fair value, the Company uses various methods including market, income and cost approaches.  Based on these approaches, the Company often utilizes certain assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risk and/or the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique.  These inputs can be readily observable, market-corroborated, or generally unobservable inputs.  The Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.  Based on the observability of the inputs used in the valuation techniques, the Company is required to provide the following information according to the fair value hierarchy.  The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values.  Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

Level 1 -	Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in active markets from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 -	Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in less active dealer or broker markets. Valuations are obtained from third-party pricing services for identical or similar assets or liabilities.
Level 3 -	Valuations incorporate certain assumptions and projections in determining the fair value assigned to such assets or liabilities.

A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, including the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below.  These valuation methodologies were applied to all of the Company's financial assets and financial liabilities carried at fair value.

Derivative financial instruments:  Commodity futures and exchange-traded commodity options contracts are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs.  For these contracts, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service.  The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes and live trading levels from the CME and NYMEX markets.  The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes and live trading levels from the over-the-counter markets. 

The following table summarizes the financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:

	June 30, 2018
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets, derivative financial instruments	$	1,095,578	$	1,095,578	$	—	$	—
Liabilities, derivative financial instruments	$	190,970	$	190,970	$	—	$	—
	September 30, 2017
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets, derivative financial instruments	$	506,187	$	506,187	$	—	$	—
Liabilities, derivative financial instruments	$	14,565	$	14,565	$	—	$	—

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Revenue (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2018

Revenue by product [Abstract]

Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services

Components of revenues are as follows:

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	June 30, 2018		June 30, 2017		June 30, 2018		June 30, 2017
Ethanol, net of hedging gain (loss)	$	20,779,432	$	21,085,207	$	57,905,465	$	66,205,355
Distillers Grains	4,424,605		3,223,158		12,859,885		10,212,515
Other	1,896,849		1,984,376		5,594,318		5,753,572
Total	$	27,100,886	$	26,292,741	$	76,359,668	$	82,171,442

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Inventories (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2018

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of Inventory, Current

Inventories consist of the following:

	June 30, 2018		September 30, 2017
Raw materials, including corn, chemicals and supplies	$	3,592,702	$	4,166,618
Work in process	853,627		773,978
Ethanol and distillers grains	519,595		744,133
Total	$	4,965,924	$	5,684,729

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Risk Management (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2018

Risk Management [Abstract]

Schedule of Other Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are as follows:

	June 30, 2018			September 30, 2017
Derivative assets - corn contracts	$	1,093,838		$	506,187
Derivative assets - natural gas contracts	1,740			—
Derivative liabilities - corn contracts	(183,650		)	(275		)
Derivative liabilities - ethanol contracts	—			(12,310		)
Derivative liabilities - natural gas contracts	(7,320		)	(1,980		)
Cash (due to) broker	(544,091		)	(62,956		)
Total	$	360,517		$	428,666

Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance

The effects on operating income from derivative activities are as follows:

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	June 30, 2018			June 30, 2017			June 30, 2018			June 30, 2017
Gains (losses) in revenues due to derivatives related to ethanol sales:
Realized gain (loss)	$	11,781		$	(74,949	)	$	(9,849	)	$	(288,621	)
Unrealized gain (loss)	(8,631		)	63,546			—			124,731
Total effect on revenues	3,150			(11,403		)	(9,849		)	(163,890		)
Gains (losses) in cost of goods sold due to derivatives related to corn costs:
Realized gain	317,981			120,488			738,706			1,304,969
Unrealized gain (loss)	1,050,763			(27,550		)	404,275			(1,039,713		)
Total effect on corn cost	1,368,744			92,938			1,142,981			265,256
Gains (losses) in cost of goods sold due to derivatives related to natural gas costs:
Realized gain	17,820			2,500			48,759			5,490
Unrealized gain (loss)	(5,580		)	960			8,710			960
Total effect on natural gas cost	12,240			3,460			57,469			6,450
Total effect on cost of goods sold	1,380,984			96,398			1,200,450			271,706
Total gain due to derivative activities	$	1,384,134		$	84,995		$	1,190,601		$	107,816

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Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2018

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes the financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:

	June 30, 2018
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets, derivative financial instruments	$	1,095,578	$	1,095,578	$	—	$	—
Liabilities, derivative financial instruments	$	190,970	$	190,970	$	—	$	—
	September 30, 2017
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets, derivative financial instruments	$	506,187	$	506,187	$	—	$	—
Liabilities, derivative financial instruments	$	14,565	$	14,565	$	—	$	—

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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	$ 0	$ 0
Number of days outstanding for a past due trade receivables	90 days

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Revenue (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues (Notes 2 and 6)	$ 27,100,886	$ 26,292,741	$ 76,359,668	$ 82,171,442
Ethanol [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues (Notes 2 and 6)	20,779,432	21,085,207	57,905,465	66,205,355
Distillers' Grains [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues (Notes 2 and 6)	4,424,605	3,223,158	12,859,885	10,212,515
Other Products [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Revenues (Notes 2 and 6)	$ 1,896,849	$ 1,984,376	$ 5,594,318	$ 5,753,572

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Inventories (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials, including corn, chemicals and supplies	$ 3,592,702	$ 4,166,618
Work in process	853,627	773,978
Ethanol and distillers grains	519,595	744,133
Total	$ 4,965,924	$ 5,684,729

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Long-Term Debt (Details) - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	LIBOR
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate	3.15%
Line of credit facility, unused capacity, commitment fee percentage	0.50%
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 21,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Annual Reduction	3,600,000
Line of Credit Facility, Fair Value of Amount Outstanding	$ 13,900,000	$ 3,000,000

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Related-Party Transactions (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($) bu	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($) bu	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest paid			$ 312,488	$ 55,657
Corn [Member] | Other Members [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Supplies Purchased, Materials for Production	$ 11,219,193	$ 12,174,539	31,140,482	$ 31,826,145
Purchase Commitment, Minimum Amount Committed, Forward Contracts	$ 1,911,437		$ 1,911,437
Supply Commitment, quantity, unpriced contracts | bu	1,380,000		1,380,000
Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed	$ 345,431		$ 345,431

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Commitments and Major Customer (Details) gal in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($) T gal	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($) T gal	Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($)
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Revenues (Notes 2 and 6)	$ 27,100,886	$ 26,292,741	$ 76,359,668	$ 82,171,442
Ethanol [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Ethanol receivable	$ 1,791,122		$ 1,791,122
Supply Commitment, quantity, unpriced contracts | gal	14.9		14.9
Entity-wide, major customer, unrelated party, amount	$ 20,776,282	21,096,610	$ 57,915,314	66,369,245
Distillers' Grains [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Supply Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed	463,000		463,000
Entity-wide, major customer, unrelated party, amount	4,479,177	$ 3,769,434	12,971,145	$ 10,918,329
Distillers grains receivable	$ 627,695		$ 627,695
Supply Commitment, quantity, Priced Contracts | T	3,675		3,675
Corn [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount			$ 5,800,000

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Commitments and Major Customer Purchase committments (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018 USD ($) MMBTU T bu
Corn [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount	$ 5,800,000
purchase commitment , remaining quantity | bu	121,700
Natural Gas [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Purchase Commitment, Transportation Fees	$ 3,600,000
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Period	10 years
Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed	$ 1,900,000
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Minimum Energy Volume Required | MMBTU	209,110
Grain drying and cooling system [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount	$ 11,900,000
Performance Fees	450,000
Payments for Construction in Process	10,100,000
Fermentation Equipment [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount	2,700,000
Payments for Construction in Process	$ 2,400,000
Distillers Grains [Member]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Supply Commitment, quantity, Priced Contracts | T	3,675

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Risk Management (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Cash (due to) broker	$ (544,091)		$ (544,091)		$ (62,956)
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net	1,384,134	$ 84,995	1,190,601	$ 107,816
Derivative Liability, Current	360,517		360,517		428,666
Cost of Goods, Total [Member]
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net	1,380,984	96,398	1,200,450	271,706
Corn [Member]
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Derivative assets - corn contracts	1,093,838		1,093,838		506,187
Derivative liabilities - corn contracts	(183,650)		(183,650)		(275)
Corn [Member] | Cost of Goods, Total [Member]
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Derivatives	317,981	120,488	738,706	1,304,969
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives	1,050,763	(27,550)	404,275	(1,039,713)
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net	1,368,744	92,938	1,142,981	265,256
Ethanol [Member]
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities - corn contracts	0		0		(12,310)
Ethanol [Member] | Sales [Member]
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Derivatives	11,781	(74,949)	(9,849)	(288,621)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives	(8,631)	63,546	0	124,731
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net	3,150	(11,403)	(9,849)	(163,890)
Natural Gas [Member]
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Derivative assets - corn contracts	1,740		1,740		0
Derivative liabilities - corn contracts	(7,320)		(7,320)		$ (1,980)
Natural Gas [Member] | Cost of Goods, Total [Member]
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Derivatives	17,820	2,500	48,759	5,490
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives	(5,580)	960	8,710	960
Trading Activity, Gains and Losses, Net	$ 12,240	$ 3,460	$ 57,469	$ 6,450

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Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] - USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets, derivative financial instruments	$ 1,095,578	$ 506,187
Assets, derivative financial instruments	(190,970)	(14,565)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets, derivative financial instruments	1,095,578	506,187
Assets, derivative financial instruments	(190,970)	(14,565)
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets, derivative financial instruments	0	0
Assets, derivative financial instruments	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Assets, derivative financial instruments	0	0
Assets, derivative financial instruments	$ 0	$ 0