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Inventories
6 Months Ended
Feb. 28, 2015
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]  
Inventories
Inventories        
 
February 28, 2015
 
August 31, 2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Grain and oilseed
$
1,444,271

 
$
961,327

Energy
831,639

 
875,719

Crop nutrients
479,320

 
374,023

Feed and farm supplies
869,425

 
448,454

Processed grain and oilseed
68,437

 
84,498

Other
4,432

 
16,232

Total inventories
$
3,697,524

 
$
2,760,253


As of February 28, 2015, we valued approximately 14% of inventories, primarily related to Energy, using the lower of cost, determined on the LIFO method, or market (16% as of August 31, 2014). If the FIFO method of accounting had been used, inventories would have been higher than the reported amount by $147.6 million and $538.7 million at February 28, 2015 and August 31, 2014, respectively. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method can be made only at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Interim LIFO calculations are based on management's estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs, and are subject to the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation.