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Inventories
3 Months Ended
Nov. 30, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]  
Inventories
Inventories        
 
November 30, 2017
 
August 31, 2017
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Grain and oilseed
$
1,545,313

 
$
1,145,285

Energy
720,938

 
755,886

Crop nutrients
222,053

 
248,699

Feed and farm supplies
483,805

 
353,130

Processed grain and oilseed
54,916

 
49,723

Other
19,076

 
23,862

Total inventories
$
3,046,101

 
$
2,576,585


As of November 30, 2017, we valued approximately 15% of inventories, primarily related to our Energy segment, using the lower of cost, determined on the LIFO method, or net realizable value (19% as of August 31, 2017). If the FIFO method of accounting had been used, inventories would have been higher than the reported amount by $99.0 million and $186.2 million as of November 30, 2017, and August 31, 2017, 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 are subject to the final year-end LIFO inventory valuation.