At a conversion rate of 7.7 pounds per gallon, about 130 million gallons could be produced from the expected soybean oil carryover. Other edible oils have been disregarded for this exercise. They account for around 2 billion pounds of total consumption and are from sources such as corn, cotton and sunflower Oils from these feedstocks are typically higher priced than soy and unlikely to be used for industrial purposes. Animal fats and waste greases are rendered or processed for use primarily in the feed markets as a cheap sources of energy. They are consumed as they are made available.
Supply is a byproduct of other activities such as animal slaughter and fast food preparation.
Products clear the market at whatever prices it takes. Although not always true, the price of these fat sources generally rises and falls with the price of soybean oil. The price discount between these feedstocks and soybean oil can vary from 25-75 percent. An apples to apples biodiesel price comparison using different feedstock assumptions is difficult without knowing the quality of soybean oil and the quality of alternative feedstock used as a beginning point in the conversion to biodiesel. Generally, conversion yields are lower and processing losses higher for lower quality feedstocks with higher free fatty acid contents.