diff --git a/components/sud_forecast.py b/components/sud_forecast.py
index a213080..ae7eab4 100644
--- a/components/sud_forecast.py
+++ b/components/sud_forecast.py
@@ -51,6 +51,17 @@ class SudForecastEstimator:
 		tc = PidFactory.create(self.pid_type, self.dt, self.tempctrl_params, self.plant_params, theta_amb=self.theta_amb)
 		tc.set_enabled(True)
 		tc.set_theta_ist(pot.get_temperature())
+		# Seed the target at start_theta - this tc is a fresh, throwaway
+		# instance (unlike the real run's persistent one), so without this
+		# its theta_soll_set defaults to 0 until a step pushes its own.
+		# Steps without their own 'temperature' (common now that ramping
+		# isn't gated by a 'ramp' key - see components/sud.py) rely on
+		# inheriting whatever target was already running, which for a
+		# schedule starting mid-brew (the dynamic remaining forecast) is
+		# start_theta, not 0 - without this, such a schedule's first step
+		# would have the simulated controller chase 0 degrees indefinitely,
+		# hitting MAX_TICKS and producing a needlessly huge result.
+		tc.set_theta_soll(start_theta)
 
 		def on_step_changed(step):
 			if step is None: