AFBF Economist: Year-Round E15 Could Give Bumper Corn Crop a Big Boost

AFBF economist Faith Parum breaks down the potential impact of the proposed policy change to allow year-round sales of E15 biofuel.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — With a bumper corn crop this season, U.S. farmers are searching for ways to expand market opportunities — and one potential boost could come from year-round sales of E15, a higher ethanol blend that experts say could lift corn demand, lower fuel prices, and strengthen overall farm income.

American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Faith Parum joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to break down the potential impact of the policy change.

Parum explained that allowing E15 sales year-round would likely increase corn demand, since ethanol production relies heavily on the crop. The move could also help consumers by offering a lower-cost, cleaner-burning fuel option at the pump — benefits that could ripple throughout the rural economy.

Currently, E15 cannot be sold nationwide during summer months due to environmental regulations tied to air quality standards, a restriction farm groups and ethanol advocates have long pushed to remove.

Looking ahead, Parum noted that even as electric vehicle adoption grows and gasoline demand levels off, biofuel policy remains key to sustaining markets for American farmers. She said maintaining and expanding ethanol access is an important way to ensure a strong, reliable outlet for corn in the years ahead.

Related Stories
Kentucky Firefighters Jonathan and Lonny Epley and Extension Agent Leann Martin tell us about a new portable grain bin rescue tool, and its potential to enhance safety for farmers and first responders nationwide.
Tennessee Ag in focus: Commissioner Holt shares his farm economy outlook, the TNFB honors a cotton legacy, and TN 4-H and FFA leaders discuss support for the next generation of agriculture in Tennessee.
Suderman joins Tony St. James in the RFD Studios to discuss how geopolitical tensions are triggering global transport disruptions, new inflation pressures, and other challenges for agriculture to navigate.
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney shares insights from new Real Agri-Studies research surrounding the relationship between farmers and their lenders and what it reveals about the current farm economy.
Farm Bureau economist Dr. Faith Parum explains how geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East could further tighten fertilizer movement, increase fuel costs, and complicate planting decisions for U.S. farmers this spring.
Farm CPA Paul Nieffer explains the Farmer Bridge Assistance payment limits, provides clarity on new legislation, and offers advice for producers considering business structure adjustments.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Wed, 2/18/26 – 7:30 PM ET
While access to China remains uncertain, U.S. beef exporters are finding resilience and opportunity in other global markets, which could help maintain industry value and expand export opportunities.
American Farmland Trust shares guidance, research, and policy solutions to help farmers navigate the growing threat of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” contaminating U.S. farmland.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, president of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, joins us on Rural Health Matters to discuss winter safety reminders and preparedness.
ASFMRA’s Dennis Reyman discusses farmer sentiment, land values, and how global and financial pressures are shaping decision-making in the ag land market.
Richard Gupton of the Agricultural Retailers Association discusses the EPA’s new decision on over-the-top Dicamba and what it means for growers this year.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.