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
At Commodity Classic in San Antonio, growers explore new herbicide options, John Deere’s latest 8 Series tractors, and cutting-edge ag technology shaping the 2026 planting season. Here are some of RFD NEWS’ highlights from the event so far.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer provided insight on updated PLC rate estimates, the role of base acres, and the upcoming enrollment window for ARC and PLC programs.
Farm Bureau economist Danny Munch explains the importance of timely enrollment, and how the program helps dairy producers safeguard their operations against volatile milk markets.
National FFA Annual Fund Manager Kimberly Coveney encouraged everyone watching to join the effort today and help celebrate Give FFA Day while investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Tennessee FFA officers join us in the RFD-TV Studios to showcase student leadership and inspire support for agricultural education on Give FFA Day 2026.
National FFA President Trey Myers shares the significance of Give FFA Day, its role in supporting student growth, and how communities can join the celebration to make a difference for future agricultural leaders.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Sen. Amy Klobuchar has four years remaining in her Senate term and could decide to continue serving in that role while campaigning for Governor of Minnesota.
STRAUSS CEO Henning Strauss joined us with a preview of “Meet Strauss: The Tool You Wear,” premiering live tonight at 7:30 ET — only on RFD Network and RFD+
FarmHER Chris Nellis and her daughters navigate loss while carrying on a 300-year farm legacy, milking cows in upstate New York.
USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg joined us with a recap of the Malaysia trade mission and a look at USDA’s broader trade strategy moving forward.
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition shares how extreme winter weather is affecting the ag transportation network and what producers should keep in mind as conditions slowly improve.
Matt Brockman, Communications Director for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, joined us with a look at how the legendary event is moving forward—weather and all.
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.