NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — U.S. ethanol demand reached a new milestone in October, as ethanol accounted for 11.06 percent of the nation’s gasoline supply — the first monthly blend rate above 11 percent on record, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The record underscores growing fuel demand for ethanol and challenges long-standing assumptions that blending cannot exceed 10 percent.
The Renewable Fuels Association says expanded availability of E15 and flex fuels such as E85 is driving the increase. The 12-month average blend rate also reached a record 10.48 percent in October, signaling sustained growth rather than a one-month anomaly. Iowa continues to lead adoption, with E15 representing roughly 25 percent of gasoline sales in November — nearly double early-2025 levels — while California’s recent E15 approval opens a major new market.
RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper credits summer emergency fuel waivers and lower pump prices for accelerating adoption, while emphasizing the need for permanent year-round E15 approval and strong EPA renewable fuel standards. At an 11 percent blend rate, annual ethanol use would reach roughly 15 billion gallons.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Higher ethanol blend rates translate directly into stronger, more durable corn demand if regulatory momentum holds.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer shares his perspective on the uncertain outlook of federal farm relief and the Farm Bill, which may not materialize until the government shutdown ends.
October 09, 2025 01:29 PM
·
Jed Bower, the incoming president of the National Corn Growers Association, joined us for his sector’s perspective on the ongoing government shutdown.
October 08, 2025 11:41 AM
·
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last week said an announcement would be made on Tuesday. However, that self-imposed deadline has now passed.
October 08, 2025 11:19 AM
·
Congress has just over a month of working days left for the year. Plan for uneven USDA service until funding is restored, and closely monitor Farm Bill talks, as avoiding Permanent Law before January 1 is the single biggest risk to markets and milk prices.
October 07, 2025 11:09 AM
·
Despite tariffs having a less significant impact on exports, corn producers struggle with tariff-related increases on inputs, which complicates their bottom line.
October 06, 2025 01:13 PM
·
Jack Daniel’s will end its Cow Feeder Program, which served around 100 livestock operations near the distillery, and redirect spent grains to its anaerobic digester.
October 06, 2025 12:33 PM
·
