NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. ethanol production eased slightly late last week, but demand indicators strengthened, offering support for corn-based biofuels as winter fuel consumption rebounded. New EIA data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association show ethanol markets entering late January with mixed supply signals but improving usage.
Ethanol production for the week ending January 23 declined 0.4 percent to 1.11 million barrels per day, or roughly 46.8 million gallons per day. Despite the weekly dip, output remained nearly 10 percent higher than the same week last year and more than 10 percent above the three-year average. The four-week average production rate edged marginally lower to an annualized pace of 17.40 billion gallons, signaling plants continue to run well above historical norms.
Ethanol inventories tightened modestly. Stocks fell 1.3 percent to 25.4 million barrels, slightly below year-ago levels but still above the three-year average. Inventory builds in the Midwest were offset by draws in other regions.
Demand showed notable improvement. Gasoline supplied rebounded nearly 12 percent ahead of a winter storm, while ethanol blending increased more than 3 percent. Exports declined sharply week to week but remain historically strong.
Cattle and hog supplies continue to tighten while dairy output expands, creating a split outlook in which red-meat prices soften and milk values come under pressure from larger supplies.
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Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities shares an update on post-WASDE grain movement, with corn leading export momentum, soybeans steady, and wheat and sorghum continuing to move selectively.
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Here is a regional snapshot of harvest pace, crop conditions, logistics, and livestock economics across U.S. agriculture for the week of Monday, November 17, 2025.
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Ethanol markets remain mixed — weaker production and blend rates are being partially balanced by stronger exports as winter demand patterns take shape.
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Strong U.S. yields and steady demand leave most major crops well supplied, keeping price pressure in place unless usage strengthens or weather shifts outlooks.
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While agriculture doesn’t predict every recession, the sector’s long history of turning down before the broader economy
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ARC-CO delivers the bulk of 2024 support, offering key margin relief as producers manage tight operating conditions.
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USDA’s steady yields and heavy global stocks keep grains range-bound unless demand firms or South American weather becomes a real threat.
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As economic pressures continue to squeeze agriculture, ag lenders are signaling a more cautious outlook for farm profitability heading into next year, particularly among grain producers facing lower commodity prices and higher operating costs.
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