Ethanol Production Declines Slightly While Weekly Stocks Increase

Stable blending demand continues to underpin corn use despite export volatility.

Farmland producing ethanol for the oil and gas industry. Railroad tankers cars lined up near a ethanol plant at sunset_Photo by photogrfx via AdobeStock_496174713.png

Photo by photogrfx via Adobe Stock

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS)Ethanol production eased modestly last week, but output remains stronger than year-ago levels, continuing to support corn demand despite softer export movement.

Energy Information Administration data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association show that production for the week ending February 20 declined 0.4 percent to 1.11 million barrels per day, equal to 46.75 million gallons per day. Output was 3.0 percent above the same week last year and 5.6 percent above the three-year average. The four-week average held at 1.07 million barrels per day, or 16.51 billion gallons annualized.

Refiner and blender net inputs were unchanged at 866,000 barrels per day, running 2.4 percent ahead of last year. Gasoline supplied dipped 0.2 percent but remained 3.3 percent above year-ago levels.

Ethanol stocks rose 0.2 percent to 25.6 million barrels, though inventories remain 7.0 percent below last year and 1.8 percent under the three-year average. Exports fell 20.3 percent to 141,000 barrels per day.

Looking ahead, steady domestic blending may offset export weakness if seasonal fuel demand improves.

Related Stories
With feed supplies running tight, producers can tap into some creative options, according to University of Pennsylvania Veterinarian and Professor Dr. Joe Bender.
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.
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.
National Pork Board Chief Sustainability Officer Jamie Burr shares a closer look at the Pork Checkoff’s Pork Cares Farm Impact Report, a research program to increase trust in the pork supply chain.
Ethanol markets remain mixed — weaker production and blend rates are being partially balanced by stronger exports as winter demand patterns take shape.
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.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Firm live cow prices and shifting dairy-side culling suggest cull cow values may stay stronger than usual this winter despite weaker cow beef cutout trends.
New SDRP funding and expanded loss programs give producers additional tools to rebuild cash flow and stabilize operations after two years of severe weather losses.
The new WOTUS proposal narrows federal jurisdiction, restores key agricultural exclusions, and gives farmers clearer permitting rules after years of regulatory uncertainty.
Tariff relief may soften grocery prices, but it also intensifies competition for U.S. fruit, vegetable, and beef producers as cheaper imports regain market share.
Retail competition and improved supplies are helping offset food inflation, pushing Thanksgiving meal costs modestly lower despite higher prices for beef, eggs, and dairy.
While agriculture doesn’t predict every recession, the sector’s long history of turning down before the broader economy