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
Stagger buys and diversifies fertilizer sources — watch CBAM, India’s tenders, and Brazil’s import pace to time urea, phosphate, and potash purchases.
Distillers dried grains (DDG) values follow corn and soybean meal trends, with ethanol grind and feed demand shaping costs into early 2026.
Pork producers should prioritize health and productivity gains, hedge feed and hogs selectively, and watch Brazil’s export pace and China’s sow policy for price signals.
For tight margins, contract grazing leverages existing acres into new income streams and spreads risk. Here are some tips for row crop farmers looking to diversify.
Texas Cattle Feeders Association Chairman Robby Kirkland explains how the ongoing U.S.-Mexico border closure impacts feed yards that rely on Mexican cattle due to the New World Screwworm.
Global nitrogen and phosphate prices remain high despite improved supply fundamentals, with limited Chinese exports and stronger fall applications tightening availability.

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:

Here is a regional snapshot of harvest pace, crop conditions, logistics, and livestock economics across U.S. agriculture for the week of Monday, Nov. 10, 2025.
The DOJ’s new antitrust probe could reshape beef-packer behavior, with potential impacts on fed-cattle prices, processor margins, and long-term competition across the supply chain.
The Senate has cleared a path to reopen USDA, but full restoration of services depends on House approval and the President’s signature.
Verified U.S. data show real leather’s carbon footprint is lower than advertised — an edge for the American cattle industry in both marketing and byproduct value.
Tight cattle supplies keep prices high for ranchers, but policy shifts, export barriers, and packer losses signal a volatile road ahead for the beef supply chain.
Record output, larger stocks, and softer exports point to a well-supplied domestic ethanol market as harvest progresses.