NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. ethanol production and exports strengthened in 2025, reinforcing corn demand and reshaping transportation patterns across major domestic and export corridors.
Production rose 2 percent from 2024 and was 8 percent above the five-year average, supported by large corn supplies, improved plant efficiency, and firm international demand. Rail remained the dominant transport mode, moving 68 percent of Midwest output, with shipments primarily routed to the East Coast, Gulf Coast, and West Coast fuel markets.
Overall, Class I rail movements rose 1 percent from 2024 and 10 percent from the five-year average, though second-half rail volumes declined slightly as some shipments shifted to truck and barge.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong exports and production support ongoing corn demand.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Exports accounted for about 15 percent of total U.S. ethanol demand in 2025, reaching 2.18 billion gallons — up 13 percent year over year and 52 percent above the five-year average. Canada, the Netherlands, India, the United Kingdom, and Colombia purchased 76 percent of shipments, driven largely by national blending mandates ranging from E5 to E20.
Looking ahead, federal forecasts show ethanol production and exports holding near record levels into 2026 as blending demand stabilizes and corn use for ethanol rises.
Border closures tied to the threat of New World Screwworm continue to stall Mexican fed cattle imports, tightening U.S. feeder cattle supplies over time — triggering feedlot closures that hinder herd rebuilding efforts, threaten the beef supply chain, and shrink production while consumer prices stay elevated.
February 23, 2026 01:40 PM
·
Brooks York of AgriSompo discusses projected prices and how farmers are adapting their crop insurance strategies as the price discovery period comes to a close.
February 23, 2026 12:32 PM
·
For the broader agricultural industry, a railroad antitrust case in Kansas could lead to the dismantling of legacy regulatory shields, creating a more fluid, market-driven transportation grid that prioritizes moving crops efficiently over protecting historic rail monopolies.
February 23, 2026 11:35 AM
·
Agriculture avoided major disruptions, but trade uncertainty remains elevated.
February 23, 2026 10:09 AM
·
Stronger fuel demand supports corn usage despite a steady production pace.
February 21, 2026 07:00 PM
·
Fed cattle numbers are down two percent in February, according to the latest USDA report. Marketings fell 13 percent, signaling continued pressure on beef prices in 2026.
February 20, 2026 03:38 PM
·
