NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — U.S. ethanol production surged to a new record as stronger fuel demand and exports tightened inventories, offering supportive signals for corn demand. According to the Renewable Fuels Association, output for the week ending December 12 rose 2.4 percent to 1.13 million barrels per day, the highest level ever recorded.
Production ran 2.5 percent above the same week last year and nearly 6 percent above the three-year average. The four-week average also climbed, pushing the annualized production pace to about 17.2 billion gallons. At the same time, ethanol stocks declined modestly to 22.4 million barrels, falling below both year-ago levels and the three-year average, with inventories thinning in most regions.
Fuel demand showed notable improvement. Gasoline supplied to the market jumped more than 7 percent to a 15-week high, while refiner and blender ethanol use rose to a seven-week high. Export demand strengthened sharply, with weekly shipments climbing more than 50 percent to the strongest level since August.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Record ethanol production, coupled with stronger demand, supports corn use despite tighter margins elsewhere.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
U.S. agriculture entered the week with mixed signals as weather, logistics, and markets shaped early-year decisions. Here is a regional breakdown of domestic crop and livestock production for the week of Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
January 19, 2026 11:40 AM
·
While short-term volatility remains a risk, softer ocean freight rates in 2026 could improve export margins.
January 18, 2026 12:00 PM
·
Trade volatility and shifting export destinations increase marketing risk for producers heading into 2026.
January 18, 2026 07:00 AM
·
Rising rural business confidence supports local ag economies, but taxes and labor shortages remain key constraints.
January 17, 2026 02:00 PM
·
CoBank Knowledge Exchange’s Jeff Johnston shares the group’s positive perspective on expanding data centers into rural areas and weighs the risks and rewards for those communities.
January 16, 2026 01:44 PM
·
National Corn Growers Association Chief Economist Krista Swanson discusses corn supply pressures, market fundamentals, policy considerations, and producer outlook for the year ahead.
January 16, 2026 01:13 PM
·
