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
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney shares insights from new Real Agri-Studies research surrounding the relationship between farmers and their lenders and what it reveals about the current farm economy.
March 12, 2026 04:15 PM
·
Farm Bureau economist Dr. Faith Parum explains how geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East could further tighten fertilizer movement, increase fuel costs, and complicate planting decisions for U.S. farmers this spring.
March 12, 2026 03:57 PM
·
Missouri Farm Bureau President Garrett Hawkins discusses the potential impact of data center growth on farmland, the Landowner Fairness Act, and key priorities for Missouri farmers heading into planting season.
March 12, 2026 03:04 PM
·
Dr. David Anderson with Texas A&M University AgriLife Extension discusses how geopolitical tensions and the Middle East, along with export disruptions in the Chinese market, will shape cattle markets in the months ahead.
March 12, 2026 12:54 PM
·
Refining shifts could influence fuel and input costs.
March 12, 2026 07:00 AM
·
Energy shifts influence diesel and fertilizer costs.
March 12, 2026 05:00 AM
·
