NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — Ethanol plants boosted output sharply in early February, but fuel demand and exports still point to a cautious outlook for corn demand and biofuel margins.
Data from the Energy Information Administration analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association show ethanol production jumped 16.1 percent for the week ending February 6 to 1.11 million barrels per day — about 46.6 million gallons daily. That was 2.6 percent above last year and nearly 5 percent higher than the three-year average. However, the broader trend stayed softer as the four-week average slipped 1.9 percent to an annualized 16.5 billion gallons.
Inventories edged up to 25.2 million barrels, building in the East Coast and Rocky Mountain regions but drawing down elsewhere. Even with the weekly increase, stocks remained below both last year and recent averages.
Gasoline supplied — a proxy for fuel demand — improved modestly but stayed below year-ago levels, while refiner blending activity also lagged historical norms. Exports dropped sharply to a four-week low, limiting an important outlet for production.
Together, the data suggest plants can run hard week over week, but sustained demand growth has not yet followed.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Ethanol output is improving, but weak domestic demand and export headwinds temper optimism about corn demand.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Beef x Dairy cattle with strong genetics and documentation are earning prices comparable to native feeders.
January 29, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Strong White House backing supports ethanol demand, but timing now hinges on Congress resolving procedural — at the same time as they push toward a spending bill to avert another federal government shutdown.
January 28, 2026 11:35 AM
·
Mixed product pricing and rising milk supplies suggest margin management will remain critical as 2026 unfolds.
January 28, 2026 06:00 AM
·
Corn and soybean exports continue to anchor weekly inspection totals, with China maintaining a visible role, while wheat and sorghum remain more dependent on regional and seasonal demand shifts.
January 27, 2026 03:08 PM
·
Lewis Williamson of HTS Commodities joined us with an update on the historic winter storm impacts and his outlook on today’s ag markets.
January 27, 2026 02:39 PM
·
Marilyn Schlake with the UNL Department of Agricultural Economics joined us for a closer look at the evolving role of livestock sale barns.
January 27, 2026 12:19 PM
·
Rail continues to carry a larger share of the grain load, increasing sensitivity to rail capacity, labor, and pricing conditions.
January 27, 2026 11:55 AM
·
New rule speeds leasing and permitting for federal oil and gas development
January 27, 2026 11:17 AM
Mike Knotts with the Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association joined us with the latest on storm impacts, power restoration, and safety considerations following the ice storm.
January 26, 2026 04:00 PM
·
