LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — Ethanol production climbed to a four-week high while inventories fell to their lowest level since early October. Renewable Fuels Association analysis of EIA data shows production rose 6.4 percent for the week ending May 8 to 1.08 million barrels per day.
That equals 45.44 million gallons per day. Output was 9 percent higher than the same week last year and 8.1 percent above the five-year average. The four-week average slipped to 1.04 million barrels per day, equal to an annualized 15.94 billion gallons.
Ethanol stocks dropped 4.4 percent to 24.9 million barrels. Inventories were below last year but still above the five-year average, with declines reported across all regions and a 41-week low on the West Coast.
Gasoline supplied, a demand indicator, fell to a five-week low of 8.75 million barrels per day. Refiner and blender ethanol inputs rose slightly to 908,000 barrels per day.
Exports increased 16.5 percent to an estimated 162,000 barrels per day.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong ethanol production supports corn demand, but weaker gasoline demand and lower blender inputs remain to be watched.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
Corn and wheat exports remain a demand bright spot, while soybeans are transitioning into a more typical late-winter shipping slowdown.
January 21, 2026 10:36 AM
·
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
January 20, 2026 02:47 PM
·
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
January 20, 2026 02:04 PM
·
Livestock strength is carrying the farm economy, while crop margins remain tight and increasingly dependent on risk management and financial discipline.
January 19, 2026 05:00 PM
·
