NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. ethanol production surged to a record high in early January, signaling strong operational momentum even as fuel demand and inventories remain seasonally mixed. According to Energy Information Administration data analyzed by the Renewable Fuels Association, ethanol output jumped 8.9 percent for the week ending January 9, climbing to 1.20 million barrels per day — the highest weekly level on record.
Production ran 9.2 percent above the same week last year and nearly 14 percent above the three-year average, reflecting aggressive run rates across much of the industry. The four-week average production rate also moved higher, reaching an annualized pace of 17.32 billion gallons, reinforcing the strength of near-term supply.
Ethanol stocks increased 3.5 percent to 24.5 million barrels, though inventories remain slightly below both year-ago levels and the three-year average. Stock builds occurred in most regions, with the Midwest the only area where inventories declined, suggesting continued strong blending or shipment activity in the core production region.
Demand indicators improved modestly. Gasoline supplied rose 1.6 percent week over week, while refiner and blender ethanol inputs rebounded more than 9 percent and exceeded both last year and the three-year average. Exports also strengthened, climbing to an estimated 119,000 barrels per day, with no ethanol imports reported for more than a year.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Record ethanol production and improving blending demand continue to support corn usage despite rising short-term inventories.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Tim and Sharyn Abbott of the Music City Celebration Sale recap the weekend’s premier auction, which drew top dairy breeders and buyers to Nashville again this year from across North America.
December 16, 2025 11:54 AM
·
Slower grain movement may pressure basis, but falling diesel prices could help offset transportation costs.
December 16, 2025 06:00 AM
·
Fertilizer markets face uncertainty after President Trump raised the possibility of tariffs on Canadian imports, with analysts warning of supply and pricing risks. Josh Linville with StoneX provides a fertilizer industry outlook.
December 15, 2025 01:35 PM
·
Regional differences indicate that family ownership is universal, but farm structure and commodity mix determine the extent to which these operations drive agricultural output.
December 15, 2025 01:03 PM
·
A new study found that retaining the EPA’s half-RIN credit protects soybean demand, farm income, and crushing-sector strength while preserving biofuel market flexibility.
December 15, 2025 12:15 PM
·
The U.S. has a bountiful corn supply, but markets are waiting for the January WASDE Report, which will include updated yield estimates.
December 15, 2025 11:34 AM
·
Freight Softens as Producers Plan 2026 Budgets Nationwide
December 15, 2025 10:48 AM
·
Western Caucus member Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR) details the SPEED Act on Champions of Rural America. The legislation aims to reform NEPA, streamline permitting, and expand domestic energy development.
December 12, 2025 03:58 PM
·
CoBank’s 2026 Year Ahead Report cites global grain oversupply, easing inflation, rate cuts, and major data center growth that could reshape rural America.
December 12, 2025 12:42 PM
·
