Fuel
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.
Strong production and rising stocks may pressure ethanol margins unless demand or exports continue to improve.
Without additional support, many soybean operations will continue to face financial stress as they prepare for the 2026 crop.
Corn, Biofuels Groups Frustrated as Year-Round E15 Bill Stalls, Congress Forms Study Council Instead
Congressman Adrian Smith of Nebraska joined us with the latest on efforts to secure year-round E15 sales.
Moderate oil prices may ease fuel costs, but continued caution in the energy sector could limit rural economic growth.
Ethanol and corn groups are not hiding their disappointment over new reports that the bill to allow year-round E15 sales failed as Congress forges ahead on government funding, with another shutdown looming.
Oil-led rallies can move soybean prices quickly, but sustained gains will require continued strength in soybean oil and broader biofuel demand signals.
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.
While short-term volatility remains a risk, softer ocean freight rates in 2026 could improve export margins.
National Corn Growers Association Chief Economist Krista Swanson discusses corn supply pressures, market fundamentals, policy considerations, and producer outlook for the year ahead.
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig discusses market conditions, policy priorities, and his outlook for agriculture moving forward.
Congressman Dusty Johnson of South Dakota joined us to discuss key ag policy developments and his outlook for agriculture in 2026.
Record ethanol production and improving blending demand continue to support corn usage despite rising short-term inventories.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said permanent access to the higher ethanol blend would provide farmers with much-needed certainty while supporting domestic crop demand.
As domestic production and blending slowed, export demand remained a clear bright spot.
Higher ethanol blend rates translate directly into stronger, more durable corn demand if regulatory momentum holds.
Improving consumer confidence supports baseline food and fuel demand, but cautious spending limits upside potential for ag markets in 2026.
Strong ethanol production and export trends continue to support corn demand despite seasonal fuel consumption softness.
Champions of Rural America: Iowa Congressman Outlines ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Benefits for Agriculture
Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-IA, details how the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA) supports farmers, biofuels, and rural communities with tax breaks, crop insurance relief, and ag infrastructure.
With record grain harvests and rising global ethanol demand, leaders across the ag and energy sectors are pushing for year-round E15 sales to mitigate the strain on grain trade.
Stronger rail movement and lower fuel prices are easing logistics, even as export pace and river conditions remain uneven.
Callahan is no stranger to agricultural trade and has been with the U.S. Trade Representative’s office since 2016.