Grains Council Report Highlights Record Corn, Ethanol Exports

Export growth remains key for grain profitability.

Ethanol gasoline fuel nozzle and corn kernels. Biofuel, agriculture and fuel price concept

JJ Gouin - stock.adobe.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council says strong export demand helped drive record shipments of U.S. corn and ethanol during the last marketing year. Leaders say continued global engagement will be critical as U.S. agriculture works to sustain momentum in competitive international markets.

The Council’s 2025 annual report highlights global programs and trade efforts across its 10 international offices to expand demand for barley, corn, sorghum, and co-products. The report also outlines regional initiatives and events such as the Global Ethanol Summit that supported market development efforts during the year.

Operationally, strong export performance underscores the importance of maintaining market access and expanding trade relationships for U.S. grain and biofuel producers. Council leaders said continued focus on international customers remains essential as global competition intensifies.

Regionally, the report details demand growth across multiple end-use sectors and geographic markets, and outlines commodity-specific developments for grains and co-products, supported by Council programming worldwide.

Looking ahead, the report also recaps the organization’s recent name amendment approved at its 65th Annual Board of Delegates Meeting, reflecting efforts to align with evolving industry priorities and expand engagement with international customers.

Related Stories
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.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney explains why the 2026 USMCA review could directly affect dairy access, produce competition, and export reliability for U.S. farmers and ranchers.
Smaller U.S. production and steady global demand could provide better pricing opportunities in 2026.
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.
Recent USDA export sales data show China has been active in the U.S. market, but analysts tell RFD-TV News that the timing is a key clue.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
Congressional leaders signal momentum toward expanded, targeted farm aid to help producers manage losses and cash-flow stress in 2026.
Livestock strength is carrying the farm economy, while crop margins remain tight and increasingly dependent on risk management and financial discipline.
Freight volatility and route selection remain critical to soybean export margins and competitiveness.
Strong balance sheets still matter, but liquidity, planning, and lender relationships are critical as ag credit tightens, according to analysis from AgAmerica Lending.
Protein-driven dairy growth is boosting beef supply potential, creating an opening to support rural jobs and ground beef availability.