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
Industry-wide participation in SHIP enhances biosecurity and fosters global trust in U.S. pork, says swine health expert, Dr. Christine Mainquist-Whigham.
A new study by the National Grains and Feeds Association found that their industry generates $401.7 billion in economic output and supports over 1.16 million jobs nationwide.
National Education Center for Ag Safety Director Dan Neenan joins us to discuss grain bin safety and the steps producers can take to prevent tragedies.
Argentina hopes to boost demand, but critics see the move as a blow to American farmers.
China is making strategic moves by purchasing more soybeans from Argentina and may soon follow the EU and reopen its market to Brazilian chicken exports.
Farmers should watch for soybean export rebounds with harvest, while corn and wheat shipments remain strong and sorghum demand struggles.

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:

Trade pacts with Malaysia and Cambodia unlock tariff-free and preferential lanes for key U.S. farm goods, expanding long-term demand in Southeast Asia.
The review signals renewed scrutiny of China’s agricultural trade pledges and could reshape farm export opportunities depending on its outcome.
The U.S.-Japan tech pact signals long-term investment in bio-innovation, connectivity, and secure supply chains — all of which can strengthen rural manufacturing, ag exports, and digital infrastructure critical to the next generation of farm productivity.
Export volumes remain positive year-to-date, but weaker soybean loadings and slowing wheat movement hint at early bottlenecks in global demand or river logistics. Farmers should watch basis levels and freight conditions as export competition heats up.
Harvest Marches on as River Logistics And Inputs Steer Bids
Farmers who rely on H-2A workers will see a few key changes to speed up the process and make it fairer. On the ground, producers say labor issues create shortfalls in otherwise productive harvests.