Growth Energy CEO Highlights Bioethanol’s Role in Agriculture

Expanding bioethanol use strengthens rural economies, supports farm markets, and positions U.S. agriculture at the center of global low-carbon trade.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor told attendees at the Global Ethanol Summit here that bioethanol’s growth is fueling both agricultural prosperity and stronger global trade ties.

Speaking to representatives from more than 40 countries, Skor described bioethanol as “a high-octane, low-carbon fuel that supports farmers, strengthens economies, and saves drivers money,” while reinforcing America’s role as a reliable energy and agricultural partner. She highlighted that U.S. bioethanol production now exceeds 10 billion gallons annually, that blending is legal in all 50 states, and that exports are poised to set another record this year.

She said nations such as Canada, Brazil, India, and Japan are expanding their bioethanol use and trade, adding that higher global bioethanol blends lift demand for U.S. corn and co-products such as distillers’ grains. She also underscored ethanol’s role in decarbonization, noting that American producers have reduced carbon intensity by 20 percent over 15 years through improved farming efficiency, water savings, and new technologies such as carbon capture and sequestration.

Framing ethanol as a bridge between energy and agriculture policy, Skor said bioethanol “isn’t just a rural issue—it’s a trade tool.” With a $4 billion trade surplus in 2024, she urged other nations to prioritize ethanol partnerships with the U.S. “When we invest in bioethanol, we’re investing in the rural economy,” she said. “Supporting farmers, boosting GDP, and creating a supply chain that starts and stops on domestic soil.”

Farm-Level Takeaway: Growth Energy says expanding bioethanol use strengthens rural economies, supports farm markets, and positions U.S. agriculture at the center of global low-carbon trade.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Expert
Related Stories
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last week said an announcement would be made on Tuesday. However, that self-imposed deadline has now passed.
George Baird, with the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA), joins us with updates on how this year’s rice harvest is shaping up.
Expect firm demand for dependable HRS and SW, steady movement in HRW, more sorting on SRW, and selective bids on durum until full milling results are released.
Market analyst Kevin Huddleston said news of trade deals could rebound cotton prices in late fall, and producers need to be ready to strike deals.
Congress has just over a month of working days left for the year. Plan for uneven USDA service until funding is restored, and closely monitor Farm Bill talks, as avoiding Permanent Law before January 1 is the single biggest risk to markets and milk prices.
Harvest Builds As Logistics And Input Costs Shape Fall Decisions
Despite tariffs having a less significant impact on exports, corn producers struggle with tariff-related increases on inputs, which complicates their bottom line.
Jack Daniel’s will end its Cow Feeder Program, which served around 100 livestock operations near the distillery, and redirect spent grains to its anaerobic digester.

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:

Here is a regional snapshot of harvest pace, crop conditions, logistics, and livestock economics across U.S. agriculture for the week of Monday, Nov. 10, 2025.
The DOJ’s new antitrust probe could reshape beef-packer behavior, with potential impacts on fed-cattle prices, processor margins, and long-term competition across the supply chain.
The Senate has cleared a path to reopen USDA, but full restoration of services depends on House approval and the President’s signature.
Verified U.S. data show real leather’s carbon footprint is lower than advertised — an edge for the American cattle industry in both marketing and byproduct value.
Stagger buys and diversifies fertilizer sources — watch CBAM, India’s tenders, and Brazil’s import pace to time urea, phosphate, and potash purchases.
Tight cattle supplies keep prices high for ranchers, but policy shifts, export barriers, and packer losses signal a volatile road ahead for the beef supply chain.