Winter Storm 2026: Ag Impacts — Markets Stay Optimistic on Ethanol as President Trump Visits Iowa

Lewis Williamson of HTS Commodities joined us with an update on the historic winter storm impacts and his outlook on today’s ag markets.

MEMPHIS, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Much of farm country is thawing out following a devastating winter storm that brought below-freezing temperatures to a number of rural communities, including areas that do not typically experience those conditions.

Producers are assessing potential impacts to agriculture as recovery efforts continue with temperatures still below freezing in the extended forecasts for many areas.

Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to provide an update on conditions in West Tennessee and Mississippi, and share what he is hearing about storm-related impacts across the agricultural sector.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Williamson also discussed the broader ag market, outlining the key factors he is watching beyond the winter storm — including as farmers and traders navigate current market conditions.

Williamson emphasized that optimism in the seed oil and ethanol markets continued on Tuesday, as the corn and biofuel industries hope that President Trump’s visit to Iowa will bring some positive developments on stalled legislation related to year-round E15 sales.

Related Stories
Mold damage is tightening China’s corn supplies, supporting higher prices and creating potential demand for alternative feed grains in early 2026.
The new rule removes prevented-plant buy-up coverage, prompting strong objections from farm groups concerned about added risk exposure.
Lawmakers and experts react to the Administration’s long-awaited announcement of “bridge” aid to stabilize farms and offset 2025 losses until expanded safety-net programs begin in 2026.
Joe Peiffer with Ag & Business Legal Strategies advises farmers on end-of-year financial planning, including preparing records, avoiding common credit mistakes, and evaluating equipment purchases for 2026.
$11 billion will go to row-crop farmers immediately, with $1 billion set aside for specialty crops.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Mike Steenhoek, with the Soy Transportation Commission, shares his outlook on current grain stocks and transportation lines amid bumper crops filling bins across the United States.
Renewable Fuels Association President & CEO Geoff Cooper explains their call for reciprocal duties on Chinese ag imports after China failed to meet past promises on ethanol production.
American soybean and corn leaders, along with Canada’s AgriFood sector, testified before the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office in support of the trade pact between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
The FAO Food Price Index for November fell by more than 1 percent in November, marking the third straight month of declines.
Texas livestock producers face a heightened biosecurity threat as New World screwworm detections in northern Mexico coincide with FDA approval of the first topical treatment.
Rep. Michelle Fischbach shares her appreciation for rural communities and outlines how the Working Families Tax Cut is aimed to support farm families on RFD-TV’s Champions of Rural America.