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
Risk management and diversification improve survival odds. Heidi Exline with American Farmland Trust discusses barriers to farmland access and efforts to connect the next generation of producers with retiring farmers.
National Land Realty’s Jeramy Stephens explains how rising input costs and economic uncertainty are impacting the farmland market and what landowners should watch moving forward.
Higher fuel costs are raising grain shipping expenses. RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses how energy market disruptions are impacting farmers in new ways as the War in Iran continues.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller joins us with an update on the most recent case of New World screwworm 90 miles from the U.S. Southern border.
Corn exports remain the clear demand leader.
Study looks at how triazine chemistry impacts effectiveness against resistant weeds

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:

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the availability of over $275 million in grant funding in FY2026 for the specialty crop industry in the United States through three USDA programs.
Natalie Roy from AgriSafe Network talks about women’s role in agriculture and the increasing need to address their unique health and safety needs as they form a larger part of the workforce.
In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Jeffrey Gold shares how disparities in dental care impact rural Americans and why early detection is important.
While the Farm Bill is top of mind right now, it is far from the only issue getting attention in Washington.
Lewie Pugh, with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, discusses EPA DEF system changes and what they mean for the supply chain and fuel costs.
JBS says the plant is now operating at full capacity as plant workers return to work.