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
Corn and sorghum exports remain strong; soybean demand lags.
On this week’s Rural Health Matters, Dr. Jeffrey Gold raises awareness about Parkinson’s disease, shares insights on early detection, and offers guidance for patients and families in rural communities.
Texas Farm Bureau intern Jazmine Gutierrez-Davila uses her background and bilingual skills to connect kids to agriculture while attending Rodeo Austin’s Livestock Show.
Nebraska Farm Bureau President Mark McHargue joined us to discuss wildfire recovery efforts in the state, impacts to agriculture, and conditions heading into the spring planting season.
Free program connects families to more than 100 farms with a new interactive app experience
Building on the USDA’s recently released Grazing Action Plan, the agreement formalizes collaboration between the USDA, Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management to ensure more efficient, transparent, and responsive grazing management across federal lands.

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:

This week on Champions of Rural America, Congressman Nick Begich discusses the lease sale, its economic impact, and what it could mean for future energy production in Alaska.
SoilView’s Chris Nelson explains why soil testing is essential, how it enhances nutrient management, and why growers should focus on data-driven strategies to guide planting and fertilization this year.
Corn Refiners Association VP Kristy Goodfellow offered insight into the Feeding the Economy Report’s key findings, showing the breadth of agriculture’s economic impact and the challenges ahead.
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses Canada’s new soil health strategy, its implications for producers, and its potential to support sustainable agriculture in Canada compared to USDA funding for conservation.
National Association of Wheat Growers President Jamie Kress discusses how rising fertilizer prices pressure wheat producers and the Administration’s consideration of lowering duties on Moroccan phosphate.
Premieres on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 7:30 PM ET