ACE Conference 2026

Ethanol Exports Up in May

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

U.S. ethanol exports increased 11% in May from April’s sharp downturn as shipments strengthened across most major markets, according to the latest export update from the Renewable Fuels Association. Ethanol exports totaled 189.7 million gallons (mg) in May, with Canada remaining the top destination as exports to that country were up 18% to a six-month high of 76.3 mg.

Exports to the European Union, led by the Netherlands, increased 15% to 39.1 mg, continuing to underpin demand for undenatured ethanol. Together, Canada and the EU accounted for 61% of total May exports. Nigeria imported 12.7 mg—its largest monthly volume of U.S. ethanol since December 2021—while exports to Colombia surged 72% to 10.9 mg. In contrast, shipments to South Korea fell 38% to 10.1 mg, and exports to the United Kingdom slipped 4% to 9.9 mg. Exports to Vietnam more than quadrupled to 7.7 mg, while exports to the Philippines declined 34% to 7.3 mg. Notably, exports to both Brazil and India remained essentially zero. Year-to-date U.S. ethanol exports reached 1.00 billion gallons, running 11% ahead of the same period last year.

Meanwhile, fuel ethanol imports reached their highest monthly volume since March 2025, totaling 256,801 gallons in May, with Brazil supplying 70% and Canada accounting for the remaining 30%. More than doubling for the first five months of 2026, total fuel ethanol imports still stand at just 462,120 gallons for the year.

May U.S. exports of dried distillers grains (DDGS) rose 6% to 1.08 million metric tons (mt), reflecting higher shipments across most major export markets. Shipments to Mexico increased by 2%, while exports to South Korea were upu 14% and exports to the European Union surged by 64%. So far this year, DDGS exports reached 5.06 million mt, up 14% from the same period in 2025.

Distillers Grains, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Exports, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA, Trade

E85 Wholesale Prices Remain Low

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

Average regular gas prices remain at $3.80 per gallon nationwide, while the cost of E85 is averaging $2.69, which is still higher than it should be, according to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, which reports wholesale prices as low as 10 cents a gallon for E85 in the state.

Executive Director Monte Shaw says the price difference in Iowa between wholesale and retail E85 prices remains historically wide. “As a trade association, we never tell anyone how to price a product at any point in the supply chain but in 27 years I’ve never seen the wholesale-to-retail price spread as large as it is for E85 in Iowa right now. A reasonable person would assume that with E85 at 10 cents wholesale, the retail prices would be the best fuel bargain ever. But we’re not seeing that with a few, very rare exceptions.”

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Associations (IRFA) E85 Wholesale Price Listing Program is available here.

E85, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Iowa RFA

ACE to Celebrate Fueling Freedom

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary this week, the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) is looking forward to carrying that energy forward next month with the theme “Fueling Freedom” for its 39th Annual Conference in Minneapolis, highlighting how ethanol expands fuel choice, relieves pain at the pump, boosts rural economies, and strengthens U.S. energy security.

ACE CEO Brian Jennings says ethanol’s role in delivering affordable, reliable, and homegrown energy has never been more important. “We wanted to build off America’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Ethanol gives that independence and that freedom to drivers,” Jennings said. “We will be talking about all of the public policy issues of the day from E15 to 45Z to exports, and new markets. We’re going to have speakers talk about heavy-duty use for ethanol, like John Deere and other heavy-duty applications, the marine opportunity, the sustainable aviation fuel opportunity. And then just a lot of breakout sessions to help board members in terms of leadership and training and succession planning, financial health of the company.”

ACE CEO Brian Jennings on 2026 Conference :44

The ACE Conference will be held August 19-21, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Early bird discounted rates available until July 17.

ACE, ACE Ethanol Conference, Audio, Ethanol, Ethanol News

Ethanol Report on Energy Independence

Cindy Zimmerman Leave a Comment

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 expanded the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to increase domestic renewable fuel production and enhance energy security. As we celebrate 250 years of our nation’s independence, more Americans than ever before are recognizing the important role the RFS plays in helping us be more energy independent.

In this Independence Day edition of the Ethanol Report podcast, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper and Communications Director Ken Colombini discuss a new poll that shows that support.

Ethanol Report 7-2-26 27:25

The Ethanol Report is a podcast about the latest news and information in the ethanol industry that has been sponsored by the Renewable Fuels Association since 2008.

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Audio, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Ethanol Report, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

DWFI Wrapping up Carbon Markets Validation Research

Cindy Zimmerman

Five years ago, the U.S. Department of Energy tapped the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska to tackle the critical challenge of scientifically validating carbon sequestration in Midwest corn and soybean production. In a new Water for Food podcast, DWFI Director of Research Christopher Neale said the $3 million project at the intersection of energy, agriculture and policy is now in its final 120-day closeout phase.

“We’ve been working on measuring and modeling the whole carbon cycle in agricultural fields in the Midwest, specifically that produce grains for the ethanol industry,” said Neale.

Neale says they studied fields that were representative of the acreage providing grain for the ethanol industry in different types of production systems. “So here in Nebraska, at Mead, one of our fields is an irrigated corn-soybean rotation, direct planting, … one’s in Iowa, which is rain-fed, but also corn-soybean, and it has cover crops…and then the third field was in Morris, Minnesota, also corn and soybeans, but in a different climate,” said Neale. “So what we’ve been doing is using the measurements in the models with all these other inputs to calculate how much carbon is sequestrated in a cornfield in a typical year, and then in soybeans and in the rotation of corn and soybeans.”

Listen to the podcast to learn more.
DWFI podcast episode 53 26:29

The Robert B. Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska was founded with the mission to have a lasting and significant impact on achieving more food security with less pressure on scarce water resources by conducting scientific and policy research, using the research results to inform policy makers, and sharing knowledge through education and communication.

Carbon, carbon capture, corn, Research, Soybeans, water

Poll Shows Record Support for RFS

Cindy Zimmerman

(click for larger image)

A new nationwide poll just released by the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) shows a record 74 percent of registered voters support the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) today, with just 12 percent opposed to the policy first enacted in 2005 and expanded in 2007. This is the highest level of support for the RFS in 10 years of quarterly polling by RFA.

The poll, conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of RFA, surveyed more than 2,000 registered voters and also found that 87 percent believe it is important for America to be energy independent, and 80 percent said renewable fuels like ethanol are important to achieving energy independence.

“As Americans celebrate our nation’s independence this Fourth of July, these poll results send a clear message: voters recognize that American-made renewable fuels like ethanol strengthen our energy security, support domestic jobs, and help reduce our reliance on foreign energy,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Record-high support for the Renewable Fuel Standard reflects a growing understanding that homegrown, affordable renewable fuels are essential to America’s energy future and economic strength.”

With the holiday weekend approaching and gas prices still high, the poll also found that 83 percent are concerned about gas price fluctuations, with 53 percent being very concerned, while 71 percent said rising gasoline prices are likely to influence their vote in the upcoming mid-term elections.

Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA, RFS

USDA Finalizes Regenerative Feedstock Rule

Cindy Zimmerman

As President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order this week advancing regenerative agriculture, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced a final Regenerative Feedstock Rule designed to help farmers voluntarily capture new value from regenerative agricultural practices through biofuel markets.

The Regenerative Feedstock Rule establishes a framework to connect regenerative agriculture practices to new markets within the biofuel supply chain for corn, soybeans, sorghum, and spring canola. These standards include:

Covered biofuel feedstock crops and participating entities throughout the supply chain;
Field-level quantification of crop-specific carbon intensity;
Mass balance chain-of-custody standards, including traceability and recordkeeping;
Auditing and verification requirements; and
Regenerative agriculture practice standards for covered feedstock crops.

USDA is also releasing an updated USDA Feedstock Carbon Intensity Calculator (USDA FD-CIC) to help producers quantify regenerative practices such as cover crops, and improved nutrient management, and conservation tillage—including no-till and reduced tillage. Producers can use the resulting reports when marketing eligible feedstocks to participating biofuel producers.

The new framework creates significant opportunities for America’s leading biofuel feedstock producers. American farmers currently produce approximately 6 billion bushels of corn used annually for ethanol production, with 68 percent of corn farmers already implementing at least one regenerative practice. Likewise, producers grow approximately 1.8 billion bushels of soybeans for biofuel production, while 70 percent of soybean farmers already utilize at least one regenerative practice. As participation grows, USDA expects the rule to expand premium market opportunities for producers across the country.

Biodiesel, biofuels, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Farming, USDA

Biofueling Agriculture Podcast

Chuck Zimmerman

ZimmCastAmerican agriculture is at a crossroads today, but biofuels could point the way to a brighter future, according to a recent study from S&P Global and commissioned by U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action (USFRA).

“Fueling Agriculture: Biofuels as the Catalyst,” finds that biofuels have the potential to restore long-term profitability to American farms and drive investment in rural communities; unlock demand for sustainable feedstocks, creating a market that rewards farmers for pioneering modern farm practices; and strengthen food, economic and energy security on a global scale. It could also help motivate the U.S. Senate to pass legislation allowing year-round, nationwide sales of E15 (15% ethanol-blended fuel).

In this episode of the ZimmCast, hear from USFRA CEO Kevin Burkum; USFRA vice chairman and Maryland farmer Chip Bowling; Kevin Lindemer, S&P Global Energy; Kelsey Barnes, USDA Senior Advisor for Rural Development and Biofuels; Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Tina Smith (D-MN).

Listen to the episode here:
ZimmCast 761 - Biofueling Agriculture (25:30)

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advanced biofuels, aviation biofuels, biofuels, Energy, Ethanol, ZimmCast

White House Includes E15 in Funding Request

Cindy Zimmerman

Ethanol supporters were pleased to see the Trump administration include passage of legislation to allow year-round sales of E15 in its $87.6 billion supplemental spending request to “address urgent needs related to Operation Epic Fury (OEF), in addition to other critical needs such as…supporting hardworking American farmers.”

The supplemental request to Congress from Russel Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, includes an additional $11.1 billion to support American farmers with $10 billion in temporary economic assistance for row and specialty crops planted in crop year 2026. “Furthermore, the Administration requests additional authorities that it strongly supports. These authorities include .. an urgent and needed fix that codifies the permanent, year-round sale of E-15.”

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper thanked President Trump for supporting the year-round availability of E15 in both of his terms in office. “We are very grateful for his continued leadership on this important issue,” said Cooper. “President Trump clearly recognizes that E15 helps Americans save money with each fill-up, while also strengthening the farm economy and bolstering U.S. energy security. He has called on Congress multiple times now to pass legislation that simply allows consumers to choose lower-cost E15 all year long. The House has heeded this call by passing year-round E15 legislation in May. Now it’s time for the Senate to move quickly and give Americans what they clearly want and need—relief at the pump.”

However, Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) released a discussion draft of a new five-year farm bill this week that left out any provisions for nationwide year-round E15 sales that, while expected, was still disappointing to biofuels and agricultural interests. National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Jed Bower said, “While this Congress has few legislative days left, there is still a lengthy to-do list for agriculture, including action on the farm bill, securing Senate passage of year-round E15 and the renewal of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Corn growers from across the country will be in Washington, D.C., the week of July 13 to advocate directly with members of Congress on these priorities.”

corn, E15, Ethanol, Ethanol News, farm bill, NCGA, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA

RFA Helping Girl Scouts Learn Car Care

Cindy Zimmerman

Girl Scouts Senior Car Care Badge

The badges that Girl Scouts can earn today include such practical skills as car maintenance, and the Renewable Fuels Association has stepped up to help them learn about the value and importance of caring for their vehicles and choosing the right fuels through its partnership with the Philadelphia-based Girls Auto Clinic. The workshops will also include educational information on the importance of renewable fuels like ethanol.

“We’re happy to support this program to help ensure that the next generation of drivers understand their vehicles, the responsibility of caring for them, and being safe on the road,” said Robert White, RFA Senior Vice President for Industry Relations and Market Development. “Patrice Banks and her team at Girls Auto Clinic have continued to do great work in expanding automotive knowledge and confidence in women, and this new program is a perfect natural extension of their mission.”

RFA will sponsor a series of three Girl Scouts Car Care Workshops delivered by Girls Auto Clinic and the related Shecanic Foundation. This initiative will serve close to 100 girl scouts through hands-on, practical automotive education.

Through these workshops, scouts will gain practical, real-world automotive knowledge that most young drivers never receive before getting behind the wheel. Participants will learn how to check tire pressure and tread depth, interpret dashboard warning lights, perform basic fluid checks, and determine when a repair can be handled at home versus when a visit to a mechanic is warranted. Roadside safety and emergency preparedness are also covered. The program equips young drivers with the skills and confidence to handle the unexpected on the road.

Participating scouts will receive an unofficial special patch for participating that they can add to the back of their vests. Additionally, these workshops also fulfill the hands-on component of their official Car Care Badge journey, allowing scouts to apply what they are learning in a practical, safe, and supportive setting.

Education, Ethanol, Ethanol News, Renewable Fuels Association, RFA