IRFA: Growing corn production outpaces stagnant US ethanol demand
Iowa’s 2024 ethanol production remained steady at 4.6 billion gallons, but stagnant demand and rising corn yields have hurt farm income. Iowa Renewable Fuels Association’s Monte Shaw advocates for nationwide, year-round E15 sales to boost corn demand. Additional opportunities include low-carbon export markets and sustainable aviation fuel, offering potential for restoring balance to the corn market.
In 2024, Iowa ethanol production held steady at 4.6 billion gallons. While stagnant U.S. ethanol demand combined with increasing corn yields to has resulted in reductions to farm income, new ethanol markets are within reach that can restore balance to the corn market.
“We need to build corn demand, and the near-term growth solution is to secure nationwide, year-round E15,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw. “Corn production keeps growing but ethanol production has leveled off over the last four year as the 2024 production numbers reflect. The result has been the largest two-year drop in farm income ever. The good news is we have potential new markets to drive demand for corn and to restore farm income. Start with E15 at home, go after low-carbon export markets, and eventually take to the skies with sustainable aviation fuel.”
Iowa ethanol production first hit 4.6 billion gallons in 2023. U.S. ethanol production in 2024 topped 16 billion gallons, with Iowa producing almost 30 percent.
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Source : Ethanol Producer Magazine
