Supporting More Corn Demand
As the new administration and Congress take office, the nation’s political landscape is positioned for significant changes.Legislation has been introduced in both the House and Senate aimed at ensuring year-round access to fuels containing up to 15 percent ethanol, commonly known as E15. The proposed bill, called the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, aims to remove the summer restrictions on E15 sales.
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) issued a call to action, encouraging farmers to sign a letter directed to congressional leaders, urging them to support the proposed legislative solution. The letter outlines how higher ethanol blends will benefit corn farmers, emphasizing that the decision would come at no cost to the government. To add your name to the letter, scan the QR code or click the link.
Standardizing year-round E15 could boost corn demand by approximately 2.3 billion bushels annually. This increased demand would contribute to greater profitability and market stability for corn growers. The USDA reports that about 40% of field corn is used for fuel ethanol and related co-products. Corn ethanol fuel provides a safe, cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly option for use in vehicles.
Secretary Brooke Rollins Confirmed to Lead the USDA
On February 11, 2025, the Senate confirmed Brooke Rollins as the Secretary of Agriculture. A native of Texas, she becomes the second woman to lead the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which employs 100,000 people. Rollins’ inaugural trip as Secretary took her to Louisville, Kentucky, where she addressed a crowd of 15,000 at the National Farm Machinery Show in Freedom Hall.
Rollins attended the Championship Tractor Pull and toured the exhibit halls at the Kentucky Exposition Center, where she had the opportunity to witness agricultural innovations first-hand. The next day, Rollins and Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell visited Shelbyville, Kentucky to meet with over 100 farmers and agriculture leaders at Gallrein Farms.
The group shared concerns related to avian flu, trade issues, and efforts to revitalize rural communities. Kentucky Corn leaders, joined by NCGA board member Jon Miller, shared priorities for corn farmers with Secretary Rollins.
Reciprocal Tariffs
A focus of the Trump administration is using tariffs to secure borders and make international markets fair. While current tariffs have not directly targeted corn or its by-products, recent trade policy changes—such as those targeting ethanol—could set a precedent for other agricultural products, including corn.
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