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A bullish outlook for U.S. ethanol

The CEO of Missouri Corn says he’s optimistic in the growth potential for U.S. ethanol.

Starting in May, Missouri will be allowed to sell 15 percent blended ethanol year-round and Bradley Schad tells Brownfield…

“We’re glad we’ve got the president and governor’s ear to be able to move forward and give consumers the option to fill up on E15.”

He says there’s an effort on the federal level to make year-round E15 available nationwide. The Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 has the support of corn farmers and could be considered by Congress this year. In the meantime, the administration will be asked to issue a waiver for summertime use of E15 nationwide.

Schad says the Trump administration’s EPA could also increase renewable volume obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

“We want to see a 15 billion gallon market for RVOs. That being said, the oil industry has challenges to overcome and as we move forward, it would be a great number, but we need to make sure they have the ability to blend that.”

Oil companies and biofuel organizations recently reached an agreement on requested levels of biofuel blending under the Renewable Fuel Standard for 2026 and 2027.

Ethanol is one of the top markets for Missouri-grown corn with the state’s ethanol plants using 30 percent of the crop to produce the biofuel.