Monday February 23 Ag News - Cattle on Feed Report - CVA Proposes merger - '25 Milk Prod +2.6% - Farmer Bridge Payments Sign-up Opens - Red Meat Exports Finish '25 Strong - Trade & Farm Bill - and more!

United States Cattle on Feed Down 2 Percent
    
Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 11.5 million head on February 1, 2026. The inventory was 2 percent below February 1, 2025.

On Feed by State    (1,000 hd  -  % Feb 1 '25)
Colorado .........:      920          89          
Iowa .............:         670          100          
Kansas ...........:       2,350        99        
Nebraska .........:      2,680        103         
Texas ............:         2,510        93         

Placements in feedlots during January totaled 1.74 million head, 5 percent below 2025. Net placements were 1.68 million head. During January, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 360,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 365,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 455,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 381,000 head, 900-999 pounds were 105,000 head, and 1,000 pounds and greater were 70,000 head.

Placements by State   (1,000 hd  -  % Jan '25)
Colorado .........:      140           108     
Iowa .............:        100            87    
Kansas ...........:       400            89      
Nebraska .........:      495            93      
Texas ............:         290            98      

Marketings of fed cattle during January totaled 1.63 million head, 13 percent below 2025.  Other disappearance totaled 55,000 head during January, 8 percent below 2025.

Marketings by State   (1,000 hd  -  % Jan '25)
Colorado .........:      105            72        
Iowa .............:        108           115       
Kansas ...........:       430            92       
Nebraska .........:      425            83       
Texas ............:         295            81       



NEBRASKA CATTLEMEN VICTORIES AT CATTLECON

CattleCon 2026 broke the all-time event attendance record with more than 9,400 attendees! NC had several key victories throughout CattleCon which included winning NCBA’s Region VII Top Hand prize, Wine Glass Ranch, winning the national Environmental Stewardship Award, and NC joined forces with Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers to usher through crucial Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) policy. 

The Beef State was also well represented with leadership for NCBA at CattleCon. Starting from the top down, NC congratulates our very own Buck Wehrbein on a successful term as the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s president. It’s no easy feat to take time away from your operation and family to serve, and we can’t state enough how grateful we are for Buck. NC is also proud to have Mike Drinnin serving as chair of the Live Cattle Marketing committee and Barb Cooksley, serving as chair of the Property Rights and Environmental Management committee.

NC, in partnership with the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, jointly submitted a resolution to NCBA’s Live Cattle Marketing Committee regarding the expansion of existing price risk management tools, specifically Livestock Risk Protection (LRP), to include coverage options for bred cows, bred heifers, and cull beef cows. The resolution received unanimous approval in Committee and was later adopted by the full membership with no opposition. As written, it directs NCBA staff to promptly assemble a task force to develop and submit specific recommendations to USDA’s Risk Management Agency concerning the timely development of effective, well-researched insurance products.

This follows the adoption of similar policy at the state level during Nebraska Cattlemen’s Annual Convention this past December. The membership recognizes that retaining existing breeding inventories and developing new breeding stock are essential to the expansion and long-term sustainability of the U.S. beef cow herd, but also acknowledges the significant investment as a barrier to market entry and the exposure to multi-year price risk as potentially limiting factors in herd expansion. Given the widespread adoption of LRP-Feeder Cattle and LRP-Fed Cattle, along with the existing LRP coverage available for cull dairy cows, the need for additional risk management tools to protect bred cow, bred heifer, and cull beef cow prices is important.



Central Valley Ag and Randall Farmers Co-op Union Announce Merger Discussion

Central Valley Ag (CVA) and Randall Farmers Co-op Union of Randall, Kansas, jointly announce that their respective boards of directors have approved a merger agreement, subject to member approval.

The combination reflects a shared commitment to the cooperative model, and a strategic vision focused on enhancing value for members, investing in facilities and people, and positioning both organizations for continued growth in a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape.

“After careful evaluation and thoughtful discussion, we believe this merger represents a strong strategic fit and an exciting opportunity for both cooperatives,” said Nic McCarthy, Chief Executive Officer of Central Valley Ag. “CVA has a proud history of serving its members with integrity and dedication. By bringing our organizations together, we can build on that legacy, strengthen our regional presence, and create additional opportunities for our members and employees.”

Luke Carlson, CVA’s Board Chairman, added, “We believe this proposed merger provides opportunity for long-term strength and continued service to the producers in that region.”

Kris Allen, General Manager of Randall Farmers Co-op Union, shared her perspective on the agreement. “Our priority has always been serving our patrons and supporting our communities,” Allen said. “We believe CVA is the right partner to carry that forward and continue providing the quality of service our members expect.”

Randall Farmers Co-op Board Chairman Nathan Greene emphasized the forward-looking nature of the decision. “Our Board carefully considered the long-term needs of our members, employees, and communities,” Greene said. “We believe this merger with Central Valley Ag is the best pathway to continued progress and stability for the future. CVA shares our cooperative values and commitment to local service, and together we will be stronger and better positioned to serve the next generation of producers.”

Both organizations are committed to maintaining strong local relationships and ensuring a smooth transition process should members approve the merger. Additional details regarding the member vote and transition planning will be shared directly with members and employees as the process moves forward.



Hefty Seed Co. Local Agronomy Workshop
Onawa, IA - Onawa City Community Center (320 10th St)
Tuesday, February 24th
Meeting will be held from 10 AM-12 PM with lunch to follow.
Discover expert tips on weed control, cost-saving strategies, financing options, boosting fertility, and comprehensive disease and insect management.
RSVP: call the West Point office at 402-372-9900.



NE Dept of Ag Hosting Farmer Coffee Events

These farmer coffee events offer an informal, low-pressure networking opportunity for local and regional producers across eastern Nebraska. The goal is connecting producers, whether that be vegetable growers, livestock producers, or grain producers, allowing them space to share practical experiences and identify opportunities to collaborate around logistic distribution, marketing and institutional sales. Find producer led solutions to common or unique problems through collaboration and connection. 

Dates, Locations, Topics
Sat Feb 28 - Madison Co Ext. Office, Norfolk - Logistics & Distribution
Sat March 28 - Madison Co Ext. Office, Norfolk - Networking & Cooperative 

Contact Riley Reinke at: riley.reinke@nebraska.gov or 402-430-4057 to sign up or have any additional questions.



Saunders Co Lvst & Ag Assoc March Meetings 
Dan Kellner, President, Saunders County Livestock & Ag Association

Below is the information for your March meetings

1. Annual Testical Festival
Tuesday March 10, 2026
Saunders County Fairgrounds
6:30 Social - 7 PM Dinner
Business meeting will follow
We thank our sponsors: Novus Ag Colon, NE,
current State of World Fertilizer Industry and United States Fertilizer Supply.

2. Monday March 23, 2026
Valparaiso Legion Hall, Valparaiso, NE
6:30 Social - 7 PM Diner
Business Meeting to Follow
Sponsors, Zoetis- Ron Kulwicki,
Ag Technologies- Tyler Rezac, and Loam Bio-Terry Hanson



2025 Annual Milk Production up 2.6 percent from 2024

The annual production of milk for the United States during 2025 was 232 billion pounds, up 2.6 percent from 2024. Revisions to 2024 production increased the annual total 21 million pounds. Revised 2025 production was up 176 million pounds from last month's publication. Annual total milk production has increased 9.0 percent from 2016.

Production per cow in the United States averaged 24,390 pounds for 2025, 218 pounds above 2024. The average annual rate of milk production per cow has increased 7.2 percent from 2016.

'25 By State       (1,000 hd   -  Milk per cow  -  Total Prod    % Change '24)
Iowa ............:       244.0           24,807             6,053,000,000        0.7     
Nebraska .....:        50.0            24,700             1,235,000,000       -1.0     

The average number of milk cows on farms in the United States during 2025 was 9.50 million head, up 153,000 head from 2024. The average number of milk cows was revised up 8,000 head for 2025. The average annual number of milk cows has increased 1.8 percent from 2016.




USDA Announces Enrollment Period for Farmer Bridge Payments

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is opening the enrollment period for the Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program, providing $11 billion in one-time bridge payments to row crop producers in response to temporary trade market disruptions and increased production costs. The FBA enrollment period opens Feb. 23 and closes April 17, 2026.  

“Improving the farm economy is our top priority at USDA, and we have simplified and streamlined the application process for the bridge program to ensure producers get the financial assistance they need as quickly as possible as we’re kicking off the spring planting season. President Trump continues to put farmers first. If our farmers are not economically able to continue their operations, then we will not be able to feed ourselves in this country,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “Producers who want to further expedite their payment, can apply online through the program website and could receive a payment in their bank account as early as February 28, 2026. Putting Farmers First means providing economic relief now while the Trump Administration continues opening new markets and strengthening the farm safety net.” 

These bridge payments are authorized under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act and are administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Bridge payments are intended in part to aid farmers until historic investments from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), including reference prices which are set to increase between 10-21% for major covered commodities and will reach eligible farmers after Oct. 1, 2026. 

How to Apply 
Pre-filled applications will be available online to producers with a Login.gov account who timely filed their 2025 crop acreage report for eligible commodities. Producers who have a Login.gov account can access and submit their pre-filled application from fsa.usda.gov/fba. Additionally, producers can also request their pre-filled FBA application from their FSA county office.  

April 17, 2026, is the deadline to submit completed FBA applications. Producers can complete FBA applications online or submit to their FSA county office.  

Login.gov 
Login.gov is the public’s one account for government. Producers can use one account and password for secure, private access to participating government agencies, including FSA.   

To apply for FBA online, producers can start by visiting fsa.usda.gov/fba to create their Login.gov account. Producers who have an existing Login.gov account, can work with FSA using their existing account.   

With a secure Login.gov account, producers can be amongst the first to apply for FBA allowing them to view, certify, and submit their application as well as track their application and payment status.  

For assistance creating a Login.gov account, visit https://login.gov/help/.  
 
Eligibility 
The following commodities are eligible for FBA: Barley, Chickpeas, Corn, Cotton, Lentils, Oats, Peanuts, Peas, Rice, Sorghum, Soybeans, Wheat, Canola, Crambe, Flax, Mustard, Rapeseed, Safflower, Sesame, and Sunflower.  

All intended uses for FBA eligible commodities are eligible excluding grazing, experimental, green manure, left standing, or cover crops. Initial acres, double crop acres, and subsequently planted acres, are eligible. Prevent plant acres are not eligible.  

Crop insurance linkage is not required; however, USDA strongly urges producers to take advantage of the new risk management tools provided for in OBBBA to best protect against future price risk and volatility.  

Payment Calculation  
In December, USDA released the payment rates by commodity.  
Commodity, Per Acre Payment Rates
• Barley: $20.51
• Canola: $23.57
• Chickpeas (Large): $26.46
• Chickpeas (Small): $33.36
• Corn: $44.36
• Cotton: $117.35
• Flax: $8.05
• Lentils: $23.98
• Mustard: $23.21
• Oats: $81.75
• Peanuts: $55.65
• Peas: $19.60
• Rice: $132.89
• Safflower: $24.86
• Sesame: $13.68
• Sorghum: $48.11
• Soybeans: $30.88
• Sunflower: $17.32
• Wheat: $39.35

FBA payment rates are based on 2025 planted acres, Economic Research Service cost of production, and the World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimate Report. 



National Corn Growers Association Weighs in on Farm Bill

The National Corn Growers Association said that the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, recently released by the chair of the House Committee on Agriculture, would improve existing programs for corn growers and rural America.  

The comments were included in a letter from the NCGA president to the committee leadership ahead of the bill’s markup.   

“Many of the NCGA-endorsed farm bill marker bills and policy recommendations are reflected in the proposed legislation and would be an improvement upon existing programs for corn growers and rural America,” wrote Ohio farmer and NCGA President Jed Bower. “As the legislative process moves forward, corn growers will continue to advocate for additional policy enhancements and are prepared to defend against harmful amendments.”
 
The 2018 Farm Bill, originally set to expire on September 30, 2023, has been extended twice. NCGA and affiliated state associations have provided formal input with recommendations for updating farm bill policies and programs as far back as 2022.  

Corn growers from across the country have participated in listening sessions, field hearings, formal Congressional testimony, and meetings with their Member of Congress to call for improvements to make USDA programs more effective, efficient, and responsive.
 
Bower said the recently released farm bill includes many programs and policies important to corn growers and broader constituencies across rural America, including: 

Emphasizing access to credit and rural development allowing corn growers to enhance their operations and innovate with precision agriculture tools. Bower said corn growers support sections of the bill that update loan limits for farm ownership loans and guaranteed operating loans. He noted that corn growers also support provisions that expand access and promote the adoption of precision agriculture technology, which will help to ease the financial burden of adopting precision agriculture practices.
 
Supporting voluntary conservation programs. Corn growers are committed to implementing successful conservation practices on their farms. The legislation includes a process for the establishment of interim and new conservation practice standards, which will help to speed the development and adoption of innovative conservation practices so that corn farmers have timely access to the latest, proven technologies and practices. 

Bolstering U.S. international market development efforts. The letter noted that NCGA strongly supported the doubling of mandatory funding for USDA trade promotion programs in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the funding allocations for the existing Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development Program. The two programs allow the U.S. to promote exports abroad and reduce trade barriers for American exporters.

The letter also called on Congress to help growers during difficult economic times by creating and expanding markets.
 
“In addition to advancing the Farm, Food, and National Security Act, there are a number of immediate actions that policymakers can take to address the significant economic hardship that has fallen on the agriculture industry,” Bower said. “Corn growers are facing their fourth year of negative profitability, including an average loss of $125 per acre for the current crop marketing year alone, resulting from trade disruption, persistently high input prices and foreign competition.”
 
He added that Congress and the White House could do more to address growers’ economic struggles, including passing legislation that would expand nationwide, consumer access to fuels with 15% ethanol blends year-round and expediting negotiations and implementation of trade agreements.
 
The letter also emphasized the need for committee members to work across the aisle. 

“Corn growers would like to see this process move forward in a bipartisan manner and for a farm bill to be signed into law this year,” Bower said. 



Pork Exports Just Short of 2024 Record; Beef Feels Pinch of China Lockout; Strong Year for Lamb Exports

U.S. pork exports posted the second highest value and third largest volume on record in 2025, according to year-end data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). December beef exports were the largest in eight months, but full-year shipments fell substantially year-over-year, largely due to the ongoing trade impasse with China. Exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts were the largest in more than a decade.

Pork exports reach annual highs in Mexico, Central America and Caribbean
December pork exports totaled 257,846 metric tons (mt), down 3.5% from the large volume posted a year ago, but still the third largest of 2025. Export value was $746 million, down 3% but also the third highest of the year. December shipments trended higher year-over-year to Mexico, reaching the second largest monthly volume and value on record. Exports also increased to South Korea, Japan, the Caribbean, ASEAN and Taiwan. But these results were offset by lower volumes to China, Canada, Central and South America and Oceania.

The December results pushed total 2025 pork exports to 2.94 million mt, down 3% from the 2024 record but the third largest on record (also slightly below 2020). Export value was also down 3% from the 2024 record but was the second highest ever at $8.4 billion. Exports were record-large to leading market Mexico and to Central America and the Caribbean. Exports to Colombia were down less than 1% from 2024’s volume record and reached a new high in value.

“Last year was outstanding for U.S. pork, especially in our Western Hemisphere markets,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Demand in these destinations has maintained multi-year momentum, and duty-free access to our FTA partner countries is a foundational factor in this growth. We are hopeful that current trade negotiations will not only maintain this access, but remove barriers for U.S. pork in other markets.”

December beef exports largest in eight months, but lack of access to China persists
December beef exports totaled 98,595 mt, down 10.5% from a year ago but the largest since April (access to China was largely lost in March). Export value was $809.2 million, down 10% but also the highest since April. December shipments increased year-over-year to Taiwan, the Middle East, ASEAN, Caribbean, South America and Hong Kong, were steady to Japan and fell only modestly to Korea, Mexico and Canada. But exports to China were minimal, offsetting gains elsewhere. When excluding China, December beef exports increased 4% year-over-year in volume and were 6% higher in value.

For the full calendar year, beef exports were down 12% from 2024 in volume (1.14 million mt) and were 11% lower in value ($9.33 billion). But excluding China, 2025 exports were down 3% in volume and just 0.4% in value.

“Global demand for U.S. beef – where it’s available to the millions of consumers who love it – has remained strong despite tight supplies and numerous headwinds,” Halstrom said. “USMEF is encouraged by recent market access gains in some markets, but implementation remains key and the industry looks forward to capitalizing on these wins. But for U.S. beef exports to hit on all cylinders and help maximize the value of every animal, it is imperative that access to China is fully restored.”

For both U.S. beef and pork, December was an especially strong month for variety meat exports. Beef variety meat shipments achieved the highest-ever monthly value of $122.1 million, while pork variety meat exports were valued at nearly $105 million – the highest since March.

Lamb exports gained momentum in 2025
December exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 188 mt, down 10% from a year ago, but export value increased 11% to $1.1 million. Value growth was driven primarily by Mexico and the Bahamas.

For the full year, lamb muscle cut exports totaled 2,765 mt, up 38% and the largest since 2013. Export value climbed 29% to $15.2 million, the highest value since 2014. Shipments posted strong year-over-year growth in Mexico, Canada, Central America and Trinidad and Tobago. Mexico’s demand continues to expand to a wider range of items, including underutilized cuts from the breast and shoulder. 



Smith Reaffirms Commitment to Fair Trade After Supreme Court Decision 

Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03), Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade, released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the scope of the President’s authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act: 
 
“Since day one, President Trump has been committed to leveling the playing field for American farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and workers. In light of the Supreme Court’s decision, we must ensure our trading partners uphold the market access commitments already secured and continue advancing policies which promote fair competition worldwide.  
 
“Nebraska’s farmers, ranchers, and manufacturers create world-leading products and deserve reliable access to global markets. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Trade for the House Ways and Means Committee, I am committed to working with the administration to deliver long-term certainty through comprehensive and enforceable trade agreements. The President has made clear his intention to use every available tool to secure strong deals, but only Congress can ensure that these agreements provide lasting stability beyond any single administration." 



ASA Statement on Supreme Court Tariff Case

Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision regarding tariffs and related authorities. In response, the American Soybean Association (ASA) issued the following statement:

“The case at the Supreme Court has been closely followed by soybean farmers who have seen the cost of inputs rise over the past year due to tariffs. U.S. soybean growers are reliant upon imports for critical farming tools like fertilizer, seeds, pesticides, and agriculture equipment,” said Scott Metzger, ASA President and Ohio farmer. “Moving forward, certainty and dependable market access are essential for U.S. soy to remain competitive globally. Because farmers are caught in a cost-price squeeze and ag input costs remain high, we urge the President to refrain from imposing tariffs on agricultural inputs using other authorities. We look forward to working with the Trump Administration and Congress to strengthen market opportunities and support a stable farm economy for generations to come.”



NFU Responds to Supreme Court Ruling on Tariffs 

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court decision on tariff authorities.

"We appreciate the Court providing clarity on tariff authority. However, many family farmers and ranchers have already felt the consequences of this tariff agenda.

“Over the past year, tariffs have raised input costs, disrupted export markets and triggered retaliation against U.S. agricultural goods. In an already fragile farm economy, uncertainty has hit family operations hardest.

“We urge the administration not to pursue similar tariffs under other authorities, and we call on Congress to exercise its oversight role to ensure trade policy supports—not undermines—America’s family farmers and ranchers.” 



President Trump Signs U.S.-Indonesia Trade Deal Expanding Access for U.S. Beef

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) welcomed the announcement that U.S. beef exports will now have duty-free access to Indonesia. Gaining access to the Indonesian market, where U.S. beef has faced significant barriers, has been a priority for NCBA for years. As part of the trade deal, Indonesia will purchase at least 50,000 metric tons of U.S. beef annually and now recognizes USDA authority on food safety and animal health, opening more opportunities for exports. 
 
“U.S. beef exports to Indonesia have faced numerous tariff and non-tariff trade barriers, which has made it incredibly difficult to develop any type of market presence. With this agreement, American cattle producers now have access to the fourth most populous country, the largest halal beef market in the world, and more opportunities for producer profitability,” said NCBA President and Virginia cattle producer Gene Copenhaver. “When combined with the Taiwan trade deal signed last week, U.S. cattle producers now have more market access than they have had in decades. NCBA thanks President Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer for their diligent work to sign this trade deal to the benefit of American producers.” 



U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council Responds To New Agreement On Reciprocal Trade With Indonesia

President Trump’s Administration announced a new Agreement on Reciprocal Trade between the United States and Indonesia that gives tariff-free access for U.S. ethanol, corn, distiller’s grains, corn gluten meal, sorghum and barley.

Through the agreement, Indonesia commits to adopting transportation fuels mixed with E5 by 2028, up to E10 by 2030 and down the line, include E20 in its fuel mix.

Indonesia will also remove unjustified sanitary and phytosanitary barriers that undermine reciprocity and it will not impose quantitative restrictions on U.S. exports which could lead U.S. corn purchases to exceed the current commitment volume.

In response, Mark Wilson, U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council Chairman said:

“The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council applauds the work The Trump Administration – including Ambassador Greer and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Rollins - continues to do to open markets around the world to U.S. corn, sorghum, barley and co-product producers and connecting them to those who want and need our products.

“This move is a welcomed development and a win-win for American producers and Indonesian consumers alike.”



RFA Thanks Trump Administration for Ethanol Inclusion in Indonesia Agreement 

The Renewable Fuels Association today thanked President Donald Trump and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for a trade agreement that helps open the door to ethanol exports to the country.

“At a time of record U.S. ethanol exports, this new agreement will help open the door to a new market where low-cost, low-carbon ethanol is wanted and needed,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Indonesia has long been a priority market for U.S. ethanol, with potential demand of roughly 1 billion gallons if 10-percent ethanol blends are used nationwide. We’re grateful for the hard work of President Trump and Ambassador Greer on this agreement, and we look forward to continuing our work with Indonesian officials and industry stakeholders to implement import policies that allow Indonesia to prioritize its domestically produced ethanol while allowing U.S. ethanol to fill any supply gaps or deficiencies. Together, we are excited to bring larger volumes of cleaner, more affordable fuels to the Indonesian public.”

Importantly, under Article 2.23 of the agreement, Indonesia shall not adopt or maintain any measure that prevents the import of U.S. ethanol. The country also will implement its policy to supply transportation fuels blended with up to five percent ethanol (E5) by 2028 and up to 10 percent ethanol (E10) by 2030. The agreement also says Indonesia will ultimately endeavor to implement its policy on the use of transportation fuels containing 20 percent ethanol (E20), subject to the availability of supply and the readiness of supporting infrastructure.

Earlier today, RFA released its annual U.S. Ethanol Trade Statistical Summary report, detailing a record 2.18 billion gallons of ethanol exported to more than 80 countries around the world.



New RFA Report: Ethanol Exports Shattered Record in 2025

According to new statistical reports released today by the Renewable Fuels Association, the value of the U.S. ethanol industry’s exports rose to a record $7.6 billion in 2025, fueled by a record 2.18 billion gallons of ethanol exports and 11.6 million metric tons of distillers grains shipments. 

RFA’s annual trade summaries have long provided industry advocates, policymakers, news media, and the public with the latest data and analysis, demonstrating the importance of U.S. ethanol and distillers grains to the world market.

“Growth in the export market provided crucial support for U.S. ethanol producers this past year,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Our trading partners around the world are increasingly embracing American-made ethanol because it helps lower their fuel costs, reduces emissions, and decreases their reliance on petroleum. One out of every eight gallons of ethanol produced in the United States is being exported, providing savings at the pump and cleaner air for drivers in dozens of countries across the globe.”

As detailed in the ethanol trade summary report, the record 2.18 billion gallons exported to more than 80 countries in 2025 represented a 13 percent increase over 2025. The value of U.S. ethanol exports soared to $4.8 billion, also a record high. Shipments to Canada set an annual record for a single destination, tallying over 792 million gallons. The European Union, India, United Kingdom and Colombia were also sizable markets.

U.S. imports of fuel ethanol kept to just 4 million gallons in 2025, same as 2024. The U.S. remained a net exporter for the 16th consecutive year, as imports accounted for less than 0.1 percent of domestic consumption.

The second trade summary report released today covers coproduct exports, including distillers grains, a high-protein feed ingredient for livestock and poultry. Distillers grains exports totaled 11.6 million metric tons in 2025, the fourth largest on record. These exports represent 36 percent of domestic distillers grains production. Export volumes were valued at $2.8 billion.

For distillers grains, Mexico remained the top export market out of more than 50 countries, with a 20 percent share, followed by South Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia.