Record Ethanol Blend Rate Lowers Fuel Costs for Drivers

The average ethanol content in U.S. gasoline reached a record 11.29 percent in May, according to new data from the Energy Information Administration. The Renewable Fuels Association says the increase was driven by strong blending economics as ethanol sold at a significant discount to gasoline blend stock. For the 12 months ending in May, ethanol's share of the nation's gasoline supply also reached a record annual average of 10.57 percent. E15 continued to provide even greater savings, with pump prices typically running 20 to 40 cents per gallon below regular unleaded gasoline. “It is clear from the increase in the national average blend rate that blenders, retailers, and consumers have responded to these compelling economics,” the association said. The Renewable Fuels Association says permanently allowing year-round sales of E15 would expand consumer access and could further increase ethanol demand while helping reduce fuel costs.

Farm Bureau Urges Senate to Approve $12 Billion in Farm Aid

The American Farm Bureau Federation is urging the Senate to approve a budget resolution that includes $12 billion in economic assistance for farmers and ranchers. In a letter to Senate leaders, AFBF President Zippy Duvall thanked the House for approving the funding but said additional support will still be needed as agriculture continues to face financial challenges. “American Farm Bureau Federation supports the advancement of this Budget Resolution in the Senate, which will provide critical relief to enhance the farm safety net,” Duvall wrote. He pointed to rising production costs, persistent inflation, and low commodity prices as factors contributing to multiple years of financial losses across agriculture. Duvall says the proposed funding would provide important short-term relief while lawmakers continue working on long-term solutions to strengthen the farm economy and help farm families remain financially viable

Young Farmers Group Says Farm Bill Proposal Needs More Support

The National Young Farmers Coalition says a revised Farm Bill proposal from Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman does not go far enough to address challenges facing the next generation of farmers. The committee is scheduled to review the Agricultural Act of 2026 this week. Young Farmers says the proposal includes some improvements but falls short on issues including land access, nutrition programs, and support for local food systems. “We see the Committee moving on technical improvements, but technicalities will not save the new generation of farmers from land consolidation,” said Michelle Hughes, the group’s executive director. The coalition says reductions in nutrition assistance also affect farmers by limiting market opportunities for producers who sell directly to consumers. The group is urging lawmakers to strengthen investments in land access and local food programs as Farm Bill discussions continue. 

USDA Official Says Ag Input Investigations Nearing Action

A top USDA official says investigations into possible anticompetitive practices among agricultural input manufacturers could lead to formal action soon. Agri-Pulse reported that Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen (Steven) Vaden told attendees at the International Sweetener Symposium that the department is working with the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission on ongoing reviews involving companies in sectors such as fertilizer, farm equipment, seeds, and chemicals. “The time for talking is coming to an end, and the time for action is coming,” Vaden said. He has criticized high input costs facing farmers, particularly fertilizer prices, and said some companies have worked with USDA while others have not taken the concerns seriously. He added that civil and criminal investigations are underway, but final decisions will come from DOJ and FTC officials. Vaden said farmers should expect announcements “in due time” as those investigations move forward.

Farm Credit System Reports Strong Second-Quarter Earnings Growth

The Farm Credit System reported net income of $2.2 billion for the second quarter of 2026, up from $1.9 billion during the same period last year. For the first six months of the year, the system reported $4.3 billion in earnings, compared with $3.9 billion a year ago. Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation President and CEO Tracey McCabe said the results reflect continued demand for Farm Credit financing and the strength of its customer-owned cooperative network. “Solid earnings, growth in earning assets, and a strong capital position underscore our capacity to support eligible borrowers,” McCabe said. Farm Credit’s net interest income increased more than seven percent during both the quarter and first half of the year, driven largely by higher average earning assets, including increased loan volume. The organization says it remains focused on supporting farmers and rural communities while managing risk.

Corn Export Inspections Rise While Soybeans and Wheat Decline

Corn export inspections increased last week, while soybean and wheat inspections moved lower, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA reported corn inspections totaled 1.88 million metric tons for the week ending July 30, up from 1.53 million tons the previous week and above last year’s level. Since the start of the marketing year, corn inspections have reached 77.3 million metric tons, ahead of the same period a year ago. Soybean inspections fell to 343,941 metric tons, compared with 365,720 tons the prior week and 628,403 tons last year. Wheat inspections totaled 335,313 metric tons, down from the previous week and last year’s pace. Farmers continue watching export demand closely as grain markets navigate global competition, trade uncertainty, and changing supply conditions heading into the new marketing year.

Wednesday Watch List

Markets

On Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. CDT, the Energy Information Administration will release the weekly Petroleum Status report, including last week's ethanol production and stocks. There are no other major reports scheduled, with weather and news regarding the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Black Sea likely to guide trade at mid-week.

Weather

Scattered showers across Iowa Wednesday morning will expand across Illinois and Missouri into the afternoon. Through Wednesday night, some of the heaviest rain showers and a few stronger storms will target east-central Missouri into west-central Illinois. Rainfall totals through Thursday morning will likely approach 1-2 inches across these areas, but locally higher amounts near 3-4 inches cannot be ruled out.