January 09, 2026
U.S. Agriculture Groups React to New Dietary Guidelines for Americans
America’s top agricultural groups reacted to the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans issued by the USDA and Department of Health and Human Services. The Guidelines nearly doubled the recommended amount of protein intake, something that pleased the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “The new Guidelines help families make the best decisions when shopping for nutrient-rich protein,” said Kim Brackett, NCBA Vice President. Rob Brenneman, President-Elect of the National Pork Producers Council, said he appreciates the guidelines giving pork and other high-protein, nutrient-dense foods their due when it comes to Americans’ diet health. Gregg Doud, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, said, “The new Guidelines, as shown by the continued recommendation of three servings a day, show recognition of dairy’s health benefits at all fat levels.” A National Potato Council statement said to see the dietary guidelines now celebrate America’s favorite vegetable represents amazing progress.
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Economists Predict the Farm Economy Will Stabilize in 2026
Agricultural economists are predicting that the slide in the U.S. farm economy will stop in the new year. However, an AgWeb report said that doesn’t mean the ag economy will be whole again. The December Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor showed monthly sentiment is getting stronger, but there are challenges remaining, especially in the row crop sector. AgWeb said there’s “cautious optimism,” but most economists don’t believe that 2026 will usher in a strong rebound without relief from the high costs of inputs or stronger commodity demand in other markets. Fifty-four percent of the economists surveyed by AgWeb said the economy is better than a month ago. Compared to last year, 42 percent say conditions are worse, and 33 percent say things are better. Looking ahead to the next year, 46 percent expect conditions won’t change, 38 percent expect things to improve, and 15 percent expect economic conditions to get worse.
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Ethanol Blend Rate Tops 11 Percent in October
Ethanol accounted for 11.06 percent of the nation’s gasoline in October 2025, marking the first time in history that the monthly blend rate has topped 11 percent. That’s according to a release from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The Renewable Fuels Association said the record-high blend rate reflects the expanding use of E15 and flex fuels like E85, and should put to rest the myth that the so-called “blend wall” prevents ethanol from making up more than ten percent of the gasoline pool. “The new data provides clear evidence that ethanol is continuing to gain market share in the U.S. fuel market as drivers increasingly choose lower-cost, cleaner-burning E15 and flex fuels like E85,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “The numbers also prove that the fictitious ‘blend wall’ is nothing but an imaginary barrier created by those who oppose American-made renewable fuels produced from American-grown crops.”
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Groups Continue Pushing for Year-Round E15
A coalition of more than 70 biofuel and agricultural organizations sent a letter to congressional leadership calling for immediate passage of legislation to allow the year-round nationwide sales of an American-made E15 fuel blend. It would benefit drivers with savings of ten to 30 cents per gallon and improve markets for American farmers. “The USDA projects a record 16.8-billion-bushel corn harvest in 2025, up roughly 13 percent from 2024, which intensifies pressure on corn prices and farm incomes,” the groups wrote. “Expanding E15 access is one of the most immediate and practical ways to address this imbalance.” The groups point out that when it’s fully-scaled, year-round, nationwide E15 is poised to create new domestic demand for billions of bushels of corn and sorghum, help stabilize markets, support farmers, and deliver consumer savings at the pump. The letter was led by Growth Energy, the American Farm Bureau, the National Corn Growers Association, and the Renewable Fuels Association.
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USDA Accepting Applications for Trade Mission to the Philippines
The USDA is still accepting applications for its agribusiness trade mission to Manila, Philippines, taking place April 13–16. U.S. exporters that are interested in exploring trade opportunities in the Philippines’ thriving market and rapidly-growing economy must apply by Friday, January 9. “USDA agricultural exporters have an abundance of new opportunities in the Philippines,” said Luke Lindberg, USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs. “This trade mission will connect U.S. producers with key buyers in the Philippines, expanding economic opportunities, supporting rural prosperity, and keeping American agricultural products globally competitive.” The Philippines is the ninth-largest market for U.S. agricultural and food exports, averaging $3.6 billion annually during the last five years. The trade mission to the Philippines will be timely, as 2026 marks the 80th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The U.S. is the top supplier of food and beverage products in the Philippines.
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Ethanol Inventories Hit Five-Month High
The Energy Information Administration said ethanol production declined week to week while inventories rose to the highest level in five months during the week ending on January 2. Ethanol production dropped to an average of 1.098 million barrels a day, down from 1.12 million barrels a day during the previous week. In the Midwest, output dropped to an average of 1.041 million barrels a day from 1.063 million. That was the total losses as every other region’s output was unchanged during New Year’s week. Gulf Coast production was unchanged at 26,000 barrels a day, East Coast and Rocky Mountain output held at 11,000 barrels, and West Coast production remained at 9,000 barrels for a second-straight week. In its report, the agency said ethanol stockpiles, meanwhile, jumped to 23.652 million barrels last week, the highest level since August 1.
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