The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) said the USDA's World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) and Crop Production reports confirm what many farmers feared: record output and falling prices.

"Corn growers are already marketing their crop at extremely low prices," said NCGA President Kenneth Hartman Jr. "This massive projected supply, without market-based solutions to increase demand, is pushing prices down further."

Hartman urged Congress to pass pending E15 legislation to allow year-round sales of higher ethanol blends and called on the administration to secure new export markets. "My family survived the 1980s farm crisis," he said. "I don't want my daughter talking about a 2020s farm crisis in 40 years."

Ethanol Industry Calls for Deregulation

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) echoed those concerns, arguing that outdated regulations are "stifling demand" despite record production.

"Alarm bells are ringing across rural America," said RFA President Geoff Cooper. "Farmers are doing their job-sustainably producing the largest corn crop in history. But antiquated policies like the summertime E15 ban, outdated labeling, and unnecessary certification rules are undercutting demand."

Cooper stressed that year-round E15 availability could create demand for more than 2 billion bushels of corn and sorghum, while also saving consumers 10-30 cents per gallon at the pump.

Growth Energy Backs Push for Year-Round E15

Growth Energy, the nation's largest biofuel trade association, also pressed Congress to act quickly.

"The latest WASDE report proves we need year-round E15 right now," said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. "E15 creates jobs, drives farm income, and provides consumers affordable fuel. The more restrictions we remove, the stronger the market for surplus corn."

Skor urged lawmakers to simplify labeling requirements and expand access to E15 at retail stations nationwide.

Outlook for Farmers

With a harvest nearly 2 billion bushels larger than last year's crop, the stakes are high. Farm groups say ethanol demand, along with expanded export opportunities, is essential to preventing an economic downturn in rural America.

As Congress weighs action on biofuels policy and trade, growers across the Midwest are warning that without immediate steps to boost demand, the U.S. could face another farm crisis.