Iowa’s ethanol production remained steady at 4.6 billion gallons in 2024, according to the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). The lack of production growth comes as a result of recent challenges to the industry, including stagnant ethanol demand alongside increasing corn yields. IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw says, “Corn production keeps growing, but ethanol production has leveled off over the last four years, as the 2024 production numbers reflect. The result has been the largest two-year drop in farm income ever. The good news is we have potential new markets to drive demand for corn and to restore farm income. Start with E15 at home, go after low-carbon export markets, and eventually take to the skies with sustainable aviation fuel.” Despite the challenges, Shaw remains optimistic for the biofuel industry in the state. Iowa is the nation’s leading ethanol producer, accounting for nearly 30 percent of total U.S. ethanol production in 2024, which topped 16 billion gallons.
