As an American corn farmer from rural Iowa, I have always taken pride in feeding and fueling the world. But today, many of us are wondering how much longer we can hold on. While the costs of fertilizer, equipment, and land have skyrocketed—roughly doubling since 2007—the price we receive for our corn has actually fallen. The $4.10 per bushel expected for 2025 is lower than the $4.20 we received nearly two decades ago.
We are at a breaking point. A recently released corn demand impact study paints a sobering picture: the USDA projects a 10% decline in corn acreage over the next decade. In Iowa, where corn accounts for 30% of our agricultural revenue, this isn’t just a statistic—it’s a threat to our rural communities, ethanol industry and way of life. Without a meaningful boost in demand, we will ultimately be faced with an economic disaster similar to that of the 1980s farm crisis.
This is why the work of the E15 Rural Energy Council is so critical. While we were disappointed that nationwide, year-round E15 wasn’t finalized in the recent spending package, we understand the council has a vital opportunity to champion an immediate solution.
Passage of E15 is the most effective near-term tool available to help us regain profitability. Year-round E15 access comes at no cost to the taxpayer, yet its impact would be massive. For every 1% increase in the national blend rate, corn demand grows by 490 million bushels.
On average, E15 saves drivers 25 cents per gallon at the pump compared to standard E10. During peak travel seasons, those savings have even reached $1.00 per gallon in certain regions. According to estimates by Growth Energy, nationwide adoption would reduce consumer spending on motor fuel by $20.6 billion annually, putting an average of $168 back into the pockets of every American household each year.
Beyond the clear financial benefits, E15 is a renewable, homegrown fuel that is produced right here in America, supporting the environment and our national security. Ethanol is a cleaner burning, high-octane fuel that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 40–50% compared to petroleum. Every gallon of ethanol blended into our fuel supply is a gallon of energy grown on American soil; keeping American dollars in the U.S. Expanding the use of E15 enhances our energy independence and supports nearly 555,000 American jobs. Additionally, replacement of E10 to E15 supports the creation of over 188,000 new U.S. jobs.
States like Iowa and Minnesota have already proven that E15 is a reliable, high-performing fuel. The data is clear, and the agreement between the ethanol and petroleum sectors is already on the table.
We appreciate the policymakers who have stood by us. As the Rural Energy Council works to find solutions, we ask that they remember the families behind the numbers. We aren't looking for a handout; we are looking for market access. E15 is a necessary advancement that will lower fuel costs, enhance energy independence and ensure that the best days of the American farmer are still ahead.
Mark Mueller is a fourth-generation farmer from Waverly, Iowa, and president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association.