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Minnesota farmer sees ethanol as key to better corn prices

A Minnesota farmer and U.S. Grains Council board member views ethanol as the trigger for better corn prices.

Chad Willis of Willmar says he’s hopeful corn prices are about to break out of a multi-year slump.

“I’m very optimistic, and that boost will be ethanol.”

Speaking to Brownfield at the 2018 Export Exchange in Minneapolis, he says USGC has a goal of 4 billion gallons by 2022.

“Exports of ethanol will be our biggest demand driver for corn.”

Willis says the prospect of E15 relief is another reason for optimism.

“It’s huge because as most (are aware) a certain time of the year in the summer, we couldn’t sell E15 other than to flex-fuel vehicles.  This gives certainty more than anything to the fuel stations so they’ll be willing to put E15 pumps in.”

He says that should help clear up consumer confusion at the pump.