The Iowa State Fair has always been a place where farmers and consumers come together, and this year’s Iowa Corn Day put the spotlight on the many ways corn drives the state’s economy. Beyond the food and fuel on display, the Iowa Corn Growers Association used the event to highlight both opportunities and challenges facing Iowa’s corn farmers.
Iowa Corn Growers Association President Stu Swanson said the fair is a reminder of how deeply corn is woven into the state’s identity. With more than 7,300 members across Iowa, the organization used Corn Day to celebrate its work and to educate fairgoers on the thousands of products tied back to corn.
Swanson emphasized that Iowa corn plays a role in every corner of daily life — from fueling cars, to feeding livestock, to ending up on the dinner table. Ethanol alone accounts for about half of Iowa’s corn use, and its impact is clear.
He added that ethanol has saved Iowa drivers an estimated $11 billion over the past 15 years, while another 40% of the crop supports livestock feed. Exports remain critical as well, supplying markets across the globe.
Expanding consumer access to higher ethanol blends is a top priority. Swanson said about 20% of Iowa’s fuel sales are E15, but the association is pushing for nationwide adoption. California is the final holdout, though he’s optimistic that approval could come soon.
Swanson says ethanol continues to be a cornerstone for Iowa’s corn industry, delivering savings at the pump while strengthening demand for the state’s biggest crop. With nationwide E15 adoption still within reach, Iowa Corn Growers are pushing to make sure every driver has access to cleaner, lower-cost fuel. It’s a message they believe will keep both consumers and farmers moving forward together.
