Low River Levels Leave Grain Looking To Other Export Routes

Getty Images

With barge capacity along the Mississippi River restricted for a second straight harvest season amid low water levels, exporters are looking at other means of hauling their product to the port. Normally the river handles 60 percent of all corn and soy exports from the U.S., but Soy Transportation Coalition executive director Mike Steenhoek says that farmers are beginning to plan for other routes.

Central MO Info · 23 1013 Mike Steenhoek on Low Mississippi River Levels cut 4

Steenhoek adds that the nation’s largest railroads have indicated their ability to handle additional grain. However, he notes that it’s not just river levels running lower than normal.

Central MO Info · 23 1013 Mike Steenhoek on Low Mississippi River Levels cut 3

The Soy Transportation Coalition has provided support for expansion of export hubs away from the Mississippi River, including efforts to increase capacity at the Port of Grays Harbor, Washington. The coalition also inked a deal in 2021 to increase shipments through the Great Lakes and the Saint Lawrence Seaway.