Low Water Levels Disrupt Midwest Barge Traffic Again During Harvest 2025
Low water levels on major rivers back in the Midwest will disrupt barge traffic during harvest time for the fourth year in a row. The Missouri, Illinois, Ohio, and Mississippi rivers, among others, have all dropped below the low gauge level again, making grain transport by barge more difficult and expensive.
This ongoing issue is impacting the agriculture industry at a crucial time of year — harvest season. When river levels are too low, barges must reduce the weight they carry to safely navigate shallower waters. As a result, “barges have to lighten their loads and freight rates remaining at least unchanged, mostly higher.”
Freight Rates Spike on the Mississippi River
“In fact, barge rates from Cairo, Illinois to Memphis on the Mississippi, just below $20 per ton in the past month, that’s a 30% increase in just one month.” These rising freight rates are creating added pressure on farmers and grain exporters, who depend on efficient river transportation to move large volumes of crops.
The cost increase isn’t the only concern. The USDA’s last report before the shutdown highlighted a dramatic drop in barge traffic volume. “Grain movement by barge fell already from 2.4 million short tons to just over 500,000 between August 4th and September the 12th.”
This decline in grain movement shows how serious the logistical challenges have become.
The Bottom Line
“This is the bottom line report.” The continued stress on river transportation networks threatens to drive up food costs, delay deliveries, and impact international grain exports — all during one of the busiest times for agricultural supply chains.
Support Those Facing Hunger
As the ag industry battles logistical challenges, there’s a reminder to help those in need. “National Association of Farm Broadcasting inviting you to help people facing hunger, including one out of every five children. Go to NAFBhunger.com to learn more.”
Audio Reporting by Mark Oppold for Southeast AgNet.