Mississippi River’s Low Levels Could Impact Grain Shipments

For the second year in a row, the Mississippi River is experiencing low levels, posing potential challenges for grain shipments in the upcoming crop marketing year. While August rains provided some temporary relief, there isn’t any significant rain expected in the near future. Mark Fuchs from the National Weather Service highlighted that river levels could drop to as low as -4, which is concerning at any time of the year. Navigation issues on the Mississippi River begin at -2 feet. Last year’s record low river levels already impacted agricultural exports, and there are fears that this trend will persist. Mike Steenhoek, the Executive Director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, expressed concerns about the river acting like a “2 or 3 lane freeway” instead of its usual 6 lanes due to these conditions. He emphasized the significance of alternative transportation methods, like trucks and rails, though they can be costly. The rising transportation expenses are beginning to impact grain prices in the lower Mississippi River regions. Steenhoek suggests farmers strategize their grain marketing considering these circumstances, especially with the new crop marketing year starting soon.