NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. inland waterways continue to play a central role in keeping American agriculture competitive, moving bulk commodities efficiently while supporting jobs, exports, and the delivery of farm inputs. New federal research shows the system’s economic value has grown even as aging infrastructure raises concerns about long-term reliability.
Updated analysis finds inland waterways generate roughly $30 billion in annual economic output and support more than 200,000 jobs nationwide. Agricultural exports account for a large share of that impact, with grain shipments alone supporting about 122,000 jobs, $8 billion in labor income, and $18 billion in GDP each year. Soybeans and corn dominate export volumes, followed by wheat, rice, and sorghum.
For producers, waterways help keep transportation costs low for both outbound grain and inbound fertilizer. Many states along major river systems rely on barge traffic to meet most or all of their nitrogen fertilizer demand, helping stabilize input availability and pricing.
Regionally, the Mississippi River and Columbia–Snake River systems anchor export flows across the Midwest, Plains, Pacific Northwest, and Delta, linking inland production to global markets.
Looking ahead, analysts warn that without investment in lock expansion, dredging, and rehabilitation, disruptions could raise costs, slow exports, and weaken U.S. competitiveness against countries improving their own transport networks.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Reliable waterways lower costs, protect export demand, and support long-term farm profitability.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
Strong yields and higher cattle prices helped stabilize conditions, but weak crop prices and rising carryover debt remain major challenges for Eleventh District farmers.
November 25, 2025 02:55 PM
·
Corn exports remain strong, while soybeans and wheat shift week to week on river conditions and global demand.
November 25, 2025 02:51 PM
·
AFBF Vice President of Public Policy and Economic Analysis, Dr. John Newton, explains the factors contributing to the growing financial strain in the ag sector and the urgent need for swift economic support.
November 25, 2025 12:40 PM
·
Farmers with unpaid Hansen-Mueller grain should verify delivery records immediately and file indemnity claims quickly, as coverage rules differ sharply by state.
November 24, 2025 02:32 PM
·
Shaun Haney, host of RealAg Radio, provides the latest insight into the timing, expectations, and broader considerations of the potential aid package, despite increasing exports to China.
November 24, 2025 12:42 PM
·
According to November’s Cattle on Feed Report, Nebraska now leads the nation in cattle feeding as tighter supplies continue to reshape regional market power and long-term price dynamics.
November 24, 2025 11:47 AM
·
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) estimates that the move will save farmers and ranchers $2.5 billion each year. The group warns that new methods for calculating the adverse-effect wage rate would result in lower pay for foreign workers.
November 24, 2025 11:32 AM
·
Higher rail tariffs and tighter Canadian supplies will keep oat transportation costs firm into 2026.
November 24, 2025 11:22 AM
·
The agriculture workforce remains strong and diverse, offering meaningful pathways for students pursuing careers that support the food and farm economy.
November 21, 2025 02:13 PM
·
