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
The government reopens after 43 days. USDA resumes key reports, weighs farm aid, and watches China’s next move on U.S. soybean purchases.
November 13, 2025 10:58 AM
·
Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty shares tips for fall and winter to guide landowners and farmers.
November 12, 2025 03:40 PM
·
USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom shares how recent trade talks are influencing U.S. red meat global sales and the importance of key trade agreements like the USMCA.
November 12, 2025 03:07 PM
·
Rural businesses report softer sales, tougher hiring, and restrained investment — a backdrop that can pinch farm support capacity even if posted prices cool.
November 12, 2025 12:22 PM
·
A Reuters report shows China has a soybean “glut,” finding stockpiles at Chinese ports are at record levels, with crushers there holding the most supplies since 2017.
November 12, 2025 10:55 AM
·
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) says recent wins in markets like Malaysia and Cambodia help farmers focus on production rather than trade barriers.
November 11, 2025 03:50 PM
·
Lucia Ruano, USMEF’s Central America representative, discusses what is driving demand for U.S. beef and pork in the region.
November 11, 2025 01:30 PM
·
Tyson expects another year of beef-segment losses due to tight cattle supplies, even as chicken, pork, and prepared foods strengthen overall margins.
November 11, 2025 01:26 PM
·
Export strength is concentrated in corn and wheat, while soybeans and sorghum lag, keeping basis and logistics dynamics highly commodity-specific into late fall.
November 11, 2025 11:21 AM
·
