MEMPHIS, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — Low Mississippi River levels are disrupting the nation’s grain highway to world markets for the fourth consecutive year. Persistent drought has once again narrowed the navigation channel, raising concerns for farm income as harvest ramps up.
The U.S. Coast Guard has tightened restrictions, limiting southbound drafts to 10.5 feet near Memphis and capping tow sizes at six barges wide. Northbound traffic faces even stricter limits, with drafts reduced to 10 feet and shorter tows. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has begun dredging near Memphis and Hickman, KY, to keep traffic moving.
Grain barge movements for the week ending September 13 totaled 252,000 tons, down 30 percent from the previous week and 32 percent below last year. Ocean shipping costs also climbed, with Gulf-to-Japan rates at $57.25 per metric ton—up 25 percent since January—while Pacific Northwest rates rose to $29.75. Rail volumes softened as well, with 22,201 grain carloads originating the week of September 6, down three percent from last year.
Tony’s Farm-Level Takeaway: River restrictions and rising freight rates may delay shipments and increase costs for grain farmers, underscoring the importance of monitoring logistics as harvest accelerates.
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Danny Munch joined us to break down what these conditions mean for grain transportation and producers across the region.
In his interview with RFD-TV News, Munch explained why barges are such a critical piece of the grain supply chain, how this year’s conditions have already slowed shipments, and the broader impact on farmers who depend on efficient river transport. Munch also emphasized that prolonged disruptions on the Mississippi not only raise costs but also threaten the competitiveness of U.S. grain in world markets.
Higher ocean freight raises export costs just as global grain competition intensifies.
December 04, 2025 02:50 PM
·
Rooster is a full-time farmhand, right-hand man on Shawn Raff’s cattle and dairy operation in Eatonton, Georgia.
December 04, 2025 11:48 AM
·
Strong plant output and rising exports contrast with softer domestic blending demand, suggesting margins are poised for volatility.
December 04, 2025 10:43 AM
·
Weaker U.S. dairy prices come as value-added exports expand and ingredient inventories tighten, creating mixed market signals for producers.
December 03, 2025 06:52 PM
·
WTO gauges point to agricultural raw materials trade growing more slowly than overall goods, reinforcing the need to manage export risk and monitor policy shifts closely.
December 03, 2025 03:46 PM
·
Improved export prospects and higher crop prices strengthened future expectations despite continued caution about spending.
December 03, 2025 01:52 PM
·
While the agriculture industry hoped details on proposed “bridge” payments for farmers would be released this week, Ag Secretary Brook Rollins said the USDA is still working with the White House on the finer points.
December 03, 2025 01:36 PM
·
China’s renewed purchases signal improving sorghum demand at a time when export markets are otherwise uneven. Meanwhile, agriculture groups across the U.S, Canada, and Mexico want to protect close trade relations.
December 03, 2025 11:51 AM
·
Strong demand supports sweet potatoes, but grading challenges and rising costs weigh on returns for Southeastern growers.
December 02, 2025 06:17 AM
·
