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.
CattleCon 2026 officially kicks off Tuesday and continues through Thursday, bringing producers together to shape the future of the U.S. cattle industry.
January 30, 2026 01:30 PM
·
Traders say that shift could eventually prompt the USDA to scale back soybean export projections, noting the outlook differs greatly for other grain commodities.
January 30, 2026 01:13 PM
·
Record milk output looks strong today, but shrinking replacement numbers mean future supply adjustments could be faster and more volatile.
January 30, 2026 11:44 AM
·
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer helps producers navigate farm program payments and understand the key details farmers need to know.
January 29, 2026 01:25 PM
·
UT Extension also offers tips to help consumers stretch their grocery budgets, including meal planning, sticking to a shopping list, and choosing store or generic brands.
January 29, 2026 01:13 PM
·
Reliable waterways lower costs, protect export demand, and support long-term farm profitability.
January 29, 2026 06:00 AM
·
USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg joined us with a recap of the Malaysia trade mission and a look at USDA’s broader trade strategy moving forward.
January 28, 2026 01:49 PM
·
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition shares how extreme winter weather is affecting the ag transportation network and what producers should keep in mind as conditions slowly improve.
January 28, 2026 01:36 PM
·
Corn and soybean exports continue to anchor weekly inspection totals, with China maintaining a visible role, while wheat and sorghum remain more dependent on regional and seasonal demand shifts.
January 27, 2026 03:08 PM
·
