Waterways Infrastructure Vital to Corn Farmers’ Success

Waterways Infrastructure Vital to Corn Farmers' Success

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One thing is for certain: Iowa farmers know how to grow corn and so much more. Iowa leads the nation in corn, pork, egg and ethanol production and remains a top producer of many other agricultural commodities.

These products feed and fuel not only our state but individuals around the world. More than 97% of the world's population lives outside the U.S., creating major opportunities for farmers. Roughly one out of every three rows of corn grown in the U.S. is exported in the form of grain or value-added products like ethanol, DDGS, feed or meat.

Access to global markets is critical. But market access isn't just about trade policy and agreements; it's also about logistics. If corn can't move efficiently and competitively, Iowa corn farmers can't compete globally. That's why the inland waterways system, and the infrastructure that supports them, remain a top priority for Iowa Corn.

Inland Waterways System Critical to Agriculture

Iowa is uniquely positioned between the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, which play a pivotal role in connecting Midwest farms to export terminals along the Gulf Coast. Nationally, 65% of U.S. grain is exported through the inland waterways system. On the Upper Mississippi River alone, more than 30 million tons of agricultural commodities move each year, much of it originating from Iowa and neighboring states.

In Iowa, barge movement of corn only makes up a small percentage of transportation. While rail and trucks are critical parts of the transportation system, barges on our inland waterway system play a unique role in moving large volumes of grain south to international markets while also transporting fertilizer and other inputs north to retailers and farmers. It's a two-way system that supports both production and profitability.

An Efficient Mode of Transport

Waterways aren't just convenient but are also incredibly efficient. On a single gallon of fuel, one barge can move freight more than four times farther than trucks, while releasing 10 times fewer emissions.

Barges also hold the advantage in volume; one standard 15-barge tow moves the equivalent volume of 216 railcars plus 6 locomotives or 1,020 trucks.

That efficiency results in lower transportation costs, fewer emissions and improved safety on highways. It also strengthens our competitive position in key export markets. However, aging waterway infrastructure is creating growing transportation challenges.

Upgrades to Our Waterway Infrastructure are Needed

The majority of locks and dams on the Mississippi River system were constructed during the 1930s and are operating well beyond their 50-year design life. While they continue to function, breakdowns and unplanned closures are becoming more frequent.

Modernizing this system will not only create and support U.S. jobs but also ensure continued movement of all goods including corn.

Iowa Corn, along with our partners at the National Waterways Council, Waterways Council Inc. and the Coalition to Support Missouri Waterways, continue to keep transportation infrastructure as a top priority. Through grassroots advocacy, fly-ins to Washington, D.C., farmer engagement and coalition partnerships, Iowa Corn helps ensure lawmakers understand that inland waterway systems are essential to the agriculture industry.

Modernizing our nation's waterway infrastructure is vital for a resilient supply chain and global competitiveness, yet funding remains insufficient. By investing in inland infrastructure, we lower domestic transportation costs and ensure corn moves efficiently to market.

Iowa Corn remains committed to advocating for these improvements to protect the competitive edge and long-term profitability of our farmers.

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