Mississippi River shipping plummets

The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) reported that the amount of grain offloaded from barges in New Orleans in September and October was 20% to 30% lower than in recent years. Meanwhile, there are low water levels on the Mississippi River and its tributaries, as well as restrictions on barge operators.

Normally, 30 to 40 barges can go downriver together; the new limit is no more than 25. Since September last year, tonnage passing through the locks has fallen by more than 40 percent compared to recent years.

The significant drop in tonnage is consistent with reports requiring barges to reduce their draft. Barges are typically loaded to a draft of 11 or 12 feet in the fall. However, operators have imposed draft restrictions on 9-foot barges starting in October. This reduces grain movement by up to 15,000 bushels per barge.