All eyes in the agricultural sector have been on water levels of the Mississippi River and the disruptions in grain shipments as drought conditions have caused barges to stop completely. In a recent Farm Policy News outlook for December through February, low water levels on the Mississippi River are likely to continue through the winter as a drought currently spans 59% of the country. Locally, Stone Seed Sales Representative Josh Oaks says grain markets continue to remain steady amidst the ongoing concerns:
“It has been interesting. We have been watching that grain market to kind of see what this whole Mississippi River thing is going to do. At this time, is seems to be staying there and remaining steady. It is not moving significantly one way or the other. We will take some cents off here and there, but right now it looks to be staying steady. If you listen to some of the experts, they seem to think it is going to probably continue to do the same thing.”
According to the Farm Policy News report, the above-average precipitation expected in the Midwest and Ohio River Valley could provide some relief to the low waterways later this winter.
The entire Farm Policy News report can be seen here: Low Mississippi River Levels “Likely to Persist,” Black Sea Grain Deal in Focus, While Turkey Prices Rise – Farm Policy News (illinois.edu)
