By Andi Anderson
Illinois owes much of its agricultural strength to its inland waterways. These rivers quietly support the state’s global leadership in corn production and export.
With nearly 1,100 miles of navigable waterways and eight operating locks, Illinois moves more than 72 million tons of freight worth about $26 billion every year. Over 90% of this marine freight travels on the inland river system, making it a lifeline for farmers.
The economic benefits go beyond transportation. Illinois’ waterways support around 262,000 jobs and add $28.2 billion to the state’s economy. Grains alone make up 40% of all waterborne cargo value, with over 35 million tons of corn shipped annually to Louisiana.
These rivers also carry vital agricultural supplies north—more than half of incoming freight from Louisiana includes fertilizers, fuels, and chemicals used on Illinois farms.
Barges remain the most efficient and sustainable mode of transport. A single barge tow can replace 1,050 trucks, cutting emissions dramatically. Barges release ten times fewer emissions and have the smallest carbon footprint among surface transport modes—trucks emit 832% more carbon dioxide per million ton-miles.
However, the infrastructure keeping this system running is aging fast. Most locks and dams were built in the 1930s for steamboats, not modern cargo vessels. As a result, frequent breakdowns and delays now threaten the efficiency of the entire supply chain.
Organizations like IL Corn continue to push for renewed investment. Reliable waterways are vital to keeping export costs low and ensuring competitive prices for farmers. Without modern upgrades, Illinois risks losing its edge as an agricultural powerhouse—one shipment at a time.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dszc
Categories: Illinois, Business, Crops, Corn