From Cornfields to Capitol: How Corn Moves

Our lock and dams may not make headlines, but they are the foundation of Illinois’ agricultural success. Waterways are critical to agriculture, especially here in Illinois. They’re not just part of our infrastructure—they’re part of our competitive advantage. Without reliable, efficient river transportation, we can’t get our corn to market affordably, and that puts pressure on farm income and our ability to grow.

Waterways Keep Illinois Moving

Illinois has 8 locks with nearly 1,100 miles of navigable inland waterways
In 2022, Illinois moved [LC1] [LC2] over 72 million tons of freight worth $26 billion
Over 90% of all the state’s marine freight tonnage moves on these inland rivers

Economic Impact of Illinois’ Inland Waterways

Illinois’ waterway infrastructure supports 262,000 jobs
Contributes $28.2 billion to the state’s gross product
In 2022, grains made up 40% of all waterborne cargo value in Illinois
Over 35 million tons of corn are sent from IL to Louisiana annually

Inputs Travel North Also

51% of the tonnage coming into Illinois from Louisiana is chemicals—most of it used in agriculture
Goods like fertilizer, fuel, and other ag inputs are constantly flowing in both directions

Waterways are the Smart Option

One barge tow replaces 1,050 trucks on the road
Barges produce 10 times fewer emissions than trucks and use far less fuel per ton-mile
Barges have the smallest carbon footprint among surface transportation—trucks release 832% more tons of CO2 per million ton-miles

Our Infrastructure Needs Help

Most locks and dams in this system were built in the 1930s
Structures were made for steamboats—not massive cargo ships
They’re operating well beyond their intended design life
Delays and breakdowns are common, putting the agriculture supply chain at risk

At IL Corn, we fight for investment in this system because we know what’s at stake. When corn can’t move affordably and reliably, prices fall and rural communities feel it. When exports slow, global competitors step in.

Illinois is an agricultural powerhouse, and our transportation system is how we are able to supply the demand. Illinois is #5 in transportation in the U.S. Waterways make our state competitive, move our economy, and deserve our attention and investment.

< Older Post

Newer Post >