Leading the Way: IL Corn’s Advocacy for Strong Inland Waterways

America’s inland waterways are critical to the success of agriculture—especially in Illinois, where more than 50 percent of corn grown is shipped out of the state. In the recently published U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) report, Importance of Inland Waterways to U.S. Agriculture, the IL Corn Growers Association (ICGA) is recognized for its leadership and long-standing advocacy of an improved and upgraded inland waterway system.

The report underscores how inland rivers serve as a foundational part of the nation’s agricultural transportation system. These waterways allow farmers to efficiently move commodities from the Midwest to both domestic and international markets.

Barges can carry significantly more cargo per trip, helping reduce transport congestion and relieve pressure on other freight transport. Waterways allow for efficient access to global markets allowing U.S. agriculture to maintain demand and support economic growth.

The USDA report emphasizes the importance of maintaining and investing in inland waterway infrastructure. Many components of the system, including locks and dams, are aging and require ongoing maintenance to remain reliable. When infrastructure performance declines, transportation delays increase, costs rise, and the efficiency of waterways decrease.

The report also highlights the role agricultural organizations play in supporting and advancing inland waterway infrastructure. ICGA is recognized for policies and investments that strengthen locks, dams, and the broader river system farmers rely on every day. IL Corn has consistently championed waterways in Springfield and Washington, D.C., knowing that a reliable waterway system is essential for moving Illinois corn to market.

For Illinois corn farmers, inland waterways are more than lines on a map—they are a direct passage for global markets. The USDA report makes clear that the continued success of U.S. agriculture depends on a transportation system that is reliable, efficient, and capable of handling large volumes of bulk commodities.

Inland waterways are a critical piece of agricultural infrastructure—they support efficient transportation, enable exports, and contribute to the economic strength of rural communities.

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