Impact leading to lower prices for grain farmers

FRANKFORT (Oct. 27, 2022) - Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles issues a statement about the impact on Kentucky farmers as record-low water levels continue to hinder grain transportation on the Mississippi River, leaving farmers with fewer alternatives for getting their crops onto barges to export.

“We are seeing significant declines of our farmers’ abilities to export their products from river terminals along the Ohio River, impacting the revenue received from these grains. We know this is a very worrisome time for farmers, consumers, and Kentuckians, but we also realize that this is not a new or unique situation. Weather disruptions, market fluctuations, and any number of changing circumstances unfortunately comes along as a part of the lifestyles for our farmers. While as trying and worrisome as the grain prices and level of the river is, let us not forget the resiliency of our farmers. We, here at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, will monitor and correspond with the appropriate agencies as they work tirelessly to determine the next steps.”