WINONA, Minn. – Barge traffic out of Winona is way off . City development coordinator Nick Larson said that only 50 barges shipped out in September – less than half the normal. September typically is a heavy season for barges with grain bound for New Orleans and transoceanic export. What’s happened? It’s because the Mississippi south of St. Louis has become a choke point for river traffic due to low water. Empty barges being towed upriver to be loaded with grain have been blocked by barges run around. Also, loaded barges heading downriver have been running aground. Compounding the economic impact to Winona and other Upper Mississippi ports, most departing barges are partially loaded so they can ride higher in the water to avoid grounding in shallows in Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana. This all has happened when demand for U.S. wheat has grown due to the Russia war on global wheat-exporter Ukraine.
Earlier: Low water risk: Cruise ship skips Winona
Barge departures
September 2022: 50.
September 2021: 84.
September 2020: 136.
October 2022 data are expected soon but aren’t expected to be stronger.