By Blake Jackson
Kentucky's booming grain production creates storage challenges for farmers, especially during harvest. While many farms have on-site storage, it's often insufficient. Here, riverports with grain storage facilities become crucial.
Dustin White, a Kentucky farmer, highlights the importance of riverports for his operation. Their proximity allows him to quickly unload grain and get back to harvesting, maximizing efficiency. These facilities also offer drying and conditioning services.
However, limited storage capacity at some riverports necessitates upgrades. The Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) is advocating for increased funding to improve the state's riverport infrastructure.
President Eddie Melton emphasizes the importance of riverports for both domestic and international markets. He views them as essential for the sustainability of Kentucky agriculture. The river system also facilitates the transportation of farm inputs.
KFB sees a receptive legislature due to its rural focus and understanding of the economic benefits of riverports. These benefits extend beyond agriculture, as Bob McIndoo, a corn and soybean producer, explains. Barge transport on the Ohio River offers a cost-effective way to move grain, boosting commodity markets.
McIndoo emphasizes the vast capacity of barges and the efficient transportation network connecting Kentucky to major ports. Increased funding for riverports would not only benefit farmers but also stimulate overall commerce in the state.
For farmers like White, riverports are an indispensable part of their operations. They provide not just grain storage and transportation but also access to fertilizers at lower costs. Their proximity to these facilities translates to significant savings and a prime location for their farm.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-art-wager
Categories: Kentucky, Business