The Mississippi River is running low and is expected to only go lower.

And it’s having an impact on farmers. From the export of corn and soybeans down the river to the movement of fertilizer up the river. Kevin Johnson, President of the Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association says two-thirds of phosphate-based fertilizers move up the river and when barges must be loaded at a reduced weight to avoid grounding in a low river – farmers and retailers pay the price.

There is little indication that the river level will rebound over the next few weeks.