Flooding May Disrupt Grain Exports

  • 5 Mar 2019
  • By Blu Putnam

Flooding by the Mississippi River, a key artery for grain shipments to U.S. Gulf export points, has slowed barge traffic and could spike market volatility.

About the Presenter

Bluford “Blu” Putnam has served as Managing Director and Chief Economist of CME Group since May 2011. With more than 35 years of experience in the financial services industry and concentrations in central banking, investment research, and portfolio management, Blu serves as CME Group’s spokesperson on global economic conditions.

View more reports from Blu Putnam, Managing Director and Chief Economist of CME Group.

Grain Exports

Flooding along the Mississippi River, a waterway that plays a crucial role in the shipment of corn, soybeans and wheat from the Midwest to export locations along the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, has disrupted barge traffic and could heighten volatility in agricultural markets. Hedge your portfolio with futures and options.

Start Hedging

CME Group is the world’s leading derivatives marketplace. The company is comprised of four Designated Contract Markets (DCMs). 
Further information on each exchange's rules and product listings can be found by clicking on the links to CME, CBOT, NYMEX and COMEX.

© 2025 CME Group Inc. All rights reserved.