The locks and dams system along the Mississippi river corridor is aging. Illinois Farm Bureau President, Phillip Nelson says the time is now and through a coalition of the Illinois Corn Growers, Archer Daniels Midland and the St. Louis Carpenter’s Union they are working to educate members of Congress about the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA).

I got a chance to sit down with President Nelson right after the press conference and we discussed that some of the locks are nearly 70 years old and the system could shut down more than just grain moving through the mighty Mississippi.

“We are part of the campaign to bring the heat to Congress. This is one very important issue for us as we try to make Congress aware of our aging lock structure and how we need to act on this bill.”

Listen to my interview with Phil here: Interview with Phillip Nelson

2013 Farm Progress Show Photo Album