Ports-to-Plains Expansion Offers Hope for South Plains Agriculture

The Ports-to-Plains corridor expansion is gaining momentum, with the first segment of Interstate 27 now under construction. This 960-mile international trade route will eventually connect Mexico, the U.S., and Canada, positioning Lubbock as a key hub for agricultural exports.

For South Plains farmers, the expansion offers a potential game-changer. Lower transportation costs and fewer logistical hurdles could reduce production expenses, making it easier to compete in global markets.

Lauren Garduno, President and CEO of Ports-to-Plains Alliance, emphasized the economic benefits of the project and said, “You improve transportation costs by improving the corridor. You reduce accidents, which lowers insurance costs… and even small savings add up for farmers over time.”

Wolfforth cotton farmer Walt Hagood sees the corridor’s potential but warns that demand for cotton must increase for it to have a major impact. Hagood shares, “We’ve got issues like weather and high input costs … but what’s really hard is we don’t have a market.”

While completion is still 20 years away, Garduno is optimistic about securing more highway funding to accelerate progress. If successful, the corridor could revolutionize agricultural trade, allowing farmers to export directly to Mexico instead of relying on overseas shipping.

For South Plains farmers, the Ports-to-Plains corridor offers hope, but much depends on future demand for Texas agriculture.

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