The River Ag family of businesses in Metropolis represents an impressive, fully integrated operation along the banks of the Ohio River. River Ag of Illinois, Waterway Ag, and Harrison Dock work together to create a powerful supply chain supporting agriculture across the Midwest and beyond, demonstrating the strength and strategic advantage of Southern Illinois’ river-based logistics network. 

A Fully Integrated Agricultural Supply Chain 

What makes this operation unique is how each entity plays a distinct but complementary role in the agricultural economy. 

River Ag of Illinois: Supporting the Local Farmer 

River Ag of Illinois represents the retail side of the business, working directly with farmers to provide the essential inputs needed for modern agriculture. The operation supplies high quality nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium products, along with a full inventory of micronutrients to meet the evolving demands of today’s crops. 

With 42,000 tons of dry fertilizer storage and 21,000 tons of liquid storage capacity, River Ag ensures a consistent and reliable supply, even during the most critical times of the growing season. In addition to fertilizer, the team also provides seed and crop protection products, making them a one stop partner for producers across the region. 

Waterway Ag: Powering Regional Distribution 

On the wholesale side, Waterway Ag serves as a trusted supplier of bulk fertilizers to retailers across an expansive eight state region, including Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, Indiana, Arkansas, Ohio, and Mississippi. 

With a strong focus on competitive partnerships, Waterway Ag delivers both dry and liquid fertilizers through a strategic distribution network designed to ensure timely delivery and consistent supply. Their role is critical in keeping agricultural retailers stocked and ready to serve their local farming communities. 

Harrison Dock: The Multimodal Engine Behind It All 

At the center of it all is Harrison Dock, the logistical backbone that makes the entire operation possible. 

Harrison Dock provides flexible barge loading and unloading capabilities, allowing products to move efficiently from river to storage or directly to truck. While fertilizer is a major component of operations, the dock’s capabilities extend far beyond agriculture. 

From bulk materials like salt to oversized cargo such as wind turbine blades, Harrison Dock is equipped to handle a wide range of commodities. If it can be shipped by river, this team has the infrastructure and expertise to move it. 

Looking ahead, Harrison Dock is well positioned for continued growth. The company has both the capacity and willingness to expand with additional warehousing and storage solutions, enhancing its ability to handle increased volumes and diversified cargo. With the flexibility to load and unload barges directly to storage or seamlessly transfer product from barge to truck, the site is uniquely equipped to support future industrial and logistics users seeking scalable river-based solutions. 

A Truly Strategic Location 

The strength of this operation is amplified by its unmatched geographic positioning. Located just upstream from the confluence of the Mississippi River and within a few miles of where the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers meet the Ohio River, this site sits at the heart of America’s inland waterway system. 

This stretch of river is ice free, providing dependable, year-round navigation, an advantage that ensures uninterrupted operations when other regions may face seasonal challenges. Combined with immediate access to Interstate 24, located less than three miles away, the site offers seamless multimodal connectivity between river and road. 

A Legacy Built on the River 

The foundation of this operation dates back decades and is rooted in strong family leadership. 

In 1978, Karl Kotter and his son Rick Kotter founded Kotter Dock to provide businesses with a cost-effective solution for barge loading and unloading. Recognizing Metropolis as a strategic river location, they established a facility that would become a cornerstone of regional commerce. 

In 1984, Bill Harrison and his son Rodger Harrison founded Waterway Ag, Inc., a wholesale fertilizer business. A partnership quickly formed between the two families, with Waterway Ag utilizing the dock for storage and unloading. Within a few years, Waterway Ag became the dock’s largest customer. 

In December 2021, the operation entered a new chapter when Rodger Harrison and his son Blake acquired the facility, renaming Harrison Dock. Today, the business remains independently owned, and family operated, continuing a legacy built on service, reliability, and innovation. 

Driving Economic Growth Through River Assets 

Together, River Ag, Waterway Ag, and Harrison Dock represent a powerful example of how Southern Illinois leverages its natural and logistical advantages to support key industries. 

With global access via the river, strong regional distribution networks, and direct connections to interstate transportation, this operation highlights the region’s ability to compete on a national and international scale. 

As Southern Illinois continues to grow, facilities like this underscore the region’s strength in multimodal logistics, its commitment to agriculture, and its readiness to support future industrial expansion.