Many in the agriculture space feel the merger between Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific will be beneficial, but some still hold reservations.
No groups have come out to endorse the plan entirely; instead, most are taking a more cautious approach. Senators Tammy Baldwin and Roger Marshall have sent a letter to the Surface Transportation Board, the group responsible for either approving or tossing the merger. They are asking the Board to keep the best interests of rail shippers like farmers in mind while they consider the plan.
Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition joined us when the story broke. He tells us one major concern surrounds competition. He warns that a merger would mean farmers have fewer opportunities to shop around for the best prices on shipping.
The review by the Surface Transportation Board could take up to 16 months. Both rail companies hope to have the ink dry in early 2027.
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is launching a new resource designed to help cattle producers begin those discussions and create a succession plan tailored to their operation.
Mike Bartels says keeping the herd together remains his top priority during drought.
Farm groups welcomed the withdrawal of a proposed glyphosate import duty, saying it helps keep input costs lower as new research and a Supreme Court ruling keep the herbicide in the spotlight.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and biofuel advocates headline a busy week on Capitol Hill focused on farm aid, trade policy and year-round E15 legislation.
Residents should examine water sources, drought restrictions, peak power demand, tax incentives, permanent jobs, noise limits, expansion plans, and enforceable decommissioning requirements before approving a project.
Agragene plans to target spotted wing drosophila before expanding the technology to livestock pests.
