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.
Labor supply may shift, but uncertainty remains for producers.
April 14, 2026 08:00 AM
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Spring Fieldwork Expands While Weather Challenges Persist Nationwide
April 13, 2026 04:40 PM
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U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the availability of over $275 million in grant funding in FY2026 for the specialty crop industry in the United States through three USDA programs.
April 13, 2026 03:37 PM
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Natalie Roy from AgriSafe Network talks about women’s role in agriculture and the increasing need to address their unique health and safety needs as they form a larger part of the workforce.
April 13, 2026 02:21 PM
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In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Jeffrey Gold shares how disparities in dental care impact rural Americans and why early detection is important.
April 13, 2026 02:04 PM
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While the Farm Bill is top of mind right now, it is far from the only issue getting attention in Washington.
April 13, 2026 01:49 PM
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