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.
JBS representatives told Reuters that the original deal has not changed and that they welcome employees back to the facility.
April 06, 2026 11:08 AM
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Charly Cummings with Superior Livestock Auctions provides a real-time look at cattle market activity, demand trends, and what lies ahead for upcoming livestock auctions in Texas.
April 02, 2026 04:43 PM
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Researchers with the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture are studying the clouded plant bug, which causes millions of dollars in damage to crops such as corn, soybeans, and cotton growing across the state.
April 02, 2026 03:49 PM
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Leadership closer to western forests may speed decisions impacting timber, land use, and wildfire management.
April 02, 2026 12:07 PM
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More than 15 million birds were affected by bird flu, but fewer outbreaks are helping bring egg prices down
April 02, 2026 11:50 AM
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Fewer DEF-related shutdowns could mean more uptime during planting and harvest seasons.
April 02, 2026 11:44 AM
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