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.
ASFMRA’s Craig Thompson shares insights for American farmers who are navigating farmland markets amid agricultural uncertainty.
March 11, 2026 04:04 PM
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OHFB President Bill Patterson shares an update from Washington on the group’s policy priorities and the issues shaping agriculture ahead of the 2026 planting season.
March 11, 2026 03:34 PM
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Ben Kurtzman with American Farmland Trust discusses the growing pressure on farmland and ranchland and the steps being taken to help conserve farms and ranches across the country ,as unrest in the Middle East adds more obstacles for producers.
March 11, 2026 03:18 PM
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Former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and Kansas congressman Dan Glickman joined RFD News to share his outlook on agricultural policy, bipartisan cooperation, and the challenges facing farmers today.
March 11, 2026 11:24 AM
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The bill has already cleared the House Agriculture Committee and is headed toward a full House vote, but the timeline for final passage remains unclear. But the question is, when exactly? Could it possibly be a nice little gift for Easter?
March 11, 2026 11:12 AM
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Tidal Grow’s AlignN delivers encapsulated nitrogen to leaves, boosting in-season response, yield gains, and farm profits.
March 10, 2026 04:32 PM
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