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.
Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty explains how the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling and ongoing ‘America First’ trade policy raise new questions about U.S. farmland values and agricultural market stability.
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Farm bill negotiations remain unsettled, leaving producers waiting for updated federal support programs.
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Roger McEowen of Washburn University School of Law joined us to discuss key legal and tax issues ranchers should consider as they recover from recent prairie fires across the Southern Plains.
March 03, 2026 01:06 PM
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Texas lawmakers secure funding for sterile fly production as officials work to stop the New World screwworm from spreading into the U.S. cattle herd.
March 03, 2026 12:20 PM
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Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding discusses the recent surge in bird flu cases, the state’s expanded biosecurity response and efforts to support poultry producers.
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Geopolitical risk is rapidly increasing fertilizer price volatility before planting.
March 03, 2026 11:20 AM
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