NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — New details on the proposed rail merger between Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific. The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has rejected the initial application, citing missing key information.
The STB says the decision does not mean the merger is impossible. Both companies now have the opportunity to revise and resubmit their application. The initial paperwork was more than 6500 pages long. The STB says details on market share were missing, along with other contractual information.
Groups like the Soy Transportation Coalition (STC) have been watching the process since the merger was proposed. In a recent interview with RFD NEWS, STC Executive Director Mike Steenhoek says there are concerns across the ag spectrum about consolidation if that merger goes through.
“People point to the fact that this is not our first rodeo — we’ve had mergers, acquisitions, and consolidations within the rail industry for a number of decades,” Steenhoek explains. “What that does is it often results in higher rates, a decline in service, and, for agriculture and other industries, what you want is as many transportation providers competing for your business. That’s good for us, and when, all of a sudden, you start eliminating or reducing those transportation providers, you start changing that competitive balance away from the customer, agricultural shippers, in our case, or the railroad. So rightfully, there are a number of shippers who are very concerned about this.”
Leaders at Union Pacific say they have received more than 2,000 letters of support for the merger. STB says that while the application can be resubmitted, it will require another comprehensive review.
As economic pressures continue to squeeze agriculture, ag lenders are signaling a more cautious outlook for farm profitability heading into next year, particularly among grain producers facing lower commodity prices and higher operating costs.
November 14, 2025 02:10 PM
·
The Dairy Checkoff’s new approach to consumer marketing helps farmers bridge the gap between physical vs. digital touchpoints and deliver more end sales.
November 14, 2025 01:52 PM
·
USDA released the November WASDE Report on Friday, the first supply-and-demand estimate to drop since September, just before the 43-day government shutdown.
November 14, 2025 12:22 PM
·
U.S. Trade officials announced new deals with El Salvador, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Argentina, as well as a steep reduction in tariffs on Swiss imports.
November 14, 2025 11:58 AM
·
China’s cost advantage with Brazilian soybeans and vague public messaging leave U.S. export prospects uncertain heading into winter.
November 14, 2025 11:03 AM
·
The request follows pressure from the American Sheep Industry Association (ASIA), which called for a formal investigation into whether lamb imports from Australia and New Zealand have cut into the U.S. market share.
November 13, 2025 02:22 PM
·
Learn the conditions farmers must meet to qualify for this new three-year tax deferral on farmland sales, how much it could save, and other details to consider.
November 13, 2025 01:57 PM
·
RFD-TV farm legal expert Roger McEowen digs into the details on how to make your rural property dreams a reality — and avoid a living nightmare.
November 13, 2025 01:24 PM
·
David Hardin with the Indiana Soybean Alliance discusses USMEF’s push to open new global export markets for both meat and soy-based feed.
November 13, 2025 01:10 PM
·
