NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — Rail access disputes, trucking cost pressures, and new fertilizer train programs are reshaping agricultural transportation as producers and agribusinesses prepare for the 2026 season.
Canadian National Railway (CN) has asked the Surface Transportation Board to confirm its right to serve an ADM grain elevator near Springfield, Illinois. CN claims Union Pacific has blocked access by refusing to qualify CN crews, limiting competition at a facility also served by Norfolk Southern. CN argues the timing is significant because UP is seeking regulatory approval to acquire Norfolk Southern, raising broader concerns about market access and rail competition for grain shippers.
Meanwhile, the American Transportation Research Institute’s annual industry survey shows trucking companies remain focused on economic conditions, lawsuit abuse reform, and insurance costs. Drivers continue to cite compensation, truck parking, and language requirements as their top concerns, highlighting ongoing labor and cost challenges across rural freight networks.
On the fertilizer front, BNSF Railway has launched a new seasonal unit train program running January through June. The program allows shippers to reserve large fertilizer trains without auctions or prepayment, though new tariff increases of $5 per ton for urea and phosphates take effect January 1.
ock NH3 early, track China’s Oct. 15 call and any U.S. Russia-UAN action, stay nimble on urea, and budget cautiously for high-priced phosphate.
October 09, 2025 05:06 PM
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Expect business-as-usual for most container exports.
October 09, 2025 05:04 PM
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CoBank Lead Grains Economist Tanner Ehmke joins us to share insight and concerns over current grain storage capacity as export demand lags.
October 09, 2025 01:36 PM
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AFBF Associate Economist Samantha Ayoub joins us to dive into H-2A visa program changes and what can be done to ease the pressure on producers.
October 09, 2025 12:11 PM
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U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to share why Ames is uniquely positioned to support expanded USDA operations.
October 08, 2025 12:47 PM
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Jed Bower, the incoming president of the National Corn Growers Association, joined us for his sector’s perspective on the ongoing government shutdown.
October 08, 2025 11:41 AM
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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent last week said an announcement would be made on Tuesday. However, that self-imposed deadline has now passed.
October 08, 2025 11:19 AM
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Plan for a cooler global trade market in 2026 with tighter margins on exports, potential rate shifts, and premiums for reliable deliveries into Asian and African growth markets.
October 07, 2025 03:24 PM
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Dr. Todd Davis, Chief Economist with the Indiana Farm Bureau, shares a snapshot of his state’s harvest conditions and insights from producers.
October 07, 2025 02:37 PM
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