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.
Farmers should anticipate continued upward pressure on farm labor costs and monitor policy changes that may further impact hiring decisions.
September 24, 2025 01:01 PM
·
Kevin Charleston with Specialty Risk Insurance joined us Tuesday to share his perspective on farm safety and risk management during fall harvest.
September 23, 2025 04:33 PM
·
U.S. produce growers face a structural disadvantage—cheaper imports driving down prices while rising labor costs squeeze margins. Without new policies or technology, profitability remains uncertain.
September 23, 2025 04:09 PM
·
China is making strategic moves by purchasing more soybeans from Argentina and may soon follow the EU and reopen its market to Brazilian chicken exports.
September 23, 2025 01:21 PM
·
Farmers should watch for soybean export rebounds with harvest, while corn and wheat shipments remain strong and sorghum demand struggles.
September 23, 2025 11:54 AM
·
Higher tariffs may shield some U.S. crops but risk retaliation, lost markets, and higher costs for growers. The WTO disputes highlight the fragile balance between trade policy, farm exports, and input supply chains.
September 22, 2025 12:39 PM
·
Ethanol producers face a widening opportunity window as aviation and marine fuel markets expand, with the potential to add billions in demand if policy and certification align.
September 19, 2025 02:42 PM
·
Cheaper freight is helping exports move, especially corn, but weaker soybean demand looms large.
September 18, 2025 04:37 PM
·
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Danny Munch explains how the Emergency Livestock Relief Program application process differs from other USDA aid programs.
September 18, 2025 01:39 PM
·
