Severe Winter Storm Threatens to Disrupt U.S. Supply Chain

Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses supply chain challenges facing agriculture as snow, sleet and ice threaten most of the Eastern U.S.

ANKENY, IOWA (RFD NEWS) — A powerful winter storm moving across farm country is raising concerns about potential impacts to farm operations, rural communities, and the agricultural supply chain.

Mike Steenhoek, with the Soy Transportation Coalition, joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss what the organization is watching as the storm progresses, particularly in transportation and supply chain disruptions.

The conversation also turned to rail transportation issues, including the proposed merger between Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific. Steenhoek addressed the Surface Transportation Board’s decision to reject the merger application due to insufficient information and outlined the issues identified in the paperwork. He also touched on the industry’s mixed reactions to the proposed merger, which were part of the discussion as well, including concerns about pricing and consolidation, and how those factors could impact agriculture as a whole.

Finally, Steenhoek discussed how the process could move forward as the companies work to revise and resubmit their application.

Related Stories
Thousands of pork producers from around the globe gathered in Des Moines, Iowa, this week for the World Pork Expo to showcase the latest production innovations and learn about market trends in the industry.
The 45,000 square foot facility inside the Market Center of the Ozarks offers 24/7 scheduling options, making it accessible to all.
The Virginia Farm Bureau shows us how robotic milking technology has become a lifeline to the Commonwealth’s dairy industry, increasing production efficiency in the face of low milk prices and rising labor costs.
What started as a childhood dream has turned into a Georgia man’s life’s work.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

President Trump has long supported a direct line from Alberta’s oil fields to the Midwest.
Culver’s Quality Manager Jim Krombach explains why it is vital for brands to invest in the next generation of agriculture through organizations like FFA.
Tidal Grow Agri-Science joins us to celebrate Global Fertilizer Day, sharing how innovation continues to drive American agriculture forward.
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is urging Congress and the Trump Administration to act quickly on behalf of American agriculture.
Better yield measurement means fairer grids, more precise breeding targets, and more dollars for truly efficient cattle.
Escalating U.S.–China tensions threaten soybean demand as farm finances are stretched further.