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
Steven McBee Jr. of McBee Farm & Cattle Company joins us to discuss the family farm crisis, producer mental health, cattle industry challenges, farmland preservation, and the role of agriculture in popular media.
Suzanne Fanning with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin joined us to discuss the “Born to Dairy” campaign, dairy promotion efforts in Wisconsin, and the economic role of the state’s dairy industry during National Dairy Month.
Oklahoma State University extension specialist Todd Hubbs joins us for an update on wheat harvest conditions in his state and the key factors shaping marketing decisions.
Laura Priest with the Center for Rural Affairs joins us to discuss solar development trends and opportunities for agriculture and renewable energy production to coexist.

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:

Patrick Gottsch, founder and chairman of RFD-TV, testified before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee in May 2014. Read his full testimony: “Competition in the Video and Broadband Markets: the Proposed Merger of Comcast and Time Warner Cable.”
RFD-TV Founder to Testify Before a U.S. House Judiciary Committee Oversight Hearing on the Proposed Merger of Comcast and Time Warner Cable
Dr. Harry Anderson will discuss and highlight Total Feeds and the different brands they offer on the market today.
Cabela’s Senior Wildlife Biologist, Rans Thomas, will discuss improving general wildlife and land management techniques on your property with the assistance of Cabela’s products and expertise.
Join a group of John Deere Product experts as they discuss how the all-new 4M and 4R Series Compact Utility Tractors are changing the game with superior technology.