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.
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us to review new policies and regulations supporting the dairy industry and what they mean for the year ahead.
January 20, 2026 03:25 PM
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The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
January 20, 2026 12:25 PM
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Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.
January 20, 2026 08:00 AM
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Freight volatility and route selection remain critical to soybean export margins and competitiveness.
January 19, 2026 04:00 PM
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While short-term volatility remains a risk, softer ocean freight rates in 2026 could improve export margins.
January 18, 2026 12:00 PM
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RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey speaks with Texas’s Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Vicente Gonzalez about USMCA renegotiation and its impact on U.S.–Mexico agriculture trade.
January 17, 2026 05:00 PM
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