Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern agree to a merger

This creates the first transcontinental railroad in the United States.

Union Pacific has announced plans to merge with Norfolk Southern, creating the first transcontinental railroad in the United States.

Both systems are major transporters of U.S. ag goods. The two announced they will combine forces, creating a system worth $250 billion. Mike Steenhoek with the Soy Transportation Coalition says there could be some concern around consolidation, but he adds that rail lines are crucial to the success of farmers and U.S. agriculture as a whole.

An investor call was announced this morning for stakeholders.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

UNL Animal Science Ph.D candidate Anna Kobza joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to share her agriculture story and tips for other producers hoping to share their ag stories online or with the media.
Herd rebuilding looks slow, keeping cattle prices supported; beef-on-dairy crosses help fill feedlots, while imports temper—but don’t erase—tightness.
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.
Lamb prices have seen a surprising surge driven by a tight supply and increasing demand in non-traditional markets.
Farmers should watch for soybean export rebounds with harvest, while corn and wheat shipments remain strong and sorghum demand struggles.
Rollins says the new trade relationship with Taiwan, which is committed to buying a significant amount of U.S. soy, could not come at a better time for farmers facing financial strain.