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.

Related Stories
Record crops are increasing grain storage needs, prompting safety experts to remind producers of the risk of grain bin entrapment during harvest.
The impacts of the government shutdown have reached commodity growers with crops to move, ag economists monitoring the harvest without key data reporting, and meat producers in need of new export markets.
Join the conversation on RURAL AMERICA LIVE — Tonight at 7:30 PM ET, only on RFD-TV.
Export Inspections In Bushels Show Mixed Momentum Patterns
U.S. Farmers Face Shifting Harvest Pace, Basis, and Input Costs
A new proposal from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) could transform how farmers use drones, allowing commercial operators to fly beyond their visual line of sight.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Pull out the popcorn! We’ve rounded up the 10 best cowboy movies of all time.
U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) shares his outlook on the developing U.S.-China Trade agreement, and the ongoing impact of the federal government shutdown—now stretching past four weeks—on rural communities and producers.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss what the Carney-Xi meeting could mean for Canadian producers.
Market analyst and friend of the show, Shawn Hackett, says Brazil’s shifting use of crops for biofuel production is a significant factor.
The Livestock Conservancy joins us in the RFD-TV Studio to discuss how protecting heritage-breed poultry is essential to resilient food systems and the preservation of agricultural traditions.
Texas A&M livestock economist Dr. David Anderson joins Tony St. James to discuss the geopolitical tensions and U.S.-Mexico border closure that are leading to sharp swings in the cattle market.