Part 3: AFBF Says UP-NS Merger Could Harm Rural Shippers

Line on Agriculture
The American Farm Bureau Federation economist, Danny Munch, discusses the potential Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger, highlighting concerns about increased national security risks due to reduced redundancies in the rail system. He argues that a single company controlling a large market share could lead to significant supply chain disruptions if affected by cyber attacks, labor strikes, or weather incidents

Part 2: AFBF Says UP-NS Merger Could Harm Rural Shippers

Line on Agriculture
The American Farm Bureau Federation warns of significant economic and operational disruptions, referencing past mergers that caused over $4 billion in negative economic impact and service disruptions. The conversation sets the stage for a discussion on national security risks and the importance of supply chain redundancies in the final part of the series

AFBF: UP–NS Merger Could Harm Rural Shippers

Line on Agriculture
a potential merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads, which would create the first coast-to-coast rail line spanning 50,000 route miles across 43 states. The proposal was initially denied by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) due to incomplete market information. The railroads re-filed their intent in February and are expected to submit a formal application soon.

FFA tractor raffle

Idaho Ag Today
‘Tractor’ raffle has become a visual symbol of Idaho FFA.

FFA Raffle

Idaho Ag Today
The 15th annual Idaho FFA Foundation Scholarship Raffle drawing was held just outside of Star Idaho.

NRCS Meeting

Idaho Ag Today
The USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Idaho will hold its State Technical Advisory Committee meeting on July 8, 2025.

Rolling Through Georgia: Mobile Ag Classroom Reaches All 159 Counties

Southeast Regional Ag News
After four years on the road, the Georgia Ag Experience mobile classroom has officially completed its statewide tour—bringing hands-on agriculture education to thousands of elementary students.

Drone firefighter.

Idaho Ag Today
U of I researchers hope to demonstrate that a large drone can be an effective tool for restoring wildfire-scorched rangeland in rugged and inaccessible locations.

Wolves and the Bottom Line: UC Davis Tracks Costly Cattle Conflicts

California Ag Today
UC Davis researchers are digging into the economic and welfare impacts of gray wolves on California cattle ranches. Using trail cameras, GPS collars, and lab analysis, they’re finding that wolf presence leads to millions in livestock-related losses.

Atmospheric rivers

Idaho Ag Today
In the last year, I've heard a lot about atmospheric rivers, so I asked hydrologist David Hoekema what they were.

Port of Kalama Rail Expansion and Newsom Urges E15 Approval

The Agribusiness Update
The Federal Railroad Administration announced the Port of Kalama in Washington state was awarded over $26 million for a rail expansion project, and Renewable Fuels Association applauds California Governor Gavin Newsom for directing the state’s Air Resources Board to expedite approval of E15.

Port of Kalama Rail Expansion and Newsom Urges E15 Approval

The Agribusiness Update
The Federal Railroad Administration announced the Port of Kalama in Washington state was awarded over $26 million for a rail expansion project, and Renewable Fuels Association applauds California Governor Gavin Newsom for directing the state’s Air Resources Board to expedite approval of E15.

California Water Resources Ruling and AM Radio for Ever Vehicle Act Passes

The Agribusiness Update
A judge rules the California State Water Resources Control Board violated rulemaking laws and exceeded its authority by making unachievable demands of water managers, and efforts to keep AM radio in the dashboards of American-made vehicles took a step forward in the House.

Florida's Hurricane Debby Losses and AM Radio for Ever Vehicle Act Passes

The Agribusiness Update
The University of Florida estimates the agricultural production losses Florida experienced during Hurricane Debby at between $93.7 and $263.2 million, and efforts to keep AM radio in the dashboards of American-made vehicles took a step forward in the House.

Canada's Rail Strike Ends and Vilsack at the DNC

The Agribusiness Update
Just 16 hours after Canada’s two primary railways locked

out Teamster Union employees, Federal Labor Minister Steve MacKinnon steps in with binding arbitration, and Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack was at the Democratic National Convention and talked about a possible Kamala Harris presidency.

Canada's Rail Strike Ends and Vilsack at the DNC

The Agribusiness Update
Just 16 hours after Canada’s two primary railways locked

out Teamster Union employees, Federal Labor Minister Steve MacKinnon steps in with binding arbitration, and Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack was at the Democratic National Convention and talked about a possible Kamala Harris presidency.

ZONING PROBLEMS Pt 2

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
Some folks in the Walla Walla valley have concerns about potential zoning changes, currently under review, that would allow RV lots in agricultural zones that could destroy the agricultural and historic value in the heart of the Cayuse homeland.

ZONING PROBLEMS Pt 1

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
Some folks in the Walla Walla valley have concerns about potential zoning changes, currently under review, that would allow RV lots in agricultural zones that could destroy the agricultural and historic value in the heart of the Cayuse homeland.

Cal Farm Bureau in D.C. and Railroad Staffing Shortages

The Agribusiness Update
The California Farm Bureau board and members were in Washington, D.C., meeting with lawmakers to advocate on issues including passing the 2024 Farm Bill, and Senator Tammy Baldwin, of Wisconsin, called on the six Class One railroads to address severe staffing shortages.

Comeback for Georgia Peaches and Railroad Staffing Shortages

The Agribusiness Update
Georgia Peaches are poised to kick off an unprecedented run through produce departments and farmer’s markets, and Senator Tammy Baldwin, of Wisconsin, called on the six Class One railroads to address severe staffing shortages.