{
  "id": 10484386,
  "title": "‘Higher rates, less reliable service’: Family farmers oppose rail merger",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/higher-rates-less-reliable-service-family-farmers-oppose-rail-merger",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-28T10:39:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "FreightWaves",
    "slug": "freightwaves",
    "url": "https://www.freightwaves.com/news/higher-rates-less-reliable-service-family-farmers-oppose-rail-merger"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The National Farmers Union (NFU) is urging the Surface Transportation Board (STB) to reject a proposed merger between Union Pacific (UNP) and Norfolk Southern (NSC), warning that increased consolidation in railroads would harm family farmers. NFU President Rob Larew highlighted the risks of historical railroad mergers, which have consistently resulted in higher costs for farmers, fewer choices, and less dependable service. As an advocate for agricultural and rural issues, NFU represents over 220,000 family farmers and ranchers across the nation. The organization emphasized that the STB's review of the merger proposal should prioritize maintaining rail competition, protecting agricultural shippers, consumers, and the overall food supply chain. According to Larew, the STB's evaluation presents an opportunity to prioritize rail competition and safeguard farmers, shippers, and consumers from the adverse impacts that further consolidation could have on the transportation network and food supply chain. NFU noted that farmers are currently grappling with high production costs, uncertain trade policies, and increased transportation expenses, making them even more vulnerable to the potential negative consequences of reduced rail competition resulting from a merger. Similar to its stance on transportation and competition policy, NFU opposes additional rail mergers, advocating for the enforcement of U.S. antitrust laws and expanded reciprocal switching to promote competition among rail carriers.",
  "summary": "National Farmers Union cites higher costs, less reliability of past rail mergers. The post ‘Higher rates, less reliable service’: Family farmers oppose rail merger appeared first on FreightWaves .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}