The American Farm Bureau Federation is warning that a proposed $85 billion railroad merger could raise transportation costs and reduce shipping options for farmers moving grain and other commodities. The organization says combining two of the country’s largest railroads, Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, would further limit competition in agricultural transportation markets.

Farm Bureau argues the merger could leave agricultural shippers more vulnerable to pricing and service decisions they cannot control, increasing costs across the food supply chain. The group also warned that reduced competition in rail transportation could ultimately raise food prices as higher shipping costs ripple through agricultural markets.

Read the full DTN article to see how the proposed rail merger could impact grain transportation and farm costs.