NGFA Opposes Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern Merger

The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) has called for the rejection of the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Corporation.

In a filing submitted to the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) on August 13, NGFA requested that the proposed merger between the two railroad companies be rejected. The association’s filing was submitted in response to the updated merger application filed by the companies on July 27, 2026.

NGFA argued that the updated application does not meet the criteria established under the STB’s Major Rail Consolidation Procedures of 2001. Under these procedures, railroad mergers are expected not merely to preserve existing levels of competition but to increase and improve competition for customers.

In a statement, NGFA said it had conducted a comprehensive assessment of the proposed transaction and its potential benefits and drawbacks during the 13 months since the merger was announced. The association said it had reviewed the merger applications in detail and gathered feedback and perspectives from its members as part of the process.

NGFA emphasized that it had consistently maintained that any agreement must provide tangible benefits to rail customers and the agricultural supply chain. The association also said it had repeatedly asked the merger applicants to provide greater detail on how the transaction would enhance competition and serve the public interest.

The NGFA Board of Directors reviewed the updated application at its meeting on August 13. Following its assessment, the board concluded that the application did not meet the requirements established under the 2001 procedures and voted to oppose the merger.

Following the decision, NGFA formally submitted its opposition to the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger to the STB. The association said its decision was based on an assessment of the potential implications of the transaction, particularly for rail customers, competitive conditions and the agricultural supply chain.