ARLINGTON, Va., August 13, 2026 – In a filing on August 13 submitted to the Surface Transportation Board (STB), the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) asks that the proposed merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern Corporation (the Applicants) be rejected.

NGFA’s submission was in response to the Applicants’ updated application filed on July 27, 2026, which the association maintains does not meet the standards set forth in the STB’s Major Rail Consolidation Procedures (2001). Those standards contend that railroad mergers should not just preserve existing competition, but actually increase and improve competition for customers.

The National Grain and Feed Association released the following statement about this development:

“Since the proposed merger was announced 13 months ago, the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) has made clear that it would undertake a deliberative, honest and thorough review of the proposed merger and its potential benefits and detriments to our member companies. Throughout this process, NGFA examined the applications and gathered feedback and perspectives from its members to help determine what position, if any, it would take in this matter.

“Over the past year, NGFA has consistently maintained that any agreement must deliver tangible benefits for rail customers and the agricultural supply chain. In its filings, NGFA has consistently asked the merger applicants to provide greater detail on how the proposed transaction would enhance competition and act in the public interest to meet the standards set forth in the Surface Transportation Board’s Major Rail Consolidation Procedures (2001). We appreciate the efforts of the applicants to respond to these concerns. However, the NGFA Board of Directors met today and determined that the application does not cross the bar required under the 2001 procedures and has voted to oppose the merger. This vote is reflected in the filing opposing the merger submitted today.”

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