Mike Pearson hosts This Week in Agribusiness, featuring industry updates and innovations.
Railroad Merger Faces Regulatory Hurdle
The proposed merger between Union Pacific Railroad and Norfolk Southern hit a significant roadblock last week when the Surface Transportation Board rejected their application as incomplete. Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, explained that while this isn't a rejection of the merger itself, the board needs more information about competition impacts and public interest considerations before approving the nearly $40 billion transaction.
Livestock Markets Show Mixed Signals
Dave Weaber, senior protein analyst with Terrain, discussed the latest cattle on feed report showing 5% lower placements, with significant regional disparities between North and South. Weaber noted that Texas and Colorado saw nearly 20% declines compared to five-year averages, while northern states like Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota continue showing year-over-year increases in cattle on feed numbers.
Weather Patterns Affect Agricultural Operations
Agriculture meteorologist Greg Soulje provided insights on upcoming weather conditions, noting that while outdoor work conditions remain favorable in western regions, snowpack levels in the Sierra and central Rockies remain concerning at less than 50% of normal. Soulje warned of continued winter storm activity expected through February and March across the Plains and Corn Belt regions.
Cotton and Soybean Production Strategies
Hunter Bowman, Ph.D, market development specialist with Corteva covering the Delta region, emphasized the importance of early season preparation for 2026 growing success. Bowman highlighted the advantages of Enlist cotton genetics, particularly their wide application window from pre-plant through first white bloom and the CoexD technology that reduces drift potential, making applications safer and more effective.
Poultry Industry Focuses on Protein Demand
Sarah Muirhead, Feedstuffs editor, reported from the International Production and Processing Expo in Atlanta, where protein demand dominated conversations. Muirhead noted industry excitement about USDA's dietary pyramid changes placing protein at the top, positioning poultry for significant growth while addressing ongoing concerns about high path avian influenza and biosecurity measures.
Clean Fuels Industry Shows Optimism
Heather Buechter, director of communications for Clean Fuels Alliance America, described their recent Orlando conference as "optimistic" despite a turbulent year. Buechter highlighted New Mexico's new policy opening doors for major biofuel markets, consuming about 800 million gallons of diesel annually, which strengthens demand for soybean oil as the primary feedstock.
Technology Spotlight: Innovative Lighting Solutions
Chad Colby featured the DX Finger Light in his tech segment, a $40 USB-rechargeable device with copper band mounting that fits over fingers regardless of glove use. Colby demonstrated its practical applications for farm maintenance work, particularly in electrical panel inspections and other precision tasks requiring hands-free illumination.
FFA Chapter Tribute
The program featured Keira Fudge, Michigan State FFA vice president at large, who shared her journey from a shy seventh grader to a confident leader. She talks about the experiences FFA has allowed her to have including showing livestock through the program. Fudge emphasized how FFA transforms students through personal growth and career development opportunities, particularly through contest teams and leadership positions. The weekly FFA Chapter Tribute is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the good work of your local chapter. Tell us about what you're doing, give us some history from your group and tell our viewers of the work you do in the community. FFA chapters across the country deserve recognition for the work they do, make sure we include yours.
To have your chapter considered for this weekly feature, send along information about your group by e-mail to Max Armstrong at max@agbizweek.com. They'll get your group on the list of those that will be covered in the future. It's a chance to share your story beyond the local community.
The National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of about 650,000 student members as part of 7,757 local FFA chapters. The National FFA Organization remains committed to the individual student, providing a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online www.ffa.org, on Facebook at facebook.com/nationalffa, on Twitter at twitter.com/nationalffa.
Max's Tractor Shed
Max Armstrong tells viewers about two events they don't want to miss in March. The "Gathering of the Green" in Davenport, Iowa and the IH Collectors Winter Convention in Clemens, North Carolina will be held the third weekend of the month. The shows are 800 miles apart but will have feature tractors of the past for red and green tractor enthusiasts.
Pioneer Celebrates 100 Years with Strong Performance
Brandon Walter, US marketing lead for Pioneer, reported exceptional 2025 performance with a 7+ bushel yield advantage across over 24,000 comparisons. Pioneer achieved 13 national winners in the NCGA yield contest, including the highest yield of 572.3 bushels per acre with their P18216 hybrid. For their centennial celebration, Pioneer launched the "Golden Seed" incentive program, where farmers finding gold-treated seeds in their bags win trips to Johnston, Iowa facilities and Hawaii research locations. The company is establishing over 30 "Century of Innovation" plots nationwide, showcasing breeding progress from their first Copper Cross hybrid to current genetics, demonstrating 100 years of agricultural innovation and commitment to farmer success.
This Week in Agribusiness features market news, ag technology, weather and farms, weekly on RFD-TV, and can be found each week on FarmProgress.com.