A bipartisan resolution passed today in the U.S. House of Representatives adopts a tentative labor agreement negotiated by rail carriers and rail union labor representatives nearly three months ago. However, the threat of rail stoppage or slowdown remains until the action is passed by the Senate and signed by President Biden. (Photo: Iowa Soybean Association)
Preventing Rail Service Disruptions Maintains Competitiveness of Iowa Soybean Farmers
November 30, 2022
Ankeny, Iowa – Soybean farmers are expressing appreciation for federal legislation aimed at averting a potential railroad strike. As a critical transportation component for U.S. grown commodities, disruptions to rail service pose severe consequences to the agriculture industry and broader economy.
The bipartisan resolution (H.J. Res. 100) passed today in the U.S. House of Representatives adopts a tentative labor agreement negotiated by rail carriers and rail union labor representatives nearly three months ago. However, the threat of rail stoppage or slowdown remains until the action is passed by the Senate and signed by President Biden.
Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) President-Elect Suzanne Shirbroun, a soybean grower from Farmersburg, issued the following statement:
“Agriculture requires a predictable and reliable supply chain to meet growing demand. We are thankful for today’s action taken by House lawmakers to prevent disruptions to rail service. Transporting inputs and commodities like fertilizer and Iowa-grown soybeans in an efficient and consistent manner has a direct impact on farmer profitability and our ability to provide high-quality protein both domestically and abroad.
“Soybeans moving by rail are destined for export position, and to a certain extent, domestic crushing. Given the significant volume of U.S. soybeans utilizing rail service to reach these destinations, keeping this mode of transportation at full operation remains in the best interest of agriculture stakeholders, consumers, and the economy. While we are optimistic and supportive of the actions taken by Congress to maintain service during this critical time of year, ISA encourages the Senate to move swiftly in their consideration of this legislation.”
According to the Association of American Railroads, railroads transport approximately 1.5 million carloads of grain annually – including 340,000 carloads of soybeans. In addition, 248,000 carloads of processed soybeans (primarily soybean meal and soybean oil) are transported each year.
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Not funded by the soybean checkoff
The Iowa Soybean Association (www.iasoybeans.com) is “Driven To Deliver” increased soybean demand through market development and new uses, farmer-focused research and results, timely information and know-how and policy initiatives enabling farmers and the industry to flourish. Founded in 1964 by farmers to serve farmers, ISA is governed by a board of 22 farmers to advocate on behalf of the state’s 40,000 soybean producers, including more than 15,000 ISA farmer members and industry stakeholders.
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