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Union Pacific Connects South Dakota Agriculture Producers to Key Markets
Omaha, Nebraska, January 9, 2017
South Dakota farmers transporting inbound fertilizer and outbound crops gained a faster, more direct rail connection to key markets aboard Union Pacific's GroTrain service starting in January.
Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad (RCPE) delivers directly to farm producers in the Mount Rushmore State. Instead of transferring shipments to a third railroad, RCPE now interchanges trains directly with Union Pacific at its Mankato, Minnesota, rail yard—saving time and extra coordination.
"Moving products to market quickly is critical to fertilizer and crop producers," said Kari Kirchhoefer, Union Pacific vice president – Chemicals. "GroTrain is a cost-effective solution that streamlines rail service, expedites transit times and provides increased efficiencies they need."
According to South Dakota's Department of Agriculture, the industry has an annual $25.6 billion economic impact in the state, which is home to more than 19 million acres of cropland and 23 million acres of pastureland. Top products include sunflowers, oats, flaxseed, corn and wheat.
"We are committed to working with our Class I railroad partners to provide competitive transportation solutions," said Brad Ovitt, RCPE President. "The interchange at Mankato provides another effective gateway for South Dakota shippers to take advantage of business opportunities across Union Pacific's network."
GroTrain maps, routes and service information are available in the customer section of Union Pacific's website at www.up.com.
About Union Pacific
Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical link in the global supply chain. From 2006-2015, Union Pacific invested approximately $33 billion in its network and operations to support America's transportation infrastructure. The railroad's diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Coal, Industrial Products and Intermodal. Union Pacific serves many of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects with Canada's rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe, reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.
The statements and information contained in the news releases provided by Union Pacific speak only as of the date issued. Such information by its nature may become outdated, and investors should not assume that the statements and information contained in Union Pacific's news releases remain current after the date issued. Union Pacific makes no commitment, and disclaims any duty, to update any of this information.
Media Contact
Raquel Espinoza
402-544-5034
respinoza@up.com
@raquelespinoza