For Immediate Release:   Monday, Oct. 11, 2010

Contact:  Kristi Sandal, Public Information Officer, 605-773-3265

 Landmark Shuttle Grain Train in Harrold, South Dakota Today 

Harrold, SD - The anticipated event is finally here. The first 110 car shuttle train is loading in Harrold today. This means Central South Dakota farmers selling their corn and soybeans at the Harrold and Highmore elevators could pocket an extra 15 to 25 cents a bushel due to a major improvement in rail service.  

The change, which is a provision in the sale of South Dakota’s 369 miles Core Line railroad track to the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) in 2005, means grain shippers at Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad/Canadian Pacific Railway (DM&E/CP) stations can access BNSF’s shuttle program. 

The South Dakota Department of Transportation was the lead agency in the negotiation of the Core Line sale agreement with BNSF.  

Lower shipping costs for grain and higher prices farmers receive are expected to have a broad economic impact in the center of the state. 

 For more information, contact Bruce Lindholm with the South Dakota Department of Transportation at 605-280-5624.

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