The Role of Railroads in Hauling Farm Products

Shipments of agricultural products by rail have increased moderately most years since 1954. However, the increases have been primarily in semiperishable products, such as grains. Shipments of most perishables have declined. Revenues from farm products tended to decline over the 1954-69 period. In 1969, revenues from farm products were 87 percent of the 1954 level while tonnages were 107 percent. Lower rates for most agricultural products and the loss of considerable perishable products traffic account for the drop in revenues.