Today’s quick hits, March 22, 2021

Canada-U.S.-Mexico railroad: Canadian Pacific will purchase Kansas City Southern for $29 billion in a merger that will “connect freight customers to Canada, the United States and Mexico on a single network for the first time in history.” (CNN)

Significant spring drought: The United States is in the most significant spring drought since 2013, with nearly half of the country, mostly in the West but stretching into the Plains and upper Midwest, in moderate to exceptional drought. (CNBC)

Wait until April: Zach Ducheneaux, the Biden appointee in charge of the U.S. farm program, said it will be a couple of weeks before USDA completes a review of coronavirus legislation passed by Congress and decides the framework for getting the money to producers. (DTN/Progressive Farmer)

Japan boosts tariffs: Japan will increase tariffs on imports of U.S. beef to 38.5 percent for one month to slow a flood of meat into the country, a step allowed under trade agreements between the nations. (Drovers)

Environmental justice bill: Democrats in Congress filed companion Environmental Justice for All bills to address disparities in vulnerable communities across the nation. (Grist)