Farmers are applauding the EPA’s “common-sense approach” to diesel exhaust fluid guidelines

“EPA’s decision to grant a grace period to make repairs or refill DEF is the right thing to do.”

In what is considered to be a win for rural Americans, the EPA says that it will revise diesel exhaust fluid guidelines.
Farmers say it is a common-sense approach to diesel engines.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin made the announcement at the Iowa State Fair, where he called on manufacturers to take action to update their software and eliminate the unnecessary sudden loss of power that many had complained of.

It is estimated that the change will save family farms alone an estimated $727 million a year.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is celebrating the decision. AFBF President Zippy Duvall thanked EPA for their common-sense approach:

“When a vehicle runs out of DEF or there is an error in the software, it loses power, causing delays that could be the difference between getting a crop harvested or animals to their destination. EPA’s decision to grant a grace period to make repairs or refill DEF is the right thing to do.”

Related Stories
Alissa White with American Farmland Trust joined us to provide insight into climate resilience efforts and strategies to help farmers manage weather-related risks.
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined us to share practical health and safety guidance for managing respiratory and skin health during the winter season.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn University School of Law joined us to provide legal analysis on key cases shaping the agricultural landscape heading into the year ahead.
NASDA declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. President Amanda Beal joins us to share NASDA’s new hub, which highlights the impact of women in agriculture worldwide.
The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 2026 agenda centers on labor stability, biosecurity, and economic resilience for family farms. Expanded DMC coverage improves risk protection for dairy operations facing tighter margins.
Agronomy experts explain why standing crop residue protects soil and reduces costs for crop growers, while shredding often yields little benefit at higher costs.