National Ag Day: EPA Works to Restore Regulatory Balance Between Agricultural and Environmental Priorities

EPA Administrator Scott Mason shares updates on farm equipment regulations, regional accomplishments, and federal efforts supporting agriculture in honor of National Ag Day.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — On National Ag Day, federal officials from departments like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are highlighting recent efforts to balance sustainability and environmental goals with regulatory policy that actually supports farmers and ranchers across the country — rather than creating barriers.

EPA Region 6 Administrator Scott Mason joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report in honor of National Ag Day to discuss regulatory updates and initiatives benefiting agriculture.

In his interview with RFD News, Mason addressed the EPA’s reaffirmation of farmers’ and equipment owners’ right to repair their farm and non-road diesel equipment, emphasizing the benefits for both producers and the agricultural sector as a whole. He also reviewed updates to Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) guidelines, explaining how safety measures are now in place with manufacturers while maintaining compliance with emissions rules.

Mason spoke about upcoming regulatory changes that farmers may not yet be aware of and highlighted accomplishments across the South-Central region. He also touched on the White House’s upcoming meeting with farmers and biofuel producers and noted speculation about potential announcements regarding biofuel blending mandates.

Finally, Mason reflected on the importance of National Ag Day, recognizing the hard work and dedication of America’s farmers and ranchers.

Related Stories
Oklahoma livestock economist Dr. Derrell Peel helps us break down the April Cattle-on-Feed report and what it signals for herd rebuilding, supplies and prices moving forward.
Tariff refunds are underway, potentially returning billions to importers, as agriculture groups push for a larger role in trade policy and investigations.
Patrick De Haan with GasBuddy joined us to discuss diesel price volatility and what farmers can expect as geopolitical tensions continue to impact energy markets.
Roger McEowen of the Washburn School of Law discusses the lack of legal expertise in rural areas and a new program in Kansas aimed at addressing the issue.
Jake Charleston from Specialty Risk Insurance Agency recapped an Oklahoma auctioneer contest and recent industry events, showing how stakeholder feedback helps insurers gauge market conditions and risk management needs.
Pat Hord with the National Pork Producers Council joined us to recap producer meetings in Washington and discuss key policy priorities including Prop 12 and agricultural labor.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

As budget hearings continue on Capitol Hill, policymakers focus on long-term solutions to stabilize the fertilizer market to support U.S. farmers.
Rising global supplies may cap soybean price strength, while sorghum prices hinge heavily on China’s export demand.
AFBF Economist Dr. Faith Parum break down new survey findings on fertilizer affordability and producer sentiment heading into the 2026 growing season.
Sen. Roger Marshall joined us to discuss rising input costs, farm support efforts, and legislation aimed at strengthening domestic fertilizer supply.
Charly Cummings with Superior Livestock Auction joined us to discuss today’s cattle offering, market demand, and what producers should watch as they plan upcoming sales.
David Fisher with the American Lamb Board joined us to discuss a new sustainability program designed to boost producer profitability while supporting stewardship practices.
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.