Ohio Farm Bureau supports expanded use of dyed diesel
The administration recently issued an executive order easing restrictions on the use of tax-exempt dyed diesel fuel for on-road agricultural transportation.
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Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) has been a necessary part of modern diesel engines for decades, but for many farmers, truckers and equipment operators, it has also been a source of frustration, downtime and added costs.
Recently, in conjunction with the administration’s Great American Agriculture Celebration, the Environmental Protection Agency released new guidance allowing diesel equipment manufacturers to move away from traditional DEF quality sensors and use alternative technologies, such as nitrogen oxide sensors, to meet emission requirements. The changes are intended to cut costs and reduce system failures that have disrupted operations for those who rely on diesel-powered equipment every day.
EPA stated this new guidance will help save farmers $4.4 billion a year in repairs and lost productivity and produce a broader savings of $13.79 billion to the U.S. economy. For farm families already navigating tight margins and high input costs, those savings matter.
Since 2010, most diesel engines, including those used in agriculture, have relied on selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems. These systems inject DEF into the exhaust stream to reduce emissions and meet federal air quality standards. The DEF quality sensor, however, has become a pain point and when it fails or it detects an issue, equipment is forced into “derate” mode, reducing engine power, limiting speed or even shutting down the machine. For farmers, that kind of disruption could come at the worst possible time, such as planting or harvest, when every minute counts.
The late March announcement builds on several months of federal review of DEF system performance. In early February, EPA requested data from major manufacturers creating most DEF system parts, with early findings identifying sensor failures as the leading cause of equipment derates and warranty claims. That effort followed prior guidance in August 2025 that first acknowledged ongoing operational challenges tied to DEF systems.
Farmers have had a long-standing commitment to improving air and water quality, but they also need reliability when it comes to the tools and technology they use in the field. This move by the EPA is a step toward balancing environmental goals and ensuring that regulations do not create unnecessary challenges for those producing the nation’s food, fiber and renewable fuel supply.
My first recommendation in your journey is to start out with a local farming friend or mentor along with joining an organization like Ohio Farm Bureau.
We’re just so thankful for the Farm Bureau and the foundation for helping put this together. And of course, the Boyert family for the vision they had with this grant. It’s jumping us forward 10 years. It’s unbelievable.
I could not have done it without the resources I have found through Farm Bureau.
It wasn’t until I joined the Wilmington College Collegiate Farm Bureau that I truly saw how my passion could translate into leadership, advocacy and a career.
The issue of property taxation remains as one of the biggest challenges our members face today. Ensuring agricultural property is valued for its agricultural potential and not development is critical to the continued success of Ohio agriculture.
Through the Select Partner program, we became educated in farm insurance and weren't just selling policies. It became more and more clear why farmers need an advocate like Ohio Farm Bureau.
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
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Ohio Farm Bureau statement on gas tax holiday
As fuel prices skyrocket across the state, lawmakers are preparing to return to the Statehouse to vote on the temporary suspension of Ohio’s gas tax.
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What EPA’s new DEF guidance means for farmers
EPA released new guidance allowing diesel equipment manufacturers to move away from traditional DEF quality sensors and use alternative technologies, such as nitrous oxide sensors.
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The Ohio Agriculture and Rural Communities 2026 Action Plan
The plan provides a blueprint for policymakers and Ohio Farm Bureau members to bolster Ohio’s agriculture industry and our rural communities.
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Recent H-2A program impacts aim to steady farm labor costs, needs
A recent state budget fix and a federal rule reform to H-2A have resulted in some relief for farmers who use the guest worker program.
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Legal with Leah: Understanding the Change to Ohio’s Pesticide Law
Ohio Farm Bureau advocated for a change in the law to allow family members and employees to handle pesticides while under the supervision of a licensed applicator. The rules around HB 10 are being finalized.
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Legal with Leah: A Drone Policy Update
Learn what the requirements are to legally fly a drone in Ohio as well as steps the Ohio Legislature has taken in terms of security concerns.
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Legal with Leah: Changes to Ohio pesticide licensing
Any unlicensed handlers who use restricted use pesticides will need to have additional training. Farm Bureau will be working on legislation to give employers a choice on how to provide training.
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The Ohio Agriculture and Rural Communities 2025 Action Plan
The plan provides a blueprint for policymakers and Ohio Farm Bureau members to bolster Ohio’s agriculture industry and our rural communities.
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Corporate Transparency Act is back
Update: As of Feb. 27, 2025, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network announced they would not issue any fines or penalties or take enforcement action against companies based on failure to file or update beneficial ownership information reports by the March 21, 2025, deadline.
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