August 20, 2025
www.gfb.org
Vol. 7 No. 17
GFB COMMODITY CONFERENCE PROVIDES INSIGHTS FOR MEMBERS The 2025 Georgia Farm Bureau Commodity Conference, held Aug. 14 at the Classic Center in Athens, featured updates on key topics for the state’s farmers. Before breaking out into their meetings, GFB Commodity Advisory Committee members heard from representatives of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), UGA’s College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences (CAES), UGA Cooperative Extension, the Georgia Department of Agriculture the Georgia Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). Bridgforth notes EPA actions concerning DEF, pesticides EPA Senior Advisor for Agriculture and Rural Affairs Turner Bridgforth highlighted the agency’s efforts to support U.S. farmers, including efforts to reduce regulatory burdens and administrative hurdles to help farmers be more productive and sustainable. Among these were reducing backlogs of pesticide registrations and producing a definition that provides regulatory certainty for farmers One major action the EPA is taking, Bridgforth noted, is addressing issues with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) sensor faults that can disrupt farm equipment that uses diesel fuel. When the engine runs low on DEF, the equipment power is reduced or shuts down altogether, and but or however, this can also happen due to faulty sensors. These power reductions and shutdowns interrupt farm operations and are particularly troublesome during planting and harvesting. The EPA announced on Aug. 14 new guidance urging engine and equipment manufacturers to revise DEF system software in existing vehicles and equipment. Bridgforth said that the EPA has learned that producers in other countries are not facing such requirements. “Other countries allow their producers to have a tractor that doesn't have to have this requirement,” Bridgforth said. “That just brings an unfair competition to the disadvantage of our producers.” “These modifications provide more flexibility and reliability without compromising air quality or emission reduction,” Bridgforth said. “EPA is calling on manufacturers to implement these DEF-related software updates quickly. We've streamlined the process. No separate EPA approvals -continued on next page