The Dirt

Agriculture news is not just headlines. It is personal.

Prices fluctuate, policies shift and big announcements rarely include instructions; sometimes, the people making decisions seem miles away from those living with them.

Here at Farmers Hot Line, we believe you deserve real information, delivered the way rural America actually talks.

• Clear facts

• Zero fluff

• Honest tone

• Enough humor and sarcasm to survive it Because sometimes we are over it, too. And if we can laugh while we learn, we will take that win.

Welcome to THE DIRT, where we cover what matters to agriculture with truth, wit and a little side eye when needed.

One important note: The Dirt is a monthly snapshot, not a live news feed. Agriculture doesn’ t sit still, and neither do we. For breaking updates, deeper dives and real-time discussion as stories evolve, you’ ll find us all month long on the Farmers Hot Line Facebook page and website.

Navigating Losses After Winter Storms

Severe winter storms in late January caused widespread farm damage across the U. S., with ice, snow and power outages disrupting operations and damaging buildings, livestock and crops.

USDA is urging producers to act quickly, noting that:

• Losses should be documented with photos or video

• Damage must have been reported within 72 hours to insurance agents or FSA offices

• Local USDA Service Centers can help identify available disaster programs

• Assistance includes livestock, crop, conservation and emergency loan programs

AccuWeather estimates total economic losses at $ 105 billion to $ 115 billion.

Recovery will take time, but early reporting is key to accessing USDA support.

Farmers’ Right to Repair Diesel Equipment The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency( EPA) has issued new guidance confirming that farmers and equipment owners have a legal right to repair their own non-road diesel equipment.

Under the guidance tied to the Clean Air Act( CAA), EPA clarified that:

• The law does not prohibit farmers from repairing their own equipment

• Repairs are not required to be completed by authorized dealers

• Access to repair tools and software should not be restricted

• Temporary emissions system overrides are permitted for repair purposes, provided equipment is returned to compliant operation

The guidance applies to modern diesel engines, including systems such as diesel exhaust fluid and emissions control technologies.

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