U.S. Ag Groups Push for Water Rule Extension

Jun 02, 2014

By Amanda Brodhagen, Farms.com

More than 70 food and agriculture groups have asked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for more time to commit to a new rule on waters of the United States. The formal request for an extension on certain agricultural practices was made in the form of a letter.

The rule expands the EPA’s definition of what is classified as navigable waters. Currently, it includes waters and waterways with a hydraulic connection to navigable waters. But the new rule would redefine “waters of the United States” to also include intermittent or seasonal (a body of water that flows for part of the year) and ephemeral streams (a stream that flows during/following a period of rainfall).

Agriculture groups argue that the expanded rule could affect farming practices. The groups point out that the 90 day comment period on the proposed rule is the busiest time for farmers, making it difficult for them to take the time to comment on a rule that could greatly impact their farm. The organizations involved in the drafting the letter to the EPA are asking for an additional 90 days to submit comments.

Video: Dream Projects Made Real | BX Summer Contest Winner Stories

Three women. Three properties. Three summers that changed everything.

Meet the 2025 Kubota BX Summer Contest winners — and watch what happened when their biggest plans finally had the power to match them.

Akesh transformed her 9.8-acre property in just 3 months — clearing a historic barn, building a cottage garden, and growing vegetable beds for her family. Kathleen rebuilt her yard from the ground up after the 2023 wildfires devastated her property — creating a space where her children could play and grow again. Teresa reclaimed her family's 97-acre Ontario farm — moving topsoil, restoring fields, and honouring her mother's memory one season at a time.

Three dream projects. Three stories of vision, resilience, and hard work. One unforgettable summer with a Kubota BX.

"The BX made everything happen so quick." — Akesh "I feel like I can make a huge difference." — Kathleen "It's a dream come true. The answer to my prayers." — Teresa