AFBF Encourages Support of Am Radio for Every Vehicle Act

Jun 17, 2024

American vehicle manufacturers announced plans to remove AM radio from new electric vehicles. The AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act in Congress would prevent that from happening. Emily Buckman, director of government affairs for the American Farm Bureau Federation, talks about the importance of AM radio.

"AM radio is important for rural America because farmers, ranchers, and rural residents rely on it as a source of weather, commodity, and national farm policy updates. Access to radio is critically important for America's producers, especially in times of emergency," Buckman said. "For those who work mostly in the open, often miles from home, response time is critical. Members need a reliable form of communication to access critical information during those times."

Buckman says auto manufacturers previously cast doubt on the future of AM radio, but Congress is considering a legislative fix.

"Last year, several automakers announced they have removed or planned to remove broadcast AM radio receivers from EVs due to interference generated by electric batteries," Buckman said. "Ford Motor Company even went so far as to claim they are removing AM radio from all vehicles. They later reversed that decision. They are considering legislation that would require the Department of Transportation to require automakers to maintain AM broadcast radio in their new vehicles at no additional charge."

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Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.