Farmer Repair Rights
John Deere settles lawsuit, expands repair tool access for farmers and technicians.
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Key Points
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Arizona, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin are the five states participating in the agreement.
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The FTC alleged Deere restricted access to a specific software repair tool to its authorized dealer network, a move the agency said reduced competition, increased repair costs for farmers, and boosted Deere's profits.
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The agreement closes the matter filed by the FTC and states in early 2025, resolving the litigation and allowing Deere to move forward with its repair-access commitments.
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Denver Caldwell, Deere’s vice president of aftermarket and customer support, stated: 'This is good news for our customers and for the future of how Deere equipment is supported,' and reiterated: 'We’ve said from the beginning that our focus is on helping customers keep their machines running when and how they need them.'
John Deere has reached a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission and five states, agreeing to give farmers and independent repair shops access to the same diagnostic tools its authorized dealers use. The deal covers a 10-year period and resolves an antitrust lawsuit filed in early 2025, according to KCRG and Brownfield Ag News.
The FTC accused Deere of locking a key software repair tool behind its dealer network. The agency said that move raised repair costs for farmers and pushed more profits to Deere. The five states involved are Arizona, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
FTC Said Deere Locked Farmers Out of Repairs
The FTC alleged Deere restricted access to proprietary diagnostic software, keeping it only for authorized dealers. That meant farmers could not fix their own machines or take them to cheaper independent shops. The agency said this reduced competition and drove up costs for farmers across the country, according to KCRG.
Independent repair shops had no way to run full diagnostics on Deere equipment without that software. That left farmers with few choices when something broke down — especially during planting or harvest season when every hour matters. The lawsuit was filed in early 2025 and pushed Deere to the negotiating table fast.
10-Year Deal Opens Tools to Independent Technicians
Under the settlement, Deere must provide the same repair resources its dealers use to farmers and independent technicians. Brownfield Ag News reported the agreement lasts 10 years and covers both current and future machines. The FTC and participating states will have tools to check that Deere follows through on its commitments.
KSTP reported that independent repair shops will gain access to proprietary tools as part of the deal. That opens up real competition in the farm equipment repair market for the first time in years. Farmers will be able to choose who fixes their machines without losing access to full diagnostic capabilities.
Deere Says Deal Keeps Machines Running for Farmers
Denver Caldwell, Deere's vice president of aftermarket and customer support, called the settlement a win. "This is good news for our customers and for the future of how Deere equipment is supported," he said. He added: "We've said from the beginning that our focus is on helping customers keep their machines running when and how they need them."
Deere said it will pair the settlement with continued investment in tools, technology, and services. The company framed the deal as consistent with its existing goals, not a retreat. Deere also said the agreement preserves its ability to keep innovating while expanding access for the people who depend on its equipment.
Minnesota and Illinois Led State-Level Push for Access
AM 1100 The Flag reported that the Minnesota and Illinois attorney general offices played a leading role in the lawsuit. The settlement requires Deere to make current repair information available to farmers and independent shops. Three other states — Arizona, Michigan, and Wisconsin — joined the effort alongside the FTC.
The right-to-repair movement has gained momentum in agriculture over the past several years. Farmers argued that complex software restrictions left them helpless when equipment failed. This deal is one of the most significant federal and state actions yet to force a major manufacturer to open up its repair ecosystem.
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