A U.S. District Court in Illinois has ruled that John Deere must face a lawsuit brought by the Federal Trade Commission, alongside attorneys general from multiple states, including Minnesota and Illinois. The lawsuit accuses the agricultural equipment manufacturer of violating federal antitrust laws by limiting how and where farmers can repair their machines. The FTC claims Deere’s restrictions force farmers to rely exclusively on authorized dealers and use Deere’s proprietary repair software, increasing repair costs and causing delays during vital agricultural seasons. According to the FTC, this practice has unfairly boosted Deere’s profits while limiting competition.
FTC Chair Lina M. Khan stated, “Illegal repair restrictions can be devastating for farmers who rely on affordable and timely repairs to harvest their crops and earn their income. The FTC’s action today seeks to ensure that farmers across America are free to repair their own equipment or use repair shops of their choice.” The National Farmers Union (NFU), which filed a formal complaint supporting the FTC’s case, emphasized the economic burden on farmers. NFU President Rob Larew said, “When we prevail, farmers will have the power and freedom to fix their equipment faster and at a lower cost.” Deere denies wrongdoing and asserts that it supports repair access, noting, “We are committed to offering customers the best equipment ownership experience,” said Denver Caldwell, Deere’s Vice President of Aftermarket and Customer Support.
