DE News & Events

The Federal Trade Commission, along with five states, secured a settlement in an antitrust lawsuit against farm equipment manufacturer Deere & Company that will ensure farmers can enjoy the right to repair their own John Deere tractors and farm equipment. The FTC's settlement requires Deere-for the next 10 years and under the supervision of the FTC and plaintiff states-to provide farmers and independent repair providers with the same equipment repair resources, including applicable software capabilities, that it currently provides to authorized Deere dealers. The settlement resolves the FTC and states' joint lawsuit against Deere, which alleged that Deere used unlawful practices to limit the ability of farmers and independent repair providers to perform repairs on Deere farm equipment. The settlement represents the Commission's latest commitment to reducing the cost of living for Americans, including both farmers and downstream consumers of the products those farmers produce. "Today's settlement enables farmers to do what they've done for generations-fix their own tractors and other farm equipment-without having to pay an authorized John Deere dealer to do it for them," said FTC Bureau of Competition Director Daniel Guarnera.

Deere stated: "An agreement announced today by John Deere, the Federal Trade Commission, and five states ensures farmers and ranchers will have access to the diagnostic and repair tools that help them and independent service technicians maintain and repair their current and future John Deere equipment... The agreement brings to a close the matter filed by the FTC and states in early 2025 and allows the company to move forward with a continued focus on supporting its customers. Recent settlements and related agreements in this space have similarly emphasized increased access and transparency for customers, reinforcing Deere's continued innovation toward more flexible repair options. John Deere will continue to invest in tools, technology, and services that give customers more ways to care for their equipment, whether they choose to do the work themselves or through a repair provider they trust. The company remains committed to delivering reliable equipment, strong dealer support, and practical solutions that help customers stay productive in the field."