ST. PAUL – Today the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) along with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced they have filed a lawsuit against John Deere, the world’s largest tractor manufacturer, alleging the company’s equipment repair policies violate federal antitrust laws and have driven up costs for farmers.

“This lawsuit represents a critical step in creating a more competitive market for farm equipment repair that will benefit farmers and independent repair technicians,” said Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) President Gary Wertish. “I am grateful for the leadership of FTC Chair Lina Khan and Attorney General Keith Ellison in bringing this important enforcement action.”

The lawsuit alleges that for decades Deere has limited the ability of farmers and independent repair technicians to repair Deere equipment. Instead, Deere forces farmers to rely on the company’s network of authorized dealers for necessary repairs. According to the FTC this unlawful practice has boosted Deere’s multi-billion-dollar profits while raising repair costs for farmers and depriving farmers of the ability to make timely repairs on critical farming equipment.

MFU members have advocated for the Right to Repair their own farm equipment for years and it remains a priority. The Digital Fair Repair Act passed by the Minnesota Legislature in 2023 excludes farm equipment and MFU has been working with legislators to remove that exemption. The FTC issued a letter last year in support of bipartisan legislation that would give Minnesota farmers the Right to Repair their own agricultural equipment.

About Minnesota Farmers Union

Minnesota Farmers Union works to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and ranchers and rural communities. MFU is a nonprofit membership-based organization. Membership is open to everyone. Learn more and join at www.mfu.org and follow MFU on Facebook, X, Bluesky and Instagram.

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Minnesota Farmers Union—Standing for Agriculture, Working for Farmers (www.mfu.org).