American Farmers Are Demanding The Right to Repair Own Equipment Amid Soaring Costs
Farmers across the United States are raising their voices in support of the right to repair movement.
As equipment costs soar and repair delays threaten harvests, many say they can no longer afford to rely solely on manufacturer-controlled services.
With machines like tractors and harvesters costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, even minor breakdowns can create devastating financial setbacks for family farms struggling to survive.
The Core of the Fight: What “Right to Repair” Means
The right-to-repair debate centers on giving farmers access to the same manuals, diagnostic tools, and software updates that equipment dealers use. Currently, companies like John Deere restrict these resources, forcing farmers to rely on costly, authorized repairs. Advocates argue that having full repair access would empower farmers to handle routine fixes themselves, saving money and reducing downtime.
Soaring Equipment Costs
Farm machinery is a massive investment, with new tractors often costing more than $500,000. Rising inflation has only added pressure, and repair bills can run into the thousands for what might otherwise be simple fixes. For farmers working on thin margins, these costs make repair restrictions feel like an unfair burden, stacking the odds against small and mid-sized operations.
Downtime Equals Lost Crops
Time is everything in agriculture. When a machine breaks during planting or harvest season, every day lost can mean spoiled crops and missed market opportunities. Farmers argue that allowing them to perform their own repairs would significantly reduce these delays, protecting both their yields and their bottom line.
The John Deere Factor
John Deere dominates the U.S. farm equipment industry, and its policies are often at the center of the controversy. Farmers have long criticized the company for monopolizing repair services by restricting diagnostic tools and requiring dealer-only fixes. Deere has faced public and legal scrutiny for these practices, which many see as limiting farmer independence.
Policy and Legislation in Play
To address these challenges, lawmakers introduced the Agricultural Right to Repair Act (H.R. 5604). The bill aims to ensure farmers have the same access to repair resources as dealerships, putting control back in the hands of those who rely most on the machines. If passed, the legislation could reshape the farming industry by making repairs more affordable and accessible.
Industry Agreements and Criticism
In 2023, John Deere signed a memorandum of understanding with the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), promising to broaden access to repair tools and information. While hailed as progress, critics argue the agreement lacks enforceability and leaves too much power in Deere’s hands. For many farmers, it was a step forward, but not nearly enough to solve the deeper issues.
New Digital Repair Tools
John Deere has launched digital repair tools that allow some customers to perform limited fixes. The company is also phasing out its older Customer Service Advisor program. Still, farmers say the new tools do not provide the comprehensive autonomy they need, as many key functions remain locked behind dealer authorization.
Farmer Pushback and Boycotts
Frustration with Deere’s repair policies has boiled over into activism. John Boyd Jr., president of the National Black Farmers Association, has gone as far as calling for a boycott of John Deere, accusing the company of ignoring farmers’ needs and exploiting their dependence on its equipment.
The Bigger Picture: Farmers’ Survival
At its core, the right-to-repair movement is about survival for America’s farmers. Access to repair tools could mean the difference between profit and bankruptcy, especially for smaller farms.
Beyond economics, the issue also raises questions about food security, as keeping farms running smoothly is essential to feeding the nation. Many believe resolving this battle will define the future of American agriculture.
