FTC Sues John Deere Over Alleged Repair Monopolization

The lawsuit accuses the agricultural giant of restricting independent repairs and driving up costs for farmers through proprietary software and tools.

The Federal Trade Commission, alongside the attorneys general of Illinois and Minnesota, filed a lawsuit against John Deere, citing anti-competitive repair practices.
The suit alleges Deere maintains a monopoly on repairs by limiting access to fully functional repair tools and software, forcing farmers to rely on authorized dealers.
Deere is accused of violating a 2023 memorandum of understanding with the American Farm Bureau Federation, which promised improved repair access but allegedly fell short in implementation.
Farmers have reported delays in repairs during critical planting and harvesting periods, with some resorting to unauthorized software hacks to fix their equipment.
The lawsuit, filed in the final days of the Biden administration, faces uncertainty as incoming FTC leadership under President-elect Trump has expressed concerns over its timing and bipartisan support.