John Deere Agrees to FTC Settlement, Empowering Farmers with Right to Repair

Farmers Gaining New Repair Rights in Landmark John Deere Settlement

John Deere, one of the largest manufacturers of agricultural equipment in the United States, has agreed to a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that will allow farmers greater access to repair tools and software updates for their tractors and other machinery. The agreement, announced this month, follows a 2025 lawsuit filed by the FTC and five states alleging that John Deere had restricted independent repairs by controlling diagnostic tools and proprietary software. Under the settlement, John Deere must provide repair resources immediately and continue making additional resources available through the end of the year. The company will also face oversight from the FTC and participating states over the next decade to ensure compliance.

This settlement marks a significant development in the growing right to repair movement, which advocates for consumers' ability to fix their own devices without relying solely on manufacturer-approved service providers. John Deere has long faced criticism for limiting repair access, requiring farmers to use authorized dealers for diagnostics and repairs, often at high costs and long wait times. The FTC’s lawsuit argued that such restrictions stifled competition and harmed small farmers who could not afford delays during critical planting or harvesting seasons.

In a separate but related case, John Deere also settled a farmer-initiated antitrust lawsuit in April, agreeing to a $99 million payout and including provisions to expand repair rights. Both legal actions underscore broader concerns about corporate control over repair markets, particularly as farm equipment and other machinery become increasingly reliant on proprietary software.

The issue extends beyond agriculture. Tech advocacy groups like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) argue that similar restrictions apply to consumer electronics, vehicles, and home appliances, where manufacturers often lock down repair access through digital rights management and end-user license agreements. The EFF has long supported right to repair laws to ensure consumers can truly own the devices they purchase, rather than being forced to rely on corporate service providers.

For farmers, the settlement means reduced downtime and lower repair costs. Historically, waiting for authorized technicians could mean lost crops or delayed planting, creating financial strain. The new agreement is expected to ease these burdens by giving farmers the tools to perform basic repairs themselves or through independent mechanics.

Experts say the case highlights the need for stronger right to repair legislation across industries. While some argue that safety and warranty concerns justify manufacturer restrictions, critics counter that such controls disproportionately benefit corporations while limiting consumer choice and economic freedom.

The FTC and state attorneys general will monitor John Deere’s compliance over the next decade, signaling a potential shift in how repair rights are enforced in high-tech industries.

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