A Win for the Farmer’s Right to Repair

MFU Applauds FTC Announcement Establishing Right to Repair for Farmers

“The announcement made by the FTC establishing the farmer’s right to repair their own equipment is monumental,” said MFU President Walter Schweitzer. “Farmers Union has been advocating for over a decade to require equipment manufacturers to provide the necessary tools to diagnose and repair their own equipment. The FTC rules now require John Deere to provide these tools at a reasonable cost.”

A win for family farm agriculture, Montana Farmers Union has been a statewide leader on agricultural right to repair efforts at the Montana state legislature in addition to the lawsuit. MFU most recently brought forward farmer-focused legislative solutions in 2021, 2023, and 2025. 

Right to repair for agricultural equipment has an immediate impact on a farmer’s bottom line: A 2023 study by the US Public Interest Research Group found that U.S. farmers could save as much as $1.2 billion a year if manufacturers like John Deere stopped imposing repair restrictions.   

Schweitzer added that this a clear example of why it is important to have a strong farm organization that is willing to stand up to the corporate monopolies and fight for fairness for the family farm and rural communities. 

Farmers Union will continue to monitor and ensure that John Deere and other manufacturers will abide by the ruling and work with farmers and ranchers on how to access and use these tools.

Read the FTC Announcement Here: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2026/07/ftc-states-secure-settlement-deere-company-advancing-farmers-right-repair

Press Information: https://montanafarmersunion.com/news-events/press-kit/

MFU President Walter Schweitzer: 406-799-3782

Montana Farmers Union has worked more than 100 years for family farms, ranches, and rural communities. MFU supports its members through: Strong education programs for both youth and adults, by advocating member-driven policies and legislation at the state and federal level, and cooperation through producer-owned co-ops. For more information, visit www.montanafarmersunion.com.