Deere & Co. permits farmers to repair their own farm equipment

The American Farm Bureau Federation and Deere & Co. signed a memorandum of understanding that guarantees farmers the right to repair their own farm equipment or to seek the services of an independent technician.

As the agricultural sector accelerates its technological adoption, reliance on high-tech machinery such as GPS-guided combines and tractors is becoming more common.

However, equipment manufacturers like Deere have traditionally required customers to use their parts and service divisions for repairs, and, until recently, only authorized dealers had access to the complex computerized systems of their tractors and other machinery.

Farm Bureau president Zippy Duvall said at the federation's convention in Puerto Rico that the Farm Bureau's memorandum of understanding with Deere would ensure farmers everywhere could repair their own equipment.

Deere's vice president of agriculture and turf marketing, Dave Gilmore, stated that the company looks forward to collaborating with the farm group and "our customers in the months and years ahead to ensure farmers continue to have the tools and resources to diagnose, maintain, and repair their equipment."

The MOU, according to the document, seeks to resolve the "right to repair" debate in the private sector rather than through legislation or regulation. The agreement benefits farmers and independent repair facilities in the United States and Puerto Rico for the "lawful operation and upkeep of agricultural equipment," according to the MOU.