FTC and states settle Deere right-to-repair software access

The Federal Trade Commission and five states have reached a landmark settlement with Deere & Company, the manufacturer of John Deere equipment, that will grant farmers and independent repair shops full access to the software and tools needed to fix tractors and other farm machinery. The settlement, announced on July 8, 2026, resolves an antitrust lawsuit filed in January 2025 and mandates that the company provide these resources for the next decade under strict federal oversight.

For years, farmers and independent mechanics faced significant barriers repairing modern John Deere equipment, which relies heavily on computerized components. The company had restricted access to essential diagnostic software and repair tools to its network of authorized dealers, a practice critics said created a monopoly on repairs. This led to increased costs, service delays, and frustration for equipment owners who were often unable to perform repairs themselves or use local repair shops.

Under the terms of the settlement, Deere must make available to farmers and independent repair providers, on fair and reasonable terms, all repair resources it provides to its authorized dealers. This includes the...