Tag: farm news

John Deere owners will get the right to repair their own equipment under a new FTC settlement

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green and yellow tractor on brown field

It looks like John Deere owners can soon feel free to fix their own machines. The Federal Trade Commission and attorneys general from several states secured a right-to-repair settlement Wednesday with agriculture equipment giant Deere & Co. — commonly known as John Deere — that requires the company to let farmers and independent shops fix their own equipment. The Illinois-based manufacturer has faced complaints for years for withholding the software needed for repairs and forcing customers to use authorized dealers instead of independent ones. This marks the second right-to-repair settlement Deere has reached this year, following a separate $99 million class-action settlement with farmers in April. Though the class-action compensated consumers, the FTC’s settlement instead requires Deere to make its repair services available to equipment owners and independent shops.

The FTC and attorneys general from Arizona, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin brought the antitrust lawsuit in January 2025, arguing that Deere had illegally restricted farmers and independent shops that might otherwise service them from repairing farm equipment such as tractors. Deere also makes engines and equipment for forestry, landscaping and construction. Under the order filed in Illinois, Deere will now be required to make diagnostic and repair tools available to equipment owners and independent repair shops, not only its own network of authorized dealers. It also prevents Deere dealers from retaliating against equipment owners or repair shops who choose to fix their own equipment instead of paying for Deere’s services. The order is headed to Judge Iain D. Johnston for his approval. “For too long, Arizona farmers and independent mechanics have been at the mercy of Deere’s monopoly over repair tools, forced to wait — and pay — for authorized dealers just to fix broken tractors and other equipment,” Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said in a statement Wednesday. Deere must pay $1 million collectively to the five states for antitrust enforcement costs and will be subject to strict compliance oversight for the next 10 years.

In the complaint, the FTC argued that Deere provides a service software tool to authorized dealers but does not provide the full version to equipment owners or independent shops. Deere had said the lawsuit was baseless, denied that its distribution of service tools was anticompetitive and argued that it could not monopolize services since it does not directly provide them. Deere maintained its commitment to independent repair in a statement Wednesday, adding that the agreement with the FTC reinforces its innovation of more flexible repair options. “This is good news for our customers and for the future of how Deere equipment is supported,” said Denver Caldwell, vice president of aftermarket and customer support. Right-to-repair has become an increasingly common issue over the years, especially for tech products, with consumers complaining that even simple repairs can only be done by company-authorized dealers.

Source: John Deere owners will get the right to repair their own equipment under a new FTC settlement – CBS Minnesota

For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
Matthew 16:25

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Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Florida Farm Bill

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aerial view of lush greenery in apollo beach florida

SEBRING, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 290, the Florida Farm Bill, legislation that strengthens Florida’s agricultural industry, protects consumers, and reinforces the state’s commitment to food security, public safety, and rural land conservation.  “Today in Sebring, I signed SB 290,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “This important farm bill builds on the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ reforms to protect Florida agriculture, consumers, and rural communities. It also protects the health, security, and freedom of Floridians.” “The Free State of Florida just delivered another major win for the people who feed our state and our nation,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “With the legislative leaders’ hard work this session and Governor DeSantis’ signature, the 2026 Florida Farm Bill is now law – protecting our farmers from government overreach, strengthening public safety, and preserving our natural resources and rural lands. I’m proud to stand alongside strong conservative leaders who understand that when you fight for freedom, family, and farmers, you’re fighting for Florida’s future.” “What a great opportunity to have our Governor sign this bill right here in Florida’s Heartland,” said Senate President Ben Albritton. “Florida’s agriculture industry is the key to thriving families, businesses, and communities across our state. Agriculture matters, and that’s a fact. I’m grateful to Governor DeSantis, Commissioner Simpson, Senator Truenow, Representative Alvarez, and so many others who have prioritized Florida’s agriculture industry and the legacy farm families who dedicate their lives and livelihoods to growing the fresh, wholesome foods Floridians need. This is an exciting time to be involved in Agriculture in the great, free state of Florida. The best is yet to come.”

Source: Governor Ron DeSantis Signs Florida Farm Bill | Executive Office of the Governor

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.
John 13:20

Avian Flu Has Killed Thousands of Birds in the U.S. Pennsylvania Is at the Epicenter.

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This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment and a Pennsylvania Capital-Star partners.  When two bald eagles built a nest in Philadelphia in 2007, it was the first time one had been recorded in the area in 200 years. Today, eagles can be spotted swooping over Wissahickon Creek, flying near Kelly Drive, and soaring above FDR Park. Their return to American skies is one of the 21st century’s great conservation stories. From near-extinction lows in the 1960s, the estimated population of bald eagles in the United States has rebounded to more than 315,000.

Source: Avian Flu Has Killed Thousands of Birds in the U.S. Pennsylvania Is at the Epicenter.

For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
Romans 5:10