John Deere agrees to nationwide 'right to repair' as Colorado plays a major role in the decision

Colorado farmers will soon have more freedom to repair their own equipment after John Deere agreed to a nationwide "right to repair" settlement with the Federal Trade Commission and five states.

The agreement requires Deere to provide farmers and independent repair shops with the same diagnostic tools, software capabilities, and repair resources currently available to its authorized dealers. The settlement will remain in effect for the next 10 years under FTC supervision.

Colorado played a major role in the effort. In 2023, it became the first state to pass a right-to-repair law for agricultural equipment, backed by the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union and the Colorado Public Interest Research Group.

Supporters say the agreement will save farmers time and money during critical planting and harvest seasons. Nathan Proctor of U.S. PIRG says when equipment breaks down, waiting days for an authorized technician can mean losing an entire crop.

The FTC says the settlement will increase competition and lower repair costs for farmers nationwide. Deere will also pay one million dollars to the five states involved in the lawsuit to cover legal costs and consumer protection enforcement.

Manufacturers and dealers had argued that unrestricted access to repair tools could allow equipment owners to bypass emissions controls, increase engine horsepower, or expose proprietary technology.

The settlement follows a separate $99 million class-action agreement Deere reached with farmers earlier this year, but this FTC case goes further by requiring the company to open repair access nationwide.