On July 8, 2026, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), together with the states of Illinois, Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, reached a settlement in its antitrust lawsuit against Deere & Company (Deere) that will help preserve farmers’ right to repair their own John Deere tractors and other agricultural equipment. Under the settlement, Deere must provide farmers and independent repair providers with the same repair resources — including applicable software capabilities — that it makes available to its authorized dealers. The agreement will remain in effect for 10 years and will be overseen by the FTC and the five participating states.
NIADA has long advocated for right to repair legislation for the automotive industry that would similarly require manufacturers to provide independent dealers and repair facilities with access to the data, parts, tools, and software needed to diagnose, maintain, and repair vehicles. The association remains optimistic that the FTC’s action will help build momentum on Capitol Hill as NIADA and other stakeholders continue to advocate for the inclusion of meaningful right to repair provisions in the 2026 Surface Transportation reauthorization. The settlement can be viewed here.
