MOU Between Deere and AFBF is an Important Step Toward Right-to-Repair

This is Tim Hammerich of the Ag Information Network with your Farm of the Future Report.

During its annual convention this month, the American Farm Bureau Federation announced an MOU with John Deere to differentiate between repair and modification of equipment.The effort is giving farmers the so-called right to repair their machinery. Rich Guebert, President of the Illinois Farm Bureau, was part of the Farm Bureau effort to achieve the memorandum of understanding.

Guebert… “You know, this is one of the major sticking points in the conversations that we've had over the years, and I really appreciate American Farm Bureau taking the leadership role here, while respecting intellectual property rights of, you know, the manufacturer. It still gives an opportunity for farmers to fix their equipment that we have on the farm.”

Guebert says farmers have embraced technology, but getting technicians to fix machines can be tough.

Guebert… “You look since COVID, labor has been a real challenge out in rural communities in particular when it comes to our dealerships of getting technicians that are qualified to fix and repair the equipment on the farm. Basically with the newer style tractors and combines and equipment, everything needs a computer to fix it. And they do go down, they do break down. Time is money to us as farmers.”

Guebert says he thinks there is an opportunity for farmers and small repair shops.