Dems Take Control of Ag Committees and Deere Anticipates More HIres

The Agribusiness Update
Democratic gains in several states gives them control of both the House and Senate, setting the stage for a major shift in agriculture leadership, and John Deere anticipates hiring more than 400 workers across its factories and recalling more than 275 employees.

Mexican Livestock Trade Resumes and Trade Delegation to Australia

The Agribusiness Update
USDA began reopening Southwest ports for livestock trade last week, more than a year after suspending crossings to slow the spread of New World Screwworm, and USDA sent a delegation to Australia last week to strengthen export opportunities for U.S. farmers and ranchers.

DeereRight-to-Repair Settlement Nears Approval, FFA Chapter Connect

Line on Agriculture
A proposed $99 million settlement in a nationwide John Deere right-to-repair lawsuit is nearing final approval.

The FFA Chapter Connect program is connecting FFA chapters and students across the U.S., fostering relationships beyond the National FFA Convention, with 32 chapters currently participating.

Right to repair

Idaho Ag Today
National Farmers Union (NFU) celebrates the settlement resolving a lawsuit against Deere & Company over restrictions on farm equipment repair. 

Right to Repair Deere Equipment and China Buying U.S. Soybeans

The Agribusiness Update
John Deere is committing to giving farmers diagnostic tools to help them and independent service technicians repair equipment, and China is once again placing U.S. soybean orders after a trade agreement ended the country’s purchasing freeze.

Growth Energy Celebrates Women in Ag, John Deere Settle Right to Repair

Line on Agriculture
John Deere has agreed to a right to repair settlement with the FTC and five states, mandating that they provide independent repair shops with the same access to repair tools and software as their dealers. This is in response to an anti-competitive conduct lawsuit filed in early 2025. Meanwhile, Growth Energy's CEO, Emily Skor is excited about an upcoming Women in Ethanol luncheon to celebrate the role women are playing in the industry.

California New World Screwworm Plan and Right to Repair Agreement

The Agribusiness Update
As the New World screwworm expands into the U.S. from Mexico, California’s pest exclusion leaders already have developed a response plan, and an agreement announced by John Deere and the FTC ensures farmers and ranchers will have access to the diagnostic and repair tools to help maintain and repair equipment.

USA Peanut Congress and Right to Repair Agreement

The Agribusiness Update
The National Peanut Board spent an energizing week with industry leaders in June at the 30th annual USA Peanut Congress, and an agreement announced by John Deere and the FTC ensures farmers and ranchers will have access to the diagnostic and repair tools to help maintain and repair equipment.

Autonomous Tractors Roll Into Sugarcane

Southeast Regional Ag News
U.S. Sugar launches what it says is the nation's largest commercial deployment of autonomous tractors in the American sugar industry

Deere's Right to Repair Settlement

Washington State Farm Bureau Report
John Deere has agreed to a $99 million settlement in a class action lawsuit regarding its right-to-repair policies.

Right to Repair

Idaho Ag Today
Settlement agreement reached between John Deere and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois regarding right-to-repair claims.

California Overtime Law Criticized and Acreage Reporting Period

The Agribusiness Update
Six candidates for California’s next governor say they’d roll back regulations that have made it challenging to farm in the state, and USDA’s Farm Service Agency reopens acreage reporting period to give producers more time to complete 2025 crop acreage reports for apples, pears and cherries.

Liability Limits for Pesticide Manufacturers and Acreage Reporting Period

The Agribusiness Update
Six candidates running for California governor say if elected, they’d roll back regulations that have made it challenging to farm, and USDA’s Farm Service Agency reopens acreage reporting period to give producers more time to complete 2025 crop acreage reports for apples, pears and cherries.

NFU Says John Deere $99M Settlement is a Step in the Right Direction

Line on Agriculture
Deere & Company agreed to pay $99 million to settle a class action lawsuit alleging monopolization of farm equipment repair services. The 2022 lawsuit claimed Deere withheld repair software and collaborated with dealers to limit farmers' ability to repair their own equipment or use independent shops. While the settlement, pending final court approval, doesn't fully resolve the issue, it's seen as progress by the National Farmers Union. Deere also agreed to provide digital repair tools for a deca

Washington Bee Atlas and Deere Right to Repair Settlement

The Agribusiness Update
In just its second year, the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Washington Bee Atlas collected and identified records of nearly 30 new or rare bee species in the state, and John Deere announced it has reached a settlement in its “right to repair” lawsuit, bringing the case to a close.

Flavors of Florida and Deere Right to Repair Settlement

The Agribusiness Update
The University of Florida IFAS announced its 2026 Flavors of Florida fundraising event raised $13,000 for its therapeutic horticulture program, and John Deere announced it has reached a settlement in its “right to repair” lawsuit, bringing the case to a close.

Rohrbachs reflect

Idaho Ag Today
Father and son, Joe and Raymond Rohrbach reflect on their years of farming together.

Ag Equipment Demand Down and Farm Bill Mark Up Set

The Agribusiness Update
Ag equipment manufacturers are taking a cautious outlook as lower crop prices and tight farm margins dampen new machinery demand, and House Ag Chair, GT Thompson tentatively sets farm bill markup for the week of February 23.

Ag Economic Crisis Concerns and U.S. Dairy and Protein

The Agribusiness Update
Dozens of agricultural groups expressed concern about the dire economic conditions U.S. farmers face, and strong consumer demand for protein bodes well for the U.S. dairy industry.

Specialty Crop Pressures and USDA Catching Up

The Agribusiness Update
For specialty crop farmers, 2025 has offered little relief from mounting financial pressures, and USDA catching up after the government shutdown, releasing the latest sales data.