USDA and FTC Launch Agriculture Equipment Competition Investigation
By Colter Brown
October 7, 2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are collaborating to investigate potential anticompetitive practices within the agriculture equipment sector. They have issued a request for information, seeking insights from farmers, independent repair shops, and former employees of equipment manufacturers.
According to a joint news release, these agencies aim to address growing concerns regarding barriers that farmers face when acquiring agricultural equipment. The request for information is an initial step in their efforts to preserve competition in the industry.
The focus of the investigation includes:
- Dealer networks and territories
- Restrictions on farmers' purchasing decisions outside designated territories
- Service restrictions impacting farmers' ability to obtain repairs from non-authorized dealers
This move follows recent settlements between the FTC and several states and John Deere, a prominent equipment manufacturer, regarding right-to-repair lawsuits. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized the importance of farmer input:
"Everyday I hear from farmers about the challenges they face in repairing their own equipment... This harvest season, we urge you to share your experiences."
FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson added, "Farmers shouldn't be hindered by artificial service barriers or face inflated prices. They deserve better."