A deeper look into John Deere lawsuit
John Deere equipment is on display at the Farm Progress Show on Aug. 31, 2015 in Decatur, Ill. AP Photo/Seth Perlman
The Federal Trade Commission as well as several states, including Illinois sued John Deere earlier this year, the company that manufactures agricultural machinery. The case alleges that Deere is limiting farmers and independent mechanics from being able to properly repair Deere-branded equipment, forcing farmers to rely heavily on Deere's network of dealers. The FTC says this drvies up repair costs for farmers, while also limiting crop yields.
John Deere tried to dismiss the lawsuit. But earlier this month, a federal judge in Rockford rejected the motion. The company also provided the 21st Show with this statement. A journalist covering agriculture weighs in on what has transpired so far in this case and what to expect from the trial.
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Ryan Hanrahan
News Editor, Farm Policy News