Original Source: Arizona DOJ
PHOENIX – (February 11,2025) , Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced that she has joined The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and four other state attorneys general in a lawsuit against Deere & Company (John Deere), accusing the agricultural equipment manufacturer of unlawfully monopolizing key segments of the agricultural equipment market and engaging in unfair methods of competition.
“Arizona farmers deserve the right to repair their own equipment without being held hostage by a corporate monopoly,” said Attorney General Mayes. “John Deere’s unlawful restrictions not only drive up costs but also create unnecessary delays that hurt Arizona’s farmers. My office is committed to fighting against practices that stifle competition and hurt farmers.”
The lawsuit alleges that Deere has restricted farmers and independent repair providers (IRPs) from repairing Deere equipment, forcing farmers to rely on Deere’s authorized dealers for essential repairs. Deere’s agricultural equipment requires specialized software for diagnosing and repairing electronic issues, and the company controls access to the tool.
By limiting its availability to authorized dealers, the lawsuit alleges Deere forces farmers to use its services, even when farmers could make simple repairs themselves or an IRP could provide a faster, more affordable, or more trusted alternative. The lawsuit alleges these unlawful practices inflate repair costs and cause unnecessary delays for farmers.
Attorney General Mayes alleges Deere’s actions violate the Arizona Uniform State Antitrust Act. Deere unlawfully maintained and used its monopoly power in the market for restricted repairs for Deere Large Tractors and Combines, which constitutes a violation of A.R.S. § 44-1403 and corresponding federal law.
The lawsuit seeks to immediately halt Deere’s alleged unlawful business practices.
Joining Attorney General Mayes and the FTC in filing this lawsuit are other attorneys general from Michigan and Wisconsin. The FTC, Illinois, and Minnesota originally filed the lawsuit against Deere last month.