The Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture launched a joint public inquiry on October 7, 2026 into agricultural equipment manufacturing and distribution markets, including potential anticompetitive conduct. They said USDA has received a growing number of complaints that farmers face barriers to acquiring equipment and the services needed to keep it running.
The agencies invite comments from farmers, independent repair providers and current and former employees of equipment makers and dealers. Topics include business models, policies and contract terms; firsthand experiences or documented cases of restrictions, penalties or retaliation; and effects on pricing, market entry, innovation and farmer welfare.
Comments go through Regulations.gov and must arrive by 11:59 p.m. on December 7, 2026. The FTC noted its recent settlements involving Corteva in pesticides markets, joined by twelve states, and Deere & Company over repair restrictions, joined by five states.