Farm Bureau Signs Repair Deal With John Deere
The American Farm Bureau Federation announced a memorandum of understanding with John Deere on farm equipment repair at its annual convention in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Agriculture
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American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall announced a memorandum of understanding with John Deere on farm equipment repair during the opening session of the group's annual convention. Duvall also criticized the revised WOTUS rule from federal regulators.
Why it matters
The agreement addresses farmers' access to tools, information and resources for repairing equipment, a long-running concern for agricultural producers. Duvall said the revised WOTUS rule will lead to more confusion and more lawyers, adding that farmers should not have to hire a team of lawyers to tell them how to farm their land.
More than 3,800 people sent messages to the EPA within 36 hours of Duvall's prior-year convention speech, while Congress includes 260 members who have never worked on a farm bill before. The implementation details of the John Deere repair agreement and the specific WOTUS changes remain unaddressed in the available information.
The players
American Farm Bureau Federation
The American Farm Bureau Federation is a national organization representing U.S. farmers and ranchers that advocates on agricultural policy, trade and regulation.
Zippy Duvall
Zippy Duvall is the president of the American Farm Bureau Federation and a longtime Georgia farmer who has led the group's policy advocacy.
John Deere
John Deere is a major American manufacturer of agricultural machinery whose equipment repair policies have drawn sustained debate among farmers.
The details
Duvall delivered the remarks at the opening session of the annual convention held at Coca-Cola Music Hall. The memorandum of understanding addresses access to tools, information, and resources for repairing farm equipment while protecting John Deere's intellectual property rights and ensuring equipment safety.
Timeline
Last year: Duvall called for a new WOTUS rule at the convention.
Within 36 hours of last year's convention speech: More than 3,800 people messaged the EPA.
This year: Shaping a new farm bill is a top AFBF priority.
Recently: Congress passed the SUSTAINS Act.
November 3, 2026: AFBF convention opens in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Roadmap
The Farm Bureau's criticism of the revised WOTUS rule continues a multi-year fight over how federal Clean Water Act jurisdiction applies to farmland and drainage. The group's stated priorities for this year include shaping a new farm bill and sustainability policy.
The John Deere agreement could affect how farmers repair equipment themselves rather than relying on dealer service. The revised WOTUS rule may change which wetlands and drainage features require federal permits on farmland.
The takeaway
Farmers facing equipment repair restrictions and changing federal water rules should track both the John Deere memorandum and the revised WOTUS rule as they take effect. Both developments bear directly on day-to-day farm operations and costs.
What happens next
Shaping a new farm bill is expected to be one of the American Farm Bureau Federation's top priorities this year, with sustainability expected as the third top priority.
Further reading
For broader coverage of farm policy and rural economics, see Agriculture.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Farm Progress.
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