Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has initiated a lawsuit against John Deere, alleging the company has created an unlawful repair monopoly that hinders farmers’ ability to fix their own machinery. Ellison said: “Deere has made it virtually impossible for farmers themselves or independent repair shops to fully repair Deere equipment.” The lawsuit, filed in federal court, claims Deere’s practices violate the Clayton Antitrust Act by restricting access to essential electronic control units. Gary Wertish, president of the Minnesota Farmers Union, emphasized that the lawsuit is a crucial step towards benefiting farmers and independent repair technicians. The plaintiffs are seeking an injunction against Deere, which reported $7.1bn in profits in 2024.