LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD-TV) — USDA and the Federal Trade Commission are asking farmers to report concerns about competition in farm machinery markets, including purchasing restrictions, resale limits and dealership repair requirements.
Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden told the Agribusiness Report the agencies issued a joint request for information containing 13 questions. Farmers can respond anonymously, and USDA says identifying information is not required.
The questions cover where producers can purchase equipment, whether resale options are restricted, whether repairs are limited to dealerships and how U.S. practices compare with those faced by overseas competitors.
Vaden said equipment-market pressure often becomes more noticeable after harvest when producers begin deciding whether to trade machinery or buy equipment for the next season. He said USDA wants factual examples from farmers.
The information could support future federal action involving competition and repair practices, although Vaden did not provide a timeline or identify specific manufacturers under review.
