The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) and CNH Industrial brands (Case IH and New Holland) recently signed a joint memorandum of understanding that provides farmers and ranchers the right to repair their own farm equipment. The MOU follows a similar agreement AFBF entered into with John Deere earlier this year.
“Our members urged us to find a private sector solution that gives them access to repair their own equipment, and I’m pleased months of discussions have again paid off,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall. “Farmers and ranchers are more dependent on technology than ever before, so it’s critical they have access to the tools to keep things running on the farm so the food supply chain keeps running too.”
Modern farm equipment often requires codes to access software as well as special tools and parts. And pushback from some manufacturers concerned about releasing trade secrets, and farmers bypassing emissions controllers, has hindered farmers’ ability to make integral repairs.
“We understand the work our customers do is time-sensitive and critical for a safe and abundant food and fiber supply,” said Sally Johnson, Vice President, of New Holland Agriculture North America. “This agreement is the next step in delivering on New Holland’s promise to better serve our customers, and in a way that helps them safely and effectively manage and maintain their equipment uptime.”
The MOU respects intellectual property rights and recognizes the need to ensure safety controls and emission systems are not altered. CNH Industrial and AFBF will meet semiannually to review the agreement and address ongoing concerns.
“This agreement underscores CNH Industrial’s commitment to empowering our customers by providing them with resources and tools that allow them to safely self-repair their equipment in a timely manner,” said Kurt Coffey, Vice President, Case IH North America. “We know that agricultural equipment is one of the most significant investments for the American farmer. As a farmer, Farm Bureau member myself and brand leader, this MOU is a positive step forward in continuing to put the customer at the center of everything Case IH does.”
Earlier this year, eleven state legislatures saw “Right to Repair” bills outlining requirements that manufacturers provide the means necessary to make timely and cost-effective repairs in the field and at home.
The MOU sets a framework for farmers and independent repair facilities in all 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico to access CNH Industrial brand manuals, tools, product guides and information to self-diagnose and self-repair machines, as well as support from CNH Industrial brands to directly purchase diagnostic tools and order products and parts.
The AFBF board of directors unanimously approved the MOU with CNH Industrial brands Case IH and New Holland.
EDITOR’S TAKE:
We reported on the agreement between Deere and AFBF earlier this year. This agreement simply expands the terms to another major ag equipment OEM, as well as their customer base. As we reported previously, this has been a very contentious issue from the outset. Equipment dealers will have to work harder to maintain their service income as this agreement allows farmers/ranchers and independent service repair shops to also do repairs. That is why we suggest that you form a bond or relationship with the farmers/ranchers in your area by making parts and service specials available to them throughout the year, but especially near planting and harvesting seasons. Also, if you have a mobile unit, the extra convenience would certainly be appreciated to save them time.
