Nebraska lawmakers will looking at legislation that would make it easier for Nebraska farmers to repair their own equipment.
Many implement manufacturers prevent farmers from accessing the software they need to fix their tractors, combines, and other equipment. Farmers are then forced to turn to dealerships and that can lead to high repair bills because they have a monopoly on that information. That can result in delays in getting their crops out of the fields and greatly impacting livelihood.
LB 543 would adopt the Agricultural Equipment Right-To-Repair Act that allows farmers or independent repair shops to fix machinery.
Kevin O’Reilly is the Right to Repair Campaign Director and says, “Right to Repair is clearly a pro-farmer policy. That is why it has become such a popular issue across the country and here in Nebraska. Senator Tom Brandt’s Right To Repair LB-543 had earner the support of a number of agriculture groups across the state including the Nebraska Farm Bureau, The Nebraska Farmer’s Union, The state Dairy Association, Corn Growers, Pork Producers, the Cattlemen, Soybean Association, and the Wheat Growers Association. That is what the farmers want. That bill has made it through the committee and needs the vote.”
O’Reilly says they are hopeful and excited about the opportunity that Nebraska has to become the first state the Right-To-Repair and he hopes the Legislature will do the right thing and pass the bill. Fourteen states are considering similar legislation.
“I’m tied to two dealerships. I’ve got one 30 miles away and the other 100 miles away.” said Scott Potmesil, a cattle rancher from the Western Nebraska Sandhills. “For now, we just got to suck it up and do what we have to do. But I want to have a choice of who I take my equipment to.”
There is opposition from implement manufacturers and dealers. O’Reilly says they have a monopoly on the industry right now by controlling repairs. He says farmers deserve to be able to choose between fixing their own equipment, hire an independent mechanic, or turn to competing dealerships nearby.