Arizona's fight for farmers' right to repair their equipment has taken a legal turn, with Attorney General Kris Mayes stepping into the ring alongside the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The officials have filed a lawsuit against Deere & Company, better known as John Deere, accusing them of running an unlawful repair monopoly that puts undue strain on those who work the land. According to a press release from Mayes' office, the suit emphasizes the importance of protecting the competition and supporting the agricultural community's autonomy.

"Arizona farmers deserve the right to repair their own equipment without being held hostage by a corporate monopoly," Mayes said, as stated by the Arizona Attorney General's Office. This tactic not only inflates the costs of repairs but also leads to inevitable delays. Such practices seemingly push farmers into a corner where they have no choice but to utilize the services provided exclusively by John Deere and abandon the possibility of repairing their equipment through independent means or at a potentially lower cost.

John Deere's domination and restriction of the repair market for its large tractors and combines violates the Arizona Uniform State Antitrust Act. The lawsuit alleges that the monopoly held by Deere in this market constitutes a violation of A.R.S. § 44-1403, a conclusion supported by corresponding federal law.