FTC and USDA open inquiry into farm equipment market restrictions

The Federal Trade Commission and U.S. Department of Agriculture launched a joint public inquiry into agricultural equipment manufacturing and distribution, including potential anticompetitive conduct. The agencies are responding to complaints received by USDA about barriers to acquiring equipment and services needed to keep it operating. They seek comments from farmers, independent repair providers and equipment industry employees on contractual terms, restrictions, penalties and retaliation, including effects on pricing, market entry and innovation. Comments must reach Regulations.gov by December 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. The agencies will use the responses to inform enforcement and regulatory priorities and future actions.