A bill supporters say would give Iowans a clear right to repair their farm equipment has cleared initial review in the Iowa House. Iowa Farmers Union President Aaron Lehman says some manufacturers are voluntarily providing information to farmers about how to repair tractors, combines and other equipment, but it’s not enough.
“We need something that has real teeth,” Lehman said, “real enforcement.” The bill as currently written would require manufacturers to provide free access to software that would guide someone through the process of making repairs, but key lawmakers say they’re likely to come up with some sort of an access fee. Jake Highfill, a lobbyist for the Digital Right to Repair Coalition, says the costs of repairs are getting insane, and the bill would save farmers money.
“Farmers have been fixing their tractors and equipment for deades, probably almost 100 years,” Highfill says. “This is a simple approach.” Farm implement dealers are speaking out against the bill.
