LINCOLN, NEB. – A legislative bill designed to ensure Nebraska’s farmers, ranchers, and independent repair technicians have access to information, diagnostic equipment, and parts to repair farm equipment and machinery is being supported by the Nebraska Farm Bureau.

Senator Tom Brandt of Plymouth offered LB 543 to address an ongoing issue of concern to farmers where farm equipment manufacturers have maintained exclusive control over equipment information and technology. That limits farmers’ and ranchers’ ability to purchase information and tools necessary to repair their own equipment or use an independent third-party service technician for assistance.

Mark McHargue, Nebraska Farm Bureau president said with production agriculture being a machinery and equipment intense and time-sensitive business....timely and cost-effective repair is vital.

Nebraska Farm Bureau has discussed at the state and national levels with farm equipment manufacturers about the “right to repair” issue. In the automobile industry, vehicle owners and independent technicians can purchase information, diagnostic equipment, and parts needed for vehicle repairs from vehicle manufacturers.

McHargue says Farm Bureau members want that same flexibility in farm equipment repair.

He said the bureau's interest is in making sure farmers and ranchers have the ability to purchase what they need at a reasonable rate to get their equipment up and running or have the option of turning to an independent technician.