FTC and USDA Seek Comments on Agricultural Equipment Markets

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have launched a joint public inquiry into practices affecting agricultural equipment manufacturing and distribution markets. The agencies are examining fairness in the sale and maintenance of equipment, including barriers farmers may face when acquiring machinery and the services needed to keep it operating. The FTC and USDA say the request for information responds to a growing number of complaints received by USDA from farmers across the country. Comments are due December 7, 2026.

The agencies are inviting input from farmers, independent repair providers, manufacturers, dealers, and current or former employees of agricultural equipment manufacturers and dealerships. They are seeking information on relevant business models and practices, firsthand experiences, and broader competitive implications for the industry. As the agencies put it, the inquiry “seeks to address the growing number of complaints received by USDA that farmers across the country face other barriers to acquiring agricultural equipment and the services required to keep equipment operating.” This makes repair access and ongoing support—not only initial equipment sales—central issues for respondents to address.

For government procurement professionals and suppliers, the inquiry is a market and policy signal, not a contracting opportunity. It does not announce a solicitation, establish new requirements, or guarantee future procurement activity. However, findings could inform future agency attention to competition and market practices, with potential implications for sourcing options, sales channels, equipment availability, repair arrangements, and maintenance support. Contractors and suppliers serving agricultural markets should assess whether their business models, distribution relationships, or service practices are relevant to the agencies’ questions and consider providing substantiated information through the comment process.

The FTC and USDA state that they will use the information to “ensure that the marketplace for agricultural equipment remains fair and that farmers can continue to put food on Americans’ tables.” Stakeholders can make their input more useful by describing specific experiences, explaining how a practice affects access to equipment or service, and identifying broader effects on competition. The agencies have not announced what actions, if any, will follow the inquiry. Procurement teams should therefore monitor developments without treating the request for comment as a change to current purchasing rules or an assurance of new business.

• Comments are due December 7, 2026; eligible stakeholders with relevant experience may submit input to the joint inquiry.
• The FTC and USDA are examining agricultural equipment manufacturing, distribution, sales, and maintenance practices.
• The agencies cite complaints that farmers face barriers to acquiring equipment and the services needed to keep it operating.
• Requested information includes business models and practices, firsthand experiences, and broader competitive implications.
• The agencies specifically encourage comments from farmers, independent repair providers, and current or former employees of equipment manufacturers and dealers.
• Manufacturers, dealers, suppliers, and contractors can use the process to explain relevant market practices and service arrangements.
• Procurement teams should consider possible effects on equipment sourcing, sales channels, repair access, and maintenance support.
• The inquiry is an agency request for information, not a solicitation, award, new procurement requirement, or guarantee of future opportunities.
• The FTC and USDA say the information will help them assess how to keep agricultural equipment markets fair and support farmers’ access to equipment.