“The John Deere strike has farmers worried,” read the headline on the NBC News website Oct. 19. If you read past the headline, what actually comes across is how farmers were being squeezed by skyrocketing prices for new and used equipment and parts well before the strike. It cites an auctioneer who said used tractors and other farm equipment are selling for 30% to 50% more than they were two years ago. Meanwhile, John Deere is boasting record profits.
“If John Deere cared about farmers, they wouldn’t force them to sign service contracts saying they can’t repair their equipment except through their dealers,” Jim Goodman, a retired dairy farmer in Wonewoc, Wisconsin, told the Militant. “The new equipment has software that’s locked. It’s very expensive if you have to get it fixed. John Deere’s policies hurt farmers way more than the strikers do.” There have been lawsuits by farmers against Deere and other companies in recent years demanding the “right to repair” one’s own equipment.
“I don’t think most farmers begrudge workers a wage raise,” Goodman added. “The corporations dictate to you, whether you’re a worker or a farmer who has to buy from them.”
Farmers reject Deere moves to pit them against strike
