Nebraska farmers face 89% increase in equipment repair costs, say bill would help

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A Nebraska farmer spoke out on Thursday about the lack of options when it comes to repairing equipment.

In a panel discussion, experts explained the challenges farmers face when equipment fails.  In most cases, they have to go to dealerships or manufacturers or wait for a certified technician to come to their farm.

According to Madison Denis, coordinator of the right to repair effort, many farmers are seeing an 89% increase in repair costs, leaving them with one of two options.

Farmers can either use decades-old equipment and miss out on advancing technology or wait hours, sometimes weeks, for technicians to repair their equipment.

Scott Potmesil, a fourth-generation farmer said, “I talked to my local independent mechanic and asked him, ‘What tractor should I buy?’ and he recommended a 1995 model. He said, ‘You can work on that yourself; it’ll keep you running.’ Dealing with older equipment, you don’t know what you’re buying, but at least we can fix it.”

Across the country, 14 states are considering the right to repair reforms.

In Nebraska, senators are currently looking over a high-priority bill (LB 543) proposed by Senator Tom Brandt.  The bill is scheduled to be reviewed before the legislative session ends.

If passed, it would give the proper tools and software to local mechanics and farmers, allowing them to fix equipment without going through manufacturers.