In my view, this settlement represents neither a defeat nor a complete victory for either side. Instead, it marks the beginning of a new chapter in how manufacturers, dealers, independent repair providers and equipment owners will work together in the years ahead.

According to reports, big companies like Ford and philanthropies are stepping up to boost programs to get more people into the trades — a boost to the tune of $400 million. 

The settlement represents the FTC’s “latest commitment to reducing the cost of living for Americans, including both farmers and downstream consumers of the products those farmers produce,” the agency said. 

Allowing its independent dealers to gather at the all-colors Dealership Minds Summit apparently makes the Deere corporate office uneasy.

The inaugural Ag Equipment Intelligence Executive Summit, a first-ever peer learning and networking event diving into ag machinery market intelligence, brought together all corners of the ag machinery industry — dealers, distributors, manufacturers, lenders and suppliers.

Class-action 101 and observations on the race by attorneys and their subcontractors to get an even larger piece of John Deere’s $99 million settlement intended for farmers.