"Beyond the Toolbox: Exploring the Complexities of the Right to Repair Debate in Agriculture"

We acknowledge the complexity of the debate—it’s not just about farmers hacking software but a broader discussion about safety, ownership, relationships, and trust.

Defining Right to Repair:

Farmers’ desire to access tools, diagnostics, and manuals to repair their equipment independently.

Manufacturers’ perspective on safety, emissions compliance, cybersecurity, and intellectual property rights.

What the Debate Is Really About:

It’s not as simple as “farmers vs. manufacturers.”

Broader implications for safety, environmental sustainability, and secure operation.

What Equipment Manufacturers Support:

According to the AEM statement, manufacturers support customers’ access to:

Safety materials, Manuals, service guides, and diagnostic tools.

Training, best practices, and parts at authorized prices.

The Bigger Picture – People, Personalities, and Perspectives

Farmers’ Perspective:

Frustrations with downtime during critical seasons.

Stories of how delays in repair access have impacted operations.

The pride farmers take in being self-reliant and innovative problem-solvers.

Manufacturers’ Concerns:

Safety risks associated with untrained individuals performing repairs.

Cybersecurity risks and potential violations of emissions compliance.

Concerns about providing access to embedded proprietary software.

Trust and Collaboration:

The relationship between farmers, dealerships, and manufacturers.

Challenges in balancing farmers’ needs with manufacturers’ responsibility to protect their products and technology.

Breaking Down Key Issues

Manufacturer concerns about ensuring proper repair and maintenance practices.

Risks of unauthorized modifications leading to unsafe or non-compliant equipment.

Cybersecurity Threats:

Potential vulnerabilities in connected equipment and broader networks.

Real-world examples of what could go wrong if sensitive systems are compromised.

Economic Impacts:

How Right to Repair regulations could disrupt current market dynamics.

Concerns from manufacturers about government-mandated repair provisions.

A Free Market vs. Regulation:

Discussing manufacturers’ objection to laws dictating the cost and manner of repair information sharing.

The balance between fostering competition and protecting innovation.

Where Do We Go From Here?

What Needs to Change:

Open discussion on what each side—farmers and manufacturers—needs to consider to find common ground.

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Website: www.Farm4Profit.com

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In this quick-hit episode, we sit down with Zach Johnson (aka The Millennial Farmer) and Just a Jackson Thing for a laid-back conversation that’s all about the love of agriculture. We talk shop—literally—with updates on Jackson’s new space, swap stories about their favorite tractors, and reflect on what keeps them passionate about creating farm content.

Zach and Jackson share how social media has become a powerful platform to tell the truth about life on the farm—from the tough days to the moments of joy. Plus, they take on some audience questions, offering candid answers and laughs along the way.

Whether you’re in the tractor cab, at the shop, or scrolling through TikTok, this episode is a feel-good reminder of the community agriculture creates—and the personalities that make it even better.

Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!

https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/

Don’t forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen!

Website: www.Farm4Profit.com

Shareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.com

Email address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.com

Call/Text: 515.207.9640

Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5Xqw

Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc

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Custom harvesting is a lifestyle, a business, and an essential part of the agricultural ecosystem—and few know it better than Frederick Harvesting & Trucking. What began as a small family operation with one combine and one truck has grown into a dynamic business that travels across multiple states each year, helping farmers bring in their crops efficiently and on time.

In this episode, we sit down with the Frederick family to talk about the realities of life on the harvest trail—the long days, the logistical puzzles, the tight-knit crew, and the powerful sense of purpose that comes from serving farmers across the Midwest. We dive into the evolution of their business, how technology and equipment upgrades have shaped the way they work, and what it takes to stay organized while moving across state lines with a full fleet.

More than that, we ask the Fredericks how someone new might get started in custom harvesting. What equipment do you need? How do you find clients? What skills are required? What are the biggest challenges and most rewarding parts of the job? Whether you're a young entrepreneur or a farm kid with a dream, this episode has the practical insights and motivational spark you’ve been looking for.

You’ll also hear about:

The benefits of hiring a harvest crew vs. owning your own equipment

The importance of crew culture and treating employees like family

How harvesters build lasting relationships with farmers over decades

The biggest surprises people don’t expect about the custom harvesting lifestyle

Tips for keeping machines running and staff energized during the heat of harvest

This episode is your backstage pass to one of agriculture’s most unique and mobile businesses.

Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!

https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/

Don’t forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen!

Website: www.Farm4Profit.com

Shareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.com

Email address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.com

Call/Text: 515.207.9640

Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5Xqw

Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc

Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/