That's the decision made over the summer by the US Judicial Panel on Multi-district Litigation.
The plaintiffs filed lawsuits in different states, but they all claim Deere and Company used anti-competitive practices to monopolize repair and maintenance services for Deere farm equipment. They also accuse the company of restricting access to software and diagnostic tools necessary to repair and maintain tractors, combines, and other machinery.
The plaintiffs include Colvin Farms, Eagle Lakes Farms Partnership, England Farms and Harvesting, Forest River Farms, Hapka Farms, Lloyd Family Farms, Plum Ridge Farms, Robbins Family Grain, Wilson Farms Land and Cattle, plus about a dozen individuals.
"Progressive Farmer" reports not all plaintiffs who have filed similar lawsuits have joined the class action complaint.
The judicial panel assigned the case to US District Judge Iain Johnston in Rockford.
The next court date is set for December 8th.
