Imagine purchasing equipment that’s critical to the success of your business that costs you tens, if not over a hundred thousand dollars, but you’re not allowed to make repairs on the equipment yourself.
That is the reality that farmers in North Carolina and across the country fact: they are required to take that equipment to the dealer they purchased it from, or have a maintenance worker come out to repair the machinery.
Warren County farmer Patrick Brown says the lack of a “right-to-repair” policy in the state is burdensome and can be very costly.
“If the dealer comes out to you, you’re going to pay a travel fee of up to $180-$200. Plus the hourly rate once that maintenance tech gets on your farm to start to work,” Brown said.
Keep Cardinal & Pine free for everyone
If you found this story useful, would you consider supporting Cardinal & Pine?
Every day, our team works to provide North Carolinians with free, fact-based reporting about the issues, policies, and decisions shaping life across the state. We believe everyone deserves access to trustworthy local news—not just those who can afford a subscription.
That's why you'll never hit a paywall here (though we may ask you to sign up for our newsletter). But keeping our journalism free depends on readers who believe informed communities are worth investing in.
If our reporting has helped you better understand what's happening in North Carolina, please consider making a donation today. Every contribution helps us continue reporting, informing, and serving communities across the state.
Billy Ball
Senior Newsletter Editor
Support our team
