Consolidation is a sweeping trend that is affecting life in rural America. By acting on Tractor Supply Company's acquisition of Orscheln, the Federal Trade Commission is taking action to limit its impact on agricultural communities.
The day before National Farmer Day, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) took action to limit consolidation in agricultural communities. The FTC issued a consent order relating to Tractor Supply Company’s acquisition of Orscheln Farm and Home LLC, a rival chain with more than 150 stores spanning the Midwest and South. Both stores sell products used by small farmers, ranchers and gardeners.
Consolidation is a sweeping trend that is affecting life in rural America. U.S. PIRG investigated how agricultural equipment dealership consolidation is hurting farmers by further reducing their repair choices. The report, “Deere in the Headlights II“, found that there is one John Deere dealership for every 12,018 American farms and every 5.3 million acres of American farmland.
Under the order, Tractor Supply will be forced to divest some Orscheln stores, which will instead be run by other, smaller chains, Bomgaars and Buchheit. The FTC is taking further steps to ensure that harmful consolidation is avoided by requiring the chains to get approval for certain sales and acquisitions of stores moving forward.
It's harder than it should be to fix our stuff. Manufacturers of every electronic product from toasters to tractors create barriers that stymie repair from owners or independent repair businesses. It's fueling a rise in electronic waste, the loss of independent repair businesses -- and ultimately more cost and more waste for consumers.
Stop The Overuse Of Antibiotics
Energy Conservation & Efficiency
Energy Conservation & Efficiency
