The U.S. Copyright Office wants Congress to pass a law to give consumers permanent right to repair. In a recent report, the agency indicated it no longer wants to review exemptions to Section 1201 of the Digital Millenium Copyrights Act every three years. Nebraska Farmers Union President John Hansen agrees and says that would be helpful for agriculture. He says farmers and ranchers need to be able to repair their own equipment.

He says farmers and ranchers can’t afford extra down time when their farm implements break down in the field.

The Equipment Dealers Association says improper repairs and modifications can void equipment warranties and/or violate applicable safety or environmental laws. Hansen says they’re taking advantage of the situation to get more money from producers.

Hansen is hopeful they’ll be another run at legislation next session in the Nebraska Unicameral for approval of right to repair.