How Farmers Are Reclaiming Control of Equipment Repairs

Learn about Noregon's 30-year history helping the industry maximize uptime and advance technician skillsets. OTHER Learn about Noregon's 30-year history helping the industry maximize uptime and advance technician skillsets. OTHER Get diagnostics tips, training updates, and product updates delivered to your inbox. Across the country, hardworking families are losing generational farms that have stood for decades, even centuries. The time, labor, and dedication invested often do not justify the financial reward, forcing many to walk away from their livelihoods. Farmers are resilient and often have to find ways to reduce costs to remain profitable. One way farmers achieve this is by repairing more of their equipment in house and saving on dealership costs. Tools like JPRO give farmers the same diagnostic capabilities dealerships rely on. With broad makes/models coverage, they can troubleshoot trucks, tractors, and more equipment in-house to reduce downtime and control repair costs. The Issues Farmers Face & The State of Modern Agriculture Competing against large corporations, whether nearby or across state lines, often proves difficult when those companies have vast infrastructures, more workers, and deeper pockets. For small and family-run farms, every hour of productivity counts, and rising costs only make the challenge greater. Modern agriculture is rapidly evolving. In an industry that is increasingly reliant on automation and technology, staying ahead of the curve, or at least remaining in the race matters more than ever. Several factors continue to influence the state of agriculture today: Rising costs for on and off-highway tractors According to the Farm Bureau , “production expenses in 2025 are projected at record levels of $467 billion, nearly $12 billion higher than 2024 (up 2.6%), $50 billion above the previous five-year average (12%) and $85 billion above the previous ten-year average (21%).” Risks of equipment downtime Farming typically occurs in specific seasons, and when equipment issues happen during peak times, productivity can drop quickly. According to Successful Farming , “Farmers are losing an average of $3,348 per year to repair downtime and restrictions because farm equipment makers limit their ability to fix tractors, combines, and other equipment.” Reliable diagnostics and timely repairs are critical to keeping operations running. Mixed fleets Farmers often rely on several different types of equipment, from tractors to skid steers. Managing repairs and diagnostics across multiple brands can be difficult without a single tool that works for all makes and models. Skills shortage The transportation and agriculture industries continue to face a shortage of qualified technicians. This shortage often leaves farmers waiting longer for service or relying on limited local resources. However, by 2026, our studies show that it’s expected there will be a 2-to-1 ratio of technicians to diagnostic tools, helping to close that gap by improving repair efficiency. Technology integration As farms rely more on technology, many operators still struggle with data management and equipment interoperability. Having the right diagnostic tools, like JPRO , helps to bridge that gap by simplifying maintenance and improving insight across mixed fleets. View the data below to learn how JPRO offers a clear return on investment for farmers. Keeping Equipment Repairs In-House with JPRO JPRO’s industry-leading diagnostics have long been trusted by fleets of every type and size. Beyond trucks and trailers, JPRO also supports popular off-highway and agricultural equipment — helping farms maintain their entire operation with one powerful tool. Agricultural customers benefit from: Comprehensive diagnostics Multi-brand and component coverage across on- and off-highway equipment from one application. For a list of off-highway equipment covered by JPRO, view our coverage chart . User-friendly design Integrated repair information Real-time vehicle data Live monitoring of critical systems to identify problems before they lead to downtime. Continuous updates Regular software enhancements and expanded OEM coverage to meet evolving customer needs. Tool connectivity Integration with Noregon’s suite of tools, such as NextStep Repair and ShopPulse for streamlined shop management, repair tracking, and fleet analysis. Customer Success Story: Van Cleef Auto Parts Located in Waverly, Virginia, Van Cleef Auto Parts is a family-owned business that has served its community for decades, providing repair and maintenance for everything from heavy-duty vehicles, agricultural, and industrial equipment. As agriculture, solar, and industrial operations continued to grow in the region, Van Cleef Auto Parts needed a diagnostic solution that could handle multiple makes and models without needing to purchase several OEM-specific tools. That’s where JPRO came in. With real-time data, fault code analysis, and bi-directional controls, technicians were able to quickly identify issues and verify repairs in-house, reducing downtime and outsourcing costs, all with one tool. The integration of NextStep Repair also gives their team access to repair procedures, and specifications directly in the software. Van Cleef’s Shop Foreman Wayne D. Garrett credits JPRO with helping his team deliver big-shop capabilities in a small-town setting, allowing them to provide the same level of service and technology found in large metropolitan facilities. For more on Van Cleef’s story, view their dedicated case study here: Van Cleef Auto Parts . Tying it All Together Local farmers are facing a tough market. But with the right tools, like JPRO and NextStep Repair , the market is much easier to keep up with, as farmers are capable of repairing various types of equipment from one, familiar application.  A Modern Approach to CAN Bus Diagnostics Why traditional CAN bus diagnostics fail and how modern diagnostics identify faults faster. Guide to CARB’s Clean Truck Check Learn about California’s Clean Truck Check program and how to stay compliant with new requirements. A Technician’s Guide to DPF Regens Learn the importance of DPF regens and the costs and consequences of running them unnecessarily. Small Town Shop Offers Big-Time Services Learn how Van Cleef Auto Parts uses TaaS to provide leading service, versatility, and customer satisfaction. This whitepaper explores the 2026 economic outlook, industry trends, and customer research findings. 10 Steps Before Clearing Fault Codes Learn the 10 steps to take before clearing a fault code to avoid recurring issues. Streamline the Diagnostic Process As shops take inventory of their diagnostic tools, it's vital to consider the importance of tech-to-tool ratios. Differences Between OE and SAE Fault Codes Learn the differences between OE and SAE fault codes and how JPRO can simplify fault code analysis. Ways to Recruit & Retain Skilled Truck Drivers Explore the most effective ways to recruit and retain the backbone of the American economy: truck drivers. ©Noregon. JPRO, NextStep, and TripVision are registered trademarks of Noregon. All Rights Reserved.