Contacted by DTN for additional information, Deere said the specific employment effects “will depend on future business conditions, production volumes and staffing needs.”
Thus, with “normal” production volumes, around 300 positions would be affected by the adjustments, Deere told DTN.
“However, John Deere is currently operating well below normal production volumes due to the slowdown in the agricultural economy,” the company said. “Employees will receive timely information as plans are finalized.”
The company said it plans to provide transition support to employees at affected facilities. This may include opportunities for workers to transfer to other plants, retraining assistance, retention offers, relocation assistance, severance packages and career transition assistance, according to Deere.
Last week, Deere announced that it plans to hire more than 400 people at its factories and recall more than 275 employees at its Waterloo, Iowa, plant, according to an Oct. 30, 2026, company news release.
“With these recalls, all previously furloughed employees in Waterloo, Quad Cities, Ottumwa and Dubuque have been asked to return to work,” the company said last week. “Approximately 125 employees are still laid off in the Des Moines area.”
Additionally, the company said in its latest announcement that it plans to move production of sugar cane harvesters from Louisiana to Catalao, Brazil, in 2029. The Louisiana factory employs between 350 and 400 people, according to information from Louisiana Economic Development. Deere told DTN that Thibodaux’s move would not result in any reduction in workforce at that plant because sprayer production would be moved there.
“John Deere hopes to continue serving our customers without interruption throughout these changes,” Deere said Wednesday.
“The company will manage transitions carefully with the goal of maintaining product quality, availability and service. At the same time, John Deere recognizes the impact these decisions will have on employees and communities. Throughout the transition, the company will collaborate with employees, union representatives where appropriate, local leaders and community stakeholders, and is committed to identifying the best future use of the Ottumwa and Clarion sites.
Deere also announced plans by 2027 to move production of small planters from John Deere Seeding in Moline, Illinois, to the company’s facility in Paton, Iowa.
The company said it was “evaluating strategic sourcing opportunities” in its construction and forestry divisions.
“These changes reaffirm Deere’s commitment to manufacturing in the United States by aligning production capacity with regional customer demand and advanced manufacturing capabilities,” the company said.
“By focusing investments in modern, highly utilized facilities, Deere intends to preserve and expand critical U.S. manufacturing capabilities, improve competitiveness, support U.S. manufacturing jobs, and maintain its ability to invest throughout economic cycles while continuing to serve its customers into the future.”
In total, John Deere employs more than 12,000 people in Iowa and about 6,500 in Illinois, according to the company.
Todd Neeley can be contacted at todd.neeley@dtn.com
Follow him on social platform X @DTNeeley
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