John Deere Plans Changes to U.S. Farm Equipment Production

John Deere announced changes to its U.S. manufacturing operations on November 4, including plans to relocate production of several agricultural equipment lines and close two Iowa factories. The changes are intended to align manufacturing capacity with regional customer demand, improve operational efficiency, and support continued investment in the company's U.S. operations.

Windrower production will move from Ottumwa Works in Iowa to Des Moines Works by the end of fiscal year 2027. Round baler production is planned to follow by the end of fiscal year 2028. After the transition, Deere intends to close its Ottumwa factory.

Production of Hagie STS sprayers will move to Deere's facility in Thibodaux, Louisiana, beginning in fiscal year 2028. Deere intends to end manufacturing operations at the Hagie factory in Clarion, Iowa, by fiscal year 2029.

The company also plans to relocate small planter production in fiscal year 2027 from John Deere Seeding in Moline, Illinois, to its facility in Paton, Iowa.

Sugar cane harvester production will move from Thibodaux to Catalão, Brazil, in fiscal year 2029. Deere already manufactures sugar cane harvesters in Catalão. The company said the consolidation will bring production closer to the largest concentration of customer demand in South America. Thibodaux currently produces approximately 35 machines annually for the U.S. market.

In addition to the agricultural equipment production changes, Deere's Construction and Forestry Division is evaluating strategic sourcing opportunities across its operations. The evaluation is intended to strengthen competitiveness, increase flexibility, manage costs, and support investment in product development, technology, field sales, and customer support.

Customer & Community Impact

Deere expects to continue serving customers without disruption during the transitions, with the goal of maintaining product quality, availability, and service.

The company said it will engage with employees, union representatives where applicable, local leaders, and community stakeholders during the process. Deere also is committed to identifying the best future use for the Ottumwa and Clarion sites.

The manufacturing changes are part of Deere's ongoing evaluation of its production footprint as markets, technologies, and customer expectations evolve. The company said it plans to concentrate investments in modern, high-use facilities while continuing to advance automation and manufacturing technologies.