EAST MOLINE, Ill. – John Deere announced on Oct. 30 the anticipated hiring of over 400 workers across its factories and the recall of over 275 more employees to its Waterloo, Iowa, production plant. This will bring total callbacks since 2024 to approximately 1,000, according to the company.

“With these callbacks, all employees previously on layoff in Waterloo, the Quad Cities, Ottumwa and Dubuque have been asked to return to work. Approximately 125 employees remain on layoff in the Des Moines area,” stated a Deere news release.

John Deere facilities that are hiring workers include:

- Harvester Works

- Seeding and Cylinder in Moline, Ill.

- North American Parts Distribution Center in Milan, Ill.

- Davenport Works and Dubuque Works, both in Iowa

- Ottumwa Works in Ottumwa, Iowa

- Coffeyville Works in Coffeyville, Kan.

“The additional workforce will position the company to continue meeting customer needs through a range of operating environments, including future labor negotiations,” according to the news release.

It was after that things began to get confusing – the good news of Oct. 30 preceded Deere’s Nov. 4 announcement that they would close their Ottumwa plant and move it from Moline to Paton, Iowa, beginning next year. Deere’s windrower and round baler production lines are moving from Ottumwa to Des Moines, while the small planter production line at John Deere Seeding in Moline will move to Paton in 2027, Tom Loewy, of the Rock Island Dispatch-Argus, reported.

Deere’s public relations team stated: “Specific employment impacts will depend on future business conditions, production volumes and staffing needs. At normal production volumes, about 300 positions would be impacted by these adjustments; however, John Deere is currently operating far below normal production volumes due to the downturn in the ag economy. Employees will receive timely information as plans are finalized. We anticipate no impact to the number of positions at Seeding.”

The news release did not clarify how the Nov. 4 announcement would impact those seeking employment at Ottumwa Works. Farm World reached out to John Deere Company media to inquire about potential job openings at Deere and the application process; no response was offered prior to newspaper press time.

The plant realignments are part of an ongoing effort to optimize Deere’s manufacturing footprint, improve operational efficiency, and support continued investment in its U.S. operations, according to information provided by the company. Additional changes in Deere operations include:

- Small planters: “In fiscal year 2027, small planter production will move from John Deere Seeding in Moline, Ill., to John Deere’s facility in Paton, Iowa.”

- STS Sprayers: “Beginning in fiscal year 2028, production of Hagie STS sprayers will move to Deere’s factory in Thibodaux, La. As a result, Deere intends to end manufacturing operations at the Hagie factory in Clarion, Iowa, by fiscal year 2029.”

- Sugar Cane Harvesters: “In fiscal year 2029, sugar cane harvester production will move from Thibodaux, La., and be consolidated in (an existing facility in) Catalão, Brazil.”

In addition, “John Deere’s Construction and Forestry Division is evaluating strategic sourcing opportunities across its operations to strengthen competitiveness, increase flexibility, manage costs, and increase investment in critical capabilities, including product development, technology, field sales and customer support. This evaluation reflects broader industry efforts to respond to shifting market conditions, evolving customer demand, and global cost pressures.”

And, “Deere’s strategy remains centered on delivering value for customers, and the company’s commitment to U.S. manufacturing remains strong. These changes are designed to further strengthen the long-term competitiveness of John Deere’s manufacturing network and allow Deere to continue investing in American factories, advanced technologies and its workforce – helping preserve U.S. manufacturing jobs while creating opportunities for future growth and innovation.”