John Deere to close two Iowa manufacturing plants

John Deere plans to close two Iowa manufacturing facilities and shift production elsewhere over the next several years. According to Progressive Farmer, the company will move windrower and round baler production from Ottumwa to Des Moines and transfer Hagie STS sprayer production from Clarion, Iowa, to Thibodaux, Louisiana. The Iowa Capital Dispatch reported that about 300 employees could be affected under normal production levels, although Deere said workforce impacts will depend on future business conditions and current production remains below typical levels due to the downturn in agriculture. Ottumwa officials estimate the closure could ultimately eliminate about 400 jobs and more than $30 million in payroll. AgWeb reported Deere expects to close the 115-year-old Ottumwa plant by fiscal year 2029, with the Clarion facility following a similar timeline. The company says it remains committed to its planned $20 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing over the next decade despite softer equipment sales and lower profits. NAFB news service