Deere Recalls Workers as Farm Equipment Sales Remain Weak

(NAFB.com) John Deere anticipates hiring more than 400 workers across its factories and recalling more than 275 employees to its Waterloo, Iowa, operations in the coming months. The company says the moves would bring total callbacks since 2024 to about 1,000 employees. Deere also reports that workers previously laid off in Waterloo, the Quad Cities, Ottumwa (oh-TUM-wah), and Dubuque (duh-BYOOK) have been asked to return. Agri-Pulse reported that about 125 employees remain on layoff in the Des Moines area. The hiring comes as Deere prepares for labor negotiations next year, while continuing to manage uneven demand between its agricultural and construction equipment operations. However, the broader farm machinery market remains weak. Association of Equipment Manufacturers data show U.S. tractor sales fell 16.4 percent in September compared with a year earlier. Combine sales were down 10.9 percent. The figures suggest Deere s workforce moves have not yet been matched by a broader recove