Warren Buffett Expands His Portfolio, Invests in John Deere Tractor Equipment

Nov 23, 2012

Buffett’s Berkshire Purchases $330 Million Worth of Shares In John Deere and Co.

One of the most successful U.S. business investors - Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway recently invested in $330 million worth of shares in John Deere & Company, a well-known maker of tractors and agriculture equipment.

This move demonstrates that Buffett isn’t afraid to expand his portfolio into areas that he hasn’t traditionally invested in - like agriculture.

Deere’s net income was at $3.07 billion for the full fiscal year- however it fell short of expectations of an estimated $3.12 billion– which can largely be attributed to unexpected cost increases. Deere shares have been trading $82 to $85 which is just short of its record high of slightly under $90 a share.

Video: Winter Service Inspections for John Deere Equipment - The FarmCast Ep64

The FarmCast, host Troy Randall speaks with Doug Luedke, Vice President of Service, and Davin Peterson, Executive Vice President of Aftermarket at 21st Century Equipment, to discuss the importance of proactive service and how it helps farmers reduce downtime during their busiest seasons. The conversation focuses on the Winter Service Inspection Program, a comprehensive approach designed to keep equipment running at peak performance and limit costly in-season breakdowns through preventative maintenance and expert technician support.

Doug and Devin explain how 21st Century Equipment’s service teams have evolved to meet the needs of today’s connected machines. With more technology and data integrated into modern equipment, technicians now play a vital role in both mechanical repairs and precision ag support. Through advanced diagnostics, machine monitoring, and John Deere’s Expert Alerts, they can identify and address potential issues before they become major problems—saving customers valuable time, money, and frustration.

Throughout the discussion, the team shares real-world success stories demonstrating how proactive inspections and customer-focused service help maximize uptime and efficiency for every operation. Whether it’s a large tractor, combine, or small mower, the goal remains the same: to provide trusted, reliable support that helps farmers and landowners stay productive and confident in their equipment year-round.