UPDATED: Deere Announces Layoffs at East Moline Harvester Works

Sep 28, 2023

Layoffs at the East Moline plant could be due to a potentially bad 2024 harvest, according to a Sept. 23 report from KWQC News.

In an interview with the news station, Iowa State University Professor Dr. Peter F. Orazem said the layoffs were unusual as Deere appears ready to end 2023 in "really good shape." He said the act of laying off staff could be a more forward-thinking action, potentially as preparation for a "not as successful harvest, in terms of both prices and potentially yields."

"And so, under those circumstances, they're [Deere] anticipating farmers won't have cash on hand over the winter when they normally upgrade [their equipment].

Deere said in a statement to KWQC that "the company has consistently stated that each Deere factory balances the size of its production workforce with the needs of the individual factory to optimize the workforce at each facility."

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Video: California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Meet Willy: California Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farm Dog of the Year!

We’re excited to introduce Willy, a miniature long-haired dachshund with a big heart and even bigger courage, and the Grand Prize winner of this year’s Farm Dog of the Year Contest!

Willy may be small, but he’s become an indispensable partner on owner Marshal Hagedorn’s forestry and cattle operations in Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties. Adopted in 2023, he quickly found his place on the ranch, helping manage critters, tagging along for long days in the woods, and offering unwavering companionship during demanding logging work.

Willy has even taken naturally to moving cattle, surprising calves (and more than a few full-grown cows!) with his burst of energy from the tall grass. As Marshal put it: “He goes with me everywhere every single day.”

Congratulations to Willy and his family, a perfect example of how every good farm dog, no matter the size, helps keep California agriculture running strong.