More John Deere Layoffs Coming to Two Iowa Cities

After a hectic year defined by layoffs, John Deere is announcing another round in two major Iowa cities as the agricultural economy continues to struggle, per The Des Moines Register.

On Wednesday, September 17th, John Deere announced that they would be laying off 101 workers at two plants, effective on different dates in October. This news comes after Deere's foundry in Waterloo laid off 71 workers, and 167 workers from its Quad Cities (Illinois) facility were also given slips.

READ MORE: John Deere Announces It's Moving Some Production Out of Dubuque

Where the Layoffs are Happening:

John Deere announced that 101 workers at its plant in Waterloo would be laid off on October 17th, in addition to 40 workers from its plant in Ankeny, who will officially be laid off on October 31st. In its statement, per The Des Moines Register, Deere noted that Ankeny did not experience any layoffs in August, and that the Waterloo layoffs would be happening in divisions separate from the foundry:

• Tractor Operations
• Drive Train Operations
• Drive Train West
• Engine Works

John Deere's Statement on the Imminent Layoffs:

The Des Moines Register obtained a statement from John Deere regarding the Waterloo and Ankeny layoffs:

As is common in manufacturing, production schedules at each John Deere factory vary to align with seasonal farming needs. When fewer orders come in, each factory adjusts accordingly [....] Throughout this process we remain focused on providing customers the high-quality equipment they depend on, while investing to strengthen the foundations of U.S. manufacturing - John Deere's statement on the layoffs, per the Des Moines Register

Since April 2024, approximately 2,200 John Deere employees have been laid off. Softening demand and year-over-year decreases in both income and sales have been cited as contributing factors to these decisions.

The Agricultural Economy is Struggling as a Whole:

While the U.S. Department of Agriculture forecast on September 3rd stated that overall cash receipts for farmers is up 4.7% from a year ago, most of the increase is from livestock sales and direct government farm payments. Crop receipts are down 2.5% compared to 2024.

READ MORE: National Delivery Service to Lay Off More Than 80 Iowa Workers

In John Deere's case, tariffs are also a contributing factor. The company has already seen $300 million in tariff-related expenses hit their ledgers, and that number could rise to $600 million in time. In total, John Deere employs over 30,000 workers in 60 factories and offices across the United States.

Relief for Those Laid Off:

Per The Des Moines Register, John Deere said employees at Waterloo and Ankeny who were laid off will receive supplemental unemployment benefits based on years of service, as well as healthcare benefits for the next six months. Read more about these imminent layoffs on The Des Moines Register's website.