John Deere Recalling and Hiring Hundreds of Workers Even as Farm Equipment Sales Stay Weak

John Deere plans to hire more than 400 workers across its factories and recall more than 275 laid-off employees to its Waterloo, Iowa, operations in the coming months, even as the broader farm equipment market remains under pressure.

The company says the moves would bring employee callbacks since 2024 to about 1,000. Workers previously laid off in Waterloo, the Quad Cities, Ottumwa and Dubuque have been asked to return, while about 125 employees remain on layoff in the Des Moines area.

The hiring does not yet point to a broad recovery in machinery demand. Association of Equipment Manufacturers figures show U.S. tractor sales fell 16.4% in September from a year earlier, while combine sales dropped 10.9%.

Deere's plans show an uneven picture across its factories. Separately announced production changes would move windrower and round baler work from Ottumwa to Des Moines, with windrower production expected there by the end of fiscal 2027 and round balers by the end of fiscal 2028.

The company also plans to move Hagie STS sprayer production from Clarion, Iowa, to Thibodaux, Louisiana, beginning in fiscal 2028, with Clarion operations set to close by the end of fiscal 2029. Deere said it would work with employees, union representatives and communities on the future of the affected facilities.

The recalls and hiring offer a lift for workers returning to production, but the remaining layoffs, planned closures and weak equipment sales show why the moves should not be read as an across-the-board turnaround for the farm machinery industry.