John Deere Lays Off 238 Workers Across Iowa, Illinois Amid Demand Decline

John Deere announced layoffs totaling nearly 250 workers across three Midwest manufacturing facilities due to declining demand and trade uncertainties impacting the agricultural equipment market. The layoffs include 115 employees at Harvester Works in East Moline, Illinois, 52 workers at the Seeding and Cylinder plant in Moline, Illinois, and 71 workers at the Foundry in Waterloo, Iowa, with last days ranging from late August to late September 2025. The company reported a 26% decrease in net income for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to the previous year, citing a 9% drop in worldwide net sales and an ongoing challenging agricultural economy. Despite these challenges, John Deere emphasized its commitment to U.S. manufacturing, planning to invest nearly $20 billion over the next decade to upgrade and expand its facilities. Affected employees are eligible for recall based on seniority and qualifications and will receive supplemental pay and health coverage for up to six months. Deere’s leadership highlighted efforts to match production with retail demand to build a healthier market amid current economic headwinds.