John Deere, Butterball to lay off hundreds of employees

John Deere is cutting 100 positions from its Waterloo Works plant in 2025, and Butterball will cut 200 positions in Jonesboro, Ark.

In another sign of the times, more ag companies have announced they are making cuts to navigate the economy.

John Deere has told Iowa that it is letting around 100 people go from its Waterloo Works plant come the new year. It is the latest in several layoffs by the company. During their latest earnings report, Deere said demand is down and they will continue adjusting to remain competitive.

Butterball is also handing out pink slips. The company will close its Jonesboro, Arkansas plant, putting nearly 200 people out of work. The plant will close in early February, with production transferred to another facility. Butterball’s CEO says it was a difficult decision, and they will work with afffected employees.

Related Stories
Record Choice grading levels are changing how beef quality premiums are valued.
The closure of Lubbock Feeders highlights mounting pressure on the U.S. cattle supply, according to the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, as border restrictions and costs strain feedyards.
Liquidity management and cost control will matter most in 2026.
Food demand is stable but price-sensitive across rural markets. For agriculture and rural communities, the important signal is not optimism — it is stability.
Stable blending demand continues to underpin corn use despite export volatility.
At Commodity Classic in San Antonio, growers explore new herbicide options, John Deere’s latest 8 Series tractors, and cutting-edge ag technology shaping the 2026 planting season. Here are some of RFD NEWS’ highlights from the event so far.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Lori Stevermer with the National Pork Producers Council reacts to the USDA’s speedline proposal, the new Farm Bill’s fix for California’s Prop-12, and other policy developments impacting the pork industry.
Weskan Grain CEO Will Bramblett discusses the antitrust lawsuit filed by grain farmers and agribusinesses, and its potential implications on rail competition and market access.
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney shares insight into Canada’s trade push in Mexico and what it could signal for agriculture and the USMCA moving forward.
Lawmakers request information from CEO Scott Stump over sponsorship concerns and potential implications for the organization’s nonprofit status.
Roger McEowen with the Washburn School of Law reviews key highlights from the House Agriculture Committee’s latest farm bill proposal.
Ethanol output is improving, but weak domestic demand and export headwinds temper optimism about corn demand. Renewable Fuels Association President & CEO Geoff Cooper discusses the latest developments on Federal approval of year-round E15.