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
ASFMRA’s Luke Worrell joined us to discuss farmland market trends, insights from the Illinois Land Values Conference, changing buyer and seller demographics, and the latest outlook on planting progress.
Roger McEowen joins us to explain the USDA appeals process and how farmers should navigate adverse decisions and crop insurance disputes.
Louisiana soybean farmers are moving quickly to get this year’s crop planted during a key window for yield potential.
Higher input costs are making flexible marketing plans and updated break-even targets more important.
Data center growth can bring opportunities, but competition for land, water, and power will matter more in rural areas.
Rail rulings, export terminal access, and equipment rules are becoming bigger factors in grain shipping costs and reliability.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Both imports and exports are moving through the Panama Canal at a slower pace as the ag industry continues to deal with drought-related restrictions.
Recent developments in ag law and tax — that is the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV-Agri-Legal Expert Roger McEowen.
The Cowboy Channel’s spectacular 55-foot float to include live performances by rising country music star Annie Bosko, escorted by a cavalcade of world-champion cowgirls