John Deere Announces Another Round of Layoffs in Waterloo

John Deere has announced another round of layoffs as the ag economy continues to struggle with a depressed demand for equipment.

How Many Workers is John Deere Laying Off?

According to the Des Moines Register, the company announced Wednesday that it will be laying off 101 workers at its Waterloo plant and 40 employees from its Ankeny plant. The layoffs go into effect next month. This is on top of a previously announced layoff of 71 workers at Deere's foundry in Waterloo that goes into effect Friday.

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Why is John Deere Making the Layoffs?

The Register reports that in a statement, the company noted production schedules at John Deere factories vary to align with farming needs. When fewer orders come in, factories have to adjust. The Waterloo layoffs will reportedly be happening in Tractor Operations, Drive Train Operations, Drive Train West, and Engine Works, according to the Register.

The Farm Economy Continues to Struggle

The struggling farm economy has continued to lower the demand for new ag equipment. The Register reports that tariffs have also hit John Deere hard with $300 million in related expenses so far this year, and the total could reach $600 million.

Since 2024, John Deere has cut back its workforce in the state of Iowa 26 times, laying off approximately 2,200 workers, according to the Register.