BLOOMFIELD, Ia.- Agricultural equipment manufacturer John Deere recently announced a round of upcoming layoffs that will affect around 610 production workers in plants located in Iowa and Illinois. Those layoffs have been reported to be effective August 30th. This follows the news announced last month that the company would be shifting production of its skid steer loaders and compact track loaders from Dubuque to Mexico by the end of 2026.
During a stop in Bloomfield on Monday, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig reacted to the news.
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In a statement, the company cited rising manufacturing costs as a key factor. Lower crop prices have also caused a slow down in new agricultural equipment sales. Some forecasters have predicted a 25% decline in farm income this year over last. Secretary Naig said that the agricultural economy in general is experiencing what he termed as “softness” due to a number of factors.
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Secretary Naig said that the economic effects aren’t just limited to the agricultural equipment sector.
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Secretary Naig said that it was imperative for the state to do everything it can to help agriculture and manufacturing continue to thrive as they are key economic drivers in the state. His comments came as he was in Davis County to tour a local parts fabrication business on Monday.
