Hope For John Deere As Workers Return To Waterloo Factory

After months of layoffs and shrinking sales, there’s a bit of positive news coming out of John Deere.

The company is recalling about 140 workers back to its Waterloo, Iowa, factory after seeing a slight uptick in demand for its 8R and 9R tractors. It’s a modest move, but one that signals at least some stabilization in a market that’s been under heavy pressure.

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Since 2024, John Deere has laid off more than 2,000 factory workers, primarily in Iowa and Illinois, as it worked to adjust production to match softer demand. Industry analysts estimate sales of four-wheel-drive tractors have fallen nearly 25 percent, while combine sales are down roughly 35 percent in 2025. Lower commodity prices and higher input costs have kept many farmers cautious about making major equipment purchases.

Even with the recall, John Deere is still forecasting another 15 to 20 percent decline in overall sales in 2026. In the meantime, the company continues to look for ways to manage costs and stay competitive. That includes lowering prices on select parts and experimenting with new engine technology.

For now, the return of some workers offers a small but meaningful sign of momentum in an otherwise sluggish farm equipment market.