John Deere Lays Off Iowa Workers
When folks in Iowa think about pride and hard work, John Deere used to come to mind first. But these days, it feels like the company is selling us out just to fatten up their pockets.
In February, Deere announced it would lay off 119 workers at its Ankeny plant, where around 1,500 people earn their keep. This move comes after about 2,000 other layoffs across Iowa in the past year. Deere blames “tough times in farming.”
“Tough times in farming.” – John Deere, Company Statement
But the real kicker? They’re shifting work down to Mexico.
Chasing Cheap Labor South of the Border
Deere has made it clear—they’re moving parts of their manufacturing to a new plant in Ramos, Mexico. Skid steer loaders and compact track loaders made in Dubuque are getting shipped out of state—and out of country. It’s not just Dubuque. Factories in Waterloo and Ottumwa are also seeing work head south.
Sure, they say it’s “economic necessity.”
“Economic necessity.” – John Deere, Company Statement
But when you’re pulling $7 billion in profit in one year, it’s kinda hard to feel sorry. Especially when CEO John May raked in $26.8 million in 2023, and Deere spent $43.6 billion buying back its own stock over the last two decades. There’s no excuse. They could’ve kept those jobs right here in Iowa.
Real People, Real Pain
Layoffs at Ankeny started back in March, and the final round hit on April 28. Workers are getting a little help—some unemployment benefits and healthcare coverage for six months, maybe more. But let’s be real: half a paycheck and half a year’s healthcare don’t go far when groceries, gas, and rent just keep climbing.
John Deere built its reputation on the backs of these workers. Now it feels like they’re being thrown aside like yesterday’s news.
UAW: Fighting for the Working Class
The United Auto Workers (UAW) ain’t taking this lying down. They blasted Deere’s actions.
“There is no need for Deere to kill good American jobs and outsource them to Mexico for cheap labor. The company is forecasted to make $7 billion in profit this year.” – United Auto Workers, Official Statement
UAW also called out Washington. Broken trade laws have left American workers high and dry. NAFTA, supported by both Bush Sr. and Clinton, slammed Midwestern manufacturing jobs. Later, Bush Jr. opened the door wide for China.
“The numbers don’t lie: Iowa lost 24,600 manufacturing jobs from 2001 to 2013 because of the trade deficit with China.” – Economic Policy Institute Report
Broken Promises from Politicians
Trump and Biden both tried fixing things. Trump’s USMCA deal pushed Mexico to protect workers’ rights better. Biden used it to go after bad companies. But still—jobs are bleeding away.
Even when Trump threatened Deere with 200% tariffs, Deere kept pushing offshore.
“If John Deere moves production to Mexico, there will be a 200% tariff.” – Donald Trump, 2024 Campaign Speech
It’s a hard truth: without real incentives—and real punishments—companies will always chase cheaper labor. Tariffs and investments in industries like semiconductor manufacturing could help. But talk alone won’t save Iowa.
Selling Out Iowa, Selling Out America
It’s not just jobs. Poor stewardship of farmland poisons Iowa’s water, hurts air and soil quality, and wrecks biodiversity.
Nicholas Kocotzelli put it straight:
“If we want different outcomes, we gotta set up different rules. Dreams don’t cut it.” – Nicholas Kocotzelli, Public Comment
And while it’s true Democrats haven’t been perfect, history shows real working-class gains have come under Democratic leadership. Yet in 2024, 41% of union members still voted for Trump. Hard to make change when you’re voting against your own best interests.
Bottom Line
John Deere’s betrayal stings deep here in Iowa. It’s a sharp reminder that without stronger labor laws, smarter trade deals, and companies that actually value American workers, we’re gonna keep getting left behind.
And that just ain’t right.
