John Deere

John Deere is an American agricultural equipment manufacturer founded in 1837, headquartered in Moline, Illinois. Under CEO John May, John Deere is the world's largest agricultural machinery company, publicly traded on NYSE (DE). In 2026, John Deere reported Q4 net income of $1.065 billion and forecasted fiscal 2026 net income of $4.00-4.75 billion, while introducing autonomous tillage systems and next-generation precision agriculture technology.

John Deere was founded in 1837 by John Deere, an American blacksmith and inventor, in Grand Detour, Illinois. The company was established to manufacture agricultural equipment, beginning with the development of the steel plow that could cut through the tough prairie soil of the American Midwest. This innovation revolutionized farming and established the foundation for what would become the world's largest agricultural machinery company.

Throughout the 19th century, John Deere became known for quality agricultural equipment, expanding beyond plows to include cultivators, planters, and other farm implements. The company established itself as a leading agricultural equipment manufacturer through continuous innovation and commitment to quality. The iconic green and yellow color scheme was adopted in the early 1900s, becoming synonymous with reliable farm equipment.

In the 20th century, John Deere expanded its product portfolio and manufacturing capacity significantly. The company entered the tractor market in 1918 with the acquisition of the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company, marking its entry into tractor manufacturing. Throughout the mid-20th century, John Deere introduced numerous innovations including the first self-propelled combine harvester, advanced hydraulic systems, and power steering for tractors, becoming a major global agricultural equipment manufacturer.

Throughout the late 20th century, John Deere continued to innovate and expand globally, establishing manufacturing facilities worldwide and introducing advanced technologies including GPS guidance systems, precision agriculture equipment, and computer-controlled farming solutions. The company became one of the world's largest agricultural equipment manufacturers, serving farmers across every continent.

In recent years, John Deere has focused on precision agriculture, automation, and sustainable farming solutions. The company has maintained its position as a leading agricultural equipment manufacturer while embracing digital transformation, autonomous systems, and data-driven farming solutions. Under CEO John May's leadership, John Deere has positioned itself at the forefront of agricultural technology innovation, preparing farmers for the challenges of modern food production while maintaining the company's legacy of quality and reliability.

In 2025, John Deere reported Q4 net income of $1.065 billion and forecasted fiscal 2026 net income of $4.00-4.75 billion, demonstrating financial resilience despite challenging market conditions. The company continues to invest heavily in research and development, particularly in autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and precision agriculture technologies that will define the future of farming. John Deere's nearly 190-year journey from a small blacksmith shop to a global technology leader exemplifies American innovation and industrial excellence.