John Deere

John Deere was born on February 7, 1804, in Rutland, Vermont.

In 1836, following the economic downturn in New England, John Deere relocated to Illinois along with other Vermonters. There, he established a blacksmith shop in Grand Detour, showcasing his expertise and entrepreneurial spirit.

In 1837, John Deere created his first steel plow, unsure of its success. However, the plow performed exceptionally well, leading him to establish a dedicated building for its production.

In 1843, John Deere collaborated with Leonard Andrus to increase plow production. They believed that by working together, they could double their output. However, their partnership faced challenges due to both individuals being stubborn.

John Deere discovered that using smooth steel from a Scottish steel saw blade for his plow was more efficient and less prone to getting stuck in the mud. This innovation revolutionized farming equipment.

In 1849, John Deere's business was booming, producing 2,000 plows a year. He continued to expand his operation, leading to the growth of the company that started from a single broken sawblade.

After the death of his older brother, Charles Deere assumed primary management duties of Deere & Company at the age of 21, leading the company for the next 46 years.

In 1855, John Deere's factory had sold more than 10,000 plows, which became known as 'The Plow that Broke the Plains'. It was instrumental in enabling the western migration of settlers during the 1800s.

In 1863, John Deere introduced the Hawkeye Riding Cultivator, the first ride-on plow that relied on horses, at the Iowa State Fair, expanding the company's range of equipment.

In 1864, John Deere received its first patent, establishing itself as a significant player in the manufacturing industry.

In 1868, John Deere founded Deere & Company, which later expanded its product line to include tractors, combines, and other farming equipment, solidifying its position as an industry leader.

In 1873, John Deere assumed the role of the second mayor of Moline, Illinois.

The iconic leaping deer trademark of John Deere was created over a century ago and is now recognized worldwide. It holds the distinction of being the longest continuously used corporate logo among Fortune 500 companies.

In 1886, John Deere passed away, leading to his heirs taking over the company for the next century.

Just 15 years after joining Deere & Company, William Butterworth, son-in-law of Charles Deere, became president of John Deere in 1907. He consolidated 11 factories and 25 sales organizations into one entity, leading to the development of the modern Deere & Company.

In 1912, Deere & Company began the design of tractors under the leadership of William Buttersworth, who was Charles Deere's son-in-law.

In 1913, under William Butterworth's leadership, John Deere expanded into the harvesting business by establishing the John Deere Harvester Works, a pivotal moment in the company's history.

In 1917, the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company introduced the kerosene-fueled 'Waterloo Boy' tractor.

The first tractor, known as the Waterloo Boy, was introduced on September 4, 1918. It was an old-fashioned tractor that operated using water at times.

On October 24, 1923, the Model D tractor was introduced. This model played a significant role in the advancement of agricultural machinery.

After retiring in 1928, William Butterworth became the company's first chairman of the board.

In 1931, Deere launches its first tractor specifically designed for industrial purposes, known as the Model 'DI'.

Charles Deere Wiman, the great-grandson of John Deere, introduced the famous Model 'A' tractor in 1934, ensuring the company's success despite the Great Depression.

Following the success of the Model 'A' tractor, John Deere introduced the Model 'B' tractor in 1935 under Charles Deere Wiman's leadership.

In 1947, John Deere introduced the Model M tractor on tracks, also known as the crawler. This heavy-duty working machine revolutionized agricultural practices.

In 1948, John Deere acquired an industrial area of the Des Moines Ordnance Plant, which was originally constructed by the US government during WWII for ammunition production, and transformed it into the Des Moines Works factory.

The 1950 logo marked a significant evolution in the John Deere logo design, setting the stage for future iterations by refining the text, slogan, and imagery.

In 1955, William Hewitt, who was John Deere's great-great-grandson in-law, assumed the role of President of the company.

In 1960, Deere debuted the Gator Utility Vehicle, which offered versatility and reached a wide range of customers in a unique class of its own.

In 1964, William Hewitt transitioned from the role of President to Chairman of John Deere, where he served until 1982.

In 1980, iconic tractor models 4430 and 4440 were introduced, becoming some of the most popular and enduring tractors in the industry. These models were known for their size and performance, remaining popular choices for farmers even today.

Hewitt retired in 1982 after serving as a territory manager in California and later becoming a director at Deere & Company. His legacy includes global expansion, development of four- and six-cylinder tractor lines, and the construction of the corporate headquarters in Moline.

Upon Robert Hanson's retirement in 1990, Hans Becherer became the Chairman of Deere & Company. He emphasized values such as constant innovation and global growth, which have been integral to John Deere's history since the creation of the first steel plow.

In 1992, Deere introduced the GreenStar system, its first fully integrated yield-mapping package, for all Maximizer 9000 Series Combines, enhancing precision farming practices.

MachineFinder was established in 1998 and has evolved into a leading global platform for trading used John Deere equipment across various sectors such as Agriculture, Construction, and Forestry.

The current John Deere logo was created in 2000, featuring color and a forward leaping Deere design, symbolizing progress and innovation.

In 2009, Deere acquired the Wirtgen Group, the leading manufacturer of roadbuilding equipment globally, which helped Deere become a comprehensive supplier to the construction sector.

On December 22, 2014, John Deere launched the new Quad Track, which is considered the largest and most advanced machine in the market.

John Deere, since its founding over 180 years ago, has contributed greatly to improving global well-being by manufacturing innovative agriculture and construction equipment.

The history of John Deere, from its founder's early life to its ongoing role in modern agriculture, highlights the company's enduring commitment to innovation and quality in shaping the agricultural landscape.

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