Updated Sept. 27, 2023, 3:14 PM

Layoffs at the East Moline plant could be due to a potentially bad 2024 harvest, according to a Sept. 23 report from KWQC News.

In an interview with the news station, Iowa State University Professor Dr. Peter F. Orazem said the layoffs were unusual as Deere appears ready to end 2023 in "really good shape." He said the act of laying off staff could be a more forward-thinking action, potentially as preparation for a "not as successful harvest, in terms of both prices and potentially yields." 

"And so, under those circumstances, they're [Deere] anticipating farmers won't have cash on hand over the winter when they normally upgrade [their equipment].

Deere said in a statement to KWQC that "the company has consistently stated that each Deere factory balances the size of its production workforce with the needs of the individual factory to optimize the workforce at each facility."

John Deere announced an indefinite layoff of 200 production employees at the East Moline Harvester Works, reports WQAD8. The layoff is effective Oct. 16. 

According to the news report: 

"Although John Deere has hired hundreds of employees in the Quad Cities in recent years, the company has consistently stated that each Deere factory balances the size of its production workforce with the needs of the individual factory to optimize the workforce at each facility," Jen Hartmann, director of public relations, said in an email to News 8. 

You can find the full report here. 

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