Deere recalls 275 Waterloo workers and hires 400 more: What it means for equipment buyers

John Deere is bringing back the last of its laid-off workers at most of its Iowa and Quad Cities factories and adding hundreds of new hires. For farmers shopping for a tractor, combine or planter over the next year, the more useful question is what that hiring says about supply, demand and the risk of a labor fight.

The company announced Friday, Oct. 30, that more than 275 laid-off workers will return to Waterloo, Iowa, and that it expects to add over 400 new employees at its factories in the months ahead. With this round, Deere said, everyone who had been laid off at its Waterloo, Ottumwa, Dubuque and Quad Cities sites has been invited back. About 125 remain laid off around Des Moines.

The numbers

• Recalls: More than 275 to Waterloo. Total callbacks since 2024 would reach roughly 1,000, Deere said.
• New hires: More than 400. According to Business Record and WQAD, the hiring covers Harvester Works and Seeding and Cylinder in Moline and East Moline, the parts distribution center in Milan, Ill., three Iowa plants (Davenport, Dubuque and Ottumwa) and the Coffeyville, Kan., factory.
• Earlier rounds: In September, Deere said it would return more than 375 employees across its Quad Cities factories, Agri-Pulse reported: about 150 at Seeding and Cylinder and about 225 at Harvester Works.
• Still down from 2024: Iowa State University economist Peter Orazem told WQAD that Deere cut about 3,500 U.S. jobs in 2024 and 2025. Even after this round, he said, the company is “still smaller” than when the layoffs began.

Why Deere says it is hiring

Deere has been open about its reasons. In statements quoted by Agri-Pulse and Manufacturing Dive, the company tied its fall recalls to building dealer inventory before the next planting and harvest seasons, long-term planning and staying ready for “future labor negotiations.”

That last point matters. Manufacturing Dive reported that union members rejected a two-year contract proposal from Deere in August, citing layoffs and outsourcing. Talks are set to continue, and the current agreement with the United Auto Workers runs through Oct. 31, 2027. By the outlet’s count, the union covers over 10,000 of Deere’s U.S. employees.

Orazem offered two readings. Some of the hiring may simply replace retirements and workers who quit, he told WQAD, and some may anticipate a pickup in farm equipment demand in 2027. He also raised the chance that Deere wants to “build up inventory” in case of a labor disruption.

What the market looks like

Demand for big farm machines is still soft. In August, Deere kept its full-year expectation for low large-ag equipment sales, Manufacturing Dive reported. Executives said at the time that construction factories were running faster, helped by data center building, while agricultural plants were producing below retail demand. Deere officials have previously called 2026 the low point of the farm machinery cycle, Pro Farmer reported, citing Farm Journal.

What to know before you buy

This is a factory staffing story, not a price announcement. Deere has not said how the hiring will change dealer stock or pricing. Still, it gives buyers a few things to ask about:

• Inventory timing. Deere says the goal is more dealer inventory ahead of the next planting and harvest seasons. If you plan to buy for spring 2027, ask your dealer which models and configurations are on order and when they are expected to arrive.
• The 2027 contract calendar. With the UAW agreement expiring at the end of October 2027, buyers eyeing a fall 2027 delivery may want to ask about build slots and parts availability well ahead of that date.
• Parts support. Deere’s North American parts hub in Milan, Ill., is on the hiring list, according to WQAD and Business Record, which matters for anyone keeping older equipment running another season.
• Earnings on Nov. 25. Deere’s fourth-quarter report, due before the market opens, is the next chance to hear its 2027 outlook for large ag equipment.

For a spec comparison of two 2027 tractor lineups, see our Deere 6R vs. Massey Ferguson 7S Mark 2 guide. More equipment coverage is in our Machinery & Tech section.

Frequently asked questions

How many workers is Deere bringing back?

More than 275 recalls to Waterloo plus more than 400 new hires, bringing callbacks since 2024 to about 1,000, according to the company.

When does Deere’s UAW contract expire?

Oct. 31, 2027, Manufacturing Dive reported. Union members rejected a two-year proposal in August, and talks are set to continue.

When does Deere report earnings next?

Deere’s fourth-quarter results are scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 25, before the market opens.