It’s no secret that John Deere is one of the best tractor brands out there. It’s the most popular brand for tractors in the U.S. and one of the leading brands worldwide. But are John Deere tractors made in America? 

Let’s take a look at some history of Deere & Company. It turns out that the iconic green John Deere tractor brand is steeped in American history. But how did it all begin? 

It began with a simple steel plow

In the 1830s, a blacksmith from Vermont named John Deere decided to head out west and make a home with his family in Illinois. Inspired by the need to tame and till large plots of wildland with sticky clay soil, Deere invented the steel plow in 1837. Its design was an instant success and soon became a commercial product. 

Fast forward to 1918 and that’s when the company broke into the tractor business. The first two John Deere tractor models were called the Waterloo Boy and the John Deere Tractor. Deere & Company maintained a vested interest in the farmers of America. 

In fact, in 1931 during the Great Depression, the company reached out to help U.S. farmers. By taking over bank notes and extending the terms of payment when it could, John Deere gained loyalty that has lasted generations. According to John Deere, even the logo has remained the same for over 100 years. 

“Our leaping deer trademark is recognized worldwide. Created over a century ago, it’s the longest continuously used corporate logo of any Fortune 500 company.”

John Deere | Deere & Company

Are John Deere tractors made in America?

John Deere tractors manufactured within the Deere & Company corporate umbrella are pretty much as American as it comes. They’ve been made in America for over a century. However, since the company is a worldwide entity that means not every tractor is actually manufactured on U.S. soil. 

So it remains an American tractor company. However, the place of manufacturing is perhaps a little more diluted than some may think. But whether a tractor is made here or in Brazil, we can assume that Deere still strives to uphold its quality standards. 

What models are still made in the U.S?

According to All American Reviews, “they do continue to manufacture a large majority of their tractors (like the 7R, 8R, and 9R series) in Waterloo, Iowa and Grovetown, Georgia.” U.S. farmers can rest assured that several of their favorite John Deere models are still made right here on U.S. soil. 15 of Deere & Company’s manufacturing facilities are in the U.S. in addition to the 17 factories that the company produces Deere products in across the globe. 

John Deere tractors are produced in 9 countries around the world. There are three factories in Brazil that manufacture tractors and harvesters. More John Deere equipment is produced in factories in Argentina, Finland, France, two in Germany, The Netherlands, and in four factories in India. Plus, there are two John Deere factories in Mexico. 

Deere & Company 

John Deere is one of the best tractor brands in history. Deere & Company is certainly one of the oldest tractor companies. In addition, it’s a recognized fortune 500 company––a global entity. 

So that means that yes, John Deere products are made in America. But not all of them. Depending on the model, a John Deere tractor could actually have to travel far and wide just to work it’s first day on U.S. soil.