Equipment Roundup

In this Equipment Roundup, DTN/Progressive Farmer looks at CNH announcing a leadership change to its North American business, John Deere investing in its key U.S. production facilities, and AGCO Corporation naming its 2024 Operator of the Year.

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CNH LEADERSHIP CHANGE

CNH Industrial has announced a leadership change to its North American business.

Scott Harris will assume the role of president, North America (agriculture), effective Jan. 1, 2025. Markus Muller will join CNH as president, EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa-agriculture), effective March 1, 2025.

With this announcement, Vilmar Fistarol is stepping down as president, North America, effective Dec. 31, 2024. He will remain in an advisory role with CNH for the first half of 2025.

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DEERE REVIEWS U.S. MANUFACTURING EXPANSION

It has been a difficult year for John Deere's employees. Since October 2023, nearly 3,000 employees have been let go from the manufacturer. It was also a difficult year for Deere. Its 2024 net income was down $3 billion from last year, to $7.1 billion.

Still, Deere is investing in its key production facilities. Since 2019, Deere has invested $2.5 billion in its U.S. facilities. Here are more recent investments:

-- Remanufacturing. Deere is expanding its Reman Core Center facility in Strafford, Missouri, by 120,000 square feet. This $13.5 million expansion will break ground in mid-2025.

-- 9RX HHS. Deere's Waterloo Works added an assembly line to manufacture its new 9RX high-horsepower tractor.

-- X9 Combine. Deere's biggest combine, the X9, is rolling out of its Harvester Works in East Moline, Illinois. Deere invested $48 million into renovating 385,000 square feet of manufacturing space there, and spent another $101 million on equipment and processes, such as robotics, laser welding, and advanced material handling.

-- Sprayers. During the past year, Deere expanded its Des Moines, Iowa, large sprayer assembly location by 138,000 square feet. The work represents a $40 million investment in building and infrastructure.

-- Seeding. Deere's seeding facility in Moline, Illinois, grew by 60,000 square feet. The $10 million expansion updated the building's infrastructure and created better workspaces.

-- Excavators. Deere invested $70 million to build a new 380,000-square-foot factory in Kernersville, North Carolina. The factory will produce small excavators and is initially expected to add more than 150 new jobs.

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BAUWENS WINS AGCO'S 2024 APPLICATION OPERATOR OF THE YEAR

AGCO Corporation has named Randy Bauwens of Town & Country Supply Association in Laurel, Montana, its 2024 Operator of the Year. The annual award honors application professionals.

"Application plays an increasingly important role in sustainable farming, boosting farmers' yields, supporting local economies and helping feed the world," said Tanner Lund, AGCO senior marketing product specialist. "Randy Bauwens and all our finalists embody the dedication and skills needed to ensure healthy yields across U.S. farms."

Bauwens covers 50,000 acres across 12 counties in south-central Montana. Bauwens is known for meticulous care of his equipment, attention to detail and thorough communication with colleagues and farmers, AGCO said. As one of Randy's colleagues told AGCO, "When Randy finishes a field, he's made note of every tight corner, ditch or dike, so the next go around is even more effective."

For more information about AGCO's Operator of the Year program or its award-winning application equipment, visit www.AGCOaward.com, www.Fendt.com, www.MasseyFerguson.com and www.ApplyLikeAPro.com.

Dan Miller can be reached at dan.miller@dtn.com

Follow him on social platform X @DMillerPF

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