What is more iconic than seeing a green tractor or combine in the middle of massive field of corn? Well, those green farm machines are probably Deere & Co. vehicles. And that iconic leaping deer logo that we all recognize has been used by the company for over 150 years.

John Deere created an iconic global company that helped transform America. The development of Deere’s iconic “singing” plow helped farmers conquer the Midwest and created America’s breadbasket. With the help of Deere’s products, farm output doubled from 1840 to 1860 and then tripled from 1860 to 1890.

Allowing for the settlement of the American Midwest and the ability to feed the growing population of America, Deere was instrumental in the growth of America in the 1800s.

The story of John Deere and the history of Deere & Co. is a great example of creativity, ingenuity, and an entrepreneurial mindset that never stopped inventing and innovating. John Deere and his son Charles are synonymous with American ingenuity and entrepreneurship and their story is another great example of how a single idea can transform individuals, groups, communities, and countries.

Show notes (with time stamps)

Introduction: 00:00 – 02:07

The Beginnings: 02:11 - 06:15

Building a Reputation: 06:19 - 10:41

Moving West: 10:45 - 23:47

Moline: 23:50 - 38:29

Charles Deere: 38:33 - 49:17

The Growth: 49:21 - 1:01:56

Today: 1:01:58 - 1:05:34

Conclusion: 1:05:38 - 1:07:35

Music

Artist: Scott Holmes

Album: Road Trip

Track: Indie Rock

Resources

John Deere’s Powerful Idea: The Perfect Plow by Terry Collins

Pioneer Plowmaker: A Story About John Deere by David A. Collins

The John Deere Story by Neil Dahlstrom and Jeremy Dahlstrom

References

Our History. Retrieved from https://www.deere.com/en/our-company/history/

Deere & Company 2017 Annual Report. Retrieved from https://s22.q4cdn.com/253594569/files/doc_financials/annual_proxy/2017/2017_John-Deere-Annual-Report.pdf