From Plows to Tractors: How John Deere Built a Farm-Equipment Legacy

John Deere started in the 1830s when a blacksmith developed a polished-steel plow that performed better in prairie soils. That plow business grew into Deere & Company, which expanded into a wide range of farm machinery and entered the tractor market in the 20th century. Today the brand is known globally for tractors, implements, dealer support and its distinctive green-and-yellow styling. When shopping for a tractor, match horsepower and features to your farm's needs and check local dealer service options.

Why tractors matter on the farm

Tractors are the workhorses of modern agriculture. Designed to push, pull and power implements, they handle plowing, disking, planting, tilling and hauling. Over the past century tractors replaced much of the manual and animal-powered labor on farms and remain central to commercial and family farming.

John Deere: a toolmaker who changed farming

John Deere was a blacksmith who moved west from Vermont and developed a polished-steel plow that handled Midwestern soils far better than the wood and iron plows of the era. He began selling his plows in the late 1830s and built a business that eventually became Deere & Company.

Deere's early success came from solving a practical problem: sticky prairie soil that gummed up conventional plows. By shaping and polishing steel, his plow shed soil and stayed sharp longer, which made farming more efficient and profitable for customers.

From plows to farm machinery and tractors

Deere & Company expanded over decades from plows to a wider range of agricultural equipment. In the 20th century the company entered the tractor market and grew into one of the world's largest farm-equipment manufacturers. Today Deere produces tractors and implements for small farms through to large commercial operations and sells worldwide.

The John Deere look and reputation

The green-and-yellow livery is widely recognized on farms and roads. It helps identify the brand and, for many customers, signals durability and dealer support. Deere also built a reputation through a broad dealer network, parts availability and ongoing product development.

Shopping for John Deere tractors today

If you're looking for a tractor, consider the tasks you need to perform, the horsepower range required, and local service options. Deere offers compact tractors for hobby farms, mid-size models for mixed operations, and high-horsepower machines for large-scale work. You can find new and used models through local John Deere dealers, auction sites, and manufacturer-certified resale programs.

Legacy in context

John Deere's start as a blacksmith and plowmaker illustrates how a practical invention can evolve into a global business. The company's move into tractors and modern implements reflects broader mechanization trends in agriculture over the past century.

1. Confirm the exact year Deere began producing or selling tractors and note how Deere entered the tractor market (e.g., acquisition of Waterloo Gasoline Engine Company in 1918).
2. Confirm the origin and first use of John Deere's green-and-yellow color scheme and the year it became standardized.