BLOOMFIELD, Ia.- Agricultural equipment manufacturer John Deere recently announced a round of upcoming layoffs that will affect around 610 production workers in plants located in Iowa and Illinois.  Those layoffs have been reported to be effective August 30^th.  This follows the news announced last month that the company would be shifting production of its skid steer loaders and compact track loaders from Dubuque to Mexico by the end of 2026.

During a stop in Bloomfield on Monday, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig reacted to the news.

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In a statement, the company cited rising manufacturing costs as a key factor.  Lower crop prices have also caused a slow down in new agricultural equipment sales.  Some forecasters have predicted a 25% decline in farm income this year over last.  Secretary Naig said that the agricultural economy in general is experiencing what he termed as “softness” due to a number of factors.

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Secretary Naig said that the economic effects aren’t just limited to the agricultural equipment sector.

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Secretary Naig said that it was imperative for the state to do everything it can to help agriculture and manufacturing continue to thrive as they are key economic drivers in the state.  His comments came as he was in Davis County to tour a local parts fabrication business on Monday.

BLOOMFIELD, Ia.- Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig recently made a swing through southeast Iowa as part of his annual visit to all 99 counties.  On Monday afternoon he stopped off in Davis County to tour M3 Fabrication in Bloomfield, a contract manufacturer that fabricates and powder coats parts for a variety of industries.  The business has been family-owned and operated since 2014 by brothers Tyler and Sam McClure.  Secretary Naig met the pair on stage in 2023 when they were one of six recipients of the Iowa Venture Award, presented by the Iowa Area Development Group.

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Secretary Naig toured the sprawling facility located in the Bloomfield Industrial Park and had the opportunity to learn how important the business is to the area economy, as well as the challenges they face.

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The visit also gave Secretary Naig an opportunity to hear first-hand from local business owners how they perceive the economy to be at this point.

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Another purpose for Secretary Naig’s visit was to spread the message about how important manufacturing and agriculture are to Iowa’s economy.

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Secretary Naig said that it was important for the state to do everything it can to make sure that those economic drivers are able to thrive and grow.

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Making sure that the state is also doing everything it can to address work force challenges should also be a high priority according to Secretary Naig.

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In addition to his stop in Davis County on Monday, Secretary Naig also visited Appanoose County’s Lake Rathbun to get updates on water quality and conservation efforts.  He wrapped up his trip in Wapello County to present the Wergin Good Farm Neighbor Award to the Doug and Janet Brinegar family.

(L-R):  Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, Sam McClure, Tyler McClure and District 26 State Representative Austin Harris