John Deere, Kinze, and Ag Leader announce collaboration agreement to enhance customer experience with improved technology and data integration

MOLINE, IL, Ames, IA, and Williamsburg, IA, (March 19, 2024) – John Deere (NYSE: DE), Kinze Manufacturing, and Ag Leader Technology today announced a collaboration agreement that will make it easier for farmers to integrate each company’s equipment and technology solutions into their farming operation.

The collaboration enables farmers to combine the quality equipment and digital solutions offered by John Deere, Kinze and Ag Leader. As part of the agreement, farmers operating Kinze and Ag Leader planting and display products will now have the option to seamlessly integrate their agronomic data into the John Deere Operations Center™. The companies have also agreed to resolve all outstanding litigation through an arrangement where John Deere will license planting technology to Kinze and Ag Leader, ensuring their customers continue to have access to the True Speed^® and SureSpeed^® technologies.

“At John Deere, we’re proud of the equipment and technology solutions we develop for farmers, but we also know our customers have choices when they make equipment purchase decisions,” said Aaron Wetzel, Vice President of Production & Precision Agriculture Production Systems. “We put our customers first with this agreement, which will result in a more seamless integration of Kinze planting solutions with John Deere equipment and our technology stack. We remain committed to helping all of our customers, including those with mixed fleets, be more productive, profitable, and sustainable in their operations.”

Susanne Veatch, President of Kinze said, “We are excited to have True Speed back on the market. A key component of technologies like True Speed is the creation and collection of data. This agreement will benefit our joint farmer customers who utilize John Deere Operations Center by ensuring they can seamlessly integrate their data generated by any Blue Vantage controlled equipment.”

“Ag Leader is excited SureSpeed is available to our customers again. Our focus has always been to provide tangible solutions to the market through quality precision products that fit the mixed fleet grower. Being able to connect with other platforms like John Deere Operations Center through AgFiniti gives our growers the ability to seamlessly map and analyze data in one place regardless of equipment color. This agreement allows us to take another step toward better serving our customers’ growing needs,” said Al Myers, President of Ag Leader.

In addition, Deere and Kinze announced plans to explore further technology collaborations, with details to be shared when they are available.

About Deere & Company

Deere & Company is a global leader in the delivery of agricultural, turf, construction, and forestry equipment. We help our customers push the boundaries of what’s possible in ways that are more productive and sustainable to help life leap forward. Our technology-enabled products, including the John Deere Autonomous 8R Tractor, See & Spray™, and E-Power Backhoe, are just some of the ways we help meet the world’s increasing need for food, shelter, and infrastructure. Deere & Company also provides financial services through John Deere Financial.

For more information on Deere & Company, visit us at deere.com/en/news/.

About Kinze Manufacturing, Inc.

Founded 59 years ago on the premise of innovation, Kinze Manufacturing, Inc., markets its planters and grain carts globally and is known for a number of industry “firsts.” Kinze operates with core values of integrity, customer focus, excellence, innovation and mutual respect. Kinze Manufacturing is the recognized technology leader and innovator of planters for row-crop production, dual auger grain carts, high-speed tillage equipment and technology offerings. Kinze employees spend their nights and weekends farming, putting them in a unique position to be both manufacturers and customers of the planters and grain carts they build. Visit us at Kinze.com.

About Ag Leader Technology

Ag Leader Technology is a recognized innovator of precision agriculture hardware and software. Located in Ames, Iowa, the privately-owned and family-operated company manufactures and markets industry-leading technology designed to help growers make smart, profitable business decisions. Founded in 1992, Ag Leader has achieved consistent growth and expansion by providing value-based products that help growers and agricultural professionals achieve and maintain a successful, profitable operation. Visit us at agleader.com.