Deere announces joint venture with U.S. leader in high-clearance sprayers

March 29, 2016 – Deere & Company announced March 29 that it has entered a joint venture with Hagie Manufacturing, the U.S. market leader in high-clearance sprayers.

In the agreement, Deere acquired majority ownership of Hagie Manufacturing, which will continue producing sprayers in its current location in Clarion, Iowa. Equipment made by the joint venture will continue to carry the Hagie brand, while sales and service for Hagie equipment will be integrated into Deere’s global distribution channel during the next 15 months.

‘Hagie Manufacturing is known for innovation and its strong customer understanding in high-clearance spraying equipment,’ said John May, president, agricultural solutions and chief information officer at Deere. ‘High-clearance spraying equipment is a new market for Deere. The expertise at Hagie allows John Deere to immediately serve customers who need precision solutions that extend their window for applying nutrients.’

Alan Hagie, chief executive officer at Hagie Manufacturing, said, ‘We have great products at Hagie that help producers be more profitable, but we need a business model that helps us reach more customers. This partnership with Deere allows our solutions to reach customers on a global scale and ensure they are supported with the world-class Deere dealer organization.’

May said the joint venture investment allows John Deere to provide a broader range of sprayer options and integrate Deere’s precision technology into the Hagie equipment to help customers reduce costs and improve yields.