History Lesson 🦌 John Deere's Plow

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John Deere & his plow

John Deere, the founder of Deere & Company, is a name synonymous with agriculture and farming. His most famous invention, the steel plow, revolutionized farming and launched his company into the history books. Let’s delve into the history of John Deere's plow and explore how it helped him become one of the most successful entrepreneurs of his time.

The Need for Innovation

In the early 19th century, farming was a difficult and laborious task. The wooden plows used at the time were ill-suited for the tough prairie soil of the Midwest, and farmers were struggling to make a living. John Deere, a blacksmith born in Vermont in 1804, saw this struggle firsthand when he moved to Illinois in 1836. He noticed that the wooden plows used by local farmers were constantly breaking, and the soil was so tough that it was difficult to move even with the strongest of horses.

Deere realized that farmers needed a plow that was not only durable but also effective in breaking through the tough prairie soil. He began experimenting with different materials and designs, and eventually, he came up with the idea of a steel plow. He fashioned a steel blade from a broken saw blade, and attached it to a wooden frame. The steel blade was strong enough to cut through the soil, and the wooden frame was light enough for horses to pull.

The Results of the Steel Plow

Deere's first steel plow was a huge success. Farmers in the Midwest quickly recognized its superior performance, and demand for the plows skyrocketed. Deere continued to refine the design, making the blade longer and adding a curve to it that allowed it to cut through the soil more effectively. He also started using polished steel for the blade, which reduced friction and made the plow even more efficient.

The Success and Growth of John Deere

The success of the steel plow allowed Deere to expand his business rapidly. In 1848, he moved his company to Moline, Illinois, where he built a factory and began producing plows on a large scale. He also started selling his plows throughout the United States and even overseas, and his company quickly became one of the largest agricultural equipment manufacturers in the world.

One of the key factors that contributed to John Deere's growth was his willingness to invest in new technology. He recognized that innovation was crucial to staying ahead of the competition, and he was always looking for ways to improve his products. For example, he introduced a new plow design in the 1850s that featured a "screw bolt" that allowed farmers to adjust the angle of the blade. This innovation made it easier for farmers to plow different types of soil, which helped to increase the popularity of his products.

In addition to introducing new products and technologies, John Deere also expanded his business by opening new factories and distribution centers. By the 1860s, he had established a network of factories and warehouses throughout the United States and Europe, which allowed him to reach a wider audience and sell more products.

The Legacy of John Deere

Today, the John Deere brand is synonymous with agriculture and farming. The company that started with a single blacksmith's shop in Illinois now employs over 74,000 people worldwide, and its products are used by farmers in more than 160 countries. John Deere's steel plow was just the beginning of his company's success, but it remains one of the most important inventions in the history of agriculture.

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