Comments on: John Deere Takes Hit for Support for Farming

By: Reedtwil

Reedtwil — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:08:00 +0000

Freedom works is working hard “tilting at windmills” when it comes to climate change, they don’t want their market to disappear before nature forces it from them. It’s a fools errand, but every second the industry can sell is money to be made.

By: Raven Dave

Raven Dave — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 19:51:16 +0000

I understand John Deere might be looking into supplemental hydrogen boosters made by Highline Technical Innovation. If true this could be a big saving for farmers. It has been reported of fuel savings from 18% to 30% on diesel engines and up to 50% emissions reduction.

By: Susan Kraemer

Susan Kraemer — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 16:29:19 +0000

Thanks for the inside view, Speakers. Great points.

By: Speakers

Speakers — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 00:19:43 +0000

I work in one of Deere’s numerous divisions as a contractor, so I’m obligated to say that these views are my own opinion and I do not represent the company or its views in any way.

Many of Deere’s products are made right here “in the heartland of America” (Iowa and Illinois), so if they’re bashing hurts Deere’s sales, customers may end up buying a cheap chinese or korean product instead. Some might say that they are kicking American manufacturing while it’s down.

Deere also invests in wind and bio-fuels (see Deere’s Credit pages). Surprise again, these are American companies recieving these loans! Jobs! YAY!

Also, I need to point out that all U.S. Ag vehicles are about to be very green. Look at EPA tiers for emissions restrictions:

http://www.deere.com/en_US/rg/emissionsinfo/tier4/index.html.

All manufacturers have to meet these regulations.

Deere’s been meeting EPA Tiers for over 10 years now. If FreedomWorks has their way and removes this legislation, every Ag company in the U.S. will be out BILLIONS of dollars of R&D costs. Oh yea, and 1000’s of engineers will get laid off from these Ag companies.

In addition to meeting those legal requirements, Deere has long been a leader in fuel efficiency because it HELPS THE FARMERS!! A tractor is run for many 1000’s of hours during its lifetime; less diesel equals less cost!! It’s awefully convenient that Deere has had top of class fuel efficiency for years, but they choose now to take issue with it.

Fat chance getting the UAW (Deere equipment is union made) on their side. Deere’s fuel economy is one of many selling points that keeps everybody in the job.

Anyways, i’ve rambled on. I’m proud to be associated with Deere and these people need to remember that they’re attacking American engineering and manufacturing jobs, and more indirectly, American farmers, when they attack Deere.

FreedomWorks can manufacturer outrage towards political opponents out of tough times, but they offer no solutions. They would hope to harm Americans for their own political gain.

By: Kyle Sparks

Kyle Sparks — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:07:04 +0000

I agree with your premise and find pretty much anything Dick Armey and FreedomWorks does despicable. However, I have to ask: By your provided link to Armey’s being a fossil industry lobbyist, it also says that his firm represents DuPont, who is a member of US-CAP and likely a couple other US-CAP organizations.

Is this just a case of the lobbying firm lining its pockets no matter who wins, or does this do damage to the case that it’s a massive conflict of interest for Armey to be leading this crusade?

Thanks!

By: Susan Kraemer

Susan Kraemer — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:19:58 +0000

@Armfarm: The reason to invest in wind energy is to make for a livable climate in the future, so you can farm and we can eat what you farm. You won’t be able to grow corn and soy here by the end of this century (82% drop) if we don’t stop using fossil fuels that are changing climates regionally.

http://news.ncsu.edu/releases/crop-yields-could-wilt-heat/

Kudos to john Deere for caring and acting – despite a very sinister disinformation campaign (by those who make millions off of the fossil energy industry) that keeps people like you ignorant of the huge danger that climate change presents to your future and ours.

By: armfarm

armfarm — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 23:46:34 +0000

As a farmer i know that De has used the profits it makes off us to invest in Wind energy to the tune of 100M. the reason was to sell carbon creidts. So the way it works is C&T increase farmers costs they cannot pass on. DE sells to those who cannot pay for their increased costs and then instead of helping heir cutomers who made them supports a C&T system they are geared to profit from. As the old saying goes. “follow the money” it aint about climate change to DE folks.

By: Susan Kraemer

Susan Kraemer — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 16:53:36 +0000

Thanks, Tarquin, I do appreciate advice.

In this case, since Deere is a victim of this bullying just for its US-CAP membership – which I link – I don’t think a quote advances that.

Since this blog specializes in covering renewable energy solutions to climate change, (both improvements in, and impediments to) whether technical or political – we do take the side of (express opinions about) climate solutions when we cover stories.

This ad campaign is the latest round of McCarthyist bullying against those who support solutions.

Google John Deere Freedomworks and you will not see that, say, the New York Times has come out to defend Deere against this massively well-funded PR machine (or connect it to the similar campaign against Van Jones).

Bloggers fill that gap.

By: Tarquin

Tarquin — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 14:52:39 +0000

Just a little word of advice from a journalism student. You should actually mention how John Deere supported this legislation.

In your lede, it seems like YOU think John Deere SHOULD support climate legislation. A quote from a John Deere representative would go a long way.

As this story is written, it’s no more than a vague opinion piece with absolutely no merit whatsoever.

By: 3DTV Informer

3DTV Informer — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 01:57:06 +0000

hi-ya, great post.

By: Susan Kraemer

Susan Kraemer — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 21:32:02 +0000

Thanks, Ben. I did too. These thugs turn on any of those that try to do the right thing for all of us(because it hurts their backers).

By: naame

naame — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 18:39:32 +0000

Thanks Ben. I just took the time to send John Deere a message showing my support for their efforts.

By: Ben

Ben — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 08:11:12 +0000

Frank, tell them yourself how you feel (I did). Send them a message here:

https://secured.deere.com/en_US/deerecom/httpscontent/generalfeedback.html

By: Frank Schulte-Ladbeck

Frank Schulte-Ladbeck — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 20:47:39 +0000

That is unfortunate. I hope that people stand with John Deere against Freedomworks, but their followers seemed convinced that initiatives to ensure our future are not needed.