Whenever most people think of Deere & Co., they envision one of the company’s iconic green tractors. But, long before the Deere ever made tractors (1918) or used its distinctive green-and-yellow paint scheme (1905), the agricultural equipment giant was synonymous with plows.
Deere is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year. The company traces its roots to a tiny blacksmith shop in Grand Detour, IL, where John Deere made hayforks, horseshoes and other metal products essential for life on the prairie.