From an Honest Blacksmith to Greatness
"I will never put my name on a product that does not have in it the best that is in me" was the vow of a young John Deere, whose anvil could often be heard at midnight, as he hand-forged agricultural tools that he was so rightfully proud of. His sense of dedication, his respect for customers and the land they tilled was real. He was absolutely sincere. 100 years later, following the disastrous 1930s Great Plains "dust bowl," John Deere offered advice in implementing effective soil conservation practices outlined by the Soil Conservation Service and others. Remarkably, John Deere's values and principles are still held by the company that bears his name...now the world's largest agricultural implement manufacturer.