Deere sells wind energy business to Exelon

There’s a business deal blowing in the wind today. Deere & Company is selling its wind energy business, John Deere Renewables, to Exelon Generation Company.

The $900 million sale will help Deere to grow its core equipment businesses around the world.

“We have chosen to place the wind portfolio with Exelon in part due to its demonstrated leadership in the energy industry,” said Sam Allen, Deere’s chairman and chief executive officer.

Subject to regulatory approvals, Deere expects the sale to close before the end of 2010.

Deere stars at Village of East Davenport tractor show

There was plenty of great weather, good times and nostalgia this weekend in the Village of East Davenport. That’s where the annual antique tractor show took place.

The street was lined with a wide variety of vintage models. There were more than 50 tractors from various manufacturers on display on Saturday and Sunday.

According to the Dispatch-Argus, Corky Groth brought six tractors to the event. A 1937 John Deere model B tractor got lots of applause when it started successfully at the event.

All showing, once again, that nothing runs like a Deere.

Vincennes University goes green with Deere building

Diesel research is getting a boost at Vincennes University in Indiana. That’s where the new $2.5 million John Deere Ag/Diesel Building is open for business.

Construction began last summer on the 34,300 square-foot building. It includes two classrooms, a confererence room, labs and offices.

It moves John Deere Ag-Tech and a diesel program out of a floodplain in Westport, Illinois. The deal also strengthens ties with Purdue University.

Deere puts lid on cap and trade program

In a quiet move made back in May, Deere & Company dropped out of the U.S. Climate Action Partnership according to the Wall Street Journal. It had supported a cap-and-trade program for reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

A company spokesperson said Deere left USCAP because its legislative strategy no longer served as a foundation for moving forward with climate change regulation.

A handful of other companies have left in recent months, including ConocoPhillips, BP America and Caterpillar. About two dozen companies remain in the group.

Moline man is John Deere Classic “Birdies for Charity” winner

With odds of 367:1, Barth Vogel didn’t have a great chance to win a new 2010 Chevy Camaro. But once he was picked to be a finalist, his odds increased to one in five.

On Wednesday, Barth was the one who turned his key and started the car.

The Birdies for Charity winner says he can’t believe his luck. Married for 62 years, they’ve never had a car that sporty. Usually, they’re a sedan family.

By the way, Barth does much more than play the game. For the past 28 years, he’s served on the board for River Bend Food Bank.

Friends say the Moline man really deserves the prize.

Congrats!!

John Deere rings the bell

The stock market hasn’t been much to write home about lately, but some representatives from John Deere Construction & Forestry made the most of it on Friday.

Joining reps from the Common Ground Alliance and Department of Transportation, they rang the ceremonial closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange.

The reason: to promote the national 811 call before you dig phone number.

While it has significantly cut back on underground utility strikes in the U.S., continued fatalties and damage from hitting gas and utility lines pinpoints the need for the safety campaign.

Pink Deere tractor a tribute to fallen father

Everybody knows that John Deere is world famous for its green tractors. This time, a blue ribbon winner at the Lorain County Fair in Ohio is pink.

Turns out that Samantha Grills, 18, planned to restore the 1946 John Deere B with her father, Scott Grills.

Sadly, Scott died of brain cancer in February before they could complete the project.

Samantha worked for 10 months with her boyfriend and his father to finish the project. She placed her father’s name on the side of the engine, along with the words, “Always in Our Hearts.”

Samantha chose pink to be different and because it’s her favorite color.

It’s what her dad wanted, Samantha’s mom, Rebecca Grills concluded.

A wonderful tribute, indeed.

Deere’s Sam Allen speaks to Purdue business students

Deere’s top boss Sam Allen went back to school the other day. The 1975 Purdue Uinversity graduate addressed 175 graduate students in the Krannert School of Management.

The CEO echoed an often-heard theme these days: think globally.

He’s calling this the “century of Asia,” as Bob Scott reported. And he says the ag-giant John Deere is positioned to compete there.

Allen left them with a few timely bits of advice: work hard, and treat others the way you want to be treated.

A Golden Rule of success that’s green with John Deere philosophy.

Deere’s Birdies for Charity to give away Camaro

Five lucky Birdies for Charity donors from the John Deere Classic are a big step closer to winning a 2010 Chevy Camaro.

This Wednesday morning at 11, the five finalists will receive an ignition key. It may or may not start the stylish Camaro parked near the TPC Deere Run clubhouse.

The one lucky donor whose key starts the car will get to keep it.

The five finalists were chosen at random from a total of 367 people who correctly guessed that the number of birdies at this year’s tournament would be 2,010.

All 367 will get a ticket package for the 2011 Classic.

Birdies for Charity serves some 500 charities from the Quad Cities and surrounding area.

Vintage Deere at the Whiteside County Fair

One of my favorite regional celebrations is the Whiteside County Fair, which is taking place through Saturday in Morrison, Illinois.

It’s also one of the oldest fairs in Illinois, logging its 140th year.

I was in Morrison earlier this week and renewed some friendships with the friendly folks at the fair. If you’re looking for something to do on Saturday, check it out.

One of the old-timers is Cleon Eyrich. I found him where I usually do: showing off his antique tractors. Many of them are vintage John Deere.

It’s fun to look at the old models, and many of them still work. A nice trip down memory lane and fun way to spend an afternoon.

Say Hi to Cleon for me!