Deere Deepens Roots in Texas with New Test Center

It started with a laptop, a few business cards, and a bold idea—plus a napkin sketch over some BBQ.

In early 2022, a 40-acre leased field in Austin, Texas, became the proving ground for a vision that’s now reality. With just two pieces of equipment and a trailer, the groundwork was laid—literally—for what would become the John Deere Austin Research & Development Center.

Today, that bold beginning has grown into a 285-acre hub for innovation, collaboration, and year-round testing. The site brings teams together with thoughtfully designed office spaces and expansive crop trial fields, bridging the gap between fieldwork and strategy. “It’s where boots-on-the-ground insights meet enterprise-wide innovation,” explained Kyle Leinaar, test site manager.

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