With global population projected to grow nearly 30 percent by the middle of the century, former John Deere & Company chairman and CEO Sam Allen recognizes the challenges facing his industry.
“We live in an age of uncertainty, whether it’s fiscal, economic, social or political,” Allen said. “But I’m more certain than ever about Deere’s business and prospects for growth. All in all, we’re confident about the future.”
Hunger, poverty and the environment will accompany the demographic changes. Those changes bring increased demand for agricultural products, farm mechanization and the equipment needed to build a sustainable infrastructure.
Deere will continue to cultivate relationships with education and research partners that align with its needs both in the U.S. and in developing countries.
“The world adds thousands of mouths to feed and bodies to clothe and house every hour,” Allen said. “Another phenomenon is that people in developing markets are leaving the countryside, where farming is a way of life, and migrating to cities.”
Allen earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management from Purdue’s business school in 1975 and joined John Deere after graduation.
He moved up the corporate ladder, taking on positions of increasing responsibility in Deere’s consumer products, construction and forestry, power systems and worldwide agricultural divisions, including managing operations in Latin America, China and East Asia, and Australia.
A senior officer of the company since 2001, Allen was appointed president and CEO in 2009 and served as chairman and CEO since 2010. He retired in 2020.
John Deere’s commitment to building a diverse, engaged and skilled workforce includes the promotion and advancement of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education, beginning at the K-12 level.
In 2011, Allen led the introduction of the John Deere Inspire Program, a global initiative designed to stimulate a future generation of innovators through STEM education combining connections and hands-on experiences with the real world.
“We consider STEM literacy increasingly important for students at all levels to support 21st century learning and jobs, regardless of their career choice, but if you don’t have a good background of STEM skills coming out of high school, it’s pretty hard to change that at the college level,” Allen said.