In her career with John Deere, Deanna Kovar has focused on understanding the needs of customers and delivering innovative solutions to enhance customer value worldwide. Now President of the Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division, Production & Precision Ag, with responsibility for the North and South American and Australian markets, she oversees a team tasked with designing and implementing equipment and technology solutions that add significant value for large-scale producers of grain, cotton and sugar.
She grew up on a small Wisconsin dairy farm and earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business Management from University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2000 and later completed her Master of Business Administration at Loyola University Chicago.
Kovar joined Deere in 2000 and spent most of her career in channel and product management and has an extensive background in precision technologies, beginning with her move in 2010 to the company’s Intelligent Solutions Group as manager of Portfolio Management. Over the past decade, Kovar has been instrumental in establishing John Deere as a leading provider of precision agriculture technology.
She has moved 10 times with Deere but has lived in Iowa for 13 of her 25+ years with the company, currently residing with her family on the Iowa side of the Quad Cities and she is based out of Deere & Company’s World Headquarters in Moline. Kovar joined the board of directors of America’s Cultivation Corridor in January 2026.
1. You’ve had the opportunity to live and work around the U.S. and around the world, what advantages does Iowa provide for companies working in agriculture?
What stands out about Iowa is how uniquely well it supports companies working in agriculture.
First, Iowa gives you access to the entire agricultural value chain in one place. From R&D and manufacturing to agronomy, logistics, processing and technology development, the ecosystem is tightly connected. That proximity accelerates collaboration, shortens feedback loops, and allows ideas to move quickly from concept to field‑ready solutions.
Second, there is incredibly easy access to farmers and distributors. In Iowa, customers aren’t abstract—they’re neighbors, partners and collaborators. You can test, learn and refine directly with the people who use the technology every day, and distributors are deeply embedded in the same communities. That real‑world connection is invaluable for building practical, scalable solutions.
Finally, Iowa offers amazing, affordable higher education. World‑class institutions, especially land‑grant universities, produce top‑tier engineering, agronomy and business talent, while partnering closely with industry on applied research. The result is a strong, sustainable talent pipeline that benefits both companies and the broader ag ecosystem.
Together, those advantages make Iowa one of the most effective places in the world to innovate, grow, and lead in agriculture.
2. What is the value of partnerships between private companies and land-grant universities like Iowa State University?
Together, industry and academia can deliver innovations that no single organization could achieve alone. Partnerships between private companies and land‑grant universities like Iowa State University are powerful because they combine real‑world industry challenges with world‑class research, talent development and a mission grounded in public good.
John Deere and Iowa State University work together to move ideas from the lab to the field. Through joint research, shared facilities and demonstration farms, we test emerging technologies in real‑world conditions—helping ensure solutions deliver measurable value before farmers adopt them. This approach reduces risk for producers while speeding the delivery of precision, automation and sustainability technologies that improve productivity and resource efficiency.
Our collaboration also extends to workforce development. Students gain hands-on experience with advanced equipment, data and production systems, while Deere benefits from fresh perspectives and a highly skilled talent pipeline prepared to solve agriculture’s most complex challenges.
Ultimately, these partnerships help farmers produce more with less—improving yields, reducing inputs and lowering environmental impact—while supporting food and energy security, economic growth and sustainable outcomes for consumers and communities.
3. What excites you most about the future of agriculture?
I’m most excited about how technology can fundamentally improve both outcomes and people’s lives. Farming is one of the most complex and demanding professions in the world. When we apply precision, automation and data thoughtfully, we can help farmers lower costs, increase yields and make better decisions with greater confidence to improve the overall productivity of their operation. Just as important, these technologies can reduce physical demands, help manage long days more effectively, and give farmers and their families more time back—improving quality of life while sustaining productivity.
I’m also energized by agriculture’s expanding role beyond food production. Agriculture has a unique opportunity to help feed a growing global population while also fueling the world through renewable fuels. That combination—feeding and fueling the world—positions agriculture at the center of some of the most important challenges and opportunities of our time.
Being part of an industry that delivers both economic value to farmers and global impact is incredibly motivating.
4. What advice do you have for someone considering a move or return to Iowa?
If you’re considering a move or return to Iowa, my advice is simple: embrace the four distinct seasons and engage in the community.
Iowa’s four seasons each bring their own advantages, traditions and opportunities to slow down or get outside. My family and I have always enjoyed traveling and being outdoors.
Just as important, lean into the community. Get involved, volunteer, attend local events and build relationships. You’ll find people are welcoming, grounded and genuinely invested in one another. Developing that sense of connection has been important with each of our moves.
From my perspective, Iowa really strikes a rare balance when it comes to quality of life. You get the space, simplicity and pace of rural living, paired with vibrant cities that offer great dining, culture and career opportunities. There’s a strong sense of community here: people genuinely look out for one another, and that creates a welcoming environment for families and professionals alike. The schools are excellent and deeply connected to their communities, which makes a real difference for parents. And for families, the abundance of sports complexes and recreation facilities means kids can stay active, engaged and connected year‑round.
5. Please share three recommendations of things to do or places to go in Iowa.
First, the John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum in Waterloo is a must-see. It’s more than a museum; it’s a powerful reminder of Iowa’s role in shaping modern agriculture and innovation. Walking through the exhibits, you get a real sense of the ingenuity, hard work and pride that define this state and the people who call it home.
For a completely different experience, head east to Maquoketa Caves State Park. We’ve found it to be one of Iowa’s hidden gems. The caves, trails and dramatic rock formations have offered our family a chance to unplug and experience the natural beauty that surprises a lot of first‑time visitors. It’s a great reminder of Iowa’s diverse landscape.
Finally, spend a Saturday in Des Moines in August. We’ve loved spending mornings at the Downtown Farmers’ Market. There’s nothing better than meeting local growers and makers and seeing Iowa agriculture come to life. And, of course, don’t miss out when the Iowa State Fair is in town. The fair truly puts all of Iowa on display: agriculture, innovation, community and a whole lot of fun, all in one place.
Together, I think these experiences give you a great unique snapshot of what makes Iowa special.
Published March 2026