AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN) — John Deere is working to position itself as a technology company that builds tractors, rather than the other way around. With a new focus on the tech inside the equipment, the company opened a new Central Texas testing site about 25 miles east of Austin last year. Now it’s working with local farmers to make sure it all works.
“Austin has a real strong tech aspect, and John Deere being here really gives us opportunities for collaboration, for partnerships, and to be a part of that and help strengthen that tech community,” said Kyle Leinaar, site manager for the Austin Research and Development Center.
Leinaar said the new testing facility covers 360 acres, and houses designers, testers and more than 80 pieces of farm-oriented equipment.
“You think about the farming industry, the different production steps, the different configurations, there’s a lot for us to cover,” Leinaar said…