FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, August 21, 2009

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-1137

Kyle Rubeling

(410) 821-8220

JOHN DEERE, KDA LAUNCH NEW
ROLLOVER TRACTOR SIMULATOR

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – John Deere, in conjunction with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, unveiled a 4105 compact tractor rollover protection structure (ROPS) safety display at a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville.

The safety display is a one-of-a-kind tractor simulator that demonstrates how a rollover protection structure (ROPS) prevents a seat belted operator from being severely injured or killed. The Department unveiled its first rollover tractor simulator at the National FFA Convention in Louisville in 2003. The Farm and Home Safety Program also uses a miniature grain bin and grain wagon to teach the importance of putting safety first on the farm. The program also teaches ATV and lawn mower safety.

“I am pleased to welcome John Deere as a partner for promoting farm safety in Kentucky,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “The Farm and Home Safety Program has reached thousands of Kentuckians since the Kentucky Department of Agriculture launched it 11 years ago. This partnership with John Deere will give the program even greater exposure, and that will mean fewer farm injuries and more lives saved in Kentucky.”

The Farm and Home Safety Program works in partnership with fire departments, air rescue, operations, farm groups, equipment dealers and others throughout Kentucky. The simulator will also be showcased at the Louisville Zoo on Sept. 22 with the Hartland Equipment John Deere dealership.

John Deere (Deere & Company - NYSE: DE) is the world's leading provider of advanced products and services for agriculture and forestry and a major provider of advanced products and services for construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping and irrigation. John Deere also provides financial services worldwide and manufactures and markets engines used in heavy equipment. Since it was founded in 1837, the company has extended its heritage of integrity, quality, commitment and innovation around the globe.

Above: Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, center, joines Governor Steve Beshear, First Lady Jane Beshear, Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson and other dignitaries to cut the ribbon officially launching the new rollover tractor simulator. (Photo by Chris Aldridge)