MORE THAN MUSCLE: EMPLOYEES HONORED FOR X9 COMBINES’ INNOVATIVE DESIGN

Aug 26, 2021

The X9 Combine has the beauty to match its brawn. Every panel, every angular form and every cab feature seamlessly integrates style and substance.

For our design teams, who spent countless hours defining and refining the X9's design language with BMW Designworks, the combine reflects their hard work, collaboration and innovative spirit.

"Two key industry groups have recently honored the X9 for its design," explained Nick Howerton, product marketing manager, Combines and FEE. "These prestigious awards signal to customers that John Deere is an innovator in combines, front-end equipment and the tech stack, and that we'll continue to make the necessary investments and updates over time to ensure that we remain the industry leader."

"Everyone that played a role in the development and execution of the X9 enabled these awards and should take great pride in continuing to deliver on our core values."

Earlier this year, the iF International Forum Design GmbH recognized the X9 with the iF Design Award for its "intentionally aggressive look and active stance that represents unstoppable yet refined power." The jury praised the combine's angular forms expressing mechanical strength; its signature raised yellow stripe that delivers an enhanced brand presence; and an operator station that leads in comfort, visibility, and control efficiency.

In addition, the X9 was the Red Dot Award winner of 2021, and judges noted the design language showcased mechanical strength and high precision, which impressively communicated the machine's power. Further, the operator station and the integration of smart technologies ensured an optimized user experience.

"Both the Red Dot and iF Design Award are more than just recognition of our design language," Howerton explained. "They honor the great work of John Deere employees, show the value of getting honest feedback from dozens of customers from around the world in our customer focus groups, and recognize the close collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

"Everyone that played a role in the development and execution of the X9 enabled these awards and should take great pride in continuing to deliver on our core values."

Source : John Deere

Video: Evolution of Beef Cattle Farming

The Clear Conversations podcast took to the road for a special episode recorded in Nashville during CattleCon, bringing listeners straight into the heart of the cattle industry. Host Tracy Sellers welcomed rancher Steve Wooten of Beatty Canyon Ranch in Colorado for a wide-ranging discussion that blended family history and sustainability, particularly as it relates to the future of beef production.

Sustainability emerged as a central theme of the conversation, a word that Wooten acknowledges can mean very different things depending on who you ask. For him, sustainability starts with the soil. Healthy soil produces healthy grass, which supports efficient cattle capable of producing year after year with minimal external inputs. It’s an approach that equally considers vegetation, animal efficiency, and long-term profitability.

That philosophy aligned naturally with Wooten’s involvement in the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, where he served as a representative for the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. The roundtable brings together the entire beef supply chain—from producers to retailers—along with universities, NGOs, and allied industries. Its goal is not regulation, Wooten emphasized, but collaboration, shared learning, and continuous improvement.