John Deere’s Cotton Picker crowned winner of 2025 "Coolest Thing Made in Iowa" contest
John Deere CP770 Cotton Picker wins ABI's 2025 "Coolest Thing Made in Iowa" contest
After nine weeks of voting and daily support from fans around the world, John Deere’s CP770 Cotton Picker has officially been named the 2025 “Coolest Thing Made in Iowa” by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI).
This recognition celebrates not only the innovation behind the CP770 but also the people who bring it to life in Ankeny, Iowa.
“The CP770 cotton picker is more than a machine, it’s a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of our entire team. Every feature reflects our commitment to our customer, innovation, and to the proud tradition of manufacturing excellence in Iowa. Seeing it recognized as ‘The Coolest Thing Made in Iowa” is a moment of pride for all of us who assemble these machines with purpose and passion,” shared Tami Hedgren, vice president, manufacturing lead.
About the CP770 Cotton Picker
- Harvests over 11 acres per hour at speeds up to 4.6 mph
- 20% more fuel-efficient, reducing input costs for customers*
- 5% faster picking speed, maximizing productivity during harvest*
*Compared to CP690 cotton picker
Serving Customers
“Dedicated employees at Des Moines Works have been assembling cotton pickers in Ankeny since 1950,” said Rosalind Fox, factory manager. “We will forever innovate on behalf of our customers, committed to delivering the world’s most advanced cotton harvesting equipment to their fields. Every day, our employees arrive with pride, eager to serve our customers. This award belongs to everyone who has contributed to the success of the CP770, from concept to fabrication, assembly to delivery, and everything in between. We all continue to push boundaries to better serve farmers around the world.”
This award belongs to everyone who has contributed to the success of the CP770, from concept to fabrication, assembly to delivery, and everything in between.
In Their Words
“We designed the CP770 with the farmer in mind. Every feature is about making their job easier, faster, and more efficient,” said Crystal Wells, manager, cotton & sugar harvesting engineering. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see our work recognized on this scale.”
“This isn’t just a win for the CP770, it’s a win for Iowa manufacturing,” added Dejan Djordjevich, cotton business unit leader. “We take pride in assembling these magnificent green giants that harvest fiber from around the world.”
“Innovation is in our DNA,” said Roger Zey, group product manager, cotton harvesting. “From automation to sustainability, we’re always looking for ways to improve. The CP770 is another example of how we’ve taken feedback from our farmer customers and turned it into innovation that directly improves their day-to-day operations.”
