Citing trade uncertainties and a slumping ag economy, Deere & Co. said Tuesday it will layoff about 160 workers at production facilities in the Quad Cities.

The farm and construction equipment manufacturer said it would place about 50 employees at John Deere Harvester Works in East Moline, Illinois, on indefinite layoff beginning Oct 28.

Another 113 production employees at John Deere Davenport Works learned they would also be laid off indefinitely, effective Nov. 18.

The company, which is headquartered in Moline, Illinois, lowered its full-year sales and income expectations for 2019, due to decreased customer demand.

Deere shrank its income forecast to $3.2 billion in August from $3.6 billion in February. Its anticipated sales growth fell from 7% to 4%.

“Concerns about export-market access, near-term demand for commodities such as soybeans, and overall crop conditions, have caused many farmers to postpone major equipment purchases," CEO Sam Allen said in the company's third-quarter earnings report, released in August.

► More: Like Iowa farmers, John Deere tries to power through ag downturn

With agriculture and turf equipment sales down 6%, Deere's third-quarter net income fell 1% to $899 million.

"Despite uncertainties of current market conditions, we remain confident in our business strategy and long-term future," said Deere spokesman Ken Golden.

Construction and forestry equipment sales were $3 billion, up 1% in the third quarter.

Golden said no other Deere location was included in Wednesday's announcements.

Donnelle Eller covers agriculture, the environment and energy for the Register. Reach her at deller@registermedia.com or 515-284-8457.

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