ABI Announces 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa
06/11/2025
John Deere’s CP770 Cotton Picker Takes Top Honors
DES MOINES, June 11, 2025 – The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI), in partnership with MidWestOne Bank, is proud to announce the winner of the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa competition: the CP770 cotton picker, manufactured by John Deere in Ankeny.
“Dedicated employees at Des Moines Works have been assembling cotton pickers in Ankeny since 1950,” said Rosalind Fox, John Deere 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.”
Sixty-nine products were nominated for this year’s competition, representing manufacturers from 51 Iowa communities. After an initial public voting round and a head-to-head bracket-style tournament, four finalists emerged to compete for the title. More than 93,000 votes were cast throughout the contest, demonstrating the pride Iowans have in the products made in their state.
“Congratulationsto John Deere on your well-deserved recognition as one of the Coolest Things Made in Iowa winners,” said Chip Reeves, Chief Executive Officer at MidWestOne Bank. “Your product is a proud reflection of Iowa’s innovation, manufacturing strength, and the talented individuals who power the industry. As a bank committed to supporting local businesses and communities, we celebrate your achievement and the positive impact you’ve made in our state.”
“ABI has proudly supported Iowa’s manufacturing industry for more than a century, and companies like John Deere are a big part of that story,” said Nicole Crain, ABI President. “From early cotton pickers to today’s high-tech CP770, John Deere represents how Iowa manufacturers continue to evolve, innovate, and lead. Just like the industries we serve, ABI has grown and adapted—always with a focus on supporting the people, products, and progress that drive our state forward.”
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The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) has been the voice of Iowa business since 1903. Its mission is to provide a strong, unified voice to business and industry on issues affecting Iowa employers. ABI is comprised of member companies representing all industries and sizes in Iowa’s 99 counties. ABI members employ more than 330,000 Iowans.