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History

It all began with an idea.

A problem solver at heart, Ray Hagie envisioned a more efficient solution to spray crops on his family’s farm. In 1947, he invented the world’s first self-propelled sprayer, a breakthrough that revolutionized the agriculture industry we know today. And the rest, as they say, is history.

This storied past of Hagie shows the constant push for innovation as new technology was created with more company growth year after year. It’s something we’re proud of, as we continue the spirit of which our company was founded on today with great anticipation of the next big breakthrough.

Explore our legacy of innovation

1933-1943

Ray W. Hagie

In 1933, Ray W. Hagie graduates from Iowa State College and begins to experiment with hybrid seed corn on 1.5 acres of his father’s farm. The following year, Hagie Hybrids is founded. In 1936, the drought shows the advantages of hybrid, and the seed business booms. In October 1943, a fire occurred at the Hagies Hybrids seed dryer. The following year after the fire, a new Hagie’s Hybrids seed corn plant was built in Clarion, IA.

1946

The Personal Carrier

In 1946, Hagie Manufacturing Co. develops a Personnel Carrier.

1947

Self-propelled sprayer

In 1947, the original Hagie high-clearance self-propelled sprayer was built.

1954-1955

Hagie growth

In 1954, Hagie Manufacturing Co. moves into a new building, located next to the seed corn plant. In 1955, Hagie growth expands globally with the company’s first sales occurring outside the U.S.

1957

Factory doubles in size

In 1957, the Hagie Manufacturing Co. factory doubles in size as a result of the company’s first addition.

1960

Hagie model 430 is built

Hagie Model 430 is built in 1960. Notably, it is the first rear-wheel-drive Hagie sprayer, as well as the first model to offer a front-mounted boom.

1963

High-clearance nitrogen application bar

At the forefront of innovation, in 1963, Hagie developed a high-clearance nitrogen application bar.

1968

Hagie model 440

In 1968, the Hagie Model 440 is introduced. It is the first hydraulic twin tank, active suspension sprayer. The model also includes an optional cab.

1970

Another expansion

In 1970, the new office area and showroom are added to the front of the building, along with 20,000 square feet added to the shop floor.

1973

Hagie model 640

In 1973, the Hagie Model 640 is made available with a total capacity of 850 gallons.

1980

A new look for Hagie equipment

In 1980, Hagie introduces a new look, with the color scheme changing from red to beige with chocolate brown accents. Hagie also begins building sprayers that are more economical during the farm crisis.

1981

John Hagie become president of Hagie

In 1981, John Hagie is promoted to president of Hagie Manufacturing Company.

1990

Models 250 and 280 introduced

In 1990, Hagie Models 250 and 280 are introduced with 500- and 800- gallon capacities.

1994

Hagie 284 and a new color scheme

In 1994, the new Hagie 284 is the first model to offer a 90 ft. boom. An automatic hydraulic tread adjust also becomes an option. A new color scheme is introduced for Hagie machines, featuring a light grey and black design with red accents.

1997

50th Anniversary and introduction of model 2100

In 1997, Hagie celebrates its 50 year anniversary with the release of the Hagie Model 2100, including a 1,000-gallon capacity and air-ride suspension. The same year, the Hagie factory expands 21,000 square feet. Space is designated for a new research and development area, maintenance shop, tooling and paint facilities.

2000

Hagie model STS12

In 2000, the Hagie Model STS12 is produced, including several features and an innovative design. The STS series receives a new color scheme featuring light grey and yellow and red accents. The dual tank machines feature the legacy grey and black designs, with red accents.

2002

A 40‘ high-clearance nitrogen toolbar

In 2002, Hagie releases a 40‘ high-clearance nitrogen toolbar.

2004-2005

Hagie introduces STS16

In 2004, Hagie Upfront Solutions (now HCS) are made available. Projects such as field computers, auto steer, injection systems, along with other custom machine configurations, are now available. In 2005, Hagie model STS16 is introduced as the world’s largest row crop sprayer, featuring a 1,600-gallon capacity. The entire Hagie lineup receives a color scheme update to feature dark grey and yellow, with red accents.

2007

Another expansion

In 2007, the Hagie factory is expanded by 75,000 square feet.

2009-2011

Hagie adds All Wheel Steer (AWS) and another building

In 2009, All Wheel Steer (AWS) is made available on the STS series. In 2011, Hagie expands with the purchase of a 210,000 square foot building located next to the factory.

2014

STS line is redesigned

In 2014, the STS line is completely redesigned with major upgrades to the cab, cooling and driveline.

2015

DTS10 redesign

In 2015, Hagie’s DTS10 model is completely redesigned.

2016

Joint venture with John Deere

man with Hagie sprayer and John Deere truck

In March of 2016, a joint venture with John Deere is established, allowing Hagie Mfg. LLC. to be integrated into the John Deere sales and service channel. Kent Klemme is named president.

2017-2020

Hagie and John Deere partnership evolves

In 2017, the STS14 and STS16 become the first models to be powered by John Deere engines, while John Deere precision becomes factory-installed. In 2018, a new 120’ hybrid boom is introduced with the inner 60’ constructed of steel and the outer 60’ constructed of aluminum. In 2019, the STS10 & STS12 receive the John Deere 6.8L PowerTech Tier 4 engine and Hagie releases the LS475 to the market for the John Deere F4365. In 2020, John Deere acquires the remainder of Hagie ownership.

2021

Expanded boom widths, optional AutoTrac™ RowSense™ and Vision become available

In 2021, the hybrid family of STS booms expands offerings in 90’, 100’, 120’ and 132’ widths. The STS sprayers are factory-equipped for optional AutoTrac™ RowSense™ and Vision.