Deere & Co.’s first-quarter earnings fell 28%...

Deere & Co.’s first-quarter earnings fell 28% from last year to $48 million. Sales totaled $1.14 billion, up 9%. The Moline, Ill.-based agricultural and lawn equipment maker attributed the results primarily to extraordinary gains a year ago as well as the start-up of a new line of combines, large tractors and other equipment, which resulted in some production and shipping delays and added costs.