John Deere's StarFire 7500 Receiver Wins Inaugural 'Coolest Thing Made in ND' Contest

The precision agriculture technology was selected as the winner from a field of four finalists in the statewide manufacturing competition.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Greater North Dakota Chamber (GNDC) announced that the StarFire 7500 Receiver, manufactured by John Deere's Intelligent Solutions Group in Fargo, has been named the winner of the inaugural 'Coolest Thing Made in North Dakota' contest. The advanced precision guidance system technology was selected from a field of four finalists that also included products from Baker Boy, Badland Batteries, and Bobcat Company.

Why it matters

The contest was launched to highlight the depth and diversity of North Dakota's thriving manufacturing sector, which employs tens of thousands of workers across nearly 900 companies in the state. The StarFire 7500's win showcases the state's leadership in precision agriculture and advanced technology manufacturing.

The details

The StarFire 7500 Receiver serves as the foundation of John Deere's precision guidance system, enabling hands-free steering with sub-inch accuracy to help farmers, construction workers, and road builders improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase productivity through precise field mapping and repeatable performance. The product is proudly assembled by dedicated employees at John Deere's facility in Fargo.

  • The Coolest Thing Made in North Dakota contest was launched in 2026.
  • The winner was announced on February 19, 2026 during an award ceremony at John Deere's Fargo facility.

The players

Greater North Dakota Chamber (GNDC)

The statewide business association that organized the Coolest Thing Made in North Dakota contest to celebrate innovation and advanced manufacturing in the state.

John Deere

The multinational agricultural and construction equipment manufacturer that produces the award-winning StarFire 7500 Receiver at its Fargo, North Dakota facility.

Arik Spencer

President and CEO of the Greater North Dakota Chamber.

Dan Dougherty

Director of Electronics Manufacturing and OEM Sales at John Deere.

Matt Potter

Director of Robotics and Mobility Technology at John Deere.

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What they’re saying

“Manufacturing touches nearly every corner of North Dakota, supporting thousands of families and communities across the state. With nearly 900 manufacturers employing tens of thousands of North Dakotans, this industry drives opportunity, innovation, and economic growth. Coolest Thing Made highlights the people and products making that impact every day.”

— Arik Spencer, President and CEO, Greater North Dakota Chamber (newsdakota.com)

“Dedicated employees in Fargo proudly assemble the StarFire 7500, building technology that farmers and contractors depend on every day. We continue to innovate on behalf of our customers, delivering precision solutions that help them work more efficiently and confidently in the field and on the jobsite. This recognition belongs to everyone who makes that possible, from the teams who design and build this product to the customers who put it to work. Our employees show up every day with pride, committed to pushing boundaries and helping our customers succeed.”

— Dan Dougherty, Director, Electronics Manufacturing and OEM Sales, John Deere (newsdakota.com)

What’s next

GNDC plans to make the Coolest Thing Made in North Dakota an annual competition, continuing to showcase manufacturing excellence, workforce opportunities, and innovation across the state.

The takeaway

The StarFire 7500 Receiver's win in the inaugural Coolest Thing Made in North Dakota contest highlights the state's leadership in precision agriculture technology and advanced manufacturing, showcasing the innovation, talent, and economic impact of this critical industry sector.