Deere & Co.: The Moline, Ill., farm...

Deere & Co.: The Moline, Ill., farm machinery maker said third-quarter profit rose 21% from the 1988 period to $98.2 million, reflecting strong sales across all its product lines. The 1988 results included a one-time gain of $8.7 million from tax benefits. Sales to dealers totaled $1.7 billion, up from $1.4 billion. Chairman Robert A. Hanson said retail sales of John Deere agricultural equipment were much stronger in the third quarter, continuing a pattern established in the first and second quarters.