Deere and its customers share many of the same risks. Bad weather conditions or poor crop prices can threaten farmers' bottom line, hampering Deere's farm equipment sales. Although farmers tend to turn to smaller regional banks, other credit crises, such as those in late 2008, could hamper the ability of equipment buyers to finance new machinery. A recent attempt to expand China's construction segment also poses risks, as the region is home to more established players, both domestic and foreign, and has also seen a recent weakening. Corporate Level Strategy Corporate level strategies identify the overall competitive theme of the company (Hill & Jones, 2013). Additionally, business strategies evaluate how a company creates its competitive advantage and the different positioning strategies used in many industry contexts. Companies may use a cost leadership strategy, a differentiation strategy, a focus strategy, or a combination of these: Cost leadership is a company's use of efficiency in order to sell its products at the lowest price than its competitors. Differentiation strategy is the creation of desired products or services. Concentration strategy is when a company offers specific services in a niche market. Concentration strategies emphasize a specific role or division of the industry. The success of a cost leadership strategy is affected by adversaries with lower or equal production costs, bargaining power of suppliers, demand for lower prices, entry of substitute products into the market , and companies able to overcome entry barriers and enter an industry. A successful differentiation strategy requires a focus on quality products, service excellence and innovation...... middle of paper ...... Lue, Deere and CEO of the company declare to investors. (March 22, 2001). PR Newswire. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/449207682?accountid=8243InnerWorkings is recognized as a “Partner Level Supplier” to John Deere. (March 15, 2012). Business Wire. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/928092448 John Deere supplier receives top prize. (May 12, 2008). Rocky Mount Telegram. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/380130155?accountid=8243Pitt, D. (October 31, 2012). "Iowa woman sues Deere, alleging racial discrimination". Telegraph - Herald. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1124588635?accountid=8243Reinitz, J. (August 1, 2011). Discrimination lawsuit filed against John Deere. McClatchy - Tribune Business News. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/880299755?accountid=8243SWOT Analysis. (2008). SWOT Analysis of Deere & Company, 5.