According to the most recent data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), unit sales of ag tractors and self-propelled combines in August put year-to-date numbers up over 2019, overall.
Data from the report also show unit sales of both types of equipment were positive for the fifth month in a row in the U.S., and the third month in a row in Canada.
Canadian equipment sales, year-to-date, are positive for tractors with less than 40 horsepower, with an increase of 14.4% compared to 2019. For tractors over 100 horsepower, sales are down 19.1% compared to the previous year. Self-propelled combines are down 11.5% compared to 2019, according to AEM data.
Our neighbours to the south also had an increase in sales of tractors with less than 40 horsepower, at 17.1% above 2019 numbers. Sales of tractors with over 100 horsepower also dropped in the U.S., but only at a rate of 3.1%. Self-propelled combine sales were up 3.6%.
“We’re not surprised with seeing growth in combines pick up, with USDA predictions of larger harvest sizes for this year,” says Curt Blades, senior vice president of ag services at AEM. “We’re still watching the 100-horse and four wheel drive sales closely, as those are the units that indicate how the large-field farmers are feeling, especially as they start planning for winter and cover crops, and next year’s plantings. However, this month’s overall equipment sales remain above the 5-year average, and we’re pleased with that.”