Combine harvester sales in the U.S. continue to grow while tractor unit sales stay close to their 5-year average according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).
Self-propelled combine sales grew 45 percent in March, but overall U.S. ag tractor unit sales continued to slide, despite gains in the 4WD segments, which were up 106 percent All other tractor segments fell, with the sub-40hp segment continuing to lead losses for the month of March, down 14.2 percent. Total farm tractor sales in the U.S. for the month fell 12.1 percent versus March 2022 and are down 15.1 percent year-to-date, a slight improvement from the previous month.
“The March tractor and combine report is a mixed bag, with an overall decline in tractor sales due to softness in the small tractor market,” said Curt Blades, senior vice president, industry sectors and product leadership at the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. “At the same time, the segments that are still showing growth are the higher-dollar segments of four-wheel-drive tractors and combine harvesters, indicating commodity markets for ag products are still strong enough for larger operations to justify the investment.”
The full report can be read HERE, and on the AEM website.