MILWAUKEE — Overall U.S. retail sales of ag tractors and combines continued to beat the 5-year average as 2016 hit the midyear mark, with smaller tractors still the sales leader, according to data from the Assn. of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), the leading trade organization for off-road equipment manufacturers and suppliers.
June U.S. retail sales of farm tractors under 40 horsepower were up 3% compared to last year, with year-to-date gains of 12.7%. U.S. retail sales for 2WD tractors of 40-100 horsepower increased 2.8% in June but were down 1.1% year to date.
Sales of 2WD 100+ horsepower tractors in the U.S. declined 21.6% for June, with year-to-date sales down 23.9%, while 4WD tractors dropped 34.3% year-over-year and were down 31.3% year-to-date.
Combine sales were in the plus column for June with 8% growth but year-to-date sales still lagged at minus 23.3%.
“We have passed the midyear mark for 2016 and overall, tractor sales continue to show downward trends in the larger horsepower categories but when combined with the unit sales of smaller horsepower tractors, total tractor sales are tracking above the 5-year average,” says Charlie O’Brien, AEM senior vice president.
“While there have been monthly year-over-year fluctuations, currently the positive end of the market is still geared toward smaller equipment sales, which are tied to hobby farmers, landscaping (housing) and livestock. The larger production ag machinery continues to experience double-digit declines.
“Looking later into 2016 and going into 2017, it is important to consider the 2016 farm income forecasts, where the USDA foresees lower livestock receipts and higher crop receipts.”
About the Report/View the Full Report
Data from AEM’s Ag Tractor and Combine Report is provided monthly and is derived from AEM member companies through our proprietary statistical reporting programs. The analysis of the data is provided by AEM’s Market Intelligence department. Visit www.aem.org/agreports to view the reports, as well as reports from Russia and Canada.
