MILWAUKEE — While U.S. retail sales of farm tractors under 40 horsepower in July declined 6.3%, the year-to-date total was up 9.8% compared to last year, according to the latest monthly data from the Assn. of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), the leading trade organization for off-road equipment manufacturers and suppliers.

U.S. retail sales for 2WD tractors 40-100 horsepower declined 23.3% in July and were down 6.1% year-to-date.

Sales of 2WD 100+ horsepower tractors in the U.S. declined 24.9% for July, with year-to-date sales down 24.0%, while 4WD tractors dropped 48.3% year-over-year and were down 33.6% year-to-date.

Combine sales declined 16.2% for July and recorded a 22.0% drop for year-to-date sales.

Charlie O’Brien, AEM senior vice president, provided some insights:

“The good news is that overall retail sales for small horsepower tractors are still above the 5-year trends.

“For the under 40 horsepower tractors, this is the first time in 2016 that we have seen negative year-over-year comparison for the month. For 40-100 horsepower tractors, while 2016 year-over-year sales have fluctuated, the July decline appears to be significantly higher, and a drop this large has not been seen since October 2009.

"For combines, the positive growth in sales last month compared to the same month last year was not sustainable, as we are back in negative territory; Sales of larger production ag equipment continue their negative trend of the past year.

“Overall with half of the year behind us, I would say we continue to see this as a challenging year.”

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.