The June "Dealer Sentiments & Business Conditions Update" from Ag Equipment Intelligence shows that sales increased in May compared with April for commercial and consumer equipment (CCE), 2WD tractors less than 100 horsepower and hay tools. For year-to-date, CCE and 2WD tractors less than 100 horsepower show slight sales declines, while hay tool sales increased.

See the charts below for monthly and year-to-date sales for all the categories measured in the report as well as additional details for CCE, 2WD tractors less than 100 horsepower and hay tools.

Here are some comments from dealers: 

• "We have seen much better than expected demand for compact and utility equipment."
• "Small acreage hobby farms and light construction operators drove our business to record sales this month."
• "Almost all of our manufacturers pushed through a 5-7% increase on May 1 following steel surcharges."
• "It seems like everyone has jumped on the price increase bandwagon, most citing higher steel prices and to a lesser extent, fuel prices."

This data was prepared by Cleveland Research Co. and compiled and issued by Lessiter Media.