MILWAUKEE — Another month brought positive news regarding U.S. sales of tractors and combines, according to a report released by the Assn. of Equipment Manufacturers earlier this week. Total sales of farm tractors rose 14.4% in August compared to this time a year ago, while U.S. sales of self-propelled combines grew 23.4%. Meanwhile, year-to-date growth in U.S. sales reached 24% for combines and 13% for 4-wheel-drive tractors.

“While we’re pleased with these positive numbers, we still face concerns,” said AEM Senior Vice President of Ag Services Curt Blades. “For example, we have a potential rewrite of NAFTA added to steel and aluminum tariffs, and the USDA recently predicted a double-digit decline in net farm income. We’re continuing to push for trade action that does not harm farmers of equipment manufacturers, as well as a timely passage of a farm bill to help bring some certainty to the marketplace.”

In addition, August year-to-date growth totals for total U.S. sales of 2-wheel-drive tractors topped 8%, under 40 horsepower tractors gained 10.5%, 40-100 HP tractors grew 2.5%, and 100-plus tractors increased 7%.

However, Canadian retail sales of tractors and combines did not fare quite as well this past month. Total sales of farm tractors dropped 9.5%, while sales of self-propelled combines plummeted 41.8% in August compared to last year.

Refer to the tables below for more details.