MILWAUKEE, Wisc. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. farm machinery sales weakened further at the end of 2025, underscoring ongoing caution among producers as margins remain tight and replacement cycles are extended. New data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) show December tractor and combine sales declined year over year, reflecting restrained capital spending across much of the farm economy.
U.S. sales of agricultural tractors fell 14.8 percent in December compared with the same month in 2024, while combine sales declined 4.3 percent. The pullback was broad-based across horsepower categories. Sales of tractors under 40 horsepower dropped nearly 19 percent, mid-range tractors declined almost 5 percent, and units above 100 horsepower fell more than 18 percent. Four-wheel-drive tractor sales posted the steepest decline, down 31 percent from a year earlier.
Canadian markets showed a mixed picture. Tractor sales fell 13.7 percent year over year, mirroring weakness in the U.S. However, Canadian combine sales surged 26.1 percent, suggesting regional differences in replacement needs and harvest conditions.
Full-year figures point to a slower equipment cycle. U.S. tractor sales for 2025 finished nearly 10 percent below 2024 levels, while combine sales fell more than 35 percent year to date. Elevated equipment prices, higher interest rates, and softer commodity margins continue to weigh on purchasing decisions.
AEM notes the data reflect preliminary retail sales reported by member companies and serve as a barometer of producer confidence heading into 2026.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Soft equipment sales signal cautious farm spending as producers prioritize cash flow over expansion.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
The Dairy Checkoff’s new approach to consumer marketing helps farmers bridge the gap between physical vs. digital touchpoints and deliver more end sales.
November 14, 2025 01:52 PM
·
USDA released the November WASDE Report on Friday, the first supply-and-demand estimate to drop since September, just before the 43-day government shutdown.
November 14, 2025 12:22 PM
·
The request follows pressure from the American Sheep Industry Association (ASIA), which called for a formal investigation into whether lamb imports from Australia and New Zealand have cut into the U.S. market share.
November 13, 2025 02:22 PM
·
RFD-TV farm legal expert Roger McEowen digs into the details on how to make your rural property dreams a reality — and avoid a living nightmare.
November 13, 2025 01:24 PM
·
David Hardin with the Indiana Soybean Alliance discusses USMEF’s push to open new global export markets for both meat and soy-based feed.
November 13, 2025 01:10 PM
·
Some sustainability shifts are not particularly challenging and can be implemented with resources already available to farmers and ranchers on their operations.
November 13, 2025 01:00 PM
·
FD-TV’s own Tammi Arender caught up with Gregg Doud, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation.
November 13, 2025 12:05 PM
·
With the U.S.–Vietnam agreement nearing signature, U.S. cotton, corn, and soybean exporters could lock in new demand lanes just as global supply shifts.
November 13, 2025 11:33 AM
·
RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney shares insights from a recent study, discusses EV market access in Canada, and highlights other market opportunities top of mind for Canadian producers.
November 12, 2025 03:19 PM
·
