Ag equipment sales have struggled over the last year, and the situation does not appear to be improving.
Tractor and combine sales fell nearly 14 percent last month. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers shows that tractor models with 100 or more horsepower were down 19 percent on the year, four-wheel drive sales dropped 20 percent, and combine sales are down nearly 40 percent.
Numbers were down across the board in February, too. AEM says the driving factors are low crop prices and a lot of unknowns.
Related Stories
Farmer Bridge payments are being used primarily to reduce debt and protect cash flow, not drive new spending. Curt Blades with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers joined us to provide insight into the ag equipment market and the factors influencing sales.
Strong ethanol production and export trends continue to support corn demand despite seasonal fuel consumption softness.
Benchmark machinery costs against those of similar-sized, high-performing operations to inform equipment and investment decisions.
Larger operations maintain cost advantages, while softer equipment sales suggest producers are pacing machinery upgrades amid tighter margins.
Plans are underway for the 27th annual Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade, a June event celebrating farm heritage, tractor history, and rural traditions. Event manager Matt Kenney joins us to highlight the importance of commemorating farm heritage.
A new study found that retaining the EPA’s half-RIN credit protects soybean demand, farm income, and crushing-sector strength while preserving biofuel market flexibility.