Tractor sales in the main livestock-producing areas of the country appear to have had a “less bad” year than in the main crop-growing areas, according to latest data from the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA).

Overall, the number of new tractor registrations for the first nine months of 2024 were 15%, lower than in the same period last year at 8,224.

See also: Machinery dealers hit by slump in agricultural sales

Every region of the UK saw a decline in new tractor business over those nine months, though the biggest declines were seen in the south of England and the East Midlands.  

AEA economist Stephen Howarth said: “Percentage falls become progressively smaller as you move northwards across the country, with Scotland, the north of England, North Wales and Northern Ireland all seeing smaller falls than regions further south.”

“That might reflect the relatively strong prices for livestock products this year, compared with crops, which have also been hardest hit by the adverse weather.”

Power bands

In terms of power bands, the trend towards bigger, more powerful machinery has continued during the first three quarters of 2024.

While registrations fell in every band below 240hp, tractors above that power threshold actually increased by 15%, to 1,294 units.

“That segment accounts for 16% of tractors registered this year, up from 12% in the first nine months of last year,” said Mr Howarth.

The greatest fall, 25%, was in the 201-240hp band, suggesting this section of the market has been hardest hit as farmers and growers invest in more powerful machines.