Biggest slump recorded in high-powered tractor sales

The downturn in arable farming’s fortunes over the past 12 months has been mirrored in the sales of tractors in the highest power bands, as the country’s grain producers rein in investment.

Latest figures from the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) show that, across the board, new tractor registrations came to just 8,791 machines in 2025 – 14% down on the previous year and the lowest in AEA records.

See also: Tractor registrations lowest since records began

The biggest falls were at the top end of the power range.

AEA economist Stephen Howarth said: “The number of tractors over 240hp registered last year was down by nearly one-third, compared with the year before, reflecting the challenging financial position of arable farmers, who are the main buyers of these larger machines.”

Below that level, the decline was a more modest 11%, with tractors in the 140-160hp bracket showing the smallest downturn – just 2% down on the 2024 registrations.

The latest situation with the largest machines is in stark contrast to a year ago, when the data showed that, for 2024, tractors of more than 240hp were the only ones to have increased registrations (by 14% over 2023) when everything else was in decline.

Regional variation

Regionally, the picture also reflects the challenging times affecting the arable sector, with the greatest falls in new tractor registrations seen in Yorkshire/Humberside (-27%) and the East Midlands (-25%).

Declines were seen in all other areas except the South West, where slightly more machines were logged than in 2024 (+1/1%).

“That perhaps reflects the better fortunes of the dairy sector, which makes up a sizeable proportion of agriculture in that region,” said Mr Howarth.

What were the most popular brands in 2024?

The AEA data also shows that CNH nudged ahead of John Deere in the 2024 manufacturer rankings, accounting for 29% of sales versus Deere’s 28%.

However, the Green Giant is still streets ahead when the stats are split by brand: it sold 3,304 units, while New Holland tallied 2,270 and Case IH 1,138.

Competition law means the AEA is not able to publish market share figures for tractors until 12 months have elapsed, so 2025 figures are not yet available.