The number of UK new tractor registrations in 2022 for machines above 50hp fell by 3.6% on the year to 12,017, according to the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA).

Tractors in the 51hp to 140hp segment had the most notable decline in sales in 2022, falling by 13% and accounting for 35% of the market for tractors above 50hp.

Mid-sized tractors between 141hp and 320hp made up 62% of the market and increased by 3% year on year to total 7,130 units registered.

See also: Tractor sales down in December, AEA figures show

Larger tractors above 320hp accounted for just 3% of registrations at 385 units, 42 less than in 2021.

AEA economist Stephen Howarth said the average power of all agricultural tractors registered in the UK in 2022 was 168.4hp.

Mr Howarth said: “There are signs that the long-term upward trend in tractor powers has slowed in recent years, although the widespread disruptions since the onset of the pandemic may be having an effect.”

Regional variation

Tractor registrations in England fell by 3% year on year, with declines across all regions except Yorkshire, the West Midlands and the Home Counties.

Tractor registrations in Scotland and Wales both declined by 6.8%, while the number of units registered in Northern Ireland increased by 1%.