Tractor sales figures, traditionally viewed as a measure of farmers’ general confidence, seem to be finally rallying after several months of drops. In the six-month period from November 2012 to May 2013, every month apart from one saw a fall in sales of more than 20% compared to the same month a year earlier.

The year so far (January to September) has seen 10,192 tractors sold, according to the Agricultural Engineers Association. That compares with sales of 11,920 in the period January to September 2012.

But the good news is that things may finally be looking up. September 2013 saw 1,242 tractors sold, some 17% more than the 1,058 retailed in the same month last year. The reasons are probably the obvious ones – it was a relatively drama-free harvest, yields were a bit better than feared and there’s a generally more cheerful feel about.