Tractor sales steady in April

Tractor sales are looking remarkably steady, according to the latest figures from the Agricultural Engineers Association.

April 2011 saw 1,548 tractors sold, just 1.1% up on the equivalent figure for April 2010. So far this year, 4,919 tractors have been sold, just six fewer than during the same period last year – a drop of 0.1%.

Continuing high grain prices are, no doubt, helping maintain sales. However, the almost total absence of rainfall in many eastern counties since the beginning of March, and likely drops in yield for later drilled crops and those on light land, may start to have a dampening effect on tractor sales.