First half of 2000 sees hp increase
First half of 2000 sees hp increase
AVERAGE tractor horsepower for the first half of 2000 has risen from 110hp to 115hp, compared with the same period last year, reports the Agricultural Engineers Association .
The AEA figures confirm the 121hp to 140hp sector was the most popular, with 1310 units sold, compared with 1001 units for the first six months of last year.
Regionally, the south-west and Northern Ireland saw the highest increases in average horsepower – up 20.1% and 18.1%, respectively.
Greatest falls were recorded in the traditionally higher hp arable sectors, with the eastern and east Midlands regions seeing the average fall by 23.1% and 19%, respectively.
AEA economist Chris Evans believes the decline in arable sectors is accounted for by growers purchasing fewer machines but at a higher horsepower, with poor cereal and root crop prices continuing to stifle incomes.
On a brighter note, Mr Evans says the increases in the south-west and Northern Ireland regions could suggest a recovery in the livestock industry, despite many producers still remaining in crisis. *