Combine harvester sales closed out the year ahead of 2022 levels, while almost all tractor segments saw declines in both the U.S. and Canada.
The latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers says total U.S. farm tractor sales fell 5.1 percent in December compared to 2022, while year-to-date sales came in 8.7 percent lower than the previous year. However, 100+ horsepower tractors grew 5.2 percent for the year and 3.6 percent in December. Combine harvesters finished 2023 with sales up 1.7 percent last month. The sub-40 horsepower segment led the yearly losses, falling 11 percent in 2023 on the heels of a 5.8 percent drop in December.
For Canada, four-wheel drive farm tractor sales jumped 65 percent in December and finished the year up 44 percent overall. Overall unit tractor sales finished 2023 down 14 percent for December and 10.7 percent overall. AEM is still confident about long-term sales growth.
