Farmers forum staff
New combine sales on both sides of the border have increased in April.
According to data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, retail sales of combines in both Canada and the U.S. saw a significant increase as self-propelled combine sales reached 166 units, a 50.9 % rise compared to April 2022, and 572 units year-to-date, up from 246 in the same period the previous year.
However, the market for sub-compact tractors continued to weaken, with a decline in sales. Two-wheel-drive (2WD) tractors, particularly those under 40 horsepower, saw a marked decrease in April. Sales of these tractors came in at 1,269 units, down 34.4 % from April 2022. Year-to-date sales of 2WD tractors in Canada were 7,462 units, down 15.1 % from the previous year.
When considering the combined sales of tractors and combines in Canada during April 2023, the total was lower than the figures for both 2021 and 2022, as well as below the five-year average (2018-2022).
Sales of larger 4WD tractors and self-propelled harvesters increased due to strong commodity markets for agricultural products, observers say.
In the U.S., sales of combines and 4WD tractors saw notable growth in April 2023 compared to April 2022, while 2WD tractors below 100 horsepower experienced declines.
It’s important to note that the AEM data represents estimates and includes most, but not all, manufacturers in each product category sold at retail in Canada.
