TMA: tractor sales slow in July

According to the latest figures from the Tractor and Machinery Association (TMA), overall sales of new tractors slowed in July, with the tally for the month down 17 per cent on the same month last year.

The overall year-to-date total is now 11 per cent down over the previous corresponding period.

Drops were recorded across all size categories but it was heavier end of the spectrum that experienced the biggest contraction, with sales in the 200hp (150kW) and above segment down by 24% for the month (now 1% down year to date).

The 100-200hp (75-150kW) segment was down by 18% for the month (now 14% down year to date) while the 40-100hp (30-75kW) segment fell by the same margin (and is 12% down year to date).

At the smaller end of the market, the under 40hp (30kW) segment recorded a fall of 13% in July and is now 10% down year to date.

TMA reports that sales fell the most in NSW, with a drop of 31% in July putting the state 21% down year to date. Sales in Queensland fell by 3% for the month (down 6% year to date), while Victorian sales fell by 24% (9% down year to date) and South Australia recorded a drop for the month of 30% (now 20% down year to date).

Western Australia and Tasmania bucked the downward trend, however. Sales in WA were up by 7% in July, the state now 10% ahead year to date, while sales in Tasmania were up 24% for the month (now 9% ahead year to date).

Sales in the Northern Territory fell by 10% for the month, its tally now 3% behind this time last year.

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The TMA also reports that harvester sales are tracking in line with last year and look set to around 550 units for the year, while strong demand for hay has seen baler sales perform well. Overall baler sales might have dropped by 3% for the month of July, but the category's year-to-date tally is up by 41%.

Sales of Out Front Mowers jumped by 15% in July ahead of the grass growing season, the category's year-to-date tally largely in line with last year.

The TMA says it expects sales of tractors and agricultural machinery to be down by around 10-15% on previous records, although current rainfall gives cause for some cautious optimism.