The FTMTA has released the tractor sales figures for January, showing that 333 units have been sold. This is back from 390 sold in January 2016. Commenting on the figures, Gary Ryan, CEO of the FTMTA, said that despite the drop in numbers, he is confident the quarterly figures will increase towards last year’s levels. The reason for this is that all manufacturers have moved to direct ordering and manufacturing with a lead time.

Confidence among many Irish farmers was at a low level, not enticing orders. Since then, the mood has changed and milk prices have improved, though the grain market remains volatile. However, many of the leading tillage manufacturers have reported strong interest and sales from last December and moving into January this year.

Farmers are looking towards improving cultivation efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and there is also the natural replacement cycle for wearing machines. From the figures, it seems that tillage farmers are holding on to the larger horsepower tractor for longer, with a large investment to change required.

Special focus: FTMTA Farm Machinery Show

Tractor sales slip back for January

Tractor sales for the first month of the year are back 15% on last year.