2018 was a strong year for ag tractor and combine sales in the U.S., according to the latest numbers released by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).
The association’s December U.S. Ag Tractor and Combine Report shows all machine categories recorded year-to-date growth as the year closed out.
“2018 was a solid year for equipment sales despite a weak overall farm economy and lingering trade issues,” said AEM Senior Vice President of Agriculture Curt Blades. “As we look at 2019, we’re still seeing a lot of uncertainty related to the Administration’s efforts to reset global trade parameters. We’re also watching some uncertainty with stock market ups and downs, which could indicate a potential slowing economy. As a whole, we remain optimistic that the replacement market for large equipment will continue through 2019, and that the small tractor market will continue to be a bright spot on overall sales numbers.”
According to AEM’s latest report, U.S. December year-to-date sales of self-propelled combines saw growth of more than 18 percent, while year-to-date sales of 4-wheel-drive tractors jumped nearly 13 percent. In addition, overall U.S. sales of 2-wheel-drive tractors for December experienced growth of 6.8 percent, and under-40 HP tractors saw growth of 9.2 percent. Also, 40-100 HP tractor sales grew 1.5 percent and 100-plus HP tractors saw a jump of 5.5 percent.
Innovators program across 100,000 U.S. corn acres in Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota during the 2018 growing season. Harvest results demonstrated an average yield advantage of 9.1 bushels per acre versus what the farmer would have planted without Seed Advisor recommendations. 
