Tractor sales were well down in the month of May, the Tractor and Machinery Association says, with weather conditions in multiple states having an impact
Sales of agricultural tractors fell significantly in the month of May, down 23 per cent compared to the same month last year.
With around 800 tractors sold nationwide during the month, this represents one of the lowest points in the cycle for around five years.
It also means the year-to-date figure sits at 12 per cent below the same time in 2024, with decreases being felt across all size ranges and all states.
The combination of drought in the southern states of Victoria and South Australia and flooding in New South Wales has had a significant impact on demand and while there have been positive signs in the market for some time, these have now been dashed.
Looking around the states, Queensland was down 35.4 per cent for the month and now sits 12 per cent below for the year to date.
New South Wales had another significant drop of 22 per cent during May and is now 11 per cent down year to date.
Victoria was down once again, this time by 23 per cent for the month, and is now 19 per cent behind year to date.
South Australia recorded another large drop of 35 per cent for the month and the year-to-date figures sits 19 per cent below this time in 2024.
Sales in Western Australia, which have been steady for some time, recorded a 10 per cent decline in May and are now even with the same time last year.
In Tasmania, sales are up 2 per cent and the Northern Territory’s sales are now down 9 per cent for the year to date.
Declines were seen in all four reporting size categories.
The under 40hp (under 30kw) range was down 32 per cent for the month, meaning its year-to-date figure is now 3 per cent below this time in 2024.
The 40hp to 100hp (30-75kw) range had a 12 per cent drop and now sits 7 per cent behind for the year to date, while the 100hp to 200hp (75-150 kw) range was off 28 per cent in May and is now 14 per cent down last year’s figure.
The large 200hp plus (150kw plus) range was off 19 per cent, which means it is currently 25 per cent behind last year.
Sales of combine harvesters enjoyed a small bump, up 15 per cent for the month to now sit 17 per cent ahead for the year to date, albeit this is on very small numbers.
Expectations for the full year still sit at around 700 harvesters being sold, compared to previous years of more than 1,000 sales.
Baler sales were once again down dramatically, this time by 62 per cent for the month, and are now 39 per cent behind for the year to date.
Sales of out-front mowers were down 8 per cent during May and are now 31 per cent behind this point in 2024.
The outlook remains a very challenging one, as reflected in the recent TMA dealer business sentiment survey, which can be found on the association’s website.
Dealers are expecting a continuation of challenging conditions for some time to come as there remains plenty of inventory in dealer yards, with numerous incentives in play aimed at attracting buyers.
The annual TMA conference is being held on July 24 at the Hyatt Essendon Fields in Melbourne.
Tickets are now on sale through the TMA website at www.tma.asn.au