U.S. tractor and combine sales drop in January

According to new data from the Milwaukee-based Association of Equipment Manufacturers, sales of tractors and combines in the United States fell during January 2025 compared to the year before. 

U.S. sales of tractors for agriculture dropped 15.8%, while U.S. sales of combines fell 78.9%.

“As we enter 2025, we’re seeing a continuation of slow sales saw throughout 2024,” said AEM Senior Vice President Curt Blades. “The ag industry continues to face uncertainties, including global trade concerns, tariffs and the lack of assurance that a farm bill provides.  These uncertainties are reflected in the softness of the ag equipment market.”

In January, sales of two-wheel-drive farm tractors under 40 horsepower were 5,308 units, a drop of 11.3% in comparison to 5,987 units in January 2024. Tractors from 40 to 100 horsepower totaled 2,631 units this past January, a decline of 16.3% in comparison to 3,145 units a year ago.

Farm tractors over 100 horsepower totaled 1,103 units this past month, a drop of 26.8% when compared to 1,506 units in January 2024.

Four-wheel-drive tractors

January sales of four-wheel-drive tractors dropped 54.5% when compared to the same month a year ago. The AEM reported 101 units were sold compared to 222 units in January.

The beginning inventory for this January showed 73,569 units for tractors under 40 horsepower; 31,525 units for tractors from 40 to 100 horsepower; and 9,994 units for tractors rated above 100 horsepower. There were 664 units of four-wheel-drive tractors available on Jan. 1.

Combine sales also down

Self-propelled combine sales declined nearly 79%. In January, 97 combines were sold compared to 460 units in January 2024. There are 735 combines on hand as of Jan. 1.

Canadian sales also fell in January 2025, with sales of ag tractors dropping 3.1%, while sales of combines fell 82.9%, the AEM reported.

Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or dbergmeier@hpj.com.