U.S. sales of tractors and combines remained positive at the midyear 2018 mark, with all machine categories in the plus column, according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

U.S. sales of self-propelled combines at midyear 2018 grew 20.5% compared to January through June 2017 and were up 4% in June 2018 compared to June 2017.

January to June U.S. sales of four-wheel-drive tractors gained 5% over 2017 year-to-date sales, and June sales jumped 23% compared to last year.

Total U.S. sales of two-wheel-drive tractors at midyear were up 6.5% over the same time period in 2017; all categories were positive, with the strongest gains in the under-40 hp category, at 8%.

For two-wheel-drive tractors, June sales increased 16% in the 100 hp-plus category, grew 15% for the under-40 hp tractors and gained 4% for the 40-100 hp tractors.

“The ag equipment industry is improving and moving toward a demand replacement cycle. Because of this, we see the opportunity for continued growth in tractor and combine sales for the rest of 2018,” said Scott Harris, Case IH vice president, North America.

“We view 2018 as a rebuilding year for agriculture. We’ve experienced a steadily improving economy, tax reform provides incentives, and machines need to be replaced,” said Curt Blades, AEM senior vice president, AG services. “We’re still concerned with the impact of tariffs and trade wars on continued stability for manufacturers and their customers.”

“We’re encouraged by recent House and Senate passage of their 2018 farm bills, and we are emphasizing cooperative action on a final bill. Inclusion of crop insurance safeguards and other provisions will help provide some business certainty for farmers and ranchers,” Blades said.

Read the full report online.