September was a fairly solid month overall for retail sales of tractors and combines in the U.S. and Canada, according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

Total farm tractor sales in the U.S. increased 18.7% in September compared to last year, while self-propelled combine sales increased 12.3%. Year to date, total U.S. tractor sales are up nearly 5%, while sales of self-propelled combines are up 1.8%.

Total U.S. sales of two-wheel-drive tractors increased 19.2% in September compared to a year ago; sales of under 40 hp tractors were up 18.4%; sales of 40-100 hp tractors increased a shade over 21%, and sales of 100 hp-plus tractors increased 19.1%. Conversely, four-wheel-drive tractor sales were down 5.2%.

For Canada, total farm tractor sales were up 13.7%, while sales of self-propelled combines were down 25.5%. Year to date, total tractor sales in Canada were down 4.4%, while sales of self-propelled combines have decreased 27.7%.

"The numbers continue to remain solid both in the U.S. and Canada and are fueled by the replacement market. However, we continue to hear from our members real concerns about the overall ag economy," said Curt Blades, AEM senior vice president of Ag Services.

"As farmers begin the delayed harvest season, both weather uncertainty and outstanding trade negotiations are weighing heavily on their minds," Blades continued. He said AEM remains hopeful that ratification of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement "will help alleviate some of the uncertainty surrounding the ag market."