U.S. sales of tractors and combines remained positive in August, according to the latest report from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

U.S. sales of self-propelled combines gained 23% in August compared to last year, and U.S. sales of 4-wheel-drive tractors grew 17% month over month. Year-to-date growth in U.S. sales reached 24% for combines and 13% for 4-wheel-drive tractors.

Total August U.S. sales of 2-wheel-drive tractors grew 14% compared to last year with gains in all size categories: 19% for under-40 HP tractors, 3% for 40-100 HP tractors and 27% for 100-plus HP tractors.

August year-to-date growth for total U.S. sales of 2-wheel-drive tractors topped 8%: under-40 HP tractors gained 10.5%, 40-100 HP tractors grew 2.5% and 100-plus HP tractors increased 7%.

“While we’re pleased with these positive numbers, we still face concerns,” said Curt Blades, AEM senior vice president, AG services. “For example, we have a potential rewrite of NAFTA added to steel and aluminum tariffs, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently predicted a double-digit decline in net farm income.”

Blades said AEM is continuing to push for trade action that does not harm farmers or equipment manufacturers as well as a timely passage of a farm bill to help bring some certainty to the marketplace.