Sales of Tractors and other Agricultural Equipment have started the new financial year in bright fashion, however, the sales mix despite did reflect the prevailing drought in NSW and Qld and the underlying feeling of an imminent slowdown.
Sales in the under 40 Hp segment led the charge, up in July 12% on last month as activity in Victoria in particular was very strong. At the other end of the scale, the large tractor range above 200hp was quiet, down 12 % for the month and now 9% down on a year to date basis.
In between these 2 segments, the 40 -100 hp range was up 5 % and now sits 3% ahead year to date, the 100 – 200 hp range was down 6% in the month but remains a healthy 10% above last year.
Around the country, we have seen a mixed bag due in no large part to the drought conditions being felt through NSW and Queensland in particular.
NSW sales were down 4% in the month and are now in line with last year, whereas Qld sales are now 2% behind last year having dipped 9% for July.
It really is a picture of extremes around the country, things are very healthy in WA were steady, timely rains have strengthened the market there, sales up a whopping 24% in July and now 10% ahead of last year. Victoria had a big month, driven largely by sales of the under 40 hp range, up 17% in the month.
Sales in Tasmania took the first dip in quite a while, down 20% for the month but still 10% ahead year to date and finally, the picture in SA is still solid, up another 3% in July and now 10% ahead of last year.
Combine Harvester Sales remain quiet ahead of the coming season and many dealers are hoping for a late flurry of orders to clear inventory that was ordered some months back.
Year to date we’ve sold around 125 units where a typically “hoped for’’ year might yield in excess of 800 machines, we should get a better picture of how this market will perform in the next 2 – 3 months
Baler Sales took a small lift in July but still remain well behind on a 12 month basis and finally, sales of out front mowers continue to struggle to meet the big sales year of 2017, behind about 6% below last year.
The annual TMA Conference was held this year at the Novotel in Sydney and a record crowd was in attendance to hear an outstanding array of speakers address this year’s topic “Thriving in the Face of Disruption”. Feedback from those that attended was very positive and highlighted the need for our industry to continue to work together to address the problems and issues that we meet daily.
Of particular interest was a look into the future offered by the speakers on topics ranging from the Future of Food, the use of Robotics and AI in Ag culminating in further examination of the changing needs of the workforce we will need to address these challenges in the future.
Keep an eye out for the Save the Date for next year’s conference!
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