"SLOW START" TO YEAR CONTINUES

The AEA have said that the "slow start" to the year for agricultural tractor registrations continued for another month in May, with 803 machines logged during the month, 17% fewer than in the same month last year.

Stephen Howarth, agricultural economist at the Association commented on the figures, saying, "That is only about 80% of the average number recorded at this time of year over the previous five years, although it is higher than during the pandemic-affected month of May 2020."

The year-on-year decline was similar to that seen in the previous four months, with this year's total of 4,017 machines being just under 1,000 fewer than in January to May 2024 (-20%).

Stephen added, "That figure is only around three-quarters of the seasonal average."