TRACTOR GROWTH LARGELY IN HIGH-POWER MACHINES

The AEA has released figures that examine UK agricultural tractor registrations by power and region for January - September 2023.

Across the year to date, say the Association, growth has largely been confined to high-powered machines. Stephen Howarth, agricultural economist at the AEA, says, "Above 160hp, registrations were nearly 20% higher than in January to September 2022, representing more than 800 extra machines. Between 51hp and 180hp, there were 9% fewer tractors recorded, a drop of over 400 machines."

Stephen continued, "The pattern was somewhat different in the third quarter. While there was still strong growth for the largest machines (over 280hp), there were small year-on-year declines for most power bands below that level but above 110hp. Instead, most of the growth was for tractors with engine power between 51hp and 110hp, which were up 12%, compared with July to September 2022, although they still accounted for fewer than one in six registrations of tractors over 50hp."

At regional level, registrations across the year to date were similar to or higher than in January to September 2022 in all parts of the country apart from North West England (-2%) and Northern Ireland (-6%). Growth was strongest in the East Midlands, where 18% more tractors were registered this year. The South of England also recorded faster year-on-year growth than the UK as a whole.

"However," explained Stephen, "as with power ranges, the pattern was different in the third quarter. Apart from the East Midlands, significant annual growth during July to September was limited to the North of England, Wales and Scotland. Wales saw a particularly strong increase of 19%. In contrast, the East of England region registered 15% fewer tractors in the third quarter than a year ago, with Yorkshire and the West Midlands also seeing year-on-year declines."