TRACTOR SALES REMAIN BELOW LAST YEAR'S LEVELS

According to figures released by the AEA, UK agricultural tractor registrations continue to track below last year's levels, with July's total of 948 machines being 14% lower than a year before.

The Association says that is in line with the percentage drop seen in the first half of the year and is also 18% below the average for the time of year over the previous five years.

The total of 6,830 tractors registered in the year to date is 10% below the five-year average for the opening seven months of the year.

Agricultural economist at the AEA, Stephen Howarth, said, "The more challenging financial situation for farm businesses, particularly arable farmers, this year has no doubt contributed to the market downturn, along with the adverse weather over the past 12 months."