Pre-harvest and year-end are typically the two key seasons for large equipment to sell at auction – but this year, so far, the overall numbers are down. Dave Mowitz and Andy Campbell discuss this trend and some of the possible drivers behind it, and where they believe the 2025 used equipment market will end up.
However, not all types of machinery have seen a slow down. Older models are seeing gains in sales prices and desirability, perhaps due to simpler maintenance and relatively lower prices versus newer models. High horsepower tractors are also seeing steady demand.
As the myriad factors that play into commodity prices continue to play out, and final crop production is tallied, used equipment will be an interesting indicator to watch in the ag economy.
Meet Andy Campbell
Andy Campbell is director of insights at Tractor Zoom. As a past engineer, professor, and entrepreneur, Campbell is passionate about bridging the gap between data and action for farmers, dealers, auctioneers, and ag lenders. He continues to help operate his family farm in Iowa.
Tractor Zoom was started in 2017 to help farmers and other decision makers have access to current equipment values and make data-driven decisions about heavy equipment.
Meet Dave Mowitz
Dave Mowitz worked at Successful Farming from 1982 to 2022, covering equipment trends for Successful Farming magazine, the Successful Farming TV show, and the Ageless Iron Almanac. Although recently retired, he continues to serve as a contributing editor and now podcast host.
Mowitz was raised on a family farm in Nebraska, of which he is now a part-owner.
Listen to the Podcast
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Episode Highlights
- Current data shows a 500% reduction in amount of equipment sold at auction in 2025 versus 2024. This is due to many factors, including continuing to work through supply chain bubbles from the early 2020s.
- Older model tractors are seeing a rise in popularity. This could be due to their relative simplicity in maintenance, but also because they require a smaller investment than newer machines.
- If you’re in the market for a specific piece of equipment, using tools like Tractor Zoom to set alerts can save you time in your search.
Andy Campbell
“In the past, we’ve never even considered when we traded something in who could possibly be that second buyer. But I think everybody needs to own a little bit of that awareness of those equipment trades. It’s looking out for your future best interest to think through who can take in this type of machine on a second trade and a third trade.”
— Andy Campbell
