Farmers Eye Draper and Chopping Heads as Harvest Machinery Market Heats Up

August is historically the time for combine and header sales, and this year is looking to be no different. Often combines and headers buy and sell in tandem, but not always – and in today’s economic environment some buyers are choosing to keep their combine but update their heads. Draper heads are becoming more popular because of the speed at which they can be used and their smooth delivery into the feeder house. Chopping heads can also catch a premium because they can eliminate a second pass when managing crop residue.

While equipment dealers may be in the mood to make deals, auctions remain a viable option to get into new machinery – as long as you do your homework. More retirement auctions are being added to the calendar between now and the end of the year as older farmers decide to step back. However, dealer inventory reduction auctions have dropped over the last year by nearly 50%, according to TractorZoom data.

The uncertainty in the agricultural economy right now continues to influence both supply and demand, as repercussions from tariffs, also begin to be felt in the market. Equipment prices could be nearing a bottom, so if you’re looking to buy, keep your eyes open for deals.

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.

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Episode Highlights

• Draper heads have revolutionized harvesting efficiency, and platform headers are maintaining their value better than row crop headers.
• Farmers need to be proactive in sourcing parts for their equipment. Preventative maintenance is crucial during harvest to maintain productivity.
• Tariffs are affecting both supply and demand of equipment. Retirement sales are growing as farmers look to exit the business, but the auction market in general is seeing a significant drop in volume.