Tractor and combine sales tumble yet again in February

U.S. tractor and combine sales did not start 2025 off strong, and those sluggish performances continued into February, according to the latest data released from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. The organization showed that U.S. sales of agricultural tractors declined 17.7 percent in February compared with the same month in 2024, while U.S. sales of combines dropped 48 percent.

The biggest change on the tractor side involved 4WD farm tractors, which fell more than 41 percent — and year-to-date, the number is even more dire.

“While the recent decline in agricultural tractor and combine sales reflect current market challenges, including global trade concerns and tariffs, we continue to remain optimistic about the long-term future of agricultural equipment,” said AEM Senior Vice President Curt Blades. “The resilience and adaptability of our industry have been proven time and time again. We are confident that, through innovation and collaboration, equipment manufacturers can navigate these challenges and emerge stronger, continuing to support the essential work of farmers and agricultural professionals worldwide.”

The raw numbers of 2WD tractors show that 6,469 sold were less than 40 hp, 2,966 were between 40 and 100 hp, and 1,223 were larger than 100 hp. Of their 4WD counterparts, 133 were sold. On the combine side, 184 were sold in the U.S. in February, down from 354 the same month last year.

The Canadian market had some better numbers, with sales of agricultural tractors there increasing 18.6 percent, while Canadian combine sales are down 32.1 percent.

The U.S. sales seemed to buck the farmer sentiment trend. According to the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer, farmer sentiment rose 11 points from the previous month to a reading of 152. That upswing in sentiment appears to reflect a combination of factors, including a sharp recovery in crop prices, expectations for disaster payments authorized by Congress, and continued strength in the U.S. livestock sector.