According to the South African Agricultural Machinery Association’s (SAAMA) monthly report, total tractor sales for November had been 566 units compared with 453 units sold in November last year.
Year-to-date, tractor sales were up 8% on the corresponding period last year.
According to SAAMA chairman, Lucas Groenewald, it was expected that overall tractor sales for 2017 would likely exceed those in 2016 by at least 5%.
“After the promising start to the summer cropping season, some areas did not [receive] follow-up rain. Since then, however, there has been widespread rain in most of these areas. Planting of summer crops has therefore been delayed in many areas. Nevertheless, farmers are optimistic about the forthcoming summer rainfall season,” he said.
However, despite the increase it remained a buyers’ market, with lower-priced stock available in some instances, Groenewald said.
He added that the exchange rate was also being closely monitored due to the potential impact on crop prices as well as prices of imported equipment.
SAAMA also reported that combine harvester sales had increased 7% year-to-date, compared with last year’s figure.
However, at 11 units, sales for November were 8,3% down compared with the 12 units sold in November last year.
