Machinery sales up

The year started off on a good note for agricultural machinery sales, with welcomed increases for all major implements in January and a positive sentiments forecast for the first quarter. Baler sales showed a 74,5% increase from last year with 89 sold compared to last January’s 51. The next best performers were combine harvesters with a 30% increase over the same time last year. Some 13 were sold compared to last year’s 10. Tractor sales also increased, coming in at 433 compared to last year’s 394 – a 9,9% increase. A ccording to Dr Jim Rankin of the South African Agricultural Machinery Organisation, the positives currently outweigh the negatives, as opposed to last year’s interest rate hikes and the poor rainfall. “Farmers are positive because of rain for the upcoming maize harvest, the good wheat crop and very good crop prices,” said Rankin. Fuel prices and the rand remained concerns, but many farmers ordered their implements before the rand’s recent depreciation. “Farmers’ current cash flows and profits justify buying,” Rankin said. – David Steynberg