Tractor sales down 23%

July tractor sales of 443 units were almost 23% lower than the 573 units sold in July last year. On a year-to-date basis, tractor sales are lagging almost 14% behind those for the same period last year and combine harvester sales are almost 24% lower than last year. Baler sales are almost 12% down. These lower sales are a reflection of the smaller maize crop being harvested this year. Some farmers are still harvesting maize and most will only need to make their buying decisions for the forthcoming summer cropping season in August or September. Nevertheless, with the current good maize prices and the need to grow more maize, particularly yellow maize, this year, prospects for the rest of 2007 look encouraging. – Staff reporter