According to figures released by the AEA, UK registrations of agricultural tractors (over 50hp) took a "decisive downward turn" in November, falling to more than 20% below their level a year before.

At 558 machines, the total was the lowest for the time of year since 2014 and registrations have now declined in five of the last seven months.

Stephen Howarth, agricultural economist, at the AEA said, "It is likely that this downturn reflects a number of factors, including the challenging weather conditions experienced this year, subdued crop and livestock prices and Brexit-related uncertainty.

"Nevertheless, strong growth in the early months of the year means that the cumulative total for the year [11,676 units] is still running 4% ahead of January to November 2018."