According to figures released by the AEA, the recent surge in registrations of agricultural tractors continued in June, with 1,473 machines logged during the month.

The Association says this was 43% higher than the same month last year and more than a third higher than the June average over the previous five years.

Stephen Howarth, agricultural economist at the AEA, said, "It is the highest figure for the time of year in a decade.

"This brought the total number of tractors registered in the first half of the year to 6,844, up by a quarter from the Covid-19 affected total in the opening six months of 2020 and 12% above the 5-year average."