Last week we reported that the AEA had released figures that showed that UK agricultural tractor registrations were 10% higher in the first three months of 2023 than in the same period last year.

Now the Association has released further information looking at how those trends varied between machines of different powers and in different parts of the country.

Agricultural economist at the AEA, Stephen Howarth, said, "Most of the growth in registrations was for machines of over 160hp and particularly those in the 161-200hp range, where 80% more tractors were recorded than in January to March 2022. Registrations of machines over 200hp were also up by more than 20% on a year before but there were fewer sales of tractors under 160hp in the opening three months of 2023."

Stephen continued, "The trends in higher power bands may partly reflect improved availability, as supply chain disruptions ease. However, it probably also reflects strong demand from arable farmers who have had a good couple of years, due to strong prices."

This is also reflected at regional level, as registrations increased across most of England, with the exception of the North West. The biggest increases were in the South of England and East Anglia, as well as the North East, although the latter region accounts for only a small proportion of tractor sales.

Stephen concluded, "In contrast, registrations were lower than last year in Wales and Northern Ireland and only slightly higher in Scotland, all parts of the UK dominated by grazing livestock farming, which fared less well financially in 2022."