The AEA have said that the "slow start" to the year for agricultural tractor registrations continued for another month in May, with 803 machines logged during the month, 17% fewer than in the same month last year.

Stephen Howarth, agricultural economist at the Association commented on the figures, saying, "That is only about 80% of the average number recorded at this time of year over the previous five years, although it is higher than during the pandemic-affected month of May 2020."

The year-on-year decline was similar to that seen in the previous four months, with this year's total of 4,017 machines being just under 1,000 fewer than in January to May 2024 (-20%).

Stephen added, "That figure is only around three-quarters of the seasonal average."