According to figures just releases by the AEA, the number of agricultural tractors registered in the UK in August was 14% lower than a year before.

At 714 machines, the monthly figure was also slightly below the seasonal average, for the third month in a row.

Agricultural economist at the AEA, Stephen Howarth, said, "August is always a relatively slow month for registrations, with farmers occupied with other activities, and this year's stop-start harvest may have had an impact on the figure."

In more positive news though, registrations for the year to date are still over 4% (360 machines) higher than in the opening eight months of 2022 - totaling 8588 units so far this year.

"This year's total was also 3% above the five-year average," added Stephen Howarth.