According to figures released by the AEA, as was the case in the first four months of the year, the number of agricultural tractors registered in May 2024 was lower than in the same month last year.

However they say, the 5% year-on-year decline, to 964 machines, was smaller than the fall of 13% recorded over the previous four months. 

Agricultural economist at the Association, Stephen Howarth, said, "The total of 5,013 tractors registered so far this year was the lowest for four years but is only 5% below the five-year average.

"That indicates that, while demand for tractors has weakened, thanks to lower farm incomes and the adverse weather of the last 12 months, it remains fairly robust."