According to data from the AEA, for the first time this year, the number of agricultural tractors registered in April was higher than in the same month last year.

At 1152 machines, the monthly total was 14% higher than in April 2021, although it was close to the average for the time of year in the previous five years. 

Stephen Howarth, agricultural economist at the AEA, said, "Delivery lead times for tractors remain extended due to multiple supply chain challenges and registrations would no doubt have been higher in recent months otherwise.

"The total for the year to date is now less than 2% lower than in the opening four months of last year, at 4,199 machines."