The AEA say total tractor power sold in the first 6 months was 1.053 million hp – an increase of 6.7%. The average size of unit was 151.6 hp which is a 2.6% increase on a year earlier.

An analysis by broad power group shows the biggest increases in the 141-160 hp sector but all groupings above 120 hp showed an increase in units registered when compared with the same period last year. 

In terms of a regional analysis, Chris Evans, AEA Economist, said, “Northern Ireland and the North East of England are showing by far the larger increases over last year, being up 30.4% and 29.3% respectively.

"Few regions can really be ascribed to a particular farming activity although the eastern side of the country including Yorkshire & Humberside, Eastern England and the South East are generally associated with the arable sector and showed a slippage, or at most only a small increase."