According to figures released by the AEA, the number of agricultural tractors registered in the UK in June was up by more than 20%, compared with the same month last year, at 1128 machines.

However, Stephen Howarth, agricultural economist at the Association said, "The monthly total did slip slightly below the five-year average for June, for the first time since February. Nevertheless, the total number of tractors registered in the first half of 2023 was up by 6%, compared with January to June 2022 and by 7% against the average for the same period in 2017-21.

"That represents over 350 more machines recorded so far this year, as the industry continues to reduce the backlog of orders which built up during 2021 and 2022 as a result of supply chain disruptions."