According to figures released by the AEA, the pattern seen in recent months continued with the number of agricultural tractors registered for the first time in the UK in September was lower than a year ago.

The monthly total of 899 machines was 19% down on the level recorded in September 2023 and was 17% below the average for the same month over the previous five years. Indeed, it was the lowest September figure since 2015.

Agricultural economist at the Association, Stephen Howarth, explained, "That brought the total for the first three-quarters of the year to 8,224 machines, 15% lower than in January to September 2023 and 13% behind the average for the opening nine months of the year."