According to figures released by the AEA, for the second month in a row, UK agricultural tractor registrations (over 50hp) were comfortably above last year's level in May.

At 1,283 machines, the monthly figure was 16% higher than in May 2021 and, indeed, was the highest May total since 2012.

Stephen Howarth, agricultural economist at the AEA, said, "The return to growth comes despite ongoing supply chain disruption, dating back to last summer, which has led to extended lead times, a situation which has not been helped by the war in Ukraine.

"Nevertheless, the underlying strength of the market means that registrations for the year to date are now slightly above their level in the opening five months of 2021, at 5,482 machines."