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With tractor sales for the first half of 2015 down 17% on the same period in 2014, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) sees strong prospects for a recovery long term.
“After exceptional sales in 2014 we expected a small decline in 2015,” says TAMA president Mark Hamilton-Manns. “Though the dip is greater than anticipated, we expect sales to recover during the second half of the year.”
Tractor sales fell from last year’s 1770 to 1465. There were declines in the high volume areas of Waikato and Southland, while Auckland, East Cape and South Canterbury bucked the trend with gains.
Hamilton-Manns says the industry is in good heart, a survey of members showing a perceived need to recruit 50% more apprentices -- 150 new jobs in the industry.
“The continuing demand for new tractors and machinery demonstrates the desire by New Zealand farmers to upgrade ageing equipment with new technology,” says Hamilton–Manns. “In doing so they will maximise output while reducing annual repair and maintenance costs.”
As we move into the 2025/26 growing season, the Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) reports that the third quarter results for the year to date is showing that the stagnated tractor market of the last 18 months is showing signs of recovery.
With June ending and following the most upbeat National Fieldays for several years, tractor dealers are reporting a lift in sales.
With agriculture in New Zealand coming out of the doldrums over the last few months and the recent announcement of a 20% tax write-off for capital purchases, it likely that farmers will be spending on tractors.
With annual tractor sales being a barometer for the state of the industry, New Zealand’s machinery importers and distributors, along with their dealerships, will be glad to see the back of 2024.
First up to the podium at the recent Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) Conference in Wellington, Minster for Agriculture, Todd McClay, reflected on a difficult 12 months, but hinted at signs that things were turning the corner, saying “when ag does well, New Zealand does well”.
Ashburton cropping and dairy farmer Matthew Paton has been elected to the board of rural services company, Ruralco.
The global agricultural landscape has entered a new phase where geopolitics – not only traditional market forces – will dictate agricultural trade flows, prices, and production decisions.
National Lamb Day is set to return in 2026 with organisers saying the celebrations will be bigger than ever.
Fonterra has dropped its forecast milk price mid-point by 50c as a surge in global milk production is putting downward pressure on commodity prices.
The chance of a $10-plus milk price for this season appears to be depleting.
Keep focused on things that can be controlled on farm.
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