Sales of new farm tractors have punched through the 15,000 mark in the past 12 months after dealers enjoyed another stellar selling month in March.
Tractors sales rose 64 per cent in March compared with the same month last year.
Executive director of the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia Gary Northover said all tractor categories had enjoyed big leaps during the month.
"The under 40 horsepower (30 kilowatt) range was up 61pc for the month and is now 68pc ahead year-to-date (YTD)," he said.
"The 40 to 100hp (30-75kW) range was again up strongly, 70pc in the month and 68pc YTD while the 100 to 200hp (75-150kW) category was up 58pc and is now 53pc higher YTD.
"The large 200hp (150kW) plus range enjoyed another strong rise, up 72pc and is now 92pc ahead for the year," Mr Northover said.
He said activity during the month was strong in all states with NSW the standout again with sales up almost 100pc on the same month last year and were now 105pc higher YTD.
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"Victoria reported another solid month, up 47pc, and is now sitting 45pc ahead for the year while Queensland was up again, 64pc for the month and 63pc YTD."
Across the Nullabor, sales in Western Australia joined the upward surge with a 70pc hike on the same month last year and were now up 72pc for the YTD.
South Australia recorded a 14pc lift for the month while Tasmania's March result was 65pc up on the same month last year.
"As we have been reporting for some months, the combination of the federal government's instant asset write-off scheme along with the outstanding weather conditions has been driving demand," Mr Norfthover said.
The red-hot demand was also putting more pressure on overseas supply chains which have been disrupted by COVID-19.
Mr Northover said the big question was how long would the good times last?
While recent rain events had caused havoc in some regions, the overall impact of the rain was expected to be positive, he said.
Mr Northover said continuation of strong demand was expected to last until at least the end of the federal government's instant asset write-off scheme on June 30.
"Beyond this we are anticipating a 'tapering off' (in demand), the depth and duration of which is still largely unknown suffice to say the industry remains very healthy," he said.
Ordering for combine harvesters were well underway and dealers were reporting increased demand, he said.
"The past 12 month period has seen sales go past the 650 unit mark which is up from 530 for the previous 12 months."
Baler sales dipped for the first time in some time but were still up 39pc on an annualised basis and sales of out-front mowers also slowed but remained 35pc ahead of the same time last year, he said.
SAVE THE DATE. TMA's annual conference will be held in Melbourne at the Hyatt Essendon Fields on Tuesday, July 20. Tickets will be available soon for purchase.
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