Tractor, combine sales rise in August

Farmers and ranchers purchased more combines and tractors last month according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. The latest monthly report shows tractor sales were up 14 percent in August, compared to the same period last year, and combine sales were up 23 percent for the month. Two-wheel- drive tractors under 40 horsepower sales increased 19 percent compared with August of last year, and large four-wheel-drive tractor sales were up 17 percent. So far this year, for the eight months in 2018, a total of 164,500 tractors were sold which compares to 152,000 sold through August 2017 representing an eight percent increase for the year. Meanwhile, sales of combines for the year total just more than 3,000 compared to 2,400 in 2017, a 24 percent increase.