FIRST month financial year data on tractor and machinery sales has met industry expectations with mixed results aligning with geographical areas in, and out, of drought.
Tractor and Machinery Association (TMA), executive director, Gary Northover said while some segments have had a strong month, results in NSW and Queensland have the feeling of an imminent slowdown.
“Sales in the under 30 kilowatt (40 horsepower) segment led the charge, up in July 12 per cent on last month as activity in Victoria in particular was very strong,” he said.
Read more: Tractor drought on horizon
“At the other end of the scale, the large tractor range above 150kW (200hp) was quiet, down 12pc for the month and now 9pc down on a year to date basis.”
Mr Northover said in between this, the 30kW to 75kW segment was up 5pc and sits ahead at 3pc year to date, while the 75kW to 150kW were down 6pc in monthly figures but still up 10pc on last year.
“Around the country, we have seen a mixed bag due in no large part to the drought conditions being felt through NSW and Queensland in particular,” he said.
“NSW sales were down 4pc in the month and are now in line with last year, whereas Qld sales are now 2pc behind last year having dipped 9pc for July.”
“It really is a picture of extremes around the country, things are very healthy in WA were steady, timely rains have strengthened the market there, sales up a whopping 24pc in July and now 10pc ahead of last year.”
Mr Northover said Victoria had a big month, driven largely by sales of the leisure segment, below 30kW, which was up 17pc in July, while Tasmania dropped back and South Australia remained solid.
“Sales in Tasmania took the first dip in quite a while, down 20pc for the month but still 10pc ahead year to date,” he said.
“The picture in SA is still solid, up another 3pc in July and now 10pc ahead of last year.”
Mr Northover said header sales remained quiet.
“Year to date we’ve sold around 125 units where a typically “hoped for’’ year might yield in excess of 800 machines,” he said.
Mr Northover said baler sales took a small lift in July but still remain well behind on a 12 month basis.