(NAFB) – Gains in larger and four-wheel-drive tractors offset smaller declines in the sub-40 horsepower range in the U.S., while Canadian farm tractor sales were positive in July.

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers says U.S. total farm tractor sales fell 0.8 percent in July compared to 2020, while U.S. combine sales jumped 19.2 percent. The articulated four-wheel drive segment led the way for the third straight month by climbing 79.4 percent. Year-to-date farm tractor sales remain up 13.7 percent and combines up 12.6 percent.

AEM’s Curt Blades states, “The story of these row-crop and articulated four-wheel-drive sales is a reflection of farmer optimism,” adding “farmers don’t make these sorts of investments without serious consideration of future market conditions.”

For Canada, July monthly tractor and combine sales were positive across all segments, with the biggest growth in four-wheel-drive units nearly doubling, up 93.8 percent, while total farm tractor sales were up 14.8 percent and combines up 59.8 percent.