Tractor and harvester sales, two critical indicators of farm investment, dropped significantly compared with the same period in 2023, as farmers grappled with economic pressures, adverse weather, and rising input costs.

According to data from the South African Agricultural Machinery Association (SAAMA), 574 tractors were sold in August 2024, marking a 17,6% decrease from the 697 units sold in August 2023.

Year-to-date (y/y) tractor sales are down by 24,7%, with only 4 073 units sold this year, compared with 5 412 until August last year.

The situation is even more concerning for harvester sales, which plummeted by 64,2% y/y. Only five harvesters were sold in August 2024, a significant drop from the 24 units sold in the same month last year.

Read more about it on Farmer’s Weekly here: South Africa sees drop in tractor and harvester sales