AEM Data Says Unit Sales of 4WD, Row-Crop Farm Tractors Continue Growth in August

Heavy duty row crop tractor unit sales continued to increase in the U.S., while overall farm tractor unit sales in the U.S. and Canada declined in August, according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

In the U.S., 100+ horsepower 2WD tractors and 4WD tractors were the only segments to grow year-over-year. Both those segments along with self-propelled combines remain positive for the year. The biggest overall growth among tractors happened in 4WD units, growing more than 20% in August.

“North American row-crop farmers continue to add and adopt new technology to their equipment fleets to help reduce costs and improve yields,” said Curt Blades, senior vice president, industry sectors and product leadership at AEM. “The appeal of the newer equipment centers on improved fuel efficiency, better GPS technology and improved automation features, which is why farmers are continuing to make these investments.”

The August Stats Canada production forecast came in higher than expected on canola wheat lower but still too high. Ontario yields too low. Ukraine/Russia trying to move grain exports on land as port remain offline. U.S. stocks will start trading 23 hours as of December 6th, 2026. CHS building a U.S. soybean crush plant in WS will help create a hot basis bid in that area. China has purchased over 66% of the 25 mmt of U.S. soybeans ahead of next weeks Trump/Xi summit. The soybean meal futures surge has been the star of the show this month with record exports +13% vs. last year. U.S. Fed raised U.S. interest rates up 25 basis points to 3.75 – 4.00% the first since December of 2023. Cattle on Feed report neutral. Funds remain record long grains and oilseeds ahead of next week's Trump/Xi meeting.