Agricultural machinery sales surge as 2025 draws to a close

SOUTH Africa's agricultural machinery market is ending 2025 on a strong footing, with tractor and combine harvester sales continuing to rise despite challenging weather and softer commodity prices.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

The South African Agricultural Machinery Association (SAAMA) reported that 544 tractors were sold in November, up 4% from the 523 units sold in the same month last year.

SAAMA chairperson Willie Human said year-to-date tractor sales are now 19% higher than in 2024, underscoring farmers’ resilience and investment appetite. “Three combine harvesters were sold in November, 10 less than the 13 units sold in November last year. On a year-to-date basis, however, combine harvester sales are now approximately 3% up on last year. Overall market conditions proved to be quite challenging in November,’ he said.

Human noted that widespread rains disrupted planting activities in parts of the eastern regions, while farmers in the west continued planting where conditions allowed.