Agricultural machinery sales start 2026 strong as tractor demand rises

SOUTH Africa's agricultural machinery sales got off to a positive start in January 2026, with tractor sales rising sharply year-on-year, reflecting cautious optimism among farmers despite mixed rainfall patterns and softer commodity prices.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

AGRICULTURAL Machinery Sales indicate an increase in January sales released on Friday the date indicated an increase compared to the same period in 2026.

(KWAZULU-NATAL Department of Agriculture and Rural Development)

Figures released on Friday by the South African Agricultural Machinery Association (SAAMA) show that 517 tractors were sold in January, a 13% increase compared with the 457 units sold in January 2025, according to SAAMA chairperson Willie Human.

Sales of combine harvesters remained unchanged, with five units sold, the same as in the corresponding month last year.

Human said the current summer cropping season has been a “mixed bag’, with uneven rainfall distribution and varying planting times across regions.

“Overall, the summer crops are looking good, but farmers will only know their production once these crops have been harvested, he said.

Human said that commodity prices have retreated from their recent higher levels.