Agricultural machinery sales surge points to rising farmer confidence

SOUTH Africa's agricultural machinery market continued its upward momentum in September, signalling renewed confidence among farmers and a broadly positive outlook for the 2024-25 production season.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

SOUTH African Agricultural Machinery sales for September continued to indicate rising sales. Agricultural associations have welcomed the news as a positive sign for the industry.

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Data from the South African Agricultural Machinery Association (SAAMA) shows that 758 tractors were sold in September, up almost 15% from 660 units in the same month last year. Year-to-date tractor sales are now 22% higher than in 2024.

While combine harvester sales slipped to eight units in September from 17 units a year ago, cumulative sales for 2025 remain 17% ahead of last year’s pace.

"Winter crop predictions, with the exception of barley, are marginally up on last year," said Willie Human, chairperson of SAAMA.

"Looking ahead, weather predictions are that a weak La Niia will affect summer and winter cropping areas in the forthcoming few months. Current predictions are still that tractor sales will be between 10 and 15% more than last year. Combine harvester sales in 2025 also look as though they are going to be higher than last year."