Strong Farm Machinery Sales Herald Strong 2018

Strong Farm Machinery Sales Herald Strong 2018

Sales of tractors are strong and the farm machinery sector is employing more workers, demonstrating a positive outlook in the primary industry, says NZ Tractor and Machinery Association (TAMA) President, Roger Nehoff.

Mr Nehoff said in the year to date (end of October) the total number of tractor sales was up about 11% on the year before with some regions up by 45 to 50%. Overall sales were 3164, compared with 2849 for the same period in 2016 and 2978 in 2015.

In addition, the total number of people employed in the tractor and farm machinery sales and servicing sector had increased by more than 350 since 2015 and was now at 2846.

Mr Nehoff said the increased sales reflected the improved dairy forecast payout in the dairy market with particularly strong growth in Waikato, Taranaki, Mid Canterbury, South Canterbury, Otago and Southland.

“Sales in South Canterbury have increased by 50% while Taranaki saw a 45% growth. Mid Canterbury is up by 40%, Otago by 30% and the Waikato by 20%. These figures show farmers have confidence in the future and are making the requisite investments in their machinery.”

After a steady couple of years, sales in the traditional dairy, sheep and beef regions were slightly higher than they were in 2013, he said.

The regions of Northland, East Cape, Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa and Nelson also experienced slightly increased sales of between 5% and 10%, indicating stability in the horticulture, arable farming and viticulture sectors, despite a wet and cold winter.

TAMA members were also taking on new staff and had jobs on offer.

TAMA board member John Tulloch of Tulloch Machinery said he had added two new employees in parts, one new sales apprentice and was currently seeing an additional tractor technician.

“My situation reflects what’s happening with other members. In fact, a good number of our members have reported that they’re having difficulties in hiring qualified staff,” Mr Tulloch said.

This job growth bodes well for the future of the primary sector and 2018 is looking set to be another strong year, Mr Nehoff said.

“This time last year TAMA was saying that tractor manufacturers were positive about 2017 as shown in their investment in R&D to improve technology, reduce maintenance costs and meet emission standards. Subsequent sales have proven that our sector was spot on with its optimism,” he said.

ENDS

About the Tractor and Machinery Association of NZ

The Tractor and Machinery Association of NZ (TAMA) is the industry representative for New Zealand’s commercial tractor and machinery industry, including importers, manufacturers and retailers. TAMA obtains retail delivery statistics for around 97% of the New Zealand tractor market from its co-operating members. It also collates agricultural machinery sales statistics. Visit www.tama.org.nz

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