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Ag in brief: Tractor sales trend down in U.S., Canada

Combine harvesters driving ag sales in Canada, U.S.

The latest figures released by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers show that combine harvester sales are one of the positive drivers of both the U.S. and Canadian ag equipment markets.

AEM’s data shows that for the month of November, combine harvesters were a bright spot in otherwise mixed markets for equipment sales. Tractors fell in both countries, and total U.S. ag equipment unit sales fell overall. Total farm tractor sales fell in the U.S. by 20.8 per cent compared to November 2021. Leading losses were sub-40hp tractors. Self-propelled combine sales grew by 8.3 percent. It is one of only two segments showing YTD growth, combined with 100+hp units, which has grown by 13.3 percent YTD. Total farm tractor sales are down 14.5 per cent YTD.

In Canada, only two segments showed growth for a second consecutive month. Both 4WD tractors and combine harvesters grew and in fact have more-than-doubled sales from November 2021, at an increase of 170.6 per cent and 105.3 percent respectively. Overall unit sales in tractors were down 11.1 percent. The sub-40hp segment led losses in Canada as well, down 9.3 percent. YTD farm tractor unit sales were down 6.9 percent in Canada, with harvesters remaining positive YTD.

Canada launches consultations, discussion doc for sustainable ag strategy

The Government of Canada has launched consultations to develop a sustainable agriculture strategy.

The strategy will serve as a guide to support farmers while growing a sustainable sector. The government will aim to increase adoption of best practices and identify solutions to develop the strategy. The process will include public consultations, targeted workshops and an advisory committee co-chaired by AAFC and the CFA and comprised of industry experts including producers and association representatives.

The discussion document is available here. Consultations will run until March 31, 2023.

Canada, Ontario invest in rural internet in Grey, Bruce and Simcoe Counties

The governments of Canada and Ontario have invested more than $4 million to bring high-speed internet to more areas of the province. The latest investments are targeted in the areas of Grey and Bruce counties, as well as Simcoe County, serving nearly 5,000 families, farms and businesses.

Specific communities affected include Holstein, Varney, Orchardville, Maple Lane, Yeovil, Dromore, Tartan, Thistle and Bognor in Grey County; Sauble Beach and Sauble Beach North in Bruce County; and Severn Bridge in Simcoe County. Lisa Thompson, minister of agriculture, food and rural affairs for Ontario, said in a statement that the infrastructure “will have lasting benefits for our entire community.”

The upgrades are part of a partnership with Southwestern Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT). The governments have previously invested in upgrades to internet infrastructure in Waterloo Region, Elgin County, Perth County and more.