In January, the U.S. witnessed a continued decline in tractor sales for the fourth consecutive month, with a reported drop of 4.7%. Meanwhile, the demand for combines saw a remarkable increase of 68%, according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).
Across the border in Canada, agricultural machinery sales experienced a significant boost. Tractor sales rose by 8.8%, while combine sales skyrocketed by an impressive 447.6% in January.
"It's encouraging to observe a modest rise in combine sales this January after several months of challenging figures," stated Curt Blades, Senior Vice President at AEM. "However, the softness in overall tractor sales reflects the current state of the farm economy, highlighting the need for greater stability in biofuels and global agricultural markets."
Tractor Sales Overview
In the U.S., the total number of farm tractors sold in January 2026 was 8,771, a decline from 9,200 units sold in the same month last year. The beginning inventory for farm tractors stood at 88,899.
Sales by horsepower categories are as follows:
- Sales for 2WD sub-40 hp tractors decreased by 6.6%, totaling 5,011 units sold compared to 5,367 in January 2025. The initial inventory was 59,127.
- For 2WD 40-100 hp tractors, sales rose by 8.8% with 2,861 units sold, up from 2,629 in January 2025. Starting inventory was 23,389.
- Sales of 2WD 100+ tractors fell by 25.9%, with 817 units sold compared to 1,103 last year. The inventory began at 5,966.
- 4WD tractor sales dropped by 18.8%, totaling 82 units sold, down from 101 in the previous year. The initial inventory was 417.
Combine Sales Insights
Self-propelled combine sales in the U.S. reached 163 units in January, marking a 68% increase from the 97 sold in 2025. The inventory for these combines started at 755.
Canadian Market Performance
In Canada, farm tractor sales for January 2026 hit 1,424 units, an 8.8% increase from 1,309 units sold in January 2025, with an inventory of 11,998.
Sales breakdown by horsepower in Canada includes:
- 2WD sub-40 hp: 866 units sold, up 8% from 802 last year (inventory: 7,592).
- 2WD 40-100 hp: 313 units sold, a 9.8% increase from last year's 285 (inventory: 2,503).
- 2WD 100+: 167 units sold, up 2.5% from 163 last year.
- 4WD: 78 units sold, a 32.2% increase from 59 last year (inventory: 276).
Self-propelled combine sales in Canada surged to 115 units in January, compared to just 21 in January 2025, reflecting a staggering 447.6% growth.
