AEM August 2024 Data: Overall Tractor Sales Down 19%, Combines Drop 20%
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers released its August 2024 U.S. Ag Tractor and Combine Sales Report.
All reported segments of 2WD tractors experienced a drop during the month. Surprisingly, below 40hp tractors had the largest decline at nearly 22% and the 2WD segment overall saw 20% less total sales in August 2024 compared to August 2023. Year-to-date sales for 2024 were down 13% as well.
Four-wheel drive tractor sales actually saw a slight uptick, climbing 5% compared to the same thirty-one day span last year.
Total farm tractor (both 2WD and 4WD machines) and self-propelled combine sales both experienced slightly over 19% decreases in sales last month.
Year-to-date, three segments (2WD and total farm tractors, combines) are currently down double digits. The only segment that saw a small boost year-to-date is 4wd tractors at just over 5%.
Kubota Acquires Specialty Crop Robotics Firm
Kubota North America has acquired Bloomfield Robotics, a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based technology startup.
Bloomfield provides a service that monitors the health and performance of specialty crops, one plant at a time, using advanced imaging and artificial intelligence (AI).
Bloomfield’s cameras provide the foundation for its Software as a Service (SaaS) that provides plant-level health and performance assessments for growers of grapes (e.g., wine, table, and juice), blueberries, and other specialty crops. The purpose-built cameras are mounted on tractors and other farm vehicles common to capture detailed plant-level, geo-located images of the entire farm. These images are then translated into crop data.
According to a press release issued by the company, the specialty crop market overall has become a focal point of Kubota’s strategic attention and efforts to shape the future of agriculture.
Fresh Bios: Indigo Ag Launches ‘Clips’ Delivery Device
Indigo Ag has released details on its new CLIPS device, which the company describes as an automatic, hands-free dry powder application system for bulk seed box containers.
Indigo says the small device, which is attached to the side of a bulk seed box container up to 24 months before it is expected to be used, automatically releases Indigo Ag biological products formulated as a dry powder when seed is released during planting.
Learn more at IndigoAg.com/CLIPS
Reinke Manufacturing Invests $12 Million in Factory Robotics
Reinke announced a $12 million investment in the modernization and automation of its manufacturing facilities to produce irrigation systems.
The irrigation tech manufacturer says its latest investment includes implementing advanced robotic technologies and expansion projects to increase production capacity and efficiency at its Deshler facility. The robotic advancements will reportedly streamline Reinke’s production process, reducing production time for many of the parts used in its center pivot irrigation systems.
Reinke says the project is estimated to be completed by the 2025 growing season.
