Unit sales of agricultural tractors and self-propelled combines in March 2020 fell in the U.S. and Canada, according to the latest data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

As COVID-19 swept through North America, uncertainty gained traction in March and sent commodity markets on a downward spiral, carrying over to the farm equipment industry, as well.

In the U.S., overall farm tractor sales in March were down 15.6 percent from the same time last year, while self-propelled combine sales were down nearly 12 percent.

Two-wheel drive farm tractors with 100-plus horsepower took the largest dip in sales at 18 percent, with four-wheel drive farm tractors taking the next-largest drop at 17 percent below March 2019 sales.

“Although the March numbers were likely impacted by COVID-19, it is too soon to tell the long-term impact of the current crisis on ag equipment sales,” Curt Blades, senior vice president of Ag Services for AEM, said.

In Canada, 100-plus horsepower tractor sales were the lone growth spot in North America, up nearly 7 percent over last year. However, total Canadian tractor sales fell 23 percent, with combines dropping 38 percent.

According to a recent industry analysis by AEM, agricultural equipment manufacturers add more than $72 billion to the national gross domestic product through direct, indirect and induced contributions. And with more than 700,000 jobs dependent upon farm equipment manufacturing, the organization said a healthy farm and ranch economy is imperative to its member businesses.

“Our number-one priority as an industry right now is doing what we can to meet the needs of farmers during planting time, while keeping our employees and customers healthy,” Blades said.

The full reports can be found in the Market Data section of the AEM website under Ag Tractor and Combine Reports. Click here to find the report.