The ongoing demand for agricultural produce combined with favourable weather conditions across the nation and the Federal Government's Instant Asset Write-Off program are supporting record sales volumes.
However, the association warns the issue of supply has now become a factor, with some product normally expected to be ex-stock now being subject to six to eight week delivery times.
Product coming out of Europe and the United States continues to be hampered by factory-based restrictions, with reasonable demand in home markets compounding these delays.
Locally, dealerships continue to operate under COVD-safe workplans, which are also impacting supply.
Activity across the states remains quite solid with the continued recovery in NSW the standout, up 52 per cent on the same time last year and now sitting 28 per cent ahead for the year.
Victoria reported another strong month, up 15 per cent and now 29 per cent ahead year-to-date, meanwhile Queensland was up five per cent to be 13 per cent up for the year.
Western Australia sales were in line with the same month last year but remain two per cent behind last year, due mainly to the reduced demand for large tractors in the broadacre sector.
Sales in South Australia continue to rally with another strong month, now 31 per cent up year-to-date, and activity in Tasmania remains strong, now 21 per cent ahead for the year.
The increase in sales numbers is again due almost entirely to the ongoing strength in the smaller end of the market supported by the Instant Asset Write-Off scheme.
The under 40 hp (30 kw) range was up 58 per cent for the month and now sits 24 per cent ahead for the year-to-date.
The 40 to 100 hp (30 to 75 kw) range was again up strongly 27 per cent, now 22 per cent ahead for the year.
The 100 to 200 hp (75 to 150 kw) category saw its first dip in some time, down six per cent but still up 31 per cent for the YTD, while sales in the large 200 hp (150 kw) or above range were again down another two per cent, leaving this category seven per cent behind YTD.
Demand for large tractors is being impacted by a range of factors, including the persistent drought in regions within northern NSW and southern Queensland, and the ongoing challenges being felt in WA. Further pressure is being felt as a result of recent price increases.
For other products, sales of combine harvesters remain steady, with most product now in place for the upcoming harvest season. The full-year picture is likely to be around 15 per cent to 20 per cent down on last year.
Baler sales were again strong, remaining up 27 per cent year-to-date, while sales of out-front mowers were down a touch but still 14 per cent ahead of the same time last year.
