The latest registration statistics show an “impressive recovery” in the fortunes of the tractor market, despite the many challenges faced by Irish agriculture during this time.
That’s according to the Farm Tractor & Machinery Trade Association (FTMTA).
That’s an increase of 10% on the figure for October 2017. It brings the total for the first 10 months of this year to 1,697 units (down just 1% on the same period of last year).
Given that registrations in January, which is normally the month with the highest level of activity in terms of tractor registrations, were down 29% on the 2017 figure, the scale of the recovery since is perhaps surprising.
The FTMTA says that it is “definitely welcomed by the machinery trade”.
The three counties with the highest levels of registrations continue to be Cork (217), Tipperary (140) and Wexford (136) – taking into account data from January through to the end of October.
More dealers join FTMTA
In other trade-related news, the September and October meetings of the FTMTA’s Executive Council confirmed three additional member firms.
First up was JF Centre Tullamore – a retail farm machinery business specialising in the supply of trailed silage harvesters and parts, as well as service and repair activities.
Led by Alan Gethings, the firm is based at Annaharvey (near Tullamore) and is also an agent for Cross Agricultural Engineering and Farmec (Ireland).
Conlan Oils, established in 1985, was next up. It’s a supplier of lubricating oil, fuel-related equipment and air-powered machinery. The firm, led by Adrian Conlan, is based at Dublin Road, Athy, Co. Kildare.
Barron Machinery was also admitted to the association’s membership. It’s a retail dealership based at Rathnure, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford.
Founded by Seamus Barron, the business is now led by his son Barry and is a dealer for McCormick (tractors), as well as Vicon, Quicke and Major (among others).