Vaughn Colwill, Wickham Flower; Matt Rowett, Murray Nankivell Accountants; Mark Verco, Wickham Flower; Ben Abbot, Murray Nankivell Accountants; Leigh Muster, Wickham Flower; Justin Conroy, Brandt; and Tim Ormrod, Brandt at the Bordertown branch. Photo: Brandt
SALES of agricultural tractors in Australia in June were up by 18 per cent on June 2021, and are now in line with the 2022 year to date, according to figures released this week by the Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia (TMA).
The result is largely due to the end-of-financial-year rush as buyers sought to maximise use of the Federal Government’s Temporary Full Expensing Program.
“As we have been reporting for some months now, the industry’s ability to deliver tractors in such large quantities is due to the regular forward ordering that has been occurring for two years now in anticipation of supply challenges,” TMA executive director Gary Northover said in commentary accompanying the report.
“The fact remains that if a farmer wants a specific ‘bespoke’ tractor ordered from the factory, then delivery will be at least 12 months.
“Indeed, most dealers now are resisting taking forward orders because of the uncertainty surrounding supply combined with the price movements that are beginning to occur across the board.”
Results were strong across the board, with New South Wales sales up 23pc to now be 2pc behind last year on a year-to-date (YTD) basis.
Queensland was up 19pc to be now 7pc ahead YTD, and Victoria was 10pc up on last June, due mainly to supply of smaller units, and is now up 2pc YTD.
Sales in Western Australia recorded another huge lift with the further arrival of large machines, up 55pc for the month but still 6pc off YTD, and South Australia was steady for the month.
Tasmania was down by 5pc, while sales into the Northern Territory were up 56pc.
TMA sales data shows the 150kw-plus range was again the stand-out, 54pc ahead of June 2021, but still 12pc off YTD.
The under 30kw category was strongly up 37pc to be 8pc ahead YTD.
The 30-75kw range was up 3pc for the month to remain 4pc ahead YTD and the 75-150kw category was up again, 6pc ahead in June to be 4pc behind YTD.
TMA sais combine harvester sales have now started to occur, and there is every expectation of another 1000-plus year for these units as the renewal of fleets depleted by the drought continues.
Baler sales enjoyed a turnaround in June and are now down 3pc compared with last year, while sales of out-front mowers were again down, this time by 39pc.
Source: TMA
Brandt extends SA, Vic network
The Brandt Group of Companies on June 30 acquired the assets of Wickham Flower & Co Pty Ltd, which has added four locations to its network in South Australia and Victoria.
The acquisition of Wickham and its branches at Bordertown, Keith, Mt Gambier and Naracoorte means Brandt now owns and operates 23 John Deere dealerships across Australia and New Zealand.
“This is an important step for Brandt,” Brandt CEO Shaun Semple said.
“We’re working hard to deliver better-than-ever value for Australian farmers and adding the award-winning team at Wickham Flower will help us to make that happen,” Mr Semple said.
“The integration of our operations is well under way, and farmers can anticipate seeing increased inventory levels for all product lines as well as improved parts availability in the coming months.”
Brandt said Australian customers can expect to see enhancements in customer support through investment in a best-in-class field-service truck fleet, and upgrades to existing facilities.
This investment is designed to ensure a superior and consistent experience throughout its network in South Australia and western Victoria.
This additional retail footprint also provides Australian farmers with increased access to a Brandt- manufactured products along with a full range of John Deere agricultural equipment.
Source: Brandt Group of Companies
HAVE YOUR SAY