Tractor sales up

Source: The Times ( Original Article ) South African tractor sales rose by 9.9% year-on-year in January to 433 units, the South African Agricultural Machinery Association (SAAMA) said. Combine harvester sales for the month – at 13 units - were up 30% compared with January 2007’s sales. Baler sales jumped 74.5% to 89 units for the month. SAAMA described the month as “an encouraging start to the year” as it reflected positive factors affecting the market. “A good wheat crop has been harvested and prospects for summer crops are also good. Crop prices have been holding up well,” SAAMA said. Looking ahead, it said prospects for the first quarter of the year looked good. “Farmers will be looking to make ’tax’ purchases and will be bringing forward their buying decisions ahead of the inevitable price increases which will follow the crossword very recent devaluation of the rand,R...