Sales Still Weak, But We Have Reason for Optimism

Findings reported by the publication Farm Equipment last week suggest the downward trend in equipment sales may be stabilizing.

Data from dealers surveyed by Ag Equipment Intelligence and Cleveland Research Co. showed that average sales in March were down 8% compared to March 2014. The encouraging news: That represents a 4% improvement over February's average sales decline.

Among dealers surveyed, 8% reported missing their sales budgets for the month, the second consecutive month of sales below plan.

Results of the survey, available in the April 2015 “Dealer Sentiments & Business Conditions Update,” are based on responses from 110 U.S. and Canadian farm equipment dealers. S