U.S. and Canada combined large ag equipment sales continued to decline in October, according to the latest numbers released by the Assn. of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

“We anticipate a flattening of the rate of decline of large tractor sales, and the long-term projection for the industry is certainly very positive,” said Charlie O’Brien, AEM senior vice president.

North American combine sales dropped 18.7% year-over-year following a 25.6% decline in September. Row-crop sales improved to down 33.7% year-over-year vs. down 40.4% in September. 4WD tractor sales were down almost 30% year-over-year.

U.S. mid-range tractor sales were up 1.4% in October, but dropped 25.1% in Canada. Compact tractor sales increased 23.3% in the U.S., but fell 14.5% in Canada.

—Ag Flash Reports, Assn. of Equipment Manufacturers