Sales of combine harvesters increase by 75 per cent

Sales of combine harvesters have increased dramatically. See what’s encouraging farmers to open their wallets.

HEADER sales have surged by 75 per cent, with farmers shelling out millions on one of agriculture’s most expensive investments.

Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia figures show sales of combine harvesters hit 350 during July.

The figure is a 75 per cent increase compared to the same time last year.

Grain Producers Australia chairman Barry Large, who farms north of Perth in Western Australia, attributed the sales to the instant asset tax write-off.

The tax relief was initially due to stop on June 30, 2022, but was extended for 12 months in the 2022-23 budget, allowing producers and other business owners to write off purchases of up to $150,000 per asset. It has since been reduced to $20,000 for the current financial year.

Mr Large said the seasonal conditions had also generated some optimism for header sales.

“The season is at a pivotal point; there’s still a risk of frost, but some areas are looking good,” he said.

Greg Gall, with his grandson Bodie, 9, Goorambat. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Greg Gall of Goorambat said the cropping season in his area was looking great for this time of the year.

“We couldn’t ask for much better … we are now at the pointy end of it and we still have plenty of (soil) moisture,” he said.

He expected another busy harvest. The first header will probably hit the paddocks at his place in late December, depending on how the season plays out.

Mr Gall grows wheat, canola, faba beans and vetch.

NSW Farmers grains committee chairman Justin Everitt of Brocklesby in southern NSW said it was a good idea for those who had made use of the tax write-offs for machinery.

He said people were also willing to become more independent at harvest. Last year, harvest proved challenging, with lots of competition to get contract harvesters to strip the crop due to challenging wet conditions.

“There is optimism about the upcoming cropping season from Dubbo south or even the Murrumbidgee south; this is where we are seeing the better season,” he said.

Meanwhile, TMA figures showed that baler sales also experienced an increase, with 12 per cent more units purchased. And mower sales increased by 45 per cent in a positive indication for the hay and fodder industry.