It seems there may be light at the end of the tunnel for Australian tractor dealers with the peak machinery body tipping a steadying of national sales figures.
Tractor and Machinery Association (TMA), executive manager, Gary Northover said while sales are still down, there was now a reasonably healthy level of activity outside of drought affected regions.
"Sales for the month were down 13 per cent against the same month last year and are now down that amount, 13pc on a year to date basis, " he said.
"As a result, a forecast sales level of around 10,500 tractors is anticipated this year, down from the 12,500 unit levels of the past few years.
"Dealers around the country are reporting that inventory levels are plentiful and that now is a great time to buy.
"Despite the general tightening of bank finance, support is still available at the right price further enhancing buyers prospects."
Mr Northover said broadacre size tractors, greater than 150 kilowatts (200 horsepower) had shown a slight improvement in the year to date numbers, now only behind by 9pc on last year.
"The 75-150kW (100hp - 200hp) range fell away considerably, down 22pc for the month and now 18pc behind for the year," he said.
"At the lower end, the 30-75kW (40 - 100hp) range sits 11pc behind last year following a 19pc decline in March and the under 30kW (40hp) market has started the year slowly, off another 20pc in March and now 13pc behind for the year."
Mr Northover said sales figures showed significant variation on a state by state basis.
"Around the nation, the New South Wales market continues to struggle with March sales down 20pc on last year, now 25pc behind for the year," he said.
"Victorian sales were again down, this time 16pc for the month, 11pc year to date and Queensland saw another dip, this time 10pc for the month leaving that state 6pc behind for the year.
"Elsewhere, WA had a booming month, sales up 23pc for the month now sitting 6pc ahead of last year.
"South Australia dipped a further 26pc , Tasmania now sits 14pc ahead of last year and sales to the NT are 21pc up."
Mr Northover said header sales continue to struggle with the advice from many dealers that the forward ordering of new machines had been less than promising.
"Good stock levels remain available around the country so if demand improves, dealers will be ready to deal," he said.
"Baler sales continue to boom after a quite 2018, now 120pc up on the same time last year.
"Finally, sales of out front mowers were down for the month, now sitting around 19pc down on a yearly basis."
Mr Northover said planning is underway for the annual Tractor and Machinery Association Conference, themed "understanding the customer of tomorrow", which will be held on Tuesday the 16th of July at the Hyatt Place Melbourne, situated in Essendon Fields.
"This event is a must for all manufacturers, dealers and suppliers to industry and promises to be a highlight of the year. Ticketing and Sponsorship details will be released soon and can be found on the TMA website," he said.