According to the Assn. of Equipment Manufacturers, U.S. year-to-date sales of under 40 horsepower tractors were up 1.1% for the first quarter compared with last year and up more than 5% compared with March of last year. Canadian year-to-date sales of under 40 horsepower tractors were up 3.7% for the first quarter compared with last year and up 0.7% compared with March of last year.

Dealers shared their forecasts for equipment in Rural Lifestyle Dealer's 2018 Dealer Business Trends & Outlook survey, with zero-turn mowers topping the list of 26 categories in terms of unit sales increases.

CNH Global N.V. (NYSE: CNH) today announced financial results for the year ended December 31, 2011. For the year, net sales increased 25% (22% on a constant currency basis) to $18.1 billion as agricultural equipment markets continue to perform well across the Group's geographical portfolio, and as a result of the continued recovery in the construction equipment market segment.

AEM Ag Equipment Outlook: Manufacturers Anticipate Strongest Growth In Export Sales

Deere dealers were the most optimistic about equipment sales to rural lifestylers in 2010.