According to recent reports, sales of new tractors in Australia continue to defy the global downturn, rising again for the first quarter 2009. Compared with the previous sales for the past 5 years, new tractor sales were up 15% in the period.

Vin Delahunty of the Tractor and Machinery Assn., says business is best in northern Australia, because of good rain and crops. Sales also remain positive in parts of Victoria.

Sales of used machinery are also strong, but farmers are struggling to find good quality used equipment.