Spring brought early signs—not just of what’s going in the ground, but of how confident growers feel about upgrading their equipment.
While some dealers reported a modest uptick in foot traffic and a few sales, the broader picture remains clear: inventory levels are still high. New equipment sales continue to trend downward, in some cases falling below last year’s already reduced benchmarks. OEMs are scaling back production publicly, and dealers are navigating difficult conversations with long-standing customers on one-year trade cycles. As a result, the flow of late-model trade-ins has slowed significantly.
That shift cuts both ways.
Fewer trade-ins mean fewer near-new used machines on the lot—the type of inventory that typically draws the most attention from buyers. But it also creates an opportunity: space to move out older, 1–3-year old machines that have been tying up capital and quietly accruing holding costs.
Some producers have received government support, but according to dealers, much of that relief has gone straight to the banks. For most, caution remains the name of the game. That restraint is reflected in the numbers: a 15% gap still exists between advertised prices and final selling prices. Even so, values have stayed relatively stable, offering a welcome break after several quarters of downward pressure.
Still, uncertainty lingers.
Are we seeing the bottom of the market, or just a pause on the way down? Auction activity may offer a hint. Over the last two years, late model, low-hour machines filled auction lanes and often went for less than expected. Now, those machines are becoming scarcer. That shift may suggest stabilization—or simply a temporary lull.
Several auctions are already on the books for summer, with more expected heading into fall. With lots still full and retail demand dragging, some dealers may look to auctions as a release valve—moving slow movers and making room for what’s next.
We’ll be watching closely.
These insights are based on verified dealer transactions and auction data, giving you a direct view into market behavior and pricing trends. With IronGuides by Fusable, you gain access to the data you need to price with confidence, adjust with precision, and protect your margin through the second half of 2025.
With Iron Guides, you have access to precise equipment valuations at all times. That means you can stay up-to-date on exactly how much the equipment on your lot is worth and know when it’s time to push for a sale, or send it to auction.
Article Written By: Jon Wommack
JON WOMMACK is the Product Manager for Iron Solutions. He began his career in a John Deere dealership as a parts intern and worked his way up to becoming a large equipment and GPS salesman. For the past 7 years, Jon has overseen all IronGuides product processes and managed the collection and processing of its sales transaction data. Jon is a native of Rives, Missouri and graduated from the College of Agriculture at Arkansas State University with a degree in Agricultural Business Economics and Plant Science in 2014. When not talking to ag dealers and lenders about their views on market conditions, you can find Jon in the seat of a tractor or combine. You may also find him grilling up a few prime cuts for family and friends.
