October Market Watch: Strong Demand for Late-Model Equipment

As harvest winds down, October continues to bring strong momentum to the equipment market. Buyers are looking ahead to 2026, securing reliable combines, tractors, and sprayers while sellers are capitalizing on competitive bidding and year-end demand.

Now is the time to evaluate your lineup and take advantage of seasonal sales, auction activity, and favorable financing before winter.

Here are a few notable late-model listings from recent sales:

• 2023 John Deere S780 Combine – Vandalia, IL – Sold for $ 439,900

• 2020 John Deere 9570RX Tractor – Rugby, ND – Sold for $ 503,000

• 2024 John Deere 412R Sprayer – Stanley, ND – Sold for $ 508,500

• 2016 John Deere 3046R Utility Tractor – Steeleville, IL – Sold for $ 28,900

These results show the strength of the fall market and continued demand for low-hour, late-model equipment.

For more listings and auction insights, visit the Farmers Hot Line September 2025 issue here.

Market Trends: What’ s Driving Activity Here are some key patterns emerging in the Midwest equipment market this fall:

• Inventory pressure is building. Dealers are reporting increasing stock levels of used tractors, combines, and row-crop equipment. In the Midwest grain belt, surplus units are pushing many sellers to lean on auctions and discounting to move inventory.

• Pricing gaps between auction and retail are widening. Especially for planters, the spread between auction results and full retail pricing has grown— providing both opportunities and risks depending on how well the equipment is maintained and marketed.

• Buyers are getting choosier. As interest rates remain high and input costs stay volatile, buyers are focusing heavily on hour-meters, service history, and condition rather than just brand or model year.

• Financing & tax timing still matter. Many buyers are trying to wrap deals before year-end for tax benefits, and sellers are leaning into flexible terms or incentives to close deals before winter.

Stay Connected Check out our Hot Line Farm and Antique online magazine at www. HotLineGuides. com

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