Total U.S. two-wheel drive tractor sales gained four percent for March compared to last year, while four-wheel-drive tractor sales dropped five percent and self-propelled combine sales declined 20 percent, according to the latest sales data from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. First-quarter 2018 U.S. sales were essentially flat for the smaller-size tractors, and 100-plus horsepower two-wheel drive tractors declined about five percent for January-March compared to 2017. And, U.S. four-wheel-drive tractor sales gained about five percent for the first quarter, and U.S. sales of self-propelled combines gained four percent for January-March compared to 2017. AEM AG Services senior vice president Curt Blades says equipment dealers are “still contending with diplomatic jockeying” in regards to trade, negative changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard, and the Department of Agriculture forecast of a decline in 2018 net farm profits.