2,900 units is the estimate by Power Systems Research of the number Combines expected to be produced in the United States during 2026. A Combine is a farm machine that harvests grain crops. Combines can reap, thresh and winnow crops into a single process. Crops include wheat, oats, rye, barley, corn, etc.
This product information comes from industry interviews and from two proprietary databases maintained by Power Systems Research: EnginLink™ , which provides information on engines, and OE Link™, a database of equipment manufacturers.
Market Share. With 61% of total units produced, Deere captured the lead for Combine production in North America (US). In second position, Case with 23.5%; third, Claas Omaha with 9%.
Exports: Up to 30% worldwide.
Trends. The 2025 production of combines in North America decreased 19%, dropping from 4,300 in 2024 to 3,500 in 2025. Production is expected to drop another 18% in 2026. The 2026 decrease is mostly due to CLAAS moving production of their 8000 Series to Germany, rising production expenses along with a drop in commodity pricing and market uncertainty.
In previous years, Covid-19 related factors played a role in the decline, especially for parts availability and a drop in orders for new machinery. Sales of combines picked up in Q4 2020 after a tough spring for sales.
Combines overall boost crop output and farm income. “The increase reflects farmer sentiment about the future of their operations. It’s a decent early indicator of whether folks are enthusiastic about where markets are headed,” according to Curt Blades, senior VP of agriculture for AEM.
This is a favorable sign. A few years ago, farmers were reluctant to buy or trade in pricey equipment because of lower commodity prices. For instance, in 2017, production and purchases of new combines rebounded as portrayed in production figures. The gain can be attributed to an increase in commodity prices such as corn and soybeans that peaked in 2013/2014.
Case attributed the 2023 decline to supply chain issues. Deere announced job cuts at three Midwest production facilities due to softening demand for tractors and combines. “These changes are being made due to reduced demand for the products produced at these facilities,” Deere & Co. noted in a news release. “Industry sales are expected to further decline in the back half of fiscal year 2024. To better position Deere to meet future demand, we continue to take proactive steps to reduce production and inventory.”
Expect production of combines to gain 5% by 2035. PSR
Carol Turner is Senior Analyst, Global Operations
