U.S. tractor sales surged more than 50% in the first quarter of this year, driven by growth in both the small and large tractor market segments, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

“We’re operating in a very in­­teresting market right now,” says Curt Blades, AEM senior vice president of ag services.

During the pandemic, acreage and suburban homeowners with larger lots were buying small tractors to haul rocks and dirt, work around trees and overall improve their ...