Farming machine makers find new fields for growth

The world's largest makers of tractors and combines are finding a rare opportunity for growth in China despite a sharp slowdown in the world's No 2 economy, with big farm machines in demand as the rural labor force shrinks and plot sizes grow.

For manufacturers like United States-based AGCO and Deere & Co and Italy's CNH Industrial, Chinese demand for big machines could help to offset weakness in North America and Europe, where farm incomes are declining with global commodity prices.

The trend also contrasts with stalling sales in construction equipment and passenger cars, which have been hit by the slowing Chinese economy.