The Kuhn Group was significantly affected by the downturn in the agricultural machinery market during the first nine months of this year with net sales plummeting 13% to CHF 735 million (€678 million). Down over €100 million when compared to the same nine months of 2015, parent company Bucher Industries blames the sharp decline in investment in agricultural machinery on the global fall in grain, milk and meat prices. The effects are particularly acute in North America, the impact of which was greater than expected. Also, heavy spring rainfall resulted in poor harvests in the important markets in France and parts of Germany. The difficult situation in Europe and North America is likely to continue to impact negatively on Kuhn business through to the end of the year, and the company continues to implement measures to reduce costs and increase efficiency. One of these has seen staff numbers fall 6% to 4,583 during the last 12 months.