Ag Industry Trends & Outlooks

Discover insights, trends, ag market outlooks and other topical information as it relates to the Northeast's diverse agricultural industries. Brought to you by Knowledge Exchange from Farm Credit East.
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Knowledge Exchange Partner

Knowledge Exchange Partner

Forest Products Industry Outlook: Softwood Markets Set to Stabilize in 2026

In this month’s Knowledge Exchange Partner article, Paul Jannke of Forest Economic Advisors, LLC delivers a compelling look at what’s ahead in the 2026 Forest Products Industry Outlook, spotlighting signs of momentum across lumber and pulp markets. Strengthening housing starts, steadier capacity, and gradual price gains point to an industry regaining its footing, even as long‑term structural pressures and shifting trade dynamics continue to shape the competitive landscape.

March 3, 2026

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Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

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Business Tips and Tools
2026 Green Industry Outlook: Cautious Optimism in a Shifting Economy

While the broader economy is shifting sideways, opportunities remain strong for green industry producers who stay nimble, informed and ready to adapt. In a recent Farm Credit East webinar, Texas A&M’s Dr. Charlie Hall covered what’s ahead for the green industry in 2026. From fluctuating housing markets to rising input costs and evolving consumer behavior, this year is shaping up to be one of cautious optimism for the greenhouse, nursery and landscaping sectors.

March 3, 2026

Featured Webinar

A display of red ripe Macoun apples - a sweet crisp eating apple from the Hudson Valley of New York State.
Business Tips and Tools
2026 Apple Industry Outlook Webinar

Join Farm Credit East, Horizon Farm Credit and Chris Gerlach of the U.S. Apple Association to discuss the future of the apple industry. This webinar will take a deep dive into the prevailing trends and forces shaping the U.S. apple industry.

April 16, 2026

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Crop Insurance
Reminder: Spring Crop Sales Closing Deadline is March 15

The deadline to insure spring crops in the northeast for the 2025 crop year is March 15, 2025. Insurable spring crops include field and vegetable crops such as corn, soybeans, barley, oats, fresh market sweet corn, cabbage, processing beans, processing sweet corn, dry beans, green peas, fresh market beans, tomatoes, tobacco and potatoes. Coverage availability varies by county. 

February 13, 2025

 herd of cows eating hay and man in barn on dairy farm
Crop Insurance
Ensuring a Profitable 2025: The Role of Dairy Revenue Protection in Your Business Plan

As the calendar year draws to a close, it's an ideal time for dairy producers to reflect on the past year's challenges and achievements and to prepare strategically for the year ahead. With 2025 on the horizon, effective planning will be crucial to navigating the complexities of the dairy industry and ensuring a profitable year. One key component of this planning is Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP), a valuable tool that can help manage risk and stabilize income.

December 24, 2024

Man and woman walking in rural crop field looking at a tablet
Crop Insurance
Understanding Crop Insurance: Key Terms You Need to Know

Crop Insurance has a lot of acronyms and options. Your agent (who works with this policy everyday) might say an acronym and move on so fast your head is spinning. I’m here to help break all those down. These options usually cost pennies on the dollar and add tremendous value to your policy. 

November 05, 2024

Pink apple blossoms with green leaves
Crop Insurance
Reminder: Crop Insurance Deadline for Perennial Fruit Crops

The deadline to insure Northeast perennial crops for the 2025 crop year is November 20, 2024. Insurable perennial crops include apples, peaches, grapes, cranberries, blueberries, pears and cherries. Coverage availability varies by county, so please review the information available at CropGrowers.com, or contact a Crop Growers agent. 

October 24, 2024

Northeast Economic Engine

Download Farm Credit East’s Northeast Economic Engine report, which analyzes the economic impact of the Northeast agriculture, forest products, commercial fishing and food manufacturing industries. This report was released in October 2024. 

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Cover of the 2024 Economic Impact report