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

Timber harvesting in a forest

Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

rows of various annual flower plants in bloom outside a nursery
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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Knowledge Exchange Partner
Farm Credit East Knowledge Exchange Industry Snapshots

This month's Knowledge Exchange Partner highlights a series of Industry Snapshots, compiled by Farm Credit East's Director of Knowledge Exchange, Chris Laughton. In addition to a summary of the national economy, northeast farm economy sectors such as dairy, timber and forest products, cash field crops, livestock, fruit, vegetables, greenhouse and fishing are included.

September 05, 2024

Knowledge Exchange Partner
Seismic Shifts are Taking Place within Dairy

Farm Credit East's 2023 Northeast Dairy Farm Summary and 2024 Mid-Year Outlook contains data and analysis from the prior year and forward-looking discussion and analysis from Corey Geiger, Lead Economist for Dairy at Farm Credit East's funding bank, CoBank. 

There have been a number of structural shifts in our industry that appear to have some staying power. It’s important to gain a better understanding of these changes to implement on-farm strategies to capitalize on the market opportunities.

August 05, 2024

Knowledge Exchange Partner
Record U.S. Agricultural Trade Deficit Forecasted to Keep Growing

The United States is the world’s largest agricultural exporter and has been for decades. However, as a wealthy country with a population of more than 340 million people with appetites for a broad range of agricultural products - we are also one of the world’s top agricultural importers. American Farm Bureau Economist, Betty Resnick examines historical trade data, and insight on forecasted trends.

July 03, 2024

Inside view of dairy cow barn with cows eating
Knowledge Exchange Partner
Boosting Dairy Farm Resilience: How the DRP Program Helps Manage Revenue Risks

The dairy industry is inherently unpredictable, with market fluctuations, weather conditions, and production variables all contributing to an unstable income landscape for dairy farmers. Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP) is a valuable tool to mitigate these risks and provide a more stable financial footing.

June 04, 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