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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Apple harvest in large wooden bins.
Tax Talks
Important Tax Considerations for Apple Growers

As the 2024 growing and harvest season wraps up, many producers will be turning to their tax advisors to continue the year-end tax planning conversation. In this article, we examine a few areas that may be of interest to apple producers and their advisors. 

October 29, 2024

 A corn field and farm buildings in the Finger Lakes Region of Upper New York with Tax Talk logo in lower right corner
Tax Talks
A Guide for Understanding New York State Land Credits

As we navigate the complexities of tax season, it's essential to stay informed about the various credits and deductions available to you. One such benefit is the Farmers School Tax Credit (FSTC), a valuable resource for those engaged in the business of farming. This blog aims to provide a high-level overview of the FSTC and Manufacturer’s real property tax credit to ensure you have the information needed to maximize your tax savings.

October 08, 2024

Small business owner going through paperwork with her workers at garden center.
Tax Talks
Beneficial Ownership Information: Who is Required to Report?

Earlier this year, Farm Credit East held a webinar reviewing The Corporate Transparency Act and the new Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements that went into effect on January 1, 2024. Several webinar attendees asked questions about how these requirements apply to different business structures.

September 24, 2024

Middle aged woman completing tax paperwork
Tax Talks
Navigating Charitable Contributions Post-TCJA

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) enacted in 2017 and in effect from 2018 – 2025 has had a substantial effect on itemizing deductions. The resulting changes have impacted the tax consequences of making charitable contributions, especially for senior citizens. A remedy to this can be to use Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) from an IRA account.

August 28, 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