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

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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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Adult male farmer sitting on open trunkbed in a crop field using a laptop
Tax Talks
Life Insurance Redemptions Falling Under IRS Scrutiny

In the context of farming business structures, acquiring a life insurance policy is a prevalent practice. Here are two common scenarios and an update on an ongoing Supreme Court case involving the IRS concerning the valuation of businesses when insurance payouts are implicated and whether such proceeds are deemed liabilities or not.

April 11, 2024

Confident female farmer standing outdoors near car on background with farm field on fall day, signing some papers
Tax Talks
What you Need to Know about Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting for your Business

Starting January 1, 2024, most United States (U.S.) entities must report information about the beneficial owners of their businesses to strengthen the integrity of the U.S. financial system by making it harder for illicit actors to use shell companies to launder their money or hide assets. This blog article explores the key elements of the BOI reporting rule and what actions your business needs to take. 

January 18, 2024

Woman in front of tractor in agriculture field holding and looking at a laptop computer, with tax talk logo in corner
Tax Talks
New York Farm Overtime Credit – What you need to know Part II

Today, we continue the conversation about the New York Farm Overtime Credit by looking at helpful tips and potential pitfalls employers need to understand as they get ready for January 1, 2024.

December 29, 2023

Woman in agriculture crop field holding and looking at a laptop, with the Tax Talk logo
Tax Talks
Energy Credits: A Look at Applicable Provisions for the 2023 Tax Year

As we look at applicable provisions for the 2023 tax year, two credits we get the most questions about as farm tax preparers are the Solar Energy Property Credit and the Clean Vehicle Energy Credit. Here we focus on these two credits, but also touch on other energy property credits to consider as you ready your 2023 year-end materials for your tax preparer.

December 27, 2023

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