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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Cow milking facility and mechanized milking equipment
Crop Insurance
Boosting Dairy Farm Resilience with Dairy Revenue Protection

Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP) is a valuable tool to help dairy farmers mitigate the risks of the dairy industry, including market fluctuations, weather conditions, and production variables. By offering robust, flexible and affordable program options, DRP helps to stabilize incomes and support the sustainability of dairy operations.

May 06, 2025

A young farmer talking to another individual with a tablet in a crop field with green netting
Tax Talks
Spring into Tax Planning and Record Keeping

As field work and spring planting kicks off across the Northeast, many farmers are making significant investment in equipment, crop inputs and labor. These expenditures present opportunities for proactive tax planning and sound record keeping. By aligning your spring activities with tax efficient strategies, you can optimize deductions, manage cash flow effectively and set the stage for a smoother year-end process. 

April 30, 2025

Rear view of a farm working driving a tractor pulling a plow, tilling a field of soil with a small cloud of dust. Green trees in the background on a sunny day with some clouds in the sky.
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.

April 29, 2025

Ripe juicy red apples in a container. Production facilities of large warehouse - grading, packing and storage of crops.
Ag Economy
How Tariffs Will Impact Apple Trade in 2025

Farm Credit East recently hosted a webinar with US Apple’s Chris Gerlach, providing an overview of the apple industry, specifically covering what’s ahead for apple trade. Following are the key takeaways from this webinar. 

April 22, 2025

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