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

Harvested oysters in a mesh basket by body of water
Business Tips and Tools
The Road Ahead for Oyster Growers: Trends, Risks and Opportunities for 2026

The U.S. oyster industry’s current landscape is shaped by decades of regulatory progress, rapid production innovations and shifting market pressures. As growers head into 2026, understanding the forces behind today’s rules, technologies and economic trends is essential for making informed business decisions. In a recent Farm Credit East webinar, Bob Rheault, executive director of East Coast Shellfish Growers Association, shared the key challenges and opportunities for the oyster industry. 

March 10, 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
USDA Emergency Commodity Assistance Program: Applications Open

The USDA’s Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) opened applications on March 19, 2025, providing $10 billion in economic assistance to farmers. This initiative is part of a broader $31 billion package approved by Congress in December 2024, aimed at supporting farmers affected by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. The USDA plans to release initial payments, covering 85% of the total, with supplemental payments expected in the summer. 

April 03, 2025

Family, farm and cattle with a girl and father walking on a field or grass meadow in the agricultural industry.
Business Tips and Tools
Vermont Saves Retirement Savings Program

Vermont Saves is a retirement savings program created to give an option to employers that do not offer retirement benefits. The Vermont Saves Program allows employees to contribute to their own Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA) through automatic payroll deductions. 

 

April 01, 2025

A display of red ripe Macoun apples - a sweet crisp eating apple from the Hudson Valley of New York State.
Knowledge Exchange Partner
2025 Apple Industry Outlook: Headwinds Persist in the U.S.

This month's Knowledge Exchange Partner article contributed by Chris Gerlach, of USApple reviews 2024 industry data and discusses 2025 pricing projections and changes to the export markets. It also explores potential direct and indirect impacts of tariffs.

April 01, 2025

Timber harvesting in a forest
Ag Economy
2025 Forest Products Industry Outlook

Farm Credit East and Horizon Farm Credit hosted Paul Jannke of Forest Economic Advisors for an insights webinar on the 2025 forest products industry.  

March 25, 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