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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Female farmer working on a laptop in sunflower field
Business Tips and Tools
Enhancing Your Data Security in 2025: 5 Essential Tips

In today's digital age, protecting your personal information is more important than ever. With cyber threats evolving rapidly, it's crucial to stay informed and take proactive measures to safeguard your data. Here are five essential tips to help you enhance your data security in 2025.

January 24, 2025

Row of 20 large black and white Holstein cows in an open sided barn. Eating chopped feed.
Ag Economy
2025 Dairy Industry Outlook

Farm Credit East and Horizon Farm Credit hosted Dr. Christopher Wolf of Cornell University for an outlook on what 2025 may bring us in global dairy markets.

January 22, 2025

Pregnant woman visit doctor at hospital or medical clinic for pregnancy consultant.
Business Tips and Tools
NYS Paid Prenatal Leave: Effective 1/1/25

Starting January 1, 2025, the New York State Paid Prenatal Leave Law requires all private sector employers in New York State to provide their employees with 20 hours of Paid Prenatal Leave each year.

January 16, 2025

close up of two hands holding maple syrup color grading tool
Ag Economy
2025 Maple Industry Outlook

Farm Credit East hosted Mark Cannella of the University of Vermont in a recent webinar looking at the Maple syrup and sugar industry in 2025.

January 14, 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