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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Farm workers harvesting apples
Tax Talks
New York Farm Employer Overtime Credit – Advance Application Opens July 1

In December 2023, we shared two important Tax Talks blog articles on the New York Employer Overtime Credit. The time to apply for an advance of the credit is fast approaching with NYS Ag and Markets opening the application on July 1, 2024. 

July 02, 2024

Grapes frost damage. Frost Grape by slight frost winter injury.
Crop Insurance
Crop Insurance Claims for Grape Losses

Farm Credit East and Crop Growers provided an insightful webinar tailored for grape producers, specifically designed to address the challenges following the April 25, 2024, freeze event. This session will provide you with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively navigate the claim process.

June 25, 2024

Tractor preparing field for planting
Tax Talks
Production Tax Credit – Complete Application for Registration by July 15

In a previous Tax Talks blog article, we talked about energy credits. An energy credit not discussed is the Production Tax Credit (PTC) under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) section 45Z. This credit incentivizes the domestic production of sustainable transportation fuels, such as those that may be generated by an on-farm biomass digester, offering a per gallon tax credit for qualified fuels produced by the taxpayer and sold to an unrelated person. 

June 25, 2024

general economic
Business Tips and Tools
Business Basics for Beginning Farmers

One of the great things about owning or starting your own business is that you determine your business goals and how you want to achieve them. So, what are the business basics that help you remain profitable so you stay on track toward achieving your business goals?

June 18, 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