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 Credit
Farm Credit East Offices Closed September 4
Farm Credit East offices will be closed on Monday, September 4, in observance of Labor Day. 

August 31, 2023

Tax Talks
Crop Insurance Tax Treatment Options for a Challenging Year

2023 has been a challenging year for farmers, and many may see payments from their crop insurance policies or federal crop disaster payments. This Tax Talks blog reminds producers that crop insurance proceeds and crop disaster payments must be reported as income.

August 29, 2023

upward view from forest floor of tree canopy
Business Tips and Tools
Vermont Foresters: Complete the Economy Loss & Damage Survey

The extended period of rainy weather in July and August and major flooding on July 10 has severely impacted many Vermonters. One sector that has been experiencing major impacts from the weather is Vermont’s forest economy. The Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation developed a survey specific to this sector that will assist state agencies and elected officials in determining how to respond. 

August 22, 2023

Rows of corn crop in a large field with sun in the background
Crop Insurance
Risk Management Agency Expands the Margin Protection Program
Farm Credit East is pleased the Risk Management Agency (RMA) has approved the expansion of the Margin Protection Program for the 2024 crop year. This expansion will be beneficial to many Northeast growers and producers of corn and soybeans.

August 21, 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