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

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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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Tag: export 
A large container filled with red and green apples sits in the foreground. In the background, a white semi-truck with an open trailer is parked, loaded with green crates.
Knowledge Exchange Partner
Food Export-Northeast: Helping Northeast Suppliers Navigate Global Markets and Expand with International Sales

With all the news of tariffs and trade disputes between the United States and its business partners around the world, it might not seem like an ideal time to explore export opportunities. However, recent and ongoing negotiations may actually open new markets for U.S. exports. This month's Knowledge Exchange Partner highlights Food Export-Northeast, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping U.S. suppliers— particularly small- and medium-sized companies—expand their international reach. 

September 09, 2025

Milk bottles on the supermarket shelf
Knowledge Exchange Partner
Dairy Markets Show Both Upside and Concern

This month's Knowledge Exchange Partner article contributors Corey A. Geiger and Abbigail C. Prins of CoBank, outline a mixed outlook for U.S. dairy in 2025, noting strong retail sales and export potential but weak restaurant demand and rising costs. They highlight a historic drop in cow culling, surging butterfat production, and global herd challenges, suggesting cautious optimism for the industry’s future.

June 09, 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

Knowledge Exchange Partner
Record U.S. Agricultural Trade Deficit Forecasted to Keep Growing

The United States is the world’s largest agricultural exporter and has been for decades. However, as a wealthy country with a population of more than 340 million people with appetites for a broad range of agricultural products - we are also one of the world’s top agricultural importers. American Farm Bureau Economist, Betty Resnick examines historical trade data, and insight on forecasted trends.

July 03, 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