Ag Industry Trends & Outlooks

Effective with the 2026 crop year, USDA has updated payment limitations and eligibility rules. This change modernizes how benefits are calculated and who qualifies, providing more flexibility for today’s farm operations. 

Northeast farms innovate every day—and some of that experimentation may qualify for the federal Research & Development tax credit. Using a recent U.S. Tax Court case, we shed some light on how the credit works, what expenses may count, and why strong, documentation can make or break a claim.

In this update, we share key 2026 changes to New York’s Farm Employer Overtime Credit, including expanded eligible overtime hours, shifting thresholds, and new certification requirements for all farm employers. We also highlight reminders on payroll adjustments and advance payment options to help farmers stay compliant and prepared for the season ahead.

Tax season is a busy time — and unfortunately, it’s also a peak season for fraud scams. From fake IRS messages to misleading “tax tips” on social media, fraudsters often rely on urgency and confusion to trick people into sharing personal or financial information.