Today’s Harvest Blog

Today’s Harvest is a valued, timely resource for stories, news, tips and information relevant to Northeast agriculture and our customers.
Farm tractor in a field during the fall harvest

Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

Business Tips and Tools

The Value of the Cooperative Model

Kristie Matuszewski

2025 marks the International Year of Cooperatives. Additionally, each October is observed as the national Co-Op month to recognize the value of people-centered businesses. Farm Credit East is proud to be a cooperative, collectively owned and operated by its customers. This cooperative ownership means customers have a voice in their cooperative through a customer-elected board of directors who are also customer owners. 

October 16, 2025

Map of the New York, New Jersey and New England states with check box above the map that read Your Voice in Ownership

Latest Tax Talk

Close-up of a U.S. Treasury tax refund check and IRS form 1042-S on top of a financial statement. Symbol of federal tax return and income reporting.
Tax Talks
Federal Government to Phase Out Paper Checks: What It Means for You

Early in 2025, the federal government announced an Executive Order aimed at modernizing how federal payments are handled. Under Executive Order 14247, signed in March 2025, all federal disbursements and receipts will transition to electronic formats by September 30, 2025. This change will impact individuals, businesses and organizations that receive or make payments to the federal government. 

September 30, 2025

Today's Harvest Blog

Grapes frost damage. Frost Grape by slight frost winter injury.
Crop Insurance
Crop Insurance Provides Certainty Against Unpredictable Weather

Crop insurance can protect against financial losses from weather-related crop damage and quality reductions. Its purpose is to ensure farmers can continue operating after a difficult season. In a year like 2023, being insured against these types of weather events can make or break a business.

 

February 22, 2024

Three farmers walking side by side in a crop field during sunset with the Crop Growers logo over the image
Crop Insurance
Another Wet One – How Crop Growers Can Help Northeast Tobacco Growers

In 2023, the Northeast experienced another wet tobacco growing season. Given the high cost of tobacco cultivation (over $1,000 per acre), risk management plans are crucial for producers. Connecticut insured more than 3,000 acres of this valuable crop. The purpose of crop insurance, like any other insurance, is not to bring profits but to make the producer whole again so they can continue to farm the following year.

February 13, 2024

Agricultural potato harvest with harvester
Crop Insurance
3 Special Crop Insurance Options for Northeast Potato Growers

2023 was a wet growing season in the Northeast. As a result, the more than 240 Northeast potato producers growing 63,000 acres of potatoes endured a tough growing season loss. Many Northeast potato farmers use crop insurance to help manage this risk. Below are three endorsements that tailor the USDA RMA potato crop insurance policy for potato operations.

January 30, 2024

red barn with snow on the roof in winter
Crop Insurance
Crop Growers Year-End Reflection

"Not every day is perfect, but having the ability to make a difference in an agricultural operation allows me to walk away with such fulfillment." As the year comes to a close, Crop Growers crop insurance agent Daniele Harris reflects on 2023 and looks forward to continuing to help Northeast producers in 2024. 

December 19, 2023

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