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

Crop Insurance

USDA’s New ASCF Program: What Specialty Crop Growers Should Know (and Do) Right Now

Jeremy Forrett

If you grow specialty crops, there’s a new USDA program worth your attention. The Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program was designed to help producers navigate the financial pressure many faced in 2025. Rising input costs, ongoing inflation and market disruptions all contributed to tighter margins. This program offers a one-time payment to help offset those challenges. 

June 2, 2026

Blooming apple orchard in agricultural field, in summer sun with anti-hail netting for protection against weather factors.

Latest Tax Talk

Tax Talks
Capital Construction Fund: A Fisherman’s Guide to Building for the Future

If you’re a commercial fisherman planning to build, buy, lease or rebuild a vessel, the Capital Construction Fund (CCF) can be one of the most powerful tax planning tools available to you. The CCF lets you set aside income today, defer federal income tax and use that money later to invest in your fishing business. Let’s discuss the details of this program.

 

May 26, 2026

Today's Harvest Blog

rows of various annual flower plants in bloom outside a nursery
Ag Economy
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 03, 2026

Cows lined up eating feed
Ag Economy
2026 Dairy Industry Outlook: Navigating the “New Normal”

Volatility continues to shape the dairy economy, but with it comes new opportunity.  In a recent Farm Credit East webinar, Corey Geiger shared insights on what producers can expect in 2026 — from shifting milk component values to the rise of beef‑on‑dairy revenue.

February 17, 2026

Close up of commercial maple sugaring evaporator and dipper, steam is rising from evaporator pans as sap is heating up.
Ag Economy
Maple Industry Outlook: Key Trends Shaping 2026

In a recent Farm Credit East webinar, University of Vermont Extension Associate Professor Mark Cannella recapped 2025 — and what it means for producers planning ahead. The following highlights key trends and considerations shaping the maple industry outlook for 2026.

February 10, 2026

Ag Economy
4 Key Strategies Grain Producers Need to Navigate 2026’s Tight Margins

Farm Credit East recently hosted CoBank Lead Economists, Tanner Ehmke and Jacqui Fatka, for the 2026 Grain and Biofuel Industry Outlook Webinar. With a high supply of corn, soybeans and wheat globally, producers are seeing tight margins and continued pressure. Read on for key strategies producers should keep in mind going into 2026. 

February 06, 2026

Meet the Authors

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