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

United States Citizenship and Immigration Service Clears H-2A Path for Dairy Employers

A new USCIS policy is opening the door for dairy producers to access the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program, a workforce option that has long been out of reach for year-round dairy operations. This month’s Knowledge Exchange Partner discusses how the updated guidance could help dairies address labor shortages, support seasonal workforce planning and navigate new petition requirements moving forward. Republished with permission courtesy of Harris Beach Murtha Attorneys at Law.

July 7, 2026

Cow milking facility and mechanized milking equipment

Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

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Public Policy
2026 Farm Bill Takes Shape: Comparing the House and Senate Proposals

After nearly three years of short-term extensions, Congress is once again debating and drafting comprehensive farm legislation. In May, the House passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567), while in late June Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (AR) released the Agricultural Act of 2026, a “discussion draft” providing the Senate a starting point for negotiation with other committee members. 


July 7, 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
Farm Credit East and Horizon Farm Credit recently hosted Chris Gerlach of USApple for a discussion on the prevailing trends and forces shaping the U.S. apple industry.

April 16, 2026

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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

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Knowledge Exchange Partner
2025 Forest Products Outlook: Softwood markets remain weak

The forest products industry is navigating a complex landscape in 2025. With the resumption of a 25% tariff on U.S. imports of Canadian goods, the market faces significant uncertainty. This article delves into the implications of these tariffs, the state of the North American housing market, and the forecast for softwood lumber consumption.

March 03, 2025

Potatoes just after harvest in a field
Knowledge Exchange Partner
2025 Potato Industry Outlook

The potato industry is facing a dynamic year ahead, with significant changes in production and market trends. The 2024 North American potato crop has seen a slight decrease in production, while European production has increased, impacting the global market dynamics. Read on for an in-depth analysis of the current state of the potato industry, including crop overviews, sector updates and 2025 market outlooks. 

February 12, 2025

Knowledge Exchange Partner
2025 Outlook for the Green Industry

In this month's Knowledge Exchange Partner article, 2025 Green Industry Outlook, Dr. Charlie Hall from Texas A&M University provides a comprehensive analysis of the sector's performance and future trends. The report highlights the importance of value propositions, technological innovation, and strategic partnerships in navigating the evolving market landscape. Discover the key insights and strategies shaping the green industry in 2025.


February 05, 2025

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