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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Small business owner going through paperwork with her workers at garden center.
Business Tips and Tools
New York State Secure Choice Savings Program: Helping Employees Save for Their Future

The New York State Secure Choice Savings Program is New York's retirement savings program for private-sector employees who do not have access to a retirement plan at work. This new program provides an easy and simple way for workers in the state to save for the future.

December 02, 2025

person standing in front of wine at a store
Knowledge Exchange Partner
Challenging Wine Market Offers Unique Opportunity

This month’s Knowledge Exchange Partner article explores how shifting consumer trends, demographic changes, and regional growth are reshaping the U.S. wine industry. While overall demand remains flat and competition intensifies, emerging opportunities in direct-to-consumer sales and East Coast winery expansion offer paths for resilience. Adaptability and innovation will be key as producers navigate evolving markets. Contributed by Andrew Adams, WineBusiness Analytics.

December 01, 2025

Orange pumpkins and green squash
Farm Credit
Thankful for Our Food, Farmers and Communities

Thanksgiving provides the perfect moment to pause, reflect and give thanks — not just for the food on our tables, but for the people and communities who make it all possible. Amid our busy lives, this holiday reminds us to appreciate the abundance we enjoy and the hard work that goes into every meal. 

November 26, 2025

Farm Credit East Employees Give Thanks
Farm Credit
Farm Credit East Employees Give Thanks

As Thanksgiving approaches, we may find ourselves looking back on the past year and appreciating the many reasons to be grateful. Even when challenges arise, it’s important to recognize the good that surrounds us. With the spirit of reflection in mind, we wanted to share some thoughts of gratitude from Farm Credit East employees.

November 18, 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