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

Dairy Markets Show Positive Trends

In this month’s Knowledge Exchange Partner article, Corey Geiger of CoBank, reviews the U.S. dairy markets. It enters the rest of 2026 with renewed optimism as improving margins, strong protein demand, and record export activity reshape the outlook. At the same time, rapid butterfat growth, global uncertainty, and market volatility signal the need for strategic risk management ahead.

May 3, 2026

 herd of cows eating hay and man in barn on dairy farm

Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

Blooming apple orchard in agricultural field, in summer sun with anti-hail netting for protection against weather factors.
Crop Insurance
USDA’s New ASCF Program: What Specialty Crop Growers Should Know (and Do) Right Now

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

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 young farmer talking to another individual with a tablet in a crop field with green netting
Crop Insurance
Crop Insurance and Succession Planning

The importance of succession planning for farmers cannot be overstated. Without a well-thought-out succession plan, the future of the farm and the livelihoods of those who depend on it are at risk. Succession planning can help ensure the family farm remains operational and productive, the farm's legacy is preserved, and the family's financial future is secure. 

July 18, 2023

Light brown and tan chicken walking in a backyard lawn of green grass
Business Tips and Tools
The Rise of Backyard Chickens

Raising chickens is nothing new. However, a less common practice that has recently started gaining popularity are backyard chickens. More and more people are opting to raise chickens for eggs in their own backyard. Before you jump in, here are a few important things to consider when evaluating whether backyard chickens are for you.

 

July 12, 2023

Hail Caught in Netting in Apple Orchard with damaged yellow apple and green tree leaves.
Business Tips and Tools
Fruit Crop Insurance Program – How Crop Insurance Responds After a Loss

This webinar led by crop insurance specialists from Crop Growers will discuss how crop insurance policies respond to losses and what steps farmers need to take to take in the event of a loss. Join us on Thursday, July 6th at 12 noon to learn more.

 

July 06, 2023

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Tax Talks
Tax Legislation Update

The House Ways and Means Committee recently announced The American Families and Jobs Act, which includes three bills (H.R. 3936, H.R. 3937, and H.R. 3938) that could impact farmers.

July 06, 2023

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