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

Forest Products Industry Outlook: Softwood Markets Set to Stabilize in 2026

In this month’s Knowledge Exchange Partner article, Paul Jannke of Forest Economic Advisors, LLC delivers a compelling look at what’s ahead in the 2026 Forest Products Industry Outlook, spotlighting signs of momentum across lumber and pulp markets. Strengthening housing starts, steadier capacity, and gradual price gains point to an industry regaining its footing, even as long‑term structural pressures and shifting trade dynamics continue to shape the competitive landscape.

March 3, 2026

Timber harvesting in a forest

Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

Caucasian man farmer standing in field with tablet device in hands and showing something to woman on screen.
Crop Insurance
Navigating Crop Insurance: Crop Insurance Roles Defined

Crop insurance is a vital tool for farmers and agribusinesses, helping to protect against financial losses caused by natural disasters and unpredictable market shifts. Understanding how crop insurance works — and the key organizations involved — empowers producers to make informed decisions about managing risk and safeguarding their livelihoods.

March 13, 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

Join Farm Credit East, Horizon Farm Credit and Chris Gerlach of the U.S. Apple Association to discuss the future of the apple industry. This webinar will take a deep dive into the prevailing trends and forces shaping the U.S. apple industry.

April 16, 2026

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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

A row of eight to ten black beef cows standing in a grass field
Crop Insurance
What’s the beef with Livestock Risk Protection?

What’s the beef with Livestock Risk Protection? Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) has grown in popularity as the U.S. has experienced record high beef prices. LRP is a subsidized risk management program designed to insure against unexpected declines in livestock prices. 

November 07, 2023

Ripe blueberries growing on green leafed bush
Crop Insurance
Reminder: Perennial Fruit Crop Sales Closing

The deadline to insure Northeast perennial crops for the 2024 crop year is November 20, 2023. Insurable perennial crops include apples, peaches, grapes, cranberries, blueberries, pears and cherries. Coverage availability varies by county, so please review the information available at CropGrowers.com, or contact a Crop Growers agent.

October 17, 2023

Close up view of harvested yellow apples in large open top storage bins in apple orchard.
Crop Insurance
Risk Management Agency Develops New Policy for Apple Producers

The Risk Management Agency’s (RMA) Apple Crop Insurance Policy has become a mainstay of risk management in the United States apple industry. The working relationship between apple producers and RMA has resulted in a program that met most of the industry’s needs. 

October 02, 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