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

Farm Labor Policy in Transition: Updates on SAWA, H-2A and AEWR

This month's Knowledge Exchange Partner article explores how proposed H-2A reforms and recent wage-rate changes could affect Northeast agricultural employers, including workforce access, labor costs, program flexibility and compliance—and what these evolving policies may mean for the future of farm labor.

October 5, 2026

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Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., viewed from the front steps under a clear blue sky
Public Policy
2026 Farm Bill: Time to Act

Congress has not passed a traditional five-year farm bill since 2018. America’s farmers, fishers and foresters have continued to be helped by short-term extensions and other ad-hoc support. While the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) updated and authorized certain components of the farm bill, there are still significant programs that require action.

October 28, 2026

Featured Webinar

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Business Tips and Tools
Apple Industry Outlook Webinar
Join Farm Credit East and Horizon Farm Credit as they host Chris Gerlach of USApple for a discussion on the prevailing trends and forces shaping the U.S. apple industry.

April 15, 2027

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Holsteins lined up eating feed
Crop Insurance
Beyond Dairy Revenue Protection: A Smarter Approach to Managing Dairy Risk

The dairy industry continues to face a highly volatile environment. Milk prices, feed costs, global demand shifts and weather variability all contribute to uncertainty in farm revenue. While risk is unavoidable, how producers manage that risk can have a meaningful impact on long‑term profitability and financial stability.

April 14, 2026

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

Blooming apple orchard in agricultural field, in summer sun with anti-hail netting for protection against weather factors.
Crop Insurance
Protecting your Perennial Crop Guarantee: Navigating increased restrictions in 2026

After perennial growers submit their crop year production and acreage changes, many assume crop insurance is set until a weather event occurs. However, as records are processed, a unit may be flagged by the Risk Management Agency (RMA) as having a yield variance. If left unaddressed, these flags can affect a unit’s production guarantee at claim time. Beginning with the 2026 crop year, this process has become more restrictive.


February 03, 2026

Yellow ear of corn with green husks
Crop Insurance
Reminder: Spring Crop Sales Closing Insurance Deadline is March 15

The deadline to insure spring crops in the northeast for the 2026 crop year is March 15, 2026. 

February 02, 2026

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