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

Who Takes The Fall? Liability Limitations for Agritourism Activity Hosts

Autumn ushers in a season of outdoor agritourism activities across the Northeast — from hayrides to fruit picking. These activities come with a measure of risk, and understanding liability is crucial. In this month's Knowledge Exchange Partner, contributors Charles F. Gfeller and Anna-Kate M. Munsey of Gfeller Laurie LLP, examine the types of agritourism liability laws enacted by Northeast state.

October 14, 2025

Rows of harvested pumpkins for sale at rural farm with autumn activities in the background.

Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

Farm workers harvesting vegetables in a field near a red tractor with a wagon
Business Tips and Tools
Key Updates to H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rates for Northeast Agricultural Employers

On October 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor issued a new Interim Final Rule (IFR) that significantly revises how Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs) are calculated for H-2A guestworkers. AEWRs set the minimum hourly wages that must be paid to H-2A workers and those in corresponding employment. This rule introduces major changes affecting wage structures across Farm Credit East’s eight-state region, with important implications for farm operations and labor management.

November 4, 2025

Featured Webinar

Business Tips and Tools
Connecticut Investment Tax Credit Webinar

Join Farm Credit East and Connecticut Farm Bureau for an informative webinar to learn how Connecticut Investment Tax Credit can benefit your operation.

October 27, 2025

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Tag: labor 
Woman in front of tractor in agriculture field holding and looking at a laptop computer, with tax talk logo in corner
Tax Talks
New York Farm Overtime Credit – What you need to know Part II

Today, we continue the conversation about the New York Farm Overtime Credit by looking at helpful tips and potential pitfalls employers need to understand as they get ready for January 1, 2024.

December 29, 2023

Woman farmer using a laptop in crop field in front of a tractor. Tax Talk logo in bottom righ corner.
Tax Talks
New York Farm Employer Overtime Credit - What you need to know

With 2024 around the corner, New York state farmers need to begin thinking about the Farm Overtime Credit that will provide a refund for hours worked between the thresholds set by the state and 60 hours. 

December 05, 2023

Knowledge Exchange Partner
Overview of the H-2A Visa Program

Demand for foreign workers under the H-2A temporary visa program has significantly expanded in recent years. This month’s Knowledge Exchange Partner provides an overview of a recent H-2A webinar hosted by Farm Credit East and Harris Beach, PLLC.

December 11, 2022

Farm workers harvesting vegetables in a field near a red tractor with a wagon
Business Tips and Tools
Seasonal Business Labor and Immigration Webinar Series

Join Harris Beach PLLC and Farm Credit East for a series of four webinars focusing on getting the seasonal workers you need, legally.

One of the most pressing issues facing seasonal businesses continues to be labor – specifically how to secure reliable employees to fill seasonal and permanent needs. In this webinar series, presenters will navigate the complex maze of the H-2B non-agriculture and H-2A agricultural visa programs to provide an overview of visa requirements, procedures, compliance and employer obligations. Foreign labor options to fill permanent labor needs at farms and seasonal businesses will also be discussed.

Click here to view webinar dates and times.

November 29, 2022

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