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

Harvested oysters in a mesh basket by body of water
Business Tips and Tools
The Road Ahead for Oyster Growers: Trends, Risks and Opportunities for 2026

The U.S. oyster industry’s current landscape is shaped by decades of regulatory progress, rapid production innovations and shifting market pressures. As growers head into 2026, understanding the forces behind today’s rules, technologies and economic trends is essential for making informed business decisions. In a recent Farm Credit East webinar, Bob Rheault, executive director of East Coast Shellfish Growers Association, shared the key challenges and opportunities for the oyster industry. 

March 10, 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
Risk Management Gets a Boost: LRP Beef on Dairy Coverage Explained

Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) is a federally subsidized risk management program designed to protect against a decline in livestock prices, allowing producers to set a price floor and mitigate risk from marketplace volatility. 

July 22, 2025

Two rural business owners looking at a tablet while standing in field with cows
Public Policy
One Big Beautiful Bill: Understanding the Northeast Agricultural Impact
Farm Credit East hosted a webinar on Monday, July 21, diving into the most relevant provisions for Northeast businesses and producers. This webinar also covered impacts on agricultural programs, including commodity pricing and beginning farmer programs.

July 21, 2025

Rows of corn stalks in a field with flood water covering the ground at dusk
Crop Insurance
Proactive Strategies for Business Success: Protecting your investment with crop insurance

While we can’t predict the future, we can certainly plan for the unexpected, and crop insurance is an important tool to help producers do just that. Ag businesses that are eligible for crop or livestock insurance should consider the value risk management tools can provide. So, what are the next steps for protecting your investment with crop insurance?

July 15, 2025

silhouette of two people shaking hands outside at dusk.
Knowledge Exchange Partner
Farm Credit East Champions Tax Credits for Connecticut Farmers

Cooperative teamwork played a key role in Connecticut’s budget success, delivering meaningful gains for Northeast agriculture. Farm Credit East members and leaders championed the investment tax credit (ITC). This month’s Knowledge Exchange Partner article highlights new tax credits for Connecticut farmers and similar opportunities in New York and Maine.


July 10, 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