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

2026 U.S. Maple Syrup Outlook

This month’s Knowledge Exchange Partner article contributed by Mark Cannella, Extension Associate Professor at the University of Vermont, offers a broad look at the key forces influencing today’s U.S. maple industry. Steady production, evolving consumer demand, and ongoing economic pressures are reshaping the market landscape. These trends present both opportunities and challenges for producers as they navigate changing conditions. As the sector adjusts to these developments, thoughtful planning and adaptability will play an important role in sustaining long‑term growth and stability.

January 9, 2026

Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

Tractor preparing field for planting
Tax Talks
No Tax on Overtime: What Farm Employees Need to Know

Many farm workers are hearing about the new “No Tax on Overtime” federal income tax deduction and wondering whether they qualify. With the 2025 tax filing season about to open, this article breaks down the key points so you can understand whether your overtime pay might be eligible for this deduction. 

January 28, 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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Family, farm and cattle with a girl and father walking on a field or grass meadow in the agricultural industry.
Business Tips and Tools
A Healthy Farm Starts with a Healthy You

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which is a good time to check in on your own mental wellbeing and that of your family, staff, and loved ones. 

May 14, 2024

Supercell storm clouds with hail and rain over agriculture field
Crop Insurance
Protect Your Harvest from the Fury of Hail with Crop Growers Crop Insurance

Crop Growers, the insurance provider of Farm Credit East, provides coverage for reduced quality and production of crops resulting from hail events, giving acre-by-acre protection that can cover up to the full value of the crop.

May 08, 2024

Farmer loading pickup truck with corn harvest in field
Knowledge Exchange Partner
Farm Credit East Production Cost Index Plateaus at New High

After a rapid rise in 2021 and 2022, the Farm Credit East Production Cost Index has plateaued after relatively modest increases over the previous decade.  This index tracks farm production costs on a relative basis, weighted towards costs that affect Northeast producers most. Major components of the index include labor, energy, family living expenses, crop inputs, as well as costs like animal feed and other dairy-related expenses, given that sector’s prominence in our region.

May 06, 2024

Soybean field at sunset
Ag Economy
2024 Grain and Oilseed Industry Outlook Summary

2023 had surprising results after a seemingly poor growing season. U.S. farmers are currently facing increasing export competition in a declining price environment. What will this mean for producer margins in 2024?

April 30, 2024

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