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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Tax Talks
Vermont Flood Victims Qualify for Federal and State Tax Relief

The recent Northeast flood events have been devastating for Farm Credit East customers and others in the affected areas, particularly those in Vermont. The IRS has released tax relief information for individuals, households and businesses. Following is federal tax relief guidance applicable to anyone located in a FEMA-declared disaster county along with state tax relief specific to those located in Vermont’s 14 hard-hit counties.

July 26, 2023

A young farmer talking to another individual with a tablet in a crop field with green netting
Crop Insurance
Crop Insurance and Succession Planning

The importance of succession planning for farmers cannot be overstated. Without a well-thought-out succession plan, the future of the farm and the livelihoods of those who depend on it are at risk. Succession planning can help ensure the family farm remains operational and productive, the farm's legacy is preserved, and the family's financial future is secure. 

July 18, 2023

Light brown and tan chicken walking in a backyard lawn of green grass
Business Tips and Tools
The Rise of Backyard Chickens

Raising chickens is nothing new. However, a less common practice that has recently started gaining popularity are backyard chickens. More and more people are opting to raise chickens for eggs in their own backyard. Before you jump in, here are a few important things to consider when evaluating whether backyard chickens are for you.

 

July 12, 2023

Hail Caught in Netting in Apple Orchard with damaged yellow apple and green tree leaves.
Business Tips and Tools
Fruit Crop Insurance Program – How Crop Insurance Responds After a Loss

This webinar led by crop insurance specialists from Crop Growers will discuss how crop insurance policies respond to losses and what steps farmers need to take to take in the event of a loss. Join us on Thursday, July 6th at 12 noon to learn more.

 

July 06, 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