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

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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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Business Tips and Tools
Opportunities for Northeast Wine and Grape Producers to Drive Growth in 2026

Farm Credit East recently hosted a webinar with Andrew Adams of WineBusiness Analytics, providing insights for the wine and grape industry in 2026. While overall U.S. wine market growth is stagnant, Northeast winery growth remains steady creating opportunities for the region’s producers. Following are the key takeaways from this webinar. 

January 13, 2026

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 09, 2026

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Knowledge Exchange Partner
Dairy Industry Outlook: Dairy continues to be a growth category

This month’s Knowledge Exchange Partner article, contributed by Corey Geiger and Abbi Prins of CoBank, takes a broad look at the forces shaping today’s U.S. dairy landscape. Significant processing investments, shifting product demand, and evolving market signals are creating both opportunities and new challenges for producers. As the industry adapts to these dynamics, strategic planning and flexibility will be essential for long‑term success.

January 08, 2026

Board room with Farm Credit East logo
Farm Credit
2026 Director Election Petition Notification
Farm Credit East’s bylaws provide for the nomination of candidates by petition. To gain access by petition, an eligible nominee must provide the secretary of the association with signatures of at least 50 voting members by Thursday, January 22, 2026.

January 07, 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