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 Apple Industry Outlook: U.S. Apple Industry Hits Latest Inflection Point

This month's Knowledge Exchange Partner article contributed by Chris Gerlach, of USApple examined how the U.S. apple industry is undergoing a significant transition as shifting markets, changing production economics, and evolving consumer trends are reshaping the landscape.

April 1, 2026

Blooming apple orchard in agricultural field, in summer sun with anti-hail netting for protection against weather factors.

Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

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Ag Economy
2026 Forest Products Outlook: Key Takeaways for a Shifting Industry

From national economic trends to housing demand, lumber supply and global trade shifts, many economic forces are shaping the U.S. forest products industry. In a recent Farm Credit East webinar, Paul Jannke, of Forest Economic Advisors, provided an economic forecast pointing to a year of stability, modest growth and continued adjustment across the forest products sector. The following are the key insights from the webinar. 

April 7, 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
2026 Dairy Industry Outlook Webinar

Farm Credit East and Horizon Farm Credit recently hosted CoBank's Corey Geiger for an outlook on what's ahead for the dairy industry in 2026. 

January 29, 2026

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

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Business Tips and Tools
Data Privacy: Protecting Your Personal and Professional Lives

As more parts of daily farm and business life move online, the information you rely on — financial records, personal data, operational details, etc. — has become more valuable than ever. Protecting your information isn’t just a technical task. It’s part of safeguarding your business, your family and your peace of mind.

January 25, 2026

Man and woman walking in rural crop field looking at a tablet
Crop Insurance
Important Updates for Crop Insurance Spring Sales Closing

The spring sales closing date is one of the most important deadlines for crop insurance customers. It marks the final opportunity to purchase or adjust your coverage before the planting season begins. This date ensures that your risk management plan is locked in and ready to protect your operation throughout the growing season. Here’s what you need to know as the spring sales closing date approaches. 

January 21, 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