Today’s Harvest Blog

Today’s Harvest is a valued, timely resource for stories, news, tips and information relevant to Northeast agriculture and our customers.
Farm tractor in a field during the fall harvest

Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

Business Tips and Tools

Key Updates to H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rates for Northeast Agricultural Employers

Austin Weaver

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

Farm workers harvesting vegetables in a field near a red tractor with a wagon

Latest Tax Talk

male farmer working on a laptop computer on his truck hood in front of a cow pen
Tax Talks
Maximizing Your Farm’s Bottom Line: Income and Expense Reporting

Filing farm taxes doesn’t have to be confusing. The IRS requires you to report all income unless specifically excluded, and only deduct expenses that are both ordinary—common in farming—and necessary—helpful for your business. Understanding these basics can save you time and stress.

October 27, 2025

Today's Harvest Blog

Middle aged woman completing tax paperwork
Tax Talks
Navigating Charitable Contributions Post-TCJA

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) enacted in 2017 and in effect from 2018 – 2025 has had a substantial effect on itemizing deductions. The resulting changes have impacted the tax consequences of making charitable contributions, especially for senior citizens. A remedy to this can be to use Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) from an IRA account.

August 28, 2024

House with damaged roof with plastic covering it and tree that fell on it piled up in foreground - storm aftermath
Business Tips and Tools
Emergency Assistance for New York Homeowners Impacted by Hurricane Debby

In the wake of Hurricane Debby, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a comprehensive emergency assistance program to support homeowners in Allegany, Delaware, Franklin, Steuben and St. Lawrence counties. This initiative, spearheaded by New York Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), aims to provide critical repairs and financial support to those affected by the storm.

August 20, 2024

A row of eight to ten black beef cows standing in a grass field
Crop Insurance
Safeguarding Your Livestock Investment

In the ever-changing landscape of agriculture, farmers are constantly seeking ways to mitigate risk and protect their livelihoods. Livestock Risk Protection is an important risk management tool to safeguard your livestock investment. 

August 13, 2024

Septic System Diagram
Business Tips and Tools
Septic System Basics for your Rural Property

When buying a new home, or maintaining your current home, it is important to understand the many working elements. Septic systems are a major part of most rural homes, and homeowners should know the basics as it pertains to their home.

August 06, 2024

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