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

Ag Economy

2024 Forest Products Outlook Summary

Farm Credit East Knowledge Exchange

2023 was a challenging year for wood products markets. Rising interest rates hampered demand while capacity ramped up across the south. Paul Jannke, a forest industry expert with Forest Economic Advisors (FEA), recently presented his perspective on the region’s forest product markets and economic outlook.

April 26, 2024

Latest Tax Talk

Adult male farmer sitting on open trunkbed in a crop field using a laptop
Tax Talks
Life Insurance Redemptions Falling Under IRS Scrutiny

In the context of farming business structures, acquiring a life insurance policy is a prevalent practice. Here are two common scenarios and an update on an ongoing Supreme Court case involving the IRS concerning the valuation of businesses when insurance payouts are implicated and whether such proceeds are deemed liabilities or not.

April 11, 2024

Today's Harvest Blog

Flooded corn field with tractor tire marks, blue skies
Crop Insurance
Next Steps for Northeast Producers Affected by Flooding and Excessive Rainfall

The recent Northeast flood events have been devastating for agricultural producers in the affected areas, with those in Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut particularly hard hit. So what should affected farmers do now? 

August 01, 2023

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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

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