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After a rapid rise in 2021 and 2022, the Farm Credit East Production Cost Index has plateaued after relatively modest increases over the previous decade.  This index tracks farm production costs on a relative basis, weighted towards costs that affect Northeast producers most. Major components of the index include labor, energy, family living expenses, crop inputs, as well as costs like animal feed and other dairy-related expenses, given that sector’s prominence in our region.

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.

For the past 28 years, Farm Credit East has returned a share of its earnings to customers in the form of patronage dividends – a benefit of cooperative ownership. In fact, since the patronage program was first adopted, customer-owners of Farm Credit East (and predecessor cooperatives) have received more than $1.4 billion in dividends from ownership of their cooperative. But what exactly is a patronage dividend? 

In this month’s Knowledge Exchange Partner, Farm Credit East Chief Financial Officer, Andrew Grant, explains the reasoning behind the Federal Reserve raising interest rates and what potential impacts it could have on Farm Credit East borrowers.

Pursuant to the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act (FLFLPA), the state of New York has assembled a wage board to consider changes to the overtime wage threshold for farmworkers. The threshold is currently 60 hours per week. The wage board can recommend that the threshold remain at 60 hours, or that it be reduced. This report outlines the economic impact that changes to the overtime threshold could have on the agricultural sector in New York.

In this Knowledge Exchange Partner article, Dr. Charlie Hall, Texas A&M University, provides an update and outlook on the greenhouse, nursery and sod industries for 2022.

In this Knowledge Exchange Partner article, John Sackton, founder of Seafood.com News, provides an update and outlook on the commercial fishing industry, including profitability and environmental regulation.

In this article, Dr. Charlie Hall of Texas A&M University outlines a summary of the green industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a 2021 outlook.

2020 has not been without its challenges for those in agricultural retail. However, this year has also brought new opportunities to business owners resulting from increased demand and unique service options, including curbside pickup and delivery.

As 2020 — and with it the traditionally busy holiday season — comes to a close, how have Northeast farmers, producers and growers fared? How has COVID-19 impacted sales and the customer experience? Take a look at a few key holiday staple items and how COVID-19 has impacted their sales.