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

Understanding the Agricultural Impacts of Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire smoke darkened skies across the Northeast for at least three consecutive days this July. Orange clouds were evidence of fires raging thousands of miles away in Ontario, Canada and northern Minnesota. While the duration and impact of wildfires have historically been concentrated in the Western United States, the issue is becoming a more frequent concern on the east coast. What impact does sustained wildfire smoke have on agriculture in our region?

August 7, 2026

burning dry grass in spring, air pollution due to burning dry grass

Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

Flooded corn field with tractor tire marks, blue skies
Crop Insurance
The Return of Prevented Planting Plus 5%: What Producers Need to Know

The USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) has reinstated the Prevented Planting Plus 5% option for the 2027 crop year. Producers will once again have the opportunity to purchase an additional 5% of prevented planting coverage, providing greater protection when adverse weather prevents intended acres from being planted.

August 17, 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
Farm Credit East and Horizon Farm Credit recently hosted Chris Gerlach of USApple for a discussion on the prevailing trends and forces shaping the U.S. apple industry.

April 16, 2026

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Cow milking facility and mechanized milking equipment
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

person standing in front of wine at a store
Knowledge Exchange Partner
Challenging Wine Market Offers Unique Opportunity

This month’s Knowledge Exchange Partner article explores how shifting consumer trends, demographic changes, and regional growth are reshaping the U.S. wine industry. While overall demand remains flat and competition intensifies, emerging opportunities in direct-to-consumer sales and East Coast winery expansion offer paths for resilience. Adaptability and innovation will be key as producers navigate evolving markets. Contributed by Andrew Adams, WineBusiness Analytics.

December 01, 2025

Soybean field at sunset
Knowledge Exchange Partner
Grain and Biofuels Outlook: Record Fall Harvest Arrives Amidst Trade Uncertainty, Strong Biofuel Demand

This month's Knowledge Exchange Partner article highlights how record harvests, shifting trade relations, and evolving biofuel policies are shaping U.S. agriculture. Despite low prices, strong exports and renewable fuel demand offer hope for market stability in 2026. Contributed by Tanner Ehmke, CoBank lead economist grain & oilseeds, and Jacqui Fatka, CoBank lead economist farm supply & biofuels.

November 06, 2025

Rows of harvested pumpkins for sale at rural farm with autumn activities in the background.
Knowledge Exchange Partner
Who Takes The Fall? Liability Limitations for Agritourism Activity Hosts

Autumn ushers in a season of outdoor agritourism activities across the Northeast — from hayrides to fruit picking. These activities come with a measure of risk, and understanding liability is crucial. In this month's Knowledge Exchange Partner, contributors Charles F. Gfeller and Anna-Kate M. Munsey of Gfeller Laurie LLP, examine the types of agritourism liability laws enacted by Northeast state.

October 14, 2025

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