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

Forest Products Industry Outlook: Softwood Markets Set to Stabilize in 2026

In this month’s Knowledge Exchange Partner article, Paul Jannke of Forest Economic Advisors, LLC delivers a compelling look at what’s ahead in the 2026 Forest Products Industry Outlook, spotlighting signs of momentum across lumber and pulp markets. Strengthening housing starts, steadier capacity, and gradual price gains point to an industry regaining its footing, even as long‑term structural pressures and shifting trade dynamics continue to shape the competitive landscape.

March 3, 2026

Timber harvesting in a forest

Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

rows of various annual flower plants in bloom outside a nursery
Business Tips and Tools
2026 Green Industry Outlook: Cautious Optimism in a Shifting Economy

While the broader economy is shifting sideways, opportunities remain strong for green industry producers who stay nimble, informed and ready to adapt. In a recent Farm Credit East webinar, Texas A&M’s Dr. Charlie Hall covered what’s ahead for the green industry in 2026. From fluctuating housing markets to rising input costs and evolving consumer behavior, this year is shaping up to be one of cautious optimism for the greenhouse, nursery and landscaping sectors.

March 3, 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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Ag Economy
2024 Forest Products Outlook Summary

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

Ag Economy
Takeaways from the 2024 Maple Outlook

Farm Credit East recently hosted a webinar with University of Vermont’s Mark Cannella who provided a glimpse into statistics and trends in North American maple syrup production and a look into the Maple syrup and sugar industry in 2024.

April 23, 2024

Flatbed wagon in a sod farm field at sunset
Ag Economy
2024 Forecast for the Northeast Green Industry

Farm Credit East recently hosted a webinar with Dr. Charlie Hall, of Texas A&M University, to review green industry (including nursery, greenhouse and sod industries) operational and financial performance in 2023 and provide a 2024 outlook. Read on for the key takeaways from this webinar. 

April 16, 2024

Bottles of maple syrup line a rack in a small syrup production facility
Ag Economy
2024 Maple Industry Outlook Webinar

Farm Credit East hosted Mark Cannella of the University of Vermont for a look at the Maple syrup and sugar industry in 2024.

April 10, 2024

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