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

Farm Labor Policy in Transition: Updates on SAWA, H-2A and AEWR

This month's Knowledge Exchange Partner article explores how proposed H-2A reforms and recent wage-rate changes could affect Northeast agricultural employers, including workforce access, labor costs, program flexibility and compliance—and what these evolving policies may mean for the future of farm labor.

October 5, 2026

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Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

Onion harvester collecting onions and transferring them by conveyor into a truck.
Business Tips and Tools
What Producers Need to Know About USDA's New Harvest Fuel Relief Program

Harvest often provides the clearest picture of a farm's financial performance. This year, many producers are balancing strong yields with continued pressure from fuel, input and operating costs. To help address those challenges, USDA recently announced the new Harvest Fuel Relief Program (HFR), a one-time $8 billion assistance program for agricultural producers. 

October 21, 2026

Featured Webinar

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Business Tips and Tools
Apple Industry Outlook Webinar
Join Farm Credit East and Horizon Farm Credit as they host Chris Gerlach of USApple for a discussion on the prevailing trends and forces shaping the U.S. apple industry.

April 15, 2027

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Business Tips and Tools
Tariff Relief Program Available for New York Producers

The Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program was recently appropriated $30 million to provide payments directly to agricultural producers. These payments range from $1,000 to $25,000 per entity. Timing is of the essence as there is an application process that has been extended, but only through August 18.

July 01, 2026

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Tax Talks
A Smarter Safety Net: What the New USDA Payment Rules Mean for Your Farm

Effective with the 2026 crop year, USDA has updated payment limitations and eligibility rules. This change modernizes how benefits are calculated and who qualifies, providing more flexibility for today’s farm operations. 

June 30, 2026

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Farm Credit
Employee Spotlight: A Day in the Life of an Internal Audit Director

From strategic conversations with leadership to navigating an evolving risk environment, no two days look the same for Farm Credit East Internal Audit Director and young professional, Daquan Holmes. Read on to understand a typical week for an internal audit director, the value in collaboration, and how his work helps support a safe and sound organization for the long term. 

June 22, 2026

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Business Tips and Tools
Stay Alert to Misleading Mail: Mortgage & Home Warranty Communications

You may occasionally receive letters or postcards referencing your mortgage or home-related services. While these communications can appear legitimate, they are often sent by companies that are not affiliated with your lender and are intended to prompt a response or payment.  

June 15, 2026

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