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.
Farmer hands using smartphone

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

Farm workers harvesting vegetables in a field near a red tractor with a wagon

Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

Two agronomists checking the quality of a corn crop.
Business Tips and Tools
Data, Dollars and Decisions: Turning Financial Data into Confident Farm Decisions

Farmers have more production and financial data than ever, but using it effectively is the real challenge. Learn how partial budgeting can help evaluate investments, weigh income and expenses, and make confident business decisions. The GenerationNext program helps producers build the financial management skills needed to strengthen their farms for the future.

October 6, 2026

Featured Webinar

Ripe juicy red apples in a container. Production facilities of large warehouse - grading, packing and storage of crops.
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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Two rural business owners looking at a tablet while standing in field with cows
Crop Insurance
Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) Second Payment: What It Is and What It Means for Your Farm

At Crop Growers, we focus on bringing clarity to complex programs so you can make the best decision for your business. USDA’s recent SDRP update has created confusion around “second payments.” Let’s dig into what this means. 

 

May 20, 2026

Ripe juicy red apples in a container. Production facilities of large warehouse - grading, packing and storage of crops.
Ag Economy
2026 Apple Outlook: High Supply with Tight Margins

The U.S. apple industry is moving a lot of fruit, but profitability is being squeezed by heavy supply, stubborn demand and rising costs. Farm Credit East recently hosted a webinar with Chris Gerlach of USApple for an overview of the industry. The following are key points growers should be aware of as they plan orchard decisions, labor and marketing for the season ahead. 

May 19, 2026

cow and calf stand in the pasture
Crop Insurance
Building Resilient Dairy Businesses: Key Takeaways from Crop Growers Dairy Producer Meeting

Last week, Crop Growers and Farm Credit East welcomed dairy and livestock producers to Syracuse, New York, for an evening focused on market outlooks, industry trends and strategies to help build resilient farm businesses in today’s evolving environment.

May 14, 2026

Northeastern producer walking through his orchard
Business Tips and Tools
Mental Health Resources for Agriculture

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and for those in agriculture, recognizing the importance of mental health is crucial. The industry faces unique stressors like weather and economic uncertainty, coupled with the demanding nature of farm work. Farm Credit East and its partners are committed to providing tools and guidance to help farmers, fishers, foresters and their families manage these challenges.

May 12, 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