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

Harvested oysters in a mesh basket by body of water
Business Tips and Tools
The Road Ahead for Oyster Growers: Trends, Risks and Opportunities for 2026

The U.S. oyster industry’s current landscape is shaped by decades of regulatory progress, rapid production innovations and shifting market pressures. As growers head into 2026, understanding the forces behind today’s rules, technologies and economic trends is essential for making informed business decisions. In a recent Farm Credit East webinar, Bob Rheault, executive director of East Coast Shellfish Growers Association, shared the key challenges and opportunities for the oyster industry. 

March 10, 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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Tax Talks
Navigating Charitable Contributions Post-TCJA

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) enacted in 2017 and in effect from 2018 – 2025 has had a substantial effect on itemizing deductions. The resulting changes have impacted the tax consequences of making charitable contributions, especially for senior citizens. A remedy to this can be to use Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) from an IRA account.

August 28, 2024

House with damaged roof with plastic covering it and tree that fell on it piled up in foreground - storm aftermath
Business Tips and Tools
Emergency Assistance for New York Homeowners Impacted by Hurricane Debby

In the wake of Hurricane Debby, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a comprehensive emergency assistance program to support homeowners in Allegany, Delaware, Franklin, Steuben and St. Lawrence counties. This initiative, spearheaded by New York Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), aims to provide critical repairs and financial support to those affected by the storm.

August 20, 2024

A row of eight to ten black beef cows standing in a grass field
Crop Insurance
Safeguarding Your Livestock Investment

In the ever-changing landscape of agriculture, farmers are constantly seeking ways to mitigate risk and protect their livelihoods. Livestock Risk Protection is an important risk management tool to safeguard your livestock investment. 

August 13, 2024

Septic System Diagram
Business Tips and Tools
Septic System Basics for your Rural Property

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.

August 06, 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