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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Tag: financing 
Tax Talks
Capital Construction Fund: A Fisherman’s Guide to Building for the Future

If you’re a commercial fisherman planning to build, buy, lease or rebuild a vessel, the Capital Construction Fund (CCF) can be one of the most powerful tax planning tools available to you. The CCF lets you set aside income today, defer federal income tax and use that money later to invest in your fishing business. Let’s discuss the details of this program.

 

May 26, 2026

Rural home Construction In Framing Stages
Business Tips and Tools
5 Steps to Building Your Rural Home

Whether you already own rural land or are searching for your future construction site, building a home in the country doesn’t have to be a hassle. Read on for tips from the team at Country Living Loans for building your dream rural home — from lot purchase to final mortgage.

October 02, 2024

Couple of farmers examines the field of cereals
Business Tips and Tools
The 5 Cs of Credit for Young and Beginning Producers

Funding the startup of a new agriculture operation can be a tall task for any young or beginning producer. Remember the “5 Cs of credit” – a checklist of factors for young producers to consider when working to start and secure funding for a new agriculture business venture.

July 15, 2024

Woman standing in agriculture crop field holding and working on an open laptop
Business Tips and Tools
7 Strategies for Smart Liquidity Management

Simply defined, liquidity is having cash or assets on hand to pay bills and expenses. Liquidity is particularly important in agriculture given the unique risks – from fluctuating commodity prices and weather volatility to regulatory constraints — along with the financial characteristics of agricultural businesses, including seasonality, family living needs and capital investment considerations. 

May 21, 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