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

Who Takes The Fall? Liability Limitations for Agritourism Activity Hosts

Autumn ushers in a season of outdoor agritourism activities across the Northeast — from hayrides to fruit picking. These activities come with a measure of risk, and understanding liability is crucial. In this month's Knowledge Exchange Partner, contributors Charles F. Gfeller and Anna-Kate M. Munsey of Gfeller Laurie LLP, examine the types of agritourism liability laws enacted by Northeast state.

October 14, 2025

Rows of harvested pumpkins for sale at rural farm with autumn activities in the background.

Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

Farm workers harvesting vegetables in a field near a red tractor with a wagon
Business Tips and Tools
Key Updates to H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rates for Northeast Agricultural Employers

On October 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor issued a new Interim Final Rule (IFR) that significantly revises how Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs) are calculated for H-2A guestworkers. AEWRs set the minimum hourly wages that must be paid to H-2A workers and those in corresponding employment. This rule introduces major changes affecting wage structures across Farm Credit East’s eight-state region, with important implications for farm operations and labor management.

November 4, 2025

Featured Webinar

Business Tips and Tools
Connecticut Investment Tax Credit Webinar

Join Farm Credit East and Connecticut Farm Bureau for an informative webinar to learn how Connecticut Investment Tax Credit can benefit your operation.

October 27, 2025

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Tag: policy 
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Public Policy
The Federal Government is Shut Down. Here’s What you Should Know

As of 12:01 AM October 1, 2025, the Federal Government has shut down until congress can agree on a funding bill. It’s anyone's guess as to how long the shutdown will last, so in the meantime, here’s what agricultural producers should know. 

October 02, 2025

Close-up of a U.S. Treasury tax refund check and IRS form 1042-S on top of a financial statement. Symbol of federal tax return and income reporting.
Tax Talks
Federal Government to Phase Out Paper Checks: What It Means for You

Early in 2025, the federal government announced an Executive Order aimed at modernizing how federal payments are handled. Under Executive Order 14247, signed in March 2025, all federal disbursements and receipts will transition to electronic formats by September 30, 2025. This change will impact individuals, businesses and organizations that receive or make payments to the federal government. 

September 30, 2025

A large container filled with red and green apples sits in the foreground. In the background, a white semi-truck with an open trailer is parked, loaded with green crates.
Knowledge Exchange Partner
Food Export-Northeast: Helping Northeast Suppliers Navigate Global Markets and Expand with International Sales

With all the news of tariffs and trade disputes between the United States and its business partners around the world, it might not seem like an ideal time to explore export opportunities. However, recent and ongoing negotiations may actually open new markets for U.S. exports. This month's Knowledge Exchange Partner highlights Food Export-Northeast, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping U.S. suppliers— particularly small- and medium-sized companies—expand their international reach. 

September 09, 2025

A mature farmer with tablet sitting on mini tractor outdoors in orchard.
Business Tips and Tools
One Big Beautiful Bill: Key Takeaways for Farmers

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in early July, is a comprehensive piece of legislation with significant implications for various sectors, including agriculture. Farm Credit East recently hosted a webinar on the agricultural provisions of the bill, highlighting the tax and crop insurance implications for Northeast agriculture. Following are the key takeaways from this webinar. 

 

July 29, 2025

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