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

United States Citizenship and Immigration Service Clears H-2A Path for Dairy Employers

A new USCIS policy is opening the door for dairy producers to access the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program, a workforce option that has long been out of reach for year-round dairy operations. This month’s Knowledge Exchange Partner discusses how the updated guidance could help dairies address labor shortages, support seasonal workforce planning and navigate new petition requirements moving forward. Republished with permission courtesy of Harris Beach Murtha Attorneys at Law.

July 7, 2026

Cow milking facility and mechanized milking equipment

Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

2026 Farm Credit East Interns on a sod farm
Farm Credit
A Summer of Learning and Growth: The Farm Credit East Internship Experience

Over the past 10 weeks, 16 interns across seven Farm Credit East offices gained hands-on experience through projects, farm tours, employee shadowing and professional development opportunities.

July 21, 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: labor 
Drone view of three farm workers harvesting apples
Tax Talks
Revisiting the NYS Farm Employer Overtime Credit for 2026

In this update, we share key 2026 changes to New York’s Farm Employer Overtime Credit, including expanded eligible overtime hours, shifting thresholds, and new certification requirements for all farm employers. We also highlight reminders on payroll adjustments and advance payment options to help farmers stay compliant and prepared for the season ahead.

March 31, 2026

Farm workers harvesting apples
Tax Talks
New York Farm Employer Overtime Credit – Advance Application Opens July 1

In December 2023, we shared two important Tax Talks blog articles on the New York Employer Overtime Credit. The time to apply for an advance of the credit is fast approaching with NYS Ag and Markets opening the application on July 1, 2024. 

July 02, 2024

Woman in front of tractor in agriculture field holding and looking at a laptop computer, with tax talk logo in corner
Tax Talks
New York Farm Overtime Credit – What you need to know Part II

Today, we continue the conversation about the New York Farm Overtime Credit by looking at helpful tips and potential pitfalls employers need to understand as they get ready for January 1, 2024.

December 29, 2023

Woman farmer using a laptop in crop field in front of a tractor. Tax Talk logo in bottom righ corner.
Tax Talks
New York Farm Employer Overtime Credit - What you need to know

With 2024 around the corner, New York state farmers need to begin thinking about the Farm Overtime Credit that will provide a refund for hours worked between the thresholds set by the state and 60 hours. 

December 05, 2023

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