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

Caucasian man farmer standing in field with tablet device in hands and showing something to woman on screen.
Crop Insurance
Navigating Crop Insurance: Crop Insurance Roles Defined

Crop insurance is a vital tool for farmers and agribusinesses, helping to protect against financial losses caused by natural disasters and unpredictable market shifts. Understanding how crop insurance works — and the key organizations involved — empowers producers to make informed decisions about managing risk and safeguarding their livelihoods.

March 13, 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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Agricultural crop field
Business Tips and Tools
Celebrating Northeast Agriculture

This year’s National Ag Day is Tuesday, March 18. And this year, we celebrate the important role Northeast agriculture, commercial fishing and forest products plays in our everyday lives. 

March 18, 2025

Organic Maine Potatoes in a basket
Ag Economy
Navigating the 2025 Potato Market: What’s in store for the year ahead?

With reduced U.S. production, lower prices and trade implications, the potato industry might face several challenges in the year ahead. Farm Credit East recently hosted a webinar providing a review of 2024 potato production and industry insights for 2025. Following are the key takeaways from this webinar. 

March 04, 2025

Evergreen forest canopy view from the ground
Knowledge Exchange Partner
2025 Forest Products Outlook: Softwood markets remain weak

The forest products industry is navigating a complex landscape in 2025. With the resumption of a 25% tariff on U.S. imports of Canadian goods, the market faces significant uncertainty. This article delves into the implications of these tariffs, the state of the North American housing market, and the forecast for softwood lumber consumption.

March 03, 2025

close up view of black and white Holstien cow that is looking toward viewer, in a barn with other cows.
Ag Economy
Celebrating National Dairy Month

It’s National Dairy Month, and we couldn’t let the month of June pass by without recognizing the region’s largest agricultural sector — the dairy industry. Dairy and related processing constitute the top agricultural sector in the region, with more than $18.7 billion in direct sales, $34.6 billion in total economic impact and more than 120,000 jobs supported.

June 26, 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