Today’s Harvest Blog

Today’s Harvest is a valued, timely resource for stories, news, tips and information relevant to Northeast agriculture and our customers.
Farm tractor in a field during the fall harvest

Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

Farm Credit

Employee Spotlight: A Day in the Life of Tax Specialist Phil Murphy

Elisabeth Olcott

As a tax specialist with Farm Credit East's Financial Accounting Services (FAS) team, Phil helps agricultural businesses navigate everything from annual tax preparation and year-end planning to farm transitions and succession planning. While tax season is certainly a busy time, his work extends far beyond April deadlines. 

November 3, 2026

Photo of Phil Murphy, Fam Credit East Tax Specialist

Latest Tax Talk

Close-up of a fuel pump showing diesel and gasoline grade buttons, with the Tax Talks logo.
Tax Talks
Update: Diesel Fuel Tax Provisions

Earlier this month, Executive Order, Emergency Tax Relief on Diesel Fuel, was signed by the President with the purpose of deferring certain diesel fuel tax payment obligations and to provide penalty relief. As a result, the IRS acted and indicated it will not impose a penalty when dyed diesel fuel is sold for use or used on highways nationwide. 


October 22, 2026

Today's Harvest Blog

Dairy cows eating hay at a feeding station inside a barn, with warm sunlight in the background.
Business Tips and Tools
Tariff Relief Program Available for New York Producers

The Agricultural Resiliency Against Tariffs Program was recently appropriated $30 million to provide payments directly to agricultural producers. These payments range from $1,000 to $25,000 per entity. Timing is of the essence as there is an application process that has been extended, but only through August 18.

July 01, 2026

A young farmer talking to another individual with a tablet in a crop field with green netting
Tax Talks
A Smarter Safety Net: What the New USDA Payment Rules Mean for Your Farm

Effective with the 2026 crop year, USDA has updated payment limitations and eligibility rules. This change modernizes how benefits are calculated and who qualifies, providing more flexibility for today’s farm operations. 

June 30, 2026

Man sitting in an office
Farm Credit
Employee Spotlight: A Day in the Life of an Internal Audit Director

From strategic conversations with leadership to navigating an evolving risk environment, no two days look the same for Farm Credit East Internal Audit Director and young professional, Daquan Holmes. Read on to understand a typical week for an internal audit director, the value in collaboration, and how his work helps support a safe and sound organization for the long term. 

June 22, 2026

Person touching virtual shield, secure access, encrypted connection. Password protected system and storage.
Business Tips and Tools
Stay Alert to Misleading Mail: Mortgage & Home Warranty Communications

You may occasionally receive letters or postcards referencing your mortgage or home-related services. While these communications can appear legitimate, they are often sent by companies that are not affiliated with your lender and are intended to prompt a response or payment.  

June 15, 2026

Meet the Authors

Connect with and discover our Today’s Harvest blog authors and their broad range of financial and northeast agricultural expertise.