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

Business Tips and Tools

Key Updates to H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rates for Northeast Agricultural Employers

Austin Weaver

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

Farm workers harvesting vegetables in a field near a red tractor with a wagon

Latest Tax Talk

male farmer working on a laptop computer on his truck hood in front of a cow pen
Tax Talks
Maximizing Your Farm’s Bottom Line: Income and Expense Reporting

Filing farm taxes doesn’t have to be confusing. The IRS requires you to report all income unless specifically excluded, and only deduct expenses that are both ordinary—common in farming—and necessary—helpful for your business. Understanding these basics can save you time and stress.

October 27, 2025

Today's Harvest Blog

Tag: policy 
Capital building with farm field background
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 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

Low angle view of the east entrance to United States Capitol building in Washington DC with marble dome and stairs
Tax Talks
One Big Beautiful Bill’s Impact on Northeast Agriculture: Agricultural Changes

President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) into law over the July 4th holiday. We have already covered business tax changes and individual tax changes, and today, we’ll highlight some of the most pertinent non-tax provisions impacting agriculture.

July 09, 2025

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