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

Crop Insurance

Spring Freeze – Next Steps for Insured Policy Holders

Kelsey Linder

A short stretch of warm days in April may prompt and early start to the growing season for orchards and vineyards across the Northeast. Unfortunately, there is still a chance of low temperatures and frost which may lead to crop damage and potential loss. Producers with crop insurance need to know their next steps if damage is discovered.

April 28, 2026

Grapes frost damage. Frost Grape by slight frost winter injury.

Latest Tax Talk

Two farmers in a crop field looking at a tablet
Tax Talks
Research & Development Tax Credits for Farms: A Case Study

Northeast farms innovate every day—and some of that experimentation may qualify for the federal Research & Development tax credit. Using a recent U.S. Tax Court case, we shed some light on how the credit works, what expenses may count, and why strong, documentation can make or break a claim.

April 22, 2026

Today's Harvest Blog

Tag: employee management 
Tractor preparing field for planting
Tax Talks
No Tax on Overtime: What Farm Employees Need to Know

Many farm workers are hearing about the new “No Tax on Overtime” federal income tax deduction and wondering whether they qualify. With the 2025 tax filing season about to open, this article breaks down the key points so you can understand whether your overtime pay might be eligible for this deduction. 

January 28, 2026

Small business owner going through paperwork with her workers at garden center.
Business Tips and Tools
New York State Secure Choice Savings Program: Helping Employees Save for Their Future

The New York State Secure Choice Savings Program is New York's retirement savings program for private-sector employees who do not have access to a retirement plan at work. This new program provides an easy and simple way for workers in the state to save for the future.

December 02, 2025

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 04, 2025

Woman Farmer Drinking Water in Shade During Harvest Hard Work on Potatoes Field
Business Tips and Tools
Staying Safe in Hot Weather

As the Northeast experiences more extreme weather, heat stress is a growing concern for farmers and farm workers. Because they spend significant time outdoors doing physically demanding work, this population is particularly vulnerable to heat-related health effects. 

June 26, 2025

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