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

Northeast Farmers: What to Know About New Disaster Recovery Grant Programs

Joshua Volta

Northeast farmers have faced significant challenges from severe weather events in recent years. For producers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Maine impacted by weather-related losses in 2023 and 2024, funding has been made available to help recover losses, rebuild operations and strengthen long-term business resilience. The program is funded through USDA resources and administered by state departments of agriculture.

September 4, 2026

A young farmer talking to another individual with a tablet in a crop field with green netting

Latest Tax Talk

Woman in front of tractor in agriculture field holding and looking at a laptop computer, with tax talk logo in corner
Tax Talks
Connecticut Farmers: Put the New 20% Investment Tax Credit to Work

Back in July 2025, we provided some insights into the new 20% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) that Connecticut Farmers can take advantage of starting in 2026. Recently, the state put out some additional guidance on the credit. Today’s blog will review the overall credit and the additional guidance so that farmers can plan for the new changes.

August 31, 2026

Today's Harvest Blog

Tag: labor 
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

Family, farm and cattle with a girl and father walking on a field or grass meadow in the agricultural industry.
Business Tips and Tools
Vermont Saves Retirement Savings Program

Vermont Saves is a retirement savings program created to give an option to employers that do not offer retirement benefits. The Vermont Saves Program allows employees to contribute to their own Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA) through automatic payroll deductions. 

 

April 01, 2025

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