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

Tag: legislation 
U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., viewed from the front steps under a clear blue sky
Public Policy
2026 Farm Bill: Time to Act

Congress has not passed a traditional five-year farm bill since 2018. America’s farmers, fishers and foresters have continued to be helped by short-term extensions and other ad-hoc support. While the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) updated and authorized certain components of the farm bill, there are still significant programs that require action.

October 28, 2026

U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., viewed from the front steps under a clear blue sky
Public Policy
Mid-Term Elections and What’s at Stake

Harvest season is upon us, and that means it’s almost election day. On Tuesday, November 3, voters will head to the polls in what is shaping up to be a very interesting and impactful election. Both the Senate and House of Representatives are operating with razor thin majorities. Even a few overturned seats could alter the political landscape in Washington, D.C., and impact how policy is (or isn’t) passed.

September 22, 2026

Farm workers harvesting vegetables in a field near a red tractor with a wagon
Public Policy
House Ag Committee Chair Introduces Labor Legislation

Finding and retaining workers remains one of the biggest challenges facing agriculture today. The H-2A program was created to provide a legal guestworker program to help agricultural employers address labor shortages. While participation has increased in recent decades, the program has struggled to keep pace with the needs of today’s operations. New federal legislation aims to modernize the H-2A program to better meet employers’ needs. 

 

August 25, 2026

Family, farm and cattle with a girl and father walking on a field or grass meadow in the agricultural industry. Tax Talk logo on picture.
Tax Talks
Trump Accounts: A New Savings Option for Children

Trump Accounts officially kicked off July 4, 2026, offering a new way to save for a child’s future. A Trump Account is a traditional IRA with specific rules that enable families to start saving and investing for a child early with greater flexibility than a standard retirement account. Any child under age 18 with a Social Security number is eligible for a Trump Account. 

July 28, 2026

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