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: real estate 
Rural home set back in agriculture pasture during sunset
Business Tips and Tools
Farm Credit East offers more than just farm financing with Country Living Loans

Farm Credit East’s Country Living Loans program helps finance more than just your typical farm. Farm Credit East can do primary residence loans, construction loans, land loans and more. We also welcome the opportunity to finance mobile homes, unlike some other lenders. 

April 15, 2025

Rural home Construction In Framing Stages
Business Tips and Tools
5 Steps to Building Your Rural Home

Whether you already own rural land or are searching for your future construction site, building a home in the country doesn’t have to be a hassle. Read on for tips from the team at Country Living Loans for building your dream rural home — from lot purchase to final mortgage.

October 02, 2024

House with damaged roof with plastic covering it and tree that fell on it piled up in foreground - storm aftermath
Business Tips and Tools
Emergency Assistance for New York Homeowners Impacted by Hurricane Debby

In the wake of Hurricane Debby, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a comprehensive emergency assistance program to support homeowners in Allegany, Delaware, Franklin, Steuben and St. Lawrence counties. This initiative, spearheaded by New York Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), aims to provide critical repairs and financial support to those affected by the storm.

August 20, 2024

Rural home set back in agriculture pasture during sunset
Business Tips and Tools
Buying a Rural Property? Check for deed restrictions.

When buying a rural property, the buyer should always ask if the property has any deed restrictions as these can impose various limitations on how the property can be used and also potentially decrease the property’s value. 

July 09, 2024

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