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

Public Policy

Mid-Term Elections and What’s at Stake

Danielle Cummins

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

U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., viewed from the front steps under a clear blue sky

Latest Tax Talk

Business owner with financial paperwork doing calculations
Tax Talks
Proactive Strategies for Business Success: Tax planning early and often

When people think of taxes, they typically think of their annual return. However, to best manage tax liabilities and optimize tax credits, tax planning should be an ongoing process. Even more so, over the past few years, several states in the Northeast, namely New York, have unprecedented tax incentive programs for businesses. 


September 15, 2026

Today's Harvest Blog

Tag: labor 
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

Drone view of three farm workers harvesting apples
Tax Talks
Revisiting the NYS Farm Employer Overtime Credit for 2026

In this update, we share key 2026 changes to New York’s Farm Employer Overtime Credit, including expanded eligible overtime hours, shifting thresholds, and new certification requirements for all farm employers. We also highlight reminders on payroll adjustments and advance payment options to help farmers stay compliant and prepared for the season ahead.

March 31, 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

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