Ag Industry Trends & Outlooks

Discover insights, trends, ag market outlooks and other topical information as it relates to the Northeast's diverse agricultural industries. Brought to you by Knowledge Exchange from Farm Credit East.
Farmer hands using smartphone

Knowledge Exchange Partner

Knowledge Exchange Partner

Forest Products Industry Outlook: Softwood Markets Set to Stabilize in 2026

In this month’s Knowledge Exchange Partner article, Paul Jannke of Forest Economic Advisors, LLC delivers a compelling look at what’s ahead in the 2026 Forest Products Industry Outlook, spotlighting signs of momentum across lumber and pulp markets. Strengthening housing starts, steadier capacity, and gradual price gains point to an industry regaining its footing, even as long‑term structural pressures and shifting trade dynamics continue to shape the competitive landscape.

March 3, 2026

Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

rows of various annual flower plants in bloom outside a nursery
Business Tips and Tools
2026 Green Industry Outlook: Cautious Optimism in a Shifting Economy

While the broader economy is shifting sideways, opportunities remain strong for green industry producers who stay nimble, informed and ready to adapt. In a recent Farm Credit East webinar, Texas A&M’s Dr. Charlie Hall covered what’s ahead for the green industry in 2026. From fluctuating housing markets to rising input costs and evolving consumer behavior, this year is shaping up to be one of cautious optimism for the greenhouse, nursery and landscaping sectors.

March 3, 2026

Featured Webinar

A display of red ripe Macoun apples - a sweet crisp eating apple from the Hudson Valley of New York State.
Business Tips and Tools
2026 Apple Industry Outlook Webinar

Join Farm Credit East, Horizon Farm Credit and Chris Gerlach of the U.S. Apple Association to discuss the future of the apple industry. This webinar will take a deep dive into the prevailing trends and forces shaping the U.S. apple industry.

April 16, 2026

All from Knowledge Exchange

Search articles
Filter by category
Filter by year
Close up of commercial maple sugaring evaporator and dipper, steam is rising from evaporator pans as sap is heating up.
Business Tips and Tools
Maple Industry Outlook: Key Trends Shaping 2026

In a recent Farm Credit East webinar, University of Vermont Extension Associate Professor Mark Cannella recapped 2025 — and what it means for producers planning ahead. The following highlights key trends and considerations shaping the maple industry outlook for 2026.

February 10, 2026

Agriculture robotic and autonomous car working in smart farm, Future 5G technology with smart agriculture farming concept
Business Tips and Tools
Ag Tech Outlook

Farm Credit East and Horizon Farm Credit hosted Joe Waddell of Horizon Farm Credit for a look at the ag-tech innovation landscape. This webinar explored insights shaping the future of agriculture from biologicals and cutting-edge technologies to the role AI is playing in driving the industry forward.

February 09, 2026

Business Tips and Tools
4 Key Strategies Grain Producers Need to Navigate 2026’s Tight Margins

Farm Credit East recently hosted CoBank Lead Economists, Tanner Ehmke and Jacqui Fatka, for the 2026 Grain and Biofuel Industry Outlook Webinar. With a high supply of corn, soybeans and wheat globally, producers are seeing tight margins and continued pressure. Read on for key strategies producers should keep in mind going into 2026. 

February 06, 2026

Business Tips and Tools
2026 Dairy Industry Outlook Webinar

Farm Credit East and Horizon Farm Credit recently hosted CoBank's Corey Geiger for an outlook on what's ahead for the dairy industry in 2026. 

January 29, 2026

Northeast Economic Engine

Download Farm Credit East’s Northeast Economic Engine report, which analyzes the economic impact of the Northeast agriculture, forest products, commercial fishing and food manufacturing industries. This report was released in October 2024. 

*Required

Error Please enter a valid email address

Success! Check your email for a copy of your download, or you can click here to see it.

Cover of the 2024 Economic Impact report