Wildfire smoke darkened skies across the Northeast for at least three consecutive days this July. Orange clouds were evidence of fires raging thousands of miles away in Ontario, Canada and northern Minnesota. While the duration and impact of wildfires have historically been concentrated in the Western United States, the issue is becoming a more frequent concern on the east coast. What impact does sustained wildfire smoke have on agriculture in our region?
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.
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Business Tips and Tools
Northeast Farmers: What to Know About New Disaster Recovery Grant Programs
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
Featured Webinar
Business Tips and Tools
2026 Apple Industry Outlook Webinar
Farm Credit East and Horizon Farm Credit recently hosted Chris Gerlach of USApple for a discussion on the prevailing trends and forces shaping the U.S. apple industry.
April 16, 2026
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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
Crop Insurance
The Return of Prevented Planting Plus 5%: What Producers Need to Know
The USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) has reinstated the Prevented Planting Plus 5% option for the 2027 crop year. Producers will once again have the opportunity to purchase an additional 5% of prevented planting coverage, providing greater protection when adverse weather prevents intended acres from being planted.
August 17, 2026
Crop Insurance
Fresh Market Pepper Coverage Expands in the Northeast: What It Means for Producers
The USDA Risk Management Agency has expanded fresh market pepper crop insurance coverage to additional counties in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, offering producers enhanced risk management tools aligned with production cycles and market conditions.
August 12, 2026
Crop Insurance
Reminder: Fall Crop Sales Closing Deadline is September 30
The deadline to insure fall crops in the Northeast for the 2027 crop year is September 30, 2026. Insurable fall crops include barley, forage production and wheat. Coverage availability varies by county.
August 12, 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.
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