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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Knowledge Exchange Partner

Knowledge Exchange Partner

Dairy Markets Show Positive Trends

In this month’s Knowledge Exchange Partner article, Corey Geiger of CoBank, reviews the U.S. dairy markets. It enters the rest of 2026 with renewed optimism as improving margins, strong protein demand, and record export activity reshape the outlook. At the same time, rapid butterfat growth, global uncertainty, and market volatility signal the need for strategic risk management ahead.

May 3, 2026

 herd of cows eating hay and man in barn on dairy farm

Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

Grapes frost damage. Frost Grape by slight frost winter injury.
Crop Insurance
Spring Freeze – Next Steps for Insured Policy Holders

A short stretch of warm days in April may prompt and early start to the growing season for orchards and vineyards across the Northeast. Unfortunately, there is still a chance of low temperatures and frost which may lead to crop damage and potential loss. Producers with crop insurance need to know their next steps if damage is discovered.

April 28, 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
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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Business Tips and Tools
2026 Forest Products Outlook Webinar

Farm Credit East and Horizon Farm Credit hosted Paul Jannke of Forest Economic Advisors for insights on the 2026 forest products industry.

March 17, 2026

Close view of purple red grapes on a vine ready for harvest in a vineyard
Business Tips and Tools
Key Financial Metrics Every Winery Should Track

Running a modern winery takes far more than producing exceptional wine. Financial discipline is essential for long term success. Today’s most resilient wineries use data-driven strategies to strengthen margins, sustain growth and remain competitive. Understanding key performance indicators (KPIs) can help wineries make smarter decisions and protect profitability.

March 17, 2026

Caucasian man farmer standing in field with tablet device in hands and showing something to woman on screen.
Crop Insurance
Navigating Crop Insurance: Crop Insurance Roles Defined

Crop insurance is a vital tool for farmers and agribusinesses, helping to protect against financial losses caused by natural disasters and unpredictable market shifts. Understanding how crop insurance works — and the key organizations involved — empowers producers to make informed decisions about managing risk and safeguarding their livelihoods.

March 13, 2026

Harvested oysters in a mesh basket by body of water
Ag Economy
The Road Ahead for Oyster Growers: Trends, Risks and Opportunities for 2026

The U.S. oyster industry’s current landscape is shaped by decades of regulatory progress, rapid production innovations and shifting market pressures. As growers head into 2026, understanding the forces behind today’s rules, technologies and economic trends is essential for making informed business decisions. In a recent Farm Credit East webinar, Bob Rheault, executive director of East Coast Shellfish Growers Association, shared the key challenges and opportunities for the oyster industry. 

March 10, 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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Cover of the 2024 Economic Impact report