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

Understanding the Agricultural Impacts of Wildfire Smoke

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?

August 7, 2026

burning dry grass in spring, air pollution due to burning dry grass

Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

Flooded corn field with tractor tire marks, blue skies
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

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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Tag: business plan 
Two farmers walking in a crop field at sunset while looking at a tablet.
Tax Talks
Choice of Entity Structure for your Farm Business

When starting a new business, there are many challenges and considerations. While entity selection and structure may not be at the forefront for an entrepreneur, making an informed decision early can allow the focus to remain on the business operations and enable a smooth initial tax filing. Let’s examine some key structural considerations and tax implications. 

August 29, 2025

 herd of cows eating hay and man in barn on dairy farm
Crop Insurance
Ensuring a Profitable 2025: The Role of Dairy Revenue Protection in Your Business Plan

As the calendar year draws to a close, it's an ideal time for dairy producers to reflect on the past year's challenges and achievements and to prepare strategically for the year ahead. With 2025 on the horizon, effective planning will be crucial to navigating the complexities of the dairy industry and ensuring a profitable year. One key component of this planning is Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP), a valuable tool that can help manage risk and stabilize income.

December 24, 2024

Couple of farmers examines the field of cereals
Business Tips and Tools
The 5 Cs of Credit for Young and Beginning Producers

Funding the startup of a new agriculture operation can be a tall task for any young or beginning producer. Remember the “5 Cs of credit” – a checklist of factors for young producers to consider when working to start and secure funding for a new agriculture business venture.

July 15, 2024

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