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

Ripe juicy red apples in a container. Production facilities of large warehouse - grading, packing and storage of crops.
Ag Economy
2026 Apple Outlook: High Supply with Tight Margins

The U.S. apple industry is moving a lot of fruit, but profitability is being squeezed by heavy supply, stubborn demand and rising costs. Farm Credit East recently hosted a webinar with Chris Gerlach of USApple for an overview of the industry. The following are key points growers should be aware of as they plan orchard decisions, labor and marketing for the season ahead. 

May 19, 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: outlook 
 herd of cows eating hay and man in barn on dairy farm
Crop Insurance
Ensuring Stability in the Year Ahead: Protecting Farm Revenue in Uncertain Markets

As we enter 2026, now is an ideal time for producers to reflect on the past year’s challenges and achievements as you plan for the year ahead. With continued volatility across dairy and livestock markets, thoughtful planning will be critical to navigating uncertainty and protecting farm revenue.

December 30, 2025

Close up of wine grapes on vine, during harvest season. Finger Lakes winery grape harvest
Business Tips and Tools
2026 Wine and Grape Outlook Webinar

Farm Credit East and Horizon Farm Credit hosted Andrew Adams, from WineBusiness Analytics, covering what's ahead for the wine and grape industry in 2026.

December 18, 2025

person standing in front of wine at a store
Knowledge Exchange Partner
Challenging Wine Market Offers Unique Opportunity

This month’s Knowledge Exchange Partner article explores how shifting consumer trends, demographic changes, and regional growth are reshaping the U.S. wine industry. While overall demand remains flat and competition intensifies, emerging opportunities in direct-to-consumer sales and East Coast winery expansion offer paths for resilience. Adaptability and innovation will be key as producers navigate evolving markets. Contributed by Andrew Adams, WineBusiness Analytics.

December 01, 2025

Soybean field at sunset
Knowledge Exchange Partner
Grain and Biofuels Outlook: Record Fall Harvest Arrives Amidst Trade Uncertainty, Strong Biofuel Demand

This month's Knowledge Exchange Partner article highlights how record harvests, shifting trade relations, and evolving biofuel policies are shaping U.S. agriculture. Despite low prices, strong exports and renewable fuel demand offer hope for market stability in 2026. Contributed by Tanner Ehmke, CoBank lead economist grain & oilseeds, and Jacqui Fatka, CoBank lead economist farm supply & biofuels.

November 06, 2025

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