Today’s Harvest Blog

Today’s Harvest is a valued, timely resource for stories, news, tips and information relevant to Northeast agriculture and our customers.
Farm tractor in a field during the fall harvest

Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

Farm Credit

Employee Spotlight: A Day in the Life of Tax Specialist Phil Murphy

Elisabeth Olcott

As a tax specialist with Farm Credit East's Financial Accounting Services (FAS) team, Phil helps agricultural businesses navigate everything from annual tax preparation and year-end planning to farm transitions and succession planning. While tax season is certainly a busy time, his work extends far beyond April deadlines. 

November 3, 2026

Photo of Phil Murphy, Fam Credit East Tax Specialist

Latest Tax Talk

Close-up of a fuel pump showing diesel and gasoline grade buttons, with the Tax Talks logo.
Tax Talks
Update: Diesel Fuel Tax Provisions

Earlier this month, Executive Order, Emergency Tax Relief on Diesel Fuel, was signed by the President with the purpose of deferring certain diesel fuel tax payment obligations and to provide penalty relief. As a result, the IRS acted and indicated it will not impose a penalty when dyed diesel fuel is sold for use or used on highways nationwide. 


October 22, 2026

Today's Harvest Blog

Tag: wine 
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

person standing in front of wine at a store
Ag Economy
Opportunities for Northeast Wine and Grape Producers to Drive Growth in 2026

Farm Credit East recently hosted a webinar with Andrew Adams of WineBusiness Analytics, providing insights for the wine and grape industry in 2026. While overall U.S. wine market growth is stagnant, Northeast winery growth remains steady creating opportunities for the region’s producers. Following are the key takeaways from this webinar. 

January 13, 2026

Ripe bunch of purple grapes on vine with green leaves
Crop Insurance
2025 Grape Harvest Update: Appraisals, SDRP & New Insurance Opportunities

As we embark on the 2025 grape harvest, those who insure their crop must be proactive in ensuring accurate production records and timely completion of appraisals. This year also brings some changes to crop insurance options, so it’s critical producers stay informed. This article provides tips and reminders on these important topics. 

October 07, 2025

Hail Caught in Netting in Apple Orchard with damaged yellow apple and green tree leaves.
Crop Insurance
Crop-Hail Coverage: Providing Peace of Mind in the Middle of the Storm

The Northeast U.S. frequently experiences severe weather, including hail, which can severely damage crops and lead to major financial losses for farmers. Due to the unpredictable nature of hailstorms, crop-hail insurance is a crucial safeguard for agricultural businesses. This type of insurance helps cover losses from reduced crop quality and yield caused by hail damage.

May 23, 2025

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