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

2026 Apple Industry Outlook: U.S. Apple Industry Hits Latest Inflection Point

This month's Knowledge Exchange Partner article contributed by Chris Gerlach, of USApple examined how the U.S. apple industry is undergoing a significant transition as shifting markets, changing production economics, and evolving consumer trends are reshaping the landscape.

April 1, 2026

Blooming apple orchard in agricultural field, in summer sun with anti-hail netting for protection against weather factors.

Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

Drone view of three farm workers harvesting apples
Tax Talks
Revisiting the NYS Farm Employer Overtime Credit for 2026

In this update, we share key 2026 changes to New York’s Farm Employer Overtime Credit, including expanded eligible overtime hours, shifting thresholds, and new certification requirements for all farm employers. We also highlight reminders on payroll adjustments and advance payment options to help farmers stay compliant and prepared for the season ahead.

March 31, 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

Join Farm Credit East, Horizon Farm Credit and Chris Gerlach of the U.S. Apple Association to discuss the future of the apple industry. This webinar will take a deep dive into the prevailing trends and forces shaping the U.S. apple industry.

April 16, 2026

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Pink apple blossoms with green leaves
Crop Insurance
Reminder: Crop Insurance Deadline for Perennial Fruit Crops

The deadline to insure Northeast perennial crops for the 2025 crop year is November 20, 2024. Insurable perennial crops include apples, peaches, grapes, cranberries, blueberries, pears and cherries. Coverage availability varies by county, so please review the information available at CropGrowers.com, or contact a Crop Growers agent. 

October 24, 2024

Aerial view of a drone flying over forest, monitoring and analyzing in forestry management.
Innovation and Emerging Markets
What’s the Return on AI in Agriculture?

In agriculture, change is a constant. With the many variables those in agriculture deal with each day — weather, wildlife, disease, markets, consumer preferences — technology may be one of the easier variables to adapt, adopt and hopefully add value to the operation for the long term. In fact, farmers are often early adopters of new technologies, but what benefits can new technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), bring to an operation? Let’s break it down.

 

October 22, 2024

Ripe blueberries growing on green leafed bush
Crop Insurance
Risk Management Agency Expands the Enhanced Coverage Option and Increases Affordability

The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced that the Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) will expand coverage to include several fruits for the 2025 crop year and increase premium support to make the coverage more affordable. The ECO will now include apples, blueberries and grapes, providing new coverage opportunities for Northeast fruit producers.  

October 22, 2024

Ripe bunch of purple grapes on vine with green leaves
Crop Insurance
Risk Management Agency Expands Perennial Crop Insurance Coverage for New Jersey Grape Producers and Clam Harvesters

The Risk Management Agency (RMA) recently announced expansion of its perennial crop insurance coverage in New Jersey to include grape producers in additional counties and producers in select counties can now obtain coverage for their clams. This expansion will allow Crop Growers, Farm Credit East’s insurance provider, to provide important coverage to mitigate risk for more New Jersey producers.

October 21, 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