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

United States Citizenship and Immigration Service Clears H-2A Path for Dairy Employers

A new USCIS policy is opening the door for dairy producers to access the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program, a workforce option that has long been out of reach for year-round dairy operations. This month’s Knowledge Exchange Partner discusses how the updated guidance could help dairies address labor shortages, support seasonal workforce planning and navigate new petition requirements moving forward. Republished with permission courtesy of Harris Beach Murtha Attorneys at Law.

July 7, 2026

Cow milking facility and mechanized milking equipment

Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

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Public Policy
2026 Farm Bill Takes Shape: Comparing the House and Senate Proposals

After nearly three years of short-term extensions, Congress is once again debating and drafting comprehensive farm legislation. In May, the House passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567), while in late June Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman John Boozman (AR) released the Agricultural Act of 2026, a “discussion draft” providing the Senate a starting point for negotiation with other committee members. 


July 7, 2026

Featured Webinar

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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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Cow milking facility and mechanized milking equipment
Public Policy
USDA Issues its Final Decision for Changes to the Federal Milk Marketing Orders

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) released its final decision for changes to the Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs) on November 12. Now producers, and their coops have to vote to approve (or reject) these changes. 

December 31, 2024

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Tax Talks
BOI Enforcement Again Halted

On Thursday December 26, 2024, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated a lower court’s halt on the enforcement of Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting. This latest ruling reverses the order for the same court earlier in the week.

December 30, 2024

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Business Tips and Tools
Changes to Connecticut Paid Sick Leave

Employers in Connecticut with 50 or more employees in specific sectors are required to have paid sick leave. Effective January 1, 2025, employers with at least 25 employees will be required to offer paid sick leave.  

December 27, 2024

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Tax Talks
BOI Enforcement Resumes with Deadline Extension

On December 23, 2024, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated the obligation of reporting companies to file their Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reports with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).   

December 26, 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