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

Business Tips and Tools

What Producers Need to Know About USDA's New Harvest Fuel Relief Program

Jeremy Forrett

Harvest often provides the clearest picture of a farm's financial performance. This year, many producers are balancing strong yields with continued pressure from fuel, input and operating costs. To help address those challenges, USDA recently announced the new Harvest Fuel Relief Program (HFR), a one-time $8 billion assistance program for agricultural producers. 

October 21, 2026

Onion harvester collecting onions and transferring them by conveyor into a truck.

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

Close up of commercial maple sugaring evaporator and dipper, steam is rising from evaporator pans as sap is heating up.
Ag Economy
Maple Industry Outlook: Key Trends Shaping 2026

In a recent Farm Credit East webinar, University of Vermont Extension Associate Professor Mark Cannella recapped 2025 — and what it means for producers planning ahead. The following highlights key trends and considerations shaping the maple industry outlook for 2026.

February 10, 2026

Ag Economy
4 Key Strategies Grain Producers Need to Navigate 2026’s Tight Margins

Farm Credit East recently hosted CoBank Lead Economists, Tanner Ehmke and Jacqui Fatka, for the 2026 Grain and Biofuel Industry Outlook Webinar. With a high supply of corn, soybeans and wheat globally, producers are seeing tight margins and continued pressure. Read on for key strategies producers should keep in mind going into 2026. 

February 06, 2026

Blooming apple orchard in agricultural field, in summer sun with anti-hail netting for protection against weather factors.
Crop Insurance
Protecting your Perennial Crop Guarantee: Navigating increased restrictions in 2026

After perennial growers submit their crop year production and acreage changes, many assume crop insurance is set until a weather event occurs. However, as records are processed, a unit may be flagged by the Risk Management Agency (RMA) as having a yield variance. If left unaddressed, these flags can affect a unit’s production guarantee at claim time. Beginning with the 2026 crop year, this process has become more restrictive.


February 03, 2026

Tractor preparing field for planting
Tax Talks
No Tax on Overtime: What Farm Employees Need to Know

Many farm workers are hearing about the new “No Tax on Overtime” federal income tax deduction and wondering whether they qualify. With the 2025 tax filing season about to open, this article breaks down the key points so you can understand whether your overtime pay might be eligible for this deduction. 

January 28, 2026

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