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

Forest Products Industry Outlook: Softwood Markets Set to Stabilize in 2026

In this month’s Knowledge Exchange Partner article, Paul Jannke of Forest Economic Advisors, LLC delivers a compelling look at what’s ahead in the 2026 Forest Products Industry Outlook, spotlighting signs of momentum across lumber and pulp markets. Strengthening housing starts, steadier capacity, and gradual price gains point to an industry regaining its footing, even as long‑term structural pressures and shifting trade dynamics continue to shape the competitive landscape.

March 3, 2026

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Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

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Business Tips and Tools
2026 Green Industry Outlook: Cautious Optimism in a Shifting Economy

While the broader economy is shifting sideways, opportunities remain strong for green industry producers who stay nimble, informed and ready to adapt. In a recent Farm Credit East webinar, Texas A&M’s Dr. Charlie Hall covered what’s ahead for the green industry in 2026. From fluctuating housing markets to rising input costs and evolving consumer behavior, this year is shaping up to be one of cautious optimism for the greenhouse, nursery and landscaping sectors.

March 3, 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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Crop Insurance
Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) Expanded Coverage: What Livestock and Dairy Producers Need to Know

The USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) has announced significant updates to the Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) program for the 2026 crop year, effective July 1, 2025. These changes are designed to give producers more tools to manage risk and better align coverage with market dynamics. 

June 16, 2025

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Business Tips and Tools
Proactive Strategies for Business Success: Preparing your business for the long term

If retirement is on the horizon, the sooner you can start thinking about succession planning, the better. Whether your plan is to transition your business to the next generation or a non-family successor, you should be speaking to a consultant or advisor on how to make it a smooth transition. 

 

June 11, 2025

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Crop Insurance
Prevented Planting

Prevented planting crop insurance options can get confusing. Contact your Crop Growers agent to see if it is the right fit for your operation!

June 09, 2025

Milk bottles on the supermarket shelf
Knowledge Exchange Partner
Dairy Markets Show Both Upside and Concern

This month's Knowledge Exchange Partner article contributors Corey A. Geiger and Abbigail C. Prins of CoBank, outline a mixed outlook for U.S. dairy in 2025, noting strong retail sales and export potential but weak restaurant demand and rising costs. They highlight a historic drop in cow culling, surging butterfat production, and global herd challenges, suggesting cautious optimism for the industry’s future.

June 09, 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