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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Business Tips and Tools
NYS Paid Prenatal Leave: Effective 1/1/25

Starting January 1, 2025, the New York State Paid Prenatal Leave Law requires all private sector employers in New York State to provide their employees with 20 hours of Paid Prenatal Leave each year.

January 16, 2025

Corn chopping machine and feed truck in cornfield during harvest
Business Tips and Tools
2025 Grain and Oilseed Industry Outlook Summary

With record soybean and corn harvests, profitable storage options and recovering export demand, the landscape is shifting for U.S. grain and biofuel markets. How are ethanol production, renewable diesel demand and challenges from trade policies and global competition influencing the market?

January 14, 2025

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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

Caucasian man farmer standing in field with tablet device in hands and showing something to woman on screen.
Business Tips and Tools
Maine Dirigo Business Incentives Tax Credit Webinar

Are you planning a capital investment in your Maine agricultural business?  Farm Credit East hosted an informative webinar to learn how the Maine Dirigo Business Incentives program can benefit your operation.

December 19, 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