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.
Farmer hands using smartphone

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

Timber harvesting in a forest

Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

rows of various annual flower plants in bloom outside a nursery
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

All from Knowledge Exchange

Search articles
Filter by category
Filter by year
Confident female farmer standing outdoors near car on background with farm field on fall day, signing some papers
Tax Talks
State Spotlight: Maine Dirigo Business Incentives

In today's Tax Talks, learn more about the Maine Dirigo Business Incentives program. The program offers significant tax savings for certain qualified businesses in the state of Maine.

May 29, 2025

A young farmer talking to another individual with a tablet in a crop field with green netting
Tax Talks
Spring into Tax Planning and Record Keeping

As field work and spring planting kicks off across the Northeast, many farmers are making significant investment in equipment, crop inputs and labor. These expenditures present opportunities for proactive tax planning and sound record keeping. By aligning your spring activities with tax efficient strategies, you can optimize deductions, manage cash flow effectively and set the stage for a smoother year-end process. 

April 30, 2025

side profile view of employee business woman wearing casual shirt sitting working at office desk with laptop pc computer indoors sign documents writing something
Tax Talks
FinCEN Updates Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements

As of March 21, 2025, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has announced significant changes narrowing the scope of the reporting requirements for beneficial ownership information (BOI) under the Corporate Transparency Act. This update, consistent with the U.S. Department of the Treasury's recent announcement, aims to simplify the process for U.S. companies and individuals.

March 25, 2025

Tractor preparing field for planting
Tax Talks
Claiming Federal Fuel Tax Credits in 2024: What Farmers Need to Know

Before filing your taxes for 2024, take a look to see if your farm operation can claim the Credit for Federal Tax Paid on Fuels. Today's blog covers the requirements, including a new Fuel Tax Credit Statement checklist which needs submitted as well. 

February 27, 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. 

*Required

Error Please enter a valid email address

Success! Check your email for a copy of your download, or you can click here to see it.

Cover of the 2024 Economic Impact report