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

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
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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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. 

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Cover of the 2024 Economic Impact report