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

Timber harvesting in a forest

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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Tax Talks
Vermont Flood Victims Qualify for Federal and State Tax Relief

The recent Northeast flood events have been devastating for Farm Credit East customers and others in the affected areas, particularly those in Vermont. The IRS has released tax relief information for individuals, households and businesses. Following is federal tax relief guidance applicable to anyone located in a FEMA-declared disaster county along with state tax relief specific to those located in Vermont’s 14 hard-hit counties.

July 26, 2023

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Tax Talks
Tax Legislation Update

The House Ways and Means Committee recently announced The American Families and Jobs Act, which includes three bills (H.R. 3936, H.R. 3937, and H.R. 3938) that could impact farmers.

July 06, 2023

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Tax Talks
New York Farmers and Refundable Investment Tax Credit

The recently enacted New York State budget makes the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) fully refundable for eligible farmers who derive more than two-thirds of their gross income from farming. This provision will be in place through 2027 and will greatly benefit eligible farmers in New York State. Today’s post provides a high-level overview of the ITC.

May 29, 2023

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Tax Talks
The Tax Code and Residual Soil Fertility
Recently, an old tax concept began to resurface. Farmers are asking whether they can write off residual fertilizer in the purchase of farmland. Most farmers realize, the purchase of farmland is nondeductible and thus finding deductions during the purchase of farmland can be beneficial to help cash flow the purchase.

May 01, 2023

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