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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Understanding the Agricultural Impacts of Wildfire Smoke

Wildfire smoke darkened skies across the Northeast for at least three consecutive days this July. Orange clouds were evidence of fires raging thousands of miles away in Ontario, Canada and northern Minnesota. While the duration and impact of wildfires have historically been concentrated in the Western United States, the issue is becoming a more frequent concern on the east coast. What impact does sustained wildfire smoke have on agriculture in our region?

August 7, 2026

burning dry grass in spring, air pollution due to burning dry grass

Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

Flooded corn field with tractor tire marks, blue skies
Crop Insurance
The Return of Prevented Planting Plus 5%: What Producers Need to Know

The USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) has reinstated the Prevented Planting Plus 5% option for the 2027 crop year. Producers will once again have the opportunity to purchase an additional 5% of prevented planting coverage, providing greater protection when adverse weather prevents intended acres from being planted.

August 17, 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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Close up of commercial maple sugaring evaporator and dipper, steam is rising from evaporator pans as sap is heating up.
Ag Economy
Maple Industry Outlook: Key Trends Shaping 2026

In a recent Farm Credit East webinar, University of Vermont Extension Associate Professor Mark Cannella recapped 2025 — and what it means for producers planning ahead. The following highlights key trends and considerations shaping the maple industry outlook for 2026.

February 10, 2026

Agriculture robotic and autonomous car working in smart farm, Future 5G technology with smart agriculture farming concept
Business Tips and Tools
Ag Tech Outlook

Farm Credit East and Horizon Farm Credit hosted Joe Waddell of Horizon Farm Credit for a look at the ag-tech innovation landscape. This webinar explored insights shaping the future of agriculture from biologicals and cutting-edge technologies to the role AI is playing in driving the industry forward.

February 09, 2026

Ag Economy
4 Key Strategies Grain Producers Need to Navigate 2026’s Tight Margins

Farm Credit East recently hosted CoBank Lead Economists, Tanner Ehmke and Jacqui Fatka, for the 2026 Grain and Biofuel Industry Outlook Webinar. With a high supply of corn, soybeans and wheat globally, producers are seeing tight margins and continued pressure. Read on for key strategies producers should keep in mind going into 2026. 

February 06, 2026

Blooming apple orchard in agricultural field, in summer sun with anti-hail netting for protection against weather factors.
Crop Insurance
Protecting your Perennial Crop Guarantee: Navigating increased restrictions in 2026

After perennial growers submit their crop year production and acreage changes, many assume crop insurance is set until a weather event occurs. However, as records are processed, a unit may be flagged by the Risk Management Agency (RMA) as having a yield variance. If left unaddressed, these flags can affect a unit’s production guarantee at claim time. Beginning with the 2026 crop year, this process has become more restrictive.


February 03, 2026

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