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

2026 U.S. Maple Syrup Outlook

This month’s Knowledge Exchange Partner article contributed by Mark Cannella, Extension Associate Professor at the University of Vermont, offers a broad look at the key forces influencing today’s U.S. maple industry. Steady production, evolving consumer demand, and ongoing economic pressures are reshaping the market landscape. These trends present both opportunities and challenges for producers as they navigate changing conditions. As the sector adjusts to these developments, thoughtful planning and adaptability will play an important role in sustaining long‑term growth and stability.

January 9, 2026

Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

Man and woman walking in rural crop field looking at a tablet
Crop Insurance
Important Updates for Crop Insurance Spring Sales Closing

The spring sales closing date is one of the most important deadlines for crop insurance customers. It marks the final opportunity to purchase or adjust your coverage before the planting season begins. This date ensures that your risk management plan is locked in and ready to protect your operation throughout the growing season. Here’s what you need to know as the spring sales closing date approaches. 

January 21, 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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Apple harvest in large wooden bins.
Tax Talks
Important Tax Considerations for Apple Growers

As the 2024 growing and harvest season wraps up, many producers will be turning to their tax advisors to continue the year-end tax planning conversation. In this article, we examine a few areas that may be of interest to apple producers and their advisors. 

October 29, 2024

Pink apple blossoms with green leaves
Crop Insurance
Reminder: Crop Insurance Deadline for Perennial Fruit Crops

The deadline to insure Northeast perennial crops for the 2025 crop year is November 20, 2024. Insurable perennial crops include apples, peaches, grapes, cranberries, blueberries, pears and cherries. Coverage availability varies by county, so please review the information available at CropGrowers.com, or contact a Crop Growers agent. 

October 24, 2024

Aerial view of a drone flying over forest, monitoring and analyzing in forestry management.
Innovation and Emerging Markets
What’s the Return on AI in Agriculture?

In agriculture, change is a constant. With the many variables those in agriculture deal with each day — weather, wildlife, disease, markets, consumer preferences — technology may be one of the easier variables to adapt, adopt and hopefully add value to the operation for the long term. In fact, farmers are often early adopters of new technologies, but what benefits can new technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), bring to an operation? Let’s break it down.

 

October 22, 2024

Ripe blueberries growing on green leafed bush
Crop Insurance
Risk Management Agency Expands the Enhanced Coverage Option and Increases Affordability

The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) announced that the Enhanced Coverage Option (ECO) will expand coverage to include several fruits for the 2025 crop year and increase premium support to make the coverage more affordable. The ECO will now include apples, blueberries and grapes, providing new coverage opportunities for Northeast fruit producers.  

October 22, 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