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 Apple Industry Outlook: U.S. Apple Industry Hits Latest Inflection Point

This month's Knowledge Exchange Partner article contributed by Chris Gerlach, of USApple examined how the U.S. apple industry is undergoing a significant transition as shifting markets, changing production economics, and evolving consumer trends are reshaping the landscape.

April 1, 2026

Blooming apple orchard in agricultural field, in summer sun with anti-hail netting for protection against weather factors.

Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

Close up on stack of rough sawn timber pine lumber planks
Ag Economy
2026 Forest Products Outlook: Key Takeaways for a Shifting Industry

From national economic trends to housing demand, lumber supply and global trade shifts, many economic forces are shaping the U.S. forest products industry. In a recent Farm Credit East webinar, Paul Jannke, of Forest Economic Advisors, provided an economic forecast pointing to a year of stability, modest growth and continued adjustment across the forest products sector. The following are the key insights from the webinar. 

April 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

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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Grapes frost damage. Frost Grape by slight frost winter injury.
Crop Insurance
Crop Insurance Provides Certainty Against Unpredictable Weather

Crop insurance can protect against financial losses from weather-related crop damage and quality reductions. Its purpose is to ensure farmers can continue operating after a difficult season. In a year like 2023, being insured against these types of weather events can make or break a business.

 

February 22, 2024

Farm Credit
Farm Credit East Offices Closed February 19
Farm Credit East offices will be closed on Monday, February 19, in observance of Presidents' Day

February 14, 2024

Three farmers walking side by side in a crop field during sunset with the Crop Growers logo over the image
Crop Insurance
Another Wet One – How Crop Growers Can Help Northeast Tobacco Growers

In 2023, the Northeast experienced another wet tobacco growing season. Given the high cost of tobacco cultivation (over $1,000 per acre), risk management plans are crucial for producers. Connecticut insured more than 3,000 acres of this valuable crop. The purpose of crop insurance, like any other insurance, is not to bring profits but to make the producer whole again so they can continue to farm the following year.

February 13, 2024

Close up of milking machine beside a row of cows in a milking parlor
Knowledge Exchange Partner
2024 Dairy Market Situation and Outlook

In this month’s Knowledge Exchange Partner, Dr. Christoher A. Wolf of Cornell University reviews 2023 milk production and looks ahead to with a 2024 milk price outlook as well as a policy update on the recently concluded Federal Milk Marketing Order Hearing. 

February 07, 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