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.
Farmer hands using smartphone

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

Harvested oysters in a mesh basket by body of water
Business Tips and Tools
The Road Ahead for Oyster Growers: Trends, Risks and Opportunities for 2026

The U.S. oyster industry’s current landscape is shaped by decades of regulatory progress, rapid production innovations and shifting market pressures. As growers head into 2026, understanding the forces behind today’s rules, technologies and economic trends is essential for making informed business decisions. In a recent Farm Credit East webinar, Bob Rheault, executive director of East Coast Shellfish Growers Association, shared the key challenges and opportunities for the oyster industry. 

March 10, 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

All from Knowledge Exchange

Search articles
Filter by category
Filter by year
Christmas Tree farm in winter with a red barn
Knowledge Exchange Partner
Christmas Trees Bring Joy to Consumers, but Complicated Economics to the Region’s Growers; USMCA Trade Panel Rejects U.S. Complaint About Access to Canada’s Dairy Market

This month's Knowledge Exchange Partner covers two industry updates. The first, a seasonal update on the economics of this year's Christmas Tree industry, and the second, a look at the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement treaty and Canada's dairy market. Compiled by Farm Credit East's Director of Knowledge Exchange, Chris Laughton.

December 08, 2023

cash field
Farm Credit
2023 Year-End Reminders

2023 year-end reminders from various Farm Credit East teams, including credit, tax and payroll, along with holiday office closures.

December 07, 2023

Woman farmer using a laptop in crop field in front of a tractor. Tax Talk logo in bottom righ corner.
Tax Talks
New York Farm Employer Overtime Credit - What you need to know

With 2024 around the corner, New York state farmers need to begin thinking about the Farm Overtime Credit that will provide a refund for hours worked between the thresholds set by the state and 60 hours. 

December 05, 2023

Man and woman walking in rural crop field looking at a tablet
Business Tips and Tools
Ready to Apply for a Loan? Follow these 4 steps to get started

Getting a loan application ready can be daunting and puzzling. But you don’t need to know all the answers. Lenders, like Farm Credit East, can provide resources and guidance to assist you in determining if a loan is the best answer for you and what you will need to apply and qualify for one. 

December 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. 

*Required

Error Please enter a valid email address

Success! Check your email for a copy of your download, or you can click here to see it.

Cover of the 2024 Economic Impact report