Today’s Harvest Blog

Today’s Harvest is a valued, timely resource for stories, news, tips and information relevant to Northeast agriculture and our customers.
Farm tractor in a field during the fall harvest

Latest From Today's Harvest Blog

Crop Insurance

USDA’s New ASCF Program: What Specialty Crop Growers Should Know (and Do) Right Now

Jeremy Forrett

If you grow specialty crops, there’s a new USDA program worth your attention. The Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) Program was designed to help producers navigate the financial pressure many faced in 2025. Rising input costs, ongoing inflation and market disruptions all contributed to tighter margins. This program offers a one-time payment to help offset those challenges. 

June 2, 2026

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

Latest Tax Talk

Tax Talks
Capital Construction Fund: A Fisherman’s Guide to Building for the Future

If you’re a commercial fisherman planning to build, buy, lease or rebuild a vessel, the Capital Construction Fund (CCF) can be one of the most powerful tax planning tools available to you. The CCF lets you set aside income today, defer federal income tax and use that money later to invest in your fishing business. Let’s discuss the details of this program.

 

May 26, 2026

Today's Harvest Blog

Small business owner going through paperwork with her workers at garden center.
Business Tips and Tools
New York State Secure Choice Savings Program: Helping Employees Save for Their Future

The New York State Secure Choice Savings Program is New York's retirement savings program for private-sector employees who do not have access to a retirement plan at work. This new program provides an easy and simple way for workers in the state to save for the future.

December 02, 2025

Orange pumpkins and green squash
Farm Credit
Thankful for Our Food, Farmers and Communities

Thanksgiving provides the perfect moment to pause, reflect and give thanks — not just for the food on our tables, but for the people and communities who make it all possible. Amid our busy lives, this holiday reminds us to appreciate the abundance we enjoy and the hard work that goes into every meal. 

November 26, 2025

Farm Credit East Employees Give Thanks
Farm Credit
Farm Credit East Employees Give Thanks

As Thanksgiving approaches, we may find ourselves looking back on the past year and appreciating the many reasons to be grateful. Even when challenges arise, it’s important to recognize the good that surrounds us. With the spirit of reflection in mind, we wanted to share some thoughts of gratitude from Farm Credit East employees.

November 18, 2025

cow and calf stand in the pasture
Crop Insurance
Record High Calf Prices and LRP: Boosting Margins & Managing Risk

Across the country, dairy producers are seeing an unexpected bright spot in their bottom lines — record-high calf prices. In the past month, feeder cattle prices have reached record highs, with beef calf prices surpassing $1,600 per head. The growing beef-on-dairy trend has transformed calf sales into a meaningful revenue stream, adding $3.00 or more per hundredweight to many producers’ bottom lines.

November 12, 2025

Meet the Authors

Connect with and discover our Today’s Harvest blog authors and their broad range of financial and northeast agricultural expertise.