On October 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor issued a new Interim Final Rule (IFR) that significantly revises how Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs) are calculated for H-2A guestworkers. AEWRs set the minimum hourly wages that must be paid to H-2A workers and those in corresponding employment. This rule introduces major changes affecting wage structures across Farm Credit East’s eight-state region, with important implications for farm operations and labor management.
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Tax Talks
Maximizing Your Farm’s Bottom Line: Income and Expense Reporting
Filing farm taxes doesn’t have to be confusing. The IRS requires you to report all income unless specifically excluded, and only deduct expenses that are both ordinary—common in farming—and necessary—helpful for your business. Understanding these basics can save you time and stress.
October 27, 2025
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Crop Insurance
USDA Emergency Commodity Assistance Program: Applications Open
The USDA’s Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) opened applications on March 19, 2025, providing $10 billion in economic assistance to farmers. This initiative is part of a broader $31 billion package approved by Congress in December 2024, aimed at supporting farmers affected by natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. The USDA plans to release initial payments, covering 85% of the total, with supplemental payments expected in the summer.
April 03, 2025
Crop Insurance
Protecting your Crop: The Value in the Micro Farm Policy for Diversified Farms
Whole Farm Revenue Protection is an important risk management tool for diversified farmers to insure all their crops and livestock in one insurance policy. However, for smaller-to-mid-sized specialty crop producers, the micro farm crop insurance policy is a subset of the whole farm policy that may be a better option. How does the micro farm policy differ from whole farm? Read on to learn more.
March 06, 2025
Crop Insurance
Two Powerful Safety Nets for Dairy Producers – Are You Covered?
As dairy producers know all too well, the dairy industry is prone to significant volatility and risk. Fluctuations in milk prices, feed costs and other factors can wreak havoc on profit margins. Fortunately, there are two important risk management tools available to dairy operations.
February 25, 2025
Crop Insurance
Ensuring a Profitable 2025: The Role of Dairy Revenue Protection in Your Business Plan
As the calendar year draws to a close, it's an ideal time for dairy producers to reflect on the past year's challenges and achievements and to prepare strategically for the year ahead. With 2025 on the horizon, effective planning will be crucial to navigating the complexities of the dairy industry and ensuring a profitable year. One key component of this planning is Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP), a valuable tool that can help manage risk and stabilize income.
December 24, 2024
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