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

Close up on a file tab with the word employees plus a note with the text sick leaves, blur effect at the background. Concept image for illustration of sick leave entitlement.
Business Tips and Tools
Changes to Connecticut Paid Sick Leave

Employers in Connecticut with 50 or more employees in specific sectors are required to have paid sick leave. Effective January 1, 2025, employers with at least 25 employees will be required to offer paid sick leave.  

December 27, 2024

Home in rural countryside with white fence and garage
Business Tips and Tools
8 Common Questions About Real Estate Title Insurance

Navigating the complexities of real estate transactions can be daunting, especially when it comes to understanding title insurance. This essential component of property ownership safeguards against potential legal and financial issues that could arise from title defects. Read on for answers to eight commons questions about title insurance and how it protects your investment.

December 03, 2024

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Business Tips and Tools
Stay Cyber Safe: 6 Tips to Spot Email Spoofing

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and Farm Credit East is committed to providing awareness of common online threats like fake emails (phishing or spoofing), harmful software (malware), and trickery (social engineering), as well as providing the resources and support you need to understand and navigate these challenges. Learn how you can protect yourself. 

 

October 15, 2024

Rural home Construction In Framing Stages
Business Tips and Tools
5 Steps to Building Your Rural Home

Whether you already own rural land or are searching for your future construction site, building a home in the country doesn’t have to be a hassle. Read on for tips from the team at Country Living Loans for building your dream rural home — from lot purchase to final mortgage.

October 02, 2024

Meet the Authors

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