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

Business Tips and Tools

Key Updates to H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rates for Northeast Agricultural Employers

Austin Weaver

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.

November 4, 2025

Farm workers harvesting vegetables in a field near a red tractor with a wagon

Latest Tax Talk

male farmer working on a laptop computer on his truck hood in front of a cow pen
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

Today's Harvest Blog

Tag: weather 
Business Tips and Tools
Exceptionally Wet Weather Conditions Lead to Delayed Planting in New York

While corn and soybean crop planting is slightly ahead of last year nationally, it is way behind in New York and across the Northeast, due to unusually cold and wet weather, making field work difficult. 

June 24, 2025

Hail Caught in Netting in Apple Orchard with damaged yellow apple and green tree leaves.
Crop Insurance
Crop-Hail Coverage: Providing Peace of Mind in the Middle of the Storm

The Northeast U.S. frequently experiences severe weather, including hail, which can severely damage crops and lead to major financial losses for farmers. Due to the unpredictable nature of hailstorms, crop-hail insurance is a crucial safeguard for agricultural businesses. This type of insurance helps cover losses from reduced crop quality and yield caused by hail damage.

May 23, 2025

Flooded corn field with tractor tire marks, blue skies
Crop Insurance
Next Steps for Northeast Producers Affected by Flooding and Excessive Rainfall

The recent Northeast flood events have been devastating for agricultural producers in the affected areas, with those in Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut particularly hard hit. So what should affected farmers do now? 

August 01, 2023

rectangular word bubble outlined in green on a grey background with the word Tax inside the bubble and the word Talks, under the bubble
Tax Talks
Vermont Flood Victims Qualify for Federal and State Tax Relief

The recent Northeast flood events have been devastating for Farm Credit East customers and others in the affected areas, particularly those in Vermont. The IRS has released tax relief information for individuals, households and businesses. Following is federal tax relief guidance applicable to anyone located in a FEMA-declared disaster county along with state tax relief specific to those located in Vermont’s 14 hard-hit counties.

July 26, 2023

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