Farm Credit East Industry Insights

Why They Buy: Understanding Customer Behavior at Farmers’ Markets| Geography of the Congressional Agriculture Committees

Farmers are feeling pressure to take more strategic approaches to their marketing. If not, they risk plateauing or, in some cases, declining sales. In this month’s KEP, Christopher Wayne from GrowNYC, shares a few of FARMroots high-impact strategies to help farmers get the most value from farmers’ markets. The second article in this month’s issue looks at the geographical make-up of the Senate and House ag committees that will take the lead in writing the 2018 Farm Bill.

Controlled Environment Agriculture | Industry Snapshots of Major Loan Sectors: Fall 2017

In November’s Knowledge Exchange Partner, we explore Controlled Environmental Agriculture, what’s driving its growth, current barriers and what’s in store for this method of farming in the future. The second article gives industry updates and a few predictions for 2018 in the dairy, timber, cash field, livestock, fruit, greenhouse and nursery, aquatic, and vegetable sectors.

Data Shows Rural Northeast Population Shrinking | Eye on Congress: Three Legislative Initiatives to Watch

Across the United States a trend has been emerging: For the first time, the overall rural population has been declining as birthrates have fallen and more people move to metro areas. This population shift has numerous implications for Northeast Agriculture and we discuss some of these in this month’s Knowledge Exchange Partner. We’ve also got an eye on Congress this month. Read this issue for a look at three legislative initiatives that are worth tracking. For more information, visit FarmCreditEast.com.

H-2A Usage Approaches 200,000 Workers | Preparing the Next Generation for Farm Management

In September’s Knowledge Exchange Partner, we review H-2A usage across the Northeast, and some of the program’s regulatory challenges that have been an issue for producers. Our second article addresses the considerations that come with preparing the next generation for farm management. We provide some key insights on how to understand multi-generational dynamics and plan for a generational transfer.

Industry Snapshots | Key Economic Indicators

This month's Knowledge Exchange Partner shares a new section of our website containing snapshots for nine Northeast agriculture, forest products and commercial fishing industries, and provides a look into Knowledge Exchange's Key Economic Indicator chart series. 

Turbulence in the Grocery Aisles | Late Start to Northeast Agriculture

In this month's issue we explore Amazon's intent to acquire Whole Foods Market and the strategic possibilities behind it. This issue also takes a look at how the wet spring is impacting Northeast growers in the field crop and fruit industries.

The Canadian Dairy & Lumber Disputes

Trade disputes with Canada in the dairy and forest products industries have been at the forefront of the news lately. Each disputes are quite different, and rather complex. This month’s Knowledge Exchange Partner offers succinct explanations behind each of the trade controversies.

The Northeast Dairy Farm Summary | Benchmarking Can Show the Way to Higher Profits

In this month’s Knowledge Exchange Partner, we look at the importance of benchmarking and tracking financial performance. First with a snapshot of the results of the Dairy Farm Summary, Farm Credit’s comprehensive financial analysis of the Northeast dairy industry, and then with an article about Farm Credit East’s Benchmark Solutions program, which customers can use to compare their financial results to industry peers.

Buying Equipment from a Private Seller? Be Careful! | The Northeast Dairy Farm - A Sneak Peek

Buying equipment from a private seller can yield some bargains. But it can also bring headaches if you’re not careful! This month's issue reviews some pitfalls associated with sales "by owner," and outlines a few best practices that could help to mitigate risks. This issue also includes a sneak peek at a few financial highlights in this year's Northeast Dairy Farm Summary.

Vegetable Crops Outlook & Wood Market Update

In this month’s issue, Dr. Steve Reiners looks at vegetable growers’ concerns going into the 2017 growing season: Labor, expenses, FSMA and weather, are but a few. Additionally, Eric Kingsley discusses the challenges for Northeast low-grade wood markets – a critical part of the overall market for timber products.