A Fond Farewell: The Farmers’ Almanac Ends Its Publication Run

After gracing households with weather predictions, gardening advice, and a unique blend of wit and wisdom for over two centuries, the Farmers’ Almanac has announced its decision to cease publication. The 2026 edition will be the last, marking the end of an era for this historical publication. In a joint statement, current editor Sandi Duncan and editor emeritus Peter Geiger shared the difficult news: “We’ve made the very difficult decision to write the final chapter of this historical publication. The 2026 Farmers’ Almanac will be our last edition.” This announcement signals a significant shift in the landscape of agricultural and household almanacs, leaving many to wonder about the future of such resources.

However, the story doesn’t end there. For those who cherish the tradition of almanacs, the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the original publication, will continue to thrive. This provides a beacon of hope for enthusiasts who rely on these guides for various aspects of their lives. One notable difference between the two publications lies in their approach to weather forecasting. The Old Farmer’s Almanac steers clear of astrological predictions, a method employed by the now-discontinued Farmers’ Almanac. This distinction is significant, particularly in an age where scientific accuracy is highly valued.

Dr. Hansi Singh, an Earth systems scientist, offers a critical perspective on astrological weather predictions, deeming them “not very scientific.” This viewpoint underscores the importance of evidence-based forecasting methods in understanding and preparing for weather patterns. The diverging approaches to weather prediction highlight the contrasting philosophies of the two almanacs, ultimately influencing their appeal to different audiences.

So, what sets these two publications apart, how popular are they, and what factors contributed to the Farmers’ Almanac’s decision to end its run? Let’s delve deeper into the history, content, and impact of these iconic almanacs.

Understanding the Farmers’ Almanac

The name itself offers a clue to their distinct identities. A search for “Farmers’ Almanac” (with the apostrophe) will lead you to the page of the publication that is ceasing operations. Conversely, typing “Farmer’s Almanac” directs you to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, distinguished by its “Old” prefix. The Old Farmer’s Almanac traces its origins back to 1792, when it was first published in New Hampshire and Massachusetts during George Washington’s presidency. The Farmers’ Almanac, on the other hand, emerged approximately 20 years later, in 1818, in the New York/New Jersey region.

Both almanacs shared a common mission: to provide a “unique blend of weather, wit, and wisdom,” as described by Duncan and Geiger. Their long-range weather forecasts were invaluable to farmers planning for the growing season. Beyond weather, they offered household and gardening tips, information on planetary movements, and engaging stories and anecdotes to captivate readers. Unlike newspapers and journals of the time, such as The Boston News-Letter, the almanacs refrained from covering current events. Instead, they focused on timeless topics relevant to farmers and householders, ensuring their content remained evergreen and enduring.

The Enduring Appeal: Do Almanacs Still Matter?

Both the Farmers’ Almanac and the Old Farmer’s Almanac have maintained a dedicated following due to their wealth of gardening and household tips, astronomical insights, and advice on enhancing productivity in rural living. However, the reliance on their weather predictions has waned in recent years. Steve Corcoran, a professional landscaper, notes, “They haven’t done much to change or improve their methods in recent years. Other resources are constantly updating their technology and using newer, better methods to take into consideration more elements that impact the weather, leading to those often being a lot more accurate.” This sentiment reflects a broader trend of seeking more technologically advanced and data-driven weather forecasts.

Dr. Singh corroborates this, emphasizing the advancements in Earth science: “Earth scientists have developed long-range weather prediction tools over the last two decades that rely on sophisticated Earth system models.” These models, she argues, offer far greater reliability than traditional methods based on historical weather patterns, sunspot activity, or astrology. Modern science-based forecasts also incorporate the critical impacts of climate change, an element that historical pattern-matching simply cannot capture. The integration of climate change considerations marks a significant departure from the almanacs’ traditional approach, highlighting the evolving demands for accuracy and relevance in weather forecasting.

The Financial Realities: Why the Farmers’ Almanac Is Ending

The primary driver behind the Farmers’ Almanac’s discontinuation is financial pressure. Duncan explains, “This decision, though difficult, reflects the growing financial challenges of producing and distributing the Almanac in today’s chaotic media environment.” In an era dominated by digital media and instant access to information, print publications face increasing competition and economic hurdles. The costs associated with printing, distribution, and marketing can be substantial, especially for niche publications like the Farmers’ Almanac. The decision to cease publication underscores the harsh realities of the modern media landscape, where adaptability and innovation are crucial for survival.

While the 2026 edition of the orange-covered Farmers’ Almanac is currently available in bookstores, the website is no longer active. Visitors to the site will only find the editors’ farewell message, a poignant reminder of the publication’s legacy and the end of an era. This transition highlights the shift from traditional print media to digital platforms, where information is readily accessible and constantly updated.

Alternative Resources: What Else Is Out There?

The Old Farmer’s Almanac remains a viable resource, continuing to publish its booklet and maintain its website. The booklet’s yellow cover, adorned with red lettering, features images of founder Robert B. Thomas, Benjamin Franklin, and the motto: “Useful, with a pleasant degree of humor.” This enduring design evokes a sense of tradition and nostalgia, appealing to readers who appreciate the almanac’s historical significance and timeless content.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac’s website, accessible at almanac.com, offers a wealth of information similar to what was found on the Farmers’ Almanac site. This includes planetary movements, astronomical data, and various resources for gardening, cooking, and more. However, unlike its counterpart, it refrains from incorporating astrology into its weather forecasts. For those specifically interested in astrological weather charts, alternative astrological websites like Astro-Seek.com may be a more suitable option. The availability of diverse resources ensures that readers can find information tailored to their specific interests and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Accurate Are Long-Range Forecasts?

The Old Farmer’s Almanac asserts an 80 percent accuracy rate in its weather predictions. However, a 2010 study by the University of Illinois, published online, reported an accuracy of only 52 percent—similar to the odds of guessing correctly. Dr. Singh emphasizes the reliability of major scientific agencies: “The most trusted long-range forecasts come from major scientific agencies such as NOAA in the U.S. and ECMWF in Europe, both of which make their data publicly available.” These agencies utilize advanced Earth system models and data analysis techniques to provide more accurate and reliable forecasts. The discrepancies in accuracy claims highlight the challenges of long-range weather prediction and the importance of consulting multiple sources for comprehensive information.

What Other Information Is Included in Almanacs?

With the Farmers’ Almanac ceasing publication, the Old Farmer’s Almanac remains the sole provider of this traditional resource. Here’s a glimpse into the topics covered:

Long-range and seasonal weather forecasts: Providing insights into upcoming weather patterns.
Gardening and planting guides: Offering advice on optimal planting days based on lunar cycles.
Folklore and remedies: Sharing traditional wisdom and natural healing methods.
Science-based astronomical data: Including moon phases, planetary movements, and celestial events like meteor showers and eclipses.
Entertaining trivia and tidbits: Providing engaging and informative content on a variety of subjects.

About the Experts

Steve Corcoran is the CEO of Lawn Love, an online lawn care and gardening service.
Dr. Hansi Singh is an Earth systems scientist and the co-founder and CEO of Planette, a company delivering long-range forecasts that combine advanced Earth system models with AI.

Sources

Farmers’ Almanac: A Fond Farewell (2025)
Farmers’ Almanac: End of an Era: Farmers’ Almanac Announces Final Publication (2025)
Almanac: The Old Farmer’s Almanac—234 Years and Still Going Strong (2026)
Taylor Francis Online: Testing the Farmer’s Almanac (2010)