Readers were upset to learn that The Farmer's Almanac was ceasing publication after more than 200 years.
No, not that one.
Announcement of November 6 The Maine Farmers' Almanac staff not only generated enthusiastic support for the publication, which began in 1818, but also led a rival Farmers' Almanac to issue a statement that it was still active.
The Old Farmer's Almanac, published in New Hampshire, published press release November 7, clearing up any misunderstandings, noting that the situation was “still escalating.”
Here's what you need to know.
Why is Farmers' Almanac closing?
Lewiston, Missouri-based publisher The Farmers' Almanac announced it would cease publication due to “increasing financial challenges associated with producing and distributing the Almanac in today's chaotic media environment,” the company said in a press release.
Access to existing digital content on its website will cease in December.
“First, we want to tell everyone that this decision was very difficult to make,” Farmers' Almanac editor Sandy Duncan told TODAY.com in an email. “The Almanac has been published every year since 1818, even while the editor (Ray Geiger) served overseas during World War II. And we also recognize that this is more than just a book – it is a way of life, a tradition, a resource for so many people for so many years.”
“However, readers are now accessing information and answers in a different way, and the trajectory of newsstand sales made this decision necessary,” she continued. “Unfortunately, financial challenges associated with producing and distributing the Almanac in today’s chaotic media environment led to this decision.”
Farmers' Almanac 2026 will be the last edition of a publication that began in 1818. It features weather forecasts, astronomy tidbits, and forecasts such as the best days to ski, brew beer, plant tomatoes, and watch meteor showers.
Duncan, who has been with the publication since 1994, spoke about what she believes the legacy of the long-running publication will ultimately be.
“To remind people to stop and smell the roses,” she said. “To appreciate all the wonders of nature, to realize that we can learn a lot from the natural world, even if we live among concrete skyscrapers.”
The announcement left readers upset by the loss.
“Unfortunately another treasured memory will disappear but will never be forgotten,” one person commented. Farmer's almanac website. “I've been reading FA since I was a kid, I'm 70 now.”
“No way! Please tell me this is not true,” wrote another. “I’ve had an FA at home every year since I was 19 years old. I am now over 70. Wit, wisdom and the weather have been a wonderful old friend to me.”
“Please don't go. I grew up with you and I want to continue to grow up with you,” another commented. “Not ready for you to leave. Please think again.”
What is the difference between a farmer's almanac and an old farmer's almanac?
The Old Farmer's Almanac is located in Dublin, New Hampshire and has been in existence since 1792.
The Farmer's Almanac is based in Lewiston, Missouri and has been in existence since 1818.
Editorial staff of The Old Farmer's Almanac published a statement November 7th in case readers were confused, thinking the company had gone bankrupt.
“You may have heard that The Farmers Almanac, based in Lewiston, Maine, is ceasing publication after an incredible 200 years in business,” the statement said. “There has been some confusion between various almanacs over the years, so to be clear, The Old Farmer's Almanac is here to stay. As we have done since 1792, during the presidency of George Washington, we will continue to publish our annual publication while educating and entertaining readers on Almanac.com.”
The Old Farmer's Almanac for 2026 will feature new gardening books, digital tools, calculators and seasonal weather forecasts. The book also includes knowledge of gardening, astronomy and folklore materials.
“Rest assured, no matter how certain the sun rises, The Old Farmer's Almanac—with our familiar yellow cover and 80% accurate weather forecasts—will endure for generations to come,” the statement said.
