The End of an Era: Farmers’ Almanac to Stop Publication After 208 Years
FILE – A close-up of a display of the 2011 version of The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Staff photo by Angela Rowlings. (Photo by Angela Rowlings/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images)
A Legacy Comes to an End
It’s the end of an era — the Farmers’ Almanac’s final edition will be released in 2026, after 208 years in publication. The announcement about the retirement of the almanac came from the publication’s editors on Thursday.
“We are incredibly proud of the legacy we leave behind and are filled with gratitude,” said Editor Sandi Duncan and Editor Emeritus Peter Geiger in a statement. “We appreciate and thank our loyal readers, contributors, and partners who have supported us through the years.”
A Brief History of the Farmers’ Almanac
Since 1818, people have relied on the Farmers’ Almanac for when to plant crops and when the “best days” were to wean animals, potty-train children or go fishing. The almanac is known for predicting its long-range winter forecasts and providing articles about gardening, cooking and home remedies.
FOX Weather has often analyzed the Farmers’ Almanac and what it says for each season’s forecast.
Mathematical Formula for Winter Forecasts
FARMERS’ ALMANAC USES ‘MATHEMATICAL FORMULA’ FOR WINTER FORECASTS
The Farmers’ Almanac has been using a mathematical formula to predict winter forecasts, which has been a topic of interest for many readers.
Comparison with NOAA
NOAA VS. FARMERS’ ALMANACS: WHOSE WINTER OUTLOOK WILL BE RIGHT?
The accuracy of the Farmers’ Almanac’s winter forecasts has been compared to that of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), with varying results.
A Message from the Editors
“Many of you grew up hearing your parents or grandparents quote from the Almanac, always having a copy nearby,” Duncan and Geiger said. “We’re grateful to have been part of your life and trust that you’ll help keep the spirit of the Almanac alive.”
The Farmers’ Almanac didn’t say why production of the almanac wouldn’t continue, but told readers in its farewell announcement, “So go ahead—plant your peas when the daffodils bloom. Watch for a red sky at night. Tell the kids how granddad always swore by the Almanac. That’s how our story stays alive.”
An Alternative Option
Despite the sad end to the Farmers’ Almanac production after 2026, there’s another almanac to reference — The Old Farmer’s Almanac.
“Rest assured, as sure as the Sun will rise, The Old Farmer’s Almanac—with our familiar yellow cover…and 80 percent accurate weather forecasts—will be around for generations to come,” The Old Farmer’s Almanac said in a Facebook post.
Conclusion
The end of the Farmers’ Almanac is a significant loss for many readers who have relied on it for generations. However, with the availability of alternative options like The Old Farmer’s Almanac, readers can still access similar information and forecasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is the Farmers’ Almanac stopping publication?
A: The reason for the stop in publication is not specified by the Farmers’ Almanac.
Q: What will happen to the Farmers’ Almanac after 2026?
A: The Farmers’ Almanac will no longer be published after 2026, but its legacy will live on through its readers and the information it has provided over the years.
Q: Is there an alternative to the Farmers’ Almanac?
A: Yes, The Old Farmer’s Almanac is an alternative option that provides similar information and forecasts.
Q: How accurate are the weather forecasts in the Farmers’ Almanac?
A: The accuracy of the weather forecasts in the Farmers’ Almanac has been a topic of debate, with some comparing it to the forecasts provided by NOAA.
