Farm Aid Celebrates 40 Years of Supporting Family Farmers

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Farm Aid, the annual concert series established during the 1980s farm crisis, is celebrating its 40th anniversary on Saturday. The event aims to raise awareness and funds for family farmers facing economic hardships across the United States.

This year’s concert will take place at the University of Minnesota‘s football stadium and features prominent artists, including Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and John Cougar Mellencamp. As farmers grapple with low crop prices and rising production costs, this year’s event comes at a crucial time.

Farm Aid, founded in 1985 by Nelson and others, has raised over $60 million since its inception to support family farming. Nelson emphasized the ongoing struggles farmers face today, citing challenges such as climate change and corporate control.

“Some challenges have remained, the big guys over the little ones,” Nelson said at a press conference. “But people have power too, and when we come together, we CAN win!”

The event was almost derailed this year due to a labor dispute involving university service workers. Organizers stood in solidarity with the striking workers and refused to cross picket lines. A resolution was reached after discussions between Governor Tim Walz and union representatives.

“The Governor knows how important this event is to farmers and farm country,” said Walz’s spokesperson, Claire Lancaster. “He worked with all parties involved, including Willie Nelson, to find a solution.”

Farm Aid 40 is set to last from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. CDT, with live coverage on CNN and streaming available online. The event not only showcases performances but also highlights issues affecting farmers, including dwindling government support and the impact of trade wars.

Musician Nathaniel Rateliff, who is participating for the ninth time, expressed his commitment to the cause, stating that music has the power to bring people together across political divides. He encourages audiences to reflect on the shared experiences that unite them.

Farm Aid continues to serve as a hotline for farmers in need, connecting them with resources for legal, financial, and mental health support. While the concert series has raised millions, co-executive director Jennifer Fahy emphasized the goal remains systemic change in agricultural policy.

“Farm Aid was kind of the first rallying point for farmers publicly,” Fahy said, highlighting the initiative’s lasting impact in the farming community.