After more than 200 years, the Farmers’ Almanac is shutting down for good

Since 1818, loyal readers of the Farmers’ Almanac have turned to the publication for weather predictions, gardening tips, astronomy calendars, and more. But, on November 6, the Farmers’ Almanac announced that the 2026 edition of the magazine will be its last. 

The news came through a post to the Farmers’ Almanac website by editor Sandi Duncan and editor emeritus Peter Geiger. “It is with a great appreciation and heartfelt emotions that we write to share some sad news,” the note reads. “After more than 200 years of sharing a unique blend of weather, wit and wisdom, we’ve made the very difficult decision to write the final chapter of this historical publication.” 

Per the post, readers will be able to access the Farmers’ Almanac website until December, and they can find the last edition of the magazine on its website, Amazon, and in certain local stores. The shuttering of this legacy publication is yet another blow to a beleaguered print media landscape. 

“Tell your kids how grandad always swore by the Almanac”

The Farmers’ Almanac was first founded by Jacob Young, a poet, astronomer, and teacher who ran the publication for 34 years. Its long-range weather predictions, which have been trusted by some American farmers over other forecasts for decades (despite the publication being notoriously cagey about how it devises said predictions), predate the creation of the National Weather Service by more than 50 years.

During its 207 year run, the Farmers’ Almanac has had just seven editors. It’s become particularly known for its “Best Days” section, which offers readers suggestions on the ideal timing to garden, go fishing, kill plant pests, or even cut hair and quit smoking.

Farmers’ Almanac did not immediately respond to Fast Company‘s request for further detail on the reasoning behind its closure, but the writing has likely been on the wall for some time now. Over the past several years, print media has become a notoriously difficult business as readers turn to digital publications and social media for their news. Print publications that have either gone fully digital or shut down entirely include O: The Oprah Magazine, LIFE Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, InStyle, and, most recently, Teen Vogue. 

Print magazines have seen something of a revival as a luxury good among young consumers in recent months, but they’re unlikely to see a return to the heyday of publications like the Farmers’ Almanac. Already, dedicated fans are taking to the comments of the Farmers’ Almanac announcement, as well as social media, to mourn the loss of the annual publication.

“Oh no, I buy this every year & my friends & family call to ask if we have any storms coming !” one commenter wrote under the publication’s post. “The almanac is so accurate I’ll be lost without it.” Another follower on Instagram wrote, “This is so sad! I just got land to start growing herbs and food and planned to get a membership just as my dad always had.”

In their note to readers, Duncan and Geiger expressed their gratitude for supporters, contributors, and partners, adding that, though the Almanac will no longer be available in print or online, “it lives on within you.”

“So go ahead—plant your peas when the daffodils bloom,” Duncan and Geiger wrote. “Watch for a red sky at night. Tell the kids how granddad always swore by the Almanac. That’s how our story stays alive.”

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