After being a staple on many cottage-country coffee tables for decades, the Farmers’ Almanac is publishing its last issue.
On November 6, the long-running publication announced that it would be closing after its 2026 issue, citing the “growing financial challenges of producing and distributing the almanac in today’s chaotic media environment.”
The publication has been serving readers for more than 200 years. Founded in Morristown, N.J. in 1818 by poet, astronomer, and teacher David Young, the almanac carved out its place in U.S. culture with weather predictions, gardening tips, astronomy, and a healthy dose of wit.
In the nineteenth century—long before the advent of the internet—almanacs were a necessary resource, especially for rural populations, offering insight on everything from what time the sun sets to tidal tables to official holidays.
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Many of the almanacs’ predictions, particularly the weather, depended on a combination of astronomy and historic information, including solar activity, lunar cycles, planetary positions, and prevailing weather patterns. A 2010 study out of the University of Illinois found that the Farmers’ Almanac’s weather predictions were around 52 per cent accurate.
While most almanacs have since shuttered, the Farmers’ Almanac found success throughout the 20th century, most notably in the 1970s under editor Ray Geiger. Geiger made 17,500 appearances on radio and TV—including The David Letterman Show and Good Morning America—promoting the Farmers’ Almanac. His efforts increased circulation from 85,000 to six million. He was also the one who moved the publication to its current headquarters in Lewiston, Maine.
Hoping to expand its audience, the Farmers’ Almanac also introduced a Canadian issue with exclusive weather predictions and articles. Those predictions can now be found on the publication’s website with current forecasts predicting Canadian weather until the end of December.
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Over its long history, some of the publication’s more notable articles have included crusade pieces, such as an argument in 1989 for replacing pennies with a 12-and-a-half-cent coin, and errant weather predictions, such as a snowstorm forecasted to hit the 2014 Superbowl; the day ended up warmer than average.
“We are incredibly proud of the legacy we leave behind and grateful to our loyal staff, readers, contributors, and partners who have supported us through the years,” said current editor Sandi Duncan in a statement. “Though the almanac will no longer be available in print or online, its spirit will live on in the values it championed: simplicity, sustainability, and connection to nature.”
The Farmers’ Almanac announcement has caused some confusion online. Rival publication The Old Farmer’s Almanac—often mistaken for the Farmers’ Almanac—was quick to clarify. “Over the years, there has been some confusion between different almanacs, so to be clear: The Old Farmer’s Almanac isn’t going anywhere,” said editor Catherine Boeckmann in a blog post.
Despite similar names, The Old Farmer’s Almanac is perhaps the better-known publication. Founded by editor Robert B. Thomas in 1792 (during George Washington’s first term as president), this almanac is considered the oldest continuously published periodical in North America and still boasts a circulation of 2.5 million copies throughout the U.S. and Canada.
For readers loyal to the Farmers’ Almanac, they can purchase the 2026 issue on the publication’s website for $4.79 USD. Although, they may want to act fast as the Farmers’ Almanac has said that it is slowly shutting down its website and social media.
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