Trump's Americana revival breathes new life into dying Farmers' Almanac

As patriotism sees a revival in America's 250th year, The Farmer's Almanac, a publication more than two-centuries old and an American institution, has been rescued from the dustbin of history.

“I saw the announcement that one of America’s most enduring publications was set to close, and it felt wrong to stand by while an irreplaceable piece of our national heritage disappeared,” new owner Tim Konrad said. 

At the end of 2025, The Farmers' Almanac faced severe financial pressures from declining print sales and challenges in a shifting media landscape, leading to an announcement that the 2026 edition would be its last. This decision threatened to end a 208-year tradition, disappointing loyal readers who viewed it as an essential American heritage piece. The struggles highlighted the difficulties traditional print publications face in competing with digital alternatives.

New ownership and a rescue

This week, the Almanac was acquired by Farmers’ Almanac LLC, a New York-based company led by Tim Konrad, founder of Unofficial Networks. This timely purchase saved the publication from closure and preserved its historic legacy. Under the new ownership, plans are underway to revive the annual print edition while continuing online access and expanding its future reach.

The Farmers' Almanac was founded in 1818 by astronomer, poet, and teacher David Young, along with publisher Jacob Mann, in Morristown, New Jersey. Over its more than two centuries, it has been guided by only a few editors, with Ray Geiger serving the longest tenure from 1934 to 1994 and dramatically boosting its popularity through media appearances. The publication evolved from its early roots while maintaining its core appeal as a timeless annual guide blending practical information with entertainment.

Weather, folklore, gardening and more

Its primary function has been to deliver long-range weather forecasts based on a proprietary secret formula involving astronomy, solar science, and meteorology. It also provided advice on gardening, fishing, cooking, conservation, and household tips, helping readers plan activities effectively. Additionally, it features humor, fun facts, folklore, and inspirational content to entertain and enrich daily life.

In recent decades, many traditional news publications, such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and even local newspapers have shifted to digital-first models by launching robust websites, mobile apps, and paywalled online content to adapt to declining print readership and advertising revenue.

Similarly, longstanding informational and reference publications like The Farmers' Almanac have embraced digital transformation, expanding their online platforms with interactive forecasts, articles, and archives while maintaining print editions to reach modern audiences amid industry-wide challenges.

Reorienting towards digital, the new Farmers’ Almanac website will be “a living, breathing publication with fresh, daily content,” Konrad said. And for those pining for the traditional paper pages, Konrad does plan to bring back the print edition.