Old Farmers Almanac Remains While Its Rival Faces Closure

Don’t freak out. The “original” Farmer’s Almanac isn’t going anywhere. 

The Farmer’s Almanac is Shutting Down 

After more than two centuries, the Farmers’ Almanac is shutting down. According to the New York Post, the publication will shut down after its 2026 edition. Editor Sandi Duncan told the Post that financial issues have arisen due to changes in the publishing industry in our digital world. 

The History of the Farmer’s Almanac 

The Farmer’s Almanac began publication in Maine in 1818 and was used by farmer’s concerned about the effects of weather conditions on their crops. To put it into perspective, James Monroe was the President of the United States and the war between the states was over forty years away. It provides weather predictions for seven U.S. climate zones. 

The Farmer's Almanac Weather Prediction Model 

The accuracy of the almanac’s weather prediction model depends on who you talk to. There are those who swear by it, while many meteorologists debunk its predictions. Editor Sandi Duncan told the Post, “Our founding editor came up with correlations between what was happening in the sky with what was happening with the weather...a mathematical and astronomical formula.” The actual formula remains a secret, but the almanac does say it uses a formula that looks at sunspots, planetary positions, and lunar cycles. Another tightly held secret is the identity of the almanac’s current forecaster.  

The “Old” Farmer’s Almanac Isn’t Going Anywhere 

Like its Name, The “Old” Farmer’s Almanac is the oldest and the original farmer’s almanac.  It was founded in Dublin, New Hampshire in 1792. It’s weather predictions differ from the Farmer’s Almanac in that it uses satellite data and its own “secret” forecast model. It also covers 18 U.S. weather regions. 

The “Old” Farmer’s Almanac Responds to the Farmer’s Almanac’s End 

On it’s website, the Old Farmer’s Almanac said, "You may have heard that the Farmer’s Almanac, based out of Lewiston, ME, is ceasing publication after an incredible 200+ year run.Over the years, there has been some confusion between different almanacs, so to be clear: The OLD Farmer’s Almanac isn’t going anywhere.  As we have since 1792, during George Washington’s presidency, we will continue to publish our annual edition, while educating and entertaining readers online at Almanac.com.”