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Farmers' Almanac Announces End of Print Edition, Switches to Digital by 2026

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Friday, November 7th 2025 at 11:41 GMT by WSB-TV
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Farmers’ Almanac—a staple of American farm life, gardening circles, and weather‑watchers for more than two centuries—has officially reached its final chapter in print. On May 7, 2024, the publication’s owners announced that the 2026 edition will be the last printed volume of the famed almanac, after which the magazine will transition entirely to digital formats. This decision marks the end of an era for a book that began as a weekly paper in 1818 and has, for over 200 years, guided millions of readers through the seasons, from planting to harvest.

A Brief History

The Farmers’ Almanac started in 1818 when John Davis and his wife, Elizabeth, compiled a small booklet of weather forecasts, planting schedules, and practical advice for farmers in upstate New York. The almanac’s reputation grew quickly, becoming a monthly periodical that combined practical agricultural guidance with astrological forecasts, recipes, and folklore. In 1879, the publication moved to Chicago, and by the early 1900s it had become a national brand.

Over the decades, the almanac’s reach expanded beyond agriculture. It became a cultural touchstone, known for its “Sun‑Suns” and “Moon‑Suns” predictions, as well as its yearly weather forecast that had, by many estimates, an accuracy of about 80% on a 12‑month horizon. By the 2000s, the Farmers’ Almanac had embraced the internet, offering an interactive website, mobile app, and social‑media presence. Nevertheless, the print edition remained a cornerstone of its identity, with a dedicated readership that values the tactile experience of flipping through its pages.

Why the Print Edition Is Ending

The primary driver behind the decision is the continued decline in print circulation coupled with rising production costs. In a 2024 survey cited by the company, 42% of subscribers had moved to the digital platform, while only 6% of new readers still chose the print version. Printing, shipping, and handling costs are high, especially for a product that is distributed worldwide. Additionally, the company cited environmental considerations, noting that the paper production process contributes significantly to its carbon footprint.

According to a statement released on the Farmers’ Almanac’s website (https://www.farmersalmanac.com/press-releases/2024/05/07/2026-final-print-edition), the company aims to “focus our resources on delivering the most engaging, accurate, and accessible experience for our readers through digital media.” The decision reflects a broader industry trend, as many long‑standing print publications have been pivoting toward online models.

Impact on Readers and the Farming Community

For many longtime readers—particularly small‑holder farmers, gardeners, and rural families—the print almanac was more than a reference guide; it was a ritual. A recent Facebook thread on a Farmers’ Almanac fan page captured the sentiment: “We’re going to miss the feel of the paper and the old‑school charm of the Almanac. It’s more than a weather forecast; it’s a part of our family’s history.” Local farmers’ markets and agricultural extension offices are also discussing how they will adapt to the new digital format, noting that older customers may need support navigating the website or app.

The company has pledged to keep the content accessible and user‑friendly, offering a robust archive and a “digital-first” subscription model that includes interactive features such as personalized planting schedules, weather alerts, and an augmented‑reality (AR) component that allows users to visualize crop yields and planting diagrams on their mobile devices.

A Look Ahead: The Digital Almanac

While the print edition ends in 2026, the Farmers’ Almanac promises to remain “alive” in a new form. The official announcement detailed several key features of the digital transition:

1. Real‑time Weather Forecasts: The new platform will integrate NOAA data for up‑to‑date forecasts, replacing the traditional 12‑month “sun‑suns” predictions with dynamic, region‑specific updates.
2. Interactive Planting Calendar: Users can input their location and crop preferences to receive personalized planting timelines, incorporating the Almanac’s historic guidance.
3. Community Forums: A moderated online forum will allow readers to share tips, ask questions, and discuss seasonal trends.
4. Multimedia Content: The site will host video tutorials, podcasts, and expert interviews to supplement the text‑based guidance that has characterized the Almanac for decades.

The company also highlighted a partnership with the USDA’s National Agricultural Library (NAL) to preserve the Almanac’s rich historical archives. In a recent interview with the NAL (https://www.nal.usda.gov/blog/farmers-almanac-digital-archives), a library curator explained that the digital archive would be made available for research and public use, ensuring that the Almanac’s legacy would be preserved for future generations.

Community and Industry Reactions

Industry observers have noted that the move reflects a wider shift in agricultural media. In a statement by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), an AFBF spokesperson said, “While we are saddened to see the physical pages of the Almanac go, we applaud the company’s commitment to embracing digital technology that will keep farmers connected to the most up‑to‑date and actionable information.”

Meanwhile, a local farmer in Wisconsin expressed a more personal perspective: “I’ve been buying the Almanac every year since I was a kid. I’ll miss that morning ritual, but I’m excited to see how the new digital format can help me manage my farm better.”

The Final Print Edition

The 2026 print edition is scheduled for release in April, and the company will host a virtual launch event on its website. The final issue is expected to be a collector’s item, featuring special sections that celebrate the Almanac’s 200‑year history, including rare illustrations, historical photographs, and a timeline of key milestones.

In closing, the decision to discontinue the print edition of the Farmers’ Almanac signals both an end and a beginning. The legacy of an enduring publication that has guided American agriculture for two centuries will now live on in a digital ecosystem, promising more timely, interactive, and environmentally sustainable ways for farmers and gardeners to stay connected to the seasons. While the physical pages may close, the spirit of the Almanac—its guidance, its community, and its commitment to helping people grow—continues, ready to adapt to the next era of agricultural innovation.