After 200 Years, Farmers’ Almanac Publishes Its Last Edition
After more than two centuries in print, the Farmers’ Almanac will cease publication following its 2026 edition, bringing an end to one of the United States’ longest-running annual publications. Founded in Lewiston, Maine, in 1818, the Almanac became a staple for generations of readers seeking long-range weather forecasts, planting calendars, astronomical data, and household advice. Its closure was first reported by Today, which confirmed that both the print and online versions will end, with website access shutting down in December.
Editor Sandi Duncan told Today that the decision was driven entirely by financial realities. “The decision was very hard to make. The Almanac has been published each and every year since 1818—even when the editor (Ray Geiger) was overseas serving in World War II,” she said. Duncan also noted that the publication was “more than just a book—it’s a way of life—a tradition—a resource for so many people for so many years.”
Not to Be Confused With the Old Farmer’s Almanac
The news caused immediate confusion among readers who often mix up the Farmers’ Almanac with the similarly named Old Farmer’s Almanac, first published in 1792. The older almanac issued a statement clarifying that it remains in full operation.
“Over the years, there has been some confusion between different almanacs, so to be clear: The OLD Farmer’s Almanac isn’t going anywhere,” the statement read. “As we have since 1792, during George Washington’s presidency, we will continue to publish our annual edition, while educating and entertaining readers online.”
Why the Farmers’ Almanac Is Ending
Duncan cited the economic pressures facing all traditional print media. “Readers now access information and answers differently, and the trajectory of newsstand sales made this decision necessary,” she said. “The financial challenges of producing and distributing the Almanac in today’s chaotic media environment unfortunately lead to this decision.”
When the Almanac was founded in the 19th century, most Americans lived on farms and relied on annual guides for planting schedules and weather outlooks. While many rural readers remain loyal, circulation has steadily declined in an era dominated by digital forecasting tools and instantaneous online information.
The Final Forecast: A “Wild Ride” of a Winter
As the publication prepares to shut down, it offered one last seasonal prediction: a volatile winter marked by dramatic temperature swings and early cold. According to the Almanac, “The season’s coldest temperatures will be found from the Northern Plains to New England.” The Northwest, especially Idaho and Washington, is expected to “prepare for a cold winter.” A major cold snap in mid-January will “keep most shivering,” with another “pronounced cold spell” projected for mid-February.
Regional outlooks include:
New England: Cold and snow-filled.
Atlantic Coast: Heavy rain, with occasional snow.
Mid-Atlantic: Snow, particularly in the mountains.
Great Lakes, Ohio Valley, North Central: A traditional snowy winter.
Pacific Northwest: High mountain snowfall.
Southeast: Average temperatures, heavy rainfall.
Appalachia: Occasional snow.
Texas and Southern Plains: Wetter-than-average winter with cold rain and freezing precipitation.
Southwest: Wet with typical seasonal temperatures.
A Final Farewell
For readers who want to own a piece of publishing history, the 2026 edition is available in print for $4.79. After that, a publication that spanned wars, depressions, industrialization, and the digital revolution will quietly leave the stage.
Its forecasts—sometimes doubted, often embraced—became part of American life. And after more than 200 years, the Farmers’ Almanac will deliver its final predictions before fading from newsstands for good.
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