Social media has a unique talent for creating a storm in a teacup, and a recent announcement about a centuries-old publication sent many TikTok gardeners into mourning. When news broke that the Farmers’ Almanac would cease its print edition after more than 200 years, users on the platform were heartbroken, sharing fond memories of growing up with “the almanac”. There was just one small problem: they were grieving the wrong almanac.
A Tale of Two Almanacs
When most of us think of the Farmer’s Almanac, we probably envision the iconic yellow-covered volume, that so many associate with grandparents, gardening, and long-range weather forecasts.
“I knew we were in the final chapter of civilization” one user decried. “Did I ever use it? No. But I enjoyed knowing it was there”, mourned another. Meanwhile, another user declared, “This is a piece of history disappearing right before our eyes.”
One user who identified themselves as a 5th generation farmer, shared how “the farmer’s almanac was a staple for my family.” Others shared more cynical perspectives, positing that the closure of the magazine was so that people “won’t be able to sustain themselves”.
The confusion stems from a simple, yet widespread, mix-up. There are two farmer’s almanacs in North America. The one ending its print run is the Farmers’ Almanac, which is published in Maine, and does have a smaller, but devoted readership.
However, the publication most people know and love, the one with the bright yellow cover that has been a staple in households for generations, is The Old Farmer’s Almanac. This cherished periodical thankfully does not show any signs of disappearing any time soon.
A Collective Sigh of Relief
As the truth began to surface, readers realized they’d been mourning the loss of the wrong publication, and began to collectively breathe a sigh of relief. Corrective comments and videos have popped up, clarifying that the beloved yellow almanac is not going anywhere.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac quickly reassured readers on its own social media channels, letting them know that its print edition was alive and well, saying, “Over the years, there has been some confusion between our two almanacs, so to be clear: The OLD Farmer’s Almanac isn’t going anywhere. As we have since 1792, we will continue to publish our annual edition, while educating and entertaining readers online”.
They promised readers that “as sure as the sun will rise” the beloved periodical, with its yellow cover and “80 percent accurate weather forecasts”, will be around for generations to come.
The news was met with celebration. “We’re still fine” said one reader. “Never have I been more grateful for the word “Old”, declared another. The mix-up became a humorous, teachable moment, highlighting the deep cultural attachment people have to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, while giving a boost of publicity to both publications, as a whole new generation learned about their separate histories.
@abcnews After more than two centuries in print, the Farmers’ Almanac will end its run with its 2026 edition. Known for long-term weather predictions, moon phases, fishing and gardening guides and folk wisdom, the publication expressed pride in its 208-year legacy. #news #weather #farmersalmanac #gardening ♬ original sound – ABC News
For decades, The Old Farmer’s Almanac has been a trusted source of information on everything from astronomy and weather, to gardening tips and recipes. The brief scare on social media only proved how much this piece of Americana is still cherished.
Even as many readers do mourn the end of an era, for another long-lived almanac, it’s a reminder that sometimes you don’t know how much you value something, until it seems like it might be gone forever.
