Farmers’ Almanac say it will cease publication after 208 years, citing financial challenges

Advertisement

Advertise with us

A 208-year-old publication that farmers, gardeners and others keen to predict the weather have relied on for guidance will be publishing for the final time.

Read this article for free:


or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Subscribe and receive a limited-edition Free Press branded hat or tote.

Digital Subscription

One year of digital access for only $205*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional

$1 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles
Start now

*Your next Brandon Sun subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $17.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 07/11/2025 (326 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A 208-year-old publication that farmers, gardeners and others keen to predict the weather have relied on for guidance will be publishing for the final time.

Farmers’ Almanac said Thursday that its 2026 edition will be its last, citing the growing financial challenges of producing and distributing the book in today’s “chaotic media environment.” Access to the online version will cease next month.

The Maine-based publication, not to be confused with the even older Old Farmer’s Almanac in neighboring New Hampshire, was first printed in 1818. For centuries it’s used a secret formula based on sunspots, planetary positions and lunar cycles to generate long-range weather forecasts.

The 2026 edition of the Farmers’ Almanac will be the final issue of the 208-year-old publication. (Bruce Bumstead/Brandon Sun)

The 2026 edition of the Farmers’ Almanac will be the final issue of the 208-year-old publication. (Bruce Bumstead/Brandon Sun)

The almanac also contains gardening tips, trivia, jokes and natural remedies, like catnip as a pain reliever or elderberry syrup as an immune booster. But its weather forecasts make the most headlines.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the end of what has not only been an annual tradition in millions of homes and hearths for hundreds of years, but also a way of life, an inspiration for many who realize the wisdom of generations past is the key to the generations of the future,” Editor Sandi Duncan said in a statement.

In 2017, when Farmers’ Almanac reported a circulation of 2.1 million in North America, its editor said it was gaining new readers among people interested in where their food came from and who were growing fresh produce in home gardens.

Many of these readers lived in cities, prompting the publication to feature skyscrapers as well as an old farmhouse on its cover.

Report Error Submit a Tip

More Stories

Bathhouse owner upset after judge grants bail to man accused in foiled bombing

Dean Pritchard and Morgan Modjeski 5 minute read Preview

Bathhouse owner upset after judge grants bail to man accused in foiled bombing

Dean Pritchard and Morgan Modjeski 5 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 5:00 PM CDT

The owner of a Notre Dame Avenue bathhouse is troubled after a man accused of planting a pipe bomb outside his club was granted bail.

Erik Lymen Olson, 59, was granted release following a contested bail hearing last Monday.

“I don’t think he should have got out with something like this — at all,” said Christopher Gregoire, owner of AQ Sauna.

Olson was arrested Sept. 12, one day after allegedly planting a pipe bomb outside the sex and lifestyle club.

Read
Updated: Yesterday at 5:00 PM CDT

Khan cites infighting, quits as Tory leader

Carol Sanders 5 minute read Preview

Khan cites infighting, quits as Tory leader

Carol Sanders 5 minute read Updated: 9:56 AM CDT

Manitoba’s Leader of the Opposition is stepping down.

Progressive Conservative Leader Obby Khan announced late Monday afternoon he is quitting caucus and will sit in the legislature as an independent MLA, effective today.

He cited internal party fighting for his decision.

The former Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive lineman survived a caucus confidence vote Friday. He said there were 13 votes for him to remain and six against, with one person absent.

Read
Updated: 9:56 AM CDT

Jets defenceman spent whole summer working on getting to the next level

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Preview

Jets defenceman spent whole summer working on getting to the next level

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 1:57 PM CDT

Tyrel Bauer makes no apologies for the pugilistic piece of his path.

The Winnipeg Jets defenceman is ready to drop the gloves and throw down when the situation calls for it and he takes great pride in protecting his teammates.

It’s a big part of the reason Bauer will be among the 23 players submitted by the Jets on the opening-day roster on Monday.

“I’ve fought and clawed, both metaphorically and literally and now I just want to show that I can play as well,” Bauer said during a chat with the Free Press during training camp. “(Toughness) is always something that I have, it’s always something in my back pocket and something that I take a lot of pride in doing, for my teammates, for the city and the people who invest in this hockey club. That will never change.

Read
Updated: Yesterday at 1:57 PM CDT

Manitoba PCs choose interim leader as Khan blasts Tory MLAs

Carol Sanders 3 minute read Preview

Manitoba PCs choose interim leader as Khan blasts Tory MLAs

Carol Sanders 3 minute read 10:55 AM CDT

Manitoba’s Progressive Conservatives have chosen Konrad Narth as their interim party leader after the sudden resignation of Obby Khan.

Narth (LaVerendrye) was chosen to take the helm of the official opposition after Khan announced late Monday afternoon he was quitting caucus and will sit in the legislature as an independent MLA.

Khan resigned as leader despite winning a confidence vote Friday, saying there remained caucus members plotting to oust him.

The former Winnipeg Blue Bombers offensive lineman said there were 13 votes for him to remain and six against, with one person absent.

Read
10:55 AM CDT

AI, animals and us

Jordan Laidlaw 4 minute read 2:00 AM CDT

It is now perhaps axiomatic to declare that artificial intelligence will revolutionize the world, as researchers and industry insiders are projecting the novel technology to become the greatest technological breakthrough in human history.

Perfumer battling city hall to keep his shop open

Gabrielle Piché 5 minute read Preview

Perfumer battling city hall to keep his shop open

Gabrielle Piché 5 minute read Yesterday at 5:45 PM CDT

Michael O’Malley has been here before — fighting the City of Winnipeg to keep his business open.

He usually spends his days concocting scents. He’s owned La Parfumerie, a Wolseley shop, since 1993.

Twenty-seven natural perfumes line shelves on 145 Evanson St.’s bottom floor. O’Malley lives above the space.

Now, he’s required to change the home’s zoning or shut out walk-in customers. Either would kill the company, O’Malley said.

Read
Yesterday at 5:45 PM CDT