From 1985 to Today: Farm Aid's 40-Year Journey of Music and Movement | stupidDOPE | Est. 2008

"When Farm Aid began in 1985 with what was intended to be a one-time benefit concert, few could have imagined that it would spark a movement still going strong four decades later. This year, Farm Aid marked its 40th anniversary at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, reminding America of the resilience of family farmers and the urgency of protecting their future. The milestone came at a pivotal moment, as family farmers face their most serious challenges since the crisis of the 1980s."

"Launched by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young, Farm Aid was created to shine a spotlight on the financial struggles family farmers were enduring during the farm crisis of the 1980s. What began as a star-studded concert quickly transformed into an ongoing national campaign for justice, sustainability, and food security. Over the years, Farm Aid has raised more than $85 million, funding programs that help farmers navigate crises, advocate for fair markets, and build a food system centered on family agriculture."

"Farm Aid 40 carried that legacy forward with a mix of celebration and renewed activism. The event brought together family farmers, advocates, food producers, and fans, creating a powerful coalition to address ongoing pressures such as low crop prices, rising costs of production, shrinking global markets, corporate consolidation, and climate disruption. Farmers from Minnesota shared their stories on stage, demonstrating both the hardships and triumphs of working the land in an era of profound uncertainty."

Farm Aid began in 1985 as a one-time benefit concert and evolved into a long-term movement supporting family farmers. The 40th anniversary took place at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, underscoring family farmers' resilience and the urgency of protecting their future. Farm Aid has raised more than $85 million to fund programs that help farmers navigate crises, advocate for fair markets, and build a food system centered on family agriculture. Farm Aid 40 combined celebration with activism, assembling farmers, advocates, producers, and fans to confront pressures like low crop prices, rising production costs, shrinking markets, corporate consolidation, and climate disruption. Minnesota farmers shared stories illustrating hardships and triumphs of working the land.

Read at stupidDOPE | Est. 2008