Farm Aid Marks 40th Anniversary with Star-Studded Concert in Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS (Sept. 20) - Farm Aid celebrated its 40th anniversary today with a benefit concert at Huntington Bank Stadium, featuring founding artists and modern stars to raise funds for struggling family farmers.

The milestone event underscores Farm Aid’s ongoing mission to support family agriculture amid economic headwinds, uniting music legends and emerging talent in solidarity with farm communities.

High-Profile Lineup

Willie Nelson, Neil Young (with the Chrome Hearts) and John Mellencamp led the program alongside Bob Dylan and Dave Matthews (with Tim Reynolds).
Newcomer Jesse Welles made her Farm Aid debut, bringing social-media buzz to the fundraiser.
Additional acts included Margo Price, Kenny Chesney, Wynonna Judd, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats and more.

Broadcasting and Streaming

CNN provided five hours of live television coverage from 6-11 p.m. CDT, anchored by John Berman and Laura Coates, with on-site reporting by Bill Weir.
Fans could stream the concert on CNN.com, the Farm Aid YouTube channel, SiriusXM, nugs.net and major streaming services without a cable login.

Support Services and Labor Solidarity

Organizers honored picket lines of striking Teamsters at the University of Minnesota, prompting Governor Tim Walz to mediate a last-minute agreement.
Funds from ticket sales and donations support Farm Aid’s year-round hotline and grant programs, which have distributed over $85 million since 1985.

Economic Context

American farmers face low crop prices, rising production costs and stalled export markets reminiscent of the 1980s farm crisis. Calls to the Farm Aid hotline surged, reflecting acute financial and mental-health needs in rural communities.

Looking Ahead

As Farm Aid 40 concludes, organizers reaffirm the festival’s role in building a vibrant, family-farm-centered agricultural system through music, advocacy and direct assistance-four decades after its inception.