40th Anniversary of Farm Aid
In 1985, during a severe farm crisis in America, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp answered a call sparked by Bob Dylan’s comments at Live Aid: What about helping family farmers at home? Thus, Farm Aid was born. An annual benefit concert to raise awareness and funds for the farmers who grow our food.
The very first Farm Aid concert took place on September 22, 1985, in Champaign, Illinois. Classic rock big-names who performed included Billy Joel, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Foreigner, John Fogerty, Lou Reed, Don Henley, plus others like Bon Jovi and Roy Orbison. More than 80,000 fans showed up, and the show raised about $9 million, instantly putting America’s family farm crisis in the spotlight.
Fast forward four decades: Farm Aid has grown into much more than a concert. The organization provides grants, legal and business counseling, education, and support for sustainable agriculture programs. It’s become both a yearly music event and a hands-on resource for farmers in need.
For the 40th anniversary, the Farm Aid concert took place this past weekend on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, and Dave Matthews led the lineup, joined by Bob Dylan, Margo Price, Kenny Chesney, and many others.
Over the years, Farm Aid has raised more than $85 million, proving that music can do more than entertain; it can change lives, sustain communities, and help keep family farms thriving.
Doug O’Brien
