Farm Aid 40 Concert Unites Legends and Raises Millions for US Family Farmers

Farm Aid celebrated its 40th anniversary with a star-studded concert in Minneapolis, featuring founding artists Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp alongside Bob Dylan, Dave Matthews, Margo Price, and others. The event served both as a musical celebration and a platform to highlight the critical economic challenges currently facing U.S. family farmers, including falling crop prices, rising costs, and trade disruptions. Organizers and performers emphasized the inseparable connection between farm and labor movements, notably honoring striking university service workers by initially refusing to cross picket lines. The concert showcased collaborations that spanned generations, underscoring Farm Aid's legacy of solidarity and social change through music. Despite labor disputes threatening the event, intervention by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz helped secure agreements to allow the show to proceed. Overall, Farm Aid 2025 reaffirmed its mission to support family farmers while blending nostalgia with urgent advocacy amid ongoing agricultural crises.