What started as a heartfelt reaction to the plight of the American Farmer is now an American institution—Farm Aid.
When Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp inaugurated the Farm Aid concert series in 1985, the goal was simple: keep family farmers on the land.
Since then it’s become an annual event that showcases what our great country is all about: Americans helping Americans to be stewards of the land, remain self-reliant and help each other when needed.
The original concert was organized to both elevate awareness about the loss of family farms, and to raise money to keep farm families on their land. To date, Farm Aid, a nonprofit organization, has raised more than $50 million in support of their mission.
The Farm Aid concert is the most visible arm of the organization which works year-round to support an agricultural system that values family farmers, strong communities, good food, soil, and water.
They also staff 1-800-FARM-AID a helpline that provides referral and resource information to farm families in crisis.
Whether you’re a first time or long-time Farm Aid viewer, you won’t want to miss the 2016 concert’s magnificent lineup featuring award-winning artists performing right alongside today’s best up-and-coming acts. Filmed in September, FARM AID 2016 airs March 19th, at 10pE|7pP on AXS TV.
Concert highlights include Farm Aid founder Willie Nelson singing his signature hit, “On the Road Again,” Neil Young’s unforgettable, “Human Highway,” and John Mellencamp’s Americana, “Lawless Times.”
In addition Dave Matthews (who is also on the Farm Aid Board of Directors) and Tim Reynolds perform, “This Land is Your Land.”
Alabama Shakes, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Lukas Nelson are among the many other illustrious acts performing in Farm Aid 2016.
Farm Aid artists gather each year, at their own expense, to support and honor family farmers. Viewers will also learn more about the concert’s auxiliary activities including HOMEGROWN Village, an area of hands-on food and farm activities and skill-building; HOMEGROWN Concessions®, featuring food from family farms; and examples of Farm Aid’s work with farmers.
If you’d like to support Farm Aid’s mission to build a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America, be sure to visit their website, https://www.farmaid.org/ where you can learn more about Farm Aid’s history and objectives, as well as make a donation.
Written by Tanya Clark
