A book that’s been in publication for 207 years is about to print its final copy, and some claim that it’s a sign of the apocalypse.
The Farmers’ Almanac has announced that they are shutting down at the end of the year, once its final edition for 2026 goes on sale.
The publishers, led by editor Sandi Duncan, announced this tough call was caused by skyrocketing printing costs and fewer people buying physical copies of books.
The annual guide has been a trusty resource for gardeners, fishers, farmers, and anyone planning outdoor activities since 1818, providing practical advice and seasonal forecasts.
Although the Farmers’ Almanac has a website where consumers can purchase and manage subscriptions, the publication will not be moving into a digital format, and the site is scheduled to go dark after December.
‘We’re grateful to have been part of your life and trust that you’ll help keep the spirit of the Almanac alive,’ Duncan and Editor Emeritus Peter Geiger said in a statement.
‘Farmers Almanac ending publication in 2026 is the true sign of the end of times,’ one fan posted on X.
‘Makes me wonder what they know that we don’t know…’ another social media user commented.
The Farmers’ Almanac (Pictured) has released its 2026 edition, which its publishers announced will be the final one
While some claimed the bad news was similar to a biblical dark omen, the truth behind the book’s end was simple: technology killed the Farmers’ Almanac.
In today’s world, free apps, websites, and smartphones handle quick weather checks and tips, which provide up-to-the-second adjustments in forecasts, making the old-school booklet harder to sustain.
Still, many people revealed that they still planned out their entire year using the guidance found in the almanac’s annual weather predictions.
‘This is crushing to hear! I never plan a trip without consulting the almanac for the weather. And I’ve never been disappointed! Enjoyed the informative articles and recipes too. I will miss you!’ one person wrote on the company’s website.
‘I honestly am hurt by your decision. I am a subscriber and would be willing to pay a higher price,’ another customer added.
The Farmers’ Almanac was founded by David Young, a teacher and astronomer in New Jersey, who focused on the book on homespun wisdom, advice on what day to fish or quit smoking, and information on the weather, solar activity, and tidal patterns.
However, social media users were quick to point out that many people have confused the Farmers’ Almanac with the Old Farmer’s Almanac, a completely different book which has been in print since 1792.
‘Over the years, there has been some confusion between different almanacs, so to be clear: The OLD Farmer’s Almanac isn’t going anywhere,’ the publication wrote online after many customers mistakenly thought their publication was shutting down too.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac (Pictured) is a separate book which is not going out of business, although many have confused the two
The Old Farmer’s Almanac is a completely separate entity that provides gardening tips for planting, guides on astronomy, and even articles on what’s trendy in fashion, food, and tech for the upcoming year.
The Farmers’ Almanac has been written to sound more like a cozy country neighbor, with old-fashioned ‘Best Days’ lists telling you exactly when to plant potatoes, cut your hair, or wean a baby, all based heavily on moon phases and folk sayings.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac has been a bit more polished and wide-ranging, including longer articles on gardening science, astronomy, natural remedies, and even trendy topics like dyeing your hair.
However, even some news outlets confused the two centuries-old publications, sharing pictures of the wrong book in their announcements that the Farmers’ Almanac was going out of business.
The reports of the Old Farmer’s Almanac have been greatly exaggerated, with the 234-year-old book still selling roughly three million copies per year.
It’s the oldest continuously published periodical in North America, and its 2026 edition is also currently available for preorder.
As for the final edition of the Farmers’ Almanac, Duncan and Geiger encouraged fans to tell their children and grandchildren about the book, which likely guided countless Americans through harsh winters, difficult planting seasons, and family camping trips.
