Farm Aid

Farm Aid (1985-2020)

EndedVariety show

Farm Aid started as a benefit concert held September 22, 1985, in Champaign, Illinois, to raise money for family farmers in the United States. The concert was organized by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young, spurred on by Bob Dylan's comments at Live Aid earlier in that year that he hoped some of the money would help American farmers in danger of losing their farms through mortgage debt. The first concert was at University of Illinois' Memorial Stadium in Champaign on September 22 before a crowd of 80,000 people. Performers included Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, B.B. King, Roy Orbison, among others and raised over $9 million for America's family farmers.

Nelson and Mellencamp then brought family farmers before Congress to testify about the state of family farming in America. Congress subsequently passed the Agricultural Credit Act of 1987 to help save family farms from foreclosure. Today, Farm Aid is an organization that works to increase awareness of the importance of family farms, and puts on an annual concert of country, blues and rock music with a variety of stars. The board of directors includes Nelson, Mellencamp, Young, and Dave Matthews. Young's speeches about the environment are a highlight of the annual shows. After the initial concert, the organization established emergency hotlines for farmers and farm associations. Farm Aid holds a farm disaster fund for farmers who lost their belongings and crops through natural disasters, such as the victims of Hurricane Katrina and the 2011 tornadoes. The funds raised are used to pay the farmer's expenses and provide food, legal and financial help, and psychological assistance.

The 2005 concert, marking the 20th anniversary of Farm Aid, took place at the Tweeter Center in Tinley Park, Illinois, with events in downtown Chicago as well. The 2007 Concert took place at Randall's Island in New York City (the first Farm Aid in New York) and was recorded in High Definition to be broadcast on HDNet as a 2 Hour Special highlighting many of the performances from the Allman Brothers and Counting Crows to John Mellencamp and Willie Nelson.

Network
Scheduleevery Saturday at 19:00 (300 min)

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
2020-09-26Farm Aid 2020 On The Roadsept. 26, 2020
2020-04-11At Home with Farm Aidavr. 11, 2020
2019-09-21Farm Aid 2019sept. 21, 2019
2018-09-22Farm Aid 2018sept. 22, 2018
2017-09-16Farm Aid 2017sept. 16, 2017
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did the TV show 'Farm Aid' premiere?

'Farm Aid' premiered on September 22, 1985.

Who organized the first 'Farm Aid' event?

The first 'Farm Aid' event was organized by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, and Neil Young.

Where was the first 'Farm Aid' event held?

The first 'Farm Aid' event was held in Champaign, Illinois.

What was the purpose of the 'Farm Aid' event?

The 'Farm Aid' event was held to raise money for family farmers in the United States.

How many people attended the first 'Farm Aid' event?

Over 80,000 people attended the first 'Farm Aid' event.

How many different artists performed at the first 'Farm Aid' event?

Over thirty different artists performed at the first 'Farm Aid' event.

Who else has performed at 'Farm Aid' events?

Other performers at 'Farm Aid' events have included Bob Dylan, B.B. King, Bon Jovi, John Denver, and The Beach Boys, among many others.

What is the largest 'Farm Aid' concert to date?

The largest 'Farm Aid' concert to date was held in 2013 in Saratoga Springs, New York and featured over 30 performers.

How much money has 'Farm Aid' raised to support family farmers?

As of 2020, 'Farm Aid' has raised over $60 million to support family farmers in the United States.

What are some of the issues faced by family farmers that 'Farm Aid' has addressed?

'Farm Aid' has addressed issues such as industrial agriculture, corporate power in the food system, genetic engineering, and fair prices for farmers, among others.

What organization does 'Farm Aid' support?

'Farm Aid' supports the National Family Farm Coalition.

How many 'Farm Aid' events have been held to date?

As of 2021, a total of 35 'Farm Aid' events have been held.

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