Do you know what the oldest continuously published periodical is in the U.S? It’s The Old Farmer’s Almanac and goes on sale every year on the 2nd Tuesday of September. Farmers everywhere race to get a copy. It was first published in 1792 during George Washington’s first term as president. The founder and editor was Robert B. Thomas and it sold for six pence or nine cents a copy.
It originally carried the name of Farmer’s Almanac but the word “Old” was added to the title in 1848 after several other farmers almanacs came out by different companies. They needed to set theirs apart so people would know which one they were buying.
Farmers and city dwellers alike have depended on the Old Farmer’s Almanac to know when to plant and what the weather for the next year will be like. It also tells fishermen when the fish will bite. A lot of people have found it indispensable.
Robert Thomas came up with a complex formula using his observations of natural weather cycles to predict the forecast. He had amazing results and was said to be uncannily accurate 80 percent of the time. (Even today, his formula is kept locked away at the Almanac offices in Dublin, New Hampshire.)
In 1858, it’s said that Abraham Lincoln, a lawyer at the time, used the Almanac to defend his client and refuting an eyewitness who claimed to have seen the crime by the light of the moon. The Almanac recorded the moon was in the first quarter on this night and riding low in the horizon. It wouldn’t have given much light at all. Abe Lincoln won the case.
The Old Farmers Almanac has only had fourteen editors since its existence, the latest of which is the second woman to take the helm. Her name is Carol Connare and she took the reins in 2023.
In the beginning, the book focused mostly on farming but it does much more now. It has advice on gardening, cooking, and fishing in addition to lunar cycles, and horoscopes. Sometimes there is a blend of trivia and human interest stories and even recipes. You can find most anything in one of these books from anecdotes to fashion predictions for the coming year.
In 1942, the almanac came close to halting publication when a German spy came ashore on Long Island, New York and was apprehended by the FBI. They found a copy of the 1942 Old Farmer’s Almanac in his pocket. It appeared the Germans were using the Almanac as a source of weather forecasts because it was so accurate. Indirectly the book was supplying information to the enemy. From then on until the war’s end, the editor quickly changed the format to only show weather indications, not forecasts.
In September 2018, they predicted that Texas and Oklahoma would have the driest winter on record and, Lord knows, that certainly came true. The Texas Panhandle went 192 days without any moisture. I was living up there then. We had very bad fires and dangerous winds that year.
It’s very gratifying to see something that’s been around for 232 years and still going strong. It’s a great resource for writers.
Today the Old Farmer’s Almanac comes in paperback, trade size, and hard back and sells between $6.94 to $14.24 for hard back. And there’s a Kindle editor. Folks swear by the information inside each copy because it’s rarely wrong.
Have you ever or anyone you know ever used the Old Farmer’s Almanac? I’ve always found it interesting and full of valuable information. There’s wonderful recipes in it as well. I’m giving away a $15 Amazon gift card to a commenter so leave me something.
Here in the Texas Panhandle, we do love our cowboys. There's just something about a man in a Stetson and jeans that makes my heart beat faster. I'm not much of a cook but I love to do genealogy and I'm a bit of a rock hound. I'm also a NY Times & USA Today bestselling author of historical western romance. You can contact me through my website and I'd love to connect with you on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and more. HAPPY READING!
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I’ve never used it, but my grandparents used those almanac calendars which had similar information. They had a white background and the lettering was in black and red.
I remember those, Denise. A lot of the older folks swore by those and the Almanac. They didn’t have the resources to the weather that we do. My dad wasn’t a farmer but he always kept The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Even after it had expired! We had a bunch to throw away when he died. Thanks for coming.
I have! As a gardener, I’ve looked up weather forecasts and patterns in order to guess when would be a good time to plant and harvest my vegetables. The recipes and little stories are also fun!
I think a lot of gardeners rely on the Old Farmer’s Almanac, Ami. The information is a trusted source for many things. Especially things connected with planting and growing. I don’t do a garden anymore but I love the information on the weather in different parts of the country where I set my stories and can’t travel there. It has good articles too. Thanks for coming!
Thank you for sharing such a fun and informative post. I grew up with the publication (family lived on ranch) but haven’t looked at one in some years now. I should rectify that!
I’m so glad you came, Catherine. I didn’t know if others would find it something of interest or not. I’m a little weird and my tastes land on strange things. I didn’t buy an almanac this year so I’m wondering if it predicted this deep freeze we’re in. Thank you for coming. Have a good day and stay warm.
Howdy Linda! Oh yes, it’s been used in my family for many years. Not so much since my father passed away, but my grandparents and my parents read it. They were farmers. I should get it! My grandson and I plant seeds each year. It would be an interesting tool to use for us!
Funny story for you! Our family has always used rain gauges. Even though none of us farm now. My husband teases me when I tell him how much rain we received. He says that we weren’t planting fields of corn or watermelons! LOL I told him recently that his sister said she had an inch of rain. He said,”You mean to tell me that my sister has a rain gauge now?!” Hehehe Inquiring minds just want to know, right??!
It’s raining now! Wonder how much rain we will get……….
Best wishes for a great year for you Linda!
Good morning, Tracy! That is funny. But doesn’t everyone want to know how much rain we get? Inquiring minds do want to know. Rain is very precious to us here in Texas where it stays so dry. We count every raindrop. Ha! Good for your sis-in-law! I hope you get an abundance today. Take care and keep the umbrella handy. Another reason to get an almanac. Ha!
My Maternal grandfather used it when he was alive years ago.
I’m sure it was a necessary item in your grandfather’s house back then, Anxious. Thank you for coming.
I remember having the Old Farmer’s Almanac in our house when I was a kid.
I did too, Rhonda. My dad always bought one even though we didn’t farm. He liked to the fishing forecast and to see what the weather was forecasted for our area. Thanks for coming.
My Grandma used it every day – I too use it for the Best days esp to cut hair, fingernails and castrate or wean animals!! It really is remarkable if you miss the dates to do so and don’t wait for the next correct date then you can certainly expect trouble!
Teresa, trouble for sure. For some reason their predictions are uncanny. They’re usually spot on. Keep one handy. Thanks for coming.
I did use it when I gardened. I don’t keep a garden anymore but it was pretty accurate
Rhonda, it’s really amazing how accurate they are. That’s why the enemy got them. They knew when to attack. Thanks for coming.
Hi Linda!
Yesterday was my dad’s birthday, and today you brought back a lot of memories. Every year he would purchase one, and I remember seeing it by his chair every day.
Hi Linda R, I’m so glad you came and found my blog interesting. They do bring back memories and for me too. My dad always had one. Thank you for your comment.
Happy New Year, Linda! I’ve read a few things in the Almanac and find them so interesting, being a total history buff! I loved your post!
Valri, it’s great to see you! Glad you popped over. I agree. Love the history and this book is really a great resource for writers. We keep saying we’ll do lunch, but I promise we will. As soon as it gets a little warmer. Love you.
We got them when I was growing up. I still gp buy it for the weather.
That’s great, Sharon. Their weather predictions are usually pretty accurate. Thank you for coming.
I got one every year when I was a kid always interesating and lots of accurate information
I’m so happy you came by, JCP. It’s great seeing you. I agree about the Almanac being interesting. I pay lots of attention to the moon cycles among other things. Have a great day and stay warm.
I remember my grandparents talking about consulting it when I was little. I think the conversation was about when to plant.
Karijean, that sounds pretty typical back then. Few people had a TV or access to any weather reports much so the Almanac really filled a need. Thank you for coming.
My mother loved it and planted her gardens according to what it said. She used many of the recipes too.
Janice, I’m sure she found it filled with information she needed. I like the moon cycles and horoscope. They also have good astrology things. Thank you for enjoying my post.
I know there was one around our house. My mom and I used to have a garden, but I’m not sure if we used the Almanac to see when to plant certain vegetables.
Hi Bonnie, it’s great to see you. Glad you can relate to my post. Almost every home used to have the Old Farmer’s Almanac in it. Enjoy your day and stay warm.
Super interesting, Linda! I’ve always felt there was a certain mystique about the Farmer’s Almanac with how accurate it is, but I’ve never actually read one. I’m not a gardner or farmer, but one of these days, I need to get a copy just to see what it’s all about.
Karen, a lot of people thought it was pretty odd to be this accurate. The formula Robert Thomas developed had uncanny results. No wonder he kept that locked up. Yes, you need to look at one. They’re very interesting and have lots more than just weather forecasts. Blessings and love, dear Filly Sister.
I love looking through them each year. I do look at the weather.
Cathy T, I do too. The first thing I turn to is the weather forecast for our area. Then I go to the beginning and scour the pages. Thank you for stopping by.
I have used them and love the content.
Debra, I’m glad you stopped by. And I’m glad you enjoyed my post.
This resource is invaluable and I have used it for gardening for many years.
Anne, I hope you grew many successful gardens. Thanks for coming.
My Daddy used to pick an almanac every year that he could find one, and I’d read it from cover to cover!!
Hi Trudy, great to see you. I read them too and found many interesting things. I use them as a writing resource especially when I’m setting a story in an unfamiliar place. Thanks for coming.
I refer to the almanac for the weather since it is so helpful.
Ellie, the weather is my number one reason for reading one. I’m anxious to know if we’ll be hot and dry or wet and/or snowy. Thanks for coming.
I am 79 years old and I recall, vividly, my father following the Farmer’s Almanac religiously. As a farmer the majority of his life, it was just as alive to him as another person. He and all farmers in Iowa have counted on it for many years. these farmers were often spouting the weather, “according to the Farmer’s almanac”, in their own words. One did not plant before checking the almanac .
Judy, we’re almost the same age! Wow. Those old timers were very religious to read the Almanac. They didn’t have a lot of TV or access to this kind of information in other places so the Almanac filled an important part of their lives. Enjoy the rest of your day and stay warm.
Very interesting history of the Almanac. I haven’t looked at one in years, but now I am curious enough to check it out.
Cheryl C, yes you might need to check it out. Who knows what you’re missing. Thanks for coming.
I’ve never used it but I remember hearing about it when I was little so I know my grandparents used it.
Quite possibly, Joannie. They were very popular. I think their popularity has waned some in recent years due to TV weather reports and Internet access to anything you want to look up. Blessings, dear friend.
I remember my grandpa and daddy using them on our family farm in Wyoming. I found this very fascinating.
Barbara, I’m so happy you found my post of interest. Farmers really relied on the Almanac before Internet, TV and other resources came along. Thanks for stopping by.
In the historical fiction story I finished recently, I purchased a Farmer’s Almanac on eBay for the year of 1947. I needed to know the planting cycles, and found it very helpful. And it was interesting to see the ads included in it. A priceless publication for farmers! Thanks for sharing, sister!
Jan, I didn’t know this! I’m sure that was very interesting reading. Glad it helped with Beggar’s Bargain. I’d like to see it next time I come. Love you, Sister.
I remember in Elementary school a teacher told us about it and shared it with the class.
Colleen, that’s interesting and pretty darn cool. Thanks for coming.
I’ve never actually used an almanac, but I have read a few of them. My grandmother has one from the 30’s or 40’s which is really neat.
Elizabeth, they are pretty darn cool. I love the advertisements too. Thanks for coming.
I remember using this book as a reference librarian because of its’ reliability.
How wonderful, Becky. It’s always been known for its reliability and accuracy. Thanks for coming.
Hi, I have seen Almanac before but never did use one. I remember Farmers used to use it and I found it very interesting. Thank you for the chance. I enjoyed reading your post. Have a great day and a great rest of the week.
Alicia, I’m glad you enjoyed my post. It’s funny because when I chose this subject to write about, I didn’t think very many would comment. Amazing. Thanks for coming.
Yes!! My Great Great Aunt Lil had an article published in the Farmers Almanac in the 1970s!
Wow, Dee. That’s very cool! I’d love to read it. I’m so happy you came by, dear friend. Love you.
When I grew up on the farm in CA, mom used it every year. So much wonderful information and yes it was mostly true.
Thanks for coming, Lori. Folks from every part of the country found it very useful and that’s pretty amazing. I’m glad you stopped by.
I’ve never used one but I believe my dad did.
Glad you came, Naomi. You don’t know what you’ve been missing. Ha! Enjoy the rest of your day.
I have read it and found the information it contains interesting.
Cherie J, that’s wonderful. I hope you pick up another next time you see one. Thank you for coming.
My grandparents used it. My Mom would look at it when she moved to the city. I am not sure if she used any of the recipes in it or not. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
Debbie, maybe it was just something your mom was used to doing. It’s very informational and entertaining even if you don’t use the Almanac for certain things. Grandparents used to always have one. Have a blessed day, my friend.
I have seen them around but never have bought one. I have read a few and a lot of people believe or in them. I think you can find some interesting thing in them.
Quilt Lady Blog, I’m happy to see you. Thanks for coming. The Internet, TV, and other sources have sort of taken away the need for the Almanac. I wonder how much longer it will be in circulation? It’ll be sad when they’re not around anymore.
My grandparents and my dad used it. I have read them and they are very informative and have a lot of information.
That is true, Linda. I find them very interesting. Have a blessed day.
My parents would buy one sometimes, and my brother still will some years too. It’s fun flipping through the almanac and learning interesting things.
I agree, Megan. They’re fun to look at. Writers these days use the Almanac for research. My sister recently bought one from the 1940s off of Ebay so would have the correct information for her new book. Thanks for coming.
haven’t used it
Thanks for coming, BN100.
I have looked through copies of it and found interesting information. But I have never used it to plan travels, gardening, or anything else. It is interesting how accurate it is using an old formula plus, I am sure, some more recent techniques. Reading it is an interesting way to spend an afternoon or two.
Pat, they are very interesting. I think it’s funny that the Germans were using the Almanac to help them plan the war. And Abraham Lincoln using it to free his client. They are very useful in many ways. I mostly use it for research. You can buy any year on Ebay and find out all sorts of things for the time period you have. Love the Almanac. Glad you came over, dear friend. Blessings and love.
What memories this brought up for me, Linda! My parents got one of these every single time they went on sale. I remember being so mystified by so much of the predictions in those almanacs. This was a wonderful post. Hope you are doing well and staying somewhat warm! It’s supposed to get up to 40 tomorrow here in OKC! I am so thrilled.
Cheryl, I’m not surprised. Many people used to plan their lives around the information in the Almanac. Not so much anymore with the Internet and TV. YAY on the warmer day! We’re going to be in the 50s. Yippee! But it’s short-lived and we’ll plunge back into the freezing temps on Friday. Love you, dear friend!
Hi Linda, Yes, my husband & I use the Old Farmer’s Almanac each year to put out our garden in the correct sign & dates. We usually have a good season doing this. I also enjoy the recipes & predications for the weather in our area each month. However, usually the predications are wrong (we realize they are mostly for fun).. Enjoyed your post & your books.
Thank you for coming to read my post, Miss Lois! Great to see you and to know the Almanac is being used at your house. Yes, sometimes they do get the weather predictions wrong but I think they’re still fun. Blessings and love.
Miss Linda- I’m late to the party. I love the Farmers Almanac. I find it very intriguing. I really like looking at the weather predictions and seeing if they get it correct.
Again, sorry I didn’t see this yesterday.
I had a stressful day.
My baby is sick. She went to vet and gets to go back today, all day. She has infected intestine and fever. They gave her antibiotic and nausea meds. She ate carpet. She’s passed some on Monday, but now her stools are bloody, and STINKS. They are going to give her barium in this morning and X-ray her every 30 minutes to hour for 3 hours to look for an obstruction. ?
Love you and pray for our Miss Sage.
Miss Tonya, I’m so sorry about your sweet Sage. I’m praying she recovers soon from this obstruction. The little scamp. Can’t believe she ate carpet! Wow. You’ll have to fix that where she can’t. Let me know how she gets. Keep using the Almanac. They are fun to look at. Love you so much, sister friend. Waving from Texas.
My Grandfather swore by the almanac. He used it to help with his crops, and to know when to wean his cows. Those 2 things I remember and I am sure my Grandmother read it for the recipes.
Joye, thank you for coming. those old people used the Almanac for a lot of things in their daily lives. Sadly, I fear the Internet and TV will soon put them out of business but I hope not for a long time.
My dad faithfully reads his almanac every year! Such a great post, Linda!
Shanna, bless your dad! The Almanac is like a Bible for the older generation. I’m glad you enjoyed my post. Love you, Filly Sister!
I know the gardeners in our area still rely on it. I’ve glanced at it a few times. Wish I would looked more closely for the recipes and expected weather outlook.
Hi Linda: I used to use the almanac to check the weather when planning my vacations. Not so much anymore, but it was pretty acurate back then. Thanks for the interesting info!
My dad raised cattle and he used it to tell when the best times were for certain things like dehorning. He also used it to plant his garden.
My grandfather who was a farmer read the Almanac for lots of information.Especially the phases of the moon which he used in some way for planting crops. I always thought it was chock full of information on all sorts of things.
Linda…You’ve brought sweet memories back to a lot of us! I borrow it online from my library now but I still have old copies that my dad scribbled in which I love to read.