Farm Aid 40 Unites Music Fans and Farmers in Minneapolis

By Andi Anderson

Farm Aid marked its 40th anniversary with a star-studded benefit concert at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, drawing thousands of music fans and supporters of American farmers.

Legendary performers including Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews with Tim Reynolds, Margo Price, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, Billy Strings, and Kenny Chesney joined a lineup that mixed icons with rising talents.

Founded in 1985 by Willie Nelson after he heard Bob Dylan call for aid to American farmers, Farm Aid has become a movement supporting family farms during times of economic strain.

The nonprofit raises funds and awareness to help farmers stay on their land while showcasing the connections between music, food, and community.

Margo Price, a Farm Aid board member whose family lost their farm in 1985, reminded the audience of the concert’s mission. She shared, “It’s so important for us to come together right now. I think shared struggle builds solidarity, and hope is an act of resistance.”

Fans traveled from across the country for the milestone event. Visitors from Colorado, Indiana, and across Minnesota described the concert as both a celebration of music and a show of support for farming families. Many attendees proudly wore shirts from past Farm Aid concerts, creating a family reunion atmosphere.

Outside the stadium, the Homegrown Village offered interactive exhibits on regenerative agriculture, pollinator support, and community food co-ops, underlining the organization’s focus on sustainability.

Inside, the music began with a land acknowledgement led by Indigenous Wisdom Indian Dancers, followed by performances from artists like Madeline Edwards and Jesse Welles, who delivered stirring protest songs reminiscent of Bob Dylan’s early work.

As the night continued with performances by renowned headliners and regional artists, the spirit of Farm Aid remained clear. More than just a concert, Farm Aid 40 celebrated resilience, community, and the enduring bond between music and the farmers who feed America.

Photo Credit: farm-aid