Historic Farmers' Almanac Saved from Closure with Digital Transformation
In a remarkable turn of events, The Farmers' Almanac will not be going out of business as previously announced. Instead, this cherished American publication is embarking on a significant transformation that includes a digital reboot, a change of ownership, and a relocation from its long-time home in Maine to the bustling metropolis of New York City.
A New Chapter Under Unofficial Networks
The almanac, first printed in 1818 and beloved by generations of farmers and gardeners, has been acquired by Unofficial Networks, a digital publisher specialising in skiing and outdoor recreation content. This acquisition ensures the continuation of the almanac's 208-year legacy, which had seemed destined to end last November.
Tim Konrad, founder and publisher of New York-based Unofficial Networks, expressed his commitment to revitalising the publication. "I saw the announcement that one of America's most enduring publications was set to close," Konrad said, "and it felt wrong to stand by while an irreplaceable piece of our national heritage disappeared."
Digital Innovation Meets Traditional Wisdom
The revival plan includes launching a new Farmers' Almanac website that Konrad describes as "a living, breathing publication with fresh, daily content." Alongside this digital expansion, there are concrete plans to bring back a print edition, ensuring the almanac remains accessible in both traditional and modern formats.
According to a joint statement from Unofficial Networks and Peter Geiger, the almanac's longtime publisher, the deal will prioritise "preserving and sustaining the iconic publication." Geiger, whose family has stewarded the Farmers' Almanac for over nine decades, expressed confidence in the transition. "For more than 200 years, the values and wisdom of the Farmers' Almanac have been protected and nurtured by four owner-publishers," he noted. "I am grateful to have found the right next custodian in Tim Konrad."
From Maine to Manhattan: A Geographic Shift
The Farmers' Almanac was originally founded in New Jersey before establishing its headquarters in Lewiston, Maine in 1955. Its forthcoming move to New York City marks a significant geographic shift, though it will remain distinct from The Old Farmer's Almanac, which is based in New Hampshire.
Both publications have maintained their unique approach to weather forecasting, relying on a secret formula that incorporates:
- Sunspot activity
- Planetary positions
- Lunar cycles
This methodology has sometimes drawn scepticism from the scientific community, with studies suggesting their long-range predictions are only slightly more than 50% accurate—roughly equivalent to random chance. Nevertheless, Geiger maintains the publication is "going out a winner" after correctly predicting a cold and snowy 2026.
The New Custodians: Unofficial Networks
Unofficial Networks brings its own entrepreneurial heritage to this historic acquisition. Founded in 2006 by Tim Konrad and his brother John in a California basement, the company has grown into a respected digital publisher focused on outdoor lifestyle content. Their experience in digital media positions them well to guide the Farmers' Almanac into its third century of publication while honouring its rich heritage.
As Geiger concluded: "I am also confident he will honor its heritage and carry it forward for generations to come." This digital rebirth represents not just a business transaction, but the preservation of an American institution that has guided agricultural planning and captured public imagination for over two centuries.
