Roots Report Commemorates the 39th Annual Farm Aid Concert

Okee dokee folks … “Happy Farm Aid!” is a phrase that was exclaimed by performers and fans many times over at the sold out, 39th annual Farm Aid concert in Saratoga, NY. I should correct myself here though, Farm Aid is much more than a concert, it’s more of a day of awareness with a great live soundtrack.

Farm Aid Panel Discussion

The day started with the all important press conference about Farm Aid and the status of family farming. This has become my favorite part of the festival. Farmers, Farm Aid staff, and the board – Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews and Margo Price all took seats on the stage and addressed the crowd with the latest news.

Farm Aid president and founder, Willie Nelson told the audience that “farmers are doing right by their communities, just as they always have, but if we’re going to get the food systems that we need, we all have to work together to support their efforts.”

Farmers told both inspiring and troubling stories about how they started and what hurdles they have had to clear to sustain their farms. It was mentioned that there are currently about 30,000 farms in New York State. This number has dropped 10% over the past couple of years. Many farmers noted that weather due to climate change has affected their ability to successfully grow crops. Other issues plaguing local farmers are rising labor costs and the growing competition of corporations with factory farms.

Board member, Margo Price mentioned how her family had a farm, and she witnessed firsthand the struggles of how having a family farm is barely sustainable. She compared it to the current state of the music industry. She then blurted out, “Don’t get me started on the music business … but please, visit a farmers market and GO OUT AND VOTE!

One of the farmers spoke via zoom about how “Food is the universal unifier.” An indigenous farmer talked about the tradition of preserving seeds, the relationship with the land, regenerative agriculture, and organic farming.

John Mellencamp brought up how the white men came to America and threw indigenous people off the land and then claimed the land, but now are trying to evict immigrants from many places. He added that his sister is a farmer, and she developed breast cancer from agriculture chemicals. He finished by saying, “If you want a better world, it starts with you!”

Neil Young stood up and addressed the audience. He pointed out a red “stop factory farms” shirt he spotted on an audience member and said we are fighting for the life of the earth. Factory farms are not the natural way and are adding to climate change. He told people to “Think about what you are doing, especially when you are in your ‘fossil mobile’ because it is damaging the earth.” He finished his speech by adding, “We love the American farmers!”

Dave Matthews said that we should take back the food systems from corporate America and mentioned, “We have the technology to save the Earth, but greed stops it, corporate greed. It’s revolutionary to grow food!” This was met with a rousing round of applause.

The panel concluded by encouraging attendees to visit the food stands, booths, panel discussions and workshops. The Homegrown Village engaged festivalgoers with hands-on activities with water, wild plant identification, energy, food, and farming.  Some of the presentations on the Farmyard stage included topics such as food access, soil health, and climate change. All of the food sold in the Homegrown Concessions area was organically grown by local farmers. This huge area itself could have attracted a crowd without the added draw of the performers! One could have easily spent the entire day pursuing the booths and workshops.

Farm Aid Performances

Then the music started. A marathon of amazing musicians kept the Farm Aid soundtrack playing for nearly ten hours. Kontiwennenhá Wi, Wisdom Indian Dancers, Jesse Welles, Cassandra Lewis, Southern Avenue, Joy Oladokun, Charley Crockett, Lukas Nelson with The Travelin’ McCourys w/special guest Del McCoury, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Mavis Staples, Margo Price, Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, John Mellencamp, Neil Young, and Willie Nelson & Family filled the amphitheater throughout the day with barely a lull in between acts. This musical potpourri wrapped with many of the performers joining Wille Nelson and family for a rousing finale.

Over the past 39 years, Farm Aid has raised over 80 million dollars to support programs that help farmers. Most importantly they are spreading the message that family-owned farms and healthily sustained farmland using organic techniques are what the planet needs to survive and thrive.

How to Donate

Farm Aid accepts donations year-round and Farm Aid merchandise sales also support the cause. Farm Aid stands for something very important. For more info about future Farm Aid events, the mission and merchandise, plow over to farmaid.org

That’s it for now. You can listen to my podcasts at motifri.com/rootsreportpodcast and find my Farm Aid concert photographs at motifri.com/fuzeksfotos. Thanks for reading and listening. Visit johnfuzek.com for more information.