Photos from the Farm Aid 2024 Concert (Part 2)
Series of Closeups of World-Class Performers Supporting Family Farmers
Willie Nelson. Neil Young. John Mellencamp. These performing artists stepped up in 1985 in the midst of a crisis in rural America, as so many farmers were losing their land or at great risk because of a confluence of low product prices, sky-high interest rates, and the impact of the conventional food system and a agriculture policy philosophy of “go big or go home.”
The three musicians scrambled together a concert, titled Farm Aid, held in Champaign, Illinois in September 1985. The fundraiser was then thought of as a one-off. But the non-profit Farm Aid organization, under the leadership of Executive Director Carolyn Mugar from its inception, became a permanent structure advocating for the interests of family farmers, addressing their ongoing challenges, and pursuing a healthier and more sustainable food system.
I had the privilege of attending the 39th Farm Aid Festival last Saturday (September 21) in Saratoga Springs, New York, my third opportunity to participate in this inspiring event (previously in 2015 and 2023). And for the first time, I obtained access to the photographer pit just below the stage.
As a result, I have produced photo essays of each of the headliner performers on the Local Food Forum website. In this section and final batch, I share the photos of the founders, who are heroes of mine for their work.
After them, I will repeat the links to the articles about their fellow Farm Aid Board members Dave Matthews and Margo Price, as well as music legend Mavis Staples, which I provided in a newsletter published on Monday.
Willie Nelson
Neil Young
John Mellencamp
