In September, Farm Aid held its 40th annual festival in Minneapolis. This was the first time Farm Aid had come to Minnesota, a major agriculture state and home to many of our advocacy partners. Minnesota’s leaders played a big role in this year’s festivities, signaling to farmers and music-lovers around the country that they share Farm Aid’s vision of a strong and resilient family farm system of agriculture.
At the Farmer Forum
On the day before Farm Aid 40, Farm Aid hosted its annual Farmer Forum, “Seeding Democracy: From Our Fields to Our Future.” Held for advocates and farmers, this convening featured speakers and panelists from around Minnesota and the Midwest. Senator Amy Klobuchar, Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, participated virtually by sending video remarks.
Later that afternoon, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison delivered the day’s keynote address, where he addressed the Farm Aid community and spoke about Minnesota’s fight against corporate consolidation.
In the HOMEGROWN Village
On festival day, Minnesota State Representative Kristi Pursell took part in the conversation on the FarmYard Stage in the HOMEGROWN Village along with Board Artist Margo Price and farmer Keanue Driscoll-Cherland of Frogtown Farms. Representative Pursell, a former farmer, spoke about climate change, Minnesota’s unique state programs that support beginning farmers and the importance of state agriculture policy in the absence of a new national farm bill.
“Developing a relationship with your farmer… making those connections, knowing where your food comes from, that’s all part of the work of democracy.” — State Rep. Kristi Pursell
Meanwhile, Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan visited with exhibitors and met festivalgoers in the HOMEGROWN Village.
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On the Mainstage
During the Press Event shortly before the show got started, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey officially proclaimed September 20, 2025 as Farm Aid Day in Minneapolis. He kicked off the event by saying, “Farm Aid, welcome to Minneapolis, we are so proud to have you here… we in Minneapolis know that it is local, family based farmers who are putting nutritious food on our plates in the city and we know we have to be supporting you over big corporations every step of the way.” Watch here, starting at 48:46.
Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture Thom Petersen introduced Minnesota’s own Trampled by Turtles. In an interview following the festival, he spoke about the direct impacts of the Farm Aid festival, including the importance of having so many farmers in attendance with a crowd of 37,000 people backing them. He told the interviewer, “We had farmers and farm leaders from all over the country… I couldn’t be more proud of our farmers and of Minnesotans.”
Representative Angie Craig, Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee and representative from Minnesota’s 2nd congressional district, introduced Wynonna Judd on the Main Stage. After her introduction she made time to visit with farmers and advocates in the HOMEGROWN Village.
“Her powerful vocals have made her one of country music’s most beloved performers. Through her music, she celebrates the strength and resilience of working families — the same families I’m proud to represent. Please join me in welcoming the legendary Wynonna Judd!” — Representative Angie Craig
Later that night, Senator Amy Klobuchar played a part once again and introduced Farm Aid Board Artist Margo Price to the Farm Aid stage. She told the audience, “I love Farm Aid. We need you guys now, our farmers and small farmers have had a gut punch. Farm Aid and all of you stand up for them.”
Following her introduction, Senator Klobuchar sat for an interview with CNN. She told interviewers, “It’s just been incredible… This concert tonight is about people coming together to help our farmers. The fact that they are gathered to help our farmers right now, especially small farmers… couldn’t be more important.” She also spoke to the challenges farmers are facing: “Some of the big guys can handle [the tariffs], but the little farmers, they’re the ones who are really hurting… We’ve got to get some of that funding back for our nutrition program, and we also have to help save our small farmers.”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz had the honor of introducing the show’s headliner, Farm Aid president and founder Willie Nelson. He addressed the crowd Huntington Bank Stadium, “Thank you Minnesota, thank you for showing up for your neighbors. For those agriculture producers across this country who feed, fuel and clothe, not just us in our nation, but the world. From the Farm Crisis to the 80s, to the crisis in rural America today, Farm Aid has been there to lend a helping hand.”
