25th Annual Farm Aid Announces Location, Ticket Information

The first Farm Aid concert took place in 1985. It was organized by a triumvirate of music greats: Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp, who were joined in 2001 by Dave Matthews. The event seeks to highlight the plight of family farmers and provide support; it has raised over $37 million, convened conferences for family farmers, provided counseling, support and disaster relief, affected Congressional legislation and remained a nagging reminder about profit margin versus an investment in the quality of sustenance. This year, Farm Aid celebrates its 25th concert in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 2.

Earlier today, Mellencamp and Nelson took to the interwebs via video call alongside executive director Carolyn Mugar and a crowd of folks in Miller Park, the Major League Baseball stadium where the event will be held, to talk about Farm Aid’s first 25 years and announce initial lineup information and ticket-sale dates.

“For 25 years, Farm Aid has worked to keep family farmers on the land,” Nelson said. “This anniversary concert is a chance for everyone to join with Farm Aid to support the family farmers who are growing hope for America, through the good food they produce, the economies they build, and their care for the soil and water. Family farmers are the backbone of our country, and right now we need them more than ever.”

All four board members of Farm Aid—Nelson, Mellencamp, Young and Matthews—will headline the special show. Other top artists will be announced at a later date. Tickets go on special pre-sale for Farm Aid members Friday, Aug. 6. Sales open up to the public Saturday, August 14, at 9 a.m. CDT. Tickets range from $39.50 to $97.50, including facility fee. The show will also be broadcast live via DirecTV.

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