Dear John,

Farm Aid has been my focus for 39 years and it has taken me down the best roads. The relationships and experiences I've had are extraordinary. As of the start of this new year, I have stepped away from my role as Executive Director to allow for a new phase in the organization’s leadership. But it has not just been me as executive director; for 34 of these 39 years, I have worked very closely with Glenda Yoder, Farm Aid's Associate Director, who has also stepped away. I could never have done it without her; we have done our work together as strong allies and collaborators.

Carolyn Mugar and Glenda Yoder. (Photo © Ebet Roberts)

This exciting transition marks the beginning of a new chapter, and I am thrilled that Shorlette Ammons and Jennifer Fahy, who each have deep histories here at Farm Aid, are now Co-Executive Directors to lead the organization forward.

I'm deeply committed to Farm Aid and its mission, and particularly to all the folks I've met and who I call friends. There is no way to just walk away from these relationships and from the reality of the ongoing struggle for family farm agriculture. You can continue to find me on the same road with you all. I look forward to staying connected and contributing to Farm Aid's continued success, always focusing on family farmers.

I feel lucky to be with Farm Aid to achieve great things and make good trouble with and for the family farmers we serve. I'm glad I've had the opportunity to learn from Willie as he leads us all into the countryside. Farm Aid is an extraordinary, unique mix of artists, farmers, activists and eaters. And with our collective strengths, together we can move mountains. Thank you always for standing with family farmers and Farm Aid.

Onward!
Carolyn Mugar

Backstage at Farm Aid 2024 in Saratoga Springs, New York, the podcast team interviewed Tennessee State Representative Justin Jones. It was a fantastic interview and Justin's energy was infectious! Take a listen to our latest Against the Grain bonus episode to hear how Justin is encouraging young people to get into farming, about music as a tool to amplify our voices and how food and agriculture issues transcend the usual divisions in the Tennessee legislature.

"To those who are on the other side of the aisle from me: [farming] is an issue of food justice. When we fight for food justice, we're fighting for [our opponents] and their children too. And so this is an issue of not left or right, but it really is an issue of right and wrong." — Justin Jones

In Pine Bush, NY, Lauren and Eric Taffera are transforming an old horse boarding facility into a growing and evolving farm with their family. Farm Aid is excited to feature their latest creation — wool beanies — in our shop. Learn about their farm and how their wool ended up in our super-cozy hats.

PS: Issues of immigration and corporate power are heating up around the country. We're keeping an eye on them to keep you informed. Learn more about immigration and agriculture in our newly-updated fact sheet.