Dear John,

Farm Aid 40 may have been almost a month ago, but we're still thinking about the unique aspects that made it such a special festival. Not only did farmers, artists, advocates and music fans come together to raise awareness about the challenges and opportunities farmers face, but they all celebrated together with music, activities and events.

Thank you to everyone who participated in person and virtually! Below are some of the numbers that made Farm Aid 40 so special.

37,000

In person festivalgoers at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis for Farm Aid 40.

4 million

Viewers of the Farm Aid 40 broadcast on CNN.

251

Virtual Farm Aid 40 watch parties.

18

Artists on the Farm Aid 40 lineup – including the late addition of Bob Dylan and the surprise appearance of Sierra Ferrell.

7

Minnesota farmers featured on the press event stage that kicked off Farm Aid 40.

472

Volunteers from 2 countries and 28 states made the day run smoothly. They set up, chopped vegetables, helped festivalgoers make compost and put smiles on everyone’s faces!

0

Waste! Farm Aid 40 was Huntington Bank Stadium's first-ever zero waste event. Working with Dakota Prairie Composting, we diverted organic materials from landfills, creating 13,600 pounds of usable compost! We also donated hay, corn and other products to local farmers post festival.

65

HOMEGROWN Concessions® menu items served throughout the venue. This food was sourced from family farmers who use ecological production practices and were paid a fair price.

6

Regional farmers spotlighted on the FarmYard Stage (including 3 who were in a panel recorded live for our podcast Against the Grain).

42

HOMEGROWN Village exhibitors covering topics like soil health and land access.

5

Skills Tent demonstrations like beekeeping, fermentation, seed-saving and fabric dyeing; Plus 1 amazing seed swap.

1,000s

Of flowers, corn shocks and hay bales provided by a dozen local farms to decorate the venue.

30

Policymakers from Minnesota and the Midwest who spoke with and learned from farmers and strategized about how they can support family farm agriculture in their work.

23

Merch items were sold at the festival and in our online store.

9

Pre-festival events including 415 participants in our Farmer Forum, 60 people joining local farm tours and 3 spectacular performances at our Color Me Country event that honored the legacy of BIPOC artists' influence on roots music, culture and community.