Review of Farmers' Almanac TV

First published in 1818, the original Farmers’ Almanac carried on the tradition of Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack by providing early American farmers and enthusiasts useful weather and crop information blended with wit, wisdom, lifestyle tips, and a dash of wry cynicism.

Today, Farmer’s Almanac TV brings this marvel of Americana into the 21^st century. After purchasing the exclusive rights to the Farmer’s Almanac trademark in 2003, Buy the Farm LLC, a group of Savanna, GA-based entrepreneurs, broadcast its first episode on public television in April 2006 and launched its site a month later, providing farmers and gardeners with a practical, informative, and contemporary resource. 

Weather forecasts, household tips, natural cures, classic colonial recipes, how-to lawn and garden advice, and compelling insights into new and traditional ruralism are just a few of the video categories featured on Farmer’s Almanac TV. Whether it’s a short on the history of weather vanes, information about a natural cure for sore throats

, or a five-minute documentary on the national cattle dog competition, the video quality and information packed into each production is impressive and more than enough cause to stick around and celebrate the good old days.

Jim Wann, a former Broadway writer/actor, hosts most of the video content, doing so with a friendly smile. In addition to the videos, be on the lookout around the site for helpful articles and little bits of wit and wisdom – “Don’t let life discourage you; everyone who got where he is had to begin where he was.” Also check out the blogs and forums for farming-oriented discussion and tips. 

Interested in the sport of giant pumpkin growing, but only seen the weigh-ins and records? Check out this video of Al Berard as he takes you on an enlightening and jaunty tour around his Maine Giant Pumpkin patch.