Farm Aid marked its 40th anniversary this year with a sold-out stadium in Minneapolis and a lineup that felt almost mythical: Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, and, yes, Bob Dylan, even made a surprise appearance. It was that kind of weekend — legendary music, a few surprises, and plenty of heart.
The music may have captured the headlines, but RAFI staff were hard at work behind the scenes on a training and network gathering for the Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network (DBAN), a USDA-funded partnership with Farm Aid, FLAG, and the University of Arkansas. RAFI, Farm Aid, and FLAG staff prepared a training for about 70 participants who gathered in Minneapolis for a day of learning and connection, preparing to work directly with farmers navigating financial stress. Margaret Krome-Lukens and Zacha Muñiz helped plan and facilitate the training, Fello Pérez presented a session, and Benny Bunting lent his expertise to everyone, ensuring the training was as practical and grounded as possible. (Read more about DBAN in a Civil Eats story in January, 2025.)
As RAFI Associate Director Mo Murrie put it, “We were movin’ and groovin’ all weekend long” — teaching, learning, connecting, and engaging at every turn, whether presenting at DBAN, tabling in the Homegrown Village, or meeting with farmers and partners during three packed days. RAFI’s Come to the Table Program Manager, Jarred White, commented that, “It was deeply impactful to be in a room full of farmers, advocates, and other food systems activists learning together and sharing strategies for supporting farmers.”
In the Homegrown Village, RAFI staff engaged with concertgoers about the meaning of home and food. The conversations were heartfelt and often deeply personal — stories about favorite family recipes, memories of cooking with parents or grandparents, and the pride of using vegetables grown by local farmers. As Milexa Polanco shared, “Being able to listen to a little bit of their history with food was a highlight for me.”
A steady presence throughout the weekend was Benny Bunting, RAFI’s Lead Farmer Advocate. Highly regarded in the field, Benny brought his wisdom, humor, and warmth into countless conversations with staff, farmers, and allies. He even convinced Milexa to try Farm Aid’s famous pork chop sandwich — an experience she’ll never forget.
For Milexa, the moments of community stood out even more than the music: “One thing that surprised me was seeing so many people who truly care for the farmers. It gave me hope to witness that. I believe this space helps create a sense of community and unity, which is exactly what we need at this time.”
Farm Aid at 40 was, on the surface, about great music and farming families. However, for RAFI and our partners, it was also about preparing technical assistance providers, meeting farmers, and reminding tens of thousands of people that food is more than just about eating. It’s about culture, relationships, and the farmers who make all of that possible. Here’s to another 40 years of Farm Aid and strong farmers everywhere.
Resources and technical assistance available through the Distressed Borrowers Assistance Network (DBAN) are made possible by U.S. Department of Agriculture Agreement number FSA24CPT0014403. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In addition, any reference to specific brands or types of products or services does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the USDA.