Farmers Day – October 12, 2026

Farmers Day
Categories:
Tags:
Lifestyle
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every October 12
Holiday emoji:
đźšś

Farmers Day is observed every October 12, celebrating the tireless work of agricultural professionals who cultivate our food supply. Take time today to appreciate the dedication and innovation of farmers, support local produce, and learn about the vital role agriculture plays in our society.

Want to sponsor Farmers Day? Learn how

Expected Farmers Day Deals

As a day of recognition, Farmers Day often sees agricultural supply companies and rural businesses offering special appreciation programs and discounts. Look for deals from retailers like Tractor Supply Co. and equipment manufacturers such as John Deere and Case IH. Many local farms may also host special events or offer promotions on fresh produce. Organizations like the American Farm Bureau Federation often highlight initiatives supporting farmers. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as October 12 approaches.

Platform Guide for Farmers Day

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #FarmersDay. Share stories of agricultural innovation or spotlight local farmers.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #FarmersDay. Share news about agricultural advancements or thank a farmer in your community.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #FarmersDay. Post photos of local farm visits or share educational content about farming.

Social Media Tips for Farmers Day

Individuals

Visit a local farmers market, buy directly from a farm stand, or simply thank a farmer you know for their hard work and dedication.

Creators

Produce content showcasing the journey of food from farm to table, interview local farmers about their daily lives, or highlight sustainable farming practices.

Brands

Retailers can highlight products sourced from local farms, agricultural businesses can offer special discounts to farmers, or food brands can share stories of their farmer partners.

Partners & Brands for Farmers Day

  1. Tractor Supply Co.

    Founded in 1938 as a mail-order tractor parts business, Tractor Supply Co. is now the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States. They provide products for home, farm, ranch, and pet owners across more than 2,000 stores.

  2. John Deere

    Established in 1837 by blacksmith John Deere, this iconic company revolutionized farming with its self-scouring steel plow. Today, Deere & Company is a global leader in agricultural machinery, heavy equipment, and lawn care.

  3. American Farm Bureau Federation

    Founded in 1919, the American Farm Bureau Federation is the largest general farm organization in the United States. It advocates for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, representing their interests in policy and trade.

  4. Case IH

    Case IH is a global leader in agricultural equipment, formed in 1985 when Tenneco acquired International Harvester's agricultural division and merged it with its J.I. Case brand. They produce tractors, combines, and other farm machinery.

  5. Cargill

    Founded in 1865, Cargill is one of the largest privately held corporations in the world, involved in purchasing, processing, and distributing grain and other agricultural commodities. They also produce food ingredients and animal feed.

  6. Land O'Lakes

    Established in 1921 as a dairy cooperative, Land O'Lakes is now a leading agribusiness and food company. Owned by farmers, they produce dairy products, animal feed, and offer agricultural services.

  7. Bayer Crop Science

    Bayer Crop Science is a division of the global life sciences company Bayer, focusing on agricultural innovation. They provide seeds, crop protection products, and digital farming solutions to enhance sustainable agriculture worldwide.

Farmers Day Hero

Norman Borlaug

Norman Borlaug (1914–2009) was an American agronomist who led initiatives that contributed to the extensive increases in agricultural production known as the Green Revolution. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970, he is credited with saving over a billion people from starvation through his development of high-yield, disease-resistant wheat varieties and improved farming techniques.

History of Farmers Day

Agriculture is one of the world’s oldest and vital professions. Farmers have remained one of the highest contributors to economic growth while consistently feeding the people who rely on their goods. Originally referred to as Old Farmer’s Day, National Farmers Day was cultivated to celebrate the hard work farmers put into growing their crops. The date of October 12 came about as it lands at the end of the traditional harvesting period, allowing farmers to participate in festivities, which can sometimes last the entirety of the month. Additionally, every three years, the Harvest Moon will fall in early October, preceding and leading up to National Farmer’s Day on the 17th.

In fact, in Loranger, Louisiana, there’s an Old Farmer’s Day Festival which celebrates and showcases the traditions and methodologies of farming before it became the modernized and scientific venture it is today. Usually, in states in the northern US, the first frost would occur in the beginning of October, if not the middle, requiring many farmers to harvest their crops beforehand to prepare for the winter. Now, because of scientific developments in farming techniques, the traditional growing period can be prolonged to increase yield and profit, part of the reasoning why National Farmer’s Day tend to extend its celebrations in rural areas to National Farmer’s Month.

Farmers Day timeline

12,000 BCE
Let's settle

People began to leave their nomadic hunter gatherer lifestyle and settled down as farmers.

Mid 1600s
You say you want a revolution

The British Agricultural Revolution began due to an unprecedented increase in agricultural production.

1902
The National Farmers Union was founded.

The NFU was founded in Texas by ten family farmers. The union advocated for voting rights for women, fair market access for farmers, and increased co-operative rights.

1934
Farm to table goods

Farmer's Markets began in Los Angeles as a way for farmers and merchants can sell their wares from permanent stalls.

Farmers Day Social Media Buzz

Traditions of National Farmers Day

Thank a farmer
They’re the backbone of the breadbasket and what feeds not just this country, but many other nations as agriculture is usually a major export. Make sure you thank a farmer today for all their hard work keeping bread on tables everywhere!
Buy from a local farmer
One of the best ways to thank a farmer is with your wallet. Head to a farmer’s market or join a local CSA (community supported agriculture) to get some fresh, local produce, eggs, or even grass-fed meat. 
Start a garden
Or become one yourself! Growing your own food is one of hte most sustainable and rewarding ways to celebrate National Farmer’s Day. It may have a tough learning curve to plant and grow just a few tomatoes, but the taste of tomatoes right off the vine will make it all worth it. 

Stats about National Farmers Day

2 million – the number of farms in the U.S.
$1 trillion – The contribution of agriculture to the US economy.
1.3% – The percentage of the U.S. labor force made up by ranchers.
90% – The percentage of U.S. crop losses caused by extreme weather
50,000 – The number of jobs available in agriculture in the U.S each year.
40% – The percentage of crop cash that is generated by corn and soybeans.
166 – The number of people the average U.S farm feeds each year.
25% – The percentage of food that Americans throw away every month.

Farmers Day FAQs

When is Farmers Day?

Farmers Day 2026 falls on Monday, October 12, a dedicated day to recognize the essential work of agricultural professionals.

How many farmers are there in the U.S.?

According to the USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture, there are approximately 3.4 million producers (farmers and ranchers) across 1.9 million farms in the United States. This vital workforce ensures food security for the nation.

What is the economic impact of farming in the U.S.?

Agriculture and related industries contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, accounting for over $1.4 trillion of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2022. This includes direct farm output, food processing, and related sectors.

Is Farmers Day a federal holiday?

No, Farmers Day is not a federal holiday in the United States. It is a day of national observance and recognition, celebrated annually on October 12.

Farmers Day Activities

  1. Go to a farmers market

    Support your local farmers by shopping at the local Farmer's Market. Keep in mind that by shopping with small businesses, you are helping an entrepreneur provide for their family or expand their business. America has a history of family farming and your support helps keep their dreams alive.

  2. Start your own mini-farm

    According to one of the top Kansas City PR Firms, only 2% of Americans grow their own food. What better way to celebrate National Farmers Day than to become your own farmer? Think how awesome would it be if your favorite fruits or veggies were growing in your backyard. Don't have a yard? No Problem. Many neighborhoods have community gardens where you can test out your green thumb.

  3. Earn your stripes with a farmer's tan

    We're not saying to throw out your sun block, but it might be fun to show solidarity with your local farmers by sporting your own t-shirt tan! Enjoy the sunny day outdoors and learn the true meaning of a Farmer's Tan.

Why We Love Farmers Day

  1. Farmers perform one of the world's oldest jobs

    Farming developed independently all over the globe, whether is was farming rice, wheat, bananas, shrimp, or almonds, farmers are working tirelessly all over the globe to feed the world.

  2. They grow our food

    It is hard to imagine a world without having access to fruits and vegetables. Fortunately, there is a group of professionals that dedicate themselves to growing the perfect produce. Farmer's play a vital role in our society by providing us with the luxury of purchasing fruit and vegetables at any given time.

  3. Farmers are dedicated, hard workers

    Deciding to be a farmer is a decision that not many take lightly. Creating a farm requires investment, tons of hard work, equipment, time and a passion for growing food.

Farmers Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 October 12 Monday
2027 October 12 Tuesday
2028 October 12 Thursday
2029 October 12 Friday
2030 October 12 Saturday

Let’s get social

Here are some special hashtags for the day.

#nationalfarmersday #farmersday #nationalfarmersday #farmersdaythanks #farmersday2020 #nationalfarmersday2020 #farmersdaycelebration