Weather wisdom, tradition, agriculture, and the enduring relevance of The Old Farmer’s Almanac

In this episode, Mary and Leah sit down with Carol Connare, Editor-in-Chief of The Old Farmer’s Almanac, for a wide-ranging and thoughtful conversation about weather patterns, gardening, agriculture, livestock management by the signs, print publishing in a digital world, and why timeless wisdom still matters. From bitter cold in Minnesota to snowstorms in New Hampshire, the discussion weaves personal experience with centuries-old observation, reminding us why working with nature rather than against it still matters. 🧭 Key Topics and Highlights 00:00–01:30 | Introductions and Weather Check Meet Carol Connare, Editor-in-Chief of The Old Farmer’s Almanac Current weather in New Hampshire compared to Minnesota Cold snaps, wind chills, and winter realities for farmers and ranchers 01:30–03:30 | Weather Weirdness and Gardening Challenges Why it sometimes snows when it seems too cold for snow Jet stream changes, moisture patterns, and rapid precipitation How erratic weather has impacted gardens over recent years 03:30–05:00 | Clearing Up the Almanac Confusion The difference between The Old Farmer’s Almanac and The Farmer’s Almanac Confirmation that The Old Farmer’s Almanac is alive, well, and thriving Business model differences and why confusion persists 05:00–06:30 | Writing for the Almanac Anyone can submit article ideas and written pieces Writer guidelines, long lead times, and working far ahead Why good ideas still matter even if they are for future editions 06:30–08:00 | Carol’s Path to the Almanac From Yankee Magazine to academia to a return to publishing Gardening, teaching, and editorial work shaping her perspective Landing her dream job later in her career 08:00–11:30 | Readership, Demographics, and Print’s Comeback Over 2.5 million copies published annually, including a Canadian edition Average reader age, strong loyalty, and multigenerational readership Reprints triggered by confusion around the closure of The Farmer’s Almanac Why print is resurging in a screen-saturated culture 11:30–14:30 | Using the Almanac and Reader Engagement The Almanac as an ongoing conversation with readers Lifelong subscribers and personal reader interactions Helping people better understand how to use the Almanac 14:30–17:30 | Livestock, Farming, and Working by the Signs Leah explains using lunar signs for weaning calves Reduced stress, calmer cattle, and improved outcomes Emergency room data, full moons, and gravitational forces Moon phases, soil movement, tides, and plant growth 17:30–19:30 | Folklore, Science, and Flow Astronomy and astrology as shared sciences historically Folklore as observation and experience rather than superstition Stepping into natural rhythms instead of trying to control outcomes 19:30–22:30 | Women, History, and the “Landladies” Feature Women-founded and women-run gardens highlighted in the 2026 issue How the Landladies feature came together Reflections on the evolving role of women in agriculture and culture 22:30–25:30 | Tradition, Faith, and Respect for Creation Oral history, handwritten diaries, and generational knowledge Faith, stewardship, and intentional design in nature Why working against natural systems often creates consequences 25:30–27:30 | Why the Almanac Still Matters The Almanac costs less than a specialty coffee Elderberry syrup, first-aid plants, and natural remedies Younger audiences rediscovering traditional knowledge 27:30–29:30 | Almanac Tools and Online Resources Website: almanac.com Free tools including frost dates, soil calculators, mulch calculators, and maps Commitment to 100 percent human-created content Social media presence on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest 29:30–30:00 | Closing Thoughts Gratitude for shared wisdom and conversation Encouragement to stay safe during extreme weather Final reminder to lead with grit and grace The Old Farmer’s Almanac: https://www.almanac.com Shop the Almanac: https://www.almanac.com/shop Free Tools: https://www.almanac.com/tools Available in print, large print, Kindle, and barn-friendly editions