Over many years, farmers have turned to farmers’ almanacs for a look at the weather year ahead.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac is the oldest continuously published periodical in North America. Editor Janice Stillman says they use modern weather tools in addition to solar science.
“We predict, weather-wise, deviations from the norm in temperature and precipitation,” Stillman said.
Are their weather forecasts an accurate source for producers?
“Yes and no,” Stillman said. “Traditionally, the forecasts at the Old Farmer’s Almanac are 80 percent accurate—that’s across the country, season to season, month to month. Last year, our predictions for winter in particular were exceptionally good.”
Old Farmer’s Almanac forecasts are made in the first three months of each year—for the next year—and while updates aren’t printed, seasonal updates are available with an E-book subscription.
Visit www.almanac.com.