Farm Aid marked its 40th anniversary in Minneapolis with a line-up that included Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp, alongside other major artists, to raise funds for American farmers.
Dylan’s appearance was one of the most anticipated moments of the night, as the Minnesota native had not performed in the city for more than a decade.
Fans described the experience as historic, with Luiz Reyes from Mankato telling FOX 9: “It’s crazy how these artists are just here and they’re doing it like no one else could ever do it.”
The event drew large crowds throughout the day with performances from Dave Matthews, Kenny Chesney, Wynonna Judd, Margo Price and others.
Jessica Horst from Coon Rapids shared her excitement, saying she was “very excited for Neil Young, Willie, Bob Dylan.”
Farm Aid was founded in 1985 by Nelson, Mellencamp and Young as a benefit to support local independent farmers. Since then, the concerts have raised more than $85 million.
At Farm Aid 40, support was visible even before the music began, with the YouTube live stream raising $80,000 ahead of the show.
Dawn Pastien from Andover highlighted why the cause mattered to her: “It takes away a lot. We want it all to be local. We want all our food to be fresh.”
The concert, staged at Huntington Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus, was broadcast online and on CNN, allowing fans across the country to join.
Performances began in the morning and continued late into the night, with Dylan, Young and Nelson closing the anniversary event.
Farm Aid 40 once again reinforced its mission of keeping family farmers on their land while bringing together some of the most influential voices in American music.
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