A lesser-known Farmers' Almanac will fold after 2 centuries, citing money trouble
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Florida Farmers Gear Up for a New Season as the 2026 Farmers’ Almanac Drops Insightful Forecasts
The long‑awaited 2026 edition of the Farmers’ Almanac hit the shelves this week, and the Sun Sentinel’s feature on the release offers a comprehensive look at the predictions, data insights, and practical advice that are shaping the next agricultural season for Floridians. With its signature blend of climate science, crop planning, and local expertise, the Almanac has become a trusted companion for farmers, gardeners, and anyone with a stake in the state’s food system. The article dives into the Almanac’s key takeaways, explores how Florida’s unique weather patterns are reflected in the predictions, and examines the broader implications of climate change for the region’s agriculture.
A Decade of Data and the 100‑Year Forecast
At the heart of the Almanac is a “100‑year forecast” that maps out expected temperature ranges, precipitation patterns, and growing season length across the United States. For Florida, the Almanac forecasts a gradual warming trend—averaging a 1.2‑degree Celsius increase over the next decade—alongside a modest uptick in rainfall during the late winter and early spring months. The feature highlights how these shifts could extend the growing season in the panhandle while presenting new challenges in the citrus belt, where heat stress and elevated humidity can exacerbate diseases such as citrus greening.
The Sun Sentinel article points readers to a dedicated page on the Farmers’ Almanac website (https://www.farmersalmanac.com/forecast) that offers interactive maps and downloadable PDFs of the 100‑year forecast. By cross‑referencing the forecast data with Florida’s state agricultural statistics, the piece underscores that the predicted changes align with NOAA’s long‑term climate projections for the region.
Practical Guidance for Florida’s Farmers
Beyond the big picture, the Almanac delivers granular advice tailored to the state’s diverse crop sectors. The feature notes that the 2026 edition introduces a new “Florida Crop Calendar” that syncs planting dates with the expected onset of spring rains, a critical factor for corn and soybean growers. For citrus producers, the Almanac recommends specific cultivar selections that exhibit higher heat tolerance, such as ‘Lemon’ and ‘Navel’ hybrids, and offers detailed pest‑management protocols to mitigate the increased risk of aphid infestations.
The article follows a link to the Almanac’s “Citrus Health Guide” (https://www.farmersalmanac.com/citrus-health), where experts explain how the projected rise in humidity can affect the spread of citrus canker. It also cites a recent study from the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF‑IFAS) that corroborates the Almanac’s emphasis on integrated pest management (IPM) as a cost‑effective strategy to reduce pesticide reliance.
For those cultivating vegetables, the Almanac’s “Low‑Carbon Crop Guide” offers a side‑by‑side comparison of conventional versus organic yields, highlighting that organic practices can yield comparable results while enhancing soil carbon sequestration. The Sun Sentinel piece underscores that this guidance aligns with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (FDACS) push for sustainable farming initiatives.
Local Market Dynamics and Community Resilience
The feature also turns to the economic side of agriculture, exploring how the Almanac’s projections might influence local markets. The article follows a link to the FDACS “Florida Market Trends” page (https://www.fdacs.gov/Market-Trends), where recent data show a modest 3% rise in retail prices for fresh produce in the Greater Miami area. By tying these price shifts to the Almanac’s expected weather patterns—particularly the increased frequency of “heatwaves” during July and August—the piece paints a picture of farmers needing to adapt both production schedules and marketing strategies.
In addition to market analysis, the article celebrates community efforts that are already leveraging the Almanac’s insights. It profiles a cooperative in Gainesville that uses the 2026 crop calendar to align volunteer planting days with forecasted soil moisture levels, thereby maximizing resource efficiency. The cooperative’s website (https://www.gainesvillefarmerscoop.org) is cited as an example of how local groups are translating high‑level forecasts into actionable plans.
Climate Change Context and Forward‑Looking Solutions
A significant portion of the Sun Sentinel feature delves into the implications of climate change for Florida’s agriculture. The Almanac’s forecast includes projected shifts in the timing of the Atlantic hurricane season, suggesting a slight delay in peak activity by late August. The article explains how this could affect crop insurance premiums and the need for more robust storm‑damage mitigation strategies. It also references the latest IPCC report, which reinforces the urgency of transitioning to climate‑resilient practices such as cover cropping, precision irrigation, and diversified crop rotations.
The feature ends on an optimistic note, spotlighting Florida’s growing network of agritech startups that are harnessing data analytics to help farmers make informed decisions. One such company, AgriSense, is highlighted for its real‑time soil‑moisture monitoring platform, which reportedly integrates seamlessly with the Farmers’ Almanac’s forecasting tools. The Sun Sentinel article links to AgriSense’s blog (https://www.agsensesolutions.com/blog) for readers interested in how technology is bridging the gap between long‑term forecasts and daily farm management.
Takeaway
The 2026 Farmers’ Almanac offers a multi‑layered view of Florida’s agricultural future, from macro‑climate predictions to micro‑level planting schedules and market considerations. The Sun Sentinel’s feature synthesizes these insights, drawing on linked resources from the Almanac website, UF‑IFAS research, FDACS market reports, and local community initiatives. As Florida’s farmers brace for a season of warmer temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and evolving pest dynamics, the Almanac stands out as an essential tool—providing both a compass for navigating the uncertainties ahead and a roadmap for building a more resilient, sustainable food system.
Read the Full Sun Sentinel Article at:
[ https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/11/07/farmers-almanac/ ]