Willie Nelson and fellow musicians are headlining the Farm Aid festival in Virginia Beach on 26 September at a time when American family farmers face mounting pressures including rising bankruptcies, soaring fuel and fertiliser costs, labour shortages, and competition for land from data centres. The situation echoes the farm crisis of the 1980s that prompted Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp to establish Farm Aid four decades ago. The festival remains music's longest-running concert for a cause, with the organisation having raised $90 million since 1985 to support family agriculture and provide assistance to struggling farmers.

Farm bankruptcies have climbed 46 per cent year-on-year, with 315 farmers filing for Chapter 12 bankruptcy protection in 2025 alone—the second consecutive year of increases. The festival will feature performances from Nelson, Young and Matthews alongside acts including Turnpike Troubadours and Sierra Ferrell, whilst activists and farmers will discuss agricultural challenges at dedicated programme areas. Farm Aid continues to expand support networks, with training sessions being held to help farmers navigate financial distress and remain on their land.