Farm Aid Veterans to Succeed Retiring Carolyn Mugar and Glenda Yoder
The phrase "end of an era" gets tossed around a bit. But it is undeniably appropriate to describe the leadership changes under way at Farm Aid, which since 1985 has played an enormous role in drawing public attention to the challenges facing family farms and the need for a better food system.
Carolyn Mugar, the non-profit organization's executive director since its founding almost 40 years ago, is stepping down. Joining her in retirement is Glenda Yoder, Farm Aid's associate director since 1990.
Farm Aid supporters and admirers will be pleased that the torch is being passed to committed and experienced hands. Assuming the role of co-executive director are Jennifer Fahy, who joined Farm Aid in 2002 and has been communications director since 2008, and Shorlette Ammons, Farm Aid's program director since 2022.
The nation as a whole — and those of us who advocate for family farmers and a more local, sustainable, fair and humane food system — owe a debt of gratitude to Carolyn and to Glenda for their enduring efforts.
Farm Aid was born of the farm economic crisis of the 1980s, spawned by the rise to dominance of the conventional agriculture system and the "go big or go home" philosophy adopted by key policymakers. The international Live Aid concert in 1985 inspired music stars Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp to schedule a fundraising concert a couple of months later in Champaign, Illinois.
Carolyn Mugar, well connected through her own social issues activism, was hired to manage what then appeared to be a one-off event. But the huge success of the concert, and the persistent need for an organization looking out for the interests of small farmers, made Farm Aid the fixture that it remains today.
“There would not be 40 years of Farm Aid without Carolyn Mugar (and for all those years she’s made me look good!)," said Willie Nelson in a press release announcing the transition. "I am deeply grateful for her passion and commitment leading Farm Aid’s work, listening to farmers and always being a champion of grassroots organizations. Carolyn and Glenda rallied the Good Food Movement to bring people together in support of farmers.”
Carolyn expressed high confidence in the organization's new-era leaders: “All of us at Farm Aid confidently trust that Shorlette and Jennifer are poised to lead Farm Aid’s next chapter to benefit farmers, eaters and our soil and water. We face urgent issues with the health of our planet, and I’m thankful Farm Aid has a strong foundation for the next leaders to build upon.”
I have had the honor of attending three Farm Aid festivals: the 30th anniversary event held here in Chicago, where I represented the FamilyFarmed non-profit where I worked at the time; and for Local Food Forum, the events in Noblesville, Indiana in 2023 and in Saratoga Springs, New York this past September. They have truly been among the most inspiring experiences of my lifetime.
I have gotten to know Jennifer well in her role as communications director and look forward to working with her and Shorlette in their new roles leading Farm Aid into the future.
And I just may do a bit of genteel lobbying for Farm Aid to come back to Chicago for its 40th anniversary festival in the coming year.
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