“For nearly 40 years, Farm Aid has stood shoulder to shoulder with family farmers and working people, and today they carry that tradition forward,” the statement continued.
Should the event change venues, Target Center could be an option as it doesn’t have events on Sept. 20, although organizers say they haven’t held Farm Aid indoors before. Nor does Somerset Amphitheater in Wisconsin, a smaller venue which has played host to Willie Nelson in the past. The venues did not immediately return calls or emails seeking comment.
Other college stadiums in the region could be options: Iowa State University and the University of Iowa don’t have home football games on Sept. 20 if the event migrates across the border.
Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen said Farm Aid is more than just a one-day concert; it includes farm tours and forums in the days leading up to the Saturday show.
“Just in the last week, I’ve heard a lot of renewed interest from farmers, row croppers, especially, who say they’re going to Farm Aid or want tickets,” Petersen said. “When times are tough, they want to be somewhere where their voices are heard.
“Hopefully, we can pull this all together, and I’m optimistic that we will.”