HAGERSTOWN, Md. — What comes to mind when the word Almanack is heard? The weather? Farm reports? Those are certainly important sections of the Almanack, but it is so much more than that. Here are some of the helpful and entertaining sections of the 2026 Almanack.
The calendar
One of the most important aspects of the Almanack is the calendar. It is more than just the days and months of the year; it is a breakdown of the important details of each month — for example, the rise and setting of the moon, including the changing of lunar cycles and how the Earth aligns with the planets during the month. It also includes a prediction of how much precipitation can be expected. Other interesting facts, for example, include what the length of the day will be from sunrise to sunset.
The weather
A common use for the Almanack is to get weather predictions. It breaks down weather patterns for each week of the month and gives recommendations for the best days for hobbies such as fishing, boating and skiing. These weather predictions are most important for farmers so that they know the best days for seeding and harvesting their crops. There are even small maps of the eastern United States divided into zones, with Maryland and Pennsylvania both located in Zone 3.
Fun sections in the Almanack
The Almanack is not all facts and predictions, because there are also some fun sections included, sections like Our Readers Write, which feature jokes and inspirational stories sent in by readers. Other popular sections include Some Very Interesting Facts, which feature subjects like science, entertainment and history. For the homebodies, there are two sections called Tips for the Homemaker and Hints for the Homeowner. Both sections are filled with ideas for improving the home and making use of household items that may astound. There is also a section featuring recipes and cooking tips.
Farm and Garden
Other popular sections of the Almanack are dedicated to farming and livestock. Farm and Garden provides everyday tips for planting and harvesting whether you have a field of crops or a small garden in the backyard. Poultry Notes are all about birds. In raising and tending to chickens, turkeys and ducks, readers will find tips on feeding and providing medical care for the raising of poultry. The Dairy and Livestock section gives tips and suggestions for the proper care and raising of livestock and dairy cows. With so much of Franklin and Washington counties made up of agricultural land, these sections of the Almanack are great resources for landowners and farmers.
Even more in Almanack
The Almanack contains more than 80 pages of fun and interesting facts, but it also provides some services. There are sections for advertisements for local businesses, a catalog listing for shopping and a classifieds section.
The new 2027 Edition of the Almanack is available now. To get your copy just click on this link: localnews1.org/almanack-order.
LocalNews1 has partnered with The Almanack to bring you a story every Monday taken from current or past editions.
First published in 1797, it’s the second oldest almanac in the United States and has been in continuous publication for 230 years and is the only almanack in the United States still published by the founders’ direct descendants.
