American Family Farmer

Wednesday, April 2 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on what’s going on with our federal government and some of the programs that’ve been important for American farmers, Bayer and Monsanto fight to take away Americans’ right to know about pesticide toxicity and take away the right to sue these companies for failure to warn consumers, a push to cut down the price of eggs amid continued avian influenza concerns, and consumers swapping hen eggs for turkey eggs. Then, Doug introduces us to Jim Lowe, the owner of Lowe Family Farmstead in Kuna, ID. Lowe Family Farmstead is Idaho's most popular fall destination with their biggest time of year being the fall. They hav u-pick pumpkin options, an acclaimed corn-maze, raising beef and other livestock, too. Other options for guests, include an authentic tractor-drawn hayride, wandering through their beautiful flower field, enjoying some farm-fresh food, and of cours

Wednesday, March 26 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the Trump Administration and the freeze on previously approved farm projects and the financial toll it is taking on farmers, farm groups, farm states, farm industries, and why many in farming and agriculture are not happy. Next up, the bird flu continues to spread, exactly how long the avian influenza has really been around prior to the most recent outbreak, and how it’s affecting the dairy industry in addition to the poultry and egg industry. Then, Doug introduces us to Bryan Ravencraft, a CPA with Holbrook and Manter in Ohio. Bryan discusses his work in accounting services for agriculture businesses and why being proactive is the best effort for his clients to plan for potential challenges and address their future plans for their farm and ag business. Bryan also helps his clients’ agri-businesses grow by making the best decisions that benefit ind

Wednesday, March 19 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the guidance on the Avian Flu and what agencies around the country are advising, including blood tests on chickens and cows, Cornell University is help with a resource center, the possibility of a vaccines for poultry and bovine, and a focus on the trade war and how it’s affecting American agriculture. Next, Doug introduces us to Susan Magidson, owner of Ross Mill Farm in Pennsylvania. Ross Mill Farm is a pig sanctuary and helps pot bellied pigs find their forever homes. They’re a multi-service facility dedicated to the potbellied pig as a household companion pet, and have been recognized nationally for their training and development programs, the Farm’s techniques, services, and products have become the standard for quality and excellence in the care of this unique breed type. If you’re interested in bringing a potbelly pig into your family, you c

Wednesday, March 12 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the new administration, including Brooke Rollins, the diversity in new farmers and why it’s difficult to become a 1st generation farmer in today’s society, discussions in Congress of a new Farm Bill, the continuously rising cost of eggs, and the new news on cattle markets with prices going up. Next, Doug introduces us to Brett Reinford of Reinford Farms, located in the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania (ReinfordFarms.com). Dairy farming has been the livelihood of Reinford Farms for several generations, but then they stumbled upon the idea of recycling food waste in an effort to be more sustainable and turn it into energy. It started with turning the cow manure on the farm into energy, and then they made an investment in an anaerobic digester where they provide a sustainable solution to the massive food waste problem in our country. Lastly, Farm

Wednesday, March 5 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the rising price of eggs and how much of it is because of the Avian Flu vs grocery stores raising prices because of supply and demand and many local farmers have not risen their prices when you visit and buy from them directly; and why hobby/backyard farmers should pay attention to what’s going on because they’re not exempt from having their hens contract the bird flu either. Doug also discusses things for farmers to watch in our nation’s capital with the new administration with the EPA, the tariffs, the farm bill, immigration, the tax bill and how it all impacts family farmers. Then, Doug introduces us to his friends, Nate and Judi Shattuck of Shattuck’s Sugarhouse. Judi and her late-husband, Wil, started the sugaring their parents suggested the endeavor and now Judi continues with her son, Nate. Shattuck’s Sugarhouse has been producing maple syrup

Wednesday, February 26 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on  the Senate’s overwhelming approval of Brooke Rollins for United States Secretary of Agriculture, new findings that the avian flu has hit cattle more severely than originally suspected, and a report on the American Soybean Association and the American Sugar Beet Growers Association calling on the EPA to work with them to reform the endangered species act and how it applies to pesticides. Next, Doug introduces us to Claire Benjack of River Road Farm in Franklin, VA (RiverRoadFarmVA.com). Claire explains her farm is more of a passion project as they barely break even, but he priority remains to put healthy food people can feed to their children, which is a big reason her eggs are so popular — not only are they healthy, but she refuses to raise her prices. When Claire was 10, she asked for a farm. Her dad had been thinking about buying a farm on wh

Wednesday, February 19 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on Ohio growers hard hit with the Avian flu, how many farmers are introducing solar farming to their otherwise agriculture farms, and the National Organic Coalition urging an action alert for restoration of funding for core organic programs. Then, Doug introduces us to Curt Rich, President and CEO of the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA). When you think about multigenerational farmers, or anyone who has purchased an existing farm, it’s no shock the homes farmers reside in tend to be quite old and energy inefficient. There’s a 30% tax credit on insulation that can help make your home more energy efficient that farmers and agriculture enthusiasts should be taking advantage. Doug and Curt further discuss the specifics about the current tax credit and benefits, improvements homeowners are allowed to make, and keeping warm with

Wednesday, February 12 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on Trump’s executive orders and what they mean for American family farmers, an executive order to declare and energy emergency, a focus on the suit against John Deere for unfair practices and the continued debate of farmers’ right-to-repair, income tax opportunities for small farmers and ag enthusiasts, and a free online course with Cornell designed to support mental health challenges and suicide prevention for farmers. Then, Doug introduces us to  John Filbrun of the Maker’s Meadow, a farm in Ohio with a focus on sustainable farming practices, ethical animal welfare, and climate friendly agriculture. The main thing that makes The Maker's Meadow different is they believe they have a responsibility to help bring healing to places in our world that are broken. God has given them the resources available to help bring healing to our environment through

Wednesday, February 5 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including the news that eggs have become political as the price continues to go up, yet the farmers are receiving even less of that money, and a focus on the Avian Flu and how that’s also affecting the price and availability of eggs. Poultry farmers are being asked to tighten bio-security, a conversation on tax season. Doug discusses that, too. Then, we’re introduced to George Lewis, President of Ventura Grain, a hometown store for everything lawn and garden serving the southeastern, MA, for over 90 years. George, grew up on a “gentlemen’s farm,” studied at Bentley University with degrees in finance, economics, and earth sciences & sustainability before pursuing a post-college career as a private wealth advisor. Deciding to return to his agricultural roots, George purchased a 100-year-old grain mill. Ventura Grain continues to manufacture and sell their own brand

Wednesday, January 29 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including the government taking on John Deere under accusations of a monopoly, in part due to the ongoing battle for the farmers’ right to repair their own equipment, questioning if investing in old equipment has a better ROI than purchasing new farming equipment and machinery, and a poultry-grower payment system. Next, we’re introduced to Anne Gentry, a first generation farmer, of Braeburn Farm in Rosalind, Virginia. Braeburn Farm is a small family-owned farm with Scottish Blackface sheep and Galloway cattle. Anne and her husband, Richard, fell in love with Scottish Blackface sheep and Galloway cattle after working with them in Scotland, deciding they needed them to be part of their farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Their flock consists of 30-40 breeding ewes and several rams, with lambs being born each year in March and ready to sell by June. Lastly, Doug opines th

Wednesday, January 22 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including surveys showing consumption of dairy products is at a record high, especially butter and cheese, new research shows agriculture in America has the potential to be greenhouse gas negative, and why more people are putting solar on their farm. Then, Doug introduces us to Jim Linne, MD, a first generation farmer and owner of White Clover Farm. The farm is family owned and locally operated, and is certified 100% grass-fed by the American Grassfed Association. White Clover Farm tracks their cattle from birth to consumer to ensure they remain a safe and healthy food. Jim has seen first-hand the connection between good nutrition and health, as he practiced gastroenterology for 35 years before dedicating his time to the farm, which he’d purchased in 2005. The property was a former corn and soybean farm and, to minimize soil erosion, all of the fields have been conve

Wednesday, January 15 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including the mega-fires out west, the devastation, and how it’s affecting the supply chain for agriculture beyond SoCal. Doug also touches on the significant weather events and how cross-pollination has been effected, questioning if we have the leadership in government, a new USDA milk testing mandate for raw milk, and the bio-fuel groups are staying focused on tail pipes emissions with the bill moving to the Senate. Then, Doug introduces us to Cynthia Sweeley, owner of Wildfire Ranch Spiritual Retreat in Pennsylvania. Wildfire Ranch is a horse ranch with affordable horse boarding, horse-riding lessons, horse-back weddings, horse camps for kids, horse-training, and equine therapy. The love of horses is something that many equine-advocates have experienced starting in childhood, and Cynthia developed her heart for horses at the age of 8 years old. Wildfire Ranch is a

Wednesday, January 8 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the issues that apply to farmers, like the uncertainty and drama around congress delivering a budget deal, including $10 Billion in financial assistance to farmers, and how it will extend the 2018 Farm Bill another year, and a discussion on the need for the American public to be educated on what it costs to grow the food they enjoy. Then, Dr. Jack Stockwell joins the program for a discussion on the food we eat and the importance of supporting our local farmers. Dr. Jack is a NUCCA Chiropractor and GAPS Practitioner, as well as co-host on Doug’s Good Day Health podcast (gooddayhealthshow.com). The discussion includes the health benefits of raw food and why it makes some people sick, how overcooked food is more harmful, and why raw milk is shouldn’t be banned. You can get more from Dr. Jack on JackStockwell.com and ForbiddenDoctor.com. Then, Farmer

1/1/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the issues that apply to farmers, like genetics in seed, weather conditions, soil health, pest control, and the fact that farmers deserve better from congress and family farmers around the country are long overdue for economic and disaster relief amongst a volatile market. Plus, a federal judge has halted corporate transparency, and how a growth in dairy exports have hit new records. Next, we are introduced to Dwight Lingenfelter, a Senior Extension Associate in Weed Science. Dwight leads the herbicide evaluation program and provides leadership in extension-outreach activities, including publication of weed management guides and providing extension-education programming for growers, CCAs, and the agricultural service industry. Dwight’s primary focus is in agronomic crops but includes applied research for major vegetable crops. The Penn State Weed Science extensi

12/25/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the UDSA investing millions of dollars to advance research and extension activities aimed to solves challenges with specialty crop and organic agriculture producers, the latest information regarding the avian flu and it’s latest affects on turkeys and egg producers, and testing requirements for bird flu cases among dairy cows. Then, we’re introduced to Rowan Steele, Headwaters Farm Program Manager with East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District (EMSWCD) in Oregon. Understanding the difficulty for anyone who is not a big land owner, or comes from a family to inherit land, to get into farming and agriculture, EMSWCD aims to help. Headwaters Farm is the site of the District’s exciting Headwaters Incubator Program, which seeks to aid the development of new farm businesses by providing affordable access to land and farm resources. The 60-acre property on t

12/18/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on urbanization and how it affects farmers, massive job loss in big ag, how processing plants are hurting small farmers because of soil and water run off, and the accuracy of the Farmer’s Almanac predictions. Then, we meet Kurt Emmerich, owner/grower at Emmerich Tree Farm just outside of NYC. Being close to The City, Emmerich Tree Farm experiences different issues than most tree farmers, based on their location. At their Christmas tree farm, they love seeing families come out to enjoy the Real Christmas Tree Experience each winter. With a great view of the Warwick Valley and a charming farm atmosphere, it's the perfect setting for moments shared with family. They’ve been in business for over 15 years, and have over 10,000 trees growing. Emmerich Tree Farm focuses on providing a cut-your-own experience for families and friends near Warwick, NY. A few Christmas Tre

12/11/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: the latest information on the food and farm bill, labor issues and how the farm bill will affect employment, how chemical and weed control is done for treatments on the farm and if technology is helping or if there are still dangers to farm employees and consumers. Plus, electronic fencing for cattle, probiotics for cattle, crop prices may be returning to more “normal” levels. Then, Doug introduces us to Kristy Meyer, Communications Manager with FFA for a conversation on FFA and a recap of the FFA Convention & Expo. FFA is the premier youth organization preparing members for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. The National FFA Organization formerly known as “Future Farmers of America” – was founded by a group of young farmers in 1928. Their mission was to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing po

12/4/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including:  New York State’s impact on solar taking over farm land, Brooke Rollins named Trump’s Secretary of Agriculture, what farm economists say about the future of land ownership, more and more farmers are forced to get off-farm jobs to sustain their farm, and a focus on raising a family while sustaining a farm. In the spotlight section of this episode, Doug introduces us to Steve Callaham, CEO of the Dundee Citrus Growers Association, in Dundee, Florida. Steve shares the impact of the storms over the recent months, including Hurricane Milton, and how agricultural businesses get through traumatic natural events as such. Why citrus from Florida is set apart from other locations and it’s coming up on the industries busiest season. Farmer Doug, then, opines Trump’s slated deportation efforts and how it may affect farming. He discuses that, too. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.co

11/27/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: Who will lead Trump’s USDA? The Federal Trade Commission is continuing to probe the right to repair for farmers, farm groups urging the Biden administration to make sure renewable fuel tax credits prioritize American crops, most farmers are relying on off-farm jobs to rely on their primary source of income to keep their farms running, and barriers women face entering farming. Doug discussed that, too. Then, we welcome back Alexis Burnham of Burnham Orchards (BurnhamOrchards.com) to the program. Alexis, a 7th generation family farmer, previously discussed her family’s nearly 211 year old farm, which you can hear HERE. This time, the conversation surrounds female farmers, the opportunities of getting educated in ag, and how family farmers can continue with added benefits throughout the whole year when their primary crop is out of season. Then Farmer Doug opines why people

11/20/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including:  the vital role radio plays in the lives of farmers, what less IRA money for next year means for farmers, prospects for Secretary of Agriculture, and how the current agriculture policy is destroying Americans’ health. Then, Doug introduces us to Stephanie Tewes with Tewes Farm, a poultry farm in northern Kentucky (TewesFarm.com). Stephanie grew up a farm kid, with her grandfather starting the farm 80 years ago. Tewes Farm specializes in quality poultry in Northern Kentucky, and they have many customers from around the TriState area. They raise chickens year round for eggs and meat, specialize in dressed turkeys around the holiday season, and believe a better meal begins when you have a fresh turkey or chicken. It is the only Fresh Poultry producer in Northern Kentucky. People come from miles around to pick up a fresh turkey for the holidays. Lastly, Doug opines getting