American Family Farmer

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with the latest Agriculture News. The lead story is about the USDA's announcement of new details in the Food Assistance Program and how it will offer Federal assistance of up to $16-billion dollars of aid to farmers. Next, we meet Julie Pottier-Brown and Tamara Butts Sullivan of Farm Direct Co-op. WWW.FARMDIRECTCOOP.ORG. Julie’s primary responsibility is planning what crops show up at the depot each week. Tamera manages the flow of data to their 800 member organization, communication with the membership, accounts payable / receivable, budget planning and tracking, and working with Julie to make sure the members have the best possible experience. Farm Direct Co-op is a woman-run, not-for-profit, community-oriented, member-based organization with the goal of supporting local growers and artisans while providing the freshest local and organic food available. Finally, host/farmer Doug offers a positive story about the Brown Family Dairy, wh

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with Agri News that finds The House and Senate suing the SBA in order to get financial aid to Farmers? Next, Doug introduces us to Tracy Hayhurst, who is Farm Manager and Seed & Spoon Director at Husky Meadows Farms. www.huskymeadowsfarm.com She is developing Seed and Spoon, a culinary retreat program based on the 2-acre farm. Tracy is inspired by other farmers’ ingenuity and by chefs who can coax sublime flavors out of raw ingredients. Tracy believes that farming and cooking are sensory experiences. The feel of the soil on her hands. The scents that each plant releases. And then the flavors that could be created in the kitchen. Finally, Doug opines about the difficulty farmers are having dealing with COVID19 and suggests that farms should apply for the aid now and he doesn't want to see any of the money going to big corporate farms.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that the Fed is spending another $470-million to help family farms and feed those affected by Coronavirus. Doug wonders if the money will really get to Family Farms. Next, we meet Daron Babcock, Founder and Executive Director of Bonton Farms, Texas. https://bontonfarms.org/ Daron left a successful corporate career along with his comfortable home in Frisco, Texas to serve the inner-city residents of Bonton. Although Bonton is historically known for its high crime,poverty and violence, he believes another world is possible. He founded Bonton Farms in 2014. It started out as a garden in a small lot and has grown into two fully functioning farms and the Bonton Market . They grow organic food and are determined to grow the best-tasting, healthiest produce in the city while inspiring hope in everyone around. They also house free-range chickens, goats, turkeys, rabbits and beehives that provide an abundance of fresh eggs, milk and

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about the forced closures of meat processing plants, caused by Coronavirus. Land-O-Lakes elects to remove the Native American Woman from their logo. In positive news home delivery of milk is booming in some communities. Next, we meet Paul D. Esker, Ph.D, Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Field Crop Pathology at Penn State. https://plantpath.psu.edu/directory/pde6 He specializes in Integrated management of field crop diseases, plant disease epidemiology and statistical methods for the agricultural sciences. Finally, Family Farmer Doug Stephan opines that he believes farmers and ranchers should look at new ways of conducting business as we struggle with Coronavirus.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com has news and opines about why our Government is giving aid to Chinese-owned Pork Producers, instead of American Family Farmers? Next, we meet Patrick Horan, who along with his twin brother have owned Waldingfield Farm in Washington, CT since 2006. https://waldingfieldfarm.com/ Patrick is responsible for all marketing, sales, general operations, as well handling daily farming duties when on the farm. The Farm was purchased by their great-grandfather, at the beginning of the last century and was for many years a working dairy farm. The onset of World War II, and the declining dairy industry in New England put an end to the farm’s milking operation, but for the next fifty years the farmland was worked by neighboring farmers. Today, it is active again by family and they have numerous restaurant clients, participate in seven farmer’s markets, have a wholesale distribution, and a roadside stand! Finally, Farmer Doug goes back to the Government's ba

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with more news about how China is affecting the Family Farm and Doug's pledge, not to buy Chinese. Next, we meet Heidi Cartana, Exec. Director Common Roots Farm and Farm Director, Nina Vukicevic. www.commonrootsfarm.org Common Roots Farm is an urban, organic farm where people with and without disabilities grow healthy food and build community. It's a place where people of all abilities can learn new skills, strengthen their social networks, and contribute valued products to our local economy at their roughly four-acre urban organic farm in Santa Cruz, CA. Their motto is: “FARMING FOR ALL.” Finally, Farmer Doug advocates buying used farm equipment at auction, using on-line bidding.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about Coronavirus on the farm and China Trade deals. Next, Doug welcomes Julie Harrison, www.JulieSHarrison.com who is known around the world as ‘Julie The Garden Fairy’ through her video work, social media and blog. A landscape designer and decorator by trade, Julie has a flair for creative and imaginative designs that are infused with her own style. She knows that a good horticulturalist has to “get their hands dirty in order to get green.” Topics covered in the interview: - The importance of gardening right now with the uncertainty of Covid-19 and social distancing.-The benefits of gardening - Growing flowers and food - The importance of sharing positivity, for me that's with growing and sharing flowers. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about the importance of keeping farm animals free from Coronavirus.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com presents the latest Farm and Agri News. Farmers and Distillers are working hand-in-hand as they come together to produce Hand Sanitizer, with the Farmers providing the corn. Next, we meet Lacey and Paul Cannon of Indigenous Regeneration. www.indigenousregeneration.org Lacey is the founder of and serves as Executive Director. She oversees 17 acres of educational land restoration projects on the San Pasqual Indian Reservation. She has over 20 years’ experience in organic farming and five years of marketing experience. Paul is the co-founder of IRG. He is a descendant of the Kumeyaay nation and was raised on the San Pasqual Band of Mission Reservation. He is also a singer and songwriter who has co-written with major Grammy winning pop stars, and even made the top 50 on American Idol. Finally, Host Doug opines about how Government is favoring huge Agri-Business and suggests that you investigate getting an SBA loan at www.sba.gov

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with more news about the bankruptcy breakup of Dean Foods and Dairy Farmers of America. Then, we meet featured guest Todd Koch. www.tmkcreamery.com Todd's love for dairy cows is historically rooted in his family since the time his ancestors came to the United States and established several farms in the Northwest. Over the years, TMK Farm has established an aggressive breeding program to institute excellent dairy genetics. TMK Farm is a small, family farm that has enjoyed the privilege of dairying and continues diligently breeding for exceptional dairy genetics. Cheesemaking produces a whey byproduct that they had been spreading on their fields as a soil enhancement. But ingenuity struck and the Kochs found a rather unique use for their whey: They use it to produce a vodka-style spirit called “Cowcohol.” Finally, Doug opines about how farmers are dealing with COVID 19 getting summer farm workers. Doug says the Guest Worker Program needs

American Family Farmer and Host Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with the latest Agriculture news, including the revolution that GMO is a part of almost all crops. The question is "How good is it for us?" Then, Doug speculates on our next President and whether an Agriculture-Friendly candidate could be the deciding factor. Next, we meet Jodi Low, co ordinator of a number of Farmer's Markets in Santa Monica, CA. https://www.smgov.net/portals/farmersmarket/ Jodi brings her passion for food, farming and community building as well as experience in event management to her work. She also cultivates her own organic garden at Ocean View Farms, where she has been a member since 2001. Finally, Doug opines about the perceived and real connection between Marijuana and Hemp. He questions why The Government lacks a clear direction in moving forward with Hemp Farming.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with the disappointing news that farmers are upset that much of President Trump's Farm Subsidies payouts went to convicted felons and others that have committed fraud. In good news, Christmas Tree Farmers have doubled their sales from the previous year. Next, Doug introduces us to Tanner Klemcke, an English major, who along with his wife Catherine, with a Pharma background, became owners of the 1915 Farm. www.1915farm.com With their combined efforts focused on grass-fed and pasture raised meats - and sharing the beautiful story of sustainable agriculture. They have built their business through social platforms and word of mouth. Finally, Doug opines about encouraging women to take a more active role in farming and ranching.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with the latest Agriculture news, including another wet Spring expected, which could be rough on planting season again this year and Michael Bloomberg's comment about Farmers. Next, we meet Robby Sansom, Co-Founder & CEO at Force of Nature, a regeneratively sourced meat company. www.forceofnaturemeats.com Robby’s roots run deep in the natural food community. Force of Nature was co-founded with the intention to accelerate the creation of a global regenerative supply network. Force of Nature works in partnership with land stewards, ranchers and farmers committed to creating a positive return on the planet. Consumers now have the ability to invest in environmental regeneration by consuming meat that is good for the planet. Finally, Host Doug opines about what the year 2020 will hold for Family Farms, dealing with Global Competition and the expected wet growing season.

American Family Farmer and Host Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com welcomes Steve Gelerman, a veteran of the natural foods industry for more than 20 years. He is founder of Ian's Natural Foods, makers of a wide variety of allergy-friendly meal solutions for kids. www.iansnaturalfoods.com He is also known as Mr. Banana, as CEO of Banana Wave, makers of the first non-dairy milk made from whole bananas. www.bananawave.love. Finally, Host Doug opines about Net Neutrality and the lack of broad-band Internet in rural areas.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com welcomes outgoing National Farmer's Union President, Roger Johnson. www.nfu.org During his eleven-year-long tenure, he has led efforts to fight corporate consolidation, help farmers adapt to and mitigate climate change, develop fair international trade agreements, provide information and resources to rural communities struggling with mental health issues and opioid misuse, and ensure the economic and social viability of family farm agriculture. They discussed President Trump's State Of The Union address, the third and final round of USDA Trade Assistance, the recent use of Drones to replace Bees for Pollination and lots more issues facing Family Farmers and Ranchers. Finally, Host Doug opines about Government Subsidies.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com updates us on this week's Agriculture News, with more information about the new Trade deal with China and hormones added to Beef. Then, we meet Matt Wadiak, founder and CEO of Cooks Venture. www.cooksventure.com a group of farmers, cooks, and food professionals who couldn’t find what they wanted in the food system, so they are building it themselves from the ground up. Their very special chickens come from an ancestry of breeding heirloom and heritage chickens that have better health and livelihood than conventional chickens. Likewise, because of their pasture access and pedigree, they grow to be stronger, and more flavorful than modern conventional breeds. Finally, Farmer Doug tells us that today's consumer is not the buyer of the past and how Net Neutrality is crippling farmers from keeping up with the latest trends.

American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com talks about the misconceptions about hemp presented by the government and the news, and how it's holding back an industry that could be helping millions of people. His guest is Cory Slovik, the CEO of Core Roots CBD. https://corerootsforlife.com/ Cory talks about his line of organic CBD oil products, how they can benefit everyone from athletes to your pets and how to choose the right products for you. Plus, Doug talks about the new FDA chief who is taking action against "fake" milks and making sure people know that plant-based drinks are NOT milk.

Host and Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with Agriculture News. First on the list is more on the bankruptcy of Bordens and issues facing the Dairy Farmer. Next, we meet David Leon, Executive Director and co-founder of Farmer's Foot-print. www.farmersfootprint.us Farmers Footprint a non-profit organization, dedicated to accelerating universal adoption of re-generative agriculture and expanding understanding of the soil health/human health connection. Prior to his work with Farmer's Footprint, David founded several for-profit ventures including mobile applications, Consumer Packaged Goods, manufacturing, and portfolio brand management. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about how Cows can save the planet.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com reviews the top AG news of the week. This includes more details about the bankruptcy of Dean Foods, as Walmart cancels it's milk deal with them. Walmart will deal directly with mega dairies and eliminate the middle-man. Next, we meet Eco-Consultant Norbert Hauser. www.understandwater.com Hauser has had a distinguished career in government and public service. He is now spokesperson for High Energy Technology, a company that sells devices for energizing drinking water. He explains the "Fluoride Hoax" and why today's drinking water may be killing us. Finally, Doug opines about why California doesn't use rainbarrels to collect water.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com reviews Ag News of the day. The next round of payments from the Federal Government is likely to once again benefit large factory farms and not the Family Farms. Statistics show that only 12-cents of every Thanksgiving food dollar will go to the Farmers. That amount is down from 14-cents last year. Ice Cream manufacturer Ben and Jerry's is taking flack over using ingredients from the large Factory Farms. Next, we meet IBM Food Trust Offering Director Suzanne Livingston. www.ibm.com/food Suzanne is bringing transparency in the food chain, accountability, and traceability to retailers, suppliers, farmers and more using the power of blockchain and with an incredible global team of scientists, engineers, designers, inventors, growth hackers, and more. Finally, Doug opines about the hardships caused by the wacky trade deals. Fact: 57% of Farms are behind on paying their Bank loans.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news from the World Climate Report. The report says that we're heading into a cooling phase and the planet is cooling off. Next, news that the country's largest producer of milk, Dean Foods is filing for bankruptcy. Next, we meet Steven Tettelbach, Shellfish Ecologist at Cornell University. His research focuses on molluscan restoration, ecology, fisheries and aquaculture. His group seeks to better understand how and why populations vary in commercially important species such as the bay scallop and hard clam. They spend a lot of time in the field and so, in addition to manipulative experiments, they have documented new discoveries about the basic biology and ecology of several marine species. Finally, Doug opines about two Hemp farmers who've recently lost their bank and insurance, due to their intentions to grow Hemp.