American Family Farmer

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com has news about the growing season being off to a bad start and the trade deal with China continues to look bleak with Soybean Farmers being hurt the most. But there's some good news, Japan is lifting restrictions on US Beef. Next, we meet Michael Foley, a modern advocate for traditional farming and author of "Farming for The Long Haul." www.anothermadfarmer.org Michael believes that Farmers and Consumers need to take the challenge of resilience more seriously. He says: "We aren’t as experimental and inventive as we should be. We also need to think about plastic. What will you do if you don’t have it?" He believes that food needs to be more regional, diverse, seasonal, fresher and more delicious. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about his personal mission to get people to act and help family farms.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com reports on who owns American Soil. You might be surprised. Next, Doug welcomes Erik Baum, Farm & Forestry Manager for Land's Sake Farm Stand. www.landssake.org Erik was born and raised in Eastern Massachusetts, and has been farming since he was 16. Land’s Sake is a thriving community dedicated to building meaningful connections between people, the food they eat, and the land. Over the years, Land’s Sake has grown a lot of vegetables and taught a lot of young people the basics of agriculture, ecology and local history. Finally, Doug Stephan opines about the difficulty Family Farmers are having negotiating the Trade Deal with China.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com reports on problems with spring planting, the China Trade War and wonders who the Family Farms are not benefiting from the Bail-Outs. Next, we meet Benjamin Fahrer, Principle Ecological Designer at Top Leaf Farms. www.farmtheroof.com Benjamin has an extensive farming background combined with design experience that is extremely valuable to any project wishing to incorporate food growing. Their mission is to engage and partner with architects, developers, planners, communities and artists to create buildings and urban spaces that come to life and are examples of a new patterns of resiliency in these times of ecological and social change. Then, Doug opines about how Chickens and Cows can save the planet.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com talks about the weather and how reports indicate that many Family Farmers have not been able to Fertilize. Next, following up on the negative effects of how the White House Tariffs are affecting Family Farmers. Then, we meet Bobbi Wilson, Government Relations Associate for The Wisconsin Farmers Union. www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com Bobbi also has similar duties with Dairy Together. www.dairytogether.com Over the last 10 years, the USDA recorded the loss of roughly 17,000 dairy herds, cutting the total number of U.S herds by nearly one third. Through Dairy Together, farmers across the country are mobilizing in response to the current dairy price crisis. Finally, Host Doug Stephan opines about "Farming Anxiety" over Weather and other issues. Doug encourages that it's time to join a support group or organize one.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about a new organization for Dairy Farmers, Dairy Together, www.dairytogether.com a movement to rebuild a viable dairy economy for family farmers and rural communities. Next, we meet Ellie Symes, CEO at The Bee Corp. www.thebeecorp.com Along with a few close friends, Ellie launched the Beekeeping Club at IU, with a mission to develop a pollinator-friendly campus. Within its first year, the club generated over 300 members and some very flattering media coverage. Today, The Bee Corp strives to Empower growers and beekeepers by delivering insights into beehive health. Finally, Doug opines about the growing woodchuck problem and various ways to control them.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with more news about the many dangers of Glyphosate, a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide and crop desiccant, used to kill weeds, especially annual broadleaf weeds and grasses that compete with crops. About 100 million pounds are applied to U.S. farms and lawns every year, according to the EPA. Next, we meet Kathryn and Jim Powers, who operate Glen Keen Sheep Farm, www.glenkeenfarm.com a large Sheep Farm in Ireland. Glen Keen is one of the largest farms in Irelands agri-tourism offering, over 1,400 acres in size, this single family-owned sheep farm with a commonage footprint that extends to over 5,500 acres, and is larger than some national parks. Finally, Host Doug Stephan gives examples of and opines about the profits that farmers receive at retail prices.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com has news about a controversial question dealing with citizenship on the 2020 census. Farms fell by 4% in this year's census and the number is higher with dairy farms. Next, we meet Brandy Shelley of Shelley Farms. www.shelleyfarms.com Situated on the leased oyster bottom of Bayou Hertesa, Shelley Farms has branched out to explore different methods of farming to perfect a system that provides fast-growing, high-quality oysters. Finally, we meet Molly Weaver of Weaver Eggs, in Versailles, OH. www.weavereggs.com Weaver Brothers is a fourth-generation family farm. The company is fully integrated, featuring grain production, a feed mill, egg production and processing. The farm’s 350 employees help ensure they are leaders among the egg farming community.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com has news about labor issues affecting the Small Farmer. Next, Doug welcomes Jack Algiere, Farm Director at Stone Barns Center. www.stonebarnscenter.org Jack oversees the extensive and diverse farming operations, integrating multispecies pastured livestock, grains, field crops, greenhouse, fruit, flowers and compost in a four-season agroecological system. Jack is a leader in the farm’s innovation programs and is integrally involved in training beginning farmers. Located in Pocantico Hills, NY, Stone Barns is a laboratory for learning and catalyzing a culture of informed, healthy eating. Finally, Doug opines about the Family Farm Bill of Rights and why farmers are tired of being told to "tighten the belt."

American Family Farmer and Host Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about how the label "Organic" could be fraudulent. Imported produce and meat products may not have requirements that we have here to be called "Organic." Next, Doug welcomes Kevin Skunes, chairman of the Corn Board of the National Corn Growers Association. www.ncga.com Kevin, his wife Betty, and their two sons grow corn and soybeans near Arthur, North Dakota. The National Corn Growers Association represents nearly 40,000 dues-paying corn farmers nationwide and the interests of more than 300,000 growers. NCGA and its 50 affiliated state organizations work together to create and increase opportunities for corn growers. Finally, Doug opines about options to continually make farms and farmland viable. DONATE YOUR VEHICLE: Donate a car to Eastleigh Farm Educational Foundation and help save one of the last farms with 114 acres of open land only 20 miles west of Boston. Each vehicle helps Eastleigh maintain operations while we work w

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com has news that the Organic Food Industry is growing by leaps and bounds, but only 5% of our food supply is Organic. Next, Doug welcomes Hannah Breckbill who co-owns Humble Hands Harvest, www.humblehandsharvest.com which is a worker-owned co-operative farm. They grow 2+ acres of organic vegetables, grass-finished sheep, pastured pork, and fruit and nut trees. She grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska, but has only been farming since 2009 when she interned as a CSA manager at World Hunger Relief outside of Waco, Texas. Finally, Doug opines about Agricultural Secretary Sonny Perdue, growing Meat in a laboratory and provides us with his definition of Milk.

American Family Farmer and Host Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com talks about the news of President Trump's new budget. He's asked all departments of the Government to cut back by 15%. How will this trickle down to the American Family Farmer? Next, he welcomes Francis Chester, who, with his family owns and operates Cestari Sheep & Wool Company. www.cestarisheep.com They have a farm in Virginia, where they raise sheep for wool that they use in their yarn. They also source wool from reputable ranchers throughout the United States, and all grown and processed in the United States. Finally, Doug opines about who the bad guys are in the over production of dairy and other agri-products.

American Family Farmer and Host Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about Orange Corn and why you may want to consider growing it. Next, National Family Farm Coalition member Dena Huff www.nffc.net joins Doug to discuss a number of issues that are being addressed by the agency today. Dena represents the Northern Plains Resource Council. She raises sheep, cattle, alfalfa, corn, and edible dry beans, among other crops, on her farm in Glendive, Montana since 1979. NFFC is working to ensure viable livelihoods for family farmers, fishermen and workers; safe and healthy food for everyone; and economically, environmentally sound rural communities. Finally, Doug opines about Net Neutrality, and its effects on The American Family Farmer.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that there may be hope on the horizon for Dairy Farmers in the third or fourth quarter. Predictions are that prices could rise by then. Next, Doug welcomes Will Hendrick, Staff Attorney & Manager, North Carolina Pure Farms, Pure Waters Campaign www.waterkeeper.org and Soren Rundquist, Director of Spatial Analysis for Environmental Working Group. www.ewg.org Waterkeeper Alliance strengthens and grows a global network of grassroots leaders protecting everyone’s right to clean water and The Environmental Working Group’s mission is to empower people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. With breakthrough research and education, they drive consumer choice and civic action. Finally, Doug opines about subsidies provided in the new Farm Bill and how some Factory Farms are complaining that they want more.

Host and American Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about the good and the bad in the future of farming. Also news about why farmers and ranchers are becoming more dependent on Government assistance. Then, the biggest news of the week; a dating service for cows https://www.sellmylivestock.co.uk/ . Next, we meet Gene Baur, President of Farm Sanctuary. www.farmsanctuary.org Farm Sanctuary was founded to combat the abuses of factory farming and encourage a new awareness and understanding about farm animals. Today, Farm Sanctuary is the nation’s largest and most effective farm animal rescue and protection organization. Finally, Doug opines about the future of Agriculture and wonders why Robots may hold the key.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan, www.eastleighfarm.com begins with a look at how Rural American hospitals and schools are closing and so far there has been no real reaction from the Federal Government. Next, Doug introduces Holly Rippon-Butler, who is Land Access Program Director for the National Young Farmers Coalition. www.youngfarmers.org Holly grew up on her family’s multi-generation dairy and beef farm in Upstate New York, where she continues to farm with her parents. She has focused her work on the intersection of food, farmland protection, and policy. The National Young Farmers Coalition supports practices and policies that will sustain young, independent and prosperous farmers now and in the future. Finally, Doug opines in-depth about the new tax laws and why they are too complicated and how politicians are using The Farmer.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about the State of The Union Address and references to farmers and ranchers. Next, we meet Tony Weber, who, along with his wife Michelle, own and operate a small, successful farm, Weber Ranch. www.weberranchllc.com They have no secrets, you can visit them anytime. They let animals live like animals. “Pigs need to express their pigness.” Cows and sheep eat grass, chickens thrive on pasture, and pigs desperately need to root. So, they let them. Their animals move daily from paddock to paddock, building and fertilizing the soil, leaving valuable waste behind, avoiding disease, and calmly flourishes. Because of this way of life, there is no need for antibiotics or hormones. Finally, Doug opines that farmers and ranchers need to put more emphasis on investing in their land.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan, www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about bad weather warnings and reminders about checking the snow-load frequently on your animal shelters. Also, a reminder to check animal food sources with regularity. Next, we meet Lisa Kivirist, author of: "Soil Sisters: A Toolkit For Women Farmers." https://www.amazon.com/Soil-Sisters-Toolkit-Women-Farmers/dp/0865718059 Women in agriculture are sprouting up in record numbers, but they face a host of distinct challenges and opportunities. This book is a How-To guide for them. Lisa also operates a solar-powered farm and B&B called Inn Serendipity. www.innserendipity.com It's a place to take the whole family and learn about the farm and even help out. Doug follows up with his personal opines about women farmers and his challenge to develop more programs for them.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com reports news that President Trump recently claimed that he will increase the annual farm net income by $4,000,000,000. Doug wonders how he might do that. Next, Doug welcomes Ken Iverson, who runs the Wooden Shoe family farm in Woodburn, OR. www.woodenshoe.com The farm began in 1950 and by 2001 changed the name to Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm. They have greatly expanded their operation to include taking bulb orders, cut flowers, potted tulips, a gift shop, and all sorts of food and activities on weekends for all members of the family. In recent years, they've even added their own winery. Finally, Doug welcomes Molly Yeh, host of the Television series "Girl Meets Farm." https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/girl-meets-farm She also hosts her own website "My Name is Yeh." http://mynameisyeh.com/

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com has news about the 120 Specialty Crop Organizations benefiting from the new Farm Bill. There's $60-million dollars available, and none of it is going to benefit the Dairy Farmer. Next, Doug welcomes Evan Kruse, a fourth-generation farmer at Kruse Farms www.krusefarms.com from Roseburg, OR. They grow several types of fruits and operate a huge Farmer's Market. Then, Doug opines about how the Government Shutdown is beginning to affect the Family Farmer and what he thinks about those calling in sick.

Host and Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com has news about how the New Tax Laws will affect The Family Farm. Next, we meet Bruce Perlowin, CEO of Hemp, Inc. www.hempinc.com Bruce has always been an entrepreneur. His passion for business started at the young age of seven when he began shining shoes door-to-door. He created an empire. Called, “The Company”, his operation had a business plan, investors, and employees, their product just happened to be illegal, Marijuana. As Chief Executive of Hemp INC., Bruce has become a leading expert in the legalization of industrial hemp. Finally, Doug opines about why he doesn't trust The National Farm Bureau about certain positions they take, such as Climate Change.