American Family Farmer

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to LORI DAVIS from Empty Pockets Ranch. https://www.emptypocketsranchny.com/ Empty Pockets Ranch started in 2016 with a handful of dairy sheep and 24 chickens. What began as a dream of familyhomesteading and self- sufficiency quickly morphed into a full-time business and lifestyle. They are truly 100 % family run with no staff and can guarantee that you will get an authentic farm family experience from one or all of them. Empty Pockets Ranch, located in upstate New York, has a rich history dating back to the late 1760’s .This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3010081/advertisement

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Zoe Kent, an 8th generation family farmer. At 28, she's the eighth generation in a chain of Buckeye State growers. She stands at the helm of a corn and soybean operation with roots reaching to at least 1820. You can follow her on Instagram - @FarmWithZoe In 2021, she began dropping farm-related posts on social media. Her “Farm with Zoe” Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and TikTok accounts have becomewildly popular in just two years. Contrasting with the shine of social media, Kent contends farming comes with an inherent burden placed by history and legacy.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3010081/advertisement

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Steve Roach, Safe & Healthy Food Program Director and Senior Analyst for Keep Antibiotics Working. https://www.foodanimalconcernstrust.org/ Steve's work at Food Animal Concerns Trust focuses on reducing the human health risks that result from the production of food animals including risks from foodborne illness, dangerous drug residues, and antibiotic resistance. He says that partnering with and investing in humane farmers is one of the best ways to make a difference in the lives of food-producing animals and in reducing antibiotic overuse.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3010081/advertisement

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Michael Brown, owner of Pitspone Farm. www.pitsponefarm.com In 2007, Michael started cultivating figs and traditional crops like heirloom tomatoes. Three years later, he turned his passion for gardening toward small fruits and berries. Today, Pitspone Farm in West Orange, NJ sells specialty berries to individuals, nurseries, local restaurants, grocery stores and more. This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3010081/advertisement

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Monty Moran, author of "No One Is A Stranger" and former CEO of Chipotle. www.loveisfree.com This book is about finding your brilliance: unleashing a fullness and radiance you would've never thought possible, by deepening your connections to the people and the world around you. Our farms, our society, our upbringing, our culture, and even parts of our psyche often present obstacles to making these connections. By learning to navigate these challenges, we can dramatically improve our lives. Doug and Monty describe how these principals can be applied to help make your Family Farm even more successful.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3010081/advertisement

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about how AI is already being designed to operate farms, how Agritourism helps sell product, food labels in grocery stores can be very deceiving and how the wet June has stalled early fruit. Next, we meet thePresident of Grain at Superior Feed Ingredients and regular contributor to AgWeb.com, Jon Scheve. www.superiorfeed.com Superior Feed Ingredients serves clients that have outgrown their in-house structure by offering alternatives. Given the dynamic and complex nature of the commodity markets, they use their contacts and relationships to assist clients to reach their goals and objectives at a reasonable cost. A former AFF guest, he returns to discuss managing spreads and adding profit to crops (one year later), especially with so many farmers battling May’s frost and June’s heavy rain. Finally, farmer Doug opines about why the milk marketing system needs to reformed.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you ar

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about El Nino and La Nina are on their way and that's especially good for corn and soybeans, temperatures are rising in those areas and more on the new Farm Bill and how it continues to screw small farmers. Next, we meet Quinton Cook, of Cook’s Farm Dairy, in Ortonville, MI. www.CooksFarmDairy.com For 90 years of quality ingredients, guided by a strong faith, traditional family values, and hard work, 4 generations of the Cook family has been producing Grade A dairy products since 1933. BEST OF THE BEST 2022, voted by their community in The Citizen, Oakland Press and more! They offer opportunities to meet their cows, take guided tours of the farm, attend farm festivities during the Fall months - including pumpkin patches, hayrides, and a corn maze. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about family traditions being the backbone of great farms.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this p

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that today is World Milk Day and a brief history of milk, how dairy farms will be affected by the massive Farm Bill, legally tolerated limits of contamination in our foods, Wall St against Feds requiring small farms to report on emissions. Next, we meet Jeff Farley from Majestic Meadows Alpacas & Boutique. https://majesticmeadowsalpacas.com/ They have been raising alpacas for over 25 years and have now added lots of family friendly animals to the farm to create the ultimate interactive farm education experience for animal lovers of all ages. Finally, Farmer Doug opines again about the massive Farm Bill that doesn't offer much to the small Family Farmer.This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3010081/advertisement

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about dust storms across Tennessee farms cause 70 vehicle pile-up, 7 deaths and lawsuits against the farmers, Chinese owned Smithfield Foods closes 37 of their plants, Safeway grocery stores recalls oatmeal cookies and mid-May frosts takes it's toll on New England produce. Next, we meet Bill Short a family farmer in Franklin, TN and developer Brian Wright. The Short family plans to turn their 200-acre farm into an agrihood. The family has owned the farm since the late 1800s. They’ve had dairy cows, beef cattle, hogs, two kinds of sheep, every kind of chicken and fowl you can think of, and were growing and sustaining the crops that sustained those animals. The family plans to say goodbye to traditional farm and transform it into an agrihood. Learn all about their plans. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about what he calls "The Ridiculous Farm Bill."This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertisin

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about some wandering chickens, how the new Farm Bill will affect what you eat, top money grabber in the Bill is Food Assistance, followed by Debt Ceiling and then Environmental Control. Next, we meet Lori Mercer with the Farmer Resource Network at Farm Aid, 800-FARM AID. With more than 35 years of experience working one-on-one with farmers, their goal is to connect you with helpful services, resources and opportunities specific to your individual needs. Their online directory contains more than 750 organizations all over the United States that work directly with farmers on a variety of issues. They are staffed with farm advocates, technical assistance experts, business and finance coaches, counselors and hotline operators that can help connect you with the information and resources you need. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about how the State of Iowa has legalized the sale of raw milk.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about plans for Fairlife (which is owned by Nestles) to build a huge production facility in NY, how this new facility will affect Dairy Farmers, the state of Michigan is seeing its largest reduction of farms in 10 years. Next, we meet Jessica Sanford, Adams Berry Farm of Lincoln, VT. http://www.adamsberryfarm.com/ The farm is an organic family-owned farm with pick-your-own offerings: Strawberries - Early June to late June, Raspberries - Late June to late July, Blueberries - Late July to late August, and Raspberries - Late August to frost. Their goal is to create community through food and berries. They believe that how we choose to consume has an impact on the environment and our future. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about his love for going to Farm Auctions.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about how President Joe Biden is getting pushback on his proposed climate policies, The Farmer/Citizen Movement is a new political party in The Netherlands and now 80k lawsuits have been filed against Bayer over Round-Up. Next, we meet Co-Founder of family-owned Little Seed Farm, James Ray. www.littleseedfarm.com After one too many years of city living, James & Eileen Ray came to realize that their true dreams laid in their roots. In early 2012 they moved to a farm in rural Tennessee. Their mission was to provide humanely and sustainability produced soap and skincare to the community, and to encourage other small businesses to embrace land stewardship and sustainable production. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about The Federal Milk Marketing Improvement Act. American Family Farmer Show podcasts are always available at, American Family Farmer Show.com, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about how John Deere is balking a adhering to Right-To-Repair mandates, Colorado has introduced laws to hold them to it, new energy efficient and electric tractors being developed by John Deere. Next, we meet Rachel Stallard from Roaring Acres Farm. www.roaringacres.com Roaring Acres is what many in the industry refer to as a “Hobby Farm,” because they do not farm as their primary income. Rachel is a mom to three kids, a rescue hound, goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, a writer and she’s restoring 35 acres of wilderness. Another goal is emergency preparedness and shares many tips on being prepared and how to get started. Finally, Farmer Doug has more thoughts on the state of veterinary care and advises seeking holistic alternatives to reduce use of drugs and antibodies.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about our current window for planting corn and beans, how Immigration patterns are effecting the Family Farmer, consumers don't understand why egg prices are going up, much of the rate hikes can be attributed to hundreds of thousands of chickens that have had to be killed due to Bird Flu season. Next, we meet Matt Kroul of Kroul Farms. www.kroulfarms.com Matt had a successful football career as a member of the Iowa Hawkeyes football team and then, went on to play 3 seasons for the NY Jets. In 2012, Matt returned to the farm full time. It had been a traditional multigenerational row crop and cattle/pigs farm until the early 90’s when Matt’s parents began to diversify. They added a pumpkin patch, large produce garden, greenhouses for flowers, chicken coop, and firewood business. Kroul Farms plants almost 20 acres of fresh produce each year and pick it all summer long. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about the lack of rural large an

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about a mega dairy farm shutting down after 18,000 cows are dead from a barn fire, more states are jumping on the Right-To-Repair bill against John Deere, auto manufacturers dropping AM radios which serves rural areas with farm news and information. Next, we meet owner and operator of Nauti Sisters Sea Farm, Alicia Gaiero. https://nautisistersseafarm.com/ Nauti Sisters Sea Farm, a small-scale oyster farm in Yarmouth, Maine. Much like young farmers on land, most young oyster farmers and others in aquaculture face serious challenges finding a place to farm. Even when they do, maintaining access can be an ongoing challenge. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about the Government is creating a rash of problems with H2A Labor Laws, instead of listening to farmer's needs.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about how the war between Russia and The Ukraine war is affecting our American farmers, new laws that enforce distance between cars and farm equipment, Illinoi's Clover Hill Farm was destroyed by a recent tornado and local town folk and farmers are helping them to rebuild. Next, we meet Melanie Berndtson, Grand Canyon Pennsylvania FFA Advisor, and Agriscience Teacher at Wellsboro Area High School. https://www.wellsborosd.org/ Melanie grew up splitting her time between a suburban community in New Hampshire and the small farm her father owned. While her friends and classmates were preparing for careers in nine-to-five office jobs, Melanie was most excited about her weekends on the farm and working with animals. Over the course of her 15 years at Wellsboro, she has become passionate about helping students and other teachers understand how sustainable agriculture can help build strong and vibrant communities. Finally, Farmer Doug

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about 6 Missouri farmers being sued by Baer for using a non-approved mixture of pesticides, 27 Attorney's General calling on Congress to pass Right-To-Repair legislation for farm equipment and passenger vehicles. Next, we meet Amy Brickner from Destiny Dairy Bar. https://www.destinydairybar.com/ Amy is the 3rd generation to milk cows at Stover Farms on Horners Road in Carlisle, PA. She is Herd Manager of the family farm, milks the herd, monitors herd health, activity and productivity and makes decisions with the focus on the health and comfort of each cow. All of the milk bottled by the family-owned Destiny Dairy Bar is pasteurized by lowest levels, which is proved to be safe and effective. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about who's buying all the farmland.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news all about living expenses for Family Farmers being up 14% from last year, a new totally electric tactor that can run for three hours on a charge is being produced in Michigan, a California manufacturer claims to have sold one-thousand of their electric tractors. Next, we meet Cristian Gilces, a New York State FFA Reporter who has a passion for Urban Agriculture. www.nysffa.org Throughout his Supervised Agricultural Experience he has worked at the Queens Farm, and he is a long-term intern at Grow NYC. He is also an avid indoor gardener, with an indoor greenhouse full of house plants. He strongly believes FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about how young farmers can be brainwashed by the likes of Bayer Chemical and why John Deere isn't living up to Right-To

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news all about National AG Week, it's seeding time in some parts of the country, does the new Farm Bill favor large farms over small farms?, over 90% of the Farm Bill benefits go to large farms and an explanation of the Thrifty Food Plan. Next, we meet Senior Conservation Associate Montgomery Countryside Alliance, Kristina Bostick. https://www.mocoalliance.org/ Kristina grew up in Montgomery County and has returned after a number of years in North Carolina, where she earned her Masters in Public Administration and worked on numerous environmental issues. She values all the ways the Ag Reserve benefits the region but nothing beats the excitement of a weekly CSA box or the first peaches of summer, all grown right there! Montgomery County and the Countryside Alliance are ready to help new farmers to get growing. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about getting your financial house in order and being politically astute with representatives a

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about creating more "Fairness For Farmers" as the National Farmers Union pushes for creating new labeling requirements for meat, poultry and eggs, the FDA wants all over-the-counter antibiotics/drugs for livestock to require prescriptions by June 1st. Next, we meet Joey Geter, CPA Shareholder, CRS CPAs. www.crscpa.com Joey joined the firm in 2011 and brings with him many years of experience in public accounting, tax, and audit fields. They discuss wealth building strategies also which coincides with tax strategies. Some of the items to watch out for and what are best practices or tips when filing as a family farmer or member of the ag world that is not part of a large farm-based corporation. Finally, Farmer Doug opines that farmers need to become advocates for themselves. Why are farmers only receiving 7-cents of every dollar spent on food? Enough is Enough!