American Family Farmer

American Family Farmer and Host Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with sad news that 90 Organic Dairy Farms have lost their contracts to supply raw milk, beginning January 1, 2022. Next, we meet Stephanie Berkeley, Manager of Farm Safety Foundation/Yellow Wellies Charity. www.yellowwellies.org Stephanie’s BIO: Hailing from Donegal in Ireland, her friends were either farmers or fishermen; equally dangerous industries. The Farm Safety Foundation works closely with Young Farmers Clubs, HSE, the Farm Safety Partnerships and a range of farming organizations to help raise awareness of farm safety among young farmers, such as equipment accidents, skin cancer, hazardous chemicals, mental health, etc. Part of the formula includes national campaigns, such as Farm Safety Week and Mind Your Head. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about one of the philosophies that is killing Family Farms, "Get big, or get out!"

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about the Billion Dollar fund now available for contract farmers. New weeds are becoming new problems. Did you know that 25% of farmers today are beginners? 440 acres is the average size of farms in America. Next, we meet Linda Horn, Interim Director, UMass Extension 4-H Youth Development Program. https://ag.umass.edu/mass4h She explains what 4-H is and how it is affiliated with the University system. She explains the traditional 4-H model, including animal science and agricultural programs, and how this has evolved and expanded into agriscience, robotics, and other areas while still focusing on agriculture. Linda also introduces us to two very bright 4-H members, Lilly Dias and Rachel Meacham. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about staying focused on the farm, and not being distracted.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with more news about the effects of the droughts, out west. Then, news about more benefits to drinking raw milk. Next, we meet Executive Director of The Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation, Brad Mitchell. www.mfbf.net - brad@mfbf.net the Mass Farm Bureau Federation is the state’s largest and oldest farm organization. Their mission: To strengthen a diverse agricultural community by supporting and advocating for Massachusetts farm families. Topics covered today include, a look how solar may be a good fit for your farm, growing Cannabis and Hemp and efforts to reduce the overtime exemptions for farmworkers. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about why you should consider Goats on your farm.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that Baer Chemical plans to stop selling Roundup, in a couple years. This will happen when they have developed a replacement that does not contain glyphosate. Growing lawsuits over Roundup is costing them $billions. The USDA announced that $67-million will become available in loans to those who don't have titles to their land, through The Homestead Act. Next, Farmer Doug reveals the four companies that control most of what is available in grocery stores. Then, we meet Bobbie Wilson, Dairy Together Consultant for the Wisconsin Farmers Union. www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com & www.dairytogether.com Dairy Together is a movement to rebuild a viable dairy economy for family farmers and rural communities. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about the need for proper care when cattle are de-horned.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with stories about three family dairies that are having a tough time. Next, we meet Lesley Sykes, founder and CEO of Primary Beans. www.primarybeans.com Primary Beans is a new, direct-to consumer online dried bean company offering an array of single-origin beans from recent harvests, sourced across North America from climate-conscious farm partners. They believe that beans as the perfect food from a nutritional, culinary and planetary perspective. Finally, Family Farmer Doug pays a huge endorsement to the Farmers Market Coalition. https://farmersmarketcoalition.org/

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about the troubled Dairy industry in Wisconsin, and elsewhere. In other Ag News, farms are finding it extremely difficult fill jobs on their farms. Next, we meet Farm Aid’s Communications Director, Jennifer Fahy. www.farmaid.org Jennifer has been with Farm Aid since 2002. Since its creation Farm Aid has raised over $60 million to promote a strong and resilient family farm system of agriculture. This year's event will take place on September 25, at Hartford, CT. Finally, Family Farmer Doug, encourages the support of putting pressure on farm equipment manufactures to make The Right To Repair available to all farm equipment. and the right to grow your own food and seeds.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with Agriculture News. This week, more on the efforts to prevent China from purchasing prime farmland and getting subsidies from The Federal Government. Next, we meet Thomas Delgado, who specializes in training farmers to learn about selling their products to schools, through the Farm-To-School Network. www.farmtoschool.org Thomas shares the vision for how farm to school activities can be part of the work of growing racially just, equitable and sustainable communities. Finally, Farmer Doug praises Amish farmers and Regenerative Organic Dairy Farming.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about Biden's new plans to help crack down on China's encroachment into Family Farming and forcing big equipment manufacturers to make repairs easier. Next, we meet Aaron Zimmerman, who recently joined the Midwest Farm Report (Madison, Wisconsin) radio network team as a farm broadcaster. www.midwestfarmreport.com His family is deeply invested in FFA. His dad's an agriculture instructor/FFA advisor and his mom is the state FFA executive secretary. He and his fiancée, known as "The Fabulous Farm Babe," have a small beef operation just southwest of Madison. Finally, Farmer Doug offers an endorsement for the Adopt-A-Cow program, which has helped thousands of students.

American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com and host of this podcast begins with news about an Ag Appropriations Bill that calls to stop the purchase of American farmland by China. Did you know that most of the Salmon caught in America is shipped to China for processing, and then shipped back here? Next, we meet an expert in sustainable farming, innovative planting and harvesting techniques, and one of the most trusted names in vegetables, Lee Jones. www.farmerjones.com and www.chefs-garden.com His story is inspirational about how in the 80s, when the recession hit, his families once booming soybean farm. The farm was foreclosed, and everything sold. But they rented farmland and refused to give up and slowly built it back up to a very successful business. His new guide and cookbook, THE CHEF'S GARDEN: A Modern Guide to Common and Unusual Vegetables—with Recipes, he shares a wealth of knowledge on how to select, prepare, and cook vegetables. The book is a vegetable bible! In Doug's commentary sec

American Family Farmer and host Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about the damage caused by the severe drought in the west and now, here come the grasshoppers. Moving to the Northeast, hay crops are doing well. Are you aware of the shenanigans going on with former Agriculture Secretary, Sonny Perdue. Next, Doug introduces us to the Executive Director of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, Sarah Alexander. www.MOFGA.org Prior to joining MOFGA, Sarah worked with the White Earth Land Recovery project, helping to restore traditional food systems and stopping the genetic engineering of wild rice. Through education, training and advocacy, MOFGA i s helping farmers thrive, making more local, organic food available and building sustainable communities. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about the Dairy Business in America and how the farmers are being wrongly blamed for the high prices of milk.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that independent grocery stores are looking for help from the Federal Government to help them to compete on an even playing field with major grocery store chains. Only 25% of grocery stores are owned locally. Next, we meet Brittany Overshiner, owner of Upswing Farm. www.upswingfarm.com . It's a small, diversified vegetable farm that got its start leasing land and after a two-year process, was able to secure a permanent location in Pepperell, MA. Brittany says: "We are dedicated to our customers who helped build our business over the last five years and will continue to distribute CSA shares to our regular pick-up locations in Holliston and Hopkiton." Finally, Farmer Doug opines about the news of electric tractors being on the way.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about a Belgium farmer creating a stink when he moves a historic stone. There's also news about Bayer reviewing the future of its Roundup and other glyphosate-based weedkillers in the U.S. residential market after a judge rejected a $2 billion plan to settle future claims alleging the herbicide causes cancer. Next, we meet the new National Farmers Union President Rob Larew. www.nfu.org He previously serviced as NFU’s Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Communications. Larew was raised on a dairy farm in Greenville, West Virginia and graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University with a Bachelor of Science in Dairy Science. They discuss legacy taxes, mega farm favoritism and other top farming issues. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about the Legacy Taxes that could cause the loss of many Family Farms.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about the recent cyberattack on a major meat supplier and the possibility of meat prices going through the roof. Next, Doug introduces us to Kelsey Ducheneaux, who is a fourth-generation tribal rancher that calls the Cheyenne River Sioux Nation home. She’s the owner of DX Beef, LLC, a direct-to-consumer regenerative beef operation. www.dxbeef.com Kelsey is the Director of Programs for the Intertribal Agriculture Council, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that promotes the use of Indian lands for the benefit of Indian peoples. Finally, Farmer Doug talks about visiting a robotic dairy farm and a group of Amish dairy farms. He opines about their differences.

Host and Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about Government Agencies complaining to Canada about treatment to American Dairy Producers. COVID in India is huge and misguided, as people are rubbing cow excrement on their bodies to keep from getting the virus. Next, we meet Eunice M. Carrasco-Hill, founder and CEO of the Hill Family Farm Education Center, a non-profit grassroots agritourism organization located in Rural NC. https://hillfamilyfarm2020.com/ They began the Seniors and Disabled Feeding Program, providing 2 hot meals per week and distribution from their garden. They hosted outdoors, maintaining social distance healthy eating and physical activity providing the community. On the way home, everyone received a bag of fresh fruits and vegetables. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about Ticks and how Guinea hens are doing a great job of keeping them under control.

Host and real American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that farmers are having a hard time finding new farm equipment to buy. Next, we meet the founder of Fuller Field School and founding board member of Great Plains Regeneration, Gail Fuller. https://greatplainsregen.org/about-us INSTAGRAM: @Circle7byfullerfarms Gail’s life journey has taken him on a path from a 3200-acre conventional farm that grew Roundup Ready corn and soy (extractive agriculture) to a 162 acre food farm that grows multiple species of livestock and literally dozens of different grains, fruit, nut, and vegetable crops (regenerative). Along the way, he has l earned the value of healthy ecosystems to both his farming operation as well as his own health. “Humans have this desire to conquer”, says Fuller. “More often than not, we need to get out of the way and let nature do her thing.” Finally, Farmer Doug opines that it's time to wake up about the Chinese taking over food production in America.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about how growers are looking toward future soil shortages by expanding rooftop gardens and floating gardens. Next, Doug introduces us to Talkers Magazine Publisher, Michael Harrison. www.talkers.com Michael is the person who encouraged Doug to start The American Family Farmer radio program and podcast. He is a fan of Family Farms, farm animals and is also associated with the rock band Gunhill Road. www.gunhillroadmusic.com Michael was invited to write and record a spoken tribute to animal life, for their latest album called: "I Know Your Are Real." www.iknowyouarereal.com It's dedicated to those who love and respect animals and believe they are real. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about Tractor Supply stores and wonders why most of the merchandise they sell in their stores is made in China.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with Agriculture news about a new survey that shows that farm workers say that COVID is affecting their mental health much more than their physical health. Next, we meet Executive Director, Content and User Engagement for Farm Progress, Willie Vogt. https://www.farmprogress.com/ Farm Progress is a major agricultural publisher with 17 state and regional brands – both with a digital and print presence. Their national publication – Farm Futures – focuses on the business of farming including markets and marketing grains. https://www.farmprogress.com/farm-futures In this week's opinion section, Farmer Doug says that you need to be the face of your farm, instead of letting the media control your story.

American Family Farmer and host, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with the news that supplies are down and the demand is up, resulting in higher grocery prices. Next, we meet Tom Brand, who is the Executive Director for the National Association of Farm Broadcasting, headquartered in Platte City, Missouri. www.nafb.com Tom grew up on a diversified family livestock and grain farm. From putting up hay and scraping hog slabs to sorting cattle and building fence, Tom says he can’t remember a time in his life that he hasn’t been surrounded by agriculture. Since 1944, the NAFB was formed as a professional organization that markets farm broadcasting through its members. Currently, there are more than 185 farm broadcasters on the air across the United States. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about the failure of the COVID relief program that has put money in the hands of the wrong people.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that our food security in America is at risk, due to seed manufactures control of Washington DC. Next, we meet Mark McBrine. Mark is the Farm to Table Food Service Manager at Mountain View Correctional Facility in Charleston, Maine. He oversees 2 kitchens and dining facilities, as well as, 7.5 acres of intensive vegetable production and a 7-acre orchard, featuring 21 varieties of apples and other fruit, as well as the food waste composting project. The food grown by the offenders is incorporated into the facility menu, sold to other facilities and donated to local food cupboards and pantries. He also started a bakery program, where five inmate apprentices bake 100% of all bread and bakery products used to feed 1,300 - 1,500 meals a day. Finally, Farmer Doug wonders why we allow so much food to be wasted daily, when so many are hungry in this country.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that a group of Iowa farmers have filed a Class Action Antitrust Lawsuit against several Factory Farms and huge conglomerates. And, at long last there is a solution to the gasses that pass from both ends of Cows. Next, we meet Farmer Advocate for the Rural Advancement Foundation International, Craig Watts. www.rafiusa.org Craig has been outspoken about the power giant meat companies wield over farmers. He has visited Capitol Hill several times to bear witness to the abuses poultry farmers endure in the contract system. RAFI-USA challenges the root causes of unjust food systems, supporting and advocating for economically, racially, and ecologically just farm communities. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about how important branding and Social Media are to your farm.