American Family Farmer

This week, Doug Stephan welcomes Peter Durand, Chief Farm Officer of Snickers Run Garlic Farm in Bluemont, Virginia — a 63-acre gem nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains.Peter shares how this small but mighty farm grows some of the most flavorful hard-neck garlic in the region using sustainable, soil-first methods and a lot of love. From their signature “Bluemont Music” variety to German Extra Hardy and Chesnok Red, each bulb is hand-planted, nurtured, and harvested with care.At Snickers Run Farm, the philosophy is simple: healthy soil makes healthy plants — and happy cows help make both. Meet their beloved rescue cows — Garbanzo, Basil Hayden, Apple, Fig Newton, Hummus, and Tofu — who provide the natural fertilizer that keeps the garlic thriving.Doug and Peter talk about:• The secret to truly flavorful, nutrient-rich garlic

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares why he created the American Family Farmer program before jumping into the news affecting family farmers, beginning with the government shutdown with Secretary of Ag Brooke Rollins stating the Us Dept. of Ag would not be able to help farmers who are suffering from low commodity prices as long as the government is shut down.Next, what’s going on with the screwworm, and how dire is the situation. There could be a new drug approval for injectables for cattle to prevent and treat screwworm infections. Next up, big ag lenders have started using AI and data analytics to better asses risks, raising concerns in transparency and decision making.Lastly, Doug talks about death on the farm. The idea that farming is dangerous is true, but farming is not deadly. It’s important to have safety measures in place, as well as use common sense. What about gasses in the grain bin, silo or manure pit. Thinking about it is the first step, but after you think

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares why he created the American Family Farmer program before jumping into the news affecting family farmers, beginning with the federal government shut down creating disruption for farmers everywhere as the USDA service centers are closed, risk management and conservation programs are shut off, and farmers and their dependance on various resources have none, but the food keeps moving into our communities.Moving on, October is co-op month, celebrating that which brings us together and helps our businesses. Circling back to the government, the President has considered sending $10 billion into the industry because of the tariff problem.Lastly, Doug opines on the sizes of family-owned farms, and why so many family farmers have a primary job of working their farm even thought the primary income comes from jobs away from the farm. Financial sustainability isn’t there as much as it was for generations that came before us.  Website: AmericanFamily

This week on the American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan sits down with Dave and Amy Hartshorn, the powerhouse duo behind Hartshorn Farm, a certified organic farm nestled in Waitsfield, Vermont. For over three decades, Dave and Amy have been cultivating not only some of the state’s finest organic produce and maple syrup, but also a thriving community around sustainability, education, and mindful living.Dave shares his inspiring journey from his family’s dairy and maple sugaring roots to becoming the first certified organic farmer in the Mad River Valley—a pioneer who believes deeply in giving back to the land. Amy, a longtime green living advocate and educator, adds her perspective on how the farm’s mission extends beyond food, touching on wellness, detoxing our homes and lives, and reconnecting with nature.Together, they’ve built a vibrant destination where visitors can enjoy farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and handmade Vermont specialties, all while learning about regenerative agriculture and holi

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares why he created the American Family Farmer program before jumping into the news affecting family farmers, beginning with a new program that would support wood-processing facilities, providing funding for the new Timber Production Expansion Program.This is a loan program that would support the utilization of wood-products from the national forrest system — forrest health needs to be improved, reducing the risk posted by wild fires, insects and disease as well as the ash tree being destroyed by an invasive bug from China.Next up, new programs for Masters degrees in AI and how artificial intelligence can be used in agriculture to fill in on labor shortages, and data protection discussions as the fact that modern tractor/combine starts up, it’s GPS begins mapping and data begins flowing but where is that data going and why is a common question.Moving on, Doug pivots to a discussion on dairy farms, but more so the milk itself and the focus o

This week on The American Family Farmer, we’re taking you to Ottawa Lake, Michigan, where family tradition and community spirit come alive at Gust Brother’s Pumpkin Farm. Owner and farmer Nate Gust joins us to share the story of how his family’s 1/4-acre pumpkin patch has grown into a beloved fall destination in the greater Toledo area.From you-pick pumpkin patches and colorful mums to hayrides, corn mazes, and a barn full of farm animals, Gust Brother’s offers a hands-on farm experience for families looking to connect with agriculture in a fun and memorable way. Nate also talks about the farm’s history, the importance of agritourism, and how his family continues to balance tradition with growth while keeping their mission rooted in community.Whether you’re drawn in by fresh cider and donuts, fall decorations, or a wholesome day on the farm, this episode is a reminder of how farms like Gust Brother’s bring people together while sustaining local agriculture.Learn more at gustbrothers.com Website: AmericanFamil

Doug welcomes Julia Barton, a passionate organic grower and the driving force behind Octagon Acres and Northridge Blueberries & Chestnuts in Conneaut, Ohio. Julia and her family raise heritage Soay and American Jacob sheep, grow certified-organic vegetables and seedlings, and invite visitors to experience pick-your-own blueberries and chestnuts along the beautiful Lake Erie shoreline.Beyond her own farms, Julia is the Farmer Services Director at the Organic Farmers Association, where she champions policies that strengthen and support certified organic producers nationwide. With a background in environmental science and rural sociology, Julia brings a unique perspective on sustainable food systems and the challenges—and rewards—of organic farming.Tune in as Doug and Julia talk about transitioning farms to organic certification, the joys of heritage breeds, and how local food systems can thrive when farmers and communities work together. Visit Northridge Blueberries to learn more. Website: AmericanFamilyFar

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares why he created the American Family Farmer program before jumping into the news affecting family farmers, beginning with the news that farmers and the Autumn harvest are worried about low crop prices, the trade wars and what tariffs are doing to their livelihood. It’s lead to a lot of farm-state law makers are putting pressure on President Trump to offer economic aide for farmers by the end of the year. Then, Doug breaks down challenges for the pork industry, the American market, and the need to align with the entire value chain along with packers. Lastly, Doug shares the story of 6 workers on a dairy farm being killed from cow manure. Here’s the thing, that’s not what actually happened. Doug uses this story to point out the danger of people only looking at a headline and not reading a full article. Doug breaks down the facts of the story and why not all news sources are reputable.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @G

Step onto Connecticut’s only veteran-owned dairy farm, where every drop of milk is lightly processed, vat-pasteurized, and bottled right on the property. Guardians Farm in scenic Southbury is the passion project of David Buck, a retired U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Enforcement Specialist and former K9 officer, and his wife Tamra French, an active K9 officer. Together, they’re first-generation dairy farmers on a mission to produce clean, nutrient-rich milk while caring for the land through regenerative practices.Meet their beloved herd—Holsteins, Jerseys, and Brown Swiss—and learn how each breed contributes its own rich flavor and butterfat magic. From calf cuddles and goat snuggles to a welcoming farm stand stocked with minimally processed dairy, every visit lets you see (and taste!) where your milk comes from.Discover how David and Tamra nurture future generations of cows with group-raised calves, selective genetics, and zero-chemical fields. Whether you’re savoring their fresh milk, booking a weekend cuddle se

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares why he created the American Family Farmer program before jumping into the news affecting family farmers, beginning with the news of prices for dairy going down, while production has surged, and cheese exports are on the rise.Then, Doug goes over the numbers of who owns what farms — family farms comprise 95% of all U.S. farms.Shifting focus, Doug opines on people who grew up on the farm, but moved away, and wish they could go back to being on the farm. This also points at how many family farmers have secondary jobs to help keep things afloat, and the disgusting reality that a majority of people, especially of new farmers, can’t make a living solely working on and running their farm. This brings back a common question, “Is farming really worth it?” Doug references his conversation with David Buck of Guardians Dairy, an insightful conversation which you can hear HERE.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Meet Grant Guidroz, one half of the husband-and-wife team behind FullnessFarm.com, a thriving organic farm in the heart of Baton Rouge. Since 2015, they’ve been on a mission to grow nutrient-dense vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers—without synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides—and share the harvest through their popular CSA and the Red Stick Farmers Market. In this episode of American Family Farmer, you’ll hear how the Guidroz family built Fullness Farm from the ground up, why soil health matters for both flavor and nutrition, and how they help neighbors turn backyards into productive organic gardens. From custom garden design to hands-on consultations, Grant and Allison, his wife, show that anyone can cultivate fresh, seasonal food right outside their door while keeping every food dollar local.Tune in to learn how community-supported agriculture works, discover tips for starting your own organic garden, and get inspired by a family whose passion for sustainable farming is bringing true “fullnes

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares why he created the American Family Farmer program before jumping into the news affecting family farmers, beginning with the news the USDA will no longer use tax payer dollars to fund solar panels on productive farm land, the need to support farmers and protect the food supply, and the latest updates on the Big Beautiful Bill and how it will affect American family farmers. Next up, to address rising land costs, the USDA is going to reform the FSA and the rural loan programs to better access credit. Lastly, Doug shares a postcard he recently received to his farm from an anonymous sender — using name calling tactics and false accusations against Doug’s political stance. Doug breaks the whole message down and openly addresses each of the sender’s points.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

This week, Doug Stephan (EastleighFarm.com) welcomes Andrew Mickelson, sixth-generation Idaho farmer and Chief Technology Officer at Mickelsen Farms (MickelsenFarms.com), one of the region’s largest potato producers.The Mickelsen family has been growing potatoes and grains for generations, building a legacy rooted in hard work, innovation, and community. Andrew shares insights into the family’s diverse operations — from growing Russet Burbank and Norkotah potatoes for the fresh market, to producing seed potatoes under Yellowstone Seed, to packing and processing through Rigby Produce and Potato Products of Idaho.In addition to running day-to-day farm operations, Andrew is also a strong advocate for the Right to Repair movement, pushing for farmers to have access to the tools and diagnostic codes needed to fix their own equipment.His leadership highlights how family farmers are not just feeding America, but also shaping the future of agriculture.Tune in to hear Andrew’s story of family, advocacy, and the techno

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares why he created the American Family Farmer program before jumping into the news affecting family farmers, beginning with a story from Florida and how farmers are plowing over perfectly good tomatoes as the tariff policies are costing prices to go down. The latest on how the I.C.E. raids are affecting small farmers. Then, the problem in most parts of the U.S. with attacks on cattle by wolves and coyotes.Apparently, there are drones being used to deter the wolves in order to protect the cattle — and the drones are blasting AC/DC music to chase the wolves and coyotes away.Next up, Doug thinks about the problems that keep coming up with getting fresh vegetables and having a source, and how many are thinking about starting their own vegetable garden.Doug also shares information on the agri-hood he’s developing.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) welcomes Svitlana “Lana” Synkovska, Portfolio Director of Women in Agribusiness (WIA):  http://womeninag.com.They discuss:

On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) shares why he created the program and why supporting family farms matters more than ever.He covers:

For 40 years, Farm Aid has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with family farmers, ensuring they can stay on their land and thrive despite corporate pressures, bad policies, and climate challenges. In this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan welcomes Jennifer Fahy, Co-Executive Director and longtime Communications Director of Farm Aid.Jennifer shares how Farm Aid began as a one-day benefit concert in 1985 — founded by Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp — and has since grown into a powerful nonprofit movement raising over $60 million to keep family farmers farming. We dive into the upcoming Farm Aid 40 festival in Minneapolis, the importance of Homegrown Concessions® and Homegrown Village, and the ongoing fight for a fair and sustainable food system.

In this episode of American Family Farmer, host and farmer Doug Stephan of Eastleigh Farm shares why he created this program — to give voice to the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of America’s family farmers.Doug dives into the latest news shaping agriculture, including:

This week on American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan (EastleighFarm.com) welcomes Jared Zystro, Research & Education Director of the Organic Seed Alliance (OSA). For more than two decades, OSA has worked to put the power of seed back into the hands of growers through research, education, advocacy, and community-building.Jared shares how OSA is confronting the challenges of seed industry consolidation, advancing organic plant breeding, and ensuring farmers have access to diverse, high-quality organic seed. He also discusses OSA’s vision for a resilient and equitable future of food—where seed is stewarded by interconnected communities across the country.From the history of seed preservation to the fight for farmers’ rights to save seed, this conversation sheds light on why seed sovereignty is essential for the health of our farms, food systems, and future generations.Learn more about Organic Seed Alliance at SeedAlliance.org.Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

This week on American Family Farmer, host and farmer Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) shares the latest news impacting small farmers across the U.S. Doug breaks down the “Big Beautiful Bill,” being called Farm Bill 2.0, which includes:Higher statutory references for all commodity program crops