American Family Farmer

On this week’s American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan takes on some of the week’s biggest agricultural stories. He begins with Brooke Rollins' surprising success at the USDA despite her lack of ag experience, especially in supporting disaster-hit farmers. Doug also dives into new findings on the dangers of ultra-processed foods vs. traditional whole grains and whole milk. Corn season is underway — and so is destruction from the corn earworm, worsened by extreme weather. Plus, a lighthearted look at the “cow decor” craze, and a serious note on why only real milk from mammals should be called milk. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

This week on The American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan welcomes Tyler Hawk of Hawk Farms in Kansas, Ohio. Though Tyler now lives in California, he still travels home to work the family’s 230-acre soybean and corn farm. Tyler shares the story of a beloved family heirloom — a 1947 Farmall M tractor restored after sitting in pieces during his childhood. Now serving as Executive Director at an assisted living facility, Tyler talks about how his farming roots continue to ground and guide him, even from across the country. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

This week on The American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan welcomes Warren Eckstein, Pet Behaviorst and Host of The Pet Show. The discussion starts off dispelling the false concept that animals don’t share many of the emotions humans have, but also the beautiful friendship and comradely we have with our animal friends and animal family members. When summer temperatures soar, it’s not just humans who suffer — farm animals, barn cats, and loyal working dogs are all vulnerable to heat stress. This week on the American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan is joined by internationally renowned pet behaviorist Warren Eckstein to talk about how to keep your animals safe and healthy during extreme heat. From simple solutions like shade and clean water to advanced cooling strategies, Warren shares practical, humane tips every farmer can implement. He also breaks down the critical early warning signs of heatstroke in animals and what to do if your livestock or pets are at risk. Warren’s four decades of experience — including working with celebrities and serving as a longtime expert on national TV and radio — make him one of the most trusted voices in animal care. Tune in for a conversation that’s as informative as it is heartfelt. Learn more: ThePetShow.com Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

On this week’s episode of The American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan (EastleighFarm.com) unpacks the latest developments from Washington and beyond that are shaping the future of America’s small farms. Policy Watch: Doug covers updates from the new "Big Beautiful Bill" — including key tax policies and increased federal spending aimed at supporting ag-businesses. With border security becoming an even bigger issue for American farmers, Doug shares why immigration reform and labor access are crucial to keeping small farms afloat. Protecting Our Farmland: The USDA has rolled out its National Farm Security Action Plan, aiming to limit foreign ownership of U.S. farmland — a move designed to reduce influence from adversarial nations and preserve our agricultural independence. Tomatoes, Tariffs & Trade Wars: Doug dives into the latest news on import restrictions from Mexico, including a 17% duty on fresh Mexican tomatoes, and ongoing prohibitions on live animal imports due to screwworm detection. Plus, how similar tariffs on European agricultural goods could impact our domestic food supply — and whether the U.S. is putting enough focus on what's grown here at home. This episode delivers a timely look at the intersection of farming, policy, and global trade — and how it affects the families who feed America. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

This week on The American Family Farmer, host and lifelong farmer Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) shares critical updates impacting small farms across the country. Doug opens the show with a look at the ongoing immigration enforcement issues that are threatening family farms. The American Farm Bureau Federation has expressed serious concern over reports of renewed immigration crackdowns that are removing essential, hardworking laborers from small farm operations. Next, Doug dives into the challenges facing the beef cattle industry — including the reemergence of screwworm infestations coming up from Mexico, raising alarm for U.S. livestock. On top of that, an increase in tick activity is causing a surge in infestations across farms this season. Despite these concerns, there’s good news: the cattle market remains strong, with continued high demand. Turning to the honeybee crisis, Doug reports that bee colonies are down by two-thirds, due to a combination of migratory stress, parasitic threats, and erratic weather — especially recent floods across the U.S. Given the vital role bees play in agriculture, Doug encourages anyone with the interest and ability to consider starting a colony of their own to support pollination and food production. In his “Doug’s Opine” segment, Doug revisits his recent conversation with Julia Barton from the Organic Farmers Association (episode: "Empowering Organic Farmers: A Conversation with Julia Barton of the Organic Farmers Association"). He reflects on the challenges surrounding the “organic” label — a term that has been increasingly compromised by government red tape and industrial agriculture interests. Doug shares his strong belief that real organic farming should return to its roots — before chemical farming — and stresses the importance of knowing your farmer. As he says, if your organic food comes from a local farm, it’s far more trustworthy than products from big ag brands bearing the same label.

This week on The American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan welcomes Julia Barton, Farmer Services Director at the Organic Farmers Association (OFA), for an in-depth look at how OFA is advocating for a healthier, more equitable future for American agriculture.Julia brings over a decade of hands-on experience supporting organic, transitional, and sustainable farmers. In her role with OFA, she works directly with farmers across the country to help them navigate certification, overcome challenges, and find success in the growing organic marketplace. In this episode, Julia and Doug dive into: As a farmer herself, Julia brings a grounded, personal perspective to the national policy conversation — and shares how her own journey with Octagon Acres, her family’s organic farm, shapes her work.Whether you're a seasoned organic grower, curious consumer, or policy advocate, this conversation will inspire and inform. 🌐 Learn more at organicfarmersassociation.org Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Tim Gradert, Senior Tax Manager with Uncommon Farms. In this episode, Doug and Tim explore the often-overlooked power of smart tax planning in agriculture. From proactive strategies that boost profitability to overcoming unique hurdles family farmers face during tax season, Tim shares insight drawn from years of hands-on experience in ag-specific tax preparation. They dive into deductions that can make a difference—like Section 179 and bonus depreciation—and highlight the importance of year-round tax planning, accurate record keeping, and leveraging tools like AgManager® for seamless tax integration. You’ll also hear how UnCommon Farms supports farmers not just at tax time, but year-round—through education, software solutions, and personal consultation—to help ensure no opportunity is missed. Whether you're navigating asset basis, succession planning, or compliance with changing ag laws, this episode is packed with advice designed to keep your farm financially resilient and strategically prepared. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” and how it will affect farmers. What should farmers know about his bill? Major cuts to the SNAP program, stricter qualifications for recipients, and passing costs off to the states. Next up, the continued issues of the screwworm and the problems these invasive, flesh eating pests are causing. ICYMI, a screwworm is a type of parasitic fly larva that fees on living flesh of warm blooded animals, including humans. Its name comes from the maggot’s appearance as it burrows into a wound, resembling a screw being driven into wood. Th screwworm can cause severe damage and even death if left untreated. The USDA is making plans to better prepare farmers should these pests get into their herds. Moving on, Doug shares a list of foods with the highest amounts of microplastics. They are apples and carrots (most commonly used in juice cleanses). Other foods with higher levels of microplastics include rice, pink Himalayan sea salt, sugar, tea, plant-based nuggets, fish sticks, shrimp, and water. What are farmers doing — or, what should they be doing — to minimize microplastics infiltrating their crops. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the approval of the Whole Milk For Healthy Children Act, which expands options for schools participating in the National School Lunch Program allowing them to offer whole and reduced fat. Next up, Purdue University has come up with an overview of the farm custom rates, increases in the cost of what it costs to do hay and the increase in hiring for mowing, tedding and raking. Additionally, Chinese nationals have been charged with smuggling a small grain fungus considered an agri-terrorism, with symptoms including liver damage, vomiting, reproductive problems, and more. Lastly, Doug shares news of Flags For Farms Rescue Challenge from the Farmer’s Business Network and how you can support farms in crisis with donation on FarmRescue.org Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Patrick Whittle, Environment and Oceanic Reporter with the Associated Press, for a conversation on how the effects of wildfire smoke affects small farmers. The wildfires in Canada sent smoke as far away as Europe, and caused smoke to linger over cities like Kansas City and Minneapolis (far, far away from their origin in Canada), raising alarms in many parts of the U.S. from an unhealthy air quality, affecting soil quality, and more. While fire can be a good thing for land as it burns off the old trash and new growth comes in, but the smoke that comes with the fire has a completely different influence. Additionally, you can hear about the mentorship with IT students and the Associated Press, like Patrick’s mentee who was on the program last week, which you can hear in the episode titled, “Is Organic Still Worth It?” Next up, the discussion shifts to how fishermen are battling changing oceans after President Trump’s deregulation of fishing, and persistent fears of overfishing. Will these fish docks be available for future generations to make a living? They discuss that, too. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Caitlyn Daproza, Photojournalism Student at the Rochester Institute of Technology., joining today’s episode with a conversation on less farm land going to organic crops and the importance of sustainability. Caitlyn's curiosity for documentation began at a young age, going through family photo albums and old letters, and through asking questions and connecting pieces of memory, she began to understand the quiet power of storytelling through archived moments. Caitlyn's work centers on community, optimism, and the preservation of personal and collective memory. Currently pursuing a BFA in Photojournalism at the Rochester Institute of Technology, she brings experience across photography, audio, video, and reporting. Inspired by family archives and everyday joy, their creative practice amplifies diverse voices through storytelling. Together, Doug and Caitlyn explore why fewer farmers are turning to organic certification—and what that means for the future of sustainable agriculture. From rising costs to evolving climate practices, we unpack the growing debate: Is "organic" still worth it, or are there better ways to farm responsibly? Tune in as we talk cows, compost, and the complexities of doing what's best for both the planet and the people who farm it. Website - AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins visiting farms and laying out the Trump Administration’s “Farmers First” policies that help smaller farmers and why it’s a lead focus with the USDA, Nebraska is the first state to ban sugary drinks from being bought on the SNAP program, and how the immigration issue is affecting farmers having the workers they need. Then, the conversation shifts to diversification farming production and why a singular focus may create a surplus, why it’s important to know who owns the seed companies, and how you get your news and whether or not you read into opinions. Lastly, Doug takes a look at farm markets and how they’re being manipulated by tariffs and agri-business monopolies, he opines why Brooke Rollins is divisive but possibly proving to favor small farmers. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmer.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on bug news and how an increase in tick activity will affect family farmers this summer, the diseases most carried by ticks, and symptoms of which to be aware with tick-borne illnesses. Then, concerns from the California egg producers over salmonella concerns, Florida-grown cucumber recall, and why poor quality seems to be a key reason for a rise in food recalls. Farmer Doug also opines How-To advice for farmers and how it undercuts farmers’ intelligence and paying attention to whom you listen to for farming and agri-business advice, especially when every farmer, and every farm, is unique. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Christopher Simpson, owner of the Field of Dreams Farm in Watertown, TN. Field of Dreams Farm is a family-run, chemical-free farm raising pastured eggs, poultry, pork, and 100% grass-fed beef. Inspired by Food Inc., they’ve grown from 5 to 115 acres, committed to humane, sustainable practices and non-GMO feed. Learn how they process meats on-site, offer custom pork and beef cuts, and even craft old-fashioned lard-based soaps and shaving products packed with natural goodness. It's clean food with a conscience—from farm to table, and even to your skincare routine. Their practices emphasize animal welfare, natural diets, and a healthy relationship between the land and livestock. Field of Dreams Farm offers nutrient-rich, pasture-raised eggs and poultry, all processed on-site for full transparency. Their pigs roam both pasture and woods, and pork is sold in whole, half, or quarter portions with customizable cuts. Beef is 100% grass-fed and antibiotic-free, sold in various portions with both custom and standard cuts. All meats are priced by live weight with clear processing fees, and they guarantee a finished cost of $10/lb or less. You can learn more on fieldofdreamsfarmtn.com. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Wednesday, June 11 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on new research from Purdue University suggesting the surge of media coverage had an effect on the price people are paying for eggs. Plus, strong supply fundamentals are pushing cattle and beef prices higher, 70 years after an aerial war against the screwworm — we’re hearing about them again. Then, Doug introduces us to Shelby Hampton-Watson, owner of Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards in Brandywine, MD. Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards is a family owned farm going back four generations, and is one of the first agri-tourism farms in the 1970s in south Maryland. Shelby went to college for animal science before returning to the family farm and, over the years, diversified the farm to include the vineyards, winery and wedding venue. They are an estate winery, meaning they are a farm-winery and 100% of what they use is produced by them — planted, taken care of, harvested, processed and bottled, and the tasting room are all on the property. Learn more about Robin Hill Farm and Vineyards at https://www.robinhillfarmandvineyards.com. Additionally, Shelby has several side gigs as an author, speaker, and rural business strategist. She writes for several agricultural publications, and one of the editorial columns she recently wrote for American Agriculturist is about something she came across during her time as an Animal Science Major in college was PMU (Pregnant Mare Urine) and it’s one of the primary ingredients in hormone replacement therapy for women. It’s a topic that recently came back into Shelby’s consciousness when looking for another topic to write about and decided to share the information with others. You can read the article on https://www.farmprogress.com/commentary/horses-and-hormones-the-surprising-link-between-farmers-mares-and-menopause-treatment. Another venture Shelby has is The Farmed Life (thefarmedlife.org) which empowers women through resources and support to grow; and her book Grace, Grit & Lipstick: Wit & Wisdom for the Modern Female Farmer & her Farm-Curious Friends featuring stories from women in agriculture with their different businesses like entrepreneurs, solarpreneurs, small family farms, backyard and hobby farmers, and anyone linked to the farm-to-table and all-natural-ingredient movements. Lastly, in Doug’s opinion segment of today’s episode, he discusses the Coalition For A Prosperous America (CPA) that keeps telling us about agriculture and questions a misrepresentation of the agricultural world in America, and why it’s important to get your agricultural news from actual agricultural news sources and not mainstream media.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on Dairy Month and the dairy market in the United States and how the tariffs are creating a domino effect for both an upside and a downside. Continuing with cattle talk, the culling of cows is on the rise due to illnesses in cattle, poor milk supply, and an inability to produce as much protein in butterfat. Then, Doug introduces us to Erin Bradley and Jesse Leadbetter of Freshlist (freshlist.com), based in North Carolina. Founded in 2014, Freshlist was born from the belief that farmers and farmland are among the most valuable resources, with a mission to make sustainable family farming a financially viable way of life once again. The main question they ask themselves in every endeavor is, “is it good for the farmer?” They focus on challenges farmers face, provide support to the farming community in Charlotte, and connect community members with local farmers by cultivating a better food system. Additionally, Freshlist doesn’t just talk the talk about providing healthy food by connecting the community with farmers, but they walk the walk with the purpose of everyone is deserving of access to nutritious food. Last, and certainly not least, Doug opines the harsh reality that most farmers are in jeopardy, and the question of “is this worth it” remains . . . especially with the horrible Spring weather not making anything any easier. There are no do overs in the growing season and the weather is the single biggest opponent a farmer contends with. Now more than ever, it is important for food dollars to remain local in support of small farmers and the communities at large. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Wednesday, May 28 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on whether or not graduates are going back to their family farms or venturing into new career-fields, the trade war impacts on farms and ag professionals, and something you may not have known about carrots. Then, Doug introduces us to Judy Wood, owner of Poultry Hollow Hatchery in Brush Creek, TN. Poultry Hollow is a specialty hatchery that hatches 1,000s of chicks a month, with over 55 breeds of poultry, as well as carrying other breeds of poultry — like ducks, geese, turkeys, quail and more. Judy, along with her son, decided to get into the hatchery business after trying to increase their own flock and finding many places were being dishonest. For example, the found others were selling old hens and saying they just started laying. Judy wanted to offer a reliable place. In addition the hatchery, they sell farm fresh eggs and farm raised whole chickens that are 100% natural without any drugs or chemicals. Last, and certainly not lease, Doug opines the harsh reality farmers have faced in recent years, the reality that many farmers have other jobs to contribute to their household income and keep their farm running, and what life is really like on the farm with the stress and strains. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Wednesday, May 21 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on added value of producing for farmer’s markets, how Brooke Rollins and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are working together for a healthier America and a focus on supporting local farmers, and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s problems with the government over land. Next, Doug introduces us to Ryan McPherson, owner of Glidden Point Oyster Farms in Edgecomb, Maine. Ryan got his start in fisheries and looking for a way to stay on the water, so when the opportunity to take over the oyster farm (which was established in 1987) arose in 2015, Ryan went for it. Glidden Point Oysters are grown slowly, and in the nutrient-rich depths of the Damariscotta River, a world class growing environment. Their oysters are renowned for their heavy shell, and beautiful appearance. They start from seed and grow them in upwellers and floating bags on the surface of the river until they reach the appropriate size to be harvested. Plus, all Glidden Point oysters are harvested by hand, and often by scuba diver. They touch their oysters every step of the way, and it's the care they take, whether it's grading seed, diving, or culling, that produces a premium oyster they're proud to share with others, and proud to call their own. When it comes to aquaculture, things move very quickly with a lot more dynamics to the process. You can learn more about Glidden Point Oyster Farms at GliddenPoint.com. Finishing up this episode of the American Family Farmer podcast, Farmer Doug opines about the state of the country as it pertains to the current administration and what it means for farmers and anyone in agri-business. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Wednesday, May 14 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on farm real estate selling very well right now amongst a scarcity of land happening around the country and which states have the most options, the potential for agriculture to be greenhouse gas negative, and farmers experiencing increased allergies. Then, Doug introduces us to Corrinna Sammons, owner of Dragonfly Farm in Franklinton, NC. Dragonfly Farm is known for their hatchlings and hatching eggs, as well as their tips and recommendations for anyone just getting started with their own flock. At Dragonfly Farm, they have chosen breeds that get along well in mixed flocks, and give variety in both egg color, and feather color. They have tried many other breeds, but have kept only those breeds that seem to outshine the others. Plus, they are very particular about their roosters, only keeping the most beautiful/correct grow outs, with the most gentle dispositions. They do not keep/breed any rooster that has shown aggression to them, their youngest daughter, or their hens. Aggression in roosters typically passes to their offspring, and no one should have to deal with a nasty rooster. Dragonfly Farm undergoes testing every 6 months by the state for their NPIP-ai certification. You can learn more on DragonflyFarmNC.com. Lastly, Farmer Doug shares news on food and beverages that are loaded with microplastics — sea salt, shrimp and oysters, bottled water, rice, tea and more. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Wednesday, May 7 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on dairy trade challenges, disaster assistance from the USDA, and our relationship with other countries in relation to the tariffs. Then, the focus shifts to preparedness for an ICE encounter on your farm, knowing your rights as a business owner and the rights of your employees. Then, Doug introduces us to Steve Rapasky, owner of Meadow Sweet Apiaries near Pittsburgh, PA. Fun fact: most of Steve’s beehives are actually located at Pittsburgh International Airport. His background goes back to growing up on a farm with livestock in addition to bees, then he got his degree in wildlife science at Penn State University and spent a decade as a wildlife biologist in the state agency before exiting into his own apiary with a certification as an Eastern Apiculture Society (EAS) Master Beekeeper. Many people want to get involved with having bees on their farm or property, and that’s great because we need to continue to support the bees, but many don’t know how to take care of them. We’re also reminded that everything we eat that comes from the ground has a connection to bees, further exasperating the urgency to protect our honeybees and focus on their survival rate. You can learn more from Steve on MeadowSweetBees.com. Lastly, Doug opines the stresses at this time of year to get things in the ground, the lack of making health a priority for most farmers, the importance of rest and regular breaks, and more emphasis on why communities need to support family farmers. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks