American Family Farmer

Wednesday, February 19 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on Ohio growers hard hit with the Avian flu, how many farmers are introducing solar farming to their otherwise agriculture farms, and the National Organic Coalition urging an action alert for restoration of funding for core organic programs. Then, Doug introduces us to Curt Rich, President and CEO of the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA). When you think about multigenerational farmers, or anyone who has purchased an existing farm, it’s no shock the homes farmers reside in tend to be quite old and energy inefficient. There’s a 30% tax credit on insulation that can help make your home more energy efficient that farmers and agriculture enthusiasts should be taking advantage. Doug and Curt further discuss the specifics about the current tax credit and benefits, improvements homeowners are allowed to make, and keeping warm with lower heating costs this winter and the years to come. For more information, visit insulationinstitute.org. Lastly, Farmer Doug opines Ag policies in general, what technology is allowing us to do to move forward, how the choices of congress is affecting small farmers, and the latest on the Farm Bill. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Wednesday, February 5 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on Trump’s executive orders and what they mean for American family farmers, an executive order to declare and energy emergency, a focus on the suit against John Deere for unfair practices and the continued debate of farmers’ right-to-repair, income tax opportunities for small farmers and ag enthusiasts, and a free online course with Cornell designed to support mental health challenges and suicide prevention for farmers. Then, Doug introduces us to John Filbrun of the Maker’s Meadow, a farm in Ohio with a focus on sustainable farming practices, ethical animal welfare, and climate friendly agriculture. The main thing that makes The Maker's Meadow different is they believe they have a responsibility to help bring healing to places in our world that are broken. God has given them the resources available to help bring healing to our environment through regenerative farming practices, and to help bring healing to people by offering nutrient dense meat that has been raised in an ethical way. The food people eat should be healing, not destructive. A diseased life can be prevented. Every person should have confidence in the food they are eating and the benefits it brings to their bodies. You can learn more on TheMakersMeadow.com. Lastly, Farmer Doug opines on the assistance of workshops and events to better help family farmers and ag enthusiasts, how Universities in the states are bring a focus to helping create a curiosity in students for farming and helping them with a future in the ag industry, and how the addition of solar farming is making a difference in helping with additional income for family farmers. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Wednesday, February 5 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including the news that eggs have become political as the price continues to go up, yet the farmers are receiving even less of that money, and a focus on the Avian Flu and how that’s also affecting the price and availability of eggs. Poultry farmers are being asked to tighten bio-security, a conversation on tax season. Doug discusses that, too. Then, we’re introduced to George Lewis, President of Ventura Grain, a hometown store for everything lawn and garden serving the southeastern, MA, for over 90 years. George, grew up on a “gentlemen’s farm,” studied at Bentley University with degrees in finance, economics, and earth sciences & sustainability before pursuing a post-college career as a private wealth advisor. Deciding to return to his agricultural roots, George purchased a 100-year-old grain mill. Ventura Grain continues to manufacture and sell their own brand of animal feed with a focus on quality. You can find George and his company online at VenturaGrainInc.com. Lastly, Farmer Doug opines ear tags for cattle, the modernization of the Dept. of Ag, and the Senate’s agenda regarding climate change. Doug covers that, too. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Wednesday, January 29 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including the government taking on John Deere under accusations of a monopoly, in part due to the ongoing battle for the farmers’ right to repair their own equipment, questioning if investing in old equipment has a better ROI than purchasing new farming equipment and machinery, and a poultry-grower payment system. Next, we’re introduced to Anne Gentry, a first generation farmer, of Braeburn Farm in Rosalind, Virginia. Braeburn Farm is a small family-owned farm with Scottish Blackface sheep and Galloway cattle. Anne and her husband, Richard, fell in love with Scottish Blackface sheep and Galloway cattle after working with them in Scotland, deciding they needed them to be part of their farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Their flock consists of 30-40 breeding ewes and several rams, with lambs being born each year in March and ready to sell by June. Lastly, Doug opines the customer service side of welcoming people to your farm and what family-owned farms are doing to support their customers’ decision to continue purchasing from their farm, and why constructive criticism is always valuable. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Wednesday, January 22 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including surveys showing consumption of dairy products is at a record high, especially butter and cheese, new research shows agriculture in America has the potential to be greenhouse gas negative, and why more people are putting solar on their farm. Then, Doug introduces us to Jim Linne, MD, a first generation farmer and owner of White Clover Farm. The farm is family owned and locally operated, and is certified 100% grass-fed by the American Grassfed Association. White Clover Farm tracks their cattle from birth to consumer to ensure they remain a safe and healthy food. Jim has seen first-hand the connection between good nutrition and health, as he practiced gastroenterology for 35 years before dedicating his time to the farm, which he’d purchased in 2005. The property was a former corn and soybean farm and, to minimize soil erosion, all of the fields have been converted to permanent pastures and hayfields. The goals of White Clover Farm are land stewardship, sustainability, regeneration of soil fertility and biodiversity. The health of soils, plants, animals, and people is inextricably linked, and Jim does everything he can to keep the cattle happy and healthy, and without the use of chemicals of any kind on his pastures or cattle. Lastly, Doug opines the provisions for farming and agriculture under the new Trump administration, which actually goes back to his first presidency, as well as the importance of a system that rewards farmers for the value of the work and the quality of the product produced on the farm. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Wednesday, January 15 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including the mega-fires out west, the devastation, and how it’s affecting the supply chain for agriculture beyond SoCal. Doug also touches on the significant weather events and how cross-pollination has been effected, questioning if we have the leadership in government, a new USDA milk testing mandate for raw milk, and the bio-fuel groups are staying focused on tail pipes emissions with the bill moving to the Senate. Then, Doug introduces us to Cynthia Sweeley, owner of Wildfire Ranch Spiritual Retreat in Pennsylvania. Wildfire Ranch is a horse ranch with affordable horse boarding, horse-riding lessons, horse-back weddings, horse camps for kids, horse-training, and equine therapy. The love of horses is something that many equine-advocates have experienced starting in childhood, and Cynthia developed her heart for horses at the age of 8 years old. Wildfire Ranch is a sanctuary for healing, a wedding destination, a place for retreats, a peaceful destination and more . . . and it’s all year round. Lastly, Doug opines the differences of those who raise beef and poultry ethically and nutritiously, as opposed to those who don’t and are giving the rest a bad name.

Wednesday, January 8 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the issues that apply to farmers, like the uncertainty and drama around congress delivering a budget deal, including $10 Billion in financial assistance to farmers, and how it will extend the 2018 Farm Bill another year, and a discussion on the need for the American public to be educated on what it costs to grow the food they enjoy. Then, Dr. Jack Stockwell joins the program for a discussion on the food we eat and the importance of supporting our local farmers. Dr. Jack is a NUCCA Chiropractor and GAPS Practitioner, as well as co-host on Doug’s Good Day Health podcast (gooddayhealthshow.com). The discussion includes the health benefits of raw food and why it makes some people sick, how overcooked food is more harmful, and why raw milk is shouldn’t be banned. You can get more from Dr. Jack on JackStockwell.com and ForbiddenDoctor.com. Then, Farmer Doug opines how magnificent the process of putting a seed in the ground and growing the crops truly is. Think about the beauty of the land we have and the magic growing crops and raising animals is. All with time, effort, love, support and perseverance.

1/1/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the issues that apply to farmers, like genetics in seed, weather conditions, soil health, pest control, and the fact that farmers deserve better from congress and family farmers around the country are long overdue for economic and disaster relief amongst a volatile market. Plus, a federal judge has halted corporate transparency, and how a growth in dairy exports have hit new records. Next, we are introduced to Dwight Lingenfelter, a Senior Extension Associate in Weed Science. Dwight leads the herbicide evaluation program and provides leadership in extension-outreach activities, including publication of weed management guides and providing extension-education programming for growers, CCAs, and the agricultural service industry. Dwight’s primary focus is in agronomic crops but includes applied research for major vegetable crops. The Penn State Weed Science extension-research program focuses on developing sustainable weed management practices for Pennsylvania’s field and forage crop production systems. Wrapping up this week’s episode of the American Family Farmer, Doug opines about the farm bill, regenerative farming practices, and questioning what farming innovations are we putting into practice to help soil and crops in the future. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

12/25/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the UDSA investing millions of dollars to advance research and extension activities aimed to solves challenges with specialty crop and organic agriculture producers, the latest information regarding the avian flu and it’s latest affects on turkeys and egg producers, and testing requirements for bird flu cases among dairy cows. Then, we’re introduced to Rowan Steele, Headwaters Farm Program Manager with East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District (EMSWCD) in Oregon. Understanding the difficulty for anyone who is not a big land owner, or comes from a family to inherit land, to get into farming and agriculture, EMSWCD aims to help. Headwaters Farm is the site of the District’s exciting Headwaters Incubator Program, which seeks to aid the development of new farm businesses by providing affordable access to land and farm resources. The 60-acre property on the outskirts of Gresham, is owned and managed by EMSWCD. EMSWCD values diversity and equity within their incubator program. They encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds and traditionally underserved communities to apply. Headwaters Farm Incubator Program is designed to assist in the development of new farmers. The program involves leasing out sections of EMSWCD’s Headwaters Farm to motivated, experienced individuals who will use it as a launching pad for their own farming endeavors. Lastly, Doug opines how vital family owned farming operations and the department of agriculture’s lack for assistance, the growing need for farmers to get off-farm jobs to sustain their crops, and the importance local farms play in our health. Webstie: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

12/18/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on urbanization and how it affects farmers, massive job loss in big ag, how processing plants are hurting small farmers because of soil and water run off, and the accuracy of the Farmer’s Almanac predictions. Then, we meet Kurt Emmerich, owner/grower at Emmerich Tree Farm just outside of NYC. Being close to The City, Emmerich Tree Farm experiences different issues than most tree farmers, based on their location. At their Christmas tree farm, they love seeing families come out to enjoy the Real Christmas Tree Experience each winter. With a great view of the Warwick Valley and a charming farm atmosphere, it's the perfect setting for moments shared with family. They’ve been in business for over 15 years, and have over 10,000 trees growing. Emmerich Tree Farm focuses on providing a cut-your-own experience for families and friends near Warwick, NY. A few Christmas Tree cutting reservations are still available for the 2024 season. They are a choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm, offering over 12 varieties of spruce, pine, and fir. In addition to their choose and cut options, they also provide select precut Fraser Fir. They also have a wedding venue amongst the trees that help keep things going with added value year round. Lastly, Doug opines with a more in depth look at The Farmer’s Almanac and the newer pop-phrase, “La Nada,” along with a thought-provoking theory of the jet-stream being turned upside down and how it might affect things moving forward. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

12/11/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: the latest information on the food and farm bill, labor issues and how the farm bill will affect employment, how chemical and weed control is done for treatments on the farm and if technology is helping or if there are still dangers to farm employees and consumers. Plus, electronic fencing for cattle, probiotics for cattle, crop prices may be returning to more “normal” levels. Then, Doug introduces us to Kristy Meyer, Communications Manager with FFA for a conversation on FFA and a recap of the FFA Convention & Expo. FFA is the premier youth organization preparing members for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. The National FFA Organization formerly known as “Future Farmers of America” – was founded by a group of young farmers in 1928. Their mission was to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population. They taught us that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting – it’s a science, it’s a business and it’s an art. Lastly, Doug opines on the season and why it’s important to continue to give thanks and focus on the good we have in our lives. Doug also opines on the high food costs and the remaining fact the farmer only makes 14 cents for every dollar, or even less. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

12/4/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: New York State’s impact on solar taking over farm land, Brooke Rollins named Trump’s Secretary of Agriculture, what farm economists say about the future of land ownership, more and more farmers are forced to get off-farm jobs to sustain their farm, and a focus on raising a family while sustaining a farm. In the spotlight section of this episode, Doug introduces us to Steve Callaham, CEO of the Dundee Citrus Growers Association, in Dundee, Florida. Steve shares the impact of the storms over the recent months, including Hurricane Milton, and how agricultural businesses get through traumatic natural events as such. Why citrus from Florida is set apart from other locations and it’s coming up on the industries busiest season. Farmer Doug, then, opines Trump’s slated deportation efforts and how it may affect farming. He discuses that, too. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

11/27/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: Who will lead Trump’s USDA? The Federal Trade Commission is continuing to probe the right to repair for farmers, farm groups urging the Biden administration to make sure renewable fuel tax credits prioritize American crops, most farmers are relying on off-farm jobs to rely on their primary source of income to keep their farms running, and barriers women face entering farming. Doug discussed that, too. Then, we welcome back Alexis Burnham of Burnham Orchards (BurnhamOrchards.com) to the program. Alexis, a 7th generation family farmer, previously discussed her family’s nearly 211 year old farm, which you can hear HERE. This time, the conversation surrounds female farmers, the opportunities of getting educated in ag, and how family farmers can continue with added benefits throughout the whole year when their primary crop is out of season. Then Farmer Doug opines why people want to become farmers or why multi-generation farmers want to stay on the farm. While it’s difficult to make a living in today’s society, it’s truly a passion and unconditional love for so many. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

11/20/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: the vital role radio plays in the lives of farmers, what less IRA money for next year means for farmers, prospects for Secretary of Agriculture, and how the current agriculture policy is destroying Americans’ health. Then, Doug introduces us to Stephanie Tewes with Tewes Farm, a poultry farm in northern Kentucky (TewesFarm.com). Stephanie grew up a farm kid, with her grandfather starting the farm 80 years ago. Tewes Farm specializes in quality poultry in Northern Kentucky, and they have many customers from around the TriState area. They raise chickens year round for eggs and meat, specialize in dressed turkeys around the holiday season, and believe a better meal begins when you have a fresh turkey or chicken. It is the only Fresh Poultry producer in Northern Kentucky. People come from miles around to pick up a fresh turkey for the holidays. Lastly, Doug opines getting help on the farm, benefits from internships, the continuous overstepping of the government. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

11/13/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: farm insurance and how those affected by the recent hurricanes are receiving assistance, a poultry farmer with 62,000 birds without feed, service members transitioning from military service to civilian life and how farming and ag helps, a grocery store merger, and what the election means for farmers. Then, Doug introduces us to Hannah Wuesthoff (WuesthoffFarm on Instagram)=, a hobby farmer in Middle Tennessee. She and her family started at the beginning of the pandemic with chickens while living in Nashville, and it spiraled from there. She and her husband, Dave, left the city to fulfill her dream of having their own land and being as self-sustainable as possible. She lives on her small farm with her husband and two children. They have laying hens, a pig, goats, and bee hives (which she recently caught 2 swarms). They have raised turkeys and a steer before, and will be onboarding a horse November 26th. They also compost all the manure, use cover crops, and do soil tests so they can make sure they are improving the soil and being environmentally friendly. Lastly, Doug opines the importance of corn crops. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

11/6/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: the debt consolidation tool for farmers and producers, reporting requirements for foreign land-investors, and how the outcome of the election will affect farmers. Then, Doug introduces us to Ward Graham of Brighton Honey (BrightonHoney.com), an apiary in Rochester, NY, producing locally sourced wildflower honey without chemicals, antibiotics, or pesticides, and never heat-treated. Brighton Honey has over 500,000 bees making honey, and they include different types of swarms — a Russian mix, Golden Italians, and Minnesota Hygienic. There are many claims about the holistic benefits of Honey. Honey has been claimed to slow aging, prevent hair loss, improve digestion and reduce hay fever symptoms. Some have these have been scientifically proven. Honey is a natural antibiotic and honey has been used for treating wounds throughout pre-history. Honey in modern medicine has been used to treat wounds. The natural properties of honey help clear infections and reduce inflammation, and may stimulate the re-growth of tissue according to some studies. Lastly, Doug opines the shrinking farm population, the average person taking agriculture and food production for granted, a program for agriculture in the classrooms at the state level in an effort to promote farming and healthy eating. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

10/30/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: the latest news from NASA how an autonomous robot is taking images from around the globe and how it can help farmers, how well politicians are delivering on their promises to small farmers, and the USDA announces initiatives to increase competition and lower food prices. Then, Doug introduces us to Gretel Adams of Sunny Meadows Flower Farm (sunnymeadowsflowerfarm.com), an urban flower farm producing sustainably grown fresh cut flowers out of Columbus, Ohio. They strive for responsible stewardship, with fairly treated employees, supporting a healthy community. Their flowers evoke feelings of nostalgia, creating a botanical journey through seasonality and plant diversity. They hope to cultivate a greater connection to where the flowers come from, historically influenced by small-scale floriculture. Lastly, Doug opines all of the nonsense from politicians who want your vote, a $9 Million initiative from the Ag Department that’s suppose to transform US Ag education, the dangers of mass-production farms and why PETA is right to come for them, and more. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

10/23/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: courses for farmers sponsored by the Cornell Small Farms programs, family farmers affected by the recent hurricanes and how USDA is offering assistance, the continued “right-to-repair” fight, and how this election cycle could lower food prices. Then, Doug introduces us to Sara McGuire of Royal Farms: Farm Market & Winery (royalfarmsinc.com). As young farmers, Sara and her husband experienced crop disasters before shifting their focus to farm marketing, with he added help from Sara’s degree in merchandising. Royal Farms has a bakery, highlighting made-from-scratch pies, a greenhouse, wine and cider tasting, and more. They grow apples, cherries, peaches, pears, and more. Northern Michigan allows for a variety of year-round offerings and pick-you-own experience with something for each season. Then, Doug opines mental health of farmers, off-farm jobs farmers take to keep their operation afloat.

10/16/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: the farm bill and how farmers can get to politicians to urge more assistance and priority-making for American family farmers, a focus on the Dairy expo and how dairy farmers are faring. Then, Doug introduces us to Jazmin Albarran, Executive Director of Seed Your Future (SeedYourFuture.org) — a Washington DC-based nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging young people to pursue careers in Green Careers, such as horticulture and agriculture. Seed Your Future is the movement to promote horticulture and inspire people to pursue careers working with plants. Horticulture is the art, technology, and science of plants. It is the business of managing and using what we grow while maintaining the health of our soil, air, and water, and the well-being of our children, our communities, and our world. Lastly, Doug opines agricultural exports, and how the upcoming election will affect small farms. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

10/9/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: the bird flu and the USDA’s update of a vaccine for dairy cows. Then, Doug introduces us to Greg Burtt or Burtt’s Apple Orchard (burttsappleorchard.com), for a discussion on the 6-acre family farm. The farm had been a dairy and maple farm for many years, until Greg and his parents felt like trying something different - apples seemed like a good idea. They opened for picking in 2009 with a few acres of young trees and sold all their apples in just two weeks. That meant it was time to plant more. Now, apple picking at their orchard has become a tradition for many families in the area. Plus an acidity vs alkalinity of soil, and Doug opines that the Farm Service Agency is good at helping family-owned farms while most federal agencies don’t seem to care, how dairy cattle are being affected by the bird flu and whether or not it’s transferring into milk. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks