American Family Farmer

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!

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about a USDA report that shows our country’s largest farms are providing 20% of the crops and smaller farms account for the rest, a long time Kentucky farm is suspending its horse racing operations due to the inability to hire skilled staff, an Ohio mink farm has been vandalized and 40k mink go free. Next, we meet Kesha Cobb, Arkansas National Women in Agriculture Association Chairperson. https://www.nwiaa.org/ She is a Mother, Minister, Motivational Speaker, Author, Philanthropist, Financial Empowerment Advocate, Entrepreneur and Human Rights Activist. She talks about her own farming activities and explains how NWIAA works to empower Women and People of Color to become successful farmers. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about the need to have clear job descriptions for all workers on your farm.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about how the American Farm Bureau has made a deal with John Deere to move forward by observing Right To Repair guidelines for their farm equipment and all about the new New Holland tractor that runs on self-producible methane liquid fuel. Next, we meet Virginia Dahm, Founder & CEO at Kestrel Website Design & Development. www.kestereltech.com Virginia grew up in Kansas City, graduated from the University of Southern California, and has lived in rural Illinois for many years. After building her first web site in 1996 for a grain elevator cooperative, she began developing other web sites for agriculture companies, family farms, and rural businesses which became the basis for Kestrel Web Design and Development and still is today. They design & develop, graphic design, ad lay-out, brochure design, logo development, E-mail blasts and web marketing for farms and farm organizations of many sizes. Finally, Farmer Doug opi

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about how many chicken wings were consumed on Superbowl Sunday, Colorado passes Right To Repair legislation and 20 more states are close to passing it. Next, we meet Danny Mauk, Graphic & Web Designer for Farm Web Design. www.farmwebdesign.com Many farms still don't have web sites or even contact information available on the internet. After fifteen years, they have successfully produced websites for more than 250 farms and agribusinesses throughout the U.S. and Canada. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about the new farm bill and the lack of focus on the "real" farming issues.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about the rising costs of farming. Number one concern is the rising interest costs on loans, followed closely by the costs of feed, fertilizer and fuel. Next, we meet Dr. Erika Scott, PhD, Deputy Director of the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety. https://necenter.org The Northeast Center works to identify actionable solutions so that ag, fishing and forestry workers can survive and thrive on the job — whether that work is a passion, a paycheck or a combination of both. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about pooling farm resources and suggests that farmers form groups to share farm equipment among neighboring farms.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about the rising cost of eggs and last year's Avion Flu, a new AI robot that assists with farming. Next, we meet Cannon Michael, who is President & CEO of Bowles Farming Co, a multicrop California Farmer who manages 11-thousand acres of farmland. www.bfarm.com He is the 6th generation of his family to work in the family farming business. A graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, Cannon joined the company in 1998. Environmental stewardship, ethical treatment of workers, and sustainable production are all extremely important to Cannon and the Bowles Farming Company team. Finally, farmer Doug opines about how our food system is at risk, from the lack of Veterinarians.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about the annual meeting of the American Farm Bureau and their proposals against John Deere concearning The Right To Repair proposal, New Holland introduces a new tractor that runs on Methane that can be produced from manuer. Next, we meet Dr. Zach Bush, MD, founder of Farmer's Footprint. https://farmersfootprint.us/ Farmer’s Footprint is a coalition of farmers, educators, doctors, scientists, and business leaders aiming to expose the human and environmental impacts of chemical farming and offer a path forward through regenerative agricultural practices. Next, Farmer Doug opines about the importance of having a presence on U-Tube and learning how to protect your farm, after you're gone.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about a bee farmer who was helped get back on his feet by other local farmers when his hives were destroyed by a bear, an Iowa bovine sanctuary was also helped by local farmers when his barn was destroyed. Next, we meet Greg Cohen, who is working with Farmer Doug to crate an "Agrihood." www.agrihood.com. Agrihoods are based around the concept of integrating farms and gardens into neighborhoods, allowing for the development of residential neighborhoods that have a rural feel. Integrating agriculture into neighborhoods also allows for communities to supply themselves with locally-produced food. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about the challenges facing farmers in 2023.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about abandon pigs spreading diseases, a Chicago couple changes abondon lots to organic flower farms; "From Farm to Vase." Next we meet Jordan Lee, spokesman for Udo's Choice Supplements. www.udoschoice.com The story of Udo’s Choice begins with adversity: In 1980, the founder got pesticide poisoning and became very ill. With possible cancer and death to look forward to, he got serious about healing himself at a core level. Putting his science background to use, he learned a lot about health and nutrition. The story has a good ending: he healed himself, and turned what he learned into practical advice for anyone interested in health. This is why Udo’s Choice health products exist today. Finally, Farmer Doug offers some new tips for dealing with the winter weather.