American Family Farmer

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that the Department of Agriculture reports that Family Farms remain the main source of food production in our country. 98% are Family Farms and the average farm earns $350-thousand dollars a year, but the bad news is that 38% of them have to also work off the farm, to keep it going. Next, we meet Agricultural Journalist, Chris Bennett. https://www.agweb.com/news/business/technology/best-bennett-read-his-six-top-stories-2021 With Chris, No topic is off limits including Ag crime, government overreach, odd occurrences, and farm history that slips through the cracks. Chris talks about several of his stories, including one that is special interest to Doug, China’s Threat to US Agriculture (Eyes Wide Shut on China). Finally, Farmer Doug opines about his dislike of Robotic Farm Equipment, currently featured at the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show.

American Family Farmer and Host, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com takes a look back at the happenings of the year 2021. Some of the topics included are: how farmers and ranchers are not getting their fair share of the profits made off their products and the recall of Dole vegetables and fruits. Do you know which foods boost your immune system to help prevent COVID? Then Farmer Doug says that he feels the energy of the ground and suggests creating harmony on your farm. Next, more news, including the fraudulent disbursement of $3-billion in Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) funds to non-farms, the misuse of land by The Bureau of Land Management and the right to repair our own farm equipment. Finally, Farmer Doug, once again praises the State on Maine's new Food Sovereignty Act.

American Family Farmer and Host, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about how Family Farmers are dealing with Climate Change. Next, we meet Doug Hensley, President of Real Estate Services of Hertz Farm Management. https://www.hertz.ag/ Doug grew up on a cash-grain and livestock farm in western-Illinois, and has worked in the Midwestern farmland brokerage and auction business for nearly 25 years. Hertz Farm Management and Hertz Real Estate Services specializes in professional farm management, farm real estate brokerage sales, online and in-person farm real estate auctions, land acquisitions, consulting and farm appraisals throughout the Midwest. We have been in business since 1946. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about Robotic Diaries and suggests that cows are beings and need to be respected.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with information about Animals For Therapy at farms. Then, news about the proposed Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act, that is hoped to bring some order to pricing. Next, we meet Alexia Kulwiec, Executive Director of the non-profit Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund. www.FarmToConsumer.org At the FTCLDF Alexia represents members in their efforts to produce and consume healthy locally grown farm products and helps them navigate the regulatory environment to do so. Alexia has an advocated law degree from the Arkansas Law School LLM program in Food and Agriculture Law. Finally, Farmer Doug encourages farmers to investigate CSAs. (Community Supported Agriculture)

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about how the CA dairy industry is dealing with difficult times. Doug also offers an update on the agricultural devastation about the recent tornadoes in Kansas. Next, we meet Tim Andriesen, Managing Director Agricultural Products, CME Group. www.CMEgroup.com The CME Group is focused on delivering new ways to manage risk and improve performance in agriculture. Tim offers tips on how futures and options help farmers manage risk? He also discusses what farmers should be thinking about in the year ahead? Finally, Farmer Doug revisits the new Maine Foods Food Sovereignty Act.

American Family Farmer and Host, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that the Senate wants to ban two ingredients in pesticides. Then another item in the news "Can Climate Change Destroy Farming As We Know It today?" Next, we meet Co-Farmer in Chief of Cox Farms, Lucas Cox. www.coxfarms.com Lucas grew up on the farm, and while his parents, Eric and Gina, are semi‐retired they still make their opinions known in that special way parents do. In 1972, they created the Cox Farms Fall Winter Wonderland Festival, which has grown to become the largest and most popular seasonal event i n the Washington, D.C. area. You can pick your perfect wreath and tree, warm up around the fire, and enjoy some tasty treats, like kettle corn, apple cider donuts, cinnamon roasted almonds, local honey and preserves, now through December 19th. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about a self-driving farm robot, that can kill over 10k weeds an hour, without the use of pesticides.

American Family Farmer and Host, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that the Senate wants to ban two ingredients in pesticides. Then another item in the news "Can Climate Change Destroy Farming As We Know It today?" Next, we meet Co-Farmer in Chief of Cox Farms, Lucas Cox. www.coxfarms.com Lucas grew up on the farm, and while his parents, Eric and Gina, are semi‐retired they still make their opinions known in that special way parents do. In 1972, they created the Cox Farms Fall Winter Wonderland Festival, which has grown to become the largest and most popular seasonal event i n the Washington, D.C. area. You can pick your perfect wreath and tree, warm up around the fire, and enjoy some tasty treats, like kettle corn, apple cider donuts, cinnamon roasted almonds, local honey and preserves, now through December 19th. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about a self-driving farm robot, that can kill over 10k weeds an hour, without the use of pesticides.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephen, www.eastleighfarm.com begins with an overview of the National American Farm Broadcasters Convention that he's attending in Kansas City. Next, news about a new film, produced by Chipotle, "The Future Begins," that depicts many of today's struggles on the Family Farmer. Next, we meet Ken Ferrie, owner of Crop Tech Consulting in Heyworth Illinois. www.croptechinc.com Crop-Tech is a family-owned business. Along with his wife, three of their four children are also involved in the business. The business is split between consulting and research and their recommendations are customized for each operation. They also consult on many aspects of farming, from tillage to seed selection. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about equalizing the playing field for Black American Farmers and how the Government wants you to switch to electric tractors and other farm equipment.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that broadband internet needs to be expanded in rural areas in America. Next, a look ahead at the long-range weather forecast for farmers. Then, we meet Vicki Wojcik, Dir. of Science Pollinator Partnership. www.Pollinator.org As Research Director she oversees P2’s research program, keeping on top of new and emerging pollinator issues and managing a program set that includes pollinator habitat conservation and landscape management assessments; understanding and enhancing agroecosystems; land-use and pesticide policy review; support for threatened and critical species; and ecosystem service assessments. Vicki says, "It's time to begin bee-friendly farming." Finally, Family Farmer Doug opines that you should invite your community to visit your farm.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins news that the Food Sovereignty Act passed this week, in Maine, as part of the state's Constitution. Also, news about recalled bagged lettuce and the state of broadband internet in rural areas. Next, we meet Jim Roberts, Chairman of the Board - Farm to Consumer Foundation. www.f2cfnd.org The foundation's mission is to educate and bring local farmers and customers together. They have a report on how farmers and consumers in Michigan were able to form a co-existent relationship with the Department of Ag, so fresh milk could be produced and distributed. They run a number of social media approaches and will be announcing a "be thankful for your farmer" contest for Thanksgiving. Applicants will provide a photo of their farmer with their favorite locally farmed product and a 500+ word story about why that i s their favorite locally farmed product. Finally, Farmer Doug expresses objection to a proposed clean-air tax that cost dairy farmers $650

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with good news that The USDA's Whole Farm Revenue Protection Program is back. Also, in the news, off-farm revenue makes up roughly 82% of total farm income. Canned pumpkin is up $2-dollars from last year, but the most farmers will only get 19-cents out of every Thanksgiving food dollar spent. Next, we meet acting Administrator/Deputy Administrator for Product Management Risk Management Agency, of the USDA, Richard Flournoy. www.RMA.USDA.GOV Richard oversees the development and implementation of crop insurance policies. The USDA has rolled out a new insurance option specifically for agricultural producers with small farms who sell locally. It will be available at the beginning of the 2022 crop year. Finally, Farmer Doug opines, once again, about the Methane ignorance of Conservationists.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about the Department of Agriculture initiating a $400-million dollar Dairy Donation program as part of the larger Pandemic Assistance Program. Then, Doug talks about why beef ranchers are not reaping the benefits of higher consumer beef prices. Next, we meet Rebecca Bates Sloane of the Bates Turkey Farm. www.batesturkey.com The farm began in 1923, the day Aunt Mamie Bates gave her nephew, W.C. Bates, Sr. and his new wife, Helen, nine turkey eggs as a wedding present. Since then, four generations have operated the farm with one purpose, to produce the finest turkey to grace a table. Bates turkeys are free range, grown in Alabama the old-fashioned way. They are grown to their full-breasted best, in a stress free environment under the cool shade of pecan groves. They also have a farm restaurant, The Bates House of Turkey, www.bateshouseturkey.com . Finally, Farmer Doug opines that our goal is to provide good quality products at

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about how the slowdown of the USPS will affect the Family Farm. An Ohio Family Farmer invites the public to view Fall crop harvesting, for a charge. Also, prices of food in aluminum containers is going up. Next, we meet Director of Environment & Community Impact for Tillamook, Jocelyn Bridson. https://www.tillamook.com/ Last year, at the height of the pandemic, a new campaigncalled the “All For Farmers” initiative was launched to help farmers across the country who were facing financial hardship. Through a partnership with the non-profit – American Farmland Trust (AFT) – Tillamook awarded 130 grants to farmers in 25 states. https://food52.com/p/all-for-farmers-market & https://www.tillamook.com/all-for-farmers . Finally, Farmer Doug opines about farm equipment and endorses fixing it yourself.

American Family Farmer and Host, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins USDA news and their plan to provide $1.5 billion dollars to help with school lunches. Next, all indications lead to the conclusion that there will be grocery shortages this fall. Then, we meet Karl Milikowski, owner of Foster Hill Farm and Garden Shop, Stafford Connecticut. www.FosterHillFarmandGarden.com Karl and his wife Kim breed Miniature Donkeys, they raise Flowers, Herbs, Heirloom tomato plants and pepper plants for sale in the Garden Shop. The farm was purchased by the Milikowski in 2008 and was named for the Foster family, who owned and farmed it for 2 centuries. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about the disappearing rurality from our landscape. You can listen to this podcast at American Family Farmer Show.com, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with a review of State Fairs. Then, all about Cellular Agriculture. Next, we meet National Farmers Union President, Rob Larew. www.nfu.org Rob focusses on Fairness For Farmers, a campaign that seeks to rally Americans to urge their Congressional leaders and the Biden administration to take concrete steps to curtail consolidation in agriculture, which negatively impacts farmers, ranchers and consumers. www.nfu.org/fairness-for-farmers Finally, Farmer Doug says that as Family Farmers, we must pay attention to our communities and use Social Media to bring them in.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that President Biden's plan to increase the Death Tax is being challenged by Democrats and Republicans, alike. Next, we meet Jacqueline Smith, founder of Central Grazing Company. https://centralgrazingcompany.com/ Jacqueline believes that the collapse of our farming infrastructure may be eminent and how it is limiting our capacity to create balance i n the marketplace. Central Grazing Company was founded in 2015 with a few simple goals: Raise lambs ethically according to the highest animal welfare standards, regenerate grasslands by producing planet-benefiting food and fiber, create economic incentives for independent, regional or organic farmers, provide living wages to our workers and build a transparent supply chain that works toward zero waste. Finally, Farmer Doug gives a thumbs-up to a new children's book, "Barn at Night." https://www.feedingmindspress.com/our-books/barn-at-night

Doug Stephan, Host and American Family Farmer www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about Joe Biden's support for competition in farming. Did you know that the farmer's share of every food dollar has shrunk from 50% in 1950 to 16% today? Then, news of a South Dakota farmer who is suing the Federal Government over declaring his land, with a little puddle, as a protected wetland. Next, we meet Michael Robinov, who launched Farm To People, with cofounder von Haeften and his father David Robinov in 2013. www.farmtopeople.com Farm to People is a food subscription service, based in Brooklyn, NY that connects farmers directly with consumers. They curate boxes of vegetables, meats, seafood and other grocery items and deliver every week. They have relationships with farmers and growers within 300 miles of NYC, with plans to expand farther. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about how 800 dairy farms in Minnesota went out of business, due to the mega-factory dairies. He believes that smaller farms need to be beefed up.

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.