American Family Farmer

8/28/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Rocky Goodnow with Forest Economic Advisors (FEA). As the Vice President of Timber, Rocky leads the development of FEA’s timber econometric models, which are used in the analysis of future demand on wood fiber resources, regional timber supplies and timber values. Headquartered in Littleton, MA (with offices globally), FEA was formed when it was recognized that there was a need in the industry for impartial, exhaustive analysis, accessible data and customized consulting. FEA markets knowledge and data through analytical products that cover the forest product industry. These include Monthly Advisors and newsletters for near-term analysis, the Quarterly Forecasting Service for a longer-term outlook and an extensive historical database, as well as the industry's only comprehensive, up-to-date, mill-level capacity reports, categorized by sector. Anyone with a lot of land could learn from this lucrative business. Learn m

8/21/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Jackson Madnick, inventor and CEO of Pearl’s Premium Ultra Low Maintenance Lawn Seed, a company inspired and named after Jackson’s mom. What sets Pearl’s Premium apart from other lawn seeds is that, rather than mowing on a weekly basis, the grass doesn’t need mowed for 4-6 weeks. Chemical-free and a solution that’s eco-friendly, this is a sustainable, non-GMO option for family farmers, hobby farmers, agrihoods and anyone with a lawn. You can learn more on PearlsPremium.com. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

8/14/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com welcomes back Jennifer Fahy, Communications Director with Farm Aid, to discuss the annual event and ongoing efforts to assist family farmers in our beautiful country. Farm Aid was started in 1985 by Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp during the height of the farm crisis in an effort to bring people together and raise awareness for farmers and remind us all we’re not alone in the struggles and why it’s important to continue to be connected with each other. In 2001, Dave Matthews came on board and then, recently, Margo Price joined, too. Since 1985, Farm Aid has answered 1-800-FARM-AID to provide immediate and  effective support services to farm families in crisis. Now Farm Aid’s online Farmer  Resource Network connects farmers to an extensive network of organizations across  the country that help farmers find the resources they need to access new markets,  transition to more sustainable and profitable farming practices, an

8/7/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Shane Kanneberg of Vine and Virtue Farm (vineandvirtuefarm.com) in Wisconsin, a family farm expanding and trying new things with a focus on fresh veggie, chicken, and eggs the way nature intended to nourish your family and soul. Vine and Virtue Farm doesn’t use heavy tillage, herbicides or chemical fertilizers. They choose the natural approach to farming. Shane and his wife, Kenna, developed Vine and Virtue Farm in 2022 knowing how good it feels to eat really good food.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

7/31/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Mike DellaGalla, Co-Founder & CEO of Solar Collective (solarcollective.energy). The conversation includes: Agri-solar/Agrivoltaics, the idea of collocating solar equipment on active farmland that remains farmable.  By using solar as an ag product, Solar Collective can help farmers generate long-term, reliable income.  They focus on smaller projects on family farms across the US with a particular focus on Massachusetts.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmer.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

7/24/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Ben Brown, a Senior Research Associate with the Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI). Ben’s love of farming and passion for teaching comes as no surprise when you realize he grew up in a family of teachers and farmers, and blending the two together paves new roads in farming’s future. A believer of healthy farming, Ben teaches farm management classes at Missouri University. His work as an  ag economist, Ben helps farmers, ranchers, and ag lenders, break down market trends, public policy and farm finances while also helping farmers and ag specialists make decisions for the farming success. You can learn more on fapri.missouri.edu, and find Ben X (FKA Twitter) @BenBrownMU. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

7/17/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Marshall Berg, a Hatch Chile expert and President and Founder of Best in the West. According to 2024 market research, consumers are increasingly seeking products that add overall flavor, cultural experience, and a little bit of heat to their meals. Until now, fresh Hatch chiles have been hard to ship, but Best in the West has found a way for everyone to enjoy these southwest flavors through a proprietary process, new production facility, and decades of experience. Never before available in the industry, Best in the West's shelf-stable organic Hatch chiles sets a new standard in culinary excellence. Their organic chile products allow manufacturers to craft authentic Hatch chile creations, confidently expanding their organic offerings. These are the first products in a total transition of the Los Roast brand to organic Hatch chile products. All Best in the West Hatch chiles are New Mexico-grown, most on fifth and sixt

7/10/24 - Do you know how to protect your livestock when severe weather strikes? With NOAA predicting 17-25 named storms and 8-13 hurricanes, we have a conversation to help you better prepare. Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Dr. Sandra Faeh, chief veterinary officer for National Veterinary Associates and President of the American Veterinary Medical Association (www.avma.org). Serving more than 105,000 member veterinarians, the AVMA is the nation’s leading representative of the veterinary profession, dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of animals, humans and the environment. Founded in 1863 and with members in every U.S. state and territory and more than 60 countries, the AVMA is one of the largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. Informed by our members’ unique scientific training and clinical knowledge, the AVMA supports the crucial work of veterinarians and advocates for policies that advance the practice of veterinary medicine a

7/3/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Kristen Worthington of Worthington Pecan Farms, located in New Mexico (worthingtonpecanfarm.com).  Pecan oil is quickly becoming the go-to oil for health conscious consumers. Pecans are starting to play a big role in not only the food industry, but the beauty industry as well. They’re naturally high in fiber and low in carbohydrates, they have a high smoking point and can handle cooking with the hottest grills or fryers, they’re big on flavor and are good for the body, inside and out. Pecan oil naturally contains vitamin A, vitamin E, Zinc, and Magnesium. At Worthington Pecan Farms, Kristen and her family/team aim to inspire others to love and appreciate pecans through their products, recipes, and educational behind the scenes videos. Find them on Facebook @PecansWhoKnew and Instagram @worthingtonpecanfarm.Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

6/26/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Tom Hanson, from Hanson’s Farm in Framingham, MA, is a third generation farmer and longtime friend of Doug and joins the American Family Farmer program to discuss his family farm, the You-Pick strawberry season, and the hardships of getting started. Growing strawberries is more labor intensive that other crops and falls at the mercy of the weather year-after-year, which dwindles down more smaller operations. The conversation not only provides further proof of importance of supporting family farms, but the benefits of how important local farms are to families in the communities they serve. Learn more information, and visit the farm and farm stand, at hansonsfarmframingham.com.Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

6/19/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to horse handler Helena Peterson started off in her youth as an equestrian, when she realized how many horses need rescued and started her own equine sanctuary. Doug and Helena take us on an educational journey on horse nutrition, who are herbivores, and the additives and fillers in store-bought horse feed. Plus, the average longevity of horses in captivity, the maintenance included in having horses, why you should never own just one horse, and how to get youngsters involved with horse safety and handling.Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

6/12/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Stephanie Shepard Barnett and Steve Barnett of The Strawberry Patch at Shepard Farms, a family farm known for their delicious strawberries.Recently, The Strawberry Patch at Shepard Farms partnered with Robertson County Schools (near Nashville) to provide local produce to students. The Robertson County Schools Nutrition Department and the local family farm began a partnership with Shepard Farms supplying strawberries to area schools as part of a new produce partnership between local farms and the district’s nutrition department.While the program, which began on April 29, has come to an end for this school year, they look forward to begin again with a new school year. Strawberries are still available to the general public at the Shepard's Strawberry patch. For hours of operation, pre-picked and you-pick availability and pricing, visit their Facebook Page - just search “The Strawberry Patch at Shepard Farms.Find them o

6/5/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) introduces us to Stephanie Shepler-Harren of Chosen Weeds Farm, maker of 100% Goat Milk Soaps (TheChosenWeeds.com).Chosen Weeds farm was born out of a desire to create a place of sustainability and service to the community. Stephanie wanted to fashion a place where people were free to see how animals and plants can be raised with love, where they could be assured that the products they buy are authentic, and they were free to ask questions to learn and grow into their authentic self.Stephanie Shepler-Harren is a certified fitness nutritionist, an avid outdoors woman, and has a driving desire for Truth. Her passion of knowledge and understanding lead her down a path that she would have never imagined a few years ago. A journey where her beliefs have repeatedly been put to the test through many hardships.Right now they are raising Nubian dairy goats, chickens, and have started what she hopes to be a sustainable food forest on her pro

5/22/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Alexandria Ward, Farm Aid’s Farmer Services Network Manager, for a focus on Farm Aid’s Mental Health Hotline, aiming to provide aid to Farmers nationwide. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and mental health issues are a major concern for all types of workers in the farming and agriculture industry. Farm Aid’s hotline operators are familiar with agriculture and with resources for farmers around  the country; they work with hotline callers to find the best resources for their individual  situation, whether they are looking for assistance with farm stress, financial issues, legal  questions or business-related questions.  All farmers  can call the hotline at 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243). The Hotline hours are M-F,  9am-9pm ET and 6am-6pm PT. The suicide rate has been higher for farmers than for the general  population for decades, and a 2017 front-page story in The Guardian brought it to America’s attention. It’

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Alexis Burnham, of Burnham Orchards. https://www.burnhamorchards.com The Burnham Family Farm dates back to the early 1800s when William and Eleanor Tillinghast received 160 acres of land in the Firelands of Ohio. From juicy apples to succulent peaches, they grow fruits that delight your taste buds directly to the public at their 200 year old farm. You can pick your own in season, visit Grandma Bea's Bakery, The Market, and The Tap Room.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Jake Carter, Owner & CEO, Southern Belle Farm in McDonough, Georgia, just south of Atlanta. https://www.southernbellefarm.com Southern Belle Farm is an 8-generation family owned 330-acre working farm, open seasonally for fresh produce, berry picking, peach picking, fall fun, Christmas trees, and much more! It's Strawberry Season on The Farm, and they have lots of fun planned for guests this Spring! U-pick strawberries will be available to be picked right from the vines of their 15-acre strawberry patch or pick-up a bucket of their freshly picked strawberries from the Country Market. As good stewards, they strive to honor their God given family heritage to create a wholesome atmosphere, which strengthens family bonds within local communities and staff, while educating the public about agriculture.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Jerry Apps, author of "On Farms and Rural Communities: An Agricultural Ethic for the Future." https://bookshop.org/p/books/on-farms-and-rural-communities-an-agricultural-ethic-for-the-future-jerry-apps/20186975 Jerry Apps is a former county extension agent and is now professor emeritus at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he taught for thirty years. Today he works as a rural historian and full-time writer and is the author of many books on rural history, country life, and the environment. As agriculture, land utilization, demographic shifts, and socioeconomic and cultural factors. Apps highlights the urgent need to restore and better appreciate our rural communities. He urges the creation of an agricultural ethic that looks at the land and the people, celebrating all that has made American farming an essential part of our history while positioning it for a brighter future. 

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Steve and Jesse McBee of McBee Farms. www.mcbeefarms.com Their new series on Peacock The McBee Dynasty: Real American Cowboys, is a new reality series that takes viewers behind the scenes of the high-stakes world of farming and ranching in rural Missouri. McBee Farm and Cattle is on the brink of becoming a billion-dollar business... or a financial disaster. They own and operate 2100 acres of fescue pasture and have been in some form of the beef production business since 1974. 

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Warren Shaw, President of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF https://mfbf.net/ ), a non-profit farming advocacy organization representing almost 3,000 family members across the Commonwealth. In this capacity, he assesses the overall direction and strategy of MFBF. Warren is also the owner/operator of Shaw Farm in Dracut, MA. https://shawfarm.com/ The 113-year-old family dairy has a herd of 100 and produces and sells conventional and organic milk as well as ice cream. MFBF is the Commonwealth’s largest general farming organization with more than 3,000 member families in 12 counties.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Tami Purdue, from Sweet Peas Urban Gardens, LLC. www.sweetpeasurbangardens.com & www.triangleunitedgrowers.com Tami is a trained as an accountant, but her own “foodie” journey led her from rapt engagement with entertainment cooking, to organic gardening, to a profound fascination with all the ways food culture underlies manifold concerns of health, justice, identity and personal expression. They grow local, organic produce because they want their community to enjoy health, resilience, and the simple pleasure of a well grown and prepared meal.