American Family Farmer

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

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 vo

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 kee

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

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: AmericanFamilyF

10/2/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: the farm bill, overall food security, an AI-created “perfect” farm bill, the deadline to pass a new budget for next year approaches, and the House sweeps aside objections to pass a bill to restrict the purchase of agricultural land by people from certain countries. Then, Doug introduces us to Bill MacCauley of MacCauley Suffolks (maccauleysheep.com), a sheep farm in Atglen, Pennsylvania. Bill is an example of when a hobby farmer takes it further and creates quite the business model. He and his wife, Betsy, never dreamed of maintaining a flock of approximately 325 Suffolk brood ewes and about 100 crossbred ewes when they started out, but here they are — and loving it. Their two sons raise and show sheep, too. Their ewes have been selected based on structural soundness, muscle expression, mothering and milking ability and longevity. All the ewes are kept on pasture alone f

9/25/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to  Bruce Surprenant of Surprenant’s Berry Farm (surprenantsberryfarm.com), specializing in turning his berries into value-added products of jams and jellies. Bruce’s farm makes more than 150 products using his own berries and other products from farms, made in the licensed food processing kitchen in the farmhouse that’s been in his wife’s family since 1904. Bruce started his farming journey in the summer of 1962, but that was also the same time his mom taught him about cooking. Sometimes we believe our path is set, only to find we must pivot and discover something better. Bruce shares the incredible story of his farm. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

9/18/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Paul Stecker from Maple Lane Farm (MapleLaneFarmVT.com). As a family-owned farm, they’re dedicated to providing nourishment while cultivating nutritious food and supporting strong food systems by promoting sustainable farming practices. The discussion covers hurdles of selling raw milk (which includes the continuous flow of misinformation), the pride of being a family farm, and the benefit of pure maple syrup. Maple Lane Farm is owned by Kristine and Paul Stecker, located in Cabot, Vermont, and continues a dedication of preserving the land while offering a wide range of farm products. Paul believes that diversity is key to surviving market fluctuations and protecting their land. Maple Lane Farm now proudly showcases British White cattle, raw milk from organic A1A2 Jerseys, pure maple products, and more. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

9/11/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Kyle Elliot; Director, Weather Information Center at Millersville University (millersville.edu). With a B.S. in Meteorology from Millersville University and an M.S. in Meteorology from Penn State University, Kyle previously worked at AccuWeathe as an operational forecaster before joining MIllersville Meteorology. His primary focus is on weather analysis, media meteorology and the development of internet-based weather resources. Together, Doug and Kyle discuss what goes into a weather forecast, the tools of a meteorologist, and upcoming weather predictions. It’s a conversation you won’t want to miss.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

9/4/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to a family farm inspired by a sunset. Ashley and Jesse Fields of Fields Fields Blueberries (fieldsfieldsblueberries.com) are successful second generation family farmers, growing organic wild blueberries, in Maine. They farm while keeping the berries and their surroundings in their most natural state. The farm was started by Eliot Field, a sunset chaser who timed his drive home from work to see the sun setting over Blinn Hill. Eliot decided to see if the landowner was willing to sell the property (she was), which came with the added bonus of a wild blueberry field. Together with Doug, Ashley and Jesse discuss the amazing benefits of blueberries, how Fields Fields Blueberries offers them year round, and why we shouldn’t be sleeping on blueberry leaves either. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

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