American Family Farmer

This week on American Family Farmer Show, host Doug Stephan welcomes ecologist and biology professor Norris Muth for an insightful conversation about the health of our forests, farms, and ecosystems.A professor at Juniata College in Pennsylvania, Muth specializes in conservation biology, plant ecology, and the growing challenges posed by invasive species. His research through the Muth Ecology Lab focuses on how invasive plants and insects disrupt native ecosystems—and what can be done to restore balance.Doug and Norris discuss the importance of native plants in both rural and urban landscapes, the ecological impact of invasive species like Tree-of-Heaven, and how threats such as the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid are changing forest and stream ecosystems. They also explore how farmers, landowners, and communities can play an active role in protecting biodiversity and supporting healthier environments.Drawing from his experiences as a researcher, educator, and former National Park Service ranger, Muth shares practical

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with the new farm bill that’s been proposed for this year. The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567) is the primary legislative proposal advancing in Congress as of March 2026, aiming to update agricultural policy, nutrition assistance, and conservation efforts. Key features include strengthened crop insurance, expanded dairy support, revised SNAP nutrition programs, and increased investments in rural infrastructure. Many are finding it outright disrespectful. Additionally, Bayer/Monsanto is pushing for, and facing opposition to, provisions in the 2026 Farm Bill that would grant pesticide manufacturers immunity from lawsuits, particularly regarding Roundup's cancer risks. This effort, backed by the Modern Ag Alliance, aims to preempt state-level "failure-to-warn" claims and overturn local authority to restrict pesticides. The farm crisis is getting worse in our cou

This week on American Family Farmer with host Doug Stephan, we revisit an insightful conversation with Cannon Michael, President & CEO of Bowles Farming Company.Cannon is a sixth-generation California farmer overseeing more than 11,000 acres of diverse crops. Since joining the family business in 1998 after graduating from University of California, Berkeley, he has helped guide the company with a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, ethical workforce practices, and long-term agricultural sustainability.Don’t miss this compelling replay highlighting the challenges and responsibilities of managing large-scale family farmland in today’s evolving agricultural landscape.Learn more at www.bfarm.com.Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with the latest information on the Avian flu. Yes, there is yet another outbreak. Then, Doug dives into the relationship between glyphosate herbicides and the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement is a subject of significant controversy and internal conflict within the MAHA coalition, particularly following a recent Trump administration executive order that prioritized domestic production of the chemical.Lastly, Doug looks at dietary guidelines, and how it changes every few years on what is deemed healthy. Farmers, however, know that nutrition starts on the farm. Enhancing the focus of supporting local farmers and shopping at farmers markets if not the farms themselves. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

On this week’s episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan welcomes Ann Molloy, co-owner and Director of Sales & Marketing for Neptune’s Harvest, based in Gloucester.A member of a fifth-generation Gloucester fishing family, Ann shares how her family’s historic roots in New England’s seafood industry evolved into a nationally recognized organic fertilizer company. What began in the 1980s as a responsible solution for unused fish byproducts has grown into a thriving business dedicated to soil health and sustainable agriculture. By transforming fish remains and seaweed into nutrient-rich fertilizers through a specialized cold-processing method, Neptune’s Harvest preserves natural enzymes, oils, and micronutrients that support long-term soil vitality.Ann discusses the importance of environmental stewardship, resource conservation, and regenerative farming practices. She explains how fish- and seaweed-based fertilizers improve soil biology, enhance microbial life, and provide balanced plant nutrition—

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with political news taking over agricultural news as politics make up a lot of what is affecting American family farmers. For instance, the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a legal dispute that could reshape how agricultural companies handle labeling and liability. In other farming and ag news, the price of fertilizer is going up, the latest update of the New World Screwworm, an the search for a National animal disease response plan. A comprehensive plan will call for stronger Federal coordination to combat growing animal health threats that are coming into our country from other countries. Lastly, Doug opines a new book titled The Way of Excellence, written by Brad Stulberg. The book redefines excellence as a consistent, value-aligned, and long-term process. It focuses on sustainable, "grounded" growth—showing up daily, managing energy over time, and finding deep satisfaction in

On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan welcomes Jodi Scott, co-founder of Green Goo, CEO of Spry Life, and a dedicated hobby farmer in Lyons, Colorado. Jodi shares her journey bridging science, psychology, and traditional herbal medicine, from pre-med studies and work supporting underserved patients to building a family business rooted in the healing power of plants. What began as handcrafted herbal remedies made on the family farm has grown into a nationally recognized, women-led, B Corp-certified brand carried by major retailers—while still staying true to its original mission of natural, effective first aid and personal care.Jodi also discusses the realities of scaling a family farm into an FDA-regulated business, sourcing high-quality herbs from trusted growers worldwide, and maintaining sustainability through recyclable packaging and plant-based formulations. She reflects on the Scott family’s pivotal decision to buy back the company in late 2025, returning leadership, restoring ori

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with the reality of news mixed with opinion and deciphering where to get the truth. Doug dives into realities of certain pesticides on the farm, twice banned and now reapproved. The ones that have caused a number of farmers to die who had used those products. The products also raised concerns of the drift and how it spreads to poisoning other farms, poisoning home gardens, poisoning other trees and plants. The next item of interest in the farm & ag news department has to do with Argentinian beef, and how it’s hurting American cattle farmers. The idea behind a push for the imported beef was to help people buy beef at lower prices. The costs of buying American beef is correlated to the cost of raising and processing the beef. American farmers barely make any money on what they do sell, but the cost of being a functioning farm is what is driving prices. Then, Doug shifts focus from n

This week on American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan sits down with Jack Algiere, Director of Agroecology at Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture in New York’s Hudson Valley.Jack has been actively farming for more than two decades and was Stone Barns’ very first official employee back in 2004. Since then, he’s helped build one of the country’s most innovative four-season regenerative farming operations—bringing together multi-species grass-fed livestock, grains and field crops, greenhouse production, orchards, flowers, composting systems, and even wild landscape stewardship under one integrated approach.In this conversation, Jack shares what it really takes to run a holistic farm system that supports biodiversity, soil health, animal welfare, and long-term resilience—while also serving as a training ground for young farmers, chefs, and changemakers. Doug and Jack also explore how Stone Barns is working with partners like the Rockefeller State Park Preserve to manage hundreds of acres of public land

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with tax deductions farmers can use before filing. There are ways of deducting land, and how much depending on renting vs ownership and if you live on the land or not. If you’re a livestock producer, feed is a sizable write off and crop farmers can write off seeds and seedlings. Equipment repairs and depreciation can also be deductibles, along with fencing and whatever other farming equipment you have. Then, focus shifts to the Asian Longhorn Tick, a major threat to U.S. farmers because it reproduces rapidly without mating, forming massive infestations that cause severe stress, blood loss, and death in livestock. Lastly, Doug addresses the California push to save the wolves, but the success has caused chaos for farmers and ranchers in Northern California. The return of gray wolves to California after a century-long absence has brought serious challenges. While many—especially in urban

On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan of Eastleigh Farm (www.eastleighfarm.com) takes us to Owensville, Missouri, to meet Tom and Martha Brikman, the husband-and-wife team behind Cool Cow Cheese and Farmstead Bed & Breakfast (www.coolcowcheese.com). Since 2012, Martha & Tom’s Farm, LLC has been a family-owned and operated labor of love, built on respect for the land, deep care for their animals, and a passion for handcrafted, farmstead cheese.The Brikmans’ dairy cows aren’t just well cared for—they’re truly pampered, which is why they affectionately call them “Cool Cows.” That commitment to humane, attentive animal care shines through in the quality of their cheese and the experience they offer visitors. Doug and the Brikmans discuss what it takes to run a small-scale dairy farm today, the realities of farmstead cheesemaking, and how intentional animal welfare directly impacts flavor, sustainability, and farm longevity.Listeners will also learn about the farm’s unique Bed and Br

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with the New World Screwworm, causing Mexico’s beef industry vulnerable to this parasitic fly. This brings up the inquiry of what is the United States doing to protect American cattle farmers and other family farmers with livestock. Continuing on, Doug shares news the U.S. dairy herd is near a 30-year high. In his experience in the dairy business, Doug gives his experience over the last decade. Then, Doug opines the journey of farming in a New Year, with one of the most important things he recently read was about pasture rotation for livestock. He, himself, prefers pasture rotation over a feed lot. Lastly, Doug address RFK Jr.’s new dietary approach with a meat-heavy diet. Related while shifting focus, the topic of methane gas raises questions on effective methods to use the gas for power. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with news affecting family farmers from the USDA about commodity payments, the rates that farmers should expect after suffering losses after the high input of costs and low crop prices. The payment rates with the highest yield are peanuts, followed by wheat, and then corn. There’s also a lot of conversation, and controversy, of putting solar onto farms in the united states. Energy needs are spiking, so many are allowing solar farming on their farm land, while some farmers are critical of the concept. Next up, in a presentation that was made for dietary guidelines, Brooke Rollins and RFK Jr. spoke about the need for whole milk, and included in their discussion that Americans can maintain a healthy diet for as little as $3 a meal per person by buying quality food, bringing it home and preparing it yourself. It requires effort and discipline, but can be done. Lastly, Doug opines the coll

This week on American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan revisits a compelling conversation with Eliza Maclean, the heart and hands behind Cane Creek Farm, a vibrant, diversified family farm in Snow Camp, North Carolina.Eliza’s journey to farming is anything but ordinary. With a background in environmental science and veterinary practice experience, she brings a deeply rooted respect for animal health, ecological stewardship, and ethical livestock management to every acre of her land. Her approach blends scientific insight with old-world wisdom, emphasizing regenerative farming and animal welfare over industrial intensification.At Cane Creek Farm, Eliza raises a rich mix of pasture-rotated livestock, including pigs, cattle, sheep, poultry, and more, in a way that nurtures both soil health and animal wellbeing. Rather than confining animals, she practices holistic rotational grazing, giving pigs, cows, and other species room to roam through woods and pastures. This not only contributes to vibrant land ecology but res

This week on American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan welcomes Heidi Sandrev, President of Angels Haven Horse Rescue in Grafton, Ohio, a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to rescuing abused, neglected, abandoned, and unwanted horses while educating the public on humane horse care.Heidi didn’t grow up around horses, but she was raised with a strong philanthropic spirit. When she recognized a critical need for a horse sanctuary in her community, she took action, and never looked back. Since 2006, Angels Haven Horse Rescue has given dozens of horses a second chance at life, providing rehabilitation, veterinary care, and ultimately helping them find loving, permanent homes.In this conversation, Heidi shares the harsh realities facing horses today, including neglect driven by economic pressures, gaps in Ohio’s livestock laws, and the true cost and responsibility of horse ownership. She also explains how Angels Haven works collaboratively, never judgmentally, with owners, law enforcement, and other organizati

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with the declaration that this year is the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Shedding light on the essential contributions of women in farming and agri-business. Supporting the International Year of the Woman Farmer aligns with a commitment to advance opportunities for all farmers, ensuring that women in agriculture have resources, recognition and the support they need to succeed.Moving on, Doug shares updates on the infrastructure that goes on in new farming operations called Virtual Fencing. It’s a lot like the Invisible Fence people use for their dogs, but it’s become effective to reduce labor when moving animals between pastures with farmers creating boundaries of their choice. Then, Doug shares his thoughts on evaluating an agri-tourism operation on your farm. With many farmers having more time on their hands during the winter months, it’s a good time to look back on the pa

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with the latest on the screwworm threatening the cattle industry.Three of the top USDA experts have been sharing updates on where the screwworm has taken place and urging farmers to pay attention with an all hands on deck approach to handle this situation, with boots not he ground monitoring the boarder has the screwworm has not crossed over from Mexico, yet. Then, Doug shares his rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas” in a farming twist with his own “12 Days of Farming.” The beginngin of a new year is a great time for reflection and looking at the future.Doug is considering going back to milking cows on his farm because there is a need for it in his community. Doug’s Eastliegh Farm was a dairy farm for many years before turning focus to a cow sanctuary. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

This week on American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan visits with Liz Fiedler Mergen, founder of Sunny Mary Meadow, a cut flower farm rooted on a sixth-generation family farm in Stearns County, Minnesota.Sunny Mary Meadow is more than a flower farm—it’s a living example of how agriculture can thrive through diversification, agritourism, and human connection. Liz shares how the farm offers flower subscriptions, workshops, YouPick events, a self-serve farm stand, and serves as a picturesque photography venue, all while keeping agricultural land productive and meaningful for future generations.Liz recounts the deeply personal story behind the farm’s beginnings. After purchasing her late husband Josh’s family farm in 2016, the couple dreamed of raising their family there and finding their place in agriculture. During the isolation of 2020, Liz began selling bouquets from a roadside stand—donating over 200 bouquets to local nursing homes in honor of her grandmother. That simple act of kindness planted the seed fo

This week on The American Family Farmer, the tables were turned as longtime host Doug Stephan stepped into the guest seat to share the story of his beloved Eastleigh Farm in Framingham, Massachusetts. Joining him as interviewer was his close friend and Radio Hall of Fame inductee Mike McVay of McVay Media, creating a warm, insightful conversation rooted in friendship, farming, and preservation.Doug reflected on his lifelong connection to agriculture, tracing his love of farming back to his childhood growing up in the neighborhood surrounding Eastleigh Farm. He shared how those early experiences shaped not only his personal values but also his commitment to preserving farmland at a time when open space across New England has increasingly been lost to development. The conversation explored the rich and fascinating history of Eastleigh Farm, which spans more than a century and sits on land farmed for over 250 years. From its early 1900s origins and unique ties to the Beebe family, to its later preservation as pr

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with a look back at 2025 agricultural news. The office of Inspector General issued a report on the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and one of the things they highlight is that the USDA lost 18% of their workforce earlier in the year. What else happened in 2025 was that the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act passed to permit schools to offer students whole and reduced fat milk in addition to the lower fat and fat-free milk options that were being served. More from the news desk includes the prominent weather affecting crops over the last year, the tariffs and crop price woes. Other topics include pest issue on the farm, whether or not to use drones, and new high school agricultural programs being introduced, along with new FFA projects being worked on. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks