American Family Farmer

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with Agriculture News about how the recent severe weather has affected farming and ranching. Then, news about PPP for farmers and getting farmworkers vaccinated. Next, Doug introduces us to a former TV reporter, who went on to lead a Nebraska State organizing campaign on health care reform, served as the national executive director of the Young Democrats of America, the foundation director for Renfrew a mental health facility and headed up an AmeriCorps program and today, she is the Founder of Bold Nebraska. www.boldnebraska.org Bold Nebraska is a state affiliate of the Bold Alliance— a network of small but mighty groups protecting the land and water. Bold Nebraska is best known for their work with an unlikely alliance of farmers, ranchers, Tribal Nations and citizens to stop the risky Keystone XL pipeline. They focus on issues including eminent domain, clean energy, small family farms and lifting up small businesses. Finally, Farmer D

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with Agriculture News. First up, President Biden selects Tom Vilsack as his Agriculture Secretary. He had previously served in the same post for eight years, under the Obama Administration. Then news that it's estimated that over 35-million Americans do not have access to wholesome food. Then, we meet a first-generation organic seed farm in Bridgewater, Maine, Jim Gerritsen. He and his family own and operate Wood Prairie Farm. WWW.WOODPRAIRIE.COM For over 40 years he has worked the 56 acres of cropland and has always stressed high quality and certified organic seed. He is also President of the Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association, and is at the center of an action against the corporate giant Monsanto in an effort to protect the rights of family farmers. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about the Monsanto Monopoly and wonders why the United States Department of Agriculture needs over 100k employees.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that the new Administration has stopped payments from President Trump's Farm Relief Program. Reportedly, 87% so far has gone to big food companies. Meat numbers are down 67% from the big producers, due to COVID. Local farmers have benefitted from this. Next, we meet Elizabeth Hines of Solar Oysters. www.solaroysters.com Elizabeth orchestrates the business development efforts of Solar Oysters, an innovative aquacultural platform corporation that specializes in solar oyster production systems. She is also Vice President of Maritime Applied Physics Corporation (MAPC), one of the founding partners of Solar Oysters Inc. Their goal is to produce Oysters economically while cleaning the Chesapeake Bay. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about the value to your brain by eating more vegetables. He also encourages Farmers to feed their spirit by buying an old tractor that they once admired.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that the state of Oregon has introduce legislation that would bring a halt to Mega-Dairies. Appalachia is offering incentives to help build new farms. Checks are going out to the Milk Powder settlement. There's also disturbing news that farmers and farm workers are not signing up for COVID Vaccinations, due to lack of internet on many farms. Next, we meet Dr. Talia Young of Fishadelphia. www.fishadelphia.com Fishadelphia connects communities with high quality, fresh seafood from regional harvesters and processors to economically and culturally diverse consumers at reasonable prices. Their day-to-day operations are planned and coordinated by a group of high school students at Mastery Charter Thomas Campus in South Philadelphia and Simon Gratz Mastery Charter in North Philadelphia. Their goals are to offer everyone delicious and affordable seafood, helping harvesters and processors make a good living, support sustainable harve

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that 70% of farms a going to great efforts to adhere to COVID guidelines. It's also been reported that The Gates Foundation is buying land at a very rapid rate. A Farmer's Mental Health Poll shows that the Pandemic has greatly affected their Mental Health. Next, we meet Pete Scott from Fields 4 Valor. www.fieldsforvalor.org Fields 4 Valor is a nonprofit and innovative farm founded to combat the often-unseen struggle of food insecurity among military and veteran families. They are dedicated to growing and donating healthy foods as an important part of easing the financial burden for Washington DC area veterans and military families who are transitioning to civilian life. The seven-acre farm in Brandywine, Maryland grows fresh produce and makes weekly deliveries of fruits, vegetables, nuts, eggs, honey and other seasonal items to veterans and their families in need in the Washington, DC metropolitan area — all at no cost. Final

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfsrm.com begins with a new study that where the best and worst states to start new farms. Then, we meet American politician, educator and author Dr. Jill Lynette Long Thompson. Until 2015 she was board chair and CEO of the Farm Credit Administration, a position to which she was appointed by President Barack Obama. In her book "The Character of American Democracy Preserving Our Past, Protecting Our Future," she makes the case that ethical leadership and an ethical citizenry are essential to democracy. Finally, host Doug asks the question, "why do Family Farmers have to hold second jobs to make ends meet?"

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfsrm.com begins with news about a Dairyman in Upstate New York who is the perfect model for how Doug operates his Dairy Farm. Next, we meet Joe Hayden, who is Managing Director and Owner of The Orchard Centre and Bailey’s Farm, in Ireland. Over the past 45 years of his own farming career, he has developed one of the most innovative farms in Ireland. www.theorchardcentre.ie This award winning farm which he runs with his brother Michael is home to their dairy herd of 180 cows. These wonderful ladies produce over 1.3 million litres of fresh milk each year for Bailey’s Irish Cream. Joe’s farm recently made headlines at Christmas time because he plays Christmas carols for his cows. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about the way he recommends treating your dairy herd over the cold Winter months.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that the FDA has just approved genetic modification to Swine production for human consumption. Doug reminds us that most of America's pork production is owned by Chinese companies. Then, good news that Christmas Tree sales are up this year. Next, we meet Suzi Spahr, Executive Director NAFDMA International Agritourism Association. https://nafdma.com/ Suzi is right at home in her position with NAFDMA as she grew up on a grain and beef farm in Northeast Indiana, part of the 5th generation of the farming family. The NAFDMA consists of entrepreneurial farm families and experts, dedicated to helping you create Fun on The Farm. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about the need for more Agritourism on the Family Farm.

American Family Farmer and Host, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news of a poll that points out that American Adults have a very positive view of Farmers. In other Farm News, Milk prices are more erratic than ever. Next, we meet Leandra King, founder of family owned and operated Detroit Farm & Cider. www.detroitfarmandcider.com As a child growing up in a turbulent home with a mother who abused drugs, Leandra King constantly faced a paralyzing anxiety that would completely consume her. To calm down, she would find a quiet place outdoors and pile mud and dirt on her body. The outdoors was simply a positive space where she could go to escape that anxiety. About 18 months ago, she bought a four-acre plot of land and opened Detroit Farm and Cider: the first Black-owned cider mill in the country. She tells of her trials and successes. Finally comes Farmer Doug's op-ed piece, called "Where's The Money."

American Family Farmer and Host, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that 1% of America's farmers own 70% of America's Farmland. Then, are robots taking over? 30% of America's dairy cows are milked by robots. Next, we meet Adam Chappell. His family has tended their 8,000 acre farm for four generations, but Adam was the first one to face the real possibility that his could be the last. Most parents yearn for their children to come back home, but when Adam and his brother Seth went off to college, his father told them to not come back. But despite his dad’s advice, after studying botany and entomology at Arkansas State and University of Arkansas, Adam felt called to come back and quickly realized the farm was in trouble. Chemical input costs were drowning out the value of countless hours of work. Today he grows non-GMO corn and soybeans because the seed cost is 50 percent less than genetically modified seed. Adam says, “The obstacle is Big Ag. They don’t want you to believe in other solutions th

American Family Farmer and Host, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with good news from some Family Pork Farmers that have actually seen their business increase during the pandemic. But, there's disappointing news that this year, Farmers are only receiving 11-cents on every consumer dollar spent on food. Next, Doug introduces us to A.yoni Jeffries and her mother Kisha Jeffries from Handèwa Farms. www.handewafarms.com Handèwa Farms is an indigenous-led farming collective that seeks to provide organic, healthy food to all. It is the ultimate goal of the collective for future generations to be inspired to connect with the Earth and its natural medicine. As a woman-led collective, many of our members have indigenous ancestry, including Occaneechi-Saponi, Cherokee, Blackfoot, and Lakota tribes. Kisha is Handèwa Farms’ Finance Director and A.yoni Jeffries is the Farms’ Business Development Director and a musician. Finally, Farmer Doug applauds talk about a new Farm Bill, hopefully with less emphasis on Indus

American Family Farmer and Host, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that the Long Horn Tick, from China, is on its way to attack humans and animals. Next, we meet 5th Generation Farmer and CEO of Kannaco CBD James Garmen. www.KannacoCBD.com Jim grew up on a farm, in Kansas and attended Kansas State University. His professional career centered around health, wellness, and fitness as well as internet marketing. In an unforeseen but exciting twist of events, he managed to launch a hemp startup in 2018, and by 2020 the entire Garman family are involved in the business, Kannaco. They have invested many months and considerable dollars in designing, developing, and refining CBD product formulations to help meet your mental and physical health objectives. Finally, Family Farmer Doug opines about corrupt pricing in the milk pricing system.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about how national food chain Panera is now indicating on their menus which items are certified Climate Friendly. Then, news about how New York State Dairy Farmers are helping boost dairy sales. Next, we meet Ryan Horawath of Sitka Salmon Shares. https://sitkasalmonshares.com Sitka Salmon Shares is a members-based organization that allows you to purchase a “share” of the harvest of a small-boat family fishermen. You have the option of paying for your share in full at the beginning of the season or spreading out your payments through monthly installments. One of their 20 fishermen-owners or partner fishermen then catch your fish and handle each one with care virtually unheard of in the world of large factory boats and corporate-owned fish farms. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about safety on the farm, especially with children and use of ATVs.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that the Paris Climate Agreement that President Trump backed out of, takes effect this week. Then, a damage report from last week's storms. Next, we meet Dan Erdmann - Farm Rescue Program Manager. https://farmrescue.org/ Farm Rescue's mission is to help family farms and ranches bridge crises, so they can continue as viable operations. They provide planting, haying, harvesting and livestock feeding assistance to farm and ranch families that have experienced a major injury, illness or natural disaster. They have assisted nearly 700 farm and ranch families since their inception in 2005. The upcoming virtual Farm Rescue benefit concert, in partnership between Farm Rescue and John Deere, takes place December 9th at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville with proceeds benefiting farmers affected by Covid-19. Finally, Family Farmer Doug Stephan opines about the need for and benefits of Organic Farming and Ranching.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that The Old Farmer's Almanac, The Farmer's Almanac and The Mother Nature Network all disagree on how severe our winter will be this year. The National Farmer's Union just conducted this year's event on Zoom. Next, we meet Christopher Vane co-founded of Little Bear Sanctuary, a nonprofit farm animal sanctuary in Punta Gorda, FL. www.littlebearsanctuary.org Christopher named the farm in honor of his late mother Ursula (which translates to “little bear” in Latin). They shared a common passion for animals and Ursula often dreamed of providing neglected, once-abused animals a safe haven. Chris and his husband Randy followed through on Ursula’s dream and established the Little Bear Sanctuary in 2017. Now, 160+ rescued farm animals call Little Bear Sanctuary home. They discuss Pigs as a Pet Pandemic and their current GoFundMe project. https://www.gofundme.com/c/heroes/chris-vane Finally, Farmer Doug opines that he's up-in-the-air ab

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with a report from The New York Times warning us how bad cattle are for the planet. Next, we meet Cornell University Graduate Student Morgan Irons. Morgan designed and performed a Mars agriculture experiment for her undergraduate thesis at Duke University. She also designed and patented a new model for a "quasi-closed, agroecological system" for extreme environment habitation on Earth and in space. Additionally, she co-founded the company, Deep Space Ecology Inc in her junior year at Duke based on the realization that no one was publicly working to answer food security questions and human sustainability in the space industry at the time. Her work is supported by the National Science Foundation through their Graduate Research Fellowship Program. https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/experiments/explorer/Investigation.html?#id=8305 Finally, Farmer Doug encourages Farm Employers to set a good example for Farm Employees and F

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with Agriculture news. Leas story is that this is National Farmers Week. Next, Monsanto continues its battle to keep use of Round-Up on American Farms. Chinese Killer Hornets are destroying our Honey Bees. And last, the Presidential Candidates are using every trick they can to buy Farm Votes. Then, we meet chef and owner of Bulrush restaurant in St. Louis, Rob Connoley. WWW.BulrushSTL.com Through research of family journals and letters from the early 1800s, Rob has uncovered over 200 years of history. History that includes the families of indigenous people, enslaved residents, and Euro-Appalachian immigrants that tamed the wild lands of northern Arkansas and southern Missouri (and tips of Oklahoma and Kansas). These are the people who defined what was Ozark cuisine. Bulrush is rooted in this food that sustained these hardy people for generations. Finally, Farmer Doug opines that farmers have to come to grips with practices that the glo

American Family Farmer and Host Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with Agriculture News; leading off with 46-million eggs being donated to food banks by Egg Ranchers. Then, news of higher prices of hay and pumpkins, due to weather issues. Next, we meet Karin Taylor, who owns and operates the renowned animal sanctuary Mandalay Farms in Jupiter, Florida. https://www.mandalayfarms.com/ With over 250 animals it is home to a variety of furry, feathered and scaly friends including miniature horses, monkeys, miniature donkeys, horses, goats, tortoises, wallabies, llamas, turkeys, chickens, emus, pot-bellied pigs, rabbits and many more. Mandalay Farms provides a loving and pristine environment for animals, in turn providing a stable and nurturing environment for underprivileged and at-risk children and those with special needs. As COVID continues, she is reopening her farm for virtual tours and revolutionary animal therapy programs this month. Finally, Farmer Doug offers his opinion that that Farmers should e

Doug Stephan, Host and American Family Farmer www.eastleighfarm.com begins with ag news about the latest funding bill to help get farmers through the end of the year. Next, we meet Executive Director of Land For Good, Jim Hafner. Jim has over 25 years experience in program development, outreach and research in the fields of international agriculture, community development, and public health. Land For Good is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to ensure the future of farming in New England by putting more farmers more securely on more land. Learn more at www.landforgood.org or connect with them on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram. Here are more resources that Jim Recommends: https://newenglandfarmlandfinder.org/ - https://sustainableagriculture.net/ - https://nfu.org/ - https://nffc.net/ - https://healfoodalliance.org/ - https://www.soulfirefarm.org/ - www.http://foodchainworkers.org/ Finally, Farmer Doug opines about the loss of 2,000 acres of farmland lost every year to residential development.

American Family Farmer and Host, Doug Stephan www/eastleighfarm.com begins with Agriculture news concerning replacing Farm Workers with Robots. Next, we meet equine intuitive counselor, nutritional consultant and author Esta Bernstein. www.saffyresanctuary.org She grew up in the racing industry and has over 45years of equine experience. As the author of Changing Horses the book, and producer of Changing Horses the film, Esta embodies the knowledge of why horses are here, and embraces the teachings of horses. During her journey of the horse consciousness, and the unfolding of the horse's message, people on the same path started to come into the world of her Saffyre Sanctuary. Finally, Farmer Doug gets his chance to opine about his belief that it's time for the producers to have a say in the pricing of milk.