American Family Farmer

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with Agriculture news about a new survey that shows that farm workers say that COVID is affecting their mental health much more than their physical health. Next, we meet Executive Director, Content and User Engagement for Farm Progress, Willie Vogt. https://www.farmprogress.com/ Farm Progress is a major agricultural publisher with 17 state and regional brands – both with a digital and print presence. Their national publication – Farm Futures – focuses on the business of farming including markets and marketing grains. https://www.farmprogress.com/farm-futures In this week's opinion section, Farmer Doug says that you need to be the face of your farm, instead of letting the media control your story.

American Family Farmer and host, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with the news that supplies are down and the demand is up, resulting in higher grocery prices. Next, we meet Tom Brand, who is the Executive Director for the National Association of Farm Broadcasting, headquartered in Platte City, Missouri. www.nafb.com Tom grew up on a diversified family livestock and grain farm. From putting up hay and scraping hog slabs to sorting cattle and building fence, Tom says he can’t remember a time in his life that he hasn’t been surrounded by agriculture. Since 1944, the NAFB was formed as a professional organization that markets farm broadcasting through its members. Currently, there are more than 185 farm broadcasters on the air across the United States. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about the failure of the COVID relief program that has put money in the hands of the wrong people.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that our food security in America is at risk, due to seed manufactures control of Washington DC. Next, we meet Mark McBrine. Mark is the Farm to Table Food Service Manager at Mountain View Correctional Facility in Charleston, Maine. He oversees 2 kitchens and dining facilities, as well as, 7.5 acres of intensive vegetable production and a 7-acre orchard, featuring 21 varieties of apples and other fruit, as well as the food waste composting project. The food grown by the offenders is incorporated into the facility menu, sold to other facilities and donated to local food cupboards and pantries. He also started a bakery program, where five inmate apprentices bake 100% of all bread and bakery products used to feed 1,300 - 1,500 meals a day. Finally, Farmer Doug wonders why we allow so much food to be wasted daily, when so many are hungry in this country.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that a group of Iowa farmers have filed a Class Action Antitrust Lawsuit against several Factory Farms and huge conglomerates. And, at long last there is a solution to the gasses that pass from both ends of Cows. Next, we meet Farmer Advocate for the Rural Advancement Foundation International, Craig Watts. www.rafiusa.org Craig has been outspoken about the power giant meat companies wield over farmers. He has visited Capitol Hill several times to bear witness to the abuses poultry farmers endure in the contract system. RAFI-USA challenges the root causes of unjust food systems, supporting and advocating for economically, racially, and ecologically just farm communities. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about how important branding and Social Media are to your farm.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with recent agriculture news about how many small farms make a net profit of a little over 1%, after taxes. Next, we meet Tobias Peggs, co-founder and CEO of Square Roots Farms, in Brooklyn, NY. https://squarerootsgrow.com/ Square Roots Farms is an indoor urban farming company, connecting people in cities to local, real food. Their fresh produce, grown without pesticides or GMOs—is available at grocery stores and restaurants in the same communities as they build their farms. They specialize in Next-Gen Farmer Training Programs, aimed at new farmers, or those at early stages in their careers. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about his pet peeves over two large companies, Archer Daniels Midland and Bayer.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with Agriculture News on how Tyson Foods is using computers to help them find chicken parts to sell. The EPA is starting their investigation on "Forever Chemicals." Next, we meet Patty Edelburg. Patty was elected to serve as the Vice President of the National Farmers Union at the 116th Annual Convention. www.nfu.org She is a graduate from the University of Wisconsin and a dairy farmer in central Wisconsin. She's served as the Wisconsin Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director as well as on the FSA State Committee and played an instrumental role in the implementation of programs across Wisconsin as a result of the 2014 Farm Bill. Finally, Farmer Doug opines why the Monopoly controlled producers are causing the quality of food to deteriorate.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with Agriculture News and the headline this week is: Food Prices Are Going Up. Hopefully, Family Farms are getting their fair share. The American public is resisting it, but it's a fact of life. Next, news that multi-billionaire Bill Gates is buying up farmland, like crazy. Then, Doug introduces us to the President and Co-Founder of Farm Sanctuary, Gene Baur. https://www.farmsanctuary.org For nearly 35 years, Bill has traveled extensively around the country, campaigning to raise awareness about the abuses of industrialized factory farming and our current food system. He is credited with initiating passage of the first U.S. laws to prohibit cruel farming confinement methods, winning the first-ever cruelty conviction at a U.S. stockyard, and inspiring an international farm sanctuary movement. Finally, Farmer Doug offers his opinions on food waste. One third of all of our food in this country goes to waste.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with Agriculture News that Thomas James Vilsack will become the new Secretary of Agriculture. He has served two previous terms in the same post, during the Obama Administration. He tends to favor the larger factory farms, rather than the smaller family farms. Tractor manufacturer John Deere and several others are receiving heat for not delivering on their promise to make it easier for farmers to service their own equipment. Next, we meet Devin Day, owner/operator of Neil's Bigleaf Maple Syrup. https://www.neilsbigleaf.com/ But, this operation is not in the state of Vermont, like you would expect. His 200-acre farm is located in the Acme Valley in Washington State, two hours north of Seattle. When they started telling people that they were going to tap West Coast trees for syrup, no one believed it could be done. Five years and many of gallons later, they can definitively state that you can indeed tap Bigleaf Maples, on the West Coast.

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.