American Family Farmer

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with current AG News. One of the items are the words of Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, "Get big, or get out." He and the current administration are favoring big farms, over the small Family Farm. One example is of the dairy industry. Big dairies account for 80% of today's milk production versus the smaller dairy farms. Next, Doug welcomes Ben and Taryn Marcus, who own and operate Sheepscot General Store. www.sheepscotgeneral.com They tell us about they're latest venture, they are opening a Pick-Your-Own Hemp farm. Finally, Host Doug Stephan continues to opine about the large versus small farmer and the need for regenerative soil and how we treat our soil.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares news of an angry Dairy Farmer who is unhappy with Doug's comments on Big Dairy and has threatened to pull his advertising from one of our stations, if they don't agree to pull the program. Doug follows with a news story on the ways to improve the Dairy Industry. Next, Doug welcomes Jocelyn Molyneux, owner/operator of Wastenot Farms. www.wastenotfarms.com Wastenot Farms is an earthworm hatchery located north of Toronto, Ontario. They sell Red Wigglers worms and collect food waste to make worm castings biofertilizer (worm manure) as an all-natural substitute to synthetic fertilizers. Then, Doug talks about how Country star Luke Bryan is helping farms that are in need. Finally, Doug opines about the harvest season and urges farmers to check their health before getting started.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com reviews the week's agriculture news, including news about how the Chinese are buying more and more farmland and some speculate that the want a larger chunk of America's food supply. Next, we meet 23 year old twin brothers, Matthew and Joseph Brooger of Upstream Farms. www.upstreamfarms.com Matt and Joe are third generation farmers who still believe in their grandparents dream, but feel the current world of agriculture is no longer the link to living a life of passion, purpose, and love for others. As young agriculturalists, they are pushing against the current to provide a new narrative of what modern agriculture could and should be. Finally, host/farmer Doug opines about the decline of farm income from $123-billion to $70-billion since 2015.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com reports that there are now 20-thousand fewer Dairy Farms than there were 10 years ago and some of the reasons why. Next, we meet Jennifer Fahy, Communications Director for Farm Aid 2019. www.farmaid.org Jennifer has been with Farm Aid since 2002 and she loves to spread the word about good food from family farms and the important work of Farm Aid. Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp organized the first Farm Aid concert in 1985 to raise awareness about the loss of family farms and to raise funds to keep farm families on the land. Farm Aid is a nonprofit organization that has raised $57 million to promote a strong and resilient family farm system of agriculture and keep farmers on the farm. This year's event takes place in Wisconsin on September 21st. Finally, Doug opines about Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue and the distribution of Federal Aid to Farmers.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan. www.eastleighfarm.com Doug begins with news about colleges offering farmers instruction on understanding Farmers Markets. Next, we meet Sean Hellein of Bethesda Farm. www.bethesdafarm.com Bethesda Farm began as a dream to provide the best-tasting, healthiest local eggs available and to use the profits to benefit the community. In 2016, Sean and his brother Jack received the first organic hens on pastures near Jacksonville, FL. From the beginning, the welfare of the hens came first. Bethesda Farm hens live outdoors on organic pasture, chasing bugs and soaking up the sunshine in a quiet country setting. Finally, Doug opines about the upcoming Fall Harvest season and the need to get all the machinery ready and to the need to take care of yourself.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan, www.eastleighfarm.com begins with good news from a recent farm equipment auction he attended. Next, we meet Scott Faber, Senior Vice President for Government Affairs at The Environmental Working Group. www.ewg.org Prior to joining EWG, Scott led efforts to modernize food safety law for the Grocery Manufacturers Association, and led campaigns for the Environmental Defense Fund. He has frequently testified before Congress on food, farm, energy, water, and chemical policy issues. Scott holds a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center, where he is an Adjunct Professor. Farm bailout payments designed to offset the impacts of President’s Trump’s trade war have overwhelmingly flowed to the largest and most successful farmers, according to EWG’s analysis of the latest Department of Agriculture data. It should be going to the small Family Farmers who are struggling to keep their heads above water. Finally, Family Farmer Doug opines that consumers who do not seek out the

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com has news about the growing trend of consumers looking for locally grown food. The Government is considering issuing more Farm Visas to Migrant Farm Workers, and how the Government is screwing it up. Next, Doug welcomes Roger Johnson, President of the National Farmers Union. www.nfu.org Johnson was elected National Farmers Union’s 14th president during the organization’s 107th anniversary convention in 2009. A third-generation family farmer from Turtle Lake, N.D., Johnson previously served as North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner, a position he was first elected to in 1996. Johnson grew up in Farmers Union, participating in the organization’s youth programs, serving as a county president and chairman of the board of a local Farmers Union cooperative. As president, Roger is the chief executive and public spokesman for the organization. His response to the Trade Wars: “It’s no surprise that China is slapping even more tariffs on American product

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan, www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about Farm Worker Appreciation Week. Next, we meet Purdue University Director and Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics Dr. James Mintert and Purdue University Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics Michael Langemeier. They both are responsible for The Ag Economy Barometer. https://ag.purdue.edu/commercialag/ageconomybarometer/ The Barometer is the result of a collaboration between Purdue University’s Center for Commercial Agriculture and the CME Group to provide monthly nationwide measures of the health of the US agricultural economy. Purdue analyzes and reports the result of each months’ Ag Economy Barometer value, which is published the first Tuesday of every month. Finally, Host Doug Stephan opines about issues with The Food Safety Modernization Act and its effects on the small Family Farmer.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com reviews the week's agriculture news, including a story about a Maryland farmer whose herbicide was spreading to neighboring land and why Monsanto is suing some farmers. Next, Doug introduces us to Steve Miller, with the Northeast Hop Alliance. www.northeasthopalliance.org The Northeast Hop Alliance works to promote hops as a specialty crop in the Northeast, and restoring hops as the profitable agricultural industry that once thrived in this area for nearly 150 years. The Alliance was organized in 2000, with sub-chapters and over 600 members in Maryland, New York, and New England. Membership includes hop growers, brewers, homebrewers, historian, educators, and hops supporters of all kinds. Finally, Family Farmer Doug opines about how this year's weather has spawned the Black Legged Tick. This new breed of Tick has become a problem with Livestock production.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com reviews the week's agriculture news, including Census figures. Dairy income has risen in the past year, but mainly due to mega-dairies getting bigger. Many smaller Family Dairy Farmers are switching from cows to raising chickens. Next, we meet Jacob Pechenick of Lettuce Grow. www.lettucegrow.com Jacob is on a mission to redesign the food system by empowering everyone to grow 20% of their own food at home. When he and his wife started their family, they began to think about our food - what goes into it and how it's produced. What they learned about additives, processed foods, toxic agricultural chemicals, and food miles was alarming. Now, they are committed to inspiring people to develop a new, more healthy relationship with the food they eat and to preserve the environment for future generations and to help create a better food system for all of us.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with an update on this year's growing season. Next, we meet Christine DeJesus, an organic grower and activist from Cleveland, Ohio. After realizing that teaching college part-time was not going to put food on the table, she began serving and bartending at Great Lakes Brewing Company. www.greatlakesbrewing.com It was here that owner Pat Conway gave her the opportunity to try her hand at farming to support the brewpub. Conway enrolled Christine in a class offered by the local National Park called “Exploring the Small Farm Dream.” She perfected her skills of regenerative farming using spent grain from the brewery as a soil amendment, and incorporating techniques such as companion planting, full crop rotation, beneficial insect management, and building soil with compost and teas. Over the years, she became involved in cannabis activism, and worked in several legalization campaigns. This combination of agriculture and activism landed her cur

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news from the worlds of Farming and Ranching. This week we learn that Delaware State Land Preservation funds are helping save Family Farms. Next, we meet Roian Atwood, Senior Director of Global Sustainable Busi-ness for Lee and Wrangler jeans. With eighteen years’ experience in footwear & apparel sustaina-bility, Roian has a track record of managing a diverse set of projects and leading teams into corporate sustainability. Wrangler® has taken a groundbreaking step in its sustainability efforts, working with local farmers to create a traceable, locally-sourced denim collection that honors land steward-ship and champions state pride. The Wrangler Rooted Collection™ is a limited, premium line made from 100 percent sustainable, local cotton. https://www.wrangler.com/collections/wrangler-rooted.html Each piece was grown, milled, cut and sewn in the United States, helping to ensure America’s denim heritage for future generations. Fin

Host and Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com presents an overview of news from The Agri-World, including the question: "What extra farm products can be sold to China?" Next, we meet Michael Pearl, fifth-generation farmer and owner of The Pearl Farm. Although Michael grew up farming, he attended the University of Kansas on a football scholarship and graduated with a degree in advertising. He spent years working in New York and with large brands throughout the country. Eventually, his work led him back to Kansas City and to his family’s land. He continued his corporate advertising work, but being back on the land felt right, he said. Soon he began to plant vegetables for his family and friends. Before he knew it, his vegetable crops blossomed into a business. He set up a roadside vegetable stand and began offering his produce at area farmers markets and the VA Hospital and started selling to area restaurants. Finally, Doug opines about the pros and cons of having Solar Arrays on Family Farms.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com brings you the lasted in farming and argi-news, including Democratic Presidential hopefuls are hearing from action groups and farmers about their concerns. Then, there's news about Swine Flu and the link to China. Next, we meet Fritz Boettner of Sprouting Farms and the Turnrow Farm Collective. www.sproutingfarms.org and www.turnrowfarms.org Fritz is Project Director at both and a native of Charleston, WV and a graduate of WVU. Sprouting Farms Appalachian Croft and Training Center is a four-season non-profit farm and education and resource center located in Summers County WV. They believe that long-lasting impact is created by training new farmers in quality and sustainable production techniques, and by providing shared resources and educational opportunities to the whole farm community. ​Turnrow is a coordinated group of farmers and organizations that market, sell, distribute, and process local products for customers across the region. Th

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com reminds us that June is Dairy Month. Go find a local Dairy Farm in your area. Then, news that a number of Midwest Farmers have decided not to plant this year, due to the overabundance of moisture in the soil. Also, news about a video of Fair Oaks Farm, near Chicago, that shows them violently abusing their cows. Next, we meet Michelle Ajamian of Shagbark Seed & Mill. www.shagbarkmill.com Michelle came to Ohio in her 20s to teach. She has lived in two intentional communities, farmed for local markets, and raised two sons. Her primary work has been with local economic development, legal services for the underserved, environmental, and social justice groups. Shagbark Seed & Mill offers Certified Organic dry beans and freshly milled grains. They are creating markets for their family farm partners with restaurants, schools, bakeries, and home kitchens throughout the region. Finally, Doug opines and offers advice for dealing with this year's

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com talks about his new Bovine Sanctuary at Eastleigh Farm. Next, news about a new clothing line from Wrangler that uses 100% American grown cotton from Family Farms. Then, we meet Dave Chapman, Executive Director at The Real Organic Project. www.realorganicproject.org The Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement created to distinguish soil-grown and pasture-raised products under USDA organic. In response to the lack of enforcement of some vital USDA Organic standards to protect soil health and animal welfare, organic farmers rallied together to fight to protect the integrity of the organic label. Next, Doug welcomes Jessie Price, Editor-in-Chief of "Eating Well Magazine." www.eatingwell.com Jessie provides information about getting the most out of Farmer's Markets this Summer.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com has news about the growing season being off to a bad start and the trade deal with China continues to look bleak with Soybean Farmers being hurt the most. But there's some good news, Japan is lifting restrictions on US Beef. Next, we meet Michael Foley, a modern advocate for traditional farming and author of "Farming for The Long Haul." www.anothermadfarmer.org Michael believes that Farmers and Consumers need to take the challenge of resilience more seriously. He says: "We aren’t as experimental and inventive as we should be. We also need to think about plastic. What will you do if you don’t have it?" He believes that food needs to be more regional, diverse, seasonal, fresher and more delicious. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about his personal mission to get people to act and help family farms.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com reports on who owns American Soil. You might be surprised. Next, Doug welcomes Erik Baum, Farm & Forestry Manager for Land's Sake Farm Stand. www.landssake.org Erik was born and raised in Eastern Massachusetts, and has been farming since he was 16. Land’s Sake is a thriving community dedicated to building meaningful connections between people, the food they eat, and the land. Over the years, Land’s Sake has grown a lot of vegetables and taught a lot of young people the basics of agriculture, ecology and local history. Finally, Doug Stephan opines about the difficulty Family Farmers are having negotiating the Trade Deal with China.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com reports on problems with spring planting, the China Trade War and wonders who the Family Farms are not benefiting from the Bail-Outs. Next, we meet Benjamin Fahrer, Principle Ecological Designer at Top Leaf Farms. www.farmtheroof.com Benjamin has an extensive farming background combined with design experience that is extremely valuable to any project wishing to incorporate food growing. Their mission is to engage and partner with architects, developers, planners, communities and artists to create buildings and urban spaces that come to life and are examples of a new patterns of resiliency in these times of ecological and social change. Then, Doug opines about how Chickens and Cows can save the planet.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com talks about the weather and how reports indicate that many Family Farmers have not been able to Fertilize. Next, following up on the negative effects of how the White House Tariffs are affecting Family Farmers. Then, we meet Bobbi Wilson, Government Relations Associate for The Wisconsin Farmers Union. www.wisconsinfarmersunion.com Bobbi also has similar duties with Dairy Together. www.dairytogether.com Over the last 10 years, the USDA recorded the loss of roughly 17,000 dairy herds, cutting the total number of U.S herds by nearly one third. Through Dairy Together, farmers across the country are mobilizing in response to the current dairy price crisis. Finally, Host Doug Stephan opines about "Farming Anxiety" over Weather and other issues. Doug encourages that it's time to join a support group or organize one.