American Family Farmer

American Family Farmer and Host Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about how the label "Organic" could be fraudulent. Imported produce and meat products may not have requirements that we have here to be called "Organic." Next, Doug welcomes Kevin Skunes, chairman of the Corn Board of the National Corn Growers Association. www.ncga.com Kevin, his wife Betty, and their two sons grow corn and soybeans near Arthur, North Dakota. The National Corn Growers Association represents nearly 40,000 dues-paying corn farmers nationwide and the interests of more than 300,000 growers. NCGA and its 50 affiliated state organizations work together to create and increase opportunities for corn growers. Finally, Doug opines about options to continually make farms and farmland viable. DONATE YOUR VEHICLE: Donate a car to Eastleigh Farm Educational Foundation and help save one of the last farms with 114 acres of open land only 20 miles west of Boston. Each vehicle helps Eastleigh maintain operations while we work w

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com has news that the Organic Food Industry is growing by leaps and bounds, but only 5% of our food supply is Organic. Next, Doug welcomes Hannah Breckbill who co-owns Humble Hands Harvest, www.humblehandsharvest.com which is a worker-owned co-operative farm. They grow 2+ acres of organic vegetables, grass-finished sheep, pastured pork, and fruit and nut trees. She grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska, but has only been farming since 2009 when she interned as a CSA manager at World Hunger Relief outside of Waco, Texas. Finally, Doug opines about Agricultural Secretary Sonny Perdue, growing Meat in a laboratory and provides us with his definition of Milk.

American Family Farmer and Host Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com talks about the news of President Trump's new budget. He's asked all departments of the Government to cut back by 15%. How will this trickle down to the American Family Farmer? Next, he welcomes Francis Chester, who, with his family owns and operates Cestari Sheep & Wool Company. www.cestarisheep.com They have a farm in Virginia, where they raise sheep for wool that they use in their yarn. They also source wool from reputable ranchers throughout the United States, and all grown and processed in the United States. Finally, Doug opines about who the bad guys are in the over production of dairy and other agri-products.

American Family Farmer and Host Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about Orange Corn and why you may want to consider growing it. Next, National Family Farm Coalition member Dena Huff www.nffc.net joins Doug to discuss a number of issues that are being addressed by the agency today. Dena represents the Northern Plains Resource Council. She raises sheep, cattle, alfalfa, corn, and edible dry beans, among other crops, on her farm in Glendive, Montana since 1979. NFFC is working to ensure viable livelihoods for family farmers, fishermen and workers; safe and healthy food for everyone; and economically, environmentally sound rural communities. Finally, Doug opines about Net Neutrality, and its effects on The American Family Farmer.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that there may be hope on the horizon for Dairy Farmers in the third or fourth quarter. Predictions are that prices could rise by then. Next, Doug welcomes Will Hendrick, Staff Attorney & Manager, North Carolina Pure Farms, Pure Waters Campaign www.waterkeeper.org and Soren Rundquist, Director of Spatial Analysis for Environmental Working Group. www.ewg.org Waterkeeper Alliance strengthens and grows a global network of grassroots leaders protecting everyone’s right to clean water and The Environmental Working Group’s mission is to empower people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. With breakthrough research and education, they drive consumer choice and civic action. Finally, Doug opines about subsidies provided in the new Farm Bill and how some Factory Farms are complaining that they want more.

Host and American Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about the good and the bad in the future of farming. Also news about why farmers and ranchers are becoming more dependent on Government assistance. Then, the biggest news of the week; a dating service for cows https://www.sellmylivestock.co.uk/ . Next, we meet Gene Baur, President of Farm Sanctuary. www.farmsanctuary.org Farm Sanctuary was founded to combat the abuses of factory farming and encourage a new awareness and understanding about farm animals. Today, Farm Sanctuary is the nation’s largest and most effective farm animal rescue and protection organization. Finally, Doug opines about the future of Agriculture and wonders why Robots may hold the key.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan, www.eastleighfarm.com begins with a look at how Rural American hospitals and schools are closing and so far there has been no real reaction from the Federal Government. Next, Doug introduces Holly Rippon-Butler, who is Land Access Program Director for the National Young Farmers Coalition. www.youngfarmers.org Holly grew up on her family’s multi-generation dairy and beef farm in Upstate New York, where she continues to farm with her parents. She has focused her work on the intersection of food, farmland protection, and policy. The National Young Farmers Coalition supports practices and policies that will sustain young, independent and prosperous farmers now and in the future. Finally, Doug opines in-depth about the new tax laws and why they are too complicated and how politicians are using The Farmer.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about the State of The Union Address and references to farmers and ranchers. Next, we meet Tony Weber, who, along with his wife Michelle, own and operate a small, successful farm, Weber Ranch. www.weberranchllc.com They have no secrets, you can visit them anytime. They let animals live like animals. “Pigs need to express their pigness.” Cows and sheep eat grass, chickens thrive on pasture, and pigs desperately need to root. So, they let them. Their animals move daily from paddock to paddock, building and fertilizing the soil, leaving valuable waste behind, avoiding disease, and calmly flourishes. Because of this way of life, there is no need for antibiotics or hormones. Finally, Doug opines that farmers and ranchers need to put more emphasis on investing in their land.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan, www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about bad weather warnings and reminders about checking the snow-load frequently on your animal shelters. Also, a reminder to check animal food sources with regularity. Next, we meet Lisa Kivirist, author of: "Soil Sisters: A Toolkit For Women Farmers." https://www.amazon.com/Soil-Sisters-Toolkit-Women-Farmers/dp/0865718059 Women in agriculture are sprouting up in record numbers, but they face a host of distinct challenges and opportunities. This book is a How-To guide for them. Lisa also operates a solar-powered farm and B&B called Inn Serendipity. www.innserendipity.com It's a place to take the whole family and learn about the farm and even help out. Doug follows up with his personal opines about women farmers and his challenge to develop more programs for them.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com reports news that President Trump recently claimed that he will increase the annual farm net income by $4,000,000,000. Doug wonders how he might do that. Next, Doug welcomes Ken Iverson, who runs the Wooden Shoe family farm in Woodburn, OR. www.woodenshoe.com The farm began in 1950 and by 2001 changed the name to Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm. They have greatly expanded their operation to include taking bulb orders, cut flowers, potted tulips, a gift shop, and all sorts of food and activities on weekends for all members of the family. In recent years, they've even added their own winery. Finally, Doug welcomes Molly Yeh, host of the Television series "Girl Meets Farm." https://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/girl-meets-farm She also hosts her own website "My Name is Yeh." http://mynameisyeh.com/

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com has news about the 120 Specialty Crop Organizations benefiting from the new Farm Bill. There's $60-million dollars available, and none of it is going to benefit the Dairy Farmer. Next, Doug welcomes Evan Kruse, a fourth-generation farmer at Kruse Farms www.krusefarms.com from Roseburg, OR. They grow several types of fruits and operate a huge Farmer's Market. Then, Doug opines about how the Government Shutdown is beginning to affect the Family Farmer and what he thinks about those calling in sick.

Host and Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com has news about how the New Tax Laws will affect The Family Farm. Next, we meet Bruce Perlowin, CEO of Hemp, Inc. www.hempinc.com Bruce has always been an entrepreneur. His passion for business started at the young age of seven when he began shining shoes door-to-door. He created an empire. Called, “The Company”, his operation had a business plan, investors, and employees, their product just happened to be illegal, Marijuana. As Chief Executive of Hemp INC., Bruce has become a leading expert in the legalization of industrial hemp. Finally, Doug opines about why he doesn't trust The National Farm Bureau about certain positions they take, such as Climate Change.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about the second round of trade payments, and milk prices are going higher. Next, Doug welcomes Jackie Allenbrand who started P.H.A.R.M. Dog USA, Pets Helping Agriculture in Rural Missouri www.pharmdog.org . They train dogs, primarily labs or lab mixes, to do a variety of helpful tasks such as retrieving or picking up dropped tools, opening a latch gate system, carrying buckets, as well as standing and bracing if a farmer has stability issues, or going for help. Jackie determines the needs of prospective clients, makes farm assessments, and facilitates placement of the dogs. She and another trainer handle the training for the dogs and their new owners. Finally, Doug opines about all the wasted time worrying about Methane Gas and Global Warming.

Host and Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com has more news about the new Farm Bill and why Family Farmers are upset about it. Next Doug welcomes former turkey farmer and broadcaster Darrell Anderson. Darrell hosts a weekly radio feature called "Farm to Fork." www.northshoreproductions.com The feature deals with a wide range of topics affecting the American Family Farmer. Finally, Doug opines with his view of what 2019 may hold for the farming community.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news and opinion about how the American Family Farmer is getting screwed by the brand new Farm Bill. Next, meet Country Singer and Family Farmer Ben Rue http://www.benruemusic.com/ Ben came to Nashville by way of small-town in Oregon, where he grew up the youngest of three brothers on his family’s 2000-acre grass seed farm. Driving a combine since he was 11, Rue wasn’t one to shy from the hard work of the farm, but found himself writing songs and creating his own music as he worked. While continuing to work on the family farm after graduation, Rue formed his own band, began performing regionally and successfully auditioned for TV’s The X-Factor, which – together with the support of a local country DJ – ultimately spurred Rue to make the decision to move to Nashville in 2012. Finally, Host Doug opines about the kind of marketing that you should be doing for your products.

Host Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarms.com has news about how the Family Farm is in trouble. Next, Doug welcomes Darla Tyler-McSherry who started "Ask In Earnest" www.askinernest.org after her father died of an apparent suicide. "I believe that my dad was born to be a farmer. He spent his entire life working the land, caring for the animals, providing for his family, and providing food for countless people over the course of his lifetime. Like all other farmers, he experienced numerous challenges—drought, crop disease, insect infestations, hailstorms, unpredictable markets, blizzards, breakdowns during harvest, and the long days with the hot prairie winds blowing on his neck. "I could never picture him doing anything else." The single most important concept that Darla wants to share with others is to listen carefully to farmers and to ask in earnest to help prevent suicide in farming. Resources are available to help. Finally, Doug opines about the big farms versus the small farms, and the breakdowns of net p

First, Host/Farmer Doug Stephan talks about his personal farm, Eastleigh Farm http://www.eastleighfarm.com . Next, the news from The White House, that President Trump wants more aide for needy farmers. Doug wonders who will decide who the "needy" farms are. Doug Welcomes Steve Nygren from Serenbe http://www.serenbe.com . Serenbe’s is an "AGRI-HOOD," consisting of a community of hamlets that have complementary commercial centers focused on the elements of a well-lived life: arts for inspiration, agriculture for nourishment, health for wellbeing and education for awareness. Fresh food is one of Serenbe’s natural assets, with a 25-acre organic farm. It's a place you can enjoy for a meal, a weekend or call home for a lifetime. Finally, Doug opines about NAFTA; it's good provisions and its many bad ones.

Host and Family Farmer Doug Stephan wwww.eastleighfarm.com reports news that the average Thanksgiving dinner costs about $21-Dollars, but the Family Farmer only receives about $9-dollars of that. There's also news about how Family Farmers can make money with the NFU's Carbon Credit Program. Next, we meet Renee King-Sonnen, the Rowdy Girl of Rowdy Girl Sanctuary www.rowdygirlsanctuary.org. It all started with a little 2-month-old baby calf that her husband wanted her to care for, hoping that she would want to be a “good” rancher’s wife. She named all the cattle and loved them. She’d go out and spend time with them, dance around them – sing to them and talk to them. Eventually Renee realized that she could not stand to watch the babies leave their mamas to go to the sale barn FOR SLAUGHTER. In 2015, Renee initiated an online fundraiser that would eventually succeed in raising $36,000, enough money to buy her husband’s herd and donate them to the new nonprofit – the first beef cattle ranch vegan conversion in th

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com offers news about how Family Farmers are reacting to the Midterm Election and how they are investigating alternative markets for their products. Next, Doug welcomes Paul Bissett, Chief Operating Officer of Harvest Croo Robotics www.harvestcroo.com . Paul is a Wall Street bond trader, PhD in Computational Science, Naval Oceanographer, who says: "This year a half-million dollars of crop was left on the ground at one farm because there wasn’t sufficient labor." Harvest Croo, a robotics company is tackling the problem of ag automation. U.S. strawberry farms spend nearly a third of their budget on harvest labor, and the cost is rising. Harvest Croo is building a strawberry picker that can take the place of 30 people in the field. By 2030, technology like this could be common place on fruit and veg operations. Finally, Doug Stephan opines about all kinds of Robotics in farming and his future plans to become a Hemp Farmer.

Host/American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com takes a look ahead at the winter's weather forecast and the effect it will have on next year's crops. Also, a look back at the mid-term election and it's effects for the American Family Farmer. Next, Doug welcomes Lauren Palmer, owner and chief farmer at Bloombury Organic Farm. http://www.bloomsburyfarms.com/ Lauren, who holds a bachelor’s in social work and a master’s in management, couples her background in social work with a life-long desire to cultivate to provide the highest-quality organic produce and to educate her community about the land and the importance of the food we eat. She built Bloomsbury Farm from the ground up, and started by selling her organic vegetables and sprouts at area farmers markets. Since those early days in 2009, the farm has expanded, producing a wide array of fresh vegetables, fruits, sprouts, and herbs for the markets, local businesses, and wholesalers in and around Nashville and the greater region. Finally, Doug