American 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.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about a new organization for Dairy Farmers, Dairy Together, www.dairytogether.com a movement to rebuild a viable dairy economy for family farmers and rural communities. Next, we meet Ellie Symes, CEO at The Bee Corp. www.thebeecorp.com Along with a few close friends, Ellie launched the Beekeeping Club at IU, with a mission to develop a pollinator-friendly campus. Within its first year, the club generated over 300 members and some very flattering media coverage. Today, The Bee Corp strives to Empower growers and beekeepers by delivering insights into beehive health. Finally, Doug opines about the growing woodchuck problem and various ways to control them.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with more news about the many dangers of Glyphosate, a broad-spectrum systemic herbicide and crop desiccant, used to kill weeds, especially annual broadleaf weeds and grasses that compete with crops. About 100 million pounds are applied to U.S. farms and lawns every year, according to the EPA. Next, we meet Kathryn and Jim Powers, who operate Glen Keen Sheep Farm, www.glenkeenfarm.com a large Sheep Farm in Ireland. Glen Keen is one of the largest farms in Irelands agri-tourism offering, over 1,400 acres in size, this single family-owned sheep farm with a commonage footprint that extends to over 5,500 acres, and is larger than some national parks. Finally, Host Doug Stephan gives examples of and opines about the profits that farmers receive at retail prices.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com has news about a controversial question dealing with citizenship on the 2020 census. Farms fell by 4% in this year's census and the number is higher with dairy farms. Next, we meet Brandy Shelley of Shelley Farms. www.shelleyfarms.com Situated on the leased oyster bottom of Bayou Hertesa, Shelley Farms has branched out to explore different methods of farming to perfect a system that provides fast-growing, high-quality oysters. Finally, we meet Molly Weaver of Weaver Eggs, in Versailles, OH. www.weavereggs.com Weaver Brothers is a fourth-generation family farm. The company is fully integrated, featuring grain production, a feed mill, egg production and processing. The farm’s 350 employees help ensure they are leaders among the egg farming community.

Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com has news about labor issues affecting the Small Farmer. Next, Doug welcomes Jack Algiere, Farm Director at Stone Barns Center. www.stonebarnscenter.org Jack oversees the extensive and diverse farming operations, integrating multispecies pastured livestock, grains, field crops, greenhouse, fruit, flowers and compost in a four-season agroecological system. Jack is a leader in the farm’s innovation programs and is integrally involved in training beginning farmers. Located in Pocantico Hills, NY, Stone Barns is a laboratory for learning and catalyzing a culture of informed, healthy eating. Finally, Doug opines about the Family Farm Bill of Rights and why farmers are tired of being told to "tighten the belt."

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.