American Family Farmer

Wednesday, May 28 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on whether or not graduates are going back to their family farms or venturing into new career-fields, the trade war impacts on farms and ag professionals, and something you may not have known about carrots. Then, Doug introduces us to Judy Wood, owner of Poultry Hollow Hatchery in Brush Creek, TN. Poultry Hollow is a specialty hatchery that hatches 1,000s of chicks a month, with over 55 breeds of poultry, as well as carrying other breeds of poultry — like ducks, geese, turkeys, quail and more. Judy, along with her son, decided to get into the hatchery business after trying to increase their own flock and finding many places were being dishonest. For example, the found others were selling old hens and saying they just started laying. Judy wanted to offer a reliable place. In addition the hatchery, they sell farm fresh eggs and farm raised whole chickens

Wednesday, May 21 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on added value of producing for farmer’s markets, how Brooke Rollins and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are working together for a healthier America and a focus on supporting local farmers, and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s problems with the government over land. Next, Doug introduces us to Ryan McPherson, owner of Glidden Point Oyster Farms in Edgecomb, Maine. Ryan got his start in fisheries and looking for a way to stay on the water, so when the opportunity to take over the oyster farm (which was established in 1987) arose in 2015, Ryan went for it. Glidden Point Oysters are grown slowly, and in the nutrient-rich depths of the Damariscotta River, a world class growing environment. Their oysters are renowned for their heavy shell, and beautiful appearance. They start from seed and grow them in upwellers and floating bags on the surface of the rive

Wednesday, May 14 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on farm real estate selling very well right now amongst a scarcity of land happening around the country and which states have the most options, the potential for agriculture to be greenhouse gas negative, and farmers experiencing increased allergies. Then, Doug introduces us to Corrinna Sammons, owner of Dragonfly Farm in Franklinton, NC. Dragonfly Farm is known for their hatchlings and hatching eggs, as well as their tips and recommendations for anyone just getting started with their own flock. At Dragonfly Farm, they have chosen breeds that get along well in mixed flocks, and give variety in both egg color, and feather color. They have tried many other breeds, but have kept only those breeds that seem to outshine the others. Plus, they are very particular about their roosters, only keeping the most beautiful/correct grow outs, with the most gentle dis

Wednesday, May 7 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on dairy trade challenges, disaster assistance from the USDA, and our relationship with other countries in relation to the tariffs. Then, the focus shifts to preparedness for an ICE encounter on your farm, knowing your rights as a business owner and the rights of your employees. Then, Doug introduces us to Steve Rapasky, owner of Meadow Sweet Apiaries near Pittsburgh, PA. Fun fact: most of Steve’s beehives are actually located at Pittsburgh International Airport. His background goes back to growing up on a farm with livestock in addition to bees, then he got his degree in wildlife science at Penn State University and spent a decade as a wildlife biologist in the state agency before exiting into his own apiary with a certification as an Eastern Apiculture Society (EAS) Master Beekeeper. Many people want to get involved with having bees on their farm or pr

Wednesday, April 30 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the Trade War and how its escalation is affecting the struggling farm economy with tariffs coming into focus, the nations responding with tariffs of their own, and what the American Farm Bureau says about it. Doug also discusses the current administration’s primary focus addressing the economy — like the restrictions on immigration — and the stall with China on a trader resolution. Then, Doug introduces us to Brad Rippey, Agricultural Meteorologist with the USDA’s Office of the Chief Economist, for a conversation on weather assessments ad real-time yield intelligence for farming conditions. Brad is a member of the authorship team for the weekly U.S. Drought Monitor and the monthly North American Drought Monitor. Doug and Brad also discuss more about the USDA and the future amidst federal budget cuts, the benefit of the weather as it applies to live

Wednesday, April 23 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the trade war and the cost of new vs pre-owned equipment, a rise in importing eggs amid the continuation of the avian flu, and economic assistance payments. Then, Doug introduces us to Rachel Hopkins, an Ag Business Field Specialist with University of Missouri Extension, who has a long background in farming as she was raised on a multi-generation dairy farm. Doug and Rachel discuss the hardship family farmers are facing, where money is being hemorrhaged, and delving into the family finance aspect and where to “tighten the belt” and stop “keeping up with the Jones’s.” Today’s financial climate is causing farmers to make hard cuts to farm budgets, but Hopkins says they should not overlook household expenses. As a family farmer and mom, Rachel knows first hand the added stress of off-budget costs, especially when $20-$30 here or there multiple times q

Wednesday, April 16 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on President Trump’s tariffs and how farmers will be affected one way or the other, what Ag economists are encouraging farmers to do, and how you can protect your family farm. Next, we meet Lesley Sykes, founder and CEO of Primary Beans. www.primarybeans.com Primary Beans is a direct-to consumer online dried bean company offering an array of single-origin beans from recent harvests, sourced across North America from climate-conscious farm partners. They believe that beans as the perfect food from a nutritional, culinary and planetary perspective. Lesley and her sister, Renee, are fifth-generation Arizonans from a small town on the Mexican border. Like any border town kids, we grew up around the culture and flavors of Northern Mexico. Early on, we developed a deep appreciation for beans and were the kids asking for “no rice, only beans please” at our f

Wednesday, April 9 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the dire honeybee situation with the population dwindling and how it’s affecting other produce and areas in agriculture, and what beekeepers are suggesting others can do to help. Then, Doug breaks down what the tariffs could mean for farmers and how much the US has exported to other countries and why the trade balance isn’t there, and the financial toll faced by the freezing of approved farm programs. Next, we’re introduced to Chadam Christensen, a 5th generation farmer from Flamig Farm in West Simsbury, CT. Flamig farm began in 1907, and continues today with Chadam’s parents, Nevin and Julie, at the helm. During it's 100 plus years, the farm has gone from a 12 cow dairy, to a few thousand chickens for egg production and through a time of growing 10 acres of organic vegetables. They once had 3 teams of draft horses and did a lot of hayrides, as well

Wednesday, April 2 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on what’s going on with our federal government and some of the programs that’ve been important for American farmers, Bayer and Monsanto fight to take away Americans’ right to know about pesticide toxicity and take away the right to sue these companies for failure to warn consumers, a push to cut down the price of eggs amid continued avian influenza concerns, and consumers swapping hen eggs for turkey eggs. Then, Doug introduces us to Jim Lowe, the owner of Lowe Family Farmstead in Kuna, ID. Lowe Family Farmstead is Idaho's most popular fall destination with their biggest time of year being the fall. They hav u-pick pumpkin options, an acclaimed corn-maze, raising beef and other livestock, too. Other options for guests, include an authentic tractor-drawn hayride, wandering through their beautiful flower field, enjoying some farm-fresh food, and of cours

Wednesday, March 26 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the Trump Administration and the freeze on previously approved farm projects and the financial toll it is taking on farmers, farm groups, farm states, farm industries, and why many in farming and agriculture are not happy. Next up, the bird flu continues to spread, exactly how long the avian influenza has really been around prior to the most recent outbreak, and how it’s affecting the dairy industry in addition to the poultry and egg industry. Then, Doug introduces us to Bryan Ravencraft, a CPA with Holbrook and Manter in Ohio. Bryan discusses his work in accounting services for agriculture businesses and why being proactive is the best effort for his clients to plan for potential challenges and address their future plans for their farm and ag business. Bryan also helps his clients’ agri-businesses grow by making the best decisions that benefit ind

Wednesday, March 19 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the guidance on the Avian Flu and what agencies around the country are advising, including blood tests on chickens and cows, Cornell University is help with a resource center, the possibility of a vaccines for poultry and bovine, and a focus on the trade war and how it’s affecting American agriculture. Next, Doug introduces us to Susan Magidson, owner of Ross Mill Farm in Pennsylvania. Ross Mill Farm is a pig sanctuary and helps pot bellied pigs find their forever homes. They’re a multi-service facility dedicated to the potbellied pig as a household companion pet, and have been recognized nationally for their training and development programs, the Farm’s techniques, services, and products have become the standard for quality and excellence in the care of this unique breed type. If you’re interested in bringing a potbelly pig into your family, you c

Wednesday, March 12 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the new administration, including Brooke Rollins, the diversity in new farmers and why it’s difficult to become a 1st generation farmer in today’s society, discussions in Congress of a new Farm Bill, the continuously rising cost of eggs, and the new news on cattle markets with prices going up. Next, Doug introduces us to Brett Reinford of Reinford Farms, located in the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania (ReinfordFarms.com). Dairy farming has been the livelihood of Reinford Farms for several generations, but then they stumbled upon the idea of recycling food waste in an effort to be more sustainable and turn it into energy. It started with turning the cow manure on the farm into energy, and then they made an investment in an anaerobic digester where they provide a sustainable solution to the massive food waste problem in our country. Lastly, Farm

Wednesday, March 5 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the rising price of eggs and how much of it is because of the Avian Flu vs grocery stores raising prices because of supply and demand and many local farmers have not risen their prices when you visit and buy from them directly; and why hobby/backyard farmers should pay attention to what’s going on because they’re not exempt from having their hens contract the bird flu either. Doug also discusses things for farmers to watch in our nation’s capital with the new administration with the EPA, the tariffs, the farm bill, immigration, the tax bill and how it all impacts family farmers. Then, Doug introduces us to his friends, Nate and Judi Shattuck of Shattuck’s Sugarhouse. Judi and her late-husband, Wil, started the sugaring their parents suggested the endeavor and now Judi continues with her son, Nate. Shattuck’s Sugarhouse has been producing maple syrup

Wednesday, February 26 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on  the Senate’s overwhelming approval of Brooke Rollins for United States Secretary of Agriculture, new findings that the avian flu has hit cattle more severely than originally suspected, and a report on the American Soybean Association and the American Sugar Beet Growers Association calling on the EPA to work with them to reform the endangered species act and how it applies to pesticides. Next, Doug introduces us to Claire Benjack of River Road Farm in Franklin, VA (RiverRoadFarmVA.com). Claire explains her farm is more of a passion project as they barely break even, but he priority remains to put healthy food people can feed to their children, which is a big reason her eggs are so popular — not only are they healthy, but she refuses to raise her prices. When Claire was 10, she asked for a farm. Her dad had been thinking about buying a farm on wh

Wednesday, February 19 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on Ohio growers hard hit with the Avian flu, how many farmers are introducing solar farming to their otherwise agriculture farms, and the National Organic Coalition urging an action alert for restoration of funding for core organic programs. Then, Doug introduces us to Curt Rich, President and CEO of the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA). When you think about multigenerational farmers, or anyone who has purchased an existing farm, it’s no shock the homes farmers reside in tend to be quite old and energy inefficient. There’s a 30% tax credit on insulation that can help make your home more energy efficient that farmers and agriculture enthusiasts should be taking advantage. Doug and Curt further discuss the specifics about the current tax credit and benefits, improvements homeowners are allowed to make, and keeping warm with

Wednesday, February 12 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on Trump’s executive orders and what they mean for American family farmers, an executive order to declare and energy emergency, a focus on the suit against John Deere for unfair practices and the continued debate of farmers’ right-to-repair, income tax opportunities for small farmers and ag enthusiasts, and a free online course with Cornell designed to support mental health challenges and suicide prevention for farmers. Then, Doug introduces us to  John Filbrun of the Maker’s Meadow, a farm in Ohio with a focus on sustainable farming practices, ethical animal welfare, and climate friendly agriculture. The main thing that makes The Maker's Meadow different is they believe they have a responsibility to help bring healing to places in our world that are broken. God has given them the resources available to help bring healing to our environment through

Wednesday, February 5 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including the news that eggs have become political as the price continues to go up, yet the farmers are receiving even less of that money, and a focus on the Avian Flu and how that’s also affecting the price and availability of eggs. Poultry farmers are being asked to tighten bio-security, a conversation on tax season. Doug discusses that, too. Then, we’re introduced to George Lewis, President of Ventura Grain, a hometown store for everything lawn and garden serving the southeastern, MA, for over 90 years. George, grew up on a “gentlemen’s farm,” studied at Bentley University with degrees in finance, economics, and earth sciences & sustainability before pursuing a post-college career as a private wealth advisor. Deciding to return to his agricultural roots, George purchased a 100-year-old grain mill. Ventura Grain continues to manufacture and sell their own brand

Wednesday, January 29 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including the government taking on John Deere under accusations of a monopoly, in part due to the ongoing battle for the farmers’ right to repair their own equipment, questioning if investing in old equipment has a better ROI than purchasing new farming equipment and machinery, and a poultry-grower payment system. Next, we’re introduced to Anne Gentry, a first generation farmer, of Braeburn Farm in Rosalind, Virginia. Braeburn Farm is a small family-owned farm with Scottish Blackface sheep and Galloway cattle. Anne and her husband, Richard, fell in love with Scottish Blackface sheep and Galloway cattle after working with them in Scotland, deciding they needed them to be part of their farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Their flock consists of 30-40 breeding ewes and several rams, with lambs being born each year in March and ready to sell by June. Lastly, Doug opines th

Wednesday, January 22 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including surveys showing consumption of dairy products is at a record high, especially butter and cheese, new research shows agriculture in America has the potential to be greenhouse gas negative, and why more people are putting solar on their farm. Then, Doug introduces us to Jim Linne, MD, a first generation farmer and owner of White Clover Farm. The farm is family owned and locally operated, and is certified 100% grass-fed by the American Grassfed Association. White Clover Farm tracks their cattle from birth to consumer to ensure they remain a safe and healthy food. Jim has seen first-hand the connection between good nutrition and health, as he practiced gastroenterology for 35 years before dedicating his time to the farm, which he’d purchased in 2005. The property was a former corn and soybean farm and, to minimize soil erosion, all of the fields have been conve

Wednesday, January 15 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including the mega-fires out west, the devastation, and how it’s affecting the supply chain for agriculture beyond SoCal. Doug also touches on the significant weather events and how cross-pollination has been effected, questioning if we have the leadership in government, a new USDA milk testing mandate for raw milk, and the bio-fuel groups are staying focused on tail pipes emissions with the bill moving to the Senate. Then, Doug introduces us to Cynthia Sweeley, owner of Wildfire Ranch Spiritual Retreat in Pennsylvania. Wildfire Ranch is a horse ranch with affordable horse boarding, horse-riding lessons, horse-back weddings, horse camps for kids, horse-training, and equine therapy. The love of horses is something that many equine-advocates have experienced starting in childhood, and Cynthia developed her heart for horses at the age of 8 years old. Wildfire Ranch is a