American Family Farmer

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about The Administration's decision to use Ethanol blend through the Summer and more on the Right To Repair Bill. Then, a report about how Family Farming has changed over the years. Next, we meet Sara Wyant, editor and Agri-Pulse Communications, Inc. https://www.agri-pulse.com/ Sara is recognized on Capitol Hill, as well as with farm and commodity associations across the country. Agri-Pulse is the most trusted farm and policy source in Washington, D.C., providing a balanced, holistic perspective on a wide variety of issues including the farm bill, nutrition, trade, food safety, environment, biotechnology, organic, conservation, and crop insurance. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about our foreign trade policies and about how the farm supply is affecting prices.

American Family Farmer, and host Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news of how food prices have risen in the past year, because the many costs of farming have gone up. Don't be ashamed to raise your prices. Next, we meet Jeffrey Landau, Director of Development at Agritecture.com. www.jeffery@agritecture.com - www.agriteture.com Their mission is to accelerate and empower the transition to smarter and more resilient agriculture that is economically feasible, resilient to climate change, and powered by data-driven strategies. Their consulting philosophy is “know before you grow.” Conducting a feasibility study before you begin project construction will help save you time and money later on. Throughout the feasibility study process, their team will work with you from understanding your market and developing your concept to equipment purchasing and financing. Finally, farmer Doug opines about using your creativity in finding new ways to get your products to your customers.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that recent reports show that 2 of every 5 Americans are involved, in some way, with food production. 43 million have food industry related jobs and are paid $2 trillion in wages. Next, we meet Jeff Obrecht, Broker/Owner, Auctioneer, & Certified General Appraiser in Iowa. Known as “The Dirt Dealer” and based in Iowa Falls, Iowa, Obrecht says that land prices for good to excellent farmland are up 25% to 30% in the last year. https://www.thedirtdealer.com/ According to the Fed Report, here are percent changes in dollar value of good farmland, from January 1, 2021 to January 1, 2022: Illinois: +18%, Indiana: +22%, Iowa: +30%, Michigan: +19% and Wisconsin: +12%. Finally, Farmer Doug opines that we all need to strive for keeping local farms open and the farmers interested in staying in business, by buying local.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with the news that it's National Ag Week. Next, criticism of President Biden's lack of action on his promise to protect Family Farmers from Big Agri, and news of new ways school students are learning where their food comes from. Next, we meet Travis Forgues, Executive Vice President of Organic Valley. https://www.organicvalley.coop/ - travis.forgues@organicvalley.coop In 2019, he was appointed executive vice president of membership for Organic Valley. Organic Valley isn’t a giant corporation, but a cooperative of farmers across the country who share the same commitment to growing food the right way, not driven by profits, driven by principles. Travis describes a new program that is helping save small dairy farms from being run out of business by the mega-dairies. Finally, Farmer Doug offers four tips for dealing with the high costs of running a Family Farm.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with the sad news that The United States of America lost 1,800 dairy farms last year. That's a drop of 6% in just one year, and the trend is unfortunately continuing. Next, we meet Jody Lowe, who has been the manager of several Santa Monica Farmer's Markets, for over 15 years. https://www.santamonica.gov/categories/programs/farmers-market Their goal is to promote the prosperity of California farmers and small food businesses, preservation of the agricultural arts and sustainable food systems. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about how many of us have a difficult time running our farms as businesses, but with the reality of the rollercoaster ride of today's economics, it takes top priority.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan, www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that one company has bought all of the local New England John Deere dealerships. In other Green news, the National Farmers Union has filed a lawsuit against John Deere, over the rights-to-repair issue. In a recent survey, 95% of farmers agree with the lawsuit. Next, we meet Tara Lynn Hubbard, co-founder of Wonderfield Farm and Grove. www.wonderfieldfarm.com Wonderfield Farm is 66 acres of orange grove, pastureland, and cypress swamps with an idyllic Old Florida feel. Her family diversified from being Old Florida Fisherman to Farmers and their goal is to provide a place where you can restore your wonder – by accepting overnight guests, connecting with nature and in turn, yourself. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about new technological devices that can help control some farm pests.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about the integrity in crops from Maine, where "Forever Chemicals" have been found in them. Songbird Farms has had to pull all of their products off the Market. Next, we meet Adam Voskuil, Staff Attorney at Midwest Environmental Advocates. https://midwestadvocates.org/ Midwest Environmental Advocates is a nonprofit law center that combines the power of law with the resolve of communities facing environmental injustice to secure and protect the rights of all people to healthy water, land, and air. At MEA, Adam focuses on agricultural law and policy issues across Wisconsin. Finally, Farmer Doug opines that we do not need the Federal Milk Marketing Order. Doug advocates that the market should dictate your prices, not the Government.

American Family Farmer and host, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about the controversial Georgia Right To Farm Bill. Among other things, it could help protect farmers from being sued for odors being emitted from their farms. Next, we meet Sarah Hill, Director of the CROP COVER SUMMIT and Associate Editor of Cover Crop Strategies. https://www.covercropstrategies.com/ No-Till Farmer, Strip-Till Farmer, Farm Equipment and Rural Lifestyle Dealer magazines. This year is the 5th annual National Cover Crop Summit, and the event is free and 100% online, March 15th and 16th. The speaker lineup includes many growers and crop industry experts. Topics covered include the economics of cover crops; in-terseeding, relay cropping and polycropping; grazing cover crops; and more. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about how the rising costs of fuel will impact the Family Farm.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that 60k were stolen from the Giant grocery store chain. Next, a story about a study that reveals that mosquitoes are attracted by the color red. Then, we meet New York farm show manager Scott Grigor. www.newyorkfarmshow.com Scott also works for the Northeast Equipment Dealers Association. www.ne-equip.org He has been running the NY Farm Show for over 30 years and was an exhibitor prior to his current role. Today, he explains what is awaiting visitors to this year’s farm show and why you should attend. Finally, Farmer Doug opines that farm families should feel comfortable talking about stress and mental health.

Doug Stephan, host and American Family Farmer, www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news of a new study that shows that 3/4 of American consumers want to buy products from local farms. Also news that meat prices have gone up 21% since the pandemic began. Next, we meet Dave Chapman, owner of Longwind Farm www.longwindfarm.com and founder of the Real Organic Project www.realorganicproject.org and www.keepthesoilinorganic.org Long Wind Farm began in 1984 with Dave and a team of oxen. For three decades, they have provided New England with truly delicious and organic tomatoes, grown in Vermont soil. The Real Organic Project was started by farmers to protect the meaning of organic. They grow food in soil, not hydroponically. They raise livestock on pasture, not in confinement. Dave says: "The USDA has failed farmers and eaters to protect organic." Finally, Farmer Doug advises farmers to become advocates of local law enforcement and help the to understand what we do.

Doug Stephan, host and American Family Farmer, www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about how the Right to Repair Act is progressing and President Biden's support. 77% of farmers are buying older farm equipment to avoid dealing with unfriendly repairs on new equipment. Next, we meet Del Ficke, www.fickecattle.com del@grazemaster.com who owns and operates Ficke Cattle Company Graze Master Genetics in eastern Nebraska. With more than 35 years of experience as both an agriculturist and cattleman, Del has developed a one-of-a-kind trademarked breed of composite cattle, the Graze Master. Doug and Del discuss at length the roll that soil health plays into making healthy cattle. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about his mission with his podcasts and his farm in 2022.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about The American Food Labeling Act, Senate Bill #2716 and The Right to Repair Act. Next, Doug introduces Matt Caresco. Matt currently runs development and strategic projects for Farmer's Footprint. matt@projectbiome.org https://www.facebook.com/farmersfootprint/ He is a 3rd generation cherry and walnut grower in central CA, Matt's life has revolved around agriculture. Farmer’s Footprint is a coalition of farmers, educators, doctors, scientists, and business leaders aiming to expose the human and environmental impacts of chemical farming and offer a path for-ward through regenerative agricultural practices. Finally, Farmer Doug encourages all farmers to get involved with local branches of The American Farmers Union and The National Farmers Union.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about National Corn Week and a little history lesson about corn. Next, news about how milk has been produced in a laboratory, without a cow. Then, Doug introduces us to Rob Myers, Ph.D., the Director of the Center for Regenerative Agriculture at the University of Missouri. www.cra.missouri.edu Rob has been an adjunct faculty member with the Plant Sciences Division since 2001 and began serving as the part-time director of the MU Center for Regenerative Agriculture in early 2021. He defines “regenerative agriculture,” and explains why the term has become so mainstream in the past few years. He also offers examples of regenerative agricultural practices that Family Farmers can incorporate into their existing systems. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about the terms "El Nino" and "La Nina," and how you should take them into consideration when making this year's seed selection.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with an overview of what defines a Family Farm. Then, news about the Governor of Maine, who recently vetoed a farmer unionization bill. Did you know that 200-million eggs are consumed every day? Next, we meet Emma Lindberg, Sr. Director, Education and Programming, NFU (National Farmers Union) https://nfu.org/ As Sr. Director, Education & Programming, Emma Lindberg assists in the planning, scheduling, and implementation of youth and adult education programs and events. In addition to her role at NFU, Emma serves on the National Cooperative Business Association (NCBA CLUSA) Board of Directors. Her current main concern is the 2022 NFU Women’s Conference, (happening right now) which focuses on cooperatives, business management, and food sovereignty. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about why Family Farmers should be careful not to underprice your local products.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that the Department of Agriculture reports that Family Farms remain the main source of food production in our country. 98% are Family Farms and the average farm earns $350-thousand dollars a year, but the bad news is that 38% of them have to also work off the farm, to keep it going. Next, we meet Agricultural Journalist, Chris Bennett. https://www.agweb.com/news/business/technology/best-bennett-read-his-six-top-stories-2021 With Chris, No topic is off limits including Ag crime, government overreach, odd occurrences, and farm history that slips through the cracks. Chris talks about several of his stories, including one that is special interest to Doug, China’s Threat to US Agriculture (Eyes Wide Shut on China). Finally, Farmer Doug opines about his dislike of Robotic Farm Equipment, currently featured at the 2022 Consumer Electronics Show.

American Family Farmer and Host, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com takes a look back at the happenings of the year 2021. Some of the topics included are: how farmers and ranchers are not getting their fair share of the profits made off their products and the recall of Dole vegetables and fruits. Do you know which foods boost your immune system to help prevent COVID? Then Farmer Doug says that he feels the energy of the ground and suggests creating harmony on your farm. Next, more news, including the fraudulent disbursement of $3-billion in Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) funds to non-farms, the misuse of land by The Bureau of Land Management and the right to repair our own farm equipment. Finally, Farmer Doug, once again praises the State on Maine's new Food Sovereignty Act.

American Family Farmer and Host, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about how Family Farmers are dealing with Climate Change. Next, we meet Doug Hensley, President of Real Estate Services of Hertz Farm Management. https://www.hertz.ag/ Doug grew up on a cash-grain and livestock farm in western-Illinois, and has worked in the Midwestern farmland brokerage and auction business for nearly 25 years. Hertz Farm Management and Hertz Real Estate Services specializes in professional farm management, farm real estate brokerage sales, online and in-person farm real estate auctions, land acquisitions, consulting and farm appraisals throughout the Midwest. We have been in business since 1946. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about Robotic Diaries and suggests that cows are beings and need to be respected.

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with information about Animals For Therapy at farms. Then, news about the proposed Dairy Pricing Opportunity Act, that is hoped to bring some order to pricing. Next, we meet Alexia Kulwiec, Executive Director of the non-profit Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund. www.FarmToConsumer.org At the FTCLDF Alexia represents members in their efforts to produce and consume healthy locally grown farm products and helps them navigate the regulatory environment to do so. Alexia has an advocated law degree from the Arkansas Law School LLM program in Food and Agriculture Law. Finally, Farmer Doug encourages farmers to investigate CSAs. (Community Supported Agriculture)

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about how the CA dairy industry is dealing with difficult times. Doug also offers an update on the agricultural devastation about the recent tornadoes in Kansas. Next, we meet Tim Andriesen, Managing Director Agricultural Products, CME Group. www.CMEgroup.com The CME Group is focused on delivering new ways to manage risk and improve performance in agriculture. Tim offers tips on how futures and options help farmers manage risk? He also discusses what farmers should be thinking about in the year ahead? Finally, Farmer Doug revisits the new Maine Foods Food Sovereignty Act.

American Family Farmer and Host, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that the Senate wants to ban two ingredients in pesticides. Then another item in the news "Can Climate Change Destroy Farming As We Know It today?" Next, we meet Co-Farmer in Chief of Cox Farms, Lucas Cox. www.coxfarms.com Lucas grew up on the farm, and while his parents, Eric and Gina, are semi‐retired they still make their opinions known in that special way parents do. In 1972, they created the Cox Farms Fall Winter Wonderland Festival, which has grown to become the largest and most popular seasonal event i n the Washington, D.C. area. You can pick your perfect wreath and tree, warm up around the fire, and enjoy some tasty treats, like kettle corn, apple cider donuts, cinnamon roasted almonds, local honey and preserves, now through December 19th. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about a self-driving farm robot, that can kill over 10k weeds an hour, without the use of pesticides.