A weekly look at trends in Family Farming and Healthy Eating.
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In this episode of American Family Farmer , Doug Stephan talks with Sadie Tilden ( 4-h.org ) about her journey through 4-H, her love of animals and farming, and how hands-on agricultural experiences are helping shape her future. Sadie shares how 4-H has grown from an activity into an important part of her life, providing opportunities to work with animals, develop leadership skills, connect with…
In this episode of American Family Farmer , Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) takes a closer look at several issues affecting farmers and rural America, from major changes within the USDA to the ongoing fight over who has the right to repair modern farm equipment. Doug examines the USDA’s restructuring and relocation of thousands of employees, what declining staff morale and departures could…
4-H may have its roots in agriculture, but today its impact reaches far beyond the barn. On this episode of American Family Farmer , host Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) talks with Claire Canny about her journey through 4-H, beginning with an interest in animal projects and growing into experiences that have helped shape her confidence, responsibility and plans for the future. Claire shares…
What do farmers markets, sulfur supplies, dairy processing and global trade have in common? They all play a role in the strength and security of America’s food system. Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) examines some of the most significant challenges and opportunities facing today’s farming community. The conversation explores the importance of farmers markets…
On this episode of American Family Farmer , host Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) is joined by Jonathan White of Bobalink Farm to discuss how thoughtful management and innovative programs are shaping the future of dairy farming. Jonathan explains the importance of winter feeding strategies, rotational grazing, and preserving hardy heritage cattle breeds that thrive in pasture-based systems.…
Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) examines some of the most significant challenges and opportunities facing today’s farming community. The conversation explores the vital role family farms play in feeding communities and preserving the future of American agriculture. Doug discusses the challenges farmers face from changing government policies, the ongoing…
Bees may be small, but their impact on agriculture is enormous. This week on *American Family Farmer*, host Doug Stephan ( EastleighFarm.com ) welcomes Mark Spencer, owner of Spencer Apiaries ( SpencerApiaries.com ) , for an in-depth conversation about the essential role honeybees play in food production and the challenges they face in today's changing environment. Mark explains the seasonal life…
Rising fuel costs to the fight for farmers' right to repair their own equipment, this week's *American Family Farmer* tackles the issues shaping agriculture today. Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) examines some of the most significant challenges and opportunities facing today’s farming community. Doug examines how changing energy prices, government policies,…
On this episode of *American Family Farmer*, host Doug Stephan provides an update on several of the most significant issues currently impacting agriculture, from government funding initiatives and livestock health concerns to renewable energy and the changing structure of the farming industry. Doug begins by discussing new USDA programs, including funding designed to support beef processors and…
On this episode of *American Family Farmer*, host Doug Stephan is joined by Kaylynn Wilhelm for a conversation about the lasting impact of the National FFA Organization's Washington Leadership Conference and the important role leadership development plays in the future of American agriculture. Kaylynn shares her experiences participating in the conference, explaining how the program helps young…
On this episode of American Family Farmer , host Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) is joined by Dr. Kelly Fishman for a conversation about animal mobility, rehabilitation, and the growing field of veterinary physiotherapy. Dr. Kelly shares her expertise in helping animals of all sizes—from beloved pets to farm animals—recover from injuries, maintain strength, and improve their quality of life…
Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) examines some of the most significant challenges and opportunities facing today’s farming community. Doug explores several important developments shaping the future of agriculture, from innovative farming practices and industry challenges to resources supporting the next generation of farmers. The episode highlights the…
On this episode of American Family Farmer , host Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) is joined by Amy Holmes of Holmesteading Farm for a conversation about modern homesteading, sustainable living, and reconnecting people with agriculture. Amy shares her journey into homesteading and explains how her farm has become a place where visitors can experience firsthand the value of growing food,…
Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) examines some of the most significant challenges and opportunities facing today’s farming community. The conversation takes a closer look at several important legal, legislative, and economic developments affecting family farmers across the country. The discussion begins with proposed legislation in Oregon related to animal…
On this episode of American Family Farmer , host Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) is joined by Jon Hegeman, an Alabama farmer, greenhouse operator, and participant in the Outstanding Farmers of America program, for a conversation about the opportunities and challenges facing today's agricultural community. Jon shares the story of his farming operation, discussing the diversity of agriculture…
Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) examines some of the most significant challenges and opportunities facing today’s farming community. The conversation takes a closer look at several of the most important issues currently affecting American agriculture and rural communities. The episode begins with an update on the spread of the screw worm and the efforts…
On this episode of American Family Farmer , host Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) is joined by Amy Hartshorn of Hartshorn Organic Farm for a conversation about organic agriculture, food quality, and the connection between farming and human health. Amy shares insights into the rewards and challenges of organic farming, explaining the commitment, labor, and stewardship required to produce food…
Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) examines some of the most significant challenges and opportunities facing today’s farming community. The conversation examines several of the pressing issues impacting small and family farms across the country. The conversation explores the growing threat posed by invasive species, including the spotted lantern fly and the…
On this episode of American Family Farmer , host Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) is joined by Rick and Josiah Bale of the Bale Kenyon Family Farm and Greenhouse in Lewis Center, Ohio, for a conversation about the evolution of a multi-generational family farming operation and the strategies that have helped it thrive. The Bales share the rich history of their family farm, discussing how they…
Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) examines some of the most significant challenges and opportunities facing today’s farming community. The conversation explores some of the most pressing issues affecting agriculture today, from the ongoing struggles of Florida’s citrus industry to broader concerns surrounding dairy farming and food policy in the United States.…
On this episode of American Family Farmer , host Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) welcomes Laura Brittingham of Brittingham Farms in Delaware for a conversation about the evolving realities of modern farming and the importance of preserving family agricultural traditions. Laura shares her unique path from a career in medical device sales to helping lead her family's fourth-generation farm,…
Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) examines some of the most significant challenges and opportunities facing today’s farming community. The conversation explores several important developments shaping the future of agriculture, from legislative updates to emerging threats facing farmers and livestock producers. The discussion begins with an overview of the…
On this episode of American Family Farmer , host Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) welcomes Helen Raleigh of Story Hill Farm in Delaware to discuss her remarkable journey from pollinator conservation advocate to regenerative farmer and heritage cattle breeder. Helen shares how her passion for protecting pollinators led her to embrace farming practices that prioritize biodiversity, soil…
Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) examines some of the most significant challenges and opportunities facing today’s farming community. The conversation explores how the USDA food dollar is distributed and what that means for farmers working to earn a fair share of the consumer food dollar. Doug also discusses recent farmer sentiment and the economic outlook…
Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) shares the biggest news affecting smaller family farmers. First up, Doug explores several of the pressing issues impacting today’s agricultural community. The conversation examines how current beef import policies are affecting American cattle producers and the challenges farmers face when competing in a global marketplace.…
Doug introduces us to Talkers Magazine Publisher, Michael Harrison. www.talkers.com Michael is the person who encouraged Doug to start The American Family Farmer radio program and podcast. He is a fan of Family Farms, farm animals and is also associated with the rock band Gunhill Road. www.gunhillroadmusic.com Michael was invited to write and record a spoken tribute to animal life, for their…
Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) welcomes Michigan journalist Ron French of Bridge Michigan about two deeply important stories impacting farm families across the Midwest and beyond. First, Doug and Ron discuss the growing financial crisis facing farmers as skyrocketing diesel fuel and fertilizer prices squeeze already-thin margins. Drawing from Ron’s…
Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) shares the biggest news affecting smaller family farmers, starting with the U.S. House of Representatives passing the sprawling Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (AKA The Farm Bill) by a bipartisan vote of 224–200. The multi-billion dollar, 5-year legislative package sets farm, conservation, and nutrition policies,…
Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) welcomes Jim Gerritsen, founder of Wood Prairie Family Farm, for a conversation about organic farming, seed integrity, and the future of America’s small family farms. Founded in 1976 in northern Maine, Wood Prairie Family Farm has become nationally recognized for its certified organic seed potatoes and decades-long commitment…
Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) shares the biggest news affecting smaller family farmers, starting with the Farm Bill. The House is working on another draft Farm Bill, continuing with the hold up. Additionally, the U.S. House passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 8467) on April 30, 2026, with a 224-200 bipartisan vote, advancing a…
Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) welcomes Kristy Meyer of the National FFA Organization for a conversation about the future of agriculture—and the young leaders shaping it. Founded in 1928, the National FFA Organization has grown into one of the largest youth leadership groups in the country, now serving more than one million students nationwide. Meyer shares…
Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with facts of the Iran war, how it’s impacting agriculture, how it’s impacting your life, and how it’s impacting energy and the cost of things, specifically fertilizer. Right now, the cost of fertilizer is $700 per ton. The last time Doug bought fertilizer by the ton,…
On this episode of American Family Farmer , host and American family farmer Doug Stephan welcomes Jeff Winton, Founder and Chairman of Rural Minds, for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about mental health in rural America. Drawing from his own upbringing on a dairy farm in upstate New York, Jeff shares how the unique challenges faced by farming and rural communities—like isolation,…
Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with news the USDA is seeking to raise $30 Billion dollars in borrowing limits for farmers in America needing assistance. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is urging Congress to raise the $30 billion borrowing limit of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC),…
On this episode of American Family Farmer , host Doug Stephan welcomes Stephen McRae, Farm Manager of Hartness Farm in Greenville, for a conversation about building community through agriculture and sustainable living. Since its launch in 2021, Hartness Farm has become a central part of the Hartness Living community—offering residents not just fresh, seasonal produce, but a deeper connection to…
Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with news the Trump administration is actively scaling back federal support for solar energy on farm land and shifting focus toward traditional energy sources. Policies include ending USDA grants for solar projects on prime farmland , imposing high tariffs on imported…
On this episode of American Family Farmer , host Doug Stephan sits down with Nathan Vannette of Growing Green Family Farms in Anderson, South Carolina, for a conversation that goes beyond what’s on your plate and into the soil itself. Vannette shares how his farm operates on a spray-free, no-till, regenerative model that prioritizes soil health, biodiversity, and truly clean food. His philosophy…
Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with false narratives from the Trump administration claiming farm income soared 20% upon Trump re-entering the White House. The reality of most farmers is quite the opposite, with many relying on bailouts or folding their farm altogether. Additionally, the lack of overall…
On today’s American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan sits down with Jacob Powsner of Baird Farm in North Chittenden, VT, a fourth-generation family farm rooted in tradition, resilience, and innovation. Jacob shares his journey from growing up in nearby Rutland County to studying at Bard College, traveling the West Coast working on organic farms, and ultimately returning to Vermont to help grow…
Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with a look at the impact the war is having on family farms and the food supply here in the U.S. As an industry, we’re in jeopardy. According to research being done by agrologists, 50% of us could go out of business sooner than later. Brooke Rollins has the USDA focusing…
Host and American Family Farmer Doug Stephan of Eastleigh Farm welcomes Tami Purdue, founder of Sweet Peas Urban Gardens, LLC and Triangle United Growers. Tami’s journey into agriculture is anything but traditional. Trained as an accountant, she found herself drawn into the world of food through a passion for cooking and a curiosity about where her ingredients truly came from. What began as an…
Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with a focus on 2026 being the International Year of the Woman Farmer, a look at the contribution that women in agriculture make, difficulties female farmers face in getting land, resources and leadership opportunities. Another conversation is in the rising costs of nearly…
On this week’s episode of American Family Farmer , host Doug Stephan welcomes Kelly Ryerson, also known as “Glyphosate Girl," for a powerful and eye-opening conversation at the intersection of agriculture, food, and human health. Drawing from her deeply personal journey of overcoming chronic illness, Kelly shares how her path to healing led her to investigate the hidden connections between the…
Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with a focus on lost staffing at various government agencies and what it means for family farmers. It means you’re waiting longer for help to apply for financial aid and you’re waiting longer for special projects funding. The Forestry Service has lost 12,000 (1/3)…
In this special sponsored segment, host Doug Stephan chats with Brad Phifer, Executive Director of theertification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), to talk about the growing world of dog ownership and the importance of qualified train Cing. With more people welcoming dogs into their homes than ever before, many pet parents are looking for guidance on how to manage common canine…
On this week’s episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan welcomes Megan Moran, a licensed mental health counselor and Executive Director of Cultivate Care Farms in Bolton, Massachusetts. Megan shares how her journey from high school English teacher to mental health professional led her to explore the powerful connection between identity development, community, and nature. With more than…
Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with the House Farm Bill as moved ahead after clearing a committee with support from both Democrats and Republicans following a 20-hour meeting recently. Moving on to the price of chicken, the Avian flu has caused chicken prices to rise sharply in early 2026 due to supply…
This week on American Family Farmer Show, host Doug Stephan welcomes ecologist and biology professor Norris Muth for an insightful conversation about the health of our forests, farms, and ecosystems. A professor at Juniata College in Pennsylvania, Muth specializes in conservation biology, plant ecology, and the growing challenges posed by invasive species. His research through the Muth Ecology Lab…
Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with the new farm bill that’s been proposed for this year. The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567) is the primary legislative proposal advancing in Congress as of March 2026, aiming to update agricultural policy, nutrition assistance, and conservation…
This week on American Family Farmer with host Doug Stephan, we revisit an insightful conversation with Cannon Michael, President & CEO of Bowles Farming Company. Cannon is a sixth-generation California farmer overseeing more than 11,000 acres of diverse crops. Since joining the family business in 1998 after graduating from University of California, Berkeley, he has helped guide the company with a…
