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 reporting, they examine how global conflict and supply chain disruptions are driving up production costs while crop prices remain flat, leaving many farmers “losing money on every acre.” The conversation highlights the difficult choices growers are making this planting season, the emotional and financial toll on farm families, and fears that another wave of family farms could disappear under mounting economic pressure.

Doug and Ron also explore Ron’s powerful reporting on the mental health crisis in agriculture, including the alarming rate of suicide among farmers in Michigan. They discuss the stress of weather uncertainty, debt, declining profits, and the overwhelming pressure many feel to preserve multi-generational family farms. The episode also examines the recent loss of state funding for Michigan’s farmer mental health counseling program and what that means for struggling farmers who relied on those services.

Shining a light on the resilience, optimism, and quiet struggles of America’s farming communities, Doug and Ron share why supporting farmers means understanding both the economic and emotional realities they face every day.

You can read more articles from Ron French on BridgeMI.com

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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, but now faces a difficult path in the Senate.

In other news, California farmers are being forced to destroy roughly 420,000 clingstone peach trees after Del Monte Foods filed for bankruptcy and permanently closed its Central Valley canneries. The sudden closures left dozens of growers with no buyers for their fruit, prompting a $9 million federal relief package to assist with tree removal and crop transitioning.

Shifting focus to raw milk, a rather polarizing conversation, lawmakers in at least 18 states are actively pushing to expand or legalize the sale of raw milk, driven by consumer demand and "freedom of choice" arguments. However, this push intensifies amid a wave of recent illness outbreaks that have sickened U.S. children, drawing stern warnings from health scientists. For many farmers selling raw milk, most of them can’t keep it in stock because people stand in line to buy it, even at its higher prices. This should be reason enough to allow the sale and stop hindering when consumers are wanting raw milk. Raw milk is risky if it’s not done properly, if there is a crap job of milking the cows, the cows aren’t clean and if the product isn’t clean, then yes it could come with risky germs. When raw milk is produced right, the risks are minimal and the health benefits are incredible. 

Then, Doug opines the food supply after seeing stats from food producers across the country with factors of less predictable weather patterns, labor challenges from deportations, cost of feed and fertilizer going way up because of the tariffs, and more. 

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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 to sustainable agriculture. Gerritsen shares how the family farm built a successful direct-to-consumer business while prioritizing soil health, crop rotation, and regenerative farming practices long before they became mainstream topics in agriculture.

The discussion also explores the growing challenges facing independent farmers, including consolidation in agriculture, genetically engineered seed contamination, and the fight to preserve farmer independence and organic integrity. As president of the Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association, Gerritsen reflects on his advocacy work protecting family farms and why seed sovereignty remains critical to the future of food production.

From organic innovation to environmental stewardship, this episode highlights the values, resilience, and long-term thinking that continue to define America’s family farms.

You can learn more about Wood Prairie Farm on www.woodprairie.com. 

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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 new five-year farm bill that strengthens crop insurance, raises commodity reference prices, and reauthorizes USDA programs through 2031. The bill now faces a difficult path in the Senate, where it needs 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. The Farm Bill also contains significant changes to SNAP (food assistance), which has been a major point of debate, with many questioning why this is even included on this bill at all. 

Moving along, a new study suggests people living in areas with heavy pesticide use face significantly higher risk of cancer. The research suggests that combinations of pesticides, even those considered safe individually, can act together to damage cells, suggesting environmental exposure is a major, previously underestimated factor in cancer rates. Regions with high agricultural activity, specifically the US Midwest, showed significantly higher cancer incidence, with some estimates suggesting risks comparable to or higher than smoking for certain cancers. The study found that "pesticide cocktails"—combinations of chemicals (like Glyphosate, Atrazine, and [Dicamba])—multiply cancer risk, rather than any single chemical acting alone. Even pesticides deemed "non-carcinogenic" individually by regulatory standards appear to contribute to cancer risk when combined in the environment. Researchers identified that these mixtures can disrupt liver cells—a primary detoxification organ—years before a cancer diagnosis. The study linked higher exposure to increased rates of leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and cancers of the bladder, colon, lung, and pancreas. 

In case you missed it, May is Mental Health Month. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Farm State of Mind campaign, supported by the Farm State of Mind Alliance formed in 2025, works to reduce mental health stigma and increase access to resources for farmers and ranchers. The initiative provides a national directory, free counseling, and training to support mental wellness in rural communities. Founded by AFBF, National Farmers Union, National 4-H Council, and Farm Foundation, the Alliance brings together trusted voices to make, “It’s okay not to be okay,” a standard in agricultural communities. The campaign utilizes initiatives like farm-focused mental health articles in magazines and on TV. The campaign emphasizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month to reach out to neighbors in the agricultural community.

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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 how FFA has evolved beyond its roots as Future Farmers of America to reflect the full scope of modern agriculture, including science, technology, sustainability, and global food systems.

As Communications Manager, Meyer plays a key role in amplifying the stories and successes of FFA members. She discusses how the organization prepares students for over 300 career paths through its unique model combining classroom learning, hands-on agricultural experiences, and leadership development.

Doug and Kristy also explore the importance of agricultural education in everyday life, from the food we eat to the clothes we wear, and how FFA is building the next generation of leaders who will help feed, fuel, and clothe the world.

The FFA is cultivating confidence, character, and career readiness in young people across America, and its mission is more relevant today than ever.

Learn more of AFF.org. 

Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
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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, the cost was around $250 per ton. Now, $700 per ton. One more time . . .   $700 PER TON. Additionally, the oil costs are driving up farm expenses, gasoline prices are averaging over $4 a gallon, diesel fuel prices are averaging nearly $6 a gallon, and immediate oil prices (the crude coming out of the ground) is averaging $100+ per barrel. 

Moving on, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a $115 million investment across eight states to expand timber production, enhance forest health, and reduce wildfire risks. Funded through the Timber Production and Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program (TPEP), this initiative supports sawmills and wood processing facilities to boost domestic production by 25%.
Lastly, Doug addresses the news that the U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing a major appeal from Bayer-owned Monsanto, which seeks to throw out thousands of lawsuits claiming its Roundup weedkiller causes cancer. 

If the Supreme Court rules in favor of Monsanto, it could effectively terminate thousands of active lawsuits that argue for stricter, state-mandated cancer warnings. If the ruling favors the plaintiffs, it could significantly increase the legal liabilities for the company.

Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
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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, limited access to care, financial stress, and a culture of self-reliance—can make addressing mental health especially difficult. He explains how these barriers have contributed to a critical gap in support for the more than 46 million people living in rural areas across the country.

Jeff opens up about the heartbreaking loss of his nephew in 2012, a turning point that led him to found Rural Minds and dedicate his life to breaking the silence and stigma surrounding mental illness in agricultural communities. 

Through advocacy, education, and storytelling, Rural Minds is working to ensure that farmers, ranchers, and rural families have access to the resources and support they need. 

Doug and Jeff discuss the importance of normalizing conversations around mental health, the role of community in healing, and why addressing mental wellness is just as essential as physical health in sustaining the future of American agriculture.

Learn more on RuralMinds.org.

Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
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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), arguing the 30-year-old cap is insufficient for modern agricultural needs, rising costs, and new commitments. She testified that the CCC is "overcommitted" due to new farm subsidies, necessitating higher funding capacity.

In other news, the Massachusetts Senate unanimously passed S.3029, known as the FARM Bill (An Act fostering agricultural resilience in Massachusetts). This comprehensive legislation aims to stabilize the state's 7,000 farms, expand food access, and modernize agriculture by easing zoning for agritourism, codifying the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP), and establishing a “Next Generation Farmer” program. Key Aspects of this FARM Bill include:

• Agritourism Promotion: The bill supports farms by easing local zoning restrictions on activities like pick-your-own operations, corn mazes, and farm-to-table events, aiding in income diversification.
• Food Access & Security: It formally codifies the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) into state law, making it easier for SNAP recipients to purchase fresh, local produce while bolstering farm income.
• Next Generation Farmers: Creates a $3 million initiative to support new, young, and underrepresented farmers, including immigrants and veterans.
• Modernization & Sustainability: Establishes a statewide agricultural land database, allows for the transfer of water management permits for cranberry growers, and provides tax exemptions for new agricultural buildings.
• Climate and Economic Resilience: The bill responds to climate change threats and ensures the longevity of Massachusetts' agricultural sector. 

Lastly, Doug opines issues near and dear to the small family farmers. Specifically glyphosate. Is this an all or nothing fight? There is the thought process that it needs to be used, but it’s also causing potential harm to consumers. The companies putting out these products are already trying to get liability protection so that, if/when people get sick and die, they won’t have people coming after them with which the way Bayer dealt. 

You can hear more about Doug’s thoughts with Glyphosate in a previous American Family Farmer episode: “Glyphosate and Chemical-Dependent Farming Practices.”

Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
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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 the land. McRae shares how the farm has grown into a thriving, interactive space featuring raised garden beds for homeowners, a one-acre cornfield producing Silver Queen corn, and an 11-acre pecan grove that brings neighbors together each year for harvest celebrations.

Doug and Stephen also discuss the farm’s commitment to sustainability and local food systems, including the addition of 150 chickens providing fresh eggs and enriching the farm experience for families. The conversation highlights how hyper-local agriculture comes full circle, with ingredients from the farm making their way onto seasonal menus at Hotel Hartness.

With a background that includes work at Greenville’s Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery, as well as livestock management at Greenbrier Farms—and service in the United States Marine Corps—McRae brings a unique perspective on leadership, stewardship, and the importance of reconnecting people with where their food comes from.

To learn more about how Hartness Farm is redefining what it means to live, grow, and gather as a community rooted in agriculture, visit them online at https://hartnessliving.com/hartness-farm/.

Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
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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 panels, and tightening tax credit deadlines, creating significant hurdles for rural developers. Despite these hurdles, developers in some areas are pushing forward, viewing large-scale projects as still viable due to high electricity demand, though the regulatory environment for solar has grown significantly more restrictive.

Next up, Doug dives into the continued saga of John Deere’s repair monopoly. John Deere has agreed to a $99 million settlement to resolve a 2022 class-action lawsuit accusing the company of violating "right to repair" laws by monopolizing repair services for its machinery. The settlement, pending final court approval in Illinois, provides compensation to farmers who paid for repairs from authorized dealers since 2018 and compels Deere to provide diagnostic tools and software for a decade. According to research groups, this has actually cost family farmers over $4 billion in repairs. 

Lastly, Doug opines on the latest tax season, how tariffs are affecting Americans more than others and what farmers can expect, and how farmers can stay in the game to support their farm when it’s a whole new game now. 

Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks