Wednesday, January 8 -  Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the issues that apply to farmers, like the uncertainty and drama around congress delivering a budget deal, including $10 Billion in financial assistance to farmers, and how it will extend the 2018 Farm Bill another year, and a discussion on the need for the American public to be educated on what it costs to grow the food they enjoy. Then, Dr. Jack Stockwell joins the program for a discussion on the food we eat and the importance of supporting our local farmers. Dr. Jack is a NUCCA Chiropractor and GAPS Practitioner, as well as co-host on Doug’s Good Day Health podcast (gooddayhealthshow.com). The discussion includes the health benefits of raw food and why it makes some people sick, how overcooked food is more harmful, and why raw milk is shouldn’t be banned. You can get more from Dr. Jack on JackStockwell.com and ForbiddenDoctor.com. Then, Farmer Doug opines how magnificent the process of putting a seed in the ground and growing the crops truly is. Think about the beauty of the land we have and the magic growing crops and raising animals is. All with time, effort, love, support and perseverance.

1/1/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the issues that apply to farmers, like genetics in seed, weather conditions, soil health, pest control, and the fact that farmers deserve better from congress and family farmers around the country are long overdue for economic and disaster relief amongst a volatile market. Plus, a federal judge has halted corporate transparency, and how a growth in dairy exports have hit new records. Next, we are introduced to Dwight Lingenfelter, a Senior Extension Associate in Weed Science. Dwight leads the herbicide evaluation program and provides leadership in extension-outreach activities, including publication of weed management guides and providing extension-education programming for growers, CCAs, and the agricultural service industry. Dwight’s primary focus is in agronomic crops but includes applied research for major vegetable crops. The Penn State Weed Science extension-research program focuses on developing sustainable weed management practices for Pennsylvania’s field and forage crop production systems. Wrapping up this week’s episode of the American Family Farmer, Doug opines about the farm bill, regenerative farming practices, and questioning what farming innovations are we putting into practice to help soil and crops in the future. 

Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

12/25/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the UDSA investing millions of dollars to advance research and extension activities aimed to solves challenges with specialty crop and organic agriculture producers, the latest information regarding the avian flu and it’s latest affects on turkeys and egg producers, and testing requirements for bird flu cases among dairy cows. Then, we’re introduced to Rowan Steele, Headwaters Farm Program Manager with East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District (EMSWCD) in Oregon. Understanding the difficulty for anyone who is not a big land owner, or comes from a family to inherit land, to get into farming and agriculture, EMSWCD aims to help. Headwaters Farm is the site of the District’s exciting Headwaters Incubator Program, which seeks to aid the development of new farm businesses by providing affordable access to land and farm resources. The 60-acre property on the outskirts of Gresham, is owned and managed by EMSWCD. EMSWCD values diversity and equity within their incubator program. They encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds and traditionally underserved communities to apply. Headwaters Farm Incubator Program is designed to assist in the development of new farmers. The program involves leasing out sections of EMSWCD’s Headwaters Farm to motivated, experienced individuals who will use it as a launching pad for their own farming endeavors. Lastly, Doug opines how vital family owned farming operations and the department of agriculture’s lack for assistance, the growing need for farmers to get off-farm jobs to sustain their crops, and the importance local farms play in our health. 

Webstie: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

12/18/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on urbanization and how it affects farmers, massive job loss in big ag, how processing plants are hurting small farmers because of soil and water run off, and the accuracy of the Farmer’s Almanac predictions. Then, we meet Kurt Emmerich, owner/grower at Emmerich Tree Farm just outside of NYC. Being close to The City, Emmerich Tree Farm experiences different issues than most tree farmers, based on their location. At their Christmas tree farm, they love seeing families come out to enjoy the Real Christmas Tree Experience each winter. With a great view of the Warwick Valley and a charming farm atmosphere, it's the perfect setting for moments shared with family. They’ve been in business for over 15 years, and have over 10,000 trees growing. Emmerich Tree Farm focuses on providing a cut-your-own experience for families and friends near Warwick, NY. A few Christmas Tree cutting reservations are still available for the 2024 season. They are a choose-and-cut Christmas tree farm, offering over 12 varieties of spruce, pine, and fir. In addition to their choose and cut options, they also provide select precut Fraser Fir. They also have a wedding venue amongst the trees that help keep things going with added value year round. Lastly, Doug opines with a more in depth look at The Farmer’s Almanac and the newer pop-phrase, “La Nada,” along with a thought-provoking theory of the jet-stream being turned upside down and how it might affect things moving forward. 

Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

12/11/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: the latest information on the food and farm bill, labor issues and how the farm bill will affect employment, how chemical and weed control is done for treatments on the farm and if technology is helping or if there are still dangers to farm employees and consumers. Plus, electronic fencing for cattle, probiotics for cattle, crop prices may be returning to more “normal” levels. Then, Doug introduces us to Kristy Meyer, Communications Manager with FFA for a conversation on FFA and a recap of the FFA Convention & Expo. FFA is the premier youth organization preparing members for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. The National FFA Organization formerly known as “Future Farmers of America” – was founded by a group of young farmers in 1928. Their mission was to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population. They taught us that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting – it’s a science, it’s a business and it’s an art. Lastly, Doug opines on the season and why it’s important to continue to give thanks and focus on the good we have in our lives. Doug also opines on the high food costs and the remaining fact the farmer only makes 14 cents for every dollar, or even less. 

Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

12/4/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including:  New York State’s impact on solar taking over farm land, Brooke Rollins named Trump’s Secretary of Agriculture, what farm economists say about the future of land ownership, more and more farmers are forced to get off-farm jobs to sustain their farm, and a focus on raising a family while sustaining a farm. In the spotlight section of this episode, Doug introduces us to Steve Callaham, CEO of the Dundee Citrus Growers Association, in Dundee, Florida. Steve shares the impact of the storms over the recent months, including Hurricane Milton, and how agricultural businesses get through traumatic natural events as such. Why citrus from Florida is set apart from other locations and it’s coming up on the industries busiest season. Farmer Doug, then, opines Trump’s slated deportation efforts and how it may affect farming. He discuses that, too. 

Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

11/27/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: Who will lead Trump’s USDA? The Federal Trade Commission is continuing to probe the right to repair for farmers, farm groups urging the Biden administration to make sure renewable fuel tax credits prioritize American crops, most farmers are relying on off-farm jobs to rely on their primary source of income to keep their farms running, and barriers women face entering farming. Doug discussed that, too. Then, we welcome back Alexis Burnham of Burnham Orchards (BurnhamOrchards.com) to the program. Alexis, a 7th generation family farmer, previously discussed her family’s nearly 211 year old farm, which you can hear HERE. This time, the conversation surrounds female farmers, the opportunities of getting educated in ag, and how family farmers can continue with added benefits throughout the whole year when their primary crop is out of season. Then Farmer Doug opines why people want to become farmers or why multi-generation farmers want to stay on the farm. While it’s difficult to make a living in today’s society, it’s truly a passion and unconditional love for so many. 

Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

11/20/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including:  the vital role radio plays in the lives of farmers, what less IRA money for next year means for farmers, prospects for Secretary of Agriculture, and how the current agriculture policy is destroying Americans’ health. Then, Doug introduces us to Stephanie Tewes with Tewes Farm, a poultry farm in northern Kentucky (TewesFarm.com). Stephanie grew up a farm kid, with her grandfather starting the farm 80 years ago. Tewes Farm specializes in quality poultry in Northern Kentucky, and they have many customers from around the TriState area. They raise chickens year round for eggs and meat, specialize in dressed turkeys around the holiday season, and believe a better meal begins when you have a fresh turkey or chicken. It is the only Fresh Poultry producer in Northern Kentucky. People come from miles around to pick up a fresh turkey for the holidays. Lastly, Doug opines getting help on the farm, benefits from internships, the continuous overstepping of the government. 

Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

11/13/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: farm insurance and how those affected by the recent hurricanes are receiving assistance, a poultry farmer with 62,000 birds without feed, service members transitioning from military service to civilian life and how farming and ag helps, a grocery store merger, and what the election means for farmers. Then, Doug introduces us to Hannah Wuesthoff (WuesthoffFarm on Instagram)=, a hobby farmer in Middle Tennessee. She and her family started at the beginning of the pandemic with chickens while living in Nashville, and it spiraled from there. She and her husband, Dave, left the city to fulfill her dream of having their own land and being as self-sustainable as possible. She lives on her small farm with her husband and two children. They have laying hens, a pig, goats, and bee hives (which she recently caught 2 swarms). They have raised turkeys and a steer before, and will be onboarding a horse November 26th. They also compost all the manure, use cover crops, and do soil tests so they can make sure they are improving the soil and being environmentally friendly. Lastly, Doug opines the importance of corn crops. 

Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

11/6/24 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including: the debt consolidation tool for farmers and producers, reporting requirements for foreign land-investors, and how the outcome of the election will affect farmers. Then, Doug introduces us to Ward Graham of Brighton Honey (BrightonHoney.com), an apiary in Rochester, NY, producing locally sourced wildflower honey without chemicals, antibiotics, or pesticides, and never heat-treated. Brighton Honey has over 500,000 bees making honey, and they include different types of swarms — a Russian mix, Golden Italians, and Minnesota Hygienic. There are many claims about the holistic benefits of Honey. Honey has been claimed to slow aging, prevent hair loss, improve digestion and reduce hay fever symptoms. Some have these have been scientifically proven. Honey is a natural antibiotic and honey has been used for treating wounds throughout pre-history. Honey in modern medicine has been used to treat wounds. The natural properties of honey help clear infections and reduce inflammation, and may stimulate the re-growth of tissue according to some studies. Lastly, Doug opines the shrinking farm population, the average person taking agriculture and food production for granted, a program for agriculture in the classrooms at the state level in an effort to promote farming and healthy eating.

Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks