Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about Kroger's $25-million offer to buy Albertsons and why the merger will allow them to beat down farmers on prices. A cider mill and Christmas Tree farm in Kalamazoo has been shut down by unfair zoning regulations. Next, we meet Dr. Jack Stockwell, NUCCA Chiropractor and nutritional specialist. www.jackstockwell.com. He only creates and recommends food supplements from Standard Practice, a company that only uses natural and organic ingredients in its products. www.standardprocess.com. Next, Farmer Doug opines about ridiculous claims that cow manure is bad for the environment.

12/08/22 - Why Natural/Organic Ingredients Are Best For Supplements

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about a new multi-million-dollar hi-tech indoor farm that is going in south of San Antonio, TX. The farm will provide lots of new low-income farm jobs. A Hawaiian trout farm is looking to move, due to land displacement from volcanos. Pacific salmon farms will be getting hundreds of acres of new spawning ground, due to the dismantling of unused hydro-electric dams. Next, we meet Steve Normanton of Normanton Farms, www.normanton.com. He raises and sells farm-to-table products, all raised on their organic managed pastures. Steve Normanton utilizes regenerative agriculture and finds it has numerous benefits, one of which is keeping plants healthy for consumption. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about teaching children on the farm to respect dangerous farm equipment.

12/01/22 - Meet A Northeast Farmer Who Raises Farm-To-Table Grass-fed Beef

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about new financing being made available for Regenerative Farming and $24-million being offered for farm development programs. The number of accidents involving tractors is on the rise. Next, we meet Danny Raulerson Executive Director, Cranberry Marketing Committee, who discusses his team’s work with cranberry farmers, along with what he’s seeing many farmers experience with climate change, grow techniques and getting ready for consumers to enjoy a beloved Thanksgiving staple.. www.uscranberries.com. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about "Food Inflation." Why are food prices going up and the farmers aren't seeing the increase in their profits?

11/24/22 - What You Didn't Know About Cranberries

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that some dairy farmers have added cheese making to their list of products. Liquid milk production alone is not keeping dairy farms afloat, even though the demand for dairy products is up from last year. There's also news about a new electronic device that helps increase milk production. Next, we meet Agriculture Commissioner of Georgia Gary Black. He is concerned about a potential diesel fuel shortage and how it would impact farmers and predicts the shortage will cause fuel prices to rise, causing higher grocery bills. Finally, Farmer Doug opines that farms need a presence on Social Media and that they should keep their message consistent.

11/17/22 - How Would A Diesel Fuel Shortage Affect Your Farm?

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about several were arrested but not charged with pig-napping after trying to make a point, while rescuing them. A Michigan farmer was charged with dumping untreated human waste. Then, a look at the damage to crops and livestock as a result of the recent hurricane. Next, we meet Phillip Gruber, a reporter for a Lancaster, NJ farming newspaper. pgruber@lancasterfarming.com He wrote a recent article touching on the topic and how NJ is committed to helping, New Jersey Committee Backs Aid for Beginning Farmers — https:// www.lancasterfarming.com/farming-news/news/new-jersey-committee-backs-aid forbeginning-farmers/article_9211de1e-3e8c-11ed-bcaa-fbdb6163d174.html The legislation approved Sept. 22 is about supporting farm viability and “putting the garden back in the Garden State,” said Assemblyman Roy Freiman, chairman of the Agriculture and Food Security Committee. Finally, Farmer Doug suggests that you should take the time to thank local farmers.

10/13/22 - Challenges For The Young Farmer

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with the latest Agricultural News, including what you can expect to pay for Thanksgiving dinner this year, New York governor wants to impose limits of 40 hours per week for farm workers, farm accidents are on the rise and the world's largest corn maze pays tribute to James Bond films. Next, we meet Dr. Julie Marfell & Laura Weddle. Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death among Americans. Unfortunately, farmers experience an even worse toll. From 2004 to 2017, 109 Kentucky farmers died by suicide, with those over 64 most at risk. Currently, stressors are the highest they have been in years, with producers suffering with supply chain issues, changing weather patterns and increasing input prices. However, the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and College of Nursing are working to address these issues through a joint program coined BARN, or Bring Action Right Now. We learn all about their unique program. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about safety on the farm.

10/06/22 - The Growing Epidemic Of Suicides On The Farm

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with the latest Agricultural News, including the exploding number of Chinese fishing fleets and how they are affecting other countries and the NFL Indiana Colts present Willie Nelson with a one-million dollar check at Farm Aid, 2022. Next, we meet Doug Carrigan, head of a fifth generation Family Farm. Carrigan Farms has been family-owned since 1902, and brings smiles each year to more than 300,000 at the 275-acre farm. https://www.carriganfarms.com/ Doug explains how they've survived for five generations and continue to prosper. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about recalls and how the affect the local farmer.

09/29/22 - Learn From A Prospering Fifth Generation Farmer

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with the latest Agricultural News, including news about the narrowly avoided train strike and the current lack of young farmers, with today's average age being 60. Next, we meet Meg Plucinski of D & M Family Farms, in Jefferson County, Wisconsin. https://www.dmfamilyfarm.com/They are a small, organic dairy farm in Southeastern Wisconsin, and operate their 300-acres where their animals are grazed, intensively on well-maintained, award-winning pastures. They also raise chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, sheep, goats, pigs, and cattle. A devastating fire recently burned their barn to the ground. without a place to milk the cows, D & M Family Farm is at a standstill. "Everything we worked for this summer is gone and our income is gone." When the fire broke out, neighbors lined the road with their trucks to help relocate the cows. The help didn't stop there, friends, neighbors, andeven strangers all jumped in to lend a helping hand. Looking ahead she said things are a little uncertain, but she's hopeful they will rebuild and continue their dream. A fundraiser has been set up to help the Plucinski's rebuild and continue D & M Family Farm.

09/22/22 - Farmers Helping Farmers In Times Of Tragedy

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with the latest Agricultural News, including news that the number of hog farms are shrinking, Iowa is the number one hog processing state. Next, we meet Jane Velez-Mitchell, founder and content editor of UnChainedTV, a multi-platform social media news outlet that produces original video content on animals’ rights and the vegan/compassionate lifestyle, www.unchainedtv.com and Renee King-Sonnen, founder and executive director of Rowdy Girl Sanctuary, a former cattle ranch turned vegan, the first in history. https://rowdygirlsanctuary.org They present the question: "Ever wonder why we never hear the term 'slaughterhouse.' instead of 'processing plant'?” Finally, Farmer Doug opines about how there are fewer and fewer auctions than there were 10 years ago, Amish farming and PETA.

09/01/22 - Processing Plant or Slaughterhouse?

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with the latest Agricultural News, including: an update on the drought and how it's affecting Texas, apple crops late in Minnesota and the Indiana Hosier Homestead Awards. Next. Doug introduces us to Melissa O'Rourke, Farm and Agribusiness Management Specialist at the Iowa State University Extension Service, morourke@iastate.edu . They discuss how the extension offices work, foreign farmland ownership, goat milk, how to keep the farm in the family, being good stewards of the land and women in farming.

08/25/22 - Keeping The Farm In The Family

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with farm news. Items covered include: the drought, lack of hay to feed livestock, climate change, the water shortage and Avian Flu. Joining Farmer Doug is Jennifer Fahy, Farm Aid 2022, Communications Director. www.farmaid.org. They discuss the activities at this year's event, being held September 24, 2022 at Raleigh, NC.

08/18/22 - Farm Aid 2022

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with announcing that June is officially Dairy Month. Trending right now are the prices for cows and how they are market based. Record high beef prices are being seen right now, as the grilling season begins, and the cost of propane is rising. Watch out! Avion Flu is also on the rise. Next, we meet Jim Roberts, Chairman of the Board - Farm to Consumer Foundation. www.f2cfnd.org The foundation's mission is to educate and bring local farmers and customers together. They have a report on how farmers and consumers in Michigan were able to form a co-existent relationship with the Department of Ag, so fresh milk could be produced and distributed. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about the need for all farms to make an attempt to become self-sustaining.

06/02/22 - Bringing Farmers And Customers Together

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about how producers of bio-logically engineered foods are trying to confuse us with their ingredients labeling. The USDA wants to establish standard labeling so that we won't be misled. There is a new pledge from The White House to help Family Farmers. Next, we meet Amy LaBelle, founder and winemaker at LaBelle Winery. Formerly a corporate attorney, practicing in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Her life-long interest in wine led her to open LaBelle Winery to pursue her passion for winemaking. www.labellewinery.com She has become a destination winery with three locations, Amherst, Portsmouth, and Derry, New Hampshire. Amy also created several farm-to-table restraints at her locations. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about how the food system and environmental health must work hand-in-hand.

05/26/22 - She's A Lawyer, Turned Farmer/Winemaker

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with more news about the rising Diesel prices. At $5.83 a gallon, an Indiana seller holds the current record for the highest price. Add to that, Diesel is becoming harder to find. But get this; one oil company in Saudi, Arabia has just been valued at $6.2 trillion dollars. Next, we meet father and son Jim and Dane Hauser. They are 5th generation farmers at Superior View Farm, in Bayfield, Wisconsin. www.superiorviewfarm.com Through the years, one thing has remained constant, the passing of the farm from father to son. Jim and Dane explain how they keep the farm vibrant and in touch. Finally, Farmer Doug opines that you need to put your animals first and don't feel bad about charging higher prices.

05/19/22 - Meet 5th Generation Farmers Who Stay In Touch With Market Needs

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that with diesel prices rising to $6.00 per gallon, operating your farm equipment and getting your product to market is skyrocketing. The White House has announced a new Internet Services Plan for rural America. It's called The Affordable Connectivity Program and is intended to make high speed internet available to rural areas at a fixed rate of $30.00 per month. Next, we meet Patrick Keyser, who is the Director at The Center for Native Grasslands Management, at the University of Tennessee. https://nativegrasses.tennessee.edu/ The Center provides a scientific background to producers and land managers, enabling them toeffectively establish and manage native grasslands. Finally, Farmer Doug opines about the USDA needing to issue more organic meat processing licenses.

05/12/22 - Restoring Native Graslands

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news about cyberattacks on farmers. The FBI has issued warnings and guidelines to help prevent it. Then, news about a new research center for Sustainable Farming in North Carolina. Next, we meet David Wallace, CEO of CODA Farm Technologies. www.codafarmtech.com He grew up on a farm and has developed a product, FarmHQ that puts all of your sprinkler reels and pumps on the same monitoring and control system. FarmHQ has its own cellular data connection to the cloud, so it works anywhere your smartphone does and provides status updates in real time. It’s compatible with all irrigation reels, instantly updating equipment with brand new features. Finally, Farmer Doug opines strongly that you should invite the public to your farm.

05/05/22 - Control Irrigation From Your Cell Phone

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with an update on the Oklahoma Right To Farm Bill. The challenge to the bill was shot down by the state. Next, we meet Matthew Steinberg, of Exhibit 'A' Brewing Company. www.exhibit-a-brewing.com The micro-brewery supports locally sourced ingredients with new packaging that highlights its connection with area farmers. The craft brewery helped to launch the Northeast Grainshed Alliance and the Square Foot Project, which bring together breweries with farmers, processors and educators to promote the use of local grains. They claim that, "For every 16 oz. can you drink, you'll be supporting over 4 square feet of local farmland." Finally, Farmer Doug opines about shopping at locally owned Family Farms."

04/28/22 - Every Can Of Beer Supports 4 Square Feet Of Local Farmland

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.

04/14/22 - A Holistic Approach To Covering Ag, Food And Energy Policy News

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.

04/07/22 - Agriculture, Powered By Data-Driven Strategies

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.

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