American Family Farmer

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with preparations for incoming bad weather. Doug has already put most of his equipment away for the season, with the exception of what he’s still using. Looking back at stats over recent years, farming operations have faced some significant weather with early frosts, extreme winter weather, droughts or heat waves, and how events may intensify because of global warming and how we can prepare. Key advice includes staying informed on incoming weather and who to call when in need, develop an emergency protocol for evacuation, stock and maintain emergency supply kits, keep up-to-date inventory, have fire prevention measures in place, and discuss protocols with your family and farm staff. Moving on, Doug shares some statistics of not about the number of farms going down. There are less and less farming operations as time goes on. Doug poses the rhetorical question, “why?” Many reasons, of c

In this episode, we talk with Jennifer Whitney, who is the owner, farmer, and co-founder of Natural Nook Farm in West Salem, Ohio. For nearly 20 years, Jennifer and her husband, Adam, have built a vibrant, faith-rooted homestead dedicated to natural living, self-sufficiency, and community.Jennifer shares how Natural Nook Farm has grown from a simple family property into a thriving small farm that produces handcrafted goat-milk soaps, naturally dyed and hand-spun angora rabbit and Jacob sheep wool products, and an incredible array of homegrown foods and medicinal herbs. From freeze-dried vegetables and garlic powder to elderberry teas, jellies, and herbal remedies, Jennifer and her husband are deeply committed to using what they grow and teaching others to do the same. Their mission extends far beyond their own land. Jennifer regularly speaks to Career Center students about homesteading skills, inspiring the next generation to grow, create, and build with intention. She and Adam also founded B.U.C.K. Adventure

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with news the EPA approved a new forever chemical in pesticides that is being used on food. Read that sentence again. The big food processors want the food grown for them to last longer, and the big conglomerate farms want the food to grow bigger and faster. What does that mean for the health of consumers? Then, Doug shares information of the farmers’ share of Thanksgiving. By the numbers, families paid much more this year for turkeys, stuffing, pumpkins, dinner rolls, cranberries, potatoes, etc. The farmers, however, aren’t seeing an increase in their share of the profit. It’s an outrage and even more important to remind people to work with farmers directly and to support their local farmers. When rural America does well, we all do well. However, rural America is being squeezed by the administration, by the reality of the big business that control a majority of the source of food. Go

This week on American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan welcomes Dave and Barb Zerbe of Esbenshade Turkey Farm—America’s oldest operating turkey farm, proudly rooted in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.Esbenshade Turkey Farm has been a Lancaster County original since 1858, spanning seven generations of tradition, craftsmanship, and family pride. Barb Zerbe represents the fifth generation of the Esbenshade lineage, and together she and her husband Dave continue the legacy built by the family’s beloved patriarch, Bob Esbenshade, who passed in 2020 at the age of 92. Bob’s passion for producing the “best-tasting turkey” and his commitment to customer care helped establish Esbenshade as a gold standard in poultry excellence, earning multiple Grand Champion awards at the Pennsylvania State Farm Show.Today, the Zerbes carry on that mission by raising their cage-free turkeys from day-old poults and hand dressing each one on the farm using time-tested, proprietary methods. Their turkeys—known for their exceptional tender

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting off with an extension of the Farm Bill, part of what President Trump signed into law to end the government shutdown. The bill extended the Farm Bill from 2018 for another year. The American Farm Bureau and the National Farmers Union are expressing hope that Congress will focus on policies and not politics. Next, the focus is on Thanksgiving with rising costs of turkeys, and raising questions if the bird flu has anything to do with increased prices. Then, Doug breaks down the COOL Bill — Country of Origin Labelling. It’s alarming that most consumers don’t know where their food, especially meat, is coming from. All the more reason for consumers to connect more with their local farmers to know from where their meet comes, how it’s raised, the processing semantics, and if any antibiotics or other chemicals are being used. Lastly, Farmer Doug opines a recent post from Trump to his Truth So

Today on the American Family Farmer, we’re proud to bring you a stand-alone feature interview with Dawn Broeder, founder of Farm Fusion Cooking Classes and a lifelong champion of Colorado agriculture.Dawn’s story begins on the family farm where she was raised—an environment that not only shaped her work ethic but also gave her a profound respect for the land and the animals in her care. As a young girl, she was responsible for feeding calves, tending their living areas, caring for the chickens, helping with milking, and assisting with daily horse care. She was part of cattle round-ups and participated in the necessary but tough work of maintaining a herd—de-horning, branding, castrating, and everything in between. These early experiences gave her an intimate understanding of what it means to steward animals, manage a farm, and sustain a family through agriculture.While Dawn’s roots were in ranch life, she also discovered a deep love for cooking. That passion eventually led her to pursue formal training at Esc

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting off with the question if the ongoing bird flu will cause any troubles for Thanksgiving dinners across the country. On the topic of the choice of poultry for Thanksgiving, states with the highest rate of turkey production are Minnesota (#1) and North Carolina (#2), there’s also a big export business for turkeys which is bringing in billions of dollars to the states’ economy. Doug also opines on the importance of farmers, and everything they do. Farmers know how to drive tracts and plant seed, they know how to raise cattle and dairy herds, etc.,  but what else? Farmers are also carpenters, mechanics, veterinarians, sales managers, marketing managers, and so on. If you’re a farmer you are resilient, you’re intelligent, you’re adaptive, you’re creative, and you own that right to be proud of being a farmer.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting off with the latest from the Trump Administration’s promise of a a bailout for farmers, and now time is running out.  Crop prices continue to fall below the cost of production. Perhaps that doesn’t hold true for corn, but other crops, especially dairy.  In addition, the FSA offices reopened after 3.5 weeks without any money, during harvest season when farmers needed those funds the most. Next up, a focus on the tariffs, tariff revenue, and those employed by the Department of Agriculture performing their jobs without paychecks. Lastly, Doug opines how we’re devouring farmland in our country and why we are doing so, without a comprehensive balanced strategy to take care of data centers or solar properties. As Doug is in the process of adding solar farming to his operations, he’s finding the whole ordeal to be a monopoly and a mess.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @G

This week on The American Family Farmer, we’re going beyond the “thank you” to explore what real, lasting support for America’s veterans looks like.Host Doug Stephan welcomes Ken Fisher, Chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation, an organization that’s been a lifeline for military families for over three decades. Fisher House provides free “homes away from home” for the loved ones of service members and veterans receiving medical care—ensuring that no one faces hardship or healing alone.With sobering statistics showing that nearly 6,400 veterans died by suicide in 2022, and more than 30,000 service members lost to suicide since 9/11, Ken shares why supporting our nation’s heroes can’t stop at one day of recognition each November. He discusses the ongoing mental, emotional, and financial challenges faced by military families and offers simple, meaningful ways that individuals, communities, and employers can make a difference every day of the year.Tune in to hear how Fisher House Foundation continues to honor

This week, Doug Stephan welcomes Warren Shaw, President of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF). The gentlemen cover a wide range of topics affecting family farmers in our country and the immediate economic problems. Warren, who is a farmer with his own Shaw Farm, discusses on his own farm hardships when the roof collapsed due to a snow storm, losing multiple cattle, shares how he’s rebuilding and moving forward with his farming operations.Other conversation lands on the political climate and what it means for farmers, what American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall is doing to help family farmers, and more about the MFBF. For over a century, MFBF has been the Voice of Agriculture in Massachusetts, giving farmers a direct say in the policies and priorities that affect their land, their livelihoods, and the future of American farming. Warren shares how this grassroots, democratic model continues to empower farmers, influence legislation, and strengthen connections between local producers and their

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting off with good news that the Farm Tax changes have restored the full bonus depreciation, you can now deduct without spreading it out over a number of years.Next up, the continued focus on the Monsanto Policy, why the price of farm-produced products are going up while farmers aren’t making any money from it, and the legalities of seed companies. Cattle news includes beef semen use on dairy farms for crossbreed calves, which has become a popular practice driven by economic benefits.Then, Doug opines on the situation with the dairy industry, the cattle industry, and what it means to be a farmer in America at this time in history.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

This week, Doug Stephan welcomes Peter Durand, Chief Farm Officer of Snickers Run Garlic Farm in Bluemont, Virginia — a 63-acre gem nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains.Peter shares how this small but mighty farm grows some of the most flavorful hard-neck garlic in the region using sustainable, soil-first methods and a lot of love. From their signature “Bluemont Music” variety to German Extra Hardy and Chesnok Red, each bulb is hand-planted, nurtured, and harvested with care.At Snickers Run Farm, the philosophy is simple: healthy soil makes healthy plants — and happy cows help make both. Meet their beloved rescue cows — Garbanzo, Basil Hayden, Apple, Fig Newton, Hummus, and Tofu — who provide the natural fertilizer that keeps the garlic thriving.Doug and Peter talk about:• The secret to truly flavorful, nutrient-rich garlic

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares why he created the American Family Farmer program before jumping into the news affecting family farmers, beginning with the government shutdown with Secretary of Ag Brooke Rollins stating the Us Dept. of Ag would not be able to help farmers who are suffering from low commodity prices as long as the government is shut down.Next, what’s going on with the screwworm, and how dire is the situation. There could be a new drug approval for injectables for cattle to prevent and treat screwworm infections. Next up, big ag lenders have started using AI and data analytics to better asses risks, raising concerns in transparency and decision making.Lastly, Doug talks about death on the farm. The idea that farming is dangerous is true, but farming is not deadly. It’s important to have safety measures in place, as well as use common sense. What about gasses in the grain bin, silo or manure pit. Thinking about it is the first step, but after you think

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares why he created the American Family Farmer program before jumping into the news affecting family farmers, beginning with the federal government shut down creating disruption for farmers everywhere as the USDA service centers are closed, risk management and conservation programs are shut off, and farmers and their dependance on various resources have none, but the food keeps moving into our communities.Moving on, October is co-op month, celebrating that which brings us together and helps our businesses. Circling back to the government, the President has considered sending $10 billion into the industry because of the tariff problem.Lastly, Doug opines on the sizes of family-owned farms, and why so many family farmers have a primary job of working their farm even thought the primary income comes from jobs away from the farm. Financial sustainability isn’t there as much as it was for generations that came before us.  Website: AmericanFamily

This week on the American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan sits down with Dave and Amy Hartshorn, the powerhouse duo behind Hartshorn Farm, a certified organic farm nestled in Waitsfield, Vermont. For over three decades, Dave and Amy have been cultivating not only some of the state’s finest organic produce and maple syrup, but also a thriving community around sustainability, education, and mindful living.Dave shares his inspiring journey from his family’s dairy and maple sugaring roots to becoming the first certified organic farmer in the Mad River Valley—a pioneer who believes deeply in giving back to the land. Amy, a longtime green living advocate and educator, adds her perspective on how the farm’s mission extends beyond food, touching on wellness, detoxing our homes and lives, and reconnecting with nature.Together, they’ve built a vibrant destination where visitors can enjoy farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and handmade Vermont specialties, all while learning about regenerative agriculture and holi

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares why he created the American Family Farmer program before jumping into the news affecting family farmers, beginning with a new program that would support wood-processing facilities, providing funding for the new Timber Production Expansion Program.This is a loan program that would support the utilization of wood-products from the national forrest system — forrest health needs to be improved, reducing the risk posted by wild fires, insects and disease as well as the ash tree being destroyed by an invasive bug from China.Next up, new programs for Masters degrees in AI and how artificial intelligence can be used in agriculture to fill in on labor shortages, and data protection discussions as the fact that modern tractor/combine starts up, it’s GPS begins mapping and data begins flowing but where is that data going and why is a common question.Moving on, Doug pivots to a discussion on dairy farms, but more so the milk itself and the focus o

This week on The American Family Farmer, we’re taking you to Ottawa Lake, Michigan, where family tradition and community spirit come alive at Gust Brother’s Pumpkin Farm. Owner and farmer Nate Gust joins us to share the story of how his family’s 1/4-acre pumpkin patch has grown into a beloved fall destination in the greater Toledo area.From you-pick pumpkin patches and colorful mums to hayrides, corn mazes, and a barn full of farm animals, Gust Brother’s offers a hands-on farm experience for families looking to connect with agriculture in a fun and memorable way. Nate also talks about the farm’s history, the importance of agritourism, and how his family continues to balance tradition with growth while keeping their mission rooted in community.Whether you’re drawn in by fresh cider and donuts, fall decorations, or a wholesome day on the farm, this episode is a reminder of how farms like Gust Brother’s bring people together while sustaining local agriculture.Learn more at gustbrothers.com Website: AmericanFamil

Doug welcomes Julia Barton, a passionate organic grower and the driving force behind Octagon Acres and Northridge Blueberries & Chestnuts in Conneaut, Ohio. Julia and her family raise heritage Soay and American Jacob sheep, grow certified-organic vegetables and seedlings, and invite visitors to experience pick-your-own blueberries and chestnuts along the beautiful Lake Erie shoreline.Beyond her own farms, Julia is the Farmer Services Director at the Organic Farmers Association, where she champions policies that strengthen and support certified organic producers nationwide. With a background in environmental science and rural sociology, Julia brings a unique perspective on sustainable food systems and the challenges—and rewards—of organic farming.Tune in as Doug and Julia talk about transitioning farms to organic certification, the joys of heritage breeds, and how local food systems can thrive when farmers and communities work together. Visit Northridge Blueberries to learn more. Website: AmericanFamilyFar

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares why he created the American Family Farmer program before jumping into the news affecting family farmers, beginning with the news that farmers and the Autumn harvest are worried about low crop prices, the trade wars and what tariffs are doing to their livelihood. It’s lead to a lot of farm-state law makers are putting pressure on President Trump to offer economic aide for farmers by the end of the year. Then, Doug breaks down challenges for the pork industry, the American market, and the need to align with the entire value chain along with packers. Lastly, Doug shares the story of 6 workers on a dairy farm being killed from cow manure. Here’s the thing, that’s not what actually happened. Doug uses this story to point out the danger of people only looking at a headline and not reading a full article. Doug breaks down the facts of the story and why not all news sources are reputable.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @G

Step onto Connecticut’s only veteran-owned dairy farm, where every drop of milk is lightly processed, vat-pasteurized, and bottled right on the property. Guardians Farm in scenic Southbury is the passion project of David Buck, a retired U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Enforcement Specialist and former K9 officer, and his wife Tamra French, an active K9 officer. Together, they’re first-generation dairy farmers on a mission to produce clean, nutrient-rich milk while caring for the land through regenerative practices.Meet their beloved herd—Holsteins, Jerseys, and Brown Swiss—and learn how each breed contributes its own rich flavor and butterfat magic. From calf cuddles and goat snuggles to a welcoming farm stand stocked with minimally processed dairy, every visit lets you see (and taste!) where your milk comes from.Discover how David and Tamra nurture future generations of cows with group-raised calves, selective genetics, and zero-chemical fields. Whether you’re savoring their fresh milk, booking a weekend cuddle se