American Family Farmer

On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) takes a closer look at some of the biggest challenges facing American farmers, from rising fuel costs and environmental health concerns to conservation efforts and agriculture's critical role in the U.S. economy. Doug discusses the growing financial pressure on farmers as diesel prices climb, with reported avera...

On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) welcomes Nancy Strong of Strong Family Farm ( www.strongfamilyfarm.org ) in Vernon, Connecticut, to discuss the farm's remarkable history, its evolution over generations, and the importance of preserving agricultural heritage through community involvement. Nancy shares the story of her family's farm, founded by...

On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan is joined by Shelly Lehner of Lehner’s Pumpkins in Ohio for a conversation about family farming, agritourism and what it takes to keep a farm going through changing times. Shelly shares the history of Lehner’s Pumpkins and how what began as a family farming operation grew into a destination built around pumpkins, seasonal activities and...

On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan discusses the challenges facing American farmers and the policies shaping the future of agriculture. Doug breaks down recent developments surrounding the Farm Bill and what proposed policy changes could mean for farmers across the country, also examining the economic pressures hitting farm operations, including the rising cost of diesel...

On this episode of American Family Farmer , host Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) is joined by Kinlyn Hinson of Hinson Family Farms in South Carolina about family farming, agritourism and the importance of helping people understand where their food comes from. Kinlyn shares the story of her family’s farm, including the role cotton plays as a major cash crop in South Carolina, how responsibil...

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 mounting pressures facing America’s farmers, from rising fuel and fertilizer costs to trade policy, beef imports and consolidation within agriculture. Doug shares the stories of farmers finding wa...

With more than a million members nationwide, the National FFA Organization is helping introduce a new generation to the enormous range of opportunities available in agriculture.  This week on *American Family Farmer*, host Doug Stephan welcomes Kristy Meyer of the National FFA Organization for a look at the future of farming and the upcoming 99th National FFA Convention & Expo.  Kristy takes l...

From development pressures and equipment repairs to food security and corporate control of agriculture, America’s farmers are facing challenges that extend far beyond the fields. This week on *American Family Farmer*, host Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) examines some of the biggest issues affecting the future of farming and our food supply.  Doug looks at land-use concerns surrounding a pr...

What if more of the produce in your grocery store could be grown just miles away instead of traveling across the country? This week on *American Family Farmer*, host Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) welcomes Aaron Fields of Eden Green Technology to explore how vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture could help reshape the way America grows and distributes fresh food. Aaron sh...

From an old agricultural threat making a troubling return to new research that could change the way farmers manage pests, this week on *American Family Farmer*, host Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) looks at a range of issues affecting farmers, families and rural communities.  Doug begins with concerns surrounding the New World screwworm and the USDA’s respon...

What happens in Washington has a direct impact on America’s family farmers. This week on *American Family Farmer*, host Doug Stephan examines several developing issues affecting agriculture, from foreign beef imports and the outdated Farm Bill to seed trading and the ongoing debate over glyphosate.  Doug begins with the controversy surrounding imported beef and whether bringing in more foreign pro...

For more than 40 years, Farm Aid has been bringing farmers, musicians and communities together to shine a spotlight on the people who grow America’s food. This week on *American Family Farmer,'"  host Doug Stephan welcomes Jennifer Fahy of Farm Aid to talk about the organization’s mission, the challenges facing family farmers and how one music festival has grown into a powerful voice for rural Ame...

From the farm to the grocery store, government policy and industry decisions have a major impact on what Americans eat, and on the farmers who produce it.  This week, host Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) takes a closer look at some of the biggest issues shaping American agriculture and our food supply. Doug begins with beef, examining the debate over import tariffs and what lowering them co...

What happens when a traditional family farm combines agriculture, creativity and the power of social media?  Host Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com )  is joined by his son Brendan for a conversation about the evolution of Eastleigh Farm and the innovative ideas helping bring a new generation of visitors, and income, to the farm. At the center of the story is Eastleigh Farm’s “cow safari,” a uni...

On this episode of American Family Farmer , host Doug Stephan ( www.eastleighfarm.com ) visits with the Devocki family of Maple Valley Sugar Bush for a fascinating look at the tradition, science, and business of maple sugaring in Ohio. The Devockis share the history of maple production on their family farm, a tradition that dates back to the 1870s, and explain how maple sugaring has evolved throug...

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 takes a closer look at some of the biggest issues facing American farmers today, from the ongoing battle over the Farm Bill to rising costs, changing consumer demands, and the creative ways small farms are adapting to sur...

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 o...

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 deb...

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 st...