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  • Farmers and Farmland Are Valuable Resources

    Farmers and Farmland Are Valuable Resources
    2025/06/04
    Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on Dairy Month and the dairy market in the United States and how the tariffs are creating a domino effect for both an upside and a downside. Continuing with cattle talk, the culling of cows is on the rise due to illnesses in cattle, poor milk supply, and an inability to produce as much protein in butterfat. Then, Doug introduces us to Erin Bradley and Jesse Leadbetter of Freshlist (freshlist.com), based in North Carolina. Founded in 2014, Freshlist was born from the belief that farmers and farmland are among the most valuable resources, with a mission to make sustainable family farming a financially viable way of life once again. The main question they ask themselves in every endeavor is, “is it good for the farmer?” They focus on challenges farmers face, provide support to the farming community in Charlotte, and connect community members with local farmers by cultivating a better food system. Additionally, Freshlist doesn’t just talk the talk about providing healthy food by connecting the community with farmers, but they walk the walk with the purpose of everyone is deserving of access to nutritious food. Last, and certainly not least, Doug opines the harsh reality that most farmers are in jeopardy, and the question of “is this worth it” remains . . . especially with the horrible Spring weather not making anything any easier. There are no do overs in the growing season and the weather is the single biggest opponent a farmer contends with. Now more than ever, it is important for food dollars to remain local in support of small farmers and the communities at large.

    Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
    Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
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    36 分
  • Is Farming Really Worth It?

    Is Farming Really Worth It?
    2025/05/28
    Wednesday, May 28 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on whether or not graduates are going back to their family farms or venturing into new career-fields, the trade war impacts on farms and ag professionals, and something you may not have known about carrots. Then, Doug introduces us to Judy Wood, owner of Poultry Hollow Hatchery in Brush Creek, TN. Poultry Hollow is a specialty hatchery that hatches 1,000s of chicks a month, with over 55 breeds of poultry, as well as carrying other breeds of poultry — like ducks, geese, turkeys, quail and more. Judy, along with her son, decided to get into the hatchery business after trying to increase their own flock and finding many places were being dishonest. For example, the found others were selling old hens and saying they just started laying. Judy wanted to offer a reliable place. In addition the hatchery, they sell farm fresh eggs and farm raised whole chickens that are 100% natural without any drugs or chemicals. Last, and certainly not lease, Doug opines the harsh reality farmers have faced in recent years, the reality that many farmers have other jobs to contribute to their household income and keep their farm running, and what life is really like on the farm with the stress and strains.

    Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
    Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
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    35 分
  • What Is Aquaculture?

    What Is Aquaculture?
    2025/05/21
    Wednesday, May 21 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on added value of producing for farmer’s markets, how Brooke Rollins and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are working together for a healthier America and a focus on supporting local farmers, and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s problems with the government over land. Next, Doug introduces us to Ryan McPherson, owner of Glidden Point Oyster Farms in Edgecomb, Maine. Ryan got his start in fisheries and looking for a way to stay on the water, so when the opportunity to take over the oyster farm (which was established in 1987) arose in 2015, Ryan went for it. Glidden Point Oysters are grown slowly, and in the nutrient-rich depths of the Damariscotta River, a world class growing environment. Their oysters are renowned for their heavy shell, and beautiful appearance. They start from seed and grow them in upwellers and floating bags on the surface of the river until they reach the appropriate size to be harvested. Plus, all Glidden Point oysters are harvested by hand, and often by scuba diver. They touch their oysters every step of the way, and it's the care they take, whether it's grading seed, diving, or culling, that produces a premium oyster they're proud to share with others, and proud to call their own. When it comes to aquaculture, things move very quickly with a lot more dynamics to the process. You can learn more about Glidden Point Oyster Farms at GliddenPoint.com. Finishing up this episode of the American Family Farmer podcast, Farmer Doug opines about the state of the country as it pertains to the current administration and what it means for farmers and anyone in agri-business.

    Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
    Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
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    35 分
  • How to Have Backyard Chickens

    How to Have Backyard Chickens
    2025/05/14
    Wednesday, May 14 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on farm real estate selling very well right now amongst a scarcity of land happening around the country and which states have the most options, the potential for agriculture to be greenhouse gas negative, and farmers experiencing increased allergies. Then, Doug introduces us to Corrinna Sammons, owner of Dragonfly Farm in Franklinton, NC. Dragonfly Farm is known for their hatchlings and hatching eggs, as well as their tips and recommendations for anyone just getting started with their own flock. At Dragonfly Farm, they have chosen breeds that get along well in mixed flocks, and give variety in both egg color, and feather color. They have tried many other breeds, but have kept only those breeds that seem to outshine the others. Plus, they are very particular about their roosters, only keeping the most beautiful/correct grow outs, with the most gentle dispositions. They do not keep/breed any rooster that has shown aggression to them, their youngest daughter, or their hens. Aggression in roosters typically passes to their offspring, and no one should have to deal with a nasty rooster. Dragonfly Farm undergoes testing every 6 months by the state for their NPIP-ai certification. You can learn more on DragonflyFarmNC.com. Lastly, Farmer Doug shares news on food and beverages that are loaded with microplastics — sea salt, shrimp and oysters, bottled water, rice, tea and more.

    Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
    Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
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    36 分
  • How to Have Bees

    How to Have Bees
    2025/05/07
    Wednesday, May 7 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on dairy trade challenges, disaster assistance from the USDA, and our relationship with other countries in relation to the tariffs. Then, the focus shifts to preparedness for an ICE encounter on your farm, knowing your rights as a business owner and the rights of your employees. Then, Doug introduces us to Steve Rapasky, owner of Meadow Sweet Apiaries near Pittsburgh, PA. Fun fact: most of Steve’s beehives are actually located at Pittsburgh International Airport. His background goes back to growing up on a farm with livestock in addition to bees, then he got his degree in wildlife science at Penn State University and spent a decade as a wildlife biologist in the state agency before exiting into his own apiary with a certification as an Eastern Apiculture Society (EAS) Master Beekeeper. Many people want to get involved with having bees on their farm or property, and that’s great because we need to continue to support the bees, but many don’t know how to take care of them. We’re also reminded that everything we eat that comes from the ground has a connection to bees, further exasperating the urgency to protect our honeybees and focus on their survival rate. You can learn more from Steve on MeadowSweetBees.com. Lastly, Doug opines the stresses at this time of year to get things in the ground, the lack of making health a priority for most farmers, the importance of rest and regular breaks, and more emphasis on why communities need to support family farmers.

    Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
    Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
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    35 分
  • Crop Yields and the Weather

    Crop Yields and the Weather
    2025/04/30
    Wednesday, April 30 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the Trade War and how its escalation is affecting the struggling farm economy with tariffs coming into focus, the nations responding with tariffs of their own, and what the American Farm Bureau says about it. Doug also discusses the current administration’s primary focus addressing the economy — like the restrictions on immigration — and the stall with China on a trader resolution. Then, Doug introduces us to Brad Rippey, Agricultural Meteorologist with the USDA’s Office of the Chief Economist, for a conversation on weather assessments ad real-time yield intelligence for farming conditions. Brad is a member of the authorship team for the weekly U.S. Drought Monitor and the monthly North American Drought Monitor. Doug and Brad also discuss more about the USDA and the future amidst federal budget cuts, the benefit of the weather as it applies to livestock farming in addition to crops, and the overall impact on the soil. Lastly, Doug opines stability of farming, a difference in success of generational farming vs those who are just starting out, and addressing confusion and misunderstanding on the business side of farming and living on the farm.

    Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
    Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
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    36 分
  • How to Cut Off-Book Costs

    How to Cut Off-Book Costs
    2025/04/23
    Wednesday, April 23 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the trade war and the cost of new vs pre-owned equipment, a rise in importing eggs amid the continuation of the avian flu, and economic assistance payments. Then, Doug introduces us to Rachel Hopkins, an Ag Business Field Specialist with University of Missouri Extension, who has a long background in farming as she was raised on a multi-generation dairy farm. Doug and Rachel discuss the hardship family farmers are facing, where money is being hemorrhaged, and delving into the family finance aspect and where to “tighten the belt” and stop “keeping up with the Jones’s.” Today’s financial climate is causing farmers to make hard cuts to farm budgets, but Hopkins says they should not overlook household expenses. As a family farmer and mom, Rachel knows first hand the added stress of off-budget costs, especially when $20-$30 here or there multiple times quickly add up. Lastly, Doug opines the importance of female farmers, financial success in farmings, and modern farming via the AI influence.


    Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
    Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
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    35 分
  • Why Eat More Beans

    Why Eat More Beans
    2025/04/16
    Wednesday, April 16 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on President Trump’s tariffs and how farmers will be affected one way or the other, what Ag economists are encouraging farmers to do, and how you can protect your family farm. Next, we meet Lesley Sykes, founder and CEO of Primary Beans. www.primarybeans.com Primary Beans is a direct-to consumer online dried bean company offering an array of single-origin beans from recent harvests, sourced across North America from climate-conscious farm partners. They believe that beans as the perfect food from a nutritional, culinary and planetary perspective. Lesley and her sister, Renee, are fifth-generation Arizonans from a small town on the Mexican border. Like any border town kids, we grew up around the culture and flavors of Northern Mexico. Early on, we developed a deep appreciation for beans and were the kids asking for “no rice, only beans please” at our favorite local restaurant. The sisters created Primary Beans to share their obsession with beans, and to shed light on the incredible farming communities they come from. To them, sitting down with a homemade bowl of beans is a chance to deepen society’s connection to the food we eat, even (especially) on the busiest of days. With over a dozen varieties and counting, it’s just the beginning of bringing the most flavorful beans they can find to your home kitchen. Wrapping it all up, Farmer Doug opines what else is helping farmers, keeping farm families and visitors, especially children, safe on the farm.

    Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
    Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
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    34 分