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A weekly look at trends in Family Farming and Healthy Eating.
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9 APR 2025 · Wednesday, April 9 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan http://www.eastleighfarm.com/ shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the dire honeybee situation with the population dwindling and how it’s affecting other produce and areas in agriculture, and what beekeepers are suggesting others can do to help. Then, Doug breaks down what the tariffs could mean for farmers and how much the US has exported to other countries and why the trade balance isn’t there, and the financial toll faced by the freezing of approved farm programs. Next, we’re introduced to Chadam Christensen, a 5th generation farmer from Flamig Farm in West Simsbury, CT. Flamig farm began in 1907, and continues today with Chadam’s parents, Nevin and Julie, at the helm. During it's 100 plus years, the farm has gone from a 12 cow dairy, to a few thousand chickens for egg production and through a time of growing 10 acres of organic vegetables. They once had 3 teams of draft horses and did a lot of hayrides, as well as carriage rides for weddings. The mission of Flamig Farm is to be the premier demonstration and education center in New England, focusing on local food production, energy conservation and efficient energy production, and personal wellness and nutrition. They’ve shifted into an agritourism business with their primary income being with their petting zoo, but also have haunted walkthroughs, host birthday parties and weddings, farm stays, they have chickens with a good amount of eggs, and even offer Animal Reiki. You can learn more about Flamig Farm on Flamigfarm.com. Lastly, Doug opines conversations many farmers are having, like how farmers can protect our farm and, what should congress and the local politicians be focused on, and a new planting season.
Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
Transcribed
2 APR 2025 · Wednesday, April 2 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan http://www.eastleighfarm.com/ shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on what’s going on with our federal government and some of the programs that’ve been important for American farmers, Bayer and Monsanto fight to take away Americans’ right to know about pesticide toxicity and take away the right to sue these companies for failure to warn consumers, a push to cut down the price of eggs amid continued avian influenza concerns, and consumers swapping hen eggs for turkey eggs. Then, Doug introduces us to Jim Lowe, the owner of Lowe Family Farmstead in Kuna, ID. Lowe Family Farmstead is Idaho's most popular fall destination with their biggest time of year being the fall. They hav u-pick pumpkin options, an acclaimed corn-maze, raising beef and other livestock, too. Other options for guests, include an authentic tractor-drawn hayride, wandering through their beautiful flower field, enjoying some farm-fresh food, and of course, and more. Jim grew up farming and ranching but didn’t have a generational family farm to grow with his family. A common discussion on the American Family Farmer program is the difficulty first generation farmers face without an inheritance of land, making it nearly impossible to become a farmer. Jim has a degree in Ag Business, so the idea of agritourism appealed as a niche market that could overcome the obstacles of traditional agriculture, which he and his wife, Hillary, moved forward with the efforts. Years later, they have their Lowe Family Farmstead, offering a creative twist on agriculture that taps into the heart of Idaho. You can find more information, and plan your own visit, on LoweFamilyFarmstead.com. Lastly, Doug shares his final thoughts and opinions on the privilege it truly is to be a farmer, why family farming is such a tough business, reflecting on what farming is really all about, and why it’s a calling.
Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
Transcribed
26 MAR 2025 · Wednesday, March 26 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan http://www.eastleighfarm.com/ shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the Trump Administration and the freeze on previously approved farm projects and the financial toll it is taking on farmers, farm groups, farm states, farm industries, and why many in farming and agriculture are not happy. Next up, the bird flu continues to spread, exactly how long the avian influenza has really been around prior to the most recent outbreak, and how it’s affecting the dairy industry in addition to the poultry and egg industry. Then, Doug introduces us to Bryan Ravencraft, a CPA with Holbrook and Manter in Ohio. Bryan discusses his work in accounting services for agriculture businesses and why being proactive is the best effort for his clients to plan for potential challenges and address their future plans for their farm and ag business. Bryan also helps his clients’ agri-businesses grow by making the best decisions that benefit individual farms and ag businesses. Brian has worked with Holbrook and Mantr since 1995, primarily focusing on the areas of tax consulting and advisory services within several industries in farming and ag - agribusiness, construction, manufacturing, non-profit, professional services, real estate and closely held businesses and their owners. Lastly, Doug opines what farms with flocks, or backyard chickens, can do to be proactive in battling against the risk of infection from the avian flu.
Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
Transcribed
19 MAR 2025 · Wednesday, March 19 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan http://www.eastleighfarm.com/ shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the guidance on the Avian Flu and what agencies around the country are advising, including blood tests on chickens and cows, Cornell University is help with a resource center, the possibility of a vaccines for poultry and bovine, and a focus on the trade war and how it’s affecting American agriculture. Next, Doug introduces us to Susan Magidson, owner of Ross Mill Farm in Pennsylvania. Ross Mill Farm is a pig sanctuary and helps pot bellied pigs find their forever homes. They’re a multi-service facility dedicated to the potbellied pig as a household companion pet, and have been recognized nationally for their training and development programs, the Farm’s techniques, services, and products have become the standard for quality and excellence in the care of this unique breed type. If you’re interested in bringing a potbelly pig into your family, you can get started on learning the information you need to know, including caring for and proper nutrition, by visiting http://RossMillFarm.com for more information. Lastly, Farmer Doug opines the success of frost-seeding (AKA snow-seeding) and how to do it properly.
Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
Transcribed
12 MAR 2025 · Wednesday, March 12 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan http://www.eastleighfarm.com/ shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the new administration, including Brooke Rollins, the diversity in new farmers and why it’s difficult to become a 1st generation farmer in today’s society, discussions in Congress of a new Farm Bill, the continuously rising cost of eggs, and the new news on cattle markets with prices going up. Next, Doug introduces us to Brett Reinford of Reinford Farms, located in the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania (http://ReinfordFarms.com). Dairy farming has been the livelihood of Reinford Farms for several generations, but then they stumbled upon the idea of recycling food waste in an effort to be more sustainable and turn it into energy. It started with turning the cow manure on the farm into energy, and then they made an investment in an anaerobic digester where they provide a sustainable solution to the massive food waste problem in our country. Lastly, Farmer Doug opines what farmers could be doing on their own farms (and what he could be doing on his own farm) to make the farm more viable, more accessible and top-of-mind for members of the community. What added value can you incorporate into your business model on your farm?
Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
Transcribed
5 MAR 2025 · Wednesday, March 5 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan http://www.eastleighfarm.com/ shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the rising price of eggs and how much of it is because of the Avian Flu vs grocery stores raising prices because of supply and demand and many local farmers have not risen their prices when you visit and buy from them directly; and why hobby/backyard farmers should pay attention to what’s going on because they’re not exempt from having their hens contract the bird flu either. Doug also discusses things for farmers to watch in our nation’s capital with the new administration with the EPA, the tariffs, the farm bill, immigration, the tax bill and how it all impacts family farmers. Then, Doug introduces us to his friends, Nate and Judi Shattuck of Shattuck’s Sugarhouse. Judi and her late-husband, Wil, started the sugaring their parents suggested the endeavor and now Judi continues with her son, Nate. Shattuck’s Sugarhouse has been producing maple syrup for nearly 50 years on their family farm in Belchertown, Massachusetts. It’s a small family operated sugarhouse located in a quiet wooded area and their registered Devon cattle. During the sugaring season, they offer group tours, and their maple products include maple syrup, maple cream and maple candy, available year round, and they offer shipping. You can find them online at fb.com/shattuckssugarhouse. Lastly, Farmer Doug opines how social media groups are pushing negative comments and affecting family farmers and why we should all make it a priority to go online and leave positive reviews.
Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
Transcribed
26 FEB 2025 · Wednesday, February 26 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan http://www.eastleighfarm.com/ shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the Senate’s overwhelming approval of Brooke Rollins for United States Secretary of Agriculture, new findings that the avian flu has hit cattle more severely than originally suspected, and a report on the American Soybean Association and the American Sugar Beet Growers Association calling on the EPA to work with them to reform the endangered species act and how it applies to pesticides. Next, Doug introduces us to Claire Benjack of River Road Farm in Franklin, VA (http://RiverRoadFarmVA.com). Claire explains her farm is more of a passion project as they barely break even, but he priority remains to put healthy food people can feed to their children, which is a big reason her eggs are so popular — not only are they healthy, but she refuses to raise her prices. When Claire was 10, she asked for a farm. Her dad had been thinking about buying a farm on which to raise cattle. This farm in Franklin came on the market, so he bout it and had a short stint in finishing cattle. Up to a thousand head roamed the family acreage. The farm ended up being unsuccessful, so he moved on, and then passed away in 2001. Claire read “Omnivore’s Dilemma,” a nonfiction book investigating the environmental and animal welfare effects of various food choices, when she decided to get into farming again. Claire sunk a bunch of money into fencing, started with 5 cows and sold those to friends. She slowly grew to where the farm is today, using money that her dad had invested for her. Claire says they never break even on the farm, and calls it her lemonade stand; it keeps her busy. Claire’s husband had the idea of holding concerts on the property, and they gave all the money to the local food bank. They consider themselves more philanthropists than farmers. At River Road Farm, they care deeply about the food they eat, and that’s why the farm abides by the philosophy of grass-feeding their cattle, naturally, in order to create the most wholesome and high-quality beef. A strict grass-only diet, as opposed to a grain-based diet, gives cattle a higher quality of life, which in turn provides a higher quality, more heart-healthy product. Lastly, Farmer Doug opines why smaller farms are better than the big agri-business farms and why respecting the animals and the land on farms is imperative to contributing to healthy, better quality food for our loved ones.
Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
Transcribed
19 FEB 2025 · Wednesday, February 19 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan http://www.eastleighfarm.com/ shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on Ohio growers hard hit with the Avian flu, how many farmers are introducing solar farming to their otherwise agriculture farms, and the National Organic Coalition urging an action alert for restoration of funding for core organic programs. Then, Doug introduces us to Curt Rich, President and CEO of the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA). When you think about multigenerational farmers, or anyone who has purchased an existing farm, it’s no shock the homes farmers reside in tend to be quite old and energy inefficient. There’s a 30% tax credit on insulation that can help make your home more energy efficient that farmers and agriculture enthusiasts should be taking advantage. Doug and Curt further discuss the specifics about the current tax credit and benefits, improvements homeowners are allowed to make, and keeping warm with lower heating costs this winter and the years to come. For more information, visit http://insulationinstitute.org. Lastly, Farmer Doug opines Ag policies in general, what technology is allowing us to do to move forward, how the choices of congress is affecting small farmers, and the latest on the Farm Bill.
Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
Transcribed
12 FEB 2025 · Wednesday, February 12 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan http://www.eastleighfarm.com/ shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on Trump’s executive orders and what they mean for American family farmers, an executive order to declare and energy emergency, a focus on the suit against John Deere for unfair practices and the continued debate of farmers’ right-to-repair, income tax opportunities for small farmers and ag enthusiasts, and a free online course with Cornell designed to support mental health challenges and suicide prevention for farmers. Then, Doug introduces us to John Filbrun of the Maker’s Meadow, a farm in Ohio with a focus on sustainable farming practices, ethical animal welfare, and climate friendly agriculture. The main thing that makes The Maker's Meadow different is they believe they have a responsibility to help bring healing to places in our world that are broken. God has given them the resources available to help bring healing to our environment through regenerative farming practices, and to help bring healing to people by offering nutrient dense meat that has been raised in an ethical way. The food people eat should be healing, not destructive. A diseased life can be prevented. Every person should have confidence in the food they are eating and the benefits it brings to their bodies. You can learn more on TheMakersMeadow.com. Lastly, Farmer Doug opines on the assistance of workshops and events to better help family farmers and ag enthusiasts, how Universities in the states are bring a focus to helping create a curiosity in students for farming and helping them with a future in the ag industry, and how the addition of solar farming is making a difference in helping with additional income for family farmers.
Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
Transcribed
5 FEB 2025 · Wednesday, February 5 - Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan http://www.eastleighfarm.com/ shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including the news that eggs have become political as the price continues to go up, yet the farmers are receiving even less of that money, and a focus on the Avian Flu and how that’s also affecting the price and availability of eggs. Poultry farmers are being asked to tighten bio-security, a conversation on tax season. Doug discusses that, too. Then, we’re introduced to George Lewis, President of Ventura Grain, a hometown store for everything lawn and garden serving the southeastern, MA, for over 90 years. George, grew up on a “gentlemen’s farm,” studied at Bentley University with degrees in finance, economics, and earth sciences & sustainability before pursuing a post-college career as a private wealth advisor. Deciding to return to his agricultural roots, George purchased a 100-year-old grain mill. Ventura Grain continues to manufacture and sell their own brand of animal feed with a focus on quality. You can find George and his company online at VenturaGrainInc.com. Lastly, Farmer Doug opines ear tags for cattle, the modernization of the Dept. of Ag, and the Senate’s agenda regarding climate change. Doug covers that, too.
Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
A weekly look at trends in Family Farming and Healthy Eating.
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| Author | Doug Stephan |
| Organization | Doug Stephan |
| Categories | Education , Management , Business |
| Website | www.spreaker.com |
| djvshow@gmail.com |
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