American Family Farmer

This week on American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan (EastleighFarm.com) welcomes Jared Zystro, Research & Education Director of the Organic Seed Alliance (OSA). For more than two decades, OSA has worked to put the power of seed back into the hands of growers through research, education, advocacy, and community-building. Jared shares how OSA is confronting the challenges of seed industry consolidation, advancing organic plant breeding, and ensuring farmers have access to diverse, high-quality organic seed. He also discusses OSA’s vision for a resilient and equitable future of food—where seed is stewarded by interconnected communities across the country. From the history of seed preservation to the fight for farmers’ rights to save seed, this conversation sheds light on why seed sovereignty is essential for the health of our farms, food systems, and future generations. Learn more about Organic Seed Alliance at SeedAlliance.org. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

This week on American Family Farmer, host and farmer Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) shares the latest news impacting small farmers across the U.S. Doug breaks down the “Big Beautiful Bill,” being called Farm Bill 2.0, which includes: He also covers the reintroduction of the Farmer to Farmer Education Act, designed to expand farmer-led conservation education and technical assistance—especially for underserved farmers and high-poverty areas. Other topics include the new U.S. Farm Security Plan, challenging Chinese ownership of farmland and major agribusinesses, and Doug’s own reflections on what makes family farm operations successful. His conclusion? Time management is the most critical variable. For many farmers, balancing off-farm income with the demands of the land is the reality—and not always sustainable. Doug shares his perspective as both a broadcaster and working farmer on how to navigate these challenges. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

This week, Doug Stephan talks with Janelle Maiocco, Founder and CEO of Barn2Door (Barn2Door.com) — the all-in-one software platform helping independent farmers sell directly to local customers. From streamlining online and in-person sales to simplifying marketing and farm management, Barn2Door empowers farmers to keep more profit, save time, and connect with buyers anytime, anywhere. Janelle shares how Barn2Door has grown to serve thousands of farms in all 50 states, why technology is becoming essential for farm-to-table success, and how her deep roots in agriculture and food have shaped her mission to help farmers thrive in today’s market. Whether you’re a farmer, foodie, or just love supporting local, this conversation will inspire you to think about where your food comes from — and the technology making it easier to get it there.

Doug Stephan — veteran broadcaster and proud dairy farmer (EastleighFarm.com) — breaks down the week’s top stories impacting family farms across the country. This week: “crisis”reorganization planBig Beautiful BillSkinny Farm Billice creamIt’s the latest ag news with a healthy scoop of Doug’s insight — and maybe a side of ice cream.

This week, Doug tackles a mix of hot-button issues impacting family farmers across the U.S., offering insight only a hands-on farmer can provide. 🧠 Episode Highlights: 🚜 The “Immigration Highway” Crisis Doug unpacks the growing confusion and legal challenges facing agricultural employers navigating immigration. He shares the tragic story of a multigenerational cherry farm forced to shut down due to a lack of labor — a painful example of a broken system. 🔍 “We need a clear and fair path to a stable farm workforce,” Doug says, “because most of our farm laborers today are foreign-born — and without them, farms fail.” 📜 The “One Big Beautiful Bill” Though it’s not technically a farm bill, Doug explains how this sweeping piece of legislation will have a greater impact on agriculture than anything else passed this year — from labor to land use, sustainability, and economic support. 🥩 Doug’s Take: U.S. Beef & Imports In his closing thoughts, Doug zeroes in on the beef industry — questioning the role of imports, their impact on American ranchers, and what consumers should know about where their meat comes from. 💡 Doug brings real-world experience and common sense to the issues that matter most to family farmers — from the ground up. 🎧 Listen now and stay connected to the people who grow your food. 📍 More about Doug's farm at EastleighFarm.com Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Guest: Ed Maltby, Executive Director Organization: Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance (NODPA) 📍 Deerfield, MA Topic: 🐄 Organic Dairy & Advocacy in Washington, DC This week, host Doug Stephan welcomes Ed Maltby, Executive Director of NODPA — the largest grassroots organization representing organic dairy producers in the Northeast. With over two decades of leadership in the organic dairy space, Ed shares insights into the challenges facing small organic family farms, including unfair milk pricing, market instability, and the fight to uphold USDA Organic integrity. 🎧 Key Takeaways: Ed also highlights NODPA’s work: ✔ Hosting educational events & annual field days ✔ Publishing the bi-monthly NODPA News ✔ Running peer support networks like Odairy ✔ Administering a Farmer Emergency Fund ✔ Collaborating nationally through FOOD Farmers and with groups like the Organic Trade Association 🔗 Learn more or support NODPA at www.nodpa.com and www.organicmilk.org 📲 Follow the American Family Farmer podcast for more stories from the frontlines of American agriculture. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

On this week’s American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan takes on some of the week’s biggest agricultural stories. He begins with Brooke Rollins' surprising success at the USDA despite her lack of ag experience, especially in supporting disaster-hit farmers. Doug also dives into new findings on the dangers of ultra-processed foods vs. traditional whole grains and whole milk. Corn season is underway — and so is destruction from the corn earworm, worsened by extreme weather. Plus, a lighthearted look at the “cow decor” craze, and a serious note on why only real milk from mammals should be called milk. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

This week on The American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan welcomes Tyler Hawk of Hawk Farms in Kansas, Ohio. Though Tyler now lives in California, he still travels home to work the family’s 230-acre soybean and corn farm. Tyler shares the story of a beloved family heirloom — a 1947 Farmall M tractor restored after sitting in pieces during his childhood. Now serving as Executive Director at an assisted living facility, Tyler talks about how his farming roots continue to ground and guide him, even from across the country. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

This week on The American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan welcomes Warren Eckstein, Pet Behaviorst and Host of The Pet Show. The discussion starts off dispelling the false concept that animals don’t share many of the emotions humans have, but also the beautiful friendship and comradely we have with our animal friends and animal family members. When summer temperatures soar, it’s not just humans who suffer — farm animals, barn cats, and loyal working dogs are all vulnerable to heat stress. This week on the American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan is joined by internationally renowned pet behaviorist Warren Eckstein to talk about how to keep your animals safe and healthy during extreme heat. From simple solutions like shade and clean water to advanced cooling strategies, Warren shares practical, humane tips every farmer can implement. He also breaks down the critical early warning signs of heatstroke in animals and what to do if your livestock or pets are at risk. Warren’s four decades of experience — including working with celebrities and serving as a longtime expert on national TV and radio — make him one of the most trusted voices in animal care. Tune in for a conversation that’s as informative as it is heartfelt. Learn more: ThePetShow.com Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

On this week’s episode of The American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan (EastleighFarm.com) unpacks the latest developments from Washington and beyond that are shaping the future of America’s small farms. Policy Watch: Doug covers updates from the new "Big Beautiful Bill" — including key tax policies and increased federal spending aimed at supporting ag-businesses. With border security becoming an even bigger issue for American farmers, Doug shares why immigration reform and labor access are crucial to keeping small farms afloat. Protecting Our Farmland: The USDA has rolled out its National Farm Security Action Plan, aiming to limit foreign ownership of U.S. farmland — a move designed to reduce influence from adversarial nations and preserve our agricultural independence. Tomatoes, Tariffs & Trade Wars: Doug dives into the latest news on import restrictions from Mexico, including a 17% duty on fresh Mexican tomatoes, and ongoing prohibitions on live animal imports due to screwworm detection. Plus, how similar tariffs on European agricultural goods could impact our domestic food supply — and whether the U.S. is putting enough focus on what's grown here at home. This episode delivers a timely look at the intersection of farming, policy, and global trade — and how it affects the families who feed America. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

This week on The American Family Farmer, host and lifelong farmer Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) shares critical updates impacting small farms across the country. Doug opens the show with a look at the ongoing immigration enforcement issues that are threatening family farms. The American Farm Bureau Federation has expressed serious concern over reports of renewed immigration crackdowns that are removing essential, hardworking laborers from small farm operations. Next, Doug dives into the challenges facing the beef cattle industry — including the reemergence of screwworm infestations coming up from Mexico, raising alarm for U.S. livestock. On top of that, an increase in tick activity is causing a surge in infestations across farms this season. Despite these concerns, there’s good news: the cattle market remains strong, with continued high demand. Turning to the honeybee crisis, Doug reports that bee colonies are down by two-thirds, due to a combination of migratory stress, parasitic threats, and erratic weather — especially recent floods across the U.S. Given the vital role bees play in agriculture, Doug encourages anyone with the interest and ability to consider starting a colony of their own to support pollination and food production. In his “Doug’s Opine” segment, Doug revisits his recent conversation with Julia Barton from the Organic Farmers Association (episode: "Empowering Organic Farmers: A Conversation with Julia Barton of the Organic Farmers Association"). He reflects on the challenges surrounding the “organic” label — a term that has been increasingly compromised by government red tape and industrial agriculture interests. Doug shares his strong belief that real organic farming should return to its roots — before chemical farming — and stresses the importance of knowing your farmer. As he says, if your organic food comes from a local farm, it’s far more trustworthy than products from big ag brands bearing the same label.

This week on The American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan welcomes Julia Barton, Farmer Services Director at the Organic Farmers Association (OFA), for an in-depth look at how OFA is advocating for a healthier, more equitable future for American agriculture.Julia brings over a decade of hands-on experience supporting organic, transitional, and sustainable farmers. In her role with OFA, she works directly with farmers across the country to help them navigate certification, overcome challenges, and find success in the growing organic marketplace. In this episode, Julia and Doug dive into: As a farmer herself, Julia brings a grounded, personal perspective to the national policy conversation — and shares how her own journey with Octagon Acres, her family’s organic farm, shapes her work.Whether you're a seasoned organic grower, curious consumer, or policy advocate, this conversation will inspire and inform. 🌐 Learn more at organicfarmersassociation.org Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Tim Gradert, Senior Tax Manager with Uncommon Farms. In this episode, Doug and Tim explore the often-overlooked power of smart tax planning in agriculture. From proactive strategies that boost profitability to overcoming unique hurdles family farmers face during tax season, Tim shares insight drawn from years of hands-on experience in ag-specific tax preparation. They dive into deductions that can make a difference—like Section 179 and bonus depreciation—and highlight the importance of year-round tax planning, accurate record keeping, and leveraging tools like AgManager® for seamless tax integration. You’ll also hear how UnCommon Farms supports farmers not just at tax time, but year-round—through education, software solutions, and personal consultation—to help ensure no opportunity is missed. Whether you're navigating asset basis, succession planning, or compliance with changing ag laws, this episode is packed with advice designed to keep your farm financially resilient and strategically prepared. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

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 “Big Beautiful Bill,” and how it will affect farmers. What should farmers know about his bill? Major cuts to the SNAP program, stricter qualifications for recipients, and passing costs off to the states. Next up, the continued issues of the screwworm and the problems these invasive, flesh eating pests are causing. ICYMI, a screwworm is a type of parasitic fly larva that fees on living flesh of warm blooded animals, including humans. Its name comes from the maggot’s appearance as it burrows into a wound, resembling a screw being driven into wood. Th screwworm can cause severe damage and even death if left untreated. The USDA is making plans to better prepare farmers should these pests get into their herds. Moving on, Doug shares a list of foods with the highest amounts of microplastics. They are apples and carrots (most commonly used in juice cleanses). Other foods with higher levels of microplastics include rice, pink Himalayan sea salt, sugar, tea, plant-based nuggets, fish sticks, shrimp, and water. What are farmers doing — or, what should they be doing — to minimize microplastics infiltrating their crops. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on the approval of the Whole Milk For Healthy Children Act, which expands options for schools participating in the National School Lunch Program allowing them to offer whole and reduced fat. Next up, Purdue University has come up with an overview of the farm custom rates, increases in the cost of what it costs to do hay and the increase in hiring for mowing, tedding and raking. Additionally, Chinese nationals have been charged with smuggling a small grain fungus considered an agri-terrorism, with symptoms including liver damage, vomiting, reproductive problems, and more. Lastly, Doug shares news of Flags For Farms Rescue Challenge from the Farmer’s Business Network and how you can support farms in crisis with donation on FarmRescue.org Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Patrick Whittle, Environment and Oceanic Reporter with the Associated Press, for a conversation on how the effects of wildfire smoke affects small farmers. The wildfires in Canada sent smoke as far away as Europe, and caused smoke to linger over cities like Kansas City and Minneapolis (far, far away from their origin in Canada), raising alarms in many parts of the U.S. from an unhealthy air quality, affecting soil quality, and more. While fire can be a good thing for land as it burns off the old trash and new growth comes in, but the smoke that comes with the fire has a completely different influence. Additionally, you can hear about the mentorship with IT students and the Associated Press, like Patrick’s mentee who was on the program last week, which you can hear in the episode titled, “Is Organic Still Worth It?” Next up, the discussion shifts to how fishermen are battling changing oceans after President Trump’s deregulation of fishing, and persistent fears of overfishing. Will these fish docks be available for future generations to make a living? They discuss that, too. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Caitlyn Daproza, Photojournalism Student at the Rochester Institute of Technology., joining today’s episode with a conversation on less farm land going to organic crops and the importance of sustainability. Caitlyn's curiosity for documentation began at a young age, going through family photo albums and old letters, and through asking questions and connecting pieces of memory, she began to understand the quiet power of storytelling through archived moments. Caitlyn's work centers on community, optimism, and the preservation of personal and collective memory. Currently pursuing a BFA in Photojournalism at the Rochester Institute of Technology, she brings experience across photography, audio, video, and reporting. Inspired by family archives and everyday joy, their creative practice amplifies diverse voices through storytelling. Together, Doug and Caitlyn explore why fewer farmers are turning to organic certification—and what that means for the future of sustainable agriculture. From rising costs to evolving climate practices, we unpack the growing debate: Is "organic" still worth it, or are there better ways to farm responsibly? Tune in as we talk cows, compost, and the complexities of doing what's best for both the planet and the people who farm it. Website - AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins visiting farms and laying out the Trump Administration’s “Farmers First” policies that help smaller farmers and why it’s a lead focus with the USDA, Nebraska is the first state to ban sugary drinks from being bought on the SNAP program, and how the immigration issue is affecting farmers having the workers they need. Then, the conversation shifts to diversification farming production and why a singular focus may create a surplus, why it’s important to know who owns the seed companies, and how you get your news and whether or not you read into opinions. Lastly, Doug takes a look at farm markets and how they’re being manipulated by tariffs and agri-business monopolies, he opines why Brooke Rollins is divisive but possibly proving to favor small farmers. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmer.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on bug news and how an increase in tick activity will affect family farmers this summer, the diseases most carried by ticks, and symptoms of which to be aware with tick-borne illnesses. Then, concerns from the California egg producers over salmonella concerns, Florida-grown cucumber recall, and why poor quality seems to be a key reason for a rise in food recalls. Farmer Doug also opines How-To advice for farmers and how it undercuts farmers’ intelligence and paying attention to whom you listen to for farming and agri-business advice, especially when every farmer, and every farm, is unique. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Christopher Simpson, owner of the Field of Dreams Farm in Watertown, TN. Field of Dreams Farm is a family-run, chemical-free farm raising pastured eggs, poultry, pork, and 100% grass-fed beef. Inspired by Food Inc., they’ve grown from 5 to 115 acres, committed to humane, sustainable practices and non-GMO feed. Learn how they process meats on-site, offer custom pork and beef cuts, and even craft old-fashioned lard-based soaps and shaving products packed with natural goodness. It's clean food with a conscience—from farm to table, and even to your skincare routine. Their practices emphasize animal welfare, natural diets, and a healthy relationship between the land and livestock. Field of Dreams Farm offers nutrient-rich, pasture-raised eggs and poultry, all processed on-site for full transparency. Their pigs roam both pasture and woods, and pork is sold in whole, half, or quarter portions with customizable cuts. Beef is 100% grass-fed and antibiotic-free, sold in various portions with both custom and standard cuts. All meats are priced by live weight with clear processing fees, and they guarantee a finished cost of $10/lb or less. You can learn more on fieldofdreamsfarmtn.com. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks