American Family Farmer

On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) is joined by Jon Hegeman, an Alabama farmer, greenhouse operator, and participant in the Outstanding Farmers of America program, for a conversation about the opportunities and challenges facing today's agricultural community. Jon shares the story of his farming operation, discussing the diversity of agriculture in Alabama, his greenhouse business, and the specialty crops that have helped his farm adapt to changing markets and consumer demand. He offers firsthand insight into the realities of modern farming, including rising input costs, increasing regulations, and the day-to-day decisions required to keep a family farm successful. The discussion explores the importance of farm preservation and succession planning, emphasizing the need to support and prepare the next generation of farmers so family operations can continue for years to come. Jon also talks about developing market opportunities, product branding, and finding profitable outlets that allow farmers to connect directly with consumers and strengthen their businesses. The conversation addresses ongoing labor shortages and the impact immigration policies have on agricultural operations that depend on a reliable workforce, while also examining broader industry trends shaping the future of farming. In addition, Jon explains the mission of the Outstanding Farmers of America program, detailing its nomination and recognition process and the organization's commitment to celebrating excellence, leadership, and innovation in agriculture. Throughout the episode, listeners gain valuable insight into sustainable farming practices, the resilience of family farmers, and the importance of recognizing those who are helping shape the future of American agriculture. For more on the American Family Farmer… Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

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 takes a closer look at several of the most important issues currently affecting American agriculture and rural communities. The episode begins with an update on the spread of the screw worm and the efforts underway to contain this destructive pest before it poses a greater threat to livestock producers. Doug explains the importance of prevention, monitoring, and coordinated response efforts to protect the nation's cattle industry and other agricultural operations. The discussion also examines USDA appropriations, farm policy, and the role government funding plays in supporting farmers, agricultural research, and rural development. Doug explores how policy decisions influence the day-to-day realities of farming and why continued investment in agriculture remains critical to the industry's long-term success. The episode also highlights recent investments in the dairy industry, discusses trends in milk prices, and examines the opportunities and challenges facing dairy producers in today's marketplace. In addition, Doug addresses common misconceptions about cattle and methane emissions, sharing research that provides greater context about the environmental impact of livestock production and the efforts farmers are making to improve sustainability. The episode concludes with a discussion on healthy weight management, exploring natural weight-loss strategies and supplements that may support overall wellness as part of a balanced lifestyle. Together, these topics provide listeners with timely updates and practical insights into the issues shaping the future of American farming. For more on the American Family Farmer… Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) is joined by Rick and Josiah Bale of the Bale Kenyon Family Farm and Greenhouse in Lewis Center, Ohio, for a conversation about the evolution of a multi-generational family farming operation and the strategies that have helped it thrive. The Bales share the rich history of their family farm, discussing how they have adapted over the years by diversifying into greenhouse production, vegetables, agritourism, and educational programs that connect consumers with agriculture. They explain the unique challenges of farming in a rapidly developing area, including rising land values, increasing property taxes, and the pressures that urban growth can place on agricultural operations. The discussion also highlights the importance of community engagement, local food initiatives, and creating opportunities for people to better understand where their food comes from. Rick and Josiah offer insights into the business principles that have guided their success, including a disciplined approach to growth and a commitment to avoiding unnecessary debt. In addition, the episode touches on an important public safety issue, raising awareness about human trafficking and the role that farmers, truck drivers, and rural communities can play in recognizing and reporting suspicious activity. Together, the conversation provides a thoughtful look at the challenges and opportunities facing modern family farms and the importance of preserving agriculture for future generations.For more on the American Family Farmer…Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks 

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 some of the most pressing issues affecting agriculture today, from the ongoing struggles of Florida’s citrus industry to broader concerns surrounding dairy farming and food policy in the United States. The discussion explores the devastating impact of invasive pests originating from China that have threatened citrus groves across Florida, leading to significant production challenges for growers. Doug highlights the research, innovation, and potential solutions being pursued to help the citrus industry recover and remain viable for future generations. The episode also takes a closer look at the current state of dairy farming in America, including conversations surrounding raw milk, consumer demand, and the role dairy producers play in the nation’s food system. In addition, Doug addresses broader food policy and agricultural challenges facing farmers and ranchers, exploring how regulations, market forces, and government decisions continue to shape the future of American agriculture. Together, these topics provide listeners with valuable insight into the opportunities and obstacles confronting today’s farming communities. For more on the American Family Farmer…Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com)  welcomes Helen Raleigh of Story Hill Farm in Delaware to discuss her remarkable journey from pollinator conservation advocate to regenerative farmer and heritage cattle breeder.Helen shares how her passion for protecting pollinators led her to embrace farming practices that prioritize biodiversity, soil health, and environmental stewardship. She explains the challenges posed by pollinator decline and the importance of creating healthy ecosystems that support bees, butterflies, and other essential species.The conversation also explores the role of heritage breed cattle in preserving genetic diversity and building resilient livestock populations.Helen discusses how rotational grazing and regenerative agriculture practices improve pasture health, strengthen ecosystems, and contribute to more sustainable food production. In addition, she shares insights into her unique salt-farming operation on Delaware’s coastal land and how it complements her broader commitment to responsible land management. Throughout the episode, Helen highlights the importance of thoughtful stewardship, biodiversity, and innovative farming practices that help ensure the long-term health and productivity of the land for future generations. For more on the American Family Farmer…Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

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 how the USDA food dollar is distributed and what that means for farmers working to earn a fair share of the consumer food dollar. Doug also discusses recent farmer sentiment and the economic outlook across rural America, highlighting the pressures many producers face amid changing markets and rising costs.The episode takes a closer look at increasing farmland values and the growing scarcity of available agricultural land, factors that continue to impact both established farmers and the next generation looking to enter the industry. Doug also addresses the critical issue of farmer mental health, emphasizing the importance of support systems and resources for those navigating the unique stresses of agricultural life. Rounding out the discussion is a look at nutrient-dense foods and evolving dietary trends, exploring how consumer preferences are influencing farming practices and food production. Through expert insights, innovative ideas, and inspiring stories from across the countryside, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on the future of American agriculture.For more on the American Family Farmer…Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks 

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) shares the biggest news affecting smaller family farmers. First up, Doug explores several of the pressing issues impacting today’s agricultural community. The conversation examines how current beef import policies are affecting American cattle producers and the challenges farmers face when competing in a global marketplace.Doug also discusses the growing threat of invasive species, highlighting their impact on soil health, pasture quality, and livestock operations. In addition, the episode shines a light on the mental health challenges facing farmers and ranchers, emphasizing the importance of awareness, support networks, and available resources. Listeners will also learn about regulations surrounding drone use in agriculture and how this technology continues to shape modern farming practices.Finally, the program shares stories of farm preservation, exploring the value of protecting agricultural land and the factors influencing farmland values across the country. Together, these topics provide an informative look at the opportunities and challenges facing America’s farming families today.For more on the American Family Farmer…Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Doug introduces us to Talkers Magazine Publisher, Michael Harrison. www.talkers.com Michael is the person who encouraged Doug to start The American Family Farmer radio program and podcast. He is a fan of Family Farms, farm animals and is also associated with the rock band Gunhill Road. www.gunhillroadmusic.com Michael was invited to write and record a spoken tribute to animal life, for their latest album called: "I Know Your Are Real." www.iknowyouarereal.com It's dedicated to those who love and respect animals and believe they are real. For more on the American Family Farmer…Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) welcomes Michigan journalist Ron French of Bridge Michigan about two deeply important stories impacting farm families across the Midwest and beyond.First, Doug and Ron discuss the growing financial crisis facing farmers as skyrocketing diesel fuel and fertilizer prices squeeze already-thin margins. Drawing from Ron’s reporting, they examine how global conflict and supply chain disruptions are driving up production costs while crop prices remain flat, leaving many farmers “losing money on every acre.” The conversation highlights the difficult choices growers are making this planting season, the emotional and financial toll on farm families, and fears that another wave of family farms could disappear under mounting economic pressure.Doug and Ron also explore Ron’s powerful reporting on the mental health crisis in agriculture, including the alarming rate of suicide among farmers in Michigan. They discuss the stress of weather uncertainty, debt, declining profits, and the overwhelming pressure many feel to preserve multi-generational family farms. The episode also examines the recent loss of state funding for Michigan’s farmer mental health counseling program and what that means for struggling farmers who relied on those services.Shining a light on the resilience, optimism, and quiet struggles of America’s farming communities, Doug and Ron share why supporting farmers means understanding both the economic and emotional realities they face every day.You can read more articles from Ron French on BridgeMI.comFor more on the American Family Farmer…Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks 

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) shares the biggest news affecting smaller family farmers, starting with the U.S. House of Representatives passing the sprawling Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (AKA The Farm Bill) by a bipartisan vote of 224–200. The multi-billion dollar, 5-year legislative package sets farm, conservation, and nutrition policies, but now faces a difficult path in the Senate.In other news, California farmers are being forced to destroy roughly 420,000 clingstone peach trees after Del Monte Foods filed for bankruptcy and permanently closed its Central Valley canneries. The sudden closures left dozens of growers with no buyers for their fruit, prompting a $9 million federal relief package to assist with tree removal and crop transitioning.Shifting focus to raw milk, a rather polarizing conversation, lawmakers in at least 18 states are actively pushing to expand or legalize the sale of raw milk, driven by consumer demand and "freedom of choice" arguments. However, this push intensifies amid a wave of recent illness outbreaks that have sickened U.S. children, drawing stern warnings from health scientists. For many farmers selling raw milk, most of them can’t keep it in stock because people stand in line to buy it, even at its higher prices. This should be reason enough to allow the sale and stop hindering when consumers are wanting raw milk. Raw milk is risky if it’s not done properly, if there is a crap job of milking the cows, the cows aren’t clean and if the product isn’t clean, then yes it could come with risky germs. When raw milk is produced right, the risks are minimal and the health benefits are incredible. Then, Doug opines the food supply after seeing stats from food producers across the country with factors of less predictable weather patterns, labor challenges from deportations, cost of feed and fertilizer going way up because of the tariffs, and more. For more on the American Family Farmer…Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks