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A weekly look at trends in Family Farming and Healthy Eating.
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2 SEP 2026 · 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 (http://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 could mean for American consumers and domestic cattle producers. He then turns to the enormous scale of industrial chicken production, raising questions about farming practices, bacterial contamination and food safety.
The conversation expands into what Doug calls America’s ongoing “food fight,” where agriculture, politics, public health and powerful industry interests collide. He looks at the debate surrounding federal dietary guidelines, the growing concern over ultra-processed foods, environmental considerations and the influence of the food industry on programs like SNAP.
Who ultimately decides what constitutes a healthy American diet, and how do those decisions affect the family farmers producing our food? Doug breaks down the policies, competing interests and consequences behind the headlines.
For more on the American Family Farmer…
Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
Transcribed
2 SEP 2026 · What happens when a traditional family farm combines agriculture, creativity and the power of social media?
Host Doug Stephan (http://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 unique agritourism experience that gives visitors an up-close look at farm life. What started as a creative idea became a major attraction, with one Instagram video generating enough attention to sell out tickets for the entire year.
Doug and Brendan discuss how social media has transformed the farm’s visibility, the changes that grew out of the COVID era, and why creating memorable experiences can help family farms develop new revenue streams beyond traditional agriculture.
They also talk about what it means to run a multigenerational family operation, the different ways family members contribute, succession planning, and the importance of preserving the farm’s history while continuing to evolve.
It’s a look at how storytelling, innovation and a willingness to try something different can help keep the family farm, and its legacy, growing.
For more on the American Family Farmer…
Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
Transcribed
27 AUG 2026 · On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan (http://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 through generations. They discuss the roles different family members play in the operation, the future of the farm, and what it takes to pass both knowledge and responsibility from one generation to the next.
Doug and the family dig into the maple sugaring process, from determining which trees are ready to tap and knowing when the season should begin to collecting sap and turning it into finished syrup. They also explore how modern tubing systems and other advances have changed production while allowing producers to maintain the traditions behind the craft.
But maple syrup is only part of the story. The Devockis explain how diversification and value-added products, including maple mustard and other specialty items, have helped expand their business and create additional opportunities in a competitive agricultural market.
The conversation also examines the economics of maple production, competition among Ohio producers, and the challenges of turning a seasonal agricultural tradition into a successful family business.
For farmers interested in diversification, or anyone who has ever wondered how maple syrup makes its way from tree to table, the Devocki family shares practical advice, lessons learned, and a firsthand look at keeping a generations-old farming tradition alive.
For more on the American Family Farmer…
Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
Transcribed
27 AUG 2026 · Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan (http://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 survive.
Then, Doug breaks down the current status of the Farm Bill and the political disagreements keeping legislation tied up in Washington, including debates surrounding SNAP and other key provisions that have a direct impact on farmers and their communities.
The episode also explores the rising cost of organic certification and the assistance available to help smaller producers make certification more attainable. Doug examines the growing Food Freedom Movement and how local, neighbor-to-neighbor food networks are giving farmers new ways to connect directly with consumers.
From direct-to-consumer sales and online marketplaces to cooperatives and diversified farm products, small farmers across the country are finding innovative ways to navigate economic and regulatory challenges while keeping their operations viable.
Along the way, Doug shares stories of resilience from farmers who are adapting to a changing agricultural landscape and finding new opportunities in organic, local, and sustainable food.
It’s an informative look at the challenges facing the American family farm, and the ingenuity, determination, and community-driven solutions helping farmers continue to move forward.
For more on the American Family Farmer…
Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
Transcribed
21 AUG 2026 · In this episode of American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan talks with Sadie Tilden (http://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 others, and even influence her plans for school and a future career.
The conversation also highlights the important role family and community support play in helping young people succeed in agriculture, as well as why programs like 4-H remain vital to the future of American farming.
Through hands-on experience, mentorship, and leadership opportunities, the next generation is gaining the skills and confidence needed to carry agriculture forward.
For more on the American Family Farmer… Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
Transcribed
21 AUG 2026 · In this episode of American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan (http://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 mean for farmers who rely on USDA programs and services, and the broader role government policy plays in agriculture.
Also in this episode: a family farm’s successful fight against eminent domain for a private gas line project, changing trends in beef-on-dairy breeding and dairy herds, and the growing legal battle over right-to-repair restrictions on farm equipment—including the costs and challenges farmers face when they can’t repair their own machinery.
For more on the American Family Farmer…
Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
Transcribed
12 AUG 2026 · 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 (http://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 how working with animals inspired her interest in veterinary medicine and how 4-H develops skills that young people can carry into virtually any career—from public speaking and leadership to responsibility and community involvement. They also discuss the **Beyond Ready** initiative, the wide variety of projects available to today’s 4-H members, the importance of county and state fairs, and how nearly six million young people are gaining experiences designed to prepare them for life, work and their communities.
It’s a look at how a program with deep agricultural roots continues to evolve while helping prepare the next generation to lead.
For more on the American Family Farmer…
Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
Transcribed
12 AUG 2026 · 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 (http://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 to local communities and the growing challenges facing independent farmers and processors. He also examines China’s influence over critical agricultural resources, including sulfur, and what global supply chain disruptions could mean for fertilizer, food prices and American agriculture.
Plus, Doug discusses the latest farm policy developments, concerns surrounding the New World Screwworm, the decline of local dairy processing facilities and why strengthening local food and processing infrastructure could be critical to the future of the American family farm.
For more on the American Family Farmer…
Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
Transcribed
5 AUG 2026 · On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan (http://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.
Jonathan also shares how the farm has become a place of opportunity by supporting individuals with autism through meaningful agricultural work and highlights the nation's first U.S. Department of Labor-approved Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Program. It's a conversation about sustainability, stewardship, and building resilient farms and communities.
Key Takeaways:
- Strategic winter feeding helps improve herd health, calving success, and overall farm productivity.
- Heritage breeds such as Kerry and Jersey cattle offer hardiness, efficiency, and valuable genetics for pasture-based farms.
- Farms can provide meaningful employment, life skills, and community for individuals with autism and other developmental differences.
- The Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Program is helping prepare the next generation of skilled dairy farmers through hands-on education.
- Selecting cattle for longevity, resilience, and grazing ability can reduce costs and strengthen the long-term sustainability of dairy operations.
For more on the American Family Farmer…
Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
Transcribed
5 AUG 2026 · Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan (http://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 debate surrounding glyphosate and other agricultural chemicals, and why supporting local farms remains more important than ever.
Doug also shares examples of sustainable farming philosophies, including pasture-based dairy operations, while emphasizing the resilience and innovation of family farmers navigating today's agricultural landscape.
Key Takeaways:
- Family farms remain the backbone of American agriculture despite growing economic and regulatory challenges.
- Consumer support for local farms helps strengthen rural communities and preserve agricultural traditions.
- The use of glyphosate and other chemicals continues to spark important conversations about farming practices and food production.
- State and federal policy decisions can have significant impacts on farmers' livelihoods and agricultural resources.
- Many producers are embracing sustainable and pasture-based farming methods that prioritize both environmental stewardship and animal welfare.
For more on the American Family Farmer…
Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
A weekly look at trends in Family Farming and Healthy Eating.
Information
| Author | Doug Stephan |
| Organization | Doug Stephan |
| Categories | Education , Management , Business |
| Website | www.spreaker.com |
| djvshow@gmail.com |
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