American Family Farmer
A weekly look at trends in Family Farming and Healthy Eating.
Episodes
September 10, 2025 • 18 mins
This week, Doug Stephan (EastleighFarm.com) welcomes Andrew Mickelson, sixth-generation Idaho farmer and Chief Technology Officer at Mickelsen Farms (MickelsenFarms.com), one of the region’s largest potato producers.
The Mickelsen family has been growing potatoes and grains for generations, building a legacy rooted in hard work, innovation, and community. Andrew shares insights into the family’s diverse operations — from growing Rus...
The Mickelsen family has been growing potatoes and grains for generations, building a legacy rooted in hard work, innovation, and community. Andrew shares insights into the family’s diverse operations — from growing Rus...
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September 10, 2025 • 17 mins
Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares why he created the American Family Farmer program before jumping into the news affecting family farmers, beginning with a story from Florida and how farmers are plowing over perfectly good tomatoes as the tariff policies are costing prices to go down.
The latest on how the I.C.E. raids are affecting small farmers. Then, the problem in most parts of the U.S. ...
The latest on how the I.C.E. raids are affecting small farmers. Then, the problem in most parts of the U.S. ...
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September 3, 2025 • 20 mins
On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) welcomes Svitlana “Lana” Synkovska, Portfolio Director of Women in Agribusiness (WIA): http://womeninag.com.
They discuss:
👩🌾 How Women in Agribusiness is empowering women across the agriculture and food sectors
🌍 The growth of the WIA community — from 200 attendees in 2012 to over 1,000 in 2024
🤝 Networking, events, and initiatives helping women...
They discuss:
👩🌾 How Women in Agribusiness is empowering women across the agriculture and food sectors
🌍 The growth of the WIA community — from 200 attendees in 2012 to over 1,000 in 2024
🤝 Networking, events, and initiatives helping women...
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September 3, 2025 • 17 mins
On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) shares why he created the program and why supporting family farms matters more than ever.
He covers:
🏡 Brooke Rollins’ plans for rural development funds and how they’ll impact farmers
📜 The “Big Beautiful Bill” and key highlights that affect agriculture
🌽 Rising corn prices and what that means for farmers
🚫 The spread of the screwworm, new bans on M...
He covers:
🏡 Brooke Rollins’ plans for rural development funds and how they’ll impact farmers
📜 The “Big Beautiful Bill” and key highlights that affect agriculture
🌽 Rising corn prices and what that means for farmers
🚫 The spread of the screwworm, new bans on M...
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August 27, 2025 • 17 mins
For 40 years, Farm Aid has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with family farmers, ensuring they can stay on their land and thrive despite corporate pressures, bad policies, and climate challenges. In this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan welcomes Jennifer Fahy, Co-Executive Director and longtime Communications Director of Farm Aid.
Jennifer shares how Farm Aid began as a one-day benefit concert in 1985 — founded by Will...
Jennifer shares how Farm Aid began as a one-day benefit concert in 1985 — founded by Will...
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August 27, 2025 • 17 mins
In this episode of American Family Farmer, host and farmer Doug Stephan of Eastleigh Farm shares why he created this program — to give voice to the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of America’s family farmers.
Doug dives into the latest news shaping agriculture, including:
🌱 The One Big Beautiful Bill, with key estate planning and tax changes
🌱 Shifts in health policy taking a softer approach to corporate regulation
🌱 An update o...
Doug dives into the latest news shaping agriculture, including:
🌱 The One Big Beautiful Bill, with key estate planning and tax changes
🌱 Shifts in health policy taking a softer approach to corporate regulation
🌱 An update o...
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August 20, 2025 • 19 mins
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 ...
Jared shares how OSA is confronting the challenges of seed industry consolidation, advancing organic plant ...
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August 20, 2025 • 18 mins
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:
- Higher statutory references for all commodity program crops 🌾
- Increased agricultural spending 💵
- More affordable crop insurance 🌱
- Expanded foreign market development in favor of U.S.-owned land...
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August 13, 2025 • 19 mins
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 t...
Janelle shares how Barn2Door has grown to serve t...
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August 13, 2025 • 18 mins
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:
This week:
- Why the term “crisis” may be overused in U.S. agriculture.
- The USDA’s reorganization plan and what it means for farmers.
- How the Big Beautiful Bill could affect depreciation and capital gains taxes for farmers selling to other qualified farmers.
- The Skinny Farm Bill...
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August 6, 2025 • 18 mins
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 exampl...
🧠 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 exampl...
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August 6, 2025 • 18 mins
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...
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...
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July 30, 2025 • 18 mins
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 ea...
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 ea...
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July 30, 2025 • 18 mins
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 h...
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 h...
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July 27, 2025 • 19 mins
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...
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...
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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 farme...
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 farme...
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July 16, 2025 • 18 mins
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 ...
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 ...
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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 co...
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July 9, 2025 • 18 mins
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 t...
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July 9, 2025 • 17 mins
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 in...
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