American Family Farmer

Doug Stephan
  • 4.2 (13)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

A weekly look at trends in Family Farming and Healthy Eating.

  1. 1d ago

    35 Years of Pumpkins: How One Ohio Farm Turned Agritourism Into a Family Traditio

    On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan is joined by Shelly Lehner of Lehner’s Pumpkins in Ohio for a conversation about family farming, agritourism and what it takes to keep a farm going through changing times. Shelly shares the history of Lehner’s Pumpkins and how what began as a family farming operation grew into a destination built around pumpkins, seasonal activities and community traditions. Doug and Shelly talk about the evolution of agritourism and why farms increasingly rely on experiences that bring the public directly onto the property. From pumpkin patches and family activities to giant pumpkin contests and seasonal events, Shelly explains how Lehner’s has adapted while staying connected to its farming roots. The conversation also gets into the realities facing family farmers today, including economic pressure, labor demands, changing customer expectations and the challenge of balancing wholesale and retail sales. Shelly shares stories from the pumpkin patch, including what it takes to grow massive pumpkins, why a 1,300-pound pumpkin creates its own set of problems and how contests and farm events have become part of the farm’s identity. Doug and Shelly also discuss diversification, community involvement, volunteer help and the role social media now plays in connecting farms with customers and keeping agriculture visible. Through it all, Shelly offers a candid look at why farmers continue even when the work is difficult and the economics are challenging. For more on the American Family Farmer... Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com

  2. 2d ago

    America’s Farmers Under Pressure: Farm Bill Changes, Rising Costs, Tariffs and the Fight to Be Heard

    On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan discusses the challenges facing American farmers and the policies shaping the future of agriculture. Doug breaks down recent developments surrounding the Farm Bill and what proposed policy changes could mean for farmers across the country, also examining the economic pressures hitting farm operations, including the rising cost of diesel fuel and fertilizer, shrinking market access and the continuing influence of large meatpackers on agricultural markets. The conversation also looks at international trade and tariffs and how decisions made far beyond the farm can quickly affect a producer’s bottom line. With those financial pressures comes another growing concern: stress and mental health in the farming community. Doug discusses the strain farmers are experiencing and why greater awareness, resources and support are increasingly important. Doug also explores the changing role of social media in agriculture. What was once primarily a way for farmers to share life on the farm has become a powerful advocacy tool, allowing producers to tell their own stories, educate consumers and make sure agriculture has a voice in conversations about food and farm policy. He also shares information about innovative programs supporting new farmers through Cornell, his own farm story and why increasing the visibility of American agriculture may be more important than ever. For more on the American Family Farmer... Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

  3. Sep 30

    From Cotton to Grits: Preserving a Family Farm Legacy with Kinlyn Hinson

    On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) is joined by Kinlyn Hinson of Hinson Family Farms in South Carolina about family farming, agritourism and the importance of helping people understand where their food comes from. Kinlyn shares the story of her family’s farm, including the role cotton plays as a major cash crop in South Carolina, how responsibilities are divided across generations, and the ways the farm has expanded its connection with the public through tours and educational experiences. The conversation also highlights one of the farm’s most distinctive traditions: using a family stone mill to make grits. Kinlyn explains how preserving practices like this helps connect the farm’s history with the work being done today. Doug and Kinlyn also discuss agricultural education, her experience as a Watermelon Queen and the impact FFA had on her leadership development. Throughout the episode, Kinlyn reflects on the value of giving children and families firsthand exposure to agriculture and keeping family farm traditions alive for the next generation. For more on the American Family Farmer… Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

  4. Sep 30

    The Changing Face of American Farming

    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  the mounting pressures facing America’s farmers, from rising fuel and fertilizer costs to trade policy, beef imports and consolidation within agriculture. Doug shares the stories of farmers finding ways to adapt, including Wendy Johnson’s diversification efforts and generational farmer Matt Bell, while examining legislation such as the Fairness for Small Scale Farmers Act and its focus on competition and consolidation in agriculture. The conversation also explores the changing face of American farming, including the growing number of women entering agriculture, and the increasing role of agritourism as farmers search for additional sources of income and new ways to connect consumers with the land. Throughout the episode, Doug questions how current federal trade and agricultural policies are affecting small and family farms and highlights the resilience farmers continue to demonstrate as they navigate economic and market challenges. For more on the American Family Farmer… Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

  5. Sep 23

    The Future of Farming: How FFA Is Growing the Next Generation of Agriculture

    With more than a million members nationwide, the National FFA Organization is helping introduce a new generation to the enormous range of opportunities available in agriculture.  This week on *American Family Farmer*, host Doug Stephan welcomes Kristy Meyer of the National FFA Organization for a look at the future of farming and the upcoming 99th National FFA Convention & Expo.  Kristy takes listeners inside the convention, from its growth and changing attendance needs to more than 350 exhibitors helping students explore potential careers. She explains how FFA combines classroom education, hands-on agricultural experiences and leadership development while remaining deeply connected to local chapters and the communities they serve. Doug and Kristy also discuss opportunities for young people who may not have grown up on a farm. A single farm visit, mentor or hands-on experience can introduce students to careers they may never have considered—from production agriculture and agricultural education to science, technology and countless other areas supporting the food system. The conversation also explores the growing role of women in FFA leadership, the need for more agricultural educators, how sponsorships help support FFA programs while maintaining the organization’s educational mission, and where FFA members go after graduation. It’s an encouraging look at the students, teachers and communities preparing to lead American agriculture into its next For more on the American Family Farmer… Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

  6. Sep 23

    Land, Labels and the Fight to Keep American Farmers Farming

    From development pressures and equipment repairs to food security and corporate control of agriculture, America’s farmers are facing challenges that extend far beyond the fields. This week on *American Family Farmer*, host Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) examines some of the biggest issues affecting the future of farming and our food supply.  Doug looks at land-use concerns surrounding a proposed aluminum smelter in Oklahoma and the broader competition for agricultural land as major development projects expand. He also examines imported beef, food safety and efforts to strengthen country-of-origin labeling so consumers have more information about where their food comes from. The conversation turns to the growing “right to repair” battle as increasingly sophisticated farm equipment can require specialized technicians and proprietary technology to fix—potentially leaving farmers with higher costs and costly downtime. Doug also discusses concerns over corporate control of patented seeds, the continuing decline of small dairy farms and legislative efforts aimed at creating fairer agricultural markets. There’s innovation, too. Doug explores how cherry growers are using falcons and other birds of prey as a natural form of pest control, offering an example of how farmers can find creative solutions that may reduce reliance on conventional pest-management methods. Plus, with delays surrounding the Farm Bill and continued debate over agricultural policy, Doug looks at what these decisions—and indecision—could mean for family farmers and the future of American agriculture. For more on the American Family Farmer… Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

  7. Sep 16

    Growing Up, Not Out: How Vertical Farming Could Bring Fresh Food Closer to Home

    What if more of the produce in your grocery store could be grown just miles away instead of traveling across the country? This week on *American Family Farmer*, host Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) welcomes Aaron Fields of Eden Green Technology to explore how vertical farming and controlled environment agriculture could help reshape the way America grows and distributes fresh food. Aaron shares his background in agriculture and greenhouse production and explains the story behind Eden Green Technology, whose founders set out to develop a more localized approach to growing food. He breaks down how the company uses greenhouses and vertical growing systems to produce crops year-round while using significantly less land than traditional farming. Doug and Aaron also examine one of the biggest challenges in our current food system: distance. Produce can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles before reaching consumers, affecting freshness while adding complexity to the supply chain. Eden Green’s model places growing facilities near distribution centers, allowing food to move from harvest to store shelves much more quickly. They also discuss partnerships with local farmers and universities, Eden Green’s work in Texas, and the potential for controlled environment agriculture to complement traditional farming rather than replace it. It’s a conversation about innovation, decentralizing the food supply and what could happen when we start growing more of our food closer to the communities that eat it. For more on the American Family Farmer… Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

  8. Sep 16

    From Screwworms to Smartphones: New Challenges Facing Rural America

    From an old agricultural threat making a troubling return to new research that could change the way farmers manage pests, this week on *American Family Farmer*, host Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) looks at a range of issues affecting farmers, families and rural communities.  Doug begins with concerns surrounding the New World screwworm and the USDA’s response, including funding aimed at prevention and efforts to expand sterile fly production—a longtime method of controlling the destructive pest. He examines questions surrounding funding, preparedness and what a potential outbreak could mean for American livestock producers. The conversation also turns to promising agricultural research involving hemp cannabinoids as natural pest deterrents. Doug speaks with horticulture expert Aaron Fields about the possibility of using compounds produced by hemp plants as alternatives to conventional chemical pesticides and what that research could eventually mean for growers. Doug also remembers the legacy of writer, farmer and rural advocate Wendell Berry and his decades of work championing family farms, local communities and agrarian values. Plus, the show takes a broader look at life beyond the farm, including growing concerns about smartphone dependence, screen time and what some researchers and health professionals describe as “digital dementia.” It’s a wide-ranging look at agriculture, innovation and the forces shaping rural America today. For more on the American Family Farmer… Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

See All (569)

4.2
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

A weekly look at trends in Family Farming and Healthy Eating.

Information

  • Creator
    Doug Stephan
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    569
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Doug Stephan
  • Show Website
    American Family Farmer

You Might Also Like