American Family Farmer

This week on American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan heads to the heart of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Peninsula, Ohio, to visit with George Haramis, fifth-generation owners of Heritage Farms.Founded in 1848, Heritage Farms has evolved alongside American agriculture—transforming over the generations from canal boat building to potatoes, dairy, beef cattle, and today, one of Northeast Ohio’s most beloved Christmas tree farms. George shares how honoring family legacy while adapting to changing times has been key to the farm’s longevity and success.Learn what sets Heritage Farms apart, from its iconic scenic location and wide variety of cut-your-own and fresh-cut Christmas trees, including Fraser Fir, Scotch Pine, White Pine, and Blue Spruce, to the high level of personal service that ensures every tree thrives long after it leaves the farm. George also explains why education is such a big part of their mission, teaching customers exactly how to care for their trees at home. Doug and George also discuss how Heritage Farms has expanded into a true destination experience, offering wreaths, greenery, ornaments, seasonal events like Pumpkin Pandemonium, and even on-farm stays through Airbnb and Hipcamp. From holiday traditions to agritourism, this episode highlights how one family farm continues to create meaningful memories nearly 175 years later.It’s a conversation about stewardship, service, and the power of family farming to evolve while staying rooted in tradition.Learn more at HeritageFarms.com. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with the latest information on tariffs and how family farmers are being affected, government assistance set aside for farmers to be distributed between now and the end of February, and questioning why there is more money being made available to bail out farmers in Argentina than farmers in our own country.Next up, Doug covers statistical changes from the number of farms in America in the 1920s verses now, 100 years later. When you compare and combine that with the income of selling crops and how it’s gone down since the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant drop over just 3 years. Lastly, Doug shifts into end-of-the-year thoughts and some ideas of finding gifts for your favorite farmer. Gifts that serve a purpose are always nice, like warm boots, slippers, snacks, funny farmer socks, and even a farmstead gift box. It’s an enlightening and informative discussion you won’t want to miss.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with word of $12 Billion in aide for farmers in our country, how tariffs are affecting small farmers, and management of taxes for farmers.Then, Doug shares his opinions on the top news stories of the week in farming and agriculture and why the chaos of the trade policy is causing more questions than answers week after week. When you look at the recent announcements of trade deals, promises and substantial relief coming to farmers, one can’t help but question the poor management for causing this in the first place. While Democrats are busy blaming Republicans and Republicans are busy blaming Democrats, American family farmers are caught in the middle. It’s an enlightening and informative discussion you won’t want to miss.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

What began as a childhood 4-H project has grown into a thriving value-added dairy business feeding families across New England.This week on American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan welcomes sisters Beth and Courtney Hodge, co-owners of Echo Farm Puddings in Hinsdale, New Hampshire. Raised on a small farm, the Hodge sisters turned their love for cows—and their reluctance to part with them—into a creative solution that helped sustain their family dairy through volatile milk markets and industry challenges.Beth manages the dairy herd while Courtney oversees pudding production, but their work overlaps daily as they balance farming, manufacturing, and marketing. About 20% of their milk is transformed into small-batch pudding made entirely on-farm, while the rest goes into the Cabot cheese supply chain. That modest percentage of milk, however, generates a disproportionately large share of the farm’s revenue—proving how powerful value-added agriculture can be for family farms.The conversation covers how a garage-based 4-H project evolved into a regional pudding brand, why pudding became a “farm-saver” during tough times for dairy, what it really takes to run on-farm food manufacturing, how Certified Humane practices helped them stand out and reach new markets, the role of sustainability, from feeding spent brewery grain to partnering with local farmers, and why loving the act of feeding people is at the heart of everything they do.This episode is a must-listen for farmers exploring diversification, consumers curious about where their food comes from, and anyone inspired by family-run businesses that adapt, innovate, and endure.Visit them at EchoFarmPuddings.com and Like them on Facebook. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

This week on American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan introduces listeners to one of the most unique farms in America, Westmeister Farm in Shelby, Ohio, where exotic animals, agritourism, and wellness come together in the most unexpected ways.Owner and farmer Lynn Westmeister joins Doug to share how her private, appointment-only farm has become a peaceful haven for both animals and visitors. Westmeister Farm is home to a remarkable lineup of residents, from Asian small-clawed otters to zebras, sloths, kangaroos, owls, porcupines, highland cows, and more. But what truly sets the farm apart is its focus on intimate, low-stress, hands-on encounters designed to foster meaningful human–animal connection.Lynn explains how Westmeister’s two-hour private tours, otter swim sessions, and creative “animal add-on” experiences allow guests to slow down, be present, and experience wildlife up close, often for the very first time. And at the heart of these offerings is the farm’s now-famous “Go with the Flow Otter Yoga,” recently highlighted by People.com and hailed as the world’s only yoga class featuring otters.Doug and Lynn dig into how this gentle, slow-flow class merges movement, mindfulness, animal therapy, and pure joy. Listeners will hear how the farm’s otters, Harbor and Cove, enrich the experience with their curiosity, playfulness, and occasional “yoga poses” of their own; and, why the farm’s low-noise, no-crowds environment is essential to keeping both the animals and guests comfortable.Lynn also shares how Westmeister Farm represents a growing evolution in modern agriculture, which blends education, ethical animal care, wellness, and community outreach into new forms of farm-based experiences.It’s an inspiring conversation about creativity in farming, the power of human–animal connection, and the incredible things that can happen when a farm reimagines what’s possible. Learn more at westmeister.comListen now and prepare to fall in love with a couple of very mischievous otters.Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with preparations for incoming bad weather. Doug has already put most of his equipment away for the season, with the exception of what he’s still using. Looking back at stats over recent years, farming operations have faced some significant weather with early frosts, extreme winter weather, droughts or heat waves, and how events may intensify because of global warming and how we can prepare. Key advice includes staying informed on incoming weather and who to call when in need, develop an emergency protocol for evacuation, stock and maintain emergency supply kits, keep up-to-date inventory, have fire prevention measures in place, and discuss protocols with your family and farm staff. Moving on, Doug shares some statistics of not about the number of farms going down. There are less and less farming operations as time goes on. Doug poses the rhetorical question, “why?” Many reasons, of course. There are less and less generational farmers as families have either lost their land, couldn’t keep up with on-farm jobs, or kin moving on to other careers. Another reason is that it’s becoming increasingly difficult for new farmers to get started if there isn’t already farmland in the family. Commercialized farming is also taking over due to convenience for consumers, but with low quality, highly processed products. When you look at that food and how it’s keeping our citizens sick, it’s no wonder many have to spend so much money on health insurance and health care in general. Spending more money to support family farmers, getting better quality food, is less expensive in the long run when you’re not eating food that makes you (and keeps you) and your family sick. In other news, companies Uncommon Farms and Total Acre have a new strategic partnership to expand technology and expertise to growers and farmers all across our country to help with tools to empower farmers to manage both performance and business profitability. Lastly, Doug opines on President Trump’s announcements of plans to bring down the price of food. Other focus lies on bringing down the price of beef, but a result of the deal with Argentina to import more beef from them is causing the live cattle market to drop. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

In this episode, we talk with Jennifer Whitney, who is the owner, farmer, and co-founder of Natural Nook Farm in West Salem, Ohio. For nearly 20 years, Jennifer and her husband, Adam, have built a vibrant, faith-rooted homestead dedicated to natural living, self-sufficiency, and community.Jennifer shares how Natural Nook Farm has grown from a simple family property into a thriving small farm that produces handcrafted goat-milk soaps, naturally dyed and hand-spun angora rabbit and Jacob sheep wool products, and an incredible array of homegrown foods and medicinal herbs. From freeze-dried vegetables and garlic powder to elderberry teas, jellies, and herbal remedies, Jennifer and her husband are deeply committed to using what they grow and teaching others to do the same. Their mission extends far beyond their own land. Jennifer regularly speaks to Career Center students about homesteading skills, inspiring the next generation to grow, create, and build with intention. She and Adam also founded B.U.C.K. Adventures, a 501(c)(3) offering life-changing, all-expense-paid adaptive whitetail hunting experiences for individuals facing life-altering circumstances. Applications for the 2026 season are now open.Jennifer opens up about the lessons homesteading has taught her: the power of community, the importance of trying new things, even if they fail, and the value of starting small. She reminds us that you don’t need a thousand acres to begin living more sustainably; you just need the willingness to take the first step.For Natural Nook Farm, the next steps are big ones. As they head into 2026, the Whitneys are expanding into horsedrawn carriage and wagon services, powered by their growing team of Percheron horses, an exciting new chapter shaped by the belief that change, while hard, can open doors you never expected. Learn more at naturalnookfarm.com.Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with news the EPA approved a new forever chemical in pesticides that is being used on food. Read that sentence again. The big food processors want the food grown for them to last longer, and the big conglomerate farms want the food to grow bigger and faster. What does that mean for the health of consumers? Then, Doug shares information of the farmers’ share of Thanksgiving. By the numbers, families paid much more this year for turkeys, stuffing, pumpkins, dinner rolls, cranberries, potatoes, etc. The farmers, however, aren’t seeing an increase in their share of the profit. It’s an outrage and even more important to remind people to work with farmers directly and to support their local farmers. When rural America does well, we all do well. However, rural America is being squeezed by the administration, by the reality of the big business that control a majority of the source of food. Good news comes from an 8th grader who believes we can transform agriculture’s future. Doug shares her story and the encouragement that comes with it.   Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

This week on American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan welcomes Dave and Barb Zerbe of Esbenshade Turkey Farm—America’s oldest operating turkey farm, proudly rooted in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.Esbenshade Turkey Farm has been a Lancaster County original since 1858, spanning seven generations of tradition, craftsmanship, and family pride. Barb Zerbe represents the fifth generation of the Esbenshade lineage, and together she and her husband Dave continue the legacy built by the family’s beloved patriarch, Bob Esbenshade, who passed in 2020 at the age of 92. Bob’s passion for producing the “best-tasting turkey” and his commitment to customer care helped establish Esbenshade as a gold standard in poultry excellence, earning multiple Grand Champion awards at the Pennsylvania State Farm Show.Today, the Zerbes carry on that mission by raising their cage-free turkeys from day-old poults and hand dressing each one on the farm using time-tested, proprietary methods. Their turkeys—known for their exceptional tenderness and flavor—are always free of antibiotics and growth hormones and fed an all-natural vegetarian diet of corn and soybean. Customers routinely praise them as “the best turkey they’ve ever tasted,” returning year after year and passing the tradition down through generations.Esbenshade turkeys are available fresh during Thanksgiving and fresh or frozen year-round directly from the farm. Offerings include whole turkeys, turkey breasts, legs & thighs, wings, giblets, ground turkey, and their locally loved turkey pie.Join us as Dave and Barb share the rich history of this remarkable family farm, their dedication to responsible agriculture, and how they are keeping a 167-year-old legacy thriving in the modern world. Learn more:Esbenshade Turkey Farm – esbenshadeturkeyfarm.net Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting off with an extension of the Farm Bill, part of what President Trump signed into law to end the government shutdown. The bill extended the Farm Bill from 2018 for another year. The American Farm Bureau and the National Farmers Union are expressing hope that Congress will focus on policies and not politics. Next, the focus is on Thanksgiving with rising costs of turkeys, and raising questions if the bird flu has anything to do with increased prices. Then, Doug breaks down the COOL Bill — Country of Origin Labelling. It’s alarming that most consumers don’t know where their food, especially meat, is coming from. All the more reason for consumers to connect more with their local farmers to know from where their meet comes, how it’s raised, the processing semantics, and if any antibiotics or other chemicals are being used. Lastly, Farmer Doug opines a recent post from Trump to his Truth Social account about asking the Department of Justice to begin an investigation into the meat packing companies that are driving up the price of beef.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Today on the American Family Farmer, we’re proud to bring you a stand-alone feature interview with Dawn Broeder, founder of Farm Fusion Cooking Classes and a lifelong champion of Colorado agriculture.Dawn’s story begins on the family farm where she was raised—an environment that not only shaped her work ethic but also gave her a profound respect for the land and the animals in her care. As a young girl, she was responsible for feeding calves, tending their living areas, caring for the chickens, helping with milking, and assisting with daily horse care. She was part of cattle round-ups and participated in the necessary but tough work of maintaining a herd—de-horning, branding, castrating, and everything in between. These early experiences gave her an intimate understanding of what it means to steward animals, manage a farm, and sustain a family through agriculture.While Dawn’s roots were in ranch life, she also discovered a deep love for cooking. That passion eventually led her to pursue formal training at Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Boulder, where she earned her culinary certificate and expanded her skillset beyond the ranch kitchen.But like many who grow up connected to the land, Dawn felt the pull to return home. Today, she and her husband have blended their worlds—agriculture and culinary arts—into a truly unique operation: a barn-based teaching kitchen where they host immersive, hands-on cooking classes. Farm Fusion allows guests to experience food at its source, learn how ingredients are grown and raised, and develop the confidence to cook real, wholesome meals. From harvesting ingredients to preparing delicious dishes, students gain a genuine farm-to-table experience rooted in connection, education, and respect for where food comes from.In this conversation, Dawn shares her journey from childhood chores to culinary school to becoming a farm-to-table educator. She explains how Farm Fusion is helping people reconnect with agriculture at a time when many feel disconnected from the origins of their food. And she offers insight into the joy, challenges, and deep fulfillment that come with building a teaching kitchen on a working ranch.Whether you’re a farmer, a foodie, or someone who simply appreciates a great back-to-the-land story, Dawn’s passion shines through. Her work is a reminder that cooking isn’t just a skill—it’s a bridge between the earth, the farmer, and the family table.Learn more about Dawn’s classes and story at farmfusion.org. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting off with the question if the ongoing bird flu will cause any troubles for Thanksgiving dinners across the country. On the topic of the choice of poultry for Thanksgiving, states with the highest rate of turkey production are Minnesota (#1) and North Carolina (#2), there’s also a big export business for turkeys which is bringing in billions of dollars to the states’ economy. Doug also opines on the importance of farmers, and everything they do. Farmers know how to drive tracts and plant seed, they know how to raise cattle and dairy herds, etc.,  but what else? Farmers are also carpenters, mechanics, veterinarians, sales managers, marketing managers, and so on. If you’re a farmer you are resilient, you’re intelligent, you’re adaptive, you’re creative, and you own that right to be proud of being a farmer.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting off with the latest from the Trump Administration’s promise of a a bailout for farmers, and now time is running out.  Crop prices continue to fall below the cost of production. Perhaps that doesn’t hold true for corn, but other crops, especially dairy.  In addition, the FSA offices reopened after 3.5 weeks without any money, during harvest season when farmers needed those funds the most. Next up, a focus on the tariffs, tariff revenue, and those employed by the Department of Agriculture performing their jobs without paychecks. Lastly, Doug opines how we’re devouring farmland in our country and why we are doing so, without a comprehensive balanced strategy to take care of data centers or solar properties. As Doug is in the process of adding solar farming to his operations, he’s finding the whole ordeal to be a monopoly and a mess.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

This week on The American Family Farmer, we’re going beyond the “thank you” to explore what real, lasting support for America’s veterans looks like.Host Doug Stephan welcomes Ken Fisher, Chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation, an organization that’s been a lifeline for military families for over three decades. Fisher House provides free “homes away from home” for the loved ones of service members and veterans receiving medical care—ensuring that no one faces hardship or healing alone.With sobering statistics showing that nearly 6,400 veterans died by suicide in 2022, and more than 30,000 service members lost to suicide since 9/11, Ken shares why supporting our nation’s heroes can’t stop at one day of recognition each November. He discusses the ongoing mental, emotional, and financial challenges faced by military families and offers simple, meaningful ways that individuals, communities, and employers can make a difference every day of the year.Tune in to hear how Fisher House Foundation continues to honor the sacrifice of service through action, compassion, and community—and how you can be part of that mission.Learn more or get involved at www.fisherhouse.orgWebsite: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

This week, Doug Stephan welcomes Warren Shaw, President of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF). The gentlemen cover a wide range of topics affecting family farmers in our country and the immediate economic problems. Warren, who is a farmer with his own Shaw Farm, discusses on his own farm hardships when the roof collapsed due to a snow storm, losing multiple cattle, shares how he’s rebuilding and moving forward with his farming operations.Other conversation lands on the political climate and what it means for farmers, what American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall is doing to help family farmers, and more about the MFBF. For over a century, MFBF has been the Voice of Agriculture in Massachusetts, giving farmers a direct say in the policies and priorities that affect their land, their livelihoods, and the future of American farming. Warren shares how this grassroots, democratic model continues to empower farmers, influence legislation, and strengthen connections between local producers and their communities.From shaping agricultural policy to preserving family farms in a changing economy, this conversation shines a light on how farmers leading farmers remains the foundation of progress in U.S. agriculture — just as it was when the Farm Bureau movement began in 1911. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting off with good news that the Farm Tax changes have restored the full bonus depreciation, you can now deduct without spreading it out over a number of years.Next up, the continued focus on the Monsanto Policy, why the price of farm-produced products are going up while farmers aren’t making any money from it, and the legalities of seed companies. Cattle news includes beef semen use on dairy farms for crossbreed calves, which has become a popular practice driven by economic benefits.Then, Doug opines on the situation with the dairy industry, the cattle industry, and what it means to be a farmer in America at this time in history.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

This week, Doug Stephan welcomes Peter Durand, Chief Farm Officer of Snickers Run Garlic Farm in Bluemont, Virginia — a 63-acre gem nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains.Peter shares how this small but mighty farm grows some of the most flavorful hard-neck garlic in the region using sustainable, soil-first methods and a lot of love. From their signature “Bluemont Music” variety to German Extra Hardy and Chesnok Red, each bulb is hand-planted, nurtured, and harvested with care.At Snickers Run Farm, the philosophy is simple: healthy soil makes healthy plants — and happy cows help make both. Meet their beloved rescue cows — Garbanzo, Basil Hayden, Apple, Fig Newton, Hummus, and Tofu — who provide the natural fertilizer that keeps the garlic thriving.Doug and Peter talk about:• The secret to truly flavorful, nutrient-rich garlic 🌱• How sustainable farming and animal care go hand-in-hand 🐄• Why small family farms matter more than ever in today’s food system Plus, Peter shares tips for home gardeners on how to plant, grow, and harvest your own garlic this fall! Visit snickersrunfarm.com to learn more or order directly from the farm.Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

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 the government shutdown with Secretary of Ag Brooke Rollins stating the Us Dept. of Ag would not be able to help farmers who are suffering from low commodity prices as long as the government is shut down.Next, what’s going on with the screwworm, and how dire is the situation. There could be a new drug approval for injectables for cattle to prevent and treat screwworm infections. Next up, big ag lenders have started using AI and data analytics to better asses risks, raising concerns in transparency and decision making.Lastly, Doug talks about death on the farm. The idea that farming is dangerous is true, but farming is not deadly. It’s important to have safety measures in place, as well as use common sense. What about gasses in the grain bin, silo or manure pit. Thinking about it is the first step, but after you think about it…what do you do. How do you keep yourself, your family, your farm staff safe?  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

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 the federal government shut down creating disruption for farmers everywhere as the USDA service centers are closed, risk management and conservation programs are shut off, and farmers and their dependance on various resources have none, but the food keeps moving into our communities.Moving on, October is co-op month, celebrating that which brings us together and helps our businesses. Circling back to the government, the President has considered sending $10 billion into the industry because of the tariff problem.Lastly, Doug opines on the sizes of family-owned farms, and why so many family farmers have a primary job of working their farm even thought the primary income comes from jobs away from the farm. Financial sustainability isn’t there as much as it was for generations that came before us.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

This week on the American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan sits down with Dave and Amy Hartshorn, the powerhouse duo behind Hartshorn Farm, a certified organic farm nestled in Waitsfield, Vermont. For over three decades, Dave and Amy have been cultivating not only some of the state’s finest organic produce and maple syrup, but also a thriving community around sustainability, education, and mindful living.Dave shares his inspiring journey from his family’s dairy and maple sugaring roots to becoming the first certified organic farmer in the Mad River Valley—a pioneer who believes deeply in giving back to the land. Amy, a longtime green living advocate and educator, adds her perspective on how the farm’s mission extends beyond food, touching on wellness, detoxing our homes and lives, and reconnecting with nature.Together, they’ve built a vibrant destination where visitors can enjoy farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and handmade Vermont specialties, all while learning about regenerative agriculture and holistic living. From their open-air farm stand and pick-your-own berries to innovative products like freeze-dried cherry tomatoes and maple sriracha sauce, Hartshorn Farm is redefining what it means to farm with heart and purpose.Tune in to hear how this couple’s shared vision—rooted in authenticity, environmental stewardship, and community connection—is sowing the seeds for a more sustainable future. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks