American Family Farmer

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

This week on The American Family Farmer, we’re taking you to Ottawa Lake, Michigan, where family tradition and community spirit come alive at Gust Brother’s Pumpkin Farm. Owner and farmer Nate Gust joins us to share the story of how his family’s 1/4-acre pumpkin patch has grown into a beloved fall destination in the greater Toledo area.From you-pick pumpkin patches and colorful mums to hayrides, corn mazes, and a barn full of farm animals, Gust Brother’s offers a hands-on farm experience for families looking to connect with agriculture in a fun and memorable way. Nate also talks about the farm’s history, the importance of agritourism, and how his family continues to balance tradition with growth while keeping their mission rooted in community.Whether you’re drawn in by fresh cider and donuts, fall decorations, or a wholesome day on the farm, this episode is a reminder of how farms like Gust Brother’s bring people together while sustaining local agriculture.Learn more at gustbrothers.com 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 a new program that would support wood-processing facilities, providing funding for the new Timber Production Expansion Program.This is a loan program that would support the utilization of wood-products from the national forrest system — forrest health needs to be improved, reducing the risk posted by wild fires, insects and disease as well as the ash tree being destroyed by an invasive bug from China.Next up, new programs for Masters degrees in AI and how artificial intelligence can be used in agriculture to fill in on labor shortages, and data protection discussions as the fact that modern tractor/combine starts up, it’s GPS begins mapping and data begins flowing but where is that data going and why is a common question.Moving on, Doug pivots to a discussion on dairy farms, but more so the milk itself and the focus on quality and misconception of raw milk being dangerous when it’s the why it’s produced over the milk itself. Raw milk isn’t illegal for purchase everywhere because, when done properly and in a clean/sterilized environment, the health benefits are far more than what you find in grocery stores across the nation, but also the importance in knowing from where your milk comes — just like your eggs, produce and meats.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Doug welcomes Julia Barton, a passionate organic grower and the driving force behind Octagon Acres and Northridge Blueberries & Chestnuts in Conneaut, Ohio. Julia and her family raise heritage Soay and American Jacob sheep, grow certified-organic vegetables and seedlings, and invite visitors to experience pick-your-own blueberries and chestnuts along the beautiful Lake Erie shoreline.Beyond her own farms, Julia is the Farmer Services Director at the Organic Farmers Association, where she champions policies that strengthen and support certified organic producers nationwide. With a background in environmental science and rural sociology, Julia brings a unique perspective on sustainable food systems and the challenges—and rewards—of organic farming.Tune in as Doug and Julia talk about transitioning farms to organic certification, the joys of heritage breeds, and how local food systems can thrive when farmers and communities work together. Visit Northridge Blueberries to learn more. 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 news that farmers and the Autumn harvest are worried about low crop prices, the trade wars and what tariffs are doing to their livelihood. It’s lead to a lot of farm-state law makers are putting pressure on President Trump to offer economic aide for farmers by the end of the year. Then, Doug breaks down challenges for the pork industry, the American market, and the need to align with the entire value chain along with packers. Lastly, Doug shares the story of 6 workers on a dairy farm being killed from cow manure. Here’s the thing, that’s not what actually happened. Doug uses this story to point out the danger of people only looking at a headline and not reading a full article. Doug breaks down the facts of the story and why not all news sources are reputable.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Step onto Connecticut’s only veteran-owned dairy farm, where every drop of milk is lightly processed, vat-pasteurized, and bottled right on the property. Guardians Farm in scenic Southbury is the passion project of David Buck, a retired U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Enforcement Specialist and former K9 officer, and his wife Tamra French, an active K9 officer. Together, they’re first-generation dairy farmers on a mission to produce clean, nutrient-rich milk while caring for the land through regenerative practices.Meet their beloved herd—Holsteins, Jerseys, and Brown Swiss—and learn how each breed contributes its own rich flavor and butterfat magic. From calf cuddles and goat snuggles to a welcoming farm stand stocked with minimally processed dairy, every visit lets you see (and taste!) where your milk comes from.Discover how David and Tamra nurture future generations of cows with group-raised calves, selective genetics, and zero-chemical fields. Whether you’re savoring their fresh milk, booking a weekend cuddle session, or simply curious about sustainable farming, Guardians Farm offers an unforgettable, hands-on experience.📍 Visit: Saturdays & Sundays 11 AM–3 PM, Wednesdays 3–6 PM🌐 Order online: GuardiansFarmDairy.com | Pickup & delivery 7 days a week📞 Call: (203) 906-6372 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 news of prices for dairy going down, while production has surged, and cheese exports are on the rise.Then, Doug goes over the numbers of who owns what farms — family farms comprise 95% of all U.S. farms.Shifting focus, Doug opines on people who grew up on the farm, but moved away, and wish they could go back to being on the farm. This also points at how many family farmers have secondary jobs to help keep things afloat, and the disgusting reality that a majority of people, especially of new farmers, can’t make a living solely working on and running their farm. This brings back a common question, “Is farming really worth it?” Doug references his conversation with David Buck of Guardians Dairy, an insightful conversation which you can hear HERE.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Meet Grant Guidroz, one half of the husband-and-wife team behind FullnessFarm.com, a thriving organic farm in the heart of Baton Rouge. Since 2015, they’ve been on a mission to grow nutrient-dense vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers—without synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides—and share the harvest through their popular CSA and the Red Stick Farmers Market. In this episode of American Family Farmer, you’ll hear how the Guidroz family built Fullness Farm from the ground up, why soil health matters for both flavor and nutrition, and how they help neighbors turn backyards into productive organic gardens. From custom garden design to hands-on consultations, Grant and Allison, his wife, show that anyone can cultivate fresh, seasonal food right outside their door while keeping every food dollar local.Tune in to learn how community-supported agriculture works, discover tips for starting your own organic garden, and get inspired by a family whose passion for sustainable farming is bringing true “fullness” to Baton Rouge and beyond. 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 news the USDA will no longer use tax payer dollars to fund solar panels on productive farm land, the need to support farmers and protect the food supply, and the latest updates on the Big Beautiful Bill and how it will affect American family farmers. Next up, to address rising land costs, the USDA is going to reform the FSA and the rural loan programs to better access credit. Lastly, Doug shares a postcard he recently received to his farm from an anonymous sender — using name calling tactics and false accusations against Doug’s political stance. Doug breaks the whole message down and openly addresses each of the sender’s points.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks