American Family Farmer

Hosted by Doug Stephan

Management Education

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Episodes

535

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

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

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60 recent

June 10, 202620 min

From Medical Sales to Lavender Fields: The Brittingham Farm Story

On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) welcomes Laura Brittingham of Brittingham Farms in Delaware for a conversation about the evolving realities of modern farming and the importance of preserving family agricultural traditions. Laura shares her unique path from a career in medical device sales to helping lead her family's fourth-generation farm, offering insight into the rewards and challenges of returning to agriculture.The discussion explores the growing pressures of urban expansion in Delaware and how rising development has affected farmland valuation and the future of family-owned farms. Laura also discusses the farm’s successful diversification efforts, including the addition of lavender production and agritourism experiences that help create new revenue streams while connecting the public with agriculture.Throughout the episode, Laura reflects on the vital role family and community play in sustaining agricultural operations across generations. She shares the challenges faced by long-standing farm families as they balance tradition, economic realities, and changing consumer interests while working to preserve their land and agricultural heritage. This inspiring conversation highlights the resilience, adaptability, and community spirit that continue to define American farming. For more on the American Family Farmer…Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

June 10, 202618 min

Combating Bird Flu and Ticks: New Strategies for Farmers

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 several important developments shaping the future of agriculture, from legislative updates to emerging threats facing farmers and livestock producers. The discussion begins with an overview of the latest Farm Bill developments and the legislative process, examining how policy decisions in Washington can influence food production, farm profitability, and the long-term sustainability of American agriculture.Doug also highlights growing concerns surrounding agricultural threats, including the spread of bird flu strains such as H9N2 and the continued expansion of the Asian Longhorn tick, both of which pose challenges for animal health and farm operations. The episode explores innovative approaches to pest management, including efforts to control agricultural pests through techniques such as sterilizing flies and managing destructive mite populations.In addition, the conversation emphasizes the importance of soil health and regenerative farming practices as key components of sustainable food production and environmental stewardship. Doug also examines the ongoing discussion around weight-loss solutions, comparing natural supplement-based approaches with pharmaceutical options and their broader health implications. Throughout the program, listeners gain valuable insight into how farm policies, biosecurity concerns, agricultural innovation, and health trends intersect to influence food security, farmer resilience, and the future of American farming.For more on the American Family Farmer…Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

June 3, 202620 min

From Butterflies to Cows: Helen Raleigh's Regenerative Farming Journey

On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) welcomes Helen Raleigh of Story Hill Farm in Delaware to discuss her remarkable journey from pollinator conservation advocate to regenerative farmer and heritage cattle breeder.Helen shares how her passion for protecting pollinators led her to embrace farming practices that prioritize biodiversity, soil health, and environmental stewardship. She explains the challenges posed by pollinator decline and the importance of creating healthy ecosystems that support bees, butterflies, and other essential species.The conversation also explores the role of heritage breed cattle in preserving genetic diversity and building resilient livestock populations.Helen discusses how rotational grazing and regenerative agriculture practices improve pasture health, strengthen ecosystems, and contribute to more sustainable food production. In addition, she shares insights into her unique salt-farming operation on Delaware’s coastal land and how it complements her broader commitment to responsible land management. Throughout the episode, Helen highlights the importance of thoughtful stewardship, biodiversity, and innovative farming practices that help ensure the long-term health and productivity of the land for future generations. For more on the American Family Farmer…Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

June 3, 202618 min

The Hidden Struggles of Small Farmers: Land, Economics, and Health

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 how the USDA food dollar is distributed and what that means for farmers working to earn a fair share of the consumer food dollar. Doug also discusses recent farmer sentiment and the economic outlook across rural America, highlighting the pressures many producers face amid changing markets and rising costs.The episode takes a closer look at increasing farmland values and the growing scarcity of available agricultural land, factors that continue to impact both established farmers and the next generation looking to enter the industry. Doug also addresses the critical issue of farmer mental health, emphasizing the importance of support systems and resources for those navigating the unique stresses of agricultural life. Rounding out the discussion is a look at nutrient-dense foods and evolving dietary trends, exploring how consumer preferences are influencing farming practices and food production. Through expert insights, innovative ideas, and inspiring stories from across the countryside, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on the future of American agriculture.For more on the American Family Farmer…Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

May 30, 202618 min

How Import Policies and Invasive Species Impact Farmers

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) shares the biggest news affecting smaller family farmers. First up, Doug explores several of the pressing issues impacting today’s agricultural community. The conversation examines how current beef import policies are affecting American cattle producers and the challenges farmers face when competing in a global marketplace.Doug also discusses the growing threat of invasive species, highlighting their impact on soil health, pasture quality, and livestock operations. In addition, the episode shines a light on the mental health challenges facing farmers and ranchers, emphasizing the importance of awareness, support networks, and available resources. Listeners will also learn about regulations surrounding drone use in agriculture and how this technology continues to shape modern farming practices.Finally, the program shares stories of farm preservation, exploring the value of protecting agricultural land and the factors influencing farmland values across the country. Together, these topics provide an informative look at the opportunities and challenges facing America’s farming families today.For more on the American Family Farmer…Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

May 30, 202620 min

Cheers To the Animals

Doug introduces us to Talkers Magazine Publisher, Michael Harrison. www.talkers.com Michael is the person who encouraged Doug to start The American Family Farmer radio program and podcast. He is a fan of Family Farms, farm animals and is also associated with the rock band Gunhill Road. www.gunhillroadmusic.com Michael was invited to write and record a spoken tribute to animal life, for their latest album called: "I Know Your Are Real." www.iknowyouarereal.com It's dedicated to those who love and respect animals and believe they are real. For more on the American Family Farmer…Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

May 20, 202620 min

Fertilizer Prices Adding to Farmer Stress: A Discussion with Bridge Michigan's Ron French

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) welcomes Michigan journalist Ron French of Bridge Michigan about two deeply important stories impacting farm families across the Midwest and beyond.First, Doug and Ron discuss the growing financial crisis facing farmers as skyrocketing diesel fuel and fertilizer prices squeeze already-thin margins. Drawing from Ron’s reporting, they examine how global conflict and supply chain disruptions are driving up production costs while crop prices remain flat, leaving many farmers “losing money on every acre.” The conversation highlights the difficult choices growers are making this planting season, the emotional and financial toll on farm families, and fears that another wave of family farms could disappear under mounting economic pressure.Doug and Ron also explore Ron’s powerful reporting on the mental health crisis in agriculture, including the alarming rate of suicide among farmers in Michigan. They discuss the stress of weather uncertainty, debt, declining profits, and the overwhelming pressure many feel to preserve multi-generational family farms. The episode also examines the recent loss of state funding for Michigan’s farmer mental health counseling program and what that means for struggling farmers who relied on those services.Shining a light on the resilience, optimism, and quiet struggles of America’s farming communities, Doug and Ron share why supporting farmers means understanding both the economic and emotional realities they face every day.You can read more articles from Ron French on BridgeMI.comFor more on the American Family Farmer…Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

May 20, 202618 min

The People Want Raw Milk

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) shares the biggest news affecting smaller family farmers, starting with the U.S. House of Representatives passing the sprawling Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (AKA The Farm Bill) by a bipartisan vote of 224–200. The multi-billion dollar, 5-year legislative package sets farm, conservation, and nutrition policies, but now faces a difficult path in the Senate.In other news, California farmers are being forced to destroy roughly 420,000 clingstone peach trees after Del Monte Foods filed for bankruptcy and permanently closed its Central Valley canneries. The sudden closures left dozens of growers with no buyers for their fruit, prompting a $9 million federal relief package to assist with tree removal and crop transitioning.Shifting focus to raw milk, a rather polarizing conversation, lawmakers in at least 18 states are actively pushing to expand or legalize the sale of raw milk, driven by consumer demand and "freedom of choice" arguments. However, this push intensifies amid a wave of recent illness outbreaks that have sickened U.S. children, drawing stern warnings from health scientists. For many farmers selling raw milk, most of them can’t keep it in stock because people stand in line to buy it, even at its higher prices. This should be reason enough to allow the sale and stop hindering when consumers are wanting raw milk. Raw milk is risky if it’s not done properly, if there is a crap job of milking the cows, the cows aren’t clean and if the product isn’t clean, then yes it could come with risky germs. When raw milk is produced right, the risks are minimal and the health benefits are incredible. Then, Doug opines the food supply after seeing stats from food producers across the country with factors of less predictable weather patterns, labor challenges from deportations, cost of feed and fertilizer going way up because of the tariffs, and more. For more on the American Family Farmer…Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

May 13, 202620 min

Organic and Sustainable Farming with Jim Gerritsen of Wood Prairie Family Farm

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) welcomes Jim Gerritsen, founder of Wood Prairie Family Farm, for a conversation about organic farming, seed integrity, and the future of America’s small family farms.Founded in 1976 in northern Maine, Wood Prairie Family Farm has become nationally recognized for its certified organic seed potatoes and decades-long commitment to sustainable agriculture. Gerritsen shares how the family farm built a successful direct-to-consumer business while prioritizing soil health, crop rotation, and regenerative farming practices long before they became mainstream topics in agriculture.The discussion also explores the growing challenges facing independent farmers, including consolidation in agriculture, genetically engineered seed contamination, and the fight to preserve farmer independence and organic integrity. As president of the Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association, Gerritsen reflects on his advocacy work protecting family farms and why seed sovereignty remains critical to the future of food production.From organic innovation to environmental stewardship, this episode highlights the values, resilience, and long-term thinking that continue to define America’s family farms.You can learn more about Wood Prairie Farm on www.woodprairie.com. For more on the American Family Farmer…Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

May 13, 202618 min

Chemicals, Pesticides, and Mental Health

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) shares the biggest news affecting smaller family farmers, starting with the Farm Bill. The House is working on another draft Farm Bill, continuing with the hold up. Additionally, the U.S. House passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 8467) on April 30, 2026, with a 224-200 bipartisan vote, advancing a new five-year farm bill that strengthens crop insurance, raises commodity reference prices, and reauthorizes USDA programs through 2031. The bill now faces a difficult path in the Senate, where it needs 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. The Farm Bill also contains significant changes to SNAP (food assistance), which has been a major point of debate, with many questioning why this is even included on this bill at all. Moving along, a new study suggests people living in areas with heavy pesticide use face significantly higher risk of cancer. The research suggests that combinations of pesticides, even those considered safe individually, can act together to damage cells, suggesting environmental exposure is a major, previously underestimated factor in cancer rates. Regions with high agricultural activity, specifically the US Midwest, showed significantly higher cancer incidence, with some estimates suggesting risks comparable to or higher than smoking for certain cancers. The study found that "pesticide cocktails"—combinations of chemicals (like Glyphosate, Atrazine, and [Dicamba])—multiply cancer risk, rather than any single chemical acting alone. Even pesticides deemed "non-carcinogenic" individually by regulatory standards appear to contribute to cancer risk when combined in the environment. Researchers identified that these mixtures can disrupt liver cells—a primary detoxification organ—years before a cancer diagnosis. The study linked higher exposure to increased rates of leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and cancers of the bladder, colon, lung, and pancreas. In case you missed it, May is Mental Health Month. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Farm State of Mind campaign, supported by the Farm State of Mind Alliance formed in 2025, works to reduce mental health stigma and increase access to resources for farmers and ranchers. The initiative provides a national directory, free counseling, and training to support mental wellness in rural communities. Founded by AFBF, National Farmers Union, National 4-H Council, and Farm Foundation, the Alliance brings together trusted voices to make, “It’s okay not to be okay,” a standard in agricultural communities. The campaign utilizes initiatives like farm-focused mental health articles in magazines and on TV. The campaign emphasizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month to reach out to neighbors in the agricultural community.For more on the American Family Farmer…Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks