American Family Farmer

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.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

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.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

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.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) is joined by Jonathan White of Bobalink Farm to discuss how thoughtful management and innovative programs are shaping the future of dairy farming.Jonathan explains the importance of winter feeding strategies, rotational grazing, and preserving hardy heritage cattle breeds that thrive in pasture-based systems. Jonathan also shares how the farm has become a place of opportunity by supporting individuals with autism through meaningful agricultural work and highlights the nation's first U.S. Department of Labor-approved Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Program. It's a conversation about sustainability, stewardship, and building resilient farms and communities.Key Takeaways:Strategic winter feeding helps improve herd health, calving success, and overall farm productivity.Heritage breeds such as Kerry and Jersey cattle offer hardiness, efficiency, and valuable genetics for pasture-based farms.Farms can provide meaningful employment, life skills, and community for individuals with autism and other developmental differences.The Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Program is helping prepare the next generation of skilled dairy farmers through hands-on education.Selecting cattle for longevity, resilience, and grazing ability can reduce costs and strengthen the long-term sustainability of dairy operations.For more on the American Family Farmer…Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Bees may be small, but their impact on agriculture is enormous. This week on *American Family Farmer*, host Doug Stephan (EastleighFarm.com) welcomes Mark Spencer, owner of Spencer Apiaries (SpencerApiaries.com) , for an in-depth conversation about the essential role honeybees play in food production and the challenges they face in today's changing environment.Mark explains the seasonal life of a bee colony, how weather influences bee activity, and why pollinators are critical to the success of farms and gardens alike. The discussion also explores some of the biggest threats to hive health, including pesticides, habitat loss, and the destructive varroa mite, along with the management practices beekeepers use to maintain strong, productive colonies.From sustainable beekeeping and conservation efforts to the economic importance of bees and the products they provide, this episode offers an insightful look into an industry that supports much of the world's food supply. Whether you're a farmer, gardener, or simply curious about the remarkable work of honeybees, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for these indispensable pollinators and the people dedicated to protecting them. For more on the American Family Farmer…Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks

On this episode of *American Family Farmer*, host Doug Stephan provides an update on several of the most significant issues currently impacting agriculture, from government funding initiatives and livestock health concerns to renewable energy and the changing structure of the farming industry. Doug begins by discussing new USDA programs, including funding designed to support beef processors and strengthen the nation's agricultural infrastructure, while examining how these initiatives may affect family farmers and rural communities.The episode also explores the ongoing threat posed by the screw worm, highlighting outbreaks in Mexico, current eradication efforts, and the importance of preventing the destructive livestock pest from spreading into the United States. Doug explains why continued monitoring and coordinated response efforts remain essential to protecting animal agriculture and minimizing economic losses. Listeners will also hear about innovative land-use strategies that combine solar energy production with agriculture, including the integration of solar arrays with pastureland and forage crop production. Doug discusses how these dual-use systems can provide additional income opportunities while allowing farmland to remain productive. The conversation also examines the realities of relying on federal grants and government funding, noting that while assistance programs can provide valuable support, funding priorities and awards can change unexpectedly, creating uncertainty for agricultural businesses.The episode concludes with a discussion about increasing consolidation throughout the agricultural industry and its impact on family farmers. Doug explains how fewer companies controlling larger segments of the marketplace can influence competition, input costs, pricing, and long-term opportunities for independent producers.Key takeaways from the episode include the announcement of new USDA funding programs intended to support beef processors, the continued concern surrounding screw worm outbreaks and the importance of ongoing eradication efforts, and the growing potential for integrating solar energy with productive agricultural land. Doug also emphasizes that while federal grants can provide meaningful assistance, they are not guaranteed and can change with shifting priorities. Finally, he discusses how continued consolidation within agriculture may reduce competition, contribute to higher costs, and create additional challenges for family farmers striving to remain competitive in today's marketplace. For more on the American Family Farmer…Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.comSocial Media: @GoodDayNetworks