Best Locavore Podcasts (2026)

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Tax Help for Farmers 19:44

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6d ago19:44

19:44

American Family Farmer with Doug Stephan welcomes Kevin Channell, principal owner of Farm & Forest Business & Tax Services, for an insightful conversation about the financial realities facing today’s farmers, foresters, and rural business owners. Kevin brings a rare dual perspective to his work—combining firsthand farming experience with deep exper…

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A Focus on COOL 18:35

6d ago18:35

18:35

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with a focus of the COOL (Country of Origin Labelling) standards. Plus, the American Agriculture Alliance released and updated version of the impact report, highlighting progress made to enhance animal welfare practices, re…

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Heritage Farms: Five Generations of Family Farming in Ohio 19:12

13d ago19:12

19:12

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,…

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Where's the Money? 18:43

13d ago18:43

18:43

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 be…

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American Family Farmers Are Caught in the Middle of the Political Battle 20:10

20d ago20:10

20:10

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 ag…

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From 4-H Project to Pudding Empire: How Two Sisters Saved Their Family Dairy 22:11

21d ago22:11

22:11

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 c…

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Go With the Flow With Otter Yoga 20:20

26d ago20:20

20:20

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 peac…

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Is Your Farm Prepared for A Weather Emergency? 19:21

27d ago19:21

19:21

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…

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Growing With Intention: The Natural Nook Farm Journey 19:21

1M ago19:21

19:21

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 simp…

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The Price of Thanksgiving 19:18

1M ago19:18

19:18

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 …

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America's Oldest Operating Turkey Farm 19:24

1M ago19:24

19:24

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…

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What Is the COOL Bill? 18:13

1M ago18:13

18:13

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 Farm…

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Farm to Table: A Culinary Discussion with Dawn Broeder 20:21

2M ago20:21

20:21

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 f…

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What Does the Bird Flu Mean For Thanksgiving? 18:18

2M ago18:18

18:18

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 ar…

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Is a Bailout Coming For Farmers? 18:59

2M ago18:59

18:59

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 ot…

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After the Uniform: Why Supporting Veterans Must Go Beyond Veterans Day 19:48

2M ago19:48

19:48

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 “home…

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Grassroots Empowers Farmers: A Conversation with Warren Shaw, President of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation 20:12

2M ago20:12

20:12

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 …

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The Legalities of Seed Companies 18:01

2M ago18:01

18:01

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 …

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Garlic Farming In the Blue Ridge Mountains 19:52

3M ago19:52

19:52

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…

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Death and Farming 19:22

3M ago19:22

19:22

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 commodi…

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Financial Sustainability of Family Farms 19:00

3M ago19:00

19:00

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 progra…

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Sustainable, Organic, and Thriving 20:28

3M ago20:28

20:28

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 commu…

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The Problem With Raw Milk Isn't the Raw Milk 18:58

3M ago18:58

18:58

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…

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Welcome to Pumpkin Season 19:58

3M ago19:58

19:58

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-pi…

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Turning A Farm Organic 18:59

3M ago18:59

18:59

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 alo…

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The Autumn Harvest 16:35

3M ago16:35

16:35

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…

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Guardians Farm: A Veteran-Owned Dairy With Heart 19:21

3M ago19:21

19:21

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 o…

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Growing Up On the Farm 18:08

3M ago18:08

18:08

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…

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Need Help With Your Organic Garden? 19:07

4M ago19:07

19:07

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 Re…

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Protecting the Food Supply 18:12

4M ago18:12

18:12

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 suppl…

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You Say Potato, I Say Potato 18:34

4M ago18:34

18:34

This week, Doug Stephan (EastleighFarm.com) welcomes Andrew Mickelson, sixth-generation Idaho farmer and Chief Technology Officer at Mickelsen Farms (MickelsenFarms.com), one of the region’s largest potato producers. The Mickelsen family has been growing potatoes and grains for generations, building a legacy rooted in hard work, innovation, and com…

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Wolves Don't Like AC/DC 17:56

4M ago17:56

17:56

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 story from Florida and how farmers are plowing over perfectly good tomatoes as the tariff policies are costing prices to go down. The latest on how the I…

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Women Inspiring Women 20:06

4M ago20:06

20:06

On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) welcomes Svitlana “Lana” Synkovska, Portfolio Director of Women in Agribusiness (WIA): http://womeninag.com. They discuss: 👩‍🌾 How Women in Agribusiness is empowering women across the agriculture and food sectors 🌍 The growth of the WIA community — from 200 attende…

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Screw the Screwworm 17:54

4M ago17:54

17:54

On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) shares why he created the program and why supporting family farms matters more than ever. He covers: 🏡 Brooke Rollins’ plans for rural development funds and how they’ll impact farmers 📜 The “Big Beautiful Bill” and key highlights that affect agriculture 🌽 Rising co…

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Farm Aid at 40: Supporting Family Farmers with Jennifer Fahy 17:34

4M ago17:34

17:34

For 40 years, Farm Aid has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with family farmers, ensuring they can stay on their land and thrive despite corporate pressures, bad policies, and climate challenges. In this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan welcomes Jennifer Fahy, Co-Executive Director and longtime Communications Director of Farm Aid. Jen…

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The Challenges and Changes Facing Today’s Family Farmers 17:59

4M ago17:59

17:59

In this episode of American Family Farmer, host and farmer Doug Stephan of Eastleigh Farm shares why he created this program — to give voice to the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of America’s family farmers. Doug dives into the latest news shaping agriculture, including: 🌱 The One Big Beautiful Bill, with key estate planning and tax changes 🌱 …

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Seeds of Change: Building a Diverse and Resilient Organic Future with Jared Zystro 19:27

5M ago19:27

19:27

This week on American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan (EastleighFarm.com) welcomes Jared Zystro, Research & Education Director of the Organic Seed Alliance (OSA). For more than two decades, OSA has worked to put the power of seed back into the hands of growers through research, education, advocacy, and community-building. Jared shares how OSA is c…

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Farm Bill 2.0, Land Security, and the Time Management Key to Farming Success 18:16

5M ago18:16

18:16

This week on American Family Farmer, host and farmer Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) shares the latest news impacting small farmers across the U.S. Doug breaks down the “Big Beautiful Bill,” being called Farm Bill 2.0, which includes: Higher statutory references for all commodity program crops 🌾 Increased agricultural spending 💵 More affordabl…

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Farm-to-Table Meets Tech: How Barn2Door Helps Farmers Thrive 19:46

5M ago19:46

19:46

This week, Doug Stephan talks with Janelle Maiocco, Founder and CEO of Barn2Door (Barn2Door.com) — the all-in-one software platform helping independent farmers sell directly to local customers. From streamlining online and in-person sales to simplifying marketing and farm management, Barn2Door empowers farmers to keep more profit, save time, and co…

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Farm Policy, USDA Changes & Ice Cream’s Heart Health Twist 18:20

5M ago18:20

18:20

Doug Stephan — veteran broadcaster and proud dairy farmer (EastleighFarm.com) — breaks down the week’s top stories impacting family farms across the country. This week: Why the term “crisis” may be overused in U.S. agriculture. The USDA’s reorganization plan and what it means for farmers. How the Big Beautiful Bill could affect depreciation and cap…

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Labor, Legislation & Livestock: Doug Stephan on the Real State of U.S. Farming 18:08

5M ago18:08

18:08

This week, Doug tackles a mix of hot-button issues impacting family farmers across the U.S., offering insight only a hands-on farmer can provide. 🧠 Episode Highlights: 🚜 The “Immigration Highway” Crisis Doug unpacks the growing confusion and legal challenges facing agricultural employers navigating immigration. He shares the tragic story of a multi…

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Saving Organic Dairy: Grassroots Advocacy with Ed Maltby of NODPA 18:30

5M ago18:30

18:30

Guest: Ed Maltby, Executive Director Organization: Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance (NODPA) 📍 Deerfield, MA Topic: 🐄 Organic Dairy & Advocacy in Washington, DC This week, host Doug Stephan welcomes Ed Maltby, Executive Director of NODPA — the largest grassroots organization representing organic dairy producers in the Northeast. With over …

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Cows, Corn, and Controversy: Updates from the Family Farm 18:17

5M ago18:17

18:17

On this week’s American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan takes on some of the week’s biggest agricultural stories. He begins with Brooke Rollins' surprising success at the USDA despite her lack of ag experience, especially in supporting disaster-hit farmers. Doug also dives into new findings on the dangers of ultra-processed foods vs. traditional whole …

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From Tractor Barn to Memory Care: Tyler Hawk’s Roots in Farming 18:57

5M ago18:57

18:57

This week on The American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan welcomes Tyler Hawk of Hawk Farms in Kansas, Ohio. Though Tyler now lives in California, he still travels home to work the family’s 230-acre soybean and corn farm. Tyler shares the story of a beloved family heirloom — a 1947 Farmall M tractor restored after sitting in pieces during his childhood…

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Protecting Farm Animals from Summer Heat with Pet Behaviorist Warren Eckstein 19:09

5M ago19:09

19:09

This week on The American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan welcomes Warren Eckstein, Pet Behaviorst and Host of The Pet Show. The discussion starts off dispelling the false concept that animals don’t share many of the emotions humans have, but also the beautiful friendship and comradely we have with our animal friends and animal family members. Whe…

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New Federal Policies, Farm Security & Fresh Tomato Tariffs — What It Means for America's Farmers 17:08

6M ago17:08

17:08

On this week’s episode of The American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan (EastleighFarm.com) unpacks the latest developments from Washington and beyond that are shaping the future of America’s small farms. Policy Watch: Doug covers updates from the new "Big Beautiful Bill" — including key tax policies and increased federal spending aimed at supporti…

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This Is the Most Trustworthy Source for Truly Clean Food 18:11

6M ago18:11

18:11

This week on The American Family Farmer, host and lifelong farmer Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) shares critical updates impacting small farms across the country. Doug opens the show with a look at the ongoing immigration enforcement issues that are threatening family farms. The American Farm Bureau Federation has expressed serious concern ov…

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Empowering Organic Farmers: A Conversation with Julia Barton of the Organic Farmers Association 19:09

6M ago19:09

19:09

This week on The American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan welcomes Julia Barton, Farmer Services Director at the Organic Farmers Association (OFA), for an in-depth look at how OFA is advocating for a healthier, more equitable future for American agriculture.Julia brings over a decade of hands-on experience supporting organic, transitional, and sus…

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Smart Tax Moves Every Farmer Should Know with Tim Gradert 18:53

6M ago18:53

18:53

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com introduces us to Tim Gradert, Senior Tax Manager with Uncommon Farms. In this episode, Doug and Tim explore the often-overlooked power of smart tax planning in agriculture. From proactive strategies that boost profitability to overcoming unique hurdles family farmers face during ta…

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Farmers vs. Screwworms, SNAP Cuts & the Microplastic Problem 17:06

6M ago17:06

17:06

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the news affecting small farmers in America, including a focus on President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” and how it will affect farmers. What should farmers know about his bill? Major cuts to the SNAP program, stricter qualifications for recipients, and passing costs off to…