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American Family Farmer

American Family Farmer

Written by: Doug Stephan
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A weekly look at trends in Family Farming and Healthy Eating.Copyright Doug Stephan Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • From Homesteading to Entrepreneurship: Growing Five Oaks Farm

    From Homesteading to Entrepreneurship: Growing Five Oaks Farm
    Oct 29 2026
    On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) welcomes Jenni McCarty, co-founder and co-owner of Five Oaks Farm in Hazel Green, Alabama, to share her family's journey into homesteading, regenerative farming, and building a successful small business rooted in agriculture.

    Jenni discusses how she and her husband transitioned from life in Alaska to becoming first-generation farmers in Alabama, where they purchased 16 acres and began transforming previously farmed land into a productive homestead. She shares the challenges of rebuilding soil health, learning to grow crops successfully, and using a high tunnel to improve growing conditions for vegetables like tomatoes and peppers.

    The conversation also explores the family's goal of growing and preserving 80% of their own food, including raising cattle, sheep, poultry, and maintaining a productive garden. Jenni explains how producing their own food helped create greater self-sufficiency and reduced their dependence on grocery stores during periods of supply chain uncertainty.

    What began as a passion for sourdough baking eventually inspired an unexpected business opportunity. Jenni shares how she developed a beeswax-infused bread bag to help keep homemade bread fresh, turning a simple household solution into a growing business that now works with approximately 65 local women to produce handmade goods.

    Throughout the episode, Doug and Jenni highlight the opportunities that small acreage farming can provide, demonstrating how creativity, sustainable practices, and community involvement can transform a family homestead into a business that supports others while remaining connected to agriculture.

    For more on the American Family Farmer…
    Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
    Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
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    21 mins
  • Farm Labor Challenges, Immigration Enforcement and Preparing for an AI Future

    Farm Labor Challenges, Immigration Enforcement and Preparing for an AI Future
    Oct 29 2026
    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 examines the growing challenges facing American agriculture, from immigration enforcement and farm labor shortages to political accountability and emerging concerns about artificial intelligence.

    Doug discusses how immigration enforcement actions can disrupt agricultural operations, particularly dairy farms that depend on consistent staffing to maintain milking schedules, care for calves, and protect animal welfare. Drawing on his own farming experience, he explains the labor demands of running a dairy operation and how advancements in robotic milking technology are changing the industry's workforce needs.

    The conversation also highlights practical steps farmers can take to prepare for potential immigration enforcement visits, including understanding the differences between judicial and administrative warrants, establishing clear communication procedures, and maintaining accurate records. Doug emphasizes the importance of knowing legal rights, planning ahead, and seeking reliable guidance to protect farm operations and employees.

    Shifting to a lighter agricultural story, Doug shares news of a massive 3,156-pound pumpkin and reflects on his own experiences with competitive pumpkin growing. He also addresses political accountability before turning his attention to the growing influence of artificial intelligence and warnings about potential risks to businesses and society.

    Throughout the episode, Doug underscores the importance of preparedness, informed decision-making, and staying ahead of the challenges that continue to shape the future of American farming.

    For more on the American Family Farmer…
    Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
    Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
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    19 mins
  • Growing a Mushroom Business: Inside Primordia Mushroom Farm

    Growing a Mushroom Business: Inside Primordia Mushroom Farm
    Oct 21 2026
    On this episode of American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan welcomes Jesse Tobin and Matthew Sisher of Primordia Mushroom Farm for a look inside the fascinating world of indoor mushroom cultivation and the growing opportunities within this unique area of agriculture.

    Jesse and Matthew explain how controlled indoor growing environments allow for year-round mushroom production, offering farmers greater predictability and opportunities for profitability. They walk through the mushroom cultivation process, from inoculation and climate management to harvesting, while discussing the importance of facility design, energy efficiency, and the use of solar power in their operation.

    The conversation also explores the diversity of mushrooms grown at Primordia, the different markets they serve, and the story behind the farm's name, which refers to an early stage of mushroom development. As interest in specialty mushrooms continues to grow across the United States, Jesse and Matthew share their perspectives on the expanding market and the potential for mushrooms to become an increasingly important part of American agriculture.

    Throughout the episode, Doug and his guests highlight the blend of science, sustainability, and entrepreneurship that makes mushroom farming a distinctive and evolving agricultural business.

    For more on the American Family Farmer…
    Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com
    Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

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    21 mins
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