American Family Farmer

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with the declaration that this year is the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Shedding light on the essential contributions of women in farming and agri-business. Supporting the International Year of the Woman Farmer aligns with a commitment to advance opportunities for all farmers, ensuring that women in agriculture have resources, recognition and the support they need to succeed. Moving on, Doug shares updates on the infrastructure that goes on in new farming operations called Virtual Fencing. It’s a lot like the Invisible Fence people use for their dogs, but it’s become effective to reduce labor when moving animals between pastures with farmers creating boundaries of their choice.  Then, Doug shares his thoughts on evaluating an agri-tourism operation on your farm. With many farmers having more time on their hands during the winter months, it’s a good time to look back on the past year and think about what you want to change or try for an upcoming season.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

This week on American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan welcomes Heidi Sandrev, President of Angels Haven Horse Rescue in Grafton, Ohio, a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to rescuing abused, neglected, abandoned, and unwanted horses while educating the public on humane horse care. Heidi didn’t grow up around horses, but she was raised with a strong philanthropic spirit. When she recognized a critical need for a horse sanctuary in her community, she took action, and never looked back. Since 2006, Angels Haven Horse Rescue has given dozens of horses a second chance at life, providing rehabilitation, veterinary care, and ultimately helping them find loving, permanent homes. In this conversation, Heidi shares the harsh realities facing horses today, including neglect driven by economic pressures, gaps in Ohio’s livestock laws, and the true cost and responsibility of horse ownership. She also explains how Angels Haven works collaboratively, never judgmentally, with owners, law enforcement, and other organizations, always prioritizing the well-being of the horse. Doug and Heidi also discuss the rescue’s powerful educational mission. Angels Haven partners with youth groups, community organizations, and therapeutic programs to teach compassion, responsibility, and proper horse care, benefiting not just the animals, but the people whose lives they touch, including children, families, and individuals dealing with trauma, autism, and PTSD. If you’ve ever wondered how horse rescues operate, why education is key to preventing neglect, or how agriculture and compassion intersect, this is a must-listen episode. Learn more, get involved, or support the mission at angelshavenhorserescue.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 with the latest on the screwworm threatening the cattle industry. Three of the top USDA experts have been sharing updates on where the screwworm has taken place and urging farmers to pay attention with an all hands on deck approach to handle this situation, with boots not he ground monitoring the boarder has the screwworm has not crossed over from Mexico, yet.  Then, Doug shares his rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas” in a farming twist with his own “12 Days of Farming.” The beginngin of a new year is a great time for reflection and looking at the future. Doug is considering going back to milking cows on his farm because there is a need for it in his community. Doug’s Eastliegh Farm was a dairy farm for many years before turning focus to a cow sanctuary.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

This week on American Family Farmer, host Doug Stephan visits with Liz Fiedler Mergen, founder of Sunny Mary Meadow, a cut flower farm rooted on a sixth-generation family farm in Stearns County, Minnesota. Sunny Mary Meadow is more than a flower farm—it’s a living example of how agriculture can thrive through diversification, agritourism, and human connection. Liz shares how the farm offers flower subscriptions, workshops, YouPick events, a self-serve farm stand, and serves as a picturesque photography venue, all while keeping agricultural land productive and meaningful for future generations. Liz recounts the deeply personal story behind the farm’s beginnings. After purchasing her late husband Josh’s family farm in 2016, the couple dreamed of raising their family there and finding their place in agriculture. During the isolation of 2020, Liz began selling bouquets from a roadside stand—donating over 200 bouquets to local nursing homes in honor of her grandmother. That simple act of kindness planted the seed for what Sunny Mary Meadow would become. Tragedy struck in December 2020 when Josh passed away unexpectedly, and Liz discovered she was pregnant with their second child the day after his funeral. Named in memory of Josh’s mother, Sunny Mary Meadow continues to bloom as a tribute to love, resilience, and the dreams Liz and Josh once shared. Now remarried and raising her daughters on the same land Josh hoped they’d grow up on, Liz talks with Doug about the evolution of the farm, the power of agritourism, and how flowers became both a livelihood and a lifeline. In addition to farming, Liz is a keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and storyteller. She also previews her upcoming memoir, Flowers Bloom Anyway: Rebuilding a Life You Didn’t Choose, releasing March 3, 2026—a powerful reflection on grief, resilience, and choosing to move forward with intention. Learn more about the farm at sunnymarymeadow.com, and discover Liz’s story and book at lizfiedlermergen.com, or pre-order at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flowers-bloom-anyway-a-memoir-liz-fiedler-mergen/1148638651?ean=9781636989273 Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com shares the biggest news affecting family farmers, starting with a look back at 2025 agricultural news. The office of Inspector General issued a report on the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and one of the things they highlight is that the USDA lost 18% of their workforce earlier in the year.  What else happened in 2025 was that the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act passed to permit schools to offer students whole and reduced fat milk in addition to the lower fat and fat-free milk options that were being served.  More from the news desk includes the prominent weather affecting crops over the last year, the tariffs and crop price woes. Other topics include pest issue on the farm, whether or not to use drones, and new high school agricultural programs being introduced, along with new FFA projects being worked on.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

This week on The American Family Farmer, the tables were turned as longtime host Doug Stephan stepped into the guest seat to share the story of his beloved Eastleigh Farm in Framingham, Massachusetts. Joining him as interviewer was his close friend and Radio Hall of Fame inductee Mike McVay of McVay Media, creating a warm, insightful conversation rooted in friendship, farming, and preservation. Doug reflected on his lifelong connection to agriculture, tracing his love of farming back to his childhood growing up in the neighborhood surrounding Eastleigh Farm. He shared how those early experiences shaped not only his personal values but also his commitment to preserving farmland at a time when open space across New England has increasingly been lost to development.  The conversation explored the rich and fascinating history of Eastleigh Farm, which spans more than a century and sits on land farmed for over 250 years. From its early 1900s origins and unique ties to the Beebe family, to its later preservation as protected open space, Eastleigh Farm has continually evolved while remaining a cornerstone of the Framingham community. Doug discussed his 2002 decision to purchase the property to prevent development and ensure agriculture could continue on the land he loved. We also learn about the farm’s modern transformation—from a traditional dairy operation to a cow sanctuary and educational farm. Doug explained the difficult decision to step away from raw milk production and how that pivotal moment led him to “think outside the box” to keep the farm viable. Today, Eastleigh Farm is a vibrant animal sanctuary and community destination, featuring artisan shops, family events, historic barns, and seasonal favorites like the iconic Moo Bus ice cream.  Mike and Doug wrapped up the episode by discussing the realities of day-to-day life on the farm, from the intensity of peak season to the quieter rhythms of the off-season, and the year-round care required for cows and other animals. At its heart, this episode is a story about stewardship—of land, history, animals, and community—and a powerful reminder of why family farms matter now more than ever. To learn more about Doug Stephan, Eastleigh Farm, and The American Family Farmer, visit dougstephan.com/americanfamilyfarmer. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

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, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to America’s healthy balanced diet.  Next up, the importance of rural veterinarians and why there seem to be less and less as years go on.  Then, Doug breaks down how much the farmer is actually getting on the rising cost of food and the amazing inequities in our food system.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

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 expertise in business analysis, valuations, and farm-specific tax strategy. Before advising others, Kevin and his wife, Laura, owned and operated Your Farm in Vermont, producing and selling food directly to retail and wholesale markets for seven years. That experience, along with raising a family and eventually transitioning the farm to new owners, gave Kevin a clear understanding of how difficult it can be for farmers to step back and see the full financial picture while managing day-to-day operations. Today, Kevin continues to live the realities of agriculture as a co-owner of Whiskey Run Wagyu in southern Indiana, where his family raises Wagyu beef cattle and operates a farm stay near Louisville, Kentucky. At the same time, he helps farm and forest owners across the country gain clarity through objective business assessments, enterprise analysis, business valuations, and proactive tax planning. In this episode, Doug and Kevin discuss why many farmers struggle to evaluate profitability, the importance of third-party financial analysis, how business valuations play a critical role in succession and transition planning, and why year-round tax strategy (not last-minute filing) can make or break a farm’s financial future. Whether you’re a multigenerational farmer, a new landowner, or planning the next phase of your operation, this conversation offers practical insight to help you make informed, confident decisions for your farm and family. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

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 being made available to bail out farmers in Argentina than farmers in our own country. Next up, Doug covers statistical changes from the number of farms in America in the 1920s verses now, 100 years later. When you compare and combine that with the income of selling crops and how it’s gone down since the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant drop over just 3 years.  Lastly, Doug shifts into end-of-the-year thoughts and some ideas of finding gifts for your favorite farmer. Gifts that serve a purpose are always nice, like warm boots, slippers, snacks, funny farmer socks, and even a farmstead gift box.  It’s an enlightening and informative discussion you won’t want to miss.   Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

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, dairy, beef cattle, and today, one of Northeast Ohio’s most beloved Christmas tree farms. George shares how honoring family legacy while adapting to changing times has been key to the farm’s longevity and success. Learn what sets Heritage Farms apart, from its iconic scenic location and wide variety of cut-your-own and fresh-cut Christmas trees, including Fraser Fir, Scotch Pine, White Pine, and Blue Spruce, to the high level of personal service that ensures every tree thrives long after it leaves the farm. George also explains why education is such a big part of their mission, teaching customers exactly how to care for their trees at home.  Doug and George also discuss how Heritage Farms has expanded into a true destination experience, offering wreaths, greenery, ornaments, seasonal events like Pumpkin Pandemonium, and even on-farm stays through Airbnb and Hipcamp. From holiday traditions to agritourism, this episode highlights how one family farm continues to create meaningful memories nearly 175 years later. It’s a conversation about stewardship, service, and the power of family farming to evolve while staying rooted in tradition. Learn more at HeritageFarms.com.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

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 cows—and their reluctance to part with them—into a creative solution that helped sustain their family dairy through volatile milk markets and industry challenges. Beth manages the dairy herd while Courtney oversees pudding production, but their work overlaps daily as they balance farming, manufacturing, and marketing. About 20% of their milk is transformed into small-batch pudding made entirely on-farm, while the rest goes into the Cabot cheese supply chain. That modest percentage of milk, however, generates a disproportionately large share of the farm’s revenue—proving how powerful value-added agriculture can be for family farms. The conversation covers how a garage-based 4-H project evolved into a regional pudding brand, why pudding became a “farm-saver” during tough times for dairy, what it really takes to run on-farm food manufacturing, how Certified Humane practices helped them stand out and reach new markets, the role of sustainability, from feeding spent brewery grain to partnering with local farmers, and why loving the act of feeding people is at the heart of everything they do. This episode is a must-listen for farmers exploring diversification, consumers curious about where their food comes from, and anyone inspired by family-run businesses that adapt, innovate, and endure. Visit them at EchoFarmPuddings.com and Like them on Facebook.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com  Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

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 agriculture and why the chaos of the trade policy is causing more questions than answers week after week. When you look at the recent announcements of trade deals, promises and substantial relief coming to farmers, one can’t help but question the poor management for causing this in the first place. While Democrats are busy blaming Republicans and Republicans are busy blaming Democrats, American family farmers are caught in the middle.  It’s an enlightening and informative discussion you won’t want to miss.   Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

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 some significant weather with early frosts, extreme winter weather, droughts or heat waves, and how events may intensify because of global warming and how we can prepare. Key advice includes staying informed on incoming weather and who to call when in need, develop an emergency protocol for evacuation, stock and maintain emergency supply kits, keep up-to-date inventory, have fire prevention measures in place, and discuss protocols with your family and farm staff.  Moving on, Doug shares some statistics of not about the number of farms going down. There are less and less farming operations as time goes on. Doug poses the rhetorical question, “why?” Many reasons, of course. There are less and less generational farmers as families have either lost their land, couldn’t keep up with on-farm jobs, or kin moving on to other careers. Another reason is that it’s becoming increasingly difficult for new farmers to get started if there isn’t already farmland in the family. Commercialized farming is also taking over due to convenience for consumers, but with low quality, highly processed products. When you look at that food and how it’s keeping our citizens sick, it’s no wonder many have to spend so much money on health insurance and health care in general. Spending more money to support family farmers, getting better quality food, is less expensive in the long run when you’re not eating food that makes you (and keeps you) and your family sick.  In other news, companies Uncommon Farms and Total Acre have a new strategic partnership to expand technology and expertise to growers and farmers all across our country to help with tools to empower farmers to manage both performance and business profitability.  Lastly, Doug opines on President Trump’s announcements of plans to bring down the price of food. Other focus lies on bringing down the price of beef, but a result of the deal with Argentina to import more beef from them is causing the live cattle market to drop.  Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

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 peaceful haven for both animals and visitors. Westmeister Farm is home to a remarkable lineup of residents, from Asian small-clawed otters to zebras, sloths, kangaroos, owls, porcupines, highland cows, and more. But what truly sets the farm apart is its focus on intimate, low-stress, hands-on encounters designed to foster meaningful human–animal connection. Lynn explains how Westmeister’s two-hour private tours, otter swim sessions, and creative “animal add-on” experiences allow guests to slow down, be present, and experience wildlife up close, often for the very first time. And at the heart of these offerings is the farm’s now-famous “Go with the Flow Otter Yoga,” recently highlighted by People.com and hailed as the world’s only yoga class featuring otters. Doug and Lynn dig into how this gentle, slow-flow class merges movement, mindfulness, animal therapy, and pure joy. Listeners will hear how the farm’s otters, Harbor and Cove, enrich the experience with their curiosity, playfulness, and occasional “yoga poses” of their own; and, why the farm’s low-noise, no-crowds environment is essential to keeping both the animals and guests comfortable. Lynn also shares how Westmeister Farm represents a growing evolution in modern agriculture, which blends education, ethical animal care, wellness, and community outreach into new forms of farm-based experiences. It’s an inspiring conversation about creativity in farming, the power of human–animal connection, and the incredible things that can happen when a farm reimagines what’s possible. Learn more at westmeister.com Listen now and prepare to fall in love with a couple of very mischievous otters. Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

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 the food to grow bigger and faster. What does that mean for the health of consumers?  Then, Doug shares information of the farmers’ share of Thanksgiving. By the numbers, families paid much more this year for turkeys, stuffing, pumpkins, dinner rolls, cranberries, potatoes, etc. The farmers, however, aren’t seeing an increase in their share of the profit. It’s an outrage and even more important to remind people to work with farmers directly and to support their local farmers.  When rural America does well, we all do well. However, rural America is being squeezed by the administration, by the reality of the big business that control a majority of the source of food. Good news comes from an 8th grader who believes we can transform agriculture’s future. Doug shares her story and the encouragement that comes with it.   Website: AmericanFamilyFarmerShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks

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 simple family property into a thriving small farm that produces handcrafted goat-milk soaps, naturally dyed and hand-spun angora rabbit and Jacob sheep wool products, and an incredible array of homegrown foods and medicinal herbs. From freeze-dried vegetables and garlic powder to elderberry teas, jellies, and herbal remedies, Jennifer and her husband are deeply committed to using what they grow and teaching others to do the same.  Their mission extends far beyond their own land. Jennifer regularly speaks to Career Center students about homesteading skills, inspiring the next generation to grow, create, and build with intention. She and Adam also founded B.U.C.K. Adventures, a 501(c)(3) offering life-changing, all-expense-paid adaptive whitetail hunting experiences for individuals facing life-altering circumstances. Applications for the 2026 season are now open. Jennifer opens up about the lessons homesteading has taught her: the power of community, the importance of trying new things, even if they fail, and the value of starting small. She reminds us that you don’t need a thousand acres to begin living more sustainably; you just need the willingness to take the first step. For Natural Nook Farm, the next steps are big ones. As they head into 2026, the Whitneys are expanding into horsedrawn carriage and wagon services, powered by their growing team of Percheron horses, an exciting new chapter shaped by the belief that change, while hard, can open doors you never expected.  Learn more at naturalnookfarm.com. 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

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 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

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