Land, Labels and the Fight to Keep American Farmers Farming

From development pressures and equipment repairs to food security and corporate control of agriculture, America’s farmers are facing challenges that extend far beyond the fields.

This week on *American Family Farmer*, host Doug Stephan (www.eastleighfarm.com) examines some of the biggest issues affecting the future of farming and our food supply.

Doug looks at land-use concerns surrounding a proposed aluminum smelter in Oklahoma and the broader competition for agricultural land as major development projects expand. He also examines imported beef, food safety and efforts to strengthen country-of-origin labeling so consumers have more information about where their food comes from.

The conversation turns to the growing “right to repair” battle as increasingly sophisticated farm equipment can require specialized technicians and proprietary technology to fix—potentially leaving farmers with higher costs and costly downtime. Doug also discusses concerns over corporate control of patented seeds, the continuing decline of small dairy farms and legislative efforts aimed at creating fairer agricultural markets.

There’s innovation, too. Doug explores how cherry growers are using falcons and other birds of prey as a natural form of pest control, offering an example of how farmers can find creative solutions that may reduce reliance on conventional pest-management methods.

Plus, with delays surrounding the Farm Bill and continued debate over agricultural policy, Doug looks at what these decisions—and indecision—could mean for family farmers and the future of American agriculture.

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