American Family Farmer

Host and American Family Farmer, Doug Stephan www.eastleighfarm.com begins with news that recent reports show that 2 of every 5 Americans are involved, in some way, with food production. 43 million have food industry related jobs and are paid $2 trillion in wages. Next, we meet Jeff Obrecht, Broker/Owner, Auctioneer, & Certified General Appraiser in Iowa. Known as “The Dirt Dealer” and based in Iowa Falls, Iowa, Obrecht says that land prices for good to excellent farmland are up 25% to 30% in the last year. https://www.thedirtdealer.com/ According to the Fed Report, here are percent changes in dollar value of good farmland, from January 1, 2021 to January 1, 2022: Illinois: +18%, Indiana: +22%, Iowa: +30%, Michigan: +19% and Wisconsin: +12%. Finally, Farmer Doug opines that we all need to strive for keeping local farms open and the farmers interested in staying in business, by buying local.