Pull Up A Bale Podcast

By Val LavigneLeisure

Pull Up A Bale Podcast episodes

December 17, 2025 13: Pull Up A Bale with Kayla Zenner!
This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$

Let's Pull Up A Bale with Kayla Zenner!
Instagram @TheFarmStyle

Host: Val Lavigne
@DairyGalVal
http://www.pullupabale.com

Summary
In this episode of Pull Up a Bale, host Val Lavigne chats with Kayla Zenner, the creator of The Farm Style, a food blog that shares her culinary journey and family life. Kayla discusses her upbringing in agriculture, her transition from teaching to blogging, and the challenges and joys of motherhood. The conversation highlights the importance of community, family support, and the creative process of cooking. Kayla also shares insights on monetizing her blog and her aspirations for future growth, all while engaging in light-hearted rapid-fire questions that reveal her personal preferences and experiences.

Takeaways
Kayla is the creator behind The Farm Style, a food blog.
She grew up in agriculture and has strong ties to farming.
Transitioning from teaching to blogging was a significant change for her.
She started sharing her cooking experiences during maternity leave.
Building a community through cooking has been rewarding for Kayla.
Monetizing her blog took time, but it has grown significantly.
Family support has been crucial in her journey as a blogger.
Kayla implements a one bite rule for her kids to encourage trying new foods.
She finds relaxation in taking baths and reading.
Passion is an essential ingredient for success in any venture.

Sound Bites
"He is so supportive."
"We do have like a one bite rule."
"I love taking baths and reading."

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Kayla Zenner and Her Journey
11:30
Transition from Teaching to Food Blogging
16:36
Building a Community and Monetizing the Blog
26:05
Future Aspirations and Growth of the Business
28:42
The Daunting Task of Organizing Memories
30:01
Prioritizing Self-Care in Motherhood
32:24
The Magic of Christmas as a Parent
33:47
Baking vs. Cooking: Finding Your Niche
35:31
Comfort Food: Family Favorites
36:57
Finding Relaxation in Hectic Lives
40:14
Staying Active: Balancing Workouts and Motherhood
42:48
Travel Dreams and Family Vacations
45:37
Pursuing Passion: Starting Your Own Business
49:11
The Essential Ingredient for Success
51 min
December 03, 2025 12: Pull Up A Bale with Samantha Allen!
This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$

Let's Pull Up A Bale with Samantha Allen!
Instagram @LaneHouseFlorals

Host: Val Lavigne
@DairyGalVal
http://www.pullupabale.com
Summary
In this episode of the Pull Up a Bale podcast, host Val Lavigne speaks with Samantha Allen, a farmer and entrepreneur, about her journey in agriculture, family life, and the challenges and joys of running a flower business. They discuss the importance of community, the impact of social media on business growth, and the balance between work and family. Samantha shares her experiences growing up on a dairy farm, her transition from teaching to entrepreneurship, and the significance of relationships in both personal and professional life. The conversation also touches on the pressures of wedding planning and the beauty of flowers, culminating in a heartfelt discussion about faith and personal growth.

Takeaways
Samantha Allen is a farmer, mom, and entrepreneur.
Family dynamics play a crucial role in rural life.
Growing up on a dairy farm shaped Samantha's work ethic.
Education can lead to unexpected career paths in agriculture.
Starting a flower business was a personal passion project.
Social media has been instrumental in growing her business.
Weddings provide a unique opportunity for creativity in floral design.
Samantha emphasizes the importance of saying yes to new opportunities.
The flower business allows for family involvement and legacy building.
Faith and personal growth are central themes in Samantha's life.

Sound Bites
"Life is plenty busy even with everybody in school."
"We were raised on a farm, right?"
"I realized I can actually do this."

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Rural Life and Agriculture
02:59
Family Dynamics and Parenting Challenges
05:48
Growing Up on a Dairy Farm
09:35
The Journey to Teaching and Family Life
15:19
The Birth of a Flower Business
25:43
Balancing Business and Family Responsibilities
33:40
The Role of Social Media in Business
36:20
Stepping Outside Comfort Zones: Weddings and Events
39:28
Creativity and Pressure in Wedding Floral Design
41:07
Navigating the Challenges of Social Media and Reviews
42:51
Rapid Fire Fun: Personal Preferences and Insights
53:37
Reflections and Advice for the Younger Self
59 min
November 26, 2025 11: Pull Up A Bale with A Family Thanksgiving!
This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$

Let's Pull Up A Bale with A Family Thanksgiving!

Host: Val Lavigne
@DairyGalVal
http://www.pullupabale.com

Guest: Amanda Benson
Summary
In this episode of the Pull Up a Bale podcast, Val and her cousin Amanda Benson share their personal Thanksgiving traditions, fun trivia, and favorite dishes. They reminisce about childhood memories, discuss Thanksgiving food preferences, and explore the significance of family gatherings during the holiday. The conversation is filled with laughter, nostalgia, and interesting facts about Thanksgiving, making it a delightful listen for anyone looking to celebrate the holiday spirit.

Takeaways
Val and Amanda share their close family bond and Thanksgiving traditions.
They discuss fun Thanksgiving trivia and interesting facts.
The conversation includes favorite Thanksgiving dishes and recipes.
Amanda reveals her preference for dark meat turkey over white meat.
They reminisce about childhood memories related to Thanksgiving.
The podcast highlights the importance of family gatherings during the holidays.
Val and Amanda discuss the evolution of Thanksgiving food trends.
They share humorous anecdotes from past Thanksgiving celebrations.
The episode emphasizes the significance of nostalgia during the holiday season.
Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own Thanksgiving memories.

Sound Bites
""What is the fastest someone has ever carved a turkey?""
""I kind of have to really eat a fresh turkey before.""
""Do you still do the wishbone?""

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Thanksgiving Traditions
02:50
Fun Thanksgiving Trivia and Facts
05:21
Thanksgiving Memories and Family Traditions
10:22
Favorite Thanksgiving Dishes and Recipes
14:48
Thanksgiving Food Preferences and Trends
19:56
Thanksgiving Games and Activities
25:29
Conclusion and Reflections on Thanksgiving
42 min
November 19, 2025 10: Pull Up A Bale with Justin Leyendekker!
This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$

Let's Pull Up A Bale with Justin Leyendekker!
Instagram @jfley1287

Host: Val Lavigne
@DairyGalVal
http://www.pullupabale.com

Summary
In this episode of Pull Up a Bale, host Val Lavigne speaks with Justin Leyendekker, a dairy farmer and board member of Milk Checkoff. They discuss Justin's family legacy in dairy farming, the unique name of his farm, Hoppy Cow's Dairy, and the challenges faced by dairy farmers, particularly regarding water availability. Justin shares his journey from college to returning to the family farm, the fascinating story of his grandfather's immigration and contributions to horse transportation, and his future plans for growth in the dairy industry. The conversation also touches on Justin's passion for brewing and hops, as well as some fun rapid-fire questions that reveal more about his personality.

Takeaways
Justin milks 2000 cows and has a family legacy in dairy farming.
The name 'Hoppy Cow's Dairy' was inspired by Justin's passion for home brewing.
Water availability is a significant challenge for dairy farmers in California.
Justin's grandfather played a crucial role in horse transportation by plane.
Justin's journey back to dairy farming was unexpected but fulfilling.
The dairy industry faces ongoing challenges, including droughts and inflation.
Justin is exploring the potential of hops farming as a side project.
He believes in taking small steps towards growth in his dairy business.
Justin's wife supports his brewing hobby, even if she's not a beer drinker.
The importance of starting somewhere resonates with Justin's life philosophy.

Sound Bites
"I have some hobby hops."
"I love brewing beer."
"You gotta start somewhere."

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Dairy Farming and Family Legacy
02:45
The Unique Name and Concept of Hoppy Cow's Dairy
05:20
Challenges in Dairy Farming: Water Availability and Droughts
08:25
Justin's Journey: From College to Dairy Farming
11:00
The Immigrant Story: Justin's Grandfather and Frisian Horses
13:50
Family Dynamics in Dairy Farming
16:37
Future Plans and Growth in Dairy Farming
19:43
Hops and Brewing: A Passion Project
22:25
Rapid Fire Questions: Fun Insights into Justin's Life
36 min
November 12, 2025 09: Pull Up A Bale with Mary Faber!
This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$

Let's Pull Up A Bale with Mary Faber!
www.marytfaber.com -- website
Mary T Faber on Instagram
Mary T Faber Solutions on Facebook

Host: Val Lavigne
@DairyGalVal
http://www.pullupabale.com

Summary
In this episode of Pull Up a Bale, host Val Lavigne speaks with Mary Faber, a virtual bookkeeper for rural entrepreneurs. They discuss Mary's journey from a corporate job to starting her own bookkeeping business, the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, and the importance of balancing work and family life. Mary shares insights on the agricultural industry, the lessons learned from showing cattle, and the realities of building a successful business. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, rapid-fire questions, and future aspirations.

Takeaways
Mary transitioned from a corporate job to virtual bookkeeping during COVID.
She has a passion for agriculture and helping rural entrepreneurs.
Building a business requires taking risks and trusting your gut.
Family and work-life balance are crucial for Mary.
Lessons from showing cattle are applicable to life and business.
Success is a result of hard work and perseverance.
Mary emphasizes the importance of community and connections in agriculture.
She enjoys helping clients manage their bookkeeping effectively.
Mary's journey includes teaching QuickBooks to others.
The conversation highlights the realities behind perceived success.

Sound Bites
"I fell in love with working from home."
"I learned it the hard way."
"Success doesn't happen by chance."

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Rural Life and Agriculture Conversations
02:52
Mary Faber: From Corporate to Virtual Bookkeeping
05:39
The Journey of Entrepreneurship and Overcoming Challenges
08:29
Building a Business: The Role of Community and Support
11:18
Balancing Family Life and Business
13:53
Lessons from Agriculture: Setting Goals and Resilience
16:41
The Future of Mary’s Bookkeeping Business
27:41
Balancing Work and Family Life
29:31
The Challenges of Bookkeeping in Agriculture
29:43
Rapid Fire Fun Questions
31:46
Nostalgic Childhood Memories on the Farm
34:10
Comfort Food and Favorite Meals
35:26
Favorite Flowers and Gardening
37:00
Superpowers and Time Travel
40:02
Advice to Younger Self
41:54
The Importance of Hard Work and Dedication
45 min
November 05, 2025 08: Pull Up A Bale with Abby Shipley!
Powered by the 1st American Dairy XPO! November 5th and 6th at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Vermont . Grab a free breakfast, tour the 200 company dairy innovation tradeshow, meet Olympian and dairy producer Elle St. Pierre and take in the Dairy Delivers Classroom.

Full details, discount coupon and pre-XPO tickets at Americandairyxpo.com

This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$

Let's Pull Up A Bale with Abby Shipley!
@thegingerhillfarmer
www.thegingerhillfarmer.com

Host: Val Lavigne
@DairyGalVal

http://www.pullupabale.com

Summary
In this episode of the Pull Up a Bale podcast, host Val Lavigne speaks with Abby Shipley, a farmer, mom, and entrepreneur. Abby shares her journey from childhood in a farming community to becoming a business owner with her brand, Ginger Hill Farmer. The conversation explores the challenges and joys of rural life, balancing family and work, and the importance of community and social media in agriculture. Abby emphasizes the value of doing what you love and the lessons learned along the way, including the idea that everything is figureoutable. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal more about Abby's personality and interests.

Takeaways
Abby Shipley is a farmer, mom, and entrepreneur.
She runs a business called Ginger Hill Farmer, focusing on farm-themed apparel.
Abby's journey includes a strong involvement in 4-H and FFA from a young age.
She transitioned from a corporate career in retail to running her own business.
Family involvement in agriculture is a key theme in Abby's life.
Social media plays a significant role in connecting with customers and sharing farm life.
Abby emphasizes the importance of doing what you love and loving what you do.
She believes that everything is figureoutable and encourages others to seek help when needed.
Balancing family life and business is a challenge but rewarding.
Abby enjoys sharing her experiences and connecting with the farming community.

Sound Bites
"Do what you love, love what you do."
"Everything is figureoutable!"
"I had no clue how to build a website."

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Rural Life and Podcasting
02:55
Abby Shipley's Journey: From Childhood to Farming
05:39
The Evolution of Abby's Career and Business
08:37
Balancing Family Life and Farming
11:21
The Growth of Ginger Hill Farmer
14:17
Community Engagement and Family Involvement
16:54
Reflections on Life Changes and Future Aspirations
23:47
Food Preferences and Fun Rapid Fire Questions
29:15
Books vs. Movies: Personal Preferences
34:26
Travel Dreams and Bucket List Adventures
35:20
Life Lessons and Advice for Younger Self
37:28
Words of Wisdom and Business Insights
43 min
October 15, 2025 07: Pull Up A Bale with Lexi De Vries!
Powered by the 1st American Dairy XPO! November 5th and 6th at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Vermont . Grab a free breakfast, tour the 200 company dairy innovation tradeshow, meet Olympian and dairy producer Elle St. Pierre and take in the Dairy Delivers Classroom.

Full details, discount coupon and pre-XPO tickets at Americandairyxpo.com

This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$

Let's Pull Up A Bale with Lexi DeVries!
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/midst.of.motherhood/
http://www.midstofmotherhood.com/

Host: Val Lavigne
@DairyGalVal

http://www.pullupabale.com

Summary
In this episode of Pull Up a Bale, host Val Lavigne speaks with Lexi DeVries, a first-generation dairy farmer and business coach. Lexi shares her journey from aspiring speech pathologist to dairy farming, detailing the challenges and triumphs of running a farm while raising a family. She discusses the importance of mental acceptance in career changes, the evolution of her freelancing business, and how she balances her roles as a mother, farmer, and entrepreneur. Lexi also offers insights into the world of virtual assistance and coaching, emphasizing the significance of taking risks and pursuing one's passions.

Takeaways
Lexi DeVries is a first-generation dairy farmer and business coach.
She started her freelancing business during maternity leave.
Growing up in Wisconsin, she had a passion for horses and farming.
Lexi transitioned from wanting to be a speech pathologist to dairy farming.
The couple bought their dairy farm from a retiring farmer.
They learned the ropes of farming through hands-on experience.
Mental acceptance of career changes is crucial for happiness.
Lexi's virtual assistant business began during her daughter's nap times.
She now coaches others on starting their own freelancing businesses.
Balancing family life with business is a continuous journey.

Sound Bites
"It truly has been like the best thing ever."
"I had kind of a burn it all down moment."
"You can be successful with it."

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Lexi DeVries and Her Journey
02:54
From Childhood to Dairy Farming
05:42
Transitioning from Speech Pathology to Dairy Farming
11:05
The Journey of First-Generation Dairy Farmers
13:48
Learning Curves in Dairy Farming
15:35
Mental Acceptance of Career Changes
18:24
Starting a Business During Motherhood
22:17
The Evolution of Lexi's Business Ventures
27:43
Understanding Virtual Assistance and Online Business Management
31:29
Balancing Family, Farm, and Business
36:16
Coaching and Digital Products
37:13
Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights
57 min
October 08, 2025 06: Pull Up A Bale with Heather Young!
Powered by the 1st American Dairy XPO! November 5th and 6th at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Vermont . Grab a free breakfast, tour the 200 company dairy innovation tradeshow, meet Olympian and dairy producer Elle St. Pierre and take in the Dairy Delivers Classroom.

Full details, discount coupon and pre-XPO tickets at Americandairyxpo.com

This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$

Let's Pull Up A Bale with Heather Young!
LinkedIn @Heather Young, PHD

Host: Val Lavigne
@DairyGalVal
http://www.pullupabale.com

Takeaways
Heather Young shares her journey from a dairy farm to academia.
Teaching agriculture helps students connect with their food sources.
Growing up on a farm instills valuable life skills and work ethic.
Public speaking can be daunting, but it's a vital skill to develop.
Experiential learning enhances understanding in agriculture education.
Connecting with students through relatable experiences is key.
Confidence in oneself can lead to unexpected opportunities.
The importance of critical thinking in education and agriculture.
Farming is not just a job; it's a way of life and passion.
Every problem has a solution; persistence is essential.

Summary
In this episode of the Pull Up a Bale podcast, host Val Lavigne welcomes Heather Young, a instructional assistant professor at the University of Florida that grew up on a dairy farm in New York. They discuss Heather's journey from growing up on a multi-generational dairy farm in New York to her current role in academia. The conversation explores the importance of teaching agriculture, the impact of experiential learning, and the skills gained from farm life. Heather shares her insights on public speaking, confidence, and the critical thinking necessary in education. The episode highlights the connection between agriculture and everyday life, emphasizing the need for better communication about food sources and farming practices.

Sound Bites
"I love growing up on the farm."
"Farming is not just a job; it's a way of life."
"The importance of critical thinking in education."

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Rural Life and Agriculture
02:42
Heather's Journey in Agriculture
05:31
Teaching and Impacting Students
08:35
Growing Up on the Dairy Farm
11:27
Experiences and Skills from Farming
14:14
Transitioning to Higher Education
17:01
Lessons from Dairy Farmers
19:59
Career Reflections and Future Aspirations
22:34
Public Speaking and Communication Skills
25:32
Personal Growth and Confidence
28:14
Connecting Agriculture to Everyday Life
30:54
Final Thoughts and Advice
53 min
October 01, 2025 05: Pull Up A Bale with Katie Navarra Bradley!
Powered by the 1st American Dairy XPO! November 5th and 6th at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Vermont . Grab a free breakfast, tour the 200 company dairy innovation tradeshow, meet Olympian and dairy producer Elle St. Pierre and take in the Dairy Delivers Classroom.

Full details, discount coupon and pre-XPO tickets at Americandairyxpo.com

This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$

Let's Pull Up A Bale with Katie Navarra Bradley!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-navarra/
https://www.facebook.com/katie.n.bradley
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKatieNavarra/

Host: Val Lavigne
@DairyGalVal
www.pullupabale.com
Summary
In this episode, Katie Navarra Bradley shares her journey from growing up on a family farm to becoming a successful media professional and entrepreneur in the agricultural sector. She discusses her experiences in freelance writing, the challenges of transitioning to self-employment during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of continuous learning and personal growth. The conversation also touches on her passion for horses and how they influence her work in leadership and team dynamics.
Takeaways
Katie's career has evolved significantly over time.
She emphasizes the importance of storytelling in media.
Freelance writing can be a viable career path.
Networking and continuous learning are crucial for success.
COVID-19 presented unexpected challenges for entrepreneurs.
Horses can teach valuable lessons about leadership.
Planning and saving are essential before starting a business.
Surrounding yourself with inspiring people fosters growth.
It's important to take risks and trust the process.
Small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on others.
Sound Bites
"I work in the media industry."
"I help them strategize write."
"I was a good writer."
Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Katie Navarra Bradley
05:58
Katie's Journey in Agriculture and Media
11:31
Transitioning from College to Career
16:53
Building a Freelance Writing Business
21:09
Taking the Leap into Entrepreneurship
26:10
Navigating Challenges During COVID-19
31:38
Continuous Learning and Growth
36:54
Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights
57 min
September 24, 2025 04: Pull Up A Bale with Renee Hamilton!
Powered by the 1st American Dairy XPO! November 5th and 6th at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Vermont . Grab a free breakfast, tour the 200 company dairy innovation tradeshow, meet Olympian and dairy producer Elle St. Pierre and take in the Dairy Delivers Classroom.

Full details, discount coupon and pre-XPO tickets at Americandairyxpo.com

This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$

Let's Pull Up A Bale with Renee Hamilton!
Personal Instagram: @Renee__Hamilton
Personal Tik Tok: @Renee_Hamilton

Boutique Instagram: @RusticVioletBoutique
Boutique Facebook: Rustic Violet Boutique
Boutique Website: RusticVioletBoutique.com

Farm Instagram: @VioletViewFarms
Farm Facebook: Violet View Farms

Host: Val Lavigne
@DairyGalVal
www.pullupabale.com

Summary
In this episode of the Pull Up a Bale podcast, host Val Lavigne sits down with Renee Hamilton, a farmer, entrepreneur, and substitute teacher. They discuss the importance of tough love in personal growth, Renee's journey from working in beef genetics to starting her own boutique, and the challenges and rewards of running a farm. The conversation also touches on the significance of feedback, the transition to substitute teaching, and the evolution of Renee's business ventures. Throughout the episode, they share insights on adaptability, the importance of community, and the joys of rural life.

Takeaways
Tough love is essential for personal growth.
Constructive criticism helps refine skills and ideas.
Finding a supportive community is crucial for success.
Transitioning careers can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Being adaptable is key in both farming and entrepreneurship.
It's important to pursue passions and dreams, even if they change.
Feedback from trusted individuals can guide decision-making.
Life often takes unexpected turns that lead to growth.
Building a business requires flexibility and creativity.
Confidence can be borrowed from those who believe in you.

Sound Bites
"I love people that have that tough love."
"Nothing is ever perfect."
"I could see different pathways."

Chapters
00:00
Introduction to Tough Love and Growth
04:40
Renee's Journey: From Employee to Entrepreneur
09:19
The Transition to Substitute Teaching
13:53
Renee's Roots and Early Influences
18:36
Career Path: From Genetics to Boutique Owner
22:49
The Evolution of the Farm and Business Ventures
27:40
Building a Boutique: Challenges and Strategies
32:14
Personal Growth and Life Lessons
37:08
Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Insights
1 hr 10 min