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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

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.

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.

"I work in the media industry."

"I help them strategize write."

"I was a good writer."

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

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