The Dairy Hour Podcast

This episode is brought to you by: Dairy Girl Network- The Forward TogetHER Conference!  Join me and many other amazing women in dairy at the conference this November, www.dairygirlnetwork.com for more information!

In this episode of the Dairy Hour Podcast, host Val Lavigne opens up about her personal journey into homeschooling her three children, exploring the motivations that led her to this decision. She highlights the desire for a personalized education that fits her family’s needs, emphasizing the flexibility and hands-on learning that homeschooling offers. Val also discusses the unique challenges she’s faced, from curriculum choices to maintaining a support system, and shares how regular evaluations help keep their homeschooling journey on track. Throughout the conversation, she reinforces that this decision isn’t permanent, but rather a chapter in their family’s education journey. With insight into both the rewarding and difficult moments, Val offers valuable takeaways for parents considering a similar path.

Key takeaways include the importance of personalized learning, flexibility in scheduling, and hands-on experiences, as well as the crucial role of family and friends in supporting homeschooling efforts. Val also stresses the importance of finding a curriculum that aligns with family values and addressing specific educational needs, while acknowledging that challenges are part of the process.

This episode is brought to you by: The Barnyard Language Podcast @Barnyardlanguage !  Stop by and tell them Val sent you! 

Also brought to you by Dairy Girl Network- The Forward TogetHER Conference!  Join me and many other amazing women in dairy at the conference this November, www.dairygirlnetwork.com for more information!

Carrie Mess:  Find her at dairycarrie.com or Dairy Carrie on socials!

In this episode of the Dairy Hour podcast, host Val Lavigne sits down with Carrie Mess, widely known as Dairy Carrie, to explore her remarkable journey from city life to becoming a prominent voice in the dairy industry. Carrie shares her path to dairy farming and the creation of her popular blog, Dairy Carrie, where she connects with others through candid storytelling and advocacy. The conversation delves into Carrie's personal battles with health issues, including her diagnosis of Chiari malformation and hormone imbalances, which led her to step back from full-time farming. She opens up about the physical and emotional toll of her health journey, highlighting the critical need to listen to your body and advocate for yourself in medical situations. Carrie’s experiences underscore the importance of finding doctors who support and guide you through complex health challenges. Beyond farming and advocacy, Carrie reveals her passion for cooking and exploring new cuisines, which serve as creative outlets that bring her joy and fulfillment. This episode is a powerful reminder to prioritize self-care, seek medical help when needed, and embrace creative pursuits that enrich life beyond the farm.

This episode is brought to you by: The Barnyard Language Podcast @Barnyardlanguage !  Stop by and tell them Val sent you!

Guest information: Laura Daniels

Find her on her website www.Dairygirlnetwork.com or Instagram/Facebook @dairygirlnetwork

Episode Summary: In this episode, Val Lavigne sits down with Laura Daniels, the inspiring founder of Dairy Girl Network, to discuss her incredible journey in the dairy industry. Laura shares her story of growing up on a dairy farm, falling in love with cows at a young age, and eventually buying her own dairy farm. As a seasoned dairy cattle nutritionist, Laura transitioned to consulting and created Dairy Girl Network to support and connect women in agriculture. What started as a small networking event has grown into a nationwide organization offering conferences and virtual programs.

The conversation highlights the importance of community support in the dairy industry, particularly for women who face unique challenges in agriculture. Laura opens up about overcoming difficult times, the power of vulnerability, and the need for mental health support within the farming community. The episode wraps up with some light-hearted rapid-fire questions, giving listeners a glimpse into Laura’s personality and passions.

Key Takeaways:

• Dairy Girl Network’s Mission: Founded to support and connect women in the dairy industry, the organization offers valuable educational and networking opportunities, meeting members where they are in their journey.

Sound Bites:

• "I earned the title that will always be the one I'm happiest to have had, and that is Dairy Farmer."

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction and Background

Tune in to this insightful conversation with Laura Daniels as she shares her passion for dairy farming, the creation of Dairy Girl Network, and the importance of building a supportive community for women in agriculture.

This episode is brought to you by: The Barnyard Language Podcast @Barnyardlanguage !  Stop by and tell them Val sent you!

Guest information: Natalie Kovarik

Find her on her website www.Nataliekovarik.com or Instagram @nataliekovarik

Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode of the Dairy Hour podcast, host Val Lavigne sits down with Natalie Kovarik, a former pharmacist turned cattle rancher and social media influencer. Growing up on a cattle ranch in Montana, Natalie never anticipated leaving her pharmacy career to pursue a life centered around agriculture and online advocacy. Now based in Nebraska, she has successfully built a personal brand that resonates with thousands of followers in the agriculture community.

Natalie shares her unique journey from Montana to Nebraska, the pivotal moments that led her to leave a stable career in pharmacy, and how she leveraged social media to bridge the gap between agriculture and consumers. As co-host of the Discover Ag podcast with Tara Vander Dussen, Natalie talks about how they’ve shifted their focus to discussing trending topics in agriculture, and the importance of staying connected with consumers.

Throughout the episode, Natalie opens up about the challenges she faced, the courage it took to embrace entrepreneurship, and the various ways she has diversified her income—including brand partnerships, YouTube revenue, business retreats, and more. She hopes her story will inspire others in agriculture to be brave and take bold steps toward their passions.

Key Takeaways:

• Natalie Kovarik's roots in Montana's cattle ranching set the stage for her passion for agriculture.

Sound Bites:

• "I just didn't realize people were so disconnected from ranching and farming."

Chapters:

• 00:00 – Introduction and Background

Keywords: Dairy Hour podcast, Natalie Kovarik, cattle ranch, agriculture industry, social media influencer, pharmacy career, personal brand, brand partnerships, YouTube revenue, entrepreneurship, Discover Ag, bravery

Summary:

Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Johanna Bossard, a passionate dairy farmer and agriculture teacher. Johanna shares her path into the dairy industry, highlighting the crucial role of social media in advocating for family farms and combating misinformation. She talks about the unique partnership of four farm families that collectively milk 4,400 cows and manage 10,000 acres, emphasizing collaboration and opportunities for future generations. Johanna also entertains with a humorous tale of her first encounter with her husband's dairy farming family.

Together they shed light on the importance of hands-on learning in agricultural education, recounting experiences with new skills like welding and integrating practical applications of core subjects into Johanna's classes. She advocates for breaking the stereotype of traditional academic paths and underscores the value of trade jobs and alternative careers. Val also discusses the significance of agritourism in raising awareness about agriculture and providing enriching experiences for the public.

You can find Johanna on Instagram @barbland_and_white_eagle_dairy

Keywords: Dairy farming Agriculture education Social media advocacy Family farm partnership Collaboration Next generation Hands-on learning Trade jobs Alternative career paths Agritourism Breaking stereotypes

Takeaways:

Social media is a powerful tool for advocating family farms and dispelling agricultural misinformation. Collaboration and partnerships are vital for the success and sustainability of family farms. Family farms focus on creating opportunities for the next generation, not just numbers. Agricultural education offers hands-on learning for all students, regardless of their background. Sharing personal stories bridges the gap between farmers and the public. Hands-on learning in agricultural education equips students with valuable skills and experiences. Agricultural education goes beyond traditional academics, incorporating practical applications of math, science, and English. It's important to offer students opportunities in trade jobs and alternative career paths, challenging the notion that all must follow a traditional academic route. Agritourism educates the public about agriculture and provides unique experiences. Promoting diverse career paths and opportunities in agriculture requires breaking stereotypes and challenging societal expectations.

Sound Bites:

"We can actually educate and use social media for good as well." "We're just proud to be able to employ 85 farm families in upstate New York and to be able to bring quality food to the table." "You don't have to have the same last name. And we will say that all the time because we are very, very close and operate as farm families." "That's not real teaching. Okay. Like that's not like down in the trenches, certainly not ag education teaching." "Sometimes ag education is staying one step ahead of the kids. It's also being transparent and saying, it's okay to make mistakes. It's okay to fail as long as we worked hard, we tried." "Not everybody is cut out for straight A's, not everybody is cut out for college, not everybody is cut out to work in an office in the city every day."

Tune in to gain insights and be inspired by the dynamic world of agriculture and education with Johanna Bossard and Val Lavigne!

This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum www.wondercow.com Use code DGV10 to save $$

AND 

The Barnyard Language Podcast @Barnyardlanguage !  Stop by and tell them Val sent you!

Guest information: Katie Dotterer

Find her on her website www.agvokate.com or Instagram @the_agvokate

Episode Summary: In this episode of the Dairy Hour podcast, hosts Val Lavigne and Katie Dotterer dive into a fun and engaging conversation about their recent travels and some adrenaline-pumping experiences. Katie recounts her memorable trip to Greece, highlighting her favorite places, delectable food, and an exhilarating skydiving adventure that left her breathless. On the other hand, Val shares a harrowing tale of facing severe storms while staying in a hotel in Chicago.

As they chat, Val and Katie discuss their preferences for light-hearted entertainment and the value of prioritizing travel and new experiences over material possessions. Katie also shares her fascination with World War II, detailing her visits to historical sites and her thoughts on the importance of women's rights throughout history. Her love for Gettysburg, passion for walking and biking on the battlefield, and favorite tea brand are also part of this delightful conversation. Lastly, Katie talks about her upcoming projects aimed at helping farmers and bridging the language gap in agriculture.

Keywords: Dairy Hour podcast, Val Lavigne, Katie Dotterer, travel, Greece, skydiving, severe storms, Chicago, prioritizing travel, light-hearted entertainment, World War II, historical sites, women's rights, Gettysburg, walking, biking, tea, upcoming projects, agriculture

Takeaways: Traveling and experiencing new places can be an enriching part of life. Skydiving offers a mix of terror and exhilaration. Severe storms can be frightening, especially when away from home. Prioritizing travel and experiences over material possessions can lead to a more fulfilling life. Choosing light-hearted entertainment can help reduce anxiety and stress. Katie has a deep interest in World War II and enjoys visiting related historical sites. She is passionate about women's rights and the importance of equality and independence. Katie loves Gettysburg and enjoys walking and biking on the battlefield. She has a favorite tea brand called Barney and Sons. Katie's upcoming projects aim to help farmers and bridge the language gap in agriculture.

Sound Bites: "Skydiving. I absolutely love skydiving. It is insane to jump out of a perfectly good airplane, but oh my gosh, it is amazing." "I terrify myself when I'm listening to like, I'm horrible. I should not read thrillers or listen to true crime podcasts." "So there was a movie called... So anyways, towards the end of it, I started crying. It was not World War II. It was something different. It was a current war movie. But anyways, it got to the end of it and I started crying." "I've been to Poland and I toured the Auschwitz concentration." "I would love to go to Normandy to see that." "I think I would be a really great flapper girl in the twenties."

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Catching Up 02:23 - Adventures in Greece 08:23 - The Thrill and Terror of Skydiving 17:47 - Surviving Severe Storms in Chicago 25:10 - Prioritizing Travel and Experiences 29:25 - Choosing Light-Hearted Entertainment 42:09 - Exploring World War II History 45:16 - Appreciating Women's Rights 51:32 - Walking and Biking in Gettysburg 55:07 - Savoring Tea with Barney and Sons 01:14:06 - Upcoming Projects in Agriculture Tune in for an episode filled with exciting stories, historical insights, and a few laughs along the way!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Kacee Bohle, a coach, speaker, and trainer for professionals in the agriculture industry. Kacee shares her remarkable journey of leaving a secure corporate job to pursue her passion and start her own business. She delves into the importance of aligning your purpose with your paycheck and finding true joy in your work. Kacee also opens up about her decision to homeschool her children, highlighting the challenges and rewards of this choice. Throughout the episode, she offers practical tips for gaining the confidence to make significant life changes and emphasizes the need for a supportive network.

Kacee reminisces about her favorite childhood memory of driving around with her grandpa and dad, checking fields while sipping coffee from a Stanley cup. She also shares her go-to gas station treat—Casey's cake donuts—and her favorite motivational quote from Henry Ford: "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right."

To connect with Kacee, you can find her on LinkedIn and Instagram @KaceeBohle or at her website www.kaceebohle.com

• Agriculture

• Aligning your purpose with your paycheck can lead to a fulfilling career.

• "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right."

• 00:00 - Introduction and Kacee's Background

Tune in to hear Kacee Bohle's journey of finding purpose, making bold changes, and living a fulfilling life driven by passion and joy.

Episode Title: Balancing Farming and Fitness! With Farm Fit Momma

Host: Val Lavigne

Guest: Amanda Nigg

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Dairy Hour Podcast, host Val Lavigne interviews Amanda Nigg, widely recognized as @FarmFitMomma on Instagram. Amanda shares her journey as a farmwife and her deepening involvement in the agriculture industry after marrying into a farming family. She discusses the legacy of her husband's farm, the innovations in farming technology, and the crucial importance of both physical and mental health within the agriculture community. Amanda also highlights her fitness business, FarmFit Training, which offers a space for farmers and those in agriculture to prioritize their well-being. Val further discusses the significance of nutrition and fitness for farmers and busy women, stressing the need for a supportive community and a personalized routine. Val shares her fitness journey, emphasizing macronutrients as body fuel and encouraging listeners to start small, stay consistent, and maintain a positive mindset when facing challenges.

You can find more information at www.farmfitmomma.com

Keywords

farmwife, agriculture industry, farming legacy, farming technology, physical health, mental health, fitness business, FarmFit Training, nutrition, fitness, community, macronutrients, routine, family, healthy lifestyle, start small, consistency, mindset

Takeaways

• Amanda Nigg shares her experience as a farmwife and her adaptation to the agriculture industry after marrying into a farming family.

Sound Bites

• "That's the beautiful part about farming is like technology is so advanced."

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Background

Tune in to hear how Amanda Nigg inspires and motivates the agriculture community to prioritize health and wellness amidst their demanding lives.

• There are many inexpensive or free activities to do with kids during the summer, such as exploring hiking trails, visiting playgrounds, and going on bike rides.

• "I thought it would be fun to chat about some different ideas for things that you can do that don't cost an arm and a leg."

Episode Title: Navigating Financial Freedom with Carly Hill, aka Debt Free Mom

Host: Val Lavigne

Guest: Carly Hill 

Summary: In the latest episode of The Dairy Hour Podcast, Val Lavigne sits down with Carly Hill, popularly known as Debt Free Mom on Instagram. Val, who has been an avid follower of Carly for over four years, is excited to delve into Carly’s expertise in helping moms manage their finances better.

About Carly Hill:

• Carly lives in rural Illinois and is a mother of four.

Key Discussion Points:

Budgeting by Pay Periods:

• Carly explains how budgeting by pay periods instead of monthly helped her manage finances accurately and avoid overdrafts.

Contentment and Mindset:

• The importance of maintaining a positive mindset, managing social media influences, and finding contentment in one's financial journey.

Emergency Funds and Savings:

• Val and Carly discuss the significance of having both emergency funds and savings, and how to handle unexpected expenses without derailing financial plans.

Tips for Budgeting with Variable Farm Income:

• Savings Buffer: Treat savings as an insurance plan for low-income periods.

Advice for Rural Moms:

• Embrace Local Free Resources: Utilize local parks, libraries, and community programs.

Rapid Fire Personal Insights:

• Comfort Food: Chips and queso.

Additional Thoughts:

• Dream Alternate Career: Behavioral psychology, focusing on human behavior.

Where to Find Carly:

• • Follow Carly Hill on Instagram: Debt Free Mom , check out The Debt Free Mom Podcast, or go to her website Debtfreemom.co