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
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58:40
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58:40
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
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41:25
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41:25
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
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35:40
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35:40
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
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44:44
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44:44
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
🎙️ Welcome to the Pull Up a Bale Podcast
Hosted by Val Lavigne | www.pullupabale.com
Pull Up a Bale is where real stories from rural life meet bold, unfiltered conversations about the future of agriculture. Hosted by dairy farmer, homeschooling mom, and agvocate Val Lavigne, this podcast invites farmers, ranchers, educators, and everyday rural changemakers to pull up a bale and share what’s really going on — the challenges, the purpose, the grit, and the heart behind the work.
From legacy and leadership to motherhood, mental health, and the power of storytelling, this show is a seat at the table for voices that often go unheard — and it’s all about building community through conversation.
🎤 Want to be a guest?Grab your favorite quote and sign up here:👉 www.dairygalval.com/podcast
💬 Love what you hear?Please take a moment to leave a review — it helps more voices find this community.📲 And don’t forget to share an episode with a friend who needs to pull up a bale too!