Pull Up A Bale Podcast

Val Lavigne

🎙️ 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!

  1. -4 J

    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
  2. 1 OCT.

    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

    56 min
  3. 24 SEPT.

    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 h 10 min
  4. 17 SEPT.

    03: Pull Up A Bale with Robert Watts!

    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     Let's Pull Up A Bale with Robert Watts! @RCLAWatts12 on Snapchat (Rated R, Not for Kids)   Host: Val Lavigne    @DairyGalVal www.pullupabale.com   Summary In this episode of Pull Up a Bale, host Val Lavigne speaks with Robert Watts, a fifth-generation cotton farmer from the Texas Panhandle. They discuss Robert's farming operation, the intricacies of cotton and peanut farming, and the challenges of harvesting. Robert shares his experiences growing up on the farm, his education, and the transition back to farming full-time. The conversation also touches on family dynamics, the impact of social media, particularly Snapchat, and Robert's culinary adventures. As they wrap up, they explore future aspirations and personal insights, including rapid-fire questions about favorite foods and travel plans.   Takeaways Robert is a fifth-generation cotton and peanut farmer in Texas. Harvesting crops is heavily influenced by weather conditions. Most of his peanuts grown are used for oil production. His cotton is primarily exported to China. Robert started driving tractors at a young age. He initially did not want to return to farming after college. Family support was crucial for his return to the farm. Social media, especially Snapchat, plays a big role in his life. He enjoys fine dining and culinary experiences. Investing wisely is key for future financial security.   Sound Bites "I'm a fifth generation cotton farmer." "All of our cotton goes to China." "I didn't think I was going to farm."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rural Life and Agriculture 00:55 The Cotton and Peanut Farming Experience 02:52 Harvesting and Crop Management 05:36 Family Legacy in Farming 09:10 Growing Up on the Farm 10:51 Education and Career Choices 13:35 Transitioning to Farming Full-Time 15:15 Family Dynamics and Involvement in Farming 17:48 The Rise of Social Media and Snapchat 20:24 Culinary Adventures and Fine Dining 25:03 Future Aspirations and Retirement Plans 26:44 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights

    43 min
  5. 10 SEPT.

    02: Pull Up A Bale with Jen Miller!

    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     Let's Pull Up A Bale with Jen Miller! @HearthStoneHillFarm on IG @Jennifer (Dubina) Miller on LinkedIn     Host: Val Lavigne    @DairyGalVal www.pullupabale.com   Summary In this episode of the Pull Up A Bail podcast, host Val Lavigne reconnects with Jennifer Miller, who shares her journey from a childhood on a family farm to her current life as a mother, working in the dairy industry, and flower farmer. The conversation explores themes of resilience, grief, and personal growth, highlighting Jen's experiences in the dairy industry, her transition into motherhood, and her passion for flower farming. Through laughter and heartfelt moments, Jen reflects on the challenges and joys of rural life, emphasizing the importance of mental health and finding beauty in everyday experiences.   Takeaways Val introduces the podcast and guest Jennifer Miller. Jen shares her background and current life on the family farm. The conversation touches on the impact of technology in education. Jen discusses her journey from hating farming to loving dairy cows. The importance of mental health and finding peace through gardening is highlighted. Jen reflects on her college experience and the fun times she had. The discussion shifts to the tragic loss of her fiancé and how it shaped her resilience. Jen talks about her transition into motherhood and the challenges it brings. The conversation explores Jen's flower farming business and its evolution. Jen shares her future plans for her flower business and personal growth.   Sound Bites "It's a labor of love." "I just had to figure it out." "Everything will work out."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Rural Life and Podcasting 04:14 Growing Up on the Farm 09:14 College Days and Early Career 19:09 Navigating Grief and Resilience 26:18 Building a Life and Family 31:51 The Journey into Flower Farming 38:55 Future Aspirations and Business Growth

    59 min
  6. 3 SEPT.

    01: Pull Up A Bale with Amber Bristow!

    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   Let's Pull Up A Bale with Amber Bristow! @Cranberrychats   Host: Val Lavigne    @DairyGalVal www.pullupabale.com   summary In this episode of the Pull Up a Bale podcast, host Val Lavigne chats with Amber Bristow, a fifth-generation cranberry grower. They discuss Amber's journey in agriculture, the challenges of balancing motherhood with farming, and the importance of community and mental health in the industry. Amber shares her experiences with social media, the misconceptions surrounding cranberry farming, and offers advice for young farmers. The conversation is filled with personal anecdotes, fun facts, and insights into the life of a modern farmer.   takeaways Amber is a fifth-generation cranberry grower from Wisconsin. Social media plays a crucial role in sharing the realities of farming. Motherhood has changed Amber's perspective on her work and social media presence. Growing up in a farming family instilled a strong work ethic in Amber. Working with family can be both rewarding and challenging. Community support is vital in the agricultural industry. Education and experience outside the family farm are important for young farmers. Mental health awareness is crucial for those in high-stress jobs like farming. Amber emphasizes the importance of trusting the process and being patient. Fun facts about animals can be a great conversation starter.   Sound Bites "I am a fifth generation cranberry grower." "Trust the weight." "I love learning fun facts about animals."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Pull Up a Bale Podcast 02:53 Amber Bristow: A Journey Through Cranberry Farming 05:36 Navigating Motherhood and Social Media 08:07 Growing Up in a Cranberry Family 10:48 The Transition from Childhood to Adulthood in Agriculture 13:30 The Challenges of Working with Family 16:16 The Importance of Community in Agriculture 18:52 Finding Your Path: Education and Career Choices 21:57 The Role of Social Media in Modern Farming 24:43 Balancing Work and Personal Life 27:34 Fun Facts and Trivia in Agriculture 30:19 Advice for Young Farmers and Entrepreneurs 32:56 The Importance of Mental Health in Farming 35:36 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights 38:20 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

    1 h 8 min
  7. 16 JUIL.

    Closing One Chapter to Open Another- No, Not Goodbye!

    Want to start sharing your story?  Check out dairygalval.com and get my "Top 10 Ideas for Sharing your Story!" straight to your email!   Stay tuned for the re-brand and announcement of when you can expect NEW episodes to your favorite podcast platform!   Follow me on all of the socials @DairyGalVal   Summary In this episode, host, Val Lavigne, announces significant changes to the Dairy Hour Podcast, including a rebranding and a new name, 'Pull Up a Bale.' She reflects on the evolution of the podcast, its journey from a dairy-focused show to a broader agriculture platform, and emphasizes the importance of community and storytelling in agriculture. Val shares her personal growth journey and encourages listeners to embrace change and step outside their comfort zones.   Takeaways The Dairy Hour Podcast is undergoing a rebranding. Val aims to broaden the podcast's focus beyond dairy. Community and storytelling are vital in agriculture. Listeners are encouraged to share their methods and successes. Val emphasizes the importance of personal growth. The new podcast name will be 'Pull Up a Bale.' Val wants to create a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. The podcast will maintain its fun and conversational feel. Listeners can expect a new look and feel for the podcast. Val encourages stepping outside of comfort zones for growth.     Sound Bites "We're going through a really cool refresh." "Everyone in agriculture has their own story." "There's a place for everybody in agriculture."   Chapters 00:00 Exciting Changes Ahead for the Podcast 06:06 Rebranding and New Directions 10:10 Embracing Growth and New Beginnings

    13 min
  8. 9 JUIL.

    Culture Starts at the Top: A Chat with Midwest Dairy's Corey Scott

    This episode runs on @WonderCowColostrum shop.wondercow.com/DAIRYGALVAL or Use code DAIRYGALVAL to save $$   Title: Culture Starts at the Top: A Chat with Midwest Dairy's Corey Scott   Host: Val Lavigne @DairyGalVal www.dairygalval.com   Guest: Corey Scott   https://www.facebook.com/share/1AdCeYNsBK/?mibextid=wwXIfr   https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreyramsdenscott?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app Summary In this episode of the Dairy Hour Podcast, host Val Lavigne interviews Corey Scott, the CEO of Midwest Dairy. They discuss Corey's journey from growing up in Massachusetts to her current role in the dairy industry. Corey shares her experiences in agriculture, her career development, and the importance of self-care in the demanding world of dairy farming. The conversation also touches on the cultural significance of food, the impact of leadership on organizational culture, and the need for individuals to care and incite change within their communities. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal Corey's personal interests and insights.   Takeaways Corey emphasizes the importance of culture starting at the top in organizations. She believes that it takes one individual to care to incite change. Corey wants her team to be in a place where they can be their best selves. Dairy farmers are unique in that they wake up thinking about how to feed others. She has a deep appreciation for small towns and the food they offer. Corey found her passion in the startup world, which fed her creative juices. Self-care is crucial for those in the agriculture industry. The dairy industry requires creativity in how checkoff dollars are spent. Corey encourages her staff to pursue their best selves, even if it means outgrowing the organization. She values the cultural nuances that come with food and the importance of connecting with where it comes from.     Sound Bites "I never really shook it, you know?" "Culture starts at the top." "I want to help you get there."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Corey Scott and Midwest Dairy 02:46 Corey's Journey from Massachusetts to South Dakota 05:23 High School Experiences and Early Work Life 07:56 Transitioning into Agriculture and College Life 10:41 Career Beginnings in Agronomy and Logistics 13:14 Exploring Dairy Industry and Career Development 15:57 Leadership Roles and Member Relations at Land O'Lakes 18:33 Shifting Focus to Dairy and Sustainability 21:06 Cultural Impact of Dairy Farming 23:52 Corey's Role at Midwest Dairy and Industry Insights 26:15 The Importance of Self-Care in Agriculture 28:54 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights 31:16 Deep Thoughts on Food and Connection 33:59 Corey's Inspirational Quote and Closing Thoughts

    1 h 8 min
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À propos

🎙️ 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!

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